Saga of the 7th Children

by KnighteWolfe

I am sorry for the delay in getting the next chapter out, but I'm working on it. Keep the faith. It should be out within two or three weeks.

4. Emotions Unleashed

Alright you Evangelion fans, here is part four of my NGE fanfic. As
always, these characters are the property of Hideaki Anno, Yoshiyuki
Sadamoto,Gainax LTD, and ADVision Films. Once again Teri-chan is the
property of the great Axel Terizaki. The author of such stories as: The
Child of Love, Bodyheat, and others. I do hope you liked the third part
of my pitiful addition to the plethora of Neon Genesis Evangelion
fanfic stories.







Neon Genesis Evangelion

Saga of the 7th Children

Chapter 4: Emotions Unleashed



Setting: It is the afternoon after Rei had passed out and Gendo told Dr. Akagi and Misato the true reason as to her collapse. Misato is at home with Asuka, Hikari, and Mika trying to explain the changes that Rei will be undergoing. Misato is also preparing this group of Eva pilots for Rei's attitude changes.
Ken, Shinji, Kensuke, and Touji have yet to arrive and find out the news.


Misato is sitting in one of the chairs in her living room. Around her sat Asuka, Mika, and Hikari. Asuka was playing with Teri-chan. All four of the ladies are dressed somewhat casual. Asuka and Misato are both wearing t-shirts and shorts; Hikari is wearing a pair of casual slacks and a white blouse. Mika is wearing an old Sheffield Wednesday soccer jersey.

"Well you guys, there will be a lot of changes that you will have to deal with. Rei is out of the hospital however she is a bit different. I don't want you to worry. Just help her understand what she is going through and help her get through it.", stated the purple-haired officer as she sipped a beer.

The three teens glanced at each other before looking back at Misato. Mika was the first to speak.

"What do you mean Colonel Katsuragi? What happened to Rei? Please tell us what is going on and what time of changes Rei will be going through.", questioned Mika.

Misato started to speak but grimaced at the memory of Gendo Ikari's words. Getting over that quick flash of memory she continued on.

"Rei had a bad reaction to something that was in her system. She is feeling better now but the medical department is worrying about how her body will react to the changes inflicted upon it. The psychological section is also a bit concerned. They want to know how her mind will react to her body's changes.", she continued.

"Misato, what exactly are we supposed to help her get through?", snapped Asuka.

"Yeah, colonel please tell us so we can help.", added a somewhat calmer Hikari Horaki.

Mika only nodded in agreement. Misato gulped.

"This is very hard for me. I am still frustrated about it."

"Miisaaatoooo.", whined Asuka while Teri sat in her lap.


Misato took a deep breath and told them.


"Rei is going to be dealing with her first menstrual period. This will be a frightening experience for her and she will need the help of you three to help her get over it. She is also going to be very emotional and will need your support.", uttered the vice-commander of NERV in a rush.

At first there was no reaction from the three girls. They it was like the floodgates opened. Asuka started to laugh wildly, while Mika and Hikari both smiled. Misato just grimaced.

"Wondergirl is having her first period!? Ohmigawd this is great, this is better than great, this is outstanding!!!", chortled Asuka, already thinking of the teasing she had planned.


"I see what you mean Misato. This brings back a few memories for myself.", said Hikari as she contemplated the ramifications.

"Yeah, unlike Asuka over there, Rei will have my support along with Hikari's.", added Mika.


Asuka was still laughing at Misato's revelation. Unfortunately, the red-haired pilot was so overcome that she didn't see the storm clouds that had started to gather on Misato's face. Mika and Hikari had seen them and were trying to surreptitiously warn Asuka but to no avail. Asuka was about to make a joke but Misato cut her off and unleashed a tongue-lashing that had Asuka reacting a bit like Shinji after one of her verbal assaults.

"DAMMIT ASUKA, CAN YOU GET IT THROUGH YOUR THICK HEAD THAT REI IS GOING TO BE VERY SCARED. DO YOU EVEN STOP TO THINK WHAT KIND OF AFFECT IT COULD HAVE ON HER ABILITY TO SYNCRONIZE WITH HER EVA UNIT?.", yelled Misato before taking a breath.

"Rei has felt emotions but never at a level like this. Each new emotion that she feels, Rei will be feeling the full effect. Not just a little bit of emotion that filtered through her controls. Besides, don't you remember the first time you went through a period? The intense pain that you felt? Well Rei will be feeling this intensity level from her body for the very fucking first damn time. Asuka, you, Hikari, and Mika have had a few years to get used to some of the pain and know what is going on. Rei doesn't and, unlike you three, she hasn't had the few years to get used to the pain. Asuka even now I see you wince when your period occurs. Mika and Hikari do the same. Look at me, I am 30 years old (author's note: I am taking a guess at this) and I still feel that pain every time my period comes around. And I have had more experience dealing with it than you. Give Rei and chance and help her get over the pain. Explain things to her, she is going to need that. I bet she will be eternally grateful to you for it.", continued a somewhat more relaxed Misato.

In the quiet that followed the outburst from Misato, each girl thought back to her first menstrual period experience. Watching the faces of the three teenagers in front of her, Misato took the time to take a few gulps of her beer. Mika was the first to speak and when she did it was a suggestion that surprised everyone but quickly gained approval among the girls.

"Misato I got an idea. Lets through a party for Rei. At this party we can explain about what she is going through. We can invite Maya,Dr. Akagi, and Tasha also. To help her understand what she is going through, we can share stories of our first periods. In fact, if you could talk to the commander, I bet we can take a weekend to do it. By the time we finish, hopefully Rei will understand what she is going through. She will also understand that it is something normal for a girl.", chirruped a cheery Mika.

Hikari and Asuka both chimed their assent to this idea. Misato took a few minutes to contemplate it. She had already made her decision in favor of the idea. (we all know that Misato needs no excuse to throw a party.). Mika had also suggested that they keep it a party for girls only.


"The boys don't need to know about this and they definitely aren't invited. Why don't you suggest that they go camping or something.", added Mika.

"Why don't we ask Rei what she thinks about a party.", stated a slyly grinning Misato as she watched the reaction she knew was coming.

Mouths dropped and astonishment appeared on each face (Except for Teri, she being too young to understand). Asuka was the first to get over her shock. And her reaction was typically Sohryu.


"YOU MEAN THAT REI IS HERE; NOW LISTENING TO THIS WHOLE CONVERSTATION AND YOU LET ME RUN MY MOUTH OFF LIKE I DID?! DAMMIT MISATO, DON"T DO THAT!!!!!", shrilled Asuka.

"Yeah, your reaction was priceless. She was tired when I brought her home. I brought her here because I didn't want her to be alone. She has been in your old room asleep ever since we got here. Although by now I think she is awake and trying to put things together.", smirked Misato.

Asuka was apoplectic. Her face was getting red. Teri was watching her mother's face get redder and redder. This seemed to frighten the little girl and she started whimpering. Instantly, Asuka calmed down and her features returned to normal. She started to reassure her daughter, cooing to her in a soft voice. It took a few minutes but Teri was mollified and started to play with one of her toys.

Misato just grinned and finished her beer. Hikari and Mika looked shocked. Just then, a somewhat sleepy Rei came stumbling out from Asuka's bedroom.

"CAN Y'ALL KEEP IT DOWN, I GOT A HEADACHE!!", snarled Rei.

This caught everyone by surprise, except for Misato, who had been expecting the reaction.

"Well, at least she doesn't sound like a robot now.", quipped Asuka.

"Yeah, and she is already beginning to have the mood swings.", added Mika.

Hikari only nodded.


All four of the others watched as Rei came and sat down on the floor. She held an arm over her stomach and was grimacing. Misato told the suffering teen what had been decided and what she thought about it. In too much pain to do anything but nod, Rei agreed. Then she jumped up and ran towards the bathroom with a hand over her mouth. Soon the sounds of retching could be heard. After a few minutes, Rei came back.

"Misato, I really hope this ends soon. It really hurts; my stomach feels as if it has been twisted in knots. And you mean that I will suffer from this for the rest of my life?", asked Rei, obviously in pain.

"Not for your entire life, maybe until you are about 45 years old. Everything will be explained at the party.", soothed Misato.


Rei contemplated that as she smoothed the front of the pajama pants she had been napping in. Giving the t-shirt a quick tug, Rei lifted her face and smiled wanly in understanding and agreement.

"OKAY, it's settled then. This weekend we will be having an all girl party for Rei.", cheered Misato.

"Oh really, well then I guess that skewers my plans for this weekend.", said a familiar voice from the entryway.

Misato flinched. She recognized that voice. Misato fought her body's instinct to turn around and glower at the person who had just entered. Her suspicions were confirmed when Asuka jumped up and, holding Teri, squealed.

"KADJI!!!!"

Resigning her fate to the fact that she didn't want to appear rude, Misato turned around and sure enough, there was Ryoji Kadji leaning against the wall. He wasn't alone, standing behind him were his brother Toma, the four male eva pilots, and Tasha. After a few seconds of silence, Toma explained that everyone had run into each other in the hallway leading to her door. Shinji and the boys were coming back from NERV HQ. Ken had gone to check on Rei, while the three stooges had been working out in the HQ gym. Toma and Tasha were coming from a meeting with Gendo, while Kadji had just been in the area (yeah right) and decided to pop in.

Rei realized that she was still wearing somewhat revealing pajama bottoms and a t-shirt. Squealing, she jumped up and ran into the back. Asuka, Mika, and Hikari followed her. Asuka pausing only long enough to give Shinji a peck on the cheek and putting a giggling Teri in his hands. Teri obliged and said "Dadda". Both Touji and Kensuke got a somewhat similar reception, albeit no giggling daughter unceremoniously put in their hands. (There will be time enough for that later).


"So what's this I hear about an all girl party, Misato?", asked the younger Kadji.

"None of your business Ryoji. So I suggest you figure out some new plans for this weekend.", snapped a peeved Misato.


At that moment, there was a wail coming from the back. Tasha glanced at Toma then looked at Misato. Misato caught the look from Tasha and indicated that she should go back there with her eyes. Tasha nodded then turned to Toma and whispered something in his ear. Toma nodded his agreement and watched as his lady friend headed in the direction of the crying.

Ken had caught the look that went from Misato to Tasha.

"That sounded like Rei, I wonder what is wrong with her. Maybe I should go see if I could help.", thought Ken.

Ken started to follow in the footsteps of one of his roommates. But before he could take another step, he felt a restraining had on his shoulder. Ken looked at Toma who shook his head no.

"Ken, right now I do think Rei would appreciate it if you went and disturbed her right now. She isn't feeling all that entirely well, Tasha and the others will take care of her. Why don't you, Shinji, and the others step out onto the balcony, I have to talk with these two for a moment.", stated Misato while glaring at Ryoji.

The four boys acquiesced and went out onto the balcony. Once outside, Touji and Kensuke started to speculate on why Rei was wailing. Not paying much attention to the conversation, Ken leaned against the balcony railing.


Back inside, Misato had just finished "suggesting" to Ryoji that he mind his own business. Turning to the elder Kadji, Misato told him about the plans that the girls had come up with. The vice-commander figured that Tasha and Toma know about Rei because of the meeting with Gendo Ikari, and she figured that Ryoji had found out in his usual unconventional way.

"Well Mika came up with the idea that us girls have a little get together for Rei and her... condition. We also decided on inviting Ritsuko and Maya. I can call Commander Fuyutski and get permission for this later tonight. Rei agreed on it and seemed to feel a bit better. Mika also suggested that since you guys aren't invited, maybe you could go on a camping trip or something. Maybe do some of that male-bonding crap that you guys always talk about.", said Misato.


Toma thought for a minute and nodded his agreement. Even Ryoji thought it would be a good idea. For the next few minutes the two brothers discussed what they needed and decided that the younger of the two got to tell the boys about the trip. As Ryoji left and went out on the balcony to tell the boys, Toma sat down and chatted with Misato about inconsequential things.


In the back, Rei was lying face down on Asuka's old bed. Tasha was sitting next to her and rubbing her back while trying to calm the teen. Asuka, Hikari, and Mika were discussing what they should have at the party. Every once in awhile, either Hikari, Mika, or Asuka would ask Tasha a question. Tasha would answer the question then go back to calming the tears of the blue-haired pilot. Soon Rei had stopped crying and sat up. Turning to the adult in the room, Rei asked Tasha a question of her own.

"Umm, Rei, I don't know how to answer that question. In some cases it just happens. In other cases it takes a bit longer. From what I hear, it took Asuka and Shinj half of forever to admit their feelings for each other. While Hikari knew her feelings about Touji, she didn't know his feelings about her. Mika told me that with her and Kensuke it was an instant attraction type of thing. Maybe you should talk it over with Dr. Akagi or Misato. By the way, why are you asking this question? Do you have feelings for someone?", asked Tasha.

Rei nodded but didn't say anything.

"Can you tell me who it is?"

Rei thought for a moment then leaned forward and whispered it into Tasha's ear. The twenty-eight year old woman widened her eyes at the name mentioned in her ear.

"Are you sure about him Rei?", asked Tasha.

"I don't know. Maybe it is just me feeling the full effect of these emotions. Maybe it isn't, I'm not sure. Plus I don't know if he will reciprocate these feelings or not. I... I... I... I am just not sure.", stammered Rei.

"Rei you won't ever know if this person has the same feelings if you don't ask him. Right now that may not be a good idea. Why don't you wait till you have more control over your raging emotions that have been unlocked inside of you."

Mika chose this moment to cut in and ask whom it was that Rei liked. The emotionally naïve pilot clammed up and wouldn't speak. Tasha told Mika to mind her own business. Glaring at the other two teenagers who looked as if they were dying to know.

"Right now I don't think I should be the one to tell you. When Rei is able to get these emotions under control, she might tell you then. But first she has to get over what is coming up for her.", said petite lieutenant commander in a voice that brooked no disagreement.

Back out front, Shinji and the guys had come back inside. Shinji handed a somewhat drowsy Teri to Misato. The group of pilots then went into the kitchen to get something to drink. As the four boys sat around the table, Tasha came breezing back up front. Whispering something in Misato's ear, Tasha sat down on the couch.

"Tasha said that Rei is sleeping right now. She also said that maybe she should stay here for the night. Mika and Hikari are welcome to stay with her if they want as long as Hikari gets permission. I think that would be best for Rei for now. Maybe after she gets herself under control, we can find her another apartment.", stated Misato firmly.

At that moment Toma's cell phone rang. He answered it and had a short one-sided conversation, then hung up. Looking at the other adults, Toma put the cell phone back on his belt loop.

"That was Director Ikari. He has somehow made arrangements to have the first child moved to a better apartment closer to town. He felt that it was the only thing he could do to help her deal with these emotions. He also said that him and Commander Fuyutski agreed that you, Misato, could help Rei look for a better apartment tomorrow. The last thing he said is that he wants Rei to come see him soon. I don't think the Dr. Akagi is going to let that one go though. He didn't sound all that positive about it.", quoted the colonel from Sea Lab Branch of NERV.

Misato was furious at the term used to refer to the former NERV commander.

"Director. Director. Director Ikari. I'll Direct him when I get my hands' on him.", thought a pissed off Misato.


After a conversation about minor things, Toma, Tasha, and Ken left to head home. As she watched the trio leave Misato turned her attention to Ryoji and asked him when he was leaving. Ryoji smiled, bowed, and told Misato he would see her at HQ tomorrow. Then without a backward look he left.

By this time Shinji and his two partners had came back out front and were talking about their homework.

"Hey Shinji would you mind spending the night at either Kensuke's or Touji's tonight. I think it would be better if there weren't any guys around tonight. It would make Rei feel a bit better.", questioned Misato.

"Okay Misato, that is fine with me.", answered Shinji.

Asuka had come back up front. When she heard about what Shinji was planning on doing, Asuka wrapped her arms around his waist and surprised him. Shinji reacted violently until he realized whose arms they were.

"Shin-kun if you are going to spend the night at one of your friends' house tonight then why don't you spend some time with your family before you go.", asked Asuka.

Shinji smiled and answered that he had already planned to do that. Telling Kensuke and Touji that he would meet them later, Shinji gently took Teri from Misato and together the two teens and their daughter went to the room they all shared. Misato waited a few minutes then went back to her own room and lay down. Sprawled out over her futon, Misato thought about the events that had transpired that day. She fell asleep wondering what the weekend would hold.




A few days later the four male Eva pilots and the Kadji brothers were finishing up their camping preparations before heading out. Kensuke had picked out the location for the campsite. Together the group piled into one of the NERV trucks in the motor pool. Shigeru and Hyuga would join them at the campsite. Commander Fuyutski had decided to let the other two members of the control center crew take a vacation and join the other guys on the camping trip.

"Hey guys how's it going? The commander agreed that Hyuga and Shigeru could go also.", quoted Shinji.

"Alriiiight, now this is going to be a good trip.", replied Touji.

"The more the merrier.", added Kensuke.

Ken only smiled. He had other things on his mind. The other night he and Toma had sat up most of the night talking and he had confided his feelings about Rei to Toma after extracting a promise from his guardian not to tell anyone. Toma promised that he wouldn't.

Dragging himself back to the present, Ken saw that the others were looking at him. Grinning he commented to the others not to worry.

"Yo, Toma about how much farther do we have to go? I believe we all need this break and change of scenery.", quipped the golden-haired teen.

Toma chortled and pushed further down on the accelerator.


Back at Misato's apartment Asuka, Mika, and Hikari were putting the final touches on the first evenings' plans. Misato had gone shopping with Rei to help expand her wardrobe. Ritsuko and Maya had said that they would put in an appearance later in the evening. Right now the trio were a bit bored. Asuka was miffed because she had wanted to go shopping with Misato but had been firmly refused.

"These clothes are for Rei. Let Rei pick them out. If you came Asuka, you wouldn't be much help. Next time all four of us will go.", said Misato as she and Rei were leaving.

The girls had planned to take Rei out to eat tonight. At the restaurant, they were going to explain in broad terms about her period. After dinner they were going to go to the movies. When they got home after the movie, Mika had decided that her, Asuka, and Hikari were going to finish up some homework. They were going to start the stories after Tasha, Ritsuko, and Maya arrived and had gotten settled in.

"I wonder what my Touji-chan is doing now? I hope he is enjoying himself.", sighed Hikari.

"Oh come off of it, the boys should be just fine. They have Ryoji with them. Besides my Kensuke will show them how things are done.", interjected Mika.

"I just hope they don't decide to go swimming. Shinji-kun can't swim."

In her arms Teri perked up at the mention of her father. Asuka noticed this and commented.

"Look she recognizes her father's name.", chirruped the red-haired pilot.

The other girls looked on with amusement and a hint of envy in their faces. As the three chatted at the table, Misato arrived. Closing the door she announced herself. The girls answered and Misato followed their voices to the kitchen where she opened the refrigerator and grabbed her usual get home from work can of beer. The teens were all wondering where Rei was and pestered Misato with questions.

"You know that I have to have my beer first before I answer any questions.", Misato told them in mock anger.

Sliding out of her flight jacket and tossing it over the back of a chair, Misato went back out towards the living room. The trio followed her out to the living room and watched as she dropped on the couch. Putting Teri in her playpen Asuka went over to the couch and stood in front of her guardian and roommate.

"If you all want to find out about Rei, why don't you go and help her get the bags from the car.", she continued.


At that moment the person in question stepped into the apartment. Rei was wearing a pair of lime green slacks and a white silk shirt. She was carrying four bags of clothes from 2 different clothiers. Rei also had a frown on her face.

"Pardon me for interrupting your little conclave, but if you could help me get the rest of the bags from the car. Thank you very much.", seethed Rei through gritted teeth.

Asuka gave the blue-haired pilot a haughty look and turned back to Misato. Due to the fact that she had her back to Rei, Asuka didn't see the rolled up pair of socks that hit her in the back of the head.

Rei wasn't in the mood to deal with one of Asuka's retort. She was tired and sweaty. Unused to shopping, Rei had allowed Misato to lead her to the different stores in the mall. Still not able to control her newly released emotions, Rei had gone from one end of the emotional spectrum to the other. Going from rage one moment to tears the next.

"These emotions take some time to get used to.", thought Rei.

Rei was also feeling pain radiating from her body as she continued dealing with this new cycle her body was putting her through. As she walked over to the couch to sit down, brushing past Asuka in the process, Rei felt that her nerves were on end.

"Well gee little miss perfect, would you like me to fold it up and put it away.", stated a sarcastic Asuka.

Mika and Hikari were slowly making their way to the door.

Rei had caught the sarcastic tone of Asuka's taunt. Her first reaction was one of confusion. Then when the gist of what had been said fell in, a lance of fire shot through her and she reacted like an exploding volcano.

"Well if someone would get off of their ass and relax with the attitude, maybe I can eventually get everything up here and can sit down for a minute.", snapped Rei.

If Asuka was surprised at Rei's tone of voice it didn't show. However Asuka recognized fighting words when she heard them. Before she could react to the implied challenge, Misato interrupted and told them to hurry up and get the rest of the stuff out of her car.

Many minutes later after all the bags had been brought in and Rei had modeled everything she had bought for the others, everyone decided to take a nap. Rei was the most fatigued of them all. She was having a hard time walking down the hallway to Asuka's old room which she and Mika would be sharing. Hikari would be sharing a room with Asuka and Teri. Maya, Tasha, and Ritsuko would all been sleeping in the front. At the last minute, Misato decided to bring a NERV issue sleeping bag up front to share the living room with the other adults.



At the campsite, Shinji and crew had finally arrived. For the first couple of hours after arriving, they spent pitching their tents and setting up a fire pit. It had broken down to pairs. Shinji and Ken had been paired up in one tent; Touji and Kensuke had been paired up in another. The Kadji brothers had been assigned a tent together by default while Hyuga and Shigeru had decided to share the last tent.

Once everything had been settled, everybody had sat through a lecture on safety by Kensuke and Toma. Kensuke had pointed out which plants were inedible and which were edible. Toma had told the campers that they planned to leave as little trace of their habitation of the area as possible when they left.

After the lecture the groups went to their tents to take a short nap before getting better settled.

In their tent, Ken and Shinji had been talking. Ken had asked Shinji how it was to be a father at his age and what had happened. Shinji had explained the entire story (If you wanna know it yourself, read The Child of Love). After Shinji finished, Ken was quiet, and then he spoke. Softly at first then he raised his volume up to a point where Shinji could hear it without straining.

"Shinji, can I ask you a question?", questioned Ken.

"Yeah sure go ahead.", answered Shinji.

"Umm, I don't want this to get around. The only other person who knows this is my guardian."

"No problem, I won't tell anyone."

"Umm, I care for Rei but I don't know what to do. Hell I don't even think she returns the thoughts. I want to tell her but I am afraid of what she will say. I had wanted to tell her earlier but I didn't know how she would react. Now that she has unleashed her emotions, I want to know if you think I should ask her. I know that you and her are close. Like a brother and sister or almost like that."

Shinji was surprised; he had thought Ken would have no problem talking to a member of the opposite gender. He got along with the girls at school and Shinji knew that more than a few had gone as far to ask out the new pilot. Each had been turned down gently.

Shinji thought for a moment and told Ken exactly what he had been told while he had been in a similar emotional quandary.

"Ken you have to do what you think is right for you. If you like Rei, go ahead and tell her. You may be surprised at her answer, you may not be but you have to let her know. Right now Rei needs all the emotional help she can get. I can only give her so much. You both are single teenagers and you both are Eva pilots. That is a couple of things you have going in common. My advice is this: Wait a couple of weeks. Right now it wouldn't be good. Let the status quo remain for the time being. Get to know her first before admitting you care for her.", said Shinji with a calmness he did not quite feel.

Ken nodded and a wan smile turned up on his face.

After everyone woke up from their naps, the group got up and headed for the nearest stream. Upon arriving at the stream, Kensuke and Toma broke out their fishing rods and cast a line into the stream. They were using little pieces of meat for bait.


Ryoji sent the Hyuga and Shigeru to find some firewood. With Shinji, Ken, and Touji left out of the group, Ryoji was trying to figure out something for the trio to do.

"Hmmm what is there left for you to do? Everything else is done. Well I guess you can sit here and take turns fishing with these two.", said Ryoji indicating his brother and Kensuke.


Back at the Katsuragi apartment, Ritsuko and Maya had arrived. At the time they were in the kitchen with Misato and Tasha. The four teenage girls were out front. All of them were dressed to go to the movies.

Rei felt a bit unnerved. Listening to Asuka, Mika, and Hikari argue over what movie they wanted to see. It seemed that there were two romance films playing at the theater. From what she could gather it seemed as if Asuka and Hikari had seen one of them and wanted to see the other. Mika hadn't seen either of them and wanted to see the first one. Finally Rei got angry and made a suggestion.

"Why don't we go to the one that nobody has seen and watch that one. Afterwards, Mika and I can go to the other one and watch it while Asuka and Hikari are out browsing. We can meet at the food court or something.", grumbled the teen.

After hearing no complaints, Rei stuck her head in the kitchen and told the four adults of the plan. Misato and the others approved it. Ritsuko watched in wonderment as the formerly aloof pilot deal with a greater range of emotions. She was still amazed.

Dragging her attention back to the conversation at hand, Dr. Akagi asked whose idea it was to have this.

"Oh this whole party thing was Mika's idea. She thought that it would be good to explain to Rei about the whole deal. Mika also figured that it would ease Rei's apprehension if we each of us told her a story about our first period. Asuka and Hikari agreed most wholeheartedly. After a minute of thought I agreed with the plan. Mika also thought to invite all of you. It was my suggestion to make it a girls only type party.", answered Misato.



"Figures that it would be your decision. Believe it or not, it is one of your better ones, Misato.", quipped Ritsuko.


The conclave of women waited as the four girls started out for the movies. After a few pleasantries, Rei and the three teens left while Misato cooled her heels at home with the other women.


Back at the campsite the guys were having an impromptu party of their own. Shigeru had brought out his guitar and was playing a few pf his own creations as well as pre-2nd impact classics. The four pilots were gathered around the fire as Shinji cooked the fish that had been caught. Ryoji and Toma were off to the side having a little conversation of their own.


"So big brother, when is your wedding to Tasha? It seems to me that she is waiting for you to put the ring on her finger.", asked Ryoji.

"I could ask you the same thing about Misato. If I do recall you did by her a ring once before. At this time I am more worried about our enemies than about getting married. When this is over maybe I will ask her to marry me, then again maybe I won't.", replied Toma.


"You're getting old Toma. You need someone to settle down and have kids with. And I think Tasha is the woman for you to settle down with."

"Are you rushing me to get married so you can be the best man or what."


Stepping over to the other ice chest, Toma reached in and plled out a pair of beers. Tossing one to his brother he proceeded to open his. In doing so he looked at his young charge and saw that Ken was quiet.


"Ken, are you thinking about Rei again? Don't worry you will soon see her again. Even though some things have changed, I believe that she will gravitate to you since both of you are the two single ones left. If she doesn't gravitate on her own she will have much encouragement from all of the others.", said Toma to his young roommate softly.

"I know, I'm just wondering if I am ready for it. I've been a loner at every school I've been too. Here I feel as if I am a part of a group. I know I'm one of eight pilots and have people to relate to. Yet occasionally I still feel left out among Shinji, Touji, Mika, Asuka, and the others. I guess that I naturally started to gravitate to Rei after I shot her with that dart gun and almost killed her. Later after I got to know her and after we battled the first of the alternate angels, it seemed that she was the same as me.", replied Ken.


Taking a drink of his open soda, Ken looked at his roommate before continuing.

"I feel that somehow I am destined to be with her. Yet I feel that if I do end up with her, I am equally destined to watch her leave me."


Unknown to Ken, Rei Ayanami was having the same conversation with Misato and Ritsuko. The four female pilots had walked in from the movies about 20 minutes earlier. After changing out of her clothes, Rei had put on a full-length nightgown, to much derisement from Asuka.

"Rei you're sleeping in that? This is a sleepover, you're supposed to wear the things you normally wouldn't wear for anyone.", chortled the redhead.

"I felt that this would be better Asuka. I usually sleep naked.", relied Rei a bit red in the face.

Asuka shut up and concentrated on her daughter. Misato saw this and had to remark on it.

"I bet that never occurred to you Asuka. Your face is as red as her eyes!!", teased her purple-haired guardian and roommate.

"Misato, your teasing Asuka about sleeping in the nude. At least Asuka has someone to sleep that way for. If I remember, when you weren't out with your boyfriend, you often feel asleep in the nude in the hallway in front of our dorm room when you were drunk and couldn't find anybody to drink with.", chimed Ritsuko.

Misato turned as red as Asuka. However, unlike her young roommate, she had a comeback.

"Well Ritsu, I do recall that one time somebody went streaking down the hallway while she was drunk her own self."


That conversation had happened a few minutes before. Now Rei was on the balcony watching the stars. With her exceptionally well eyesight, she thought she had seen the area where the boys were camping. She even imagined she saw one of them looking up at the stars.


Ritsuko had come over to the balcony after she had helped Asuka put Terri to bed. Misato, Tasha, and Maya were in the kitchen, putting the final touches on the first round of snacks that they would enjoy. Hikari and Mika were lying on the floor. Hikari was looking over Mika's shoulder at some of the movies they had rented.

Rei didn't hear the door open and was slightly surprised when she heard the doctor's voice.

"Rei, are you alright? You seem a bit distant."


"I am fine Dr. Akagi. Just still getting used to the full power of my emotions. I think I have traveled the gamut today, yet I still feel a bit unfulfilled.", answered Rei while still looking in the direction of the camping site.


Ritsu, who knew the exact location of the campsite (she had passed by Hyuga in the NERV cafeteria and, being nosy, looked at the map that was spread out before the bespectacled operations assistant), followed Rei's gaze and noted where it was directed.

"That emotion means that something is missing from your life. When you find it, everything will come into place. However, only you will know when that thing has come.", said Ritsuko in her doctor lecturing patient tone of voice.


"Doctor, what if I told you that this feeling just surfaced today?"

"It could mean is that, whatever it is that is missing from your new, emotion filled life, disappeared today.", returned Ritsuko.

"It also means that whomever gave you that feeling is feeling the same way as your are.", came Misato's voice from just behind Ritsuko.

Both of them turned around and saw Misato standing there. She had come out onto the balcony when she saw the two people standing at the railing.

"What makes you think that it is a person and not an object, Misato?", asked the doctor.

"Something that I cannot explain made me put it into those words, Ritsu."


"Misato, I feel that once this object and I are reunited I'm destined to leave it or him and that fills me with despair.", muttered the blue-haired pilot.

Hearing Rei's words and deigning not to comment on her use of the pronoun 'him', Misato said that everything was ready and that they should come on inside.

The trio of women walked in the door and Rei was amazed at the amount of food that sat on the low coffee table. Rei also looked around and saw the different nightwear that was being worn.

In contrast to Rei's nightgown, Tasha wore an item she had promised herself that Toma wouldn't see unless his diamond ring sat on her finger. Hikari was wearing a set of pajamas, while Asuka was wearing a pair of shorts and one of her old maternity t-shirts. Maya had on a gown similar to Rei's while Ritsuko wore a shorter gown. As usual it was Misato who had on the most revealing garmet. In place of her usual tight shorts and tank top, Misato had on a peach-colored silk teddi that left little to the imagination. In additon she also had on a set of matching garters. While on the balcony she had worn a floor length robe. Once inside she had closed the curtains and taken off her robe to reveal her ensemble.

With the exception of Dr. Akagi, all the others were surprised. Tasha was the first to get over it: she laughed.

"If I knew that you were going to dress like that, I would have brought something else, Misato.", chuckled Tasha.

"As if you have anything that could match this.", teased Misato while showing a smile that meant she was joking.

"One of these days you'll have to come over and take a peak in my closet Misato. I got stuff that would even make your eyes bulge.", returned Tasha.


Mika interrupted:

"Take it from me colonel, I've seen the inside of her closet. Tash, I thought you got rid of the red leather outfit and those 5 inch stilleto heels?"

Misato shut up and took a seat while Ritsuko sniggered.

"I was holding them for someone, they don't fit me anymore. If you hadn't been so nosy, you wouldn't have seen them.", said Tasha.

"At least you wouldn't have found them in my closet, Mika. You might've found them in yours.", thought the slender lieutenant commander.

Hikari cleared her throat and reminded them to they reason they were there for in the first place. Going through her short spiel, the class rep had them paying attention. After her speech, she moved Rei to the seat of honor at the head of the table.


Over at the campsite, all of the guys were now gathered around the fire and having a blast. Everybody was relaxed. Shigeru was jamming on his guitar while the brothers were singing. Both of them had good voices. Toma was a great baritone and Ryoji was an awesome tenor. Hyuga was playing barteneder and kept replenishing everybody's drink. The four pilots were hooting with derision at the singing and enjoying themselves.

After a few hours of this merry making, Hyuga closed the cooler and told them that he was headed off to bed. Everybody watched as he staggered a bit to tent he shared with Shigeru. The Kadji brothers were next to go. The four teens had to help them to their tent. Since the booze had started flowing, they had been attempting to drink each other under the table. Ryoji held the edge in this for a little while, then Toma passed him by and never looked back. The four teens joked that the two would be feeling it in the morning and Shinji resolved to have a pair of buckets of cold water waiting for them.


The four pilots sat outside listening to Shigeru as he strummed softly. They were looking at the stars and thinking. Soon only Ken and Shinji were the only ones left awake. They had decided to clean up the mess.

"Shinji, when did you realize that you were in love with Asuka? I am curious.", asked Ken quietly.

To his credit, Shinji didn't squirm like usual.

"Well I guess that I fell in love with her the first time I met her. However I didn't realize that it was love until much later. Asuka didn't realize that she loved me until partway through her pregnancy. A couple of the toughest times we had were during that time. But we got passed them and the treachery of my father with our love for each other stronger than ever. With Terri, the bond and our love for each other grows stronger each passing day. There is never a minute when I am away from them that I don't think about them."


Taken aback by the firm set to his friend's voice, Ken murmurs his next question a bit to soft for Shinji to hear. He repeats it once he sees that Shinji hasn't heard it.

"Do you think Rei is capable of that kind of love and emotion?"

"Ken, Rei is capable of any kind of love you care to give her. I love Rei like a sister and even though she often teases her, Asuka feels the same way. With Rei, you have a vast font of emotion just waiting to spill forth. Chief among those is love and acceptance. Usually I don't condone the things my father does, but this time I think he actually did the right thing. I may hate him for the way he did it but it is done and I think the Rei will be a better person for it."


"I think I love Rei but I'm not sure if she feels the same way. If she does, how will I find out? Yet I feel that if I do get together with Rei I'm destined to lose her."


"You never know how she will react and how she feels unless you act. Don't come out and say it but just show her you care and give her the chance to realize that she could love you in return. I know you haven't noticed but I have seen her when you are around. With me it is more of a brother and sister relationship. Although when I first came to Toyo-3 my relationship with Rei could have been more. I am happy that Asuka came and I think Rei is happy to. Take a chance and follow your thoughts. If you love Rei show her that you care. Help her get through this, show her that you care. You could be surprised by her reaction. I'm going to bed. Goodnight Ken.", said Shinji.

"Goodnight Shinji."



Back at the Katsuragi household, Misato and the others had finished their stories and were now answering Rei's questions. A lot of the questions had been directed at the adults although a few of them had been directed at the other teenagers. Rei was sitting on the couch and taking a drink of water. Hikari and Mika were sprawled out on the floor and had closed their sleeping bags. Asuka had stepped out a moment to go check on Terri whom she had put to bed earlier.

The four adults were in the kitchen. Misato and Tasha were talking about the Kadji brothers while the doctor and Maya were bringing out another tray of snacks.

When they arrived back in the living room, Hikari and Mika had fallen asleep and Rei was well on her way to dreamland. Asuka had came back to her room and told her guardian that she was going to head on to bed. Misato said okay and watched as Asuka went back down the hallway.

"Well ladies, I guess its just us for now.", said Tasha.

"I don't know about the rest of you, but I am kinda tired. Goodnight all.", said Maya.

The other three adults watched as Maya unfurled her sleeping bag and slid inside of it. It didn't take long before the others decided to get some sleep. Turning out the light Tasha, Misato, and Ritsuko all got into their bags and went to sleep.



The rest of the weekend went by real quick for the groups. The guys had arrived back at HQ and were putting the equipment up. At headquarters, the eight campers went through a quick check-up to make sure they were okay. Once through the check up, Toma had announced that he was going home to get some extra sleep. It seems that the party they threw for their final night had kept all of them up pretty late with the last revelers final dropping off at around 6 or 7 am. Ken decided that he was going to go home and get some sleep also. The group parted ways and planned on going camping again sometime in the future. The way Ryoji put it was that 'it was the only way that they could get a respite from NERV'.

Telling Shinji and his other two classmates that he would see them at school the next day, Ken got into Toma's Volvo and they headed to the apartment. Once there, they took off their shoes and both of them then proceeded to head for their rooms and pass out. Due to his experience, Toma made it back to his room while Ken only made it to the couch.

A few hours later Mika and Tasha arrived home. Taking one look at the exhausted boy sleep on the couch, they kept their voices down and headed for the back of the apartment. Tasha headed down the hallway towards the back of the apartment and glanced inside the room she shared with Toma. Her boyfriend was spread out across the bed snoring his head off.

"I guess they had a good time Mika. Lets' not wake them now, it looks like they need their sleep.", stated Tasha.

"Okay. Boy Ken looks worn out. I wonder what they did out there?", asked Mika.

"Knowing Toma like I do, I bet it was one continuous party."


"Actually we didn't party all that much. We fished for a little bit, went swimming in the stream, and a bunch of other things. We bonded pretty well out there.", came a voice from behind the two women.

When they turned around they saw Ken knuckling his eyes. He had been out cold but they had woken him up when they had started conversing just inside the kitchen.

"Oh sorry for waking you up. We didn't mean to. So everything went okay, Ken?", asked Tasha.

"Yeah, everything went fine. It was a fun experience. A lot of things I didn't understand before I can understand clearly now.", returned Ken.

Looking at Tasha, Ken yawned and started to get up off the couch.

"I'm beginning to understand some of my emotions a bit better now, Tasha.", said Kenneth as he stood up.

The teenager walked down the hallway leading to the back and Tasha watched him go.

"What is on his mind now?", thought the lieutenant commander as Ken disappeared to his room.

________________________________________________________________________________


Once again the forces of SEELE meet to discuss recent developments.

SEELE 12 - "Did you hear that Commander Fuyutski allowed a camping trip for the male pilots?"

SEELE 2- "Yes I did. It had been rumored that former commander Ikari was to join them."

CHAIRMAN KIHL- "You mean to tell me that the new commander for NERV up and authorized a stand down? Does anyone here know why?"

SEELE 2- "My informants tell me that the request came from Vice Commander Katsuragi. It seems that the vice commander wanted the pilots to separate themselves for a little while. The reason for that is unknown."

KIHL- "Damn that woman, and damn Fuyutski for authorizing it. Without the pilots we cannot fulfill our destiny."

SEELE 9- (reading a report) "It has come to my attention that the first child collapsed the other day and was taken to sickbay. It was also brought to my attention that Gendo Ikari made an unannounced but brief from wherever he is hiding. It is unknown the reason for the appearance but one could extrapolate that he heard about the collapse of the first child and went to investigate. (dropping the report back on to the table). My informant also told me that shortly after Ikari showed up, that whole area of the medical center went berserk. What is it that Ikari could have told them about the first child that we don't already know?"

KIHL- "With that loose cannon Ikari having the run of NERV HQ, we cannot get a hold of him, nor can we infiltrate a team down to eliminate him. Even though he is no longer the overall commander Gendo Ikari has carte blance to do as he pleases. I know that Commander Fuyutski cannot stand it, but he cannot and will not get rid of his friend that easily. Any suggestions?"

SEELE 7- "We need to get Fuyutski to report to us. We have to be able to control the direction NERV goes. Even if it means the elimination of both Fuyutski and Katsuragi!"

SEELE 8- "We can't do that moron. If that happened, Dr. Akagi would succeed them both as commander of NERV and she is even more of a loose cannon than the man she was sleeping with."

A couple of unrestrained comments scattered around the room the monoliths hovered in. The man at the head of the group let the discussions go on for a moment but stopped it when it got to loud.

KIHL- "We know what we must do. Yet lets not instigate anything yet. We need more data and we need to find that asshole Gendo Ikari. He is the key to the information on the 1st child we need. This meeting is concluded.

All of the monoliths vanish leaving Chairman Kihl alone in the room.

"Fuyutski, what are you planning?, thought the man before his image vanished.
________________________________________________________________________________


The next day on the way to school, Ken ran into Asuka and Shinji. The couple was enthused about something. Being ever polite, Ken didn't inquire about their happiness. In the classroom, he took his seat in its usual place next to Rei,s desk. Booting up his laptop, Ken checked his messages. Seeing that he didn't have any pressing ones, Ken logged out of the system and spent the next few minutes working on a computer assignment. Finishing up the revisions to the assignment he was working on, Ken saved the changes and turned his attention to his surroundings.

His classmates were almost completely there. Looking at his watch Ken knew that the ones still not present had less than five minutes before the sensei walked in and started class. He saw that Rei had come in while he had been hunched over his desk and was now looking out the window. Pulling his attention away from the blue-haired teenager next to him, Ken saw that Asuka and Shinji were having what looked like to be an intimate conversation. Shaking his head and grinning, Ken averted his gaze. Taking one last look at his watch he heard footsteps come running down the hallway. Leaning back in his chair he started to laugh as Kensuke and Mika came through the door. The top of Mika's uniform was a bit mussed and there seemed to be a smidgen of color on Kensuke's shirt collar.
Hikari called them on it as they came in the room.

"That is the fifth time that you have made it to class minutes before the teacher. Each time you arrive in class, both of you look somewhat ruffled. What was it this time? Did Mika stumble into your shirt collar again, Kensuke or did the wind cause her blouse to ruffle up like that?", stated the class rep.

The couple actually had the nerve to look contrite. The entire class knew what had happened. And if they didn't they could speculate about events. At that moment the teacher walked into the classroom and took his position at the podium in the front of the classroom. Going through the class roll call, he indicated that Mika and Kensuke should proceed to their desks. Finishing the roll call he had the couple stand up.

"Mr. Aida, Ms. Hanrahn, I would really appreciate it if you didn't run past me like you were racing for position during the Formula 1 race at the old Suzuka race circuit each time you find yourselves running late for class. If I do have to go through the same thing again tomorrow, I will give you an assignment that doesn't allow the two of you to spend as much time together as possible. Is that understood?", stated the teacher calmly.

"Yes sensei we understand.", chorused the pair as the class laughed all around them.

Waving the two grateful children back to their seats, the teacher proceeded to hand out a group assignment.

"Okay listen up, I am assigning you into groups for a report. Each report will deal with life on Earth before and after Second Impact. On its due date one month from now, each group will present its findings verbally in front of their classmates. Besides putting you in the spotlight, this will give me a chance to rest my throat. Hopefully everybody will stay awake for the group reports. Not like some of you usually do when I give a lecture. At this time I don't know how I'm going to break down the points but I do promise that each person must actively participate in the verbal portion of their groups' report.", came the teacher as he went through some papers.

Ken heard his laptop chime and quickly activated the class messenger program. Checking it, he saw that Mika had sent him a message asking him who he thought would be in his group.

-"I don't know.", typed Ken.

-"I guess we will have to wait and see.", came the return message from Mika.

Turning his attention back to the sensei, Ken saw that he was already assigning group members.

Group One: Touji Suzehara, Hikari Horaki, Kensuke Aida, Mika Hanrahn.

Group Two: Shinji Ikari, Asuka Sohryu Langley, Ken Osako, Rei Ayanami.

A somewhat suppressed curse came from the far side of the room. Another message propped up on his screen.

-"Well we know who that curse came from."

-"It was Asuka wasn't it?"

-"Yeah. I bet she didn't like the way the groups were assigned."

-"Oh well. C'est La Vie."

-"At least you get to spend time with Rei."

Ken turned bright red.

A few seats behind him, Shinji was using his laptop to try and calm Asuka down.

-"Asuka get over it. You know he won't change the group assignments. So why try and cause a problem."

-"I am not trying to cause a problem. I just would rather work with Hikari even if it means having to deal with Touji."

Seeing that he couldn't change her mind, Shinji closed his laptop and put his head down on the desk. Next thing knew someone was shaking him and the bell was ringing.

"Shinji wake up, its' time to go to lunch. Shinji.", came a voice.

Groggily opening his eyes, Shinji raised his head and saw Ken was the person doing the shaking.

"I'm up already. You can halt the shaking Ken."

"Took you long enough. Lunch is halfway over."

"Wha! Why didn't anyone wake me up when the bell first rang?", gasped Shinji as the implications of what he had been told sunk in.

"Umm... ahhh... Asuka told us that if we woke you up when the lunch bell rang, she would make things painful for us.", replied Ken as he gestured to the others.

For the first time, Shinji was able to make out the forms of Touji and Kensuke also gathered around his desk.

"Woah Shinji, you were out like a light. What put you to sleep this time?", asked Touji.

"I was trying to keep Asuka from going up and getting the group assignments changed. She didn't like who we were partnered with. In my opinion I think she just wanted to work with Hikari.", replied Shinji.

"She tried. Oh boy did she try. Sensei was having none of it. Asuka barely got out of the discussion without drawing detention. I have it all on tape if you want to see it later.", chimed Kensuke.

Shinji shook his head and suggested that they go ahead and get something to eat before the period ended. Kensuke and Touji declined saying that they already ate.

"So it looks like its just me and you again Ken.", stated Shinji.

"Yeah. I guess so."

Catching up on his Ken's tone of voice, Shinji was going to comment on it at first. Then he saw that the boy wasn't looking at him but he was looking past him. Shinji turned around and saw who had caught Kens' attention. Rei Ayanami had just walked back into the room. At first she was a bit startled to see the four boys still there. But then she recovered and headed for her seat. Shinji wasn't sure but he thought he saw a smile on Rei's face.

"Come on Ken, lets' go."


Rei had heard Shinji and Ken leave the room. She had wanted to talk to Ken and get to know him better but was nervous about what would be said if she were to walk over and strike up a conversation with Ken while the three stooges were there. She knew Shinji wouldn't say anything. Rei just wasn't sure about Suzehara and Aida. They were known as having the two biggest mouths in class.

In the lunchroom, Shinji and Ken ran into Mika, Hikari, and Asuka. The trio of girls was sitting at the groups' usual table. At that moment the love of Shinji's life was holding court about the assignment given to the class and the fact that they hadn't been allowed to choose their own groups.

"It isn't fair that he decides whom to group together. Since I've been here each time he has given us a group project, we were able to choose our own partners. This time he gets a backbone and decides for us.", snarled Asuka.

"Maybe he thinks it is for the better Asuka. He probably did that to see if the two of us could work without each other.", commented Hikari.

Shinji just looked at Ken and shrugged his shoulders. Before he could comment on anything Mika spotted the two boys standing there and asked them to sit down. The joy in Asuka's eyes when she saw Shinji was tempered when she saw that Ken had come with him.

"Didn't I tell you not to wake him up, Ken.", said the redhaired pilot threatingly.

"Calm down Asuka. He woke up on his own.", replied Ken, ignoring the threatening to of her voice.

"Well at least we got that straight. Look Osako, I don't like the groups we were assigned however I see that I'm gonna have to deal with you and her working with Shinji and I on this project. I don't know how good a student you were in the United States but I'm telling you don't screw up this project."

"In my opinion, it is you who needs not to screw up. I heard how you graduated from college at a young age. And frankly it doesn't impress me. I may not have been to college like you but I do know how to study and get things done."

Taken aback by the veiled insult, Asuka hauled back and was about to throw one of her trademark punches when the bell rang and Hikari caught her arm.


The group headed back to the classroom to finish out the day.

An hour or so later; Shinji, Touji, Kensuke, and Ken found themselves coming out of the locker room for P.E. class. The boys were going to be playing soccer over on one of the lower fields. This field was overlooked by the pool where Asuka, Mika, and Hikari diverted most of their attention to watching their significant others down below than to what was going on behind them. Rei was in the pool doing her assigned laps. After doing the requisite number, she climbed out of the pool and sat down against the fence by herself.

Hugging her legs to her body, Rei was enjoying the warmth that was pouring over her. Rei loved it when her class was assigned to the pool for the day. She loved the freedom swimming gave her. Now that her emotions were coming to the fore, Rei could enjoy swimming more than ever. Just thinking about how the water slid past her swimsuit-covered body was enough to relax her.

Standing up Rei decided to get back in the pool and swim for a bit longer before class ended. Sliding into the liquid medium she felt as if she was in tune with everything. She felt the vibrations in the water that signified the movements of the other girls in the pool. This brought back her memory of last week when she was swimming in the big Olympic sized pool at headquarters and had felt the presence of Ken Osako.

With her thoughts of the quiet pilot of Evangelion Unit Alpha, Rei's imagination began to run rampant. As she swam along she envisioned that Ken was there beside her in the pool. From that point, it segued into a vision of the two of them holding hands as they glided through the water. Climbing out of the pool once again, she found that her imagination had decided to play one last trick on her.
She imagined Ken climbing out of the pool with the water dripping down his naked chest as she sat at the side of the pool.

Jerking her eyes open, Rei found herself still in the pool. Apparently she had thought that she had climbed out. Climbing out of the pool a second time, Rei picked up her towel and started to head in the direction of the locker room. Passing by her three fellow pilots she gave a quick glance in the direction they were looking. Seeing the scene below her caused her to quickly inhale.

Below her on the soccer field, Rei saw Ken running down the sideline with the ball between his feet. Moving closer to the fence she watched as he faked out Kensuke with a head fake to the inside and went around the spectacled teen to the outside. Continuing the move, Ken stepped inside the eighteen-yard box and went around another defender.

Rei watched as Ken slowed and analysed the situation. Making a decision, she saw him pass the ball back outside to Touji streaking down the line and then go goalside around the defender who had came to cover him. In a split second she saw what he had planned and as she watched Ken's plan acted itself out.

Touji had caught the ball with a foot and was now in the clear, seeing that he was about to be double-teamed, he took another few strides and delivered a shot to the center of the box. It seemed like no one was in the space he had directed the ball to. In a flash, Rei watched as Ken turned, judged the path of the ball, and timed his jump just right. He dived and headed the whizzing projectile into the far outside corner of the net, catching Shinji flatfooted and going in the wrong direction. With the goal, Rei saw that Ken's teammates had gathered around him and were congratulating him on the score.

She didn't know it but at the time the ball had gone into the net, Rei had unconsciously jumped up and started cheering. Just a few feet down from her, her reaction caught her three fellow pilots by surprise.

Asuka and Mika were miffed but hid it well. Hikari had jumped up and cheered when she had seen Touji get the assist. When they had finished their cheering or grumbling, the trio heard an unrecognizable squeal of joy. Looking at each other in confusion, they wondered who had done the squealing. It was Mika who noticed the lone girl standing at the fence a few yards away. Turning to the other two pilots she saw the looks on their faces.

"Do you think she...?", started Asuka.

"It couldn't be her.", chirped Hikari.

"I can't believe that that squeal came from Rei. It seems that she lost control of her emotions for that one moment.", finished Mika.


Down on the field, the quartet of boys had heard the squeal also. Touji was the first to look up and see the girls lined up along the fence. Recognizing looks of astonishment on their faces, Touji looked to see whom the others were staring at. When he saw the lone figure along the fence, his mouth dropped open. By now Kensuke and Shinji had caught on. Ken was blessedly oblivious.

"Who was that who started squealing? Whomever it was it really hurt my ears.", said Ken as he started towards the locker room.

Behind him his three compatriots were having a hurried discussion.

"Was that Rei up there?", asked Kensuke.

"It sure looked like her to me. The question is who was she squealing at.", continued Touji.

"Could she have seen the goal and been cheering for Ken?", asked Shinji.

The trio of boys looked into the distance and saw Ken. He had turned around and was waiting for them. Looking at each other before they ran off to catch up with him they all came to the same conclusion:

"We gotta ask the girls about this!"

The girls in question had also headed in to the locker room. Since her locker was on the far side, Rei found herself with only one other person who had a locker on the same aisle as she did. Opening her locker and reaching for her soap and shampoo so she could wash the chlorine off her body and out of her hair, Rei was in a good mood. Closing the locker door, she found herself face to face with Asuka, Hikari, and Mika.

"Rei, did you know that you squealed out loud when Ken scored that goal?", asked Mika.

"I didn't do that. It's not possible.", stated Rei.

"Rei all three of us saw you do it. You seemed to be enjoying it.", said Asuka.

"Yes. In fact, to me you seemed as if you were on another plane of existence.", added Hikari.

Rei didn't know what to do. She didn't believe her ears. The confusion must have shown on her face because Mika said that it was probably on tape since Kensuke never went anywhere without his camcorder. Rei said she would have to see the evidence to believe it. Asuka saw that the blue-haired teen had slipped into a frightened posture. Sitting down on the bench next to her and wrapping and arm around her shoulders, she began to speak softly so that she wouldn't spook the girl.

"Rei, remember what we told you over the weekend about your developing emotions? Today was an example; you saw something that excited you and your body reacted in the way it knew how. You squealed with delight. At the moment I bet you didn't even realize you did it. Your answers to us now confirmed that. You squealed on the spur of the moment for something you were excited over. Don't be afraid, it just goes to demonstrate that your emotions are coming more and more to the front. The strength of these emotions may frighten you. They may make you wish you didn't have to experience them. But now they are a part of your life. They are an integral part of you that had long since been hidden. Don't try and shy away from them, revel in them, bask in them. Enjoy the emotions.", said Asuka softly into Rei's ear.

Nodding slowly, she walked into the shower area and proceeded to wash herself off. Asuka, Mika, and Hikari took spots around her as a kind of shield from the others. Once finished Rei went back to her locker and put her school uniform back on. Meeting with Mika and Hikari at the door to the locker room, Rei found out that Asuka was talking with their P.E. teacher to see if the three of them could get their lockers moved to the same aisle as Rei's was. Getting an affirmative, Asuka came out and told Mika and Hikari that tomorrow the three of them would be reassigned lockers in the same area as Rei's.

Over in the boys' locker room the four male Eva pilots had finished their business and were walking out the door. Ken was whistling a tune that none of the others recognized. As it was none of them were actually paying it any attention. Kensuke had checked his camcorder to see if it had recorded the incident. It had and Kensuke ejected that tape and installed another one after Shinji and Touji had watched the recording.

"Right now all we can hear is the squeal but I believe I could clean it up tonight and have the audio cleared up a bit. That way we can tell if she was just squealing or whether or not she actually shouted something. I'll call you with the results.", said Kensuke.

Shinji and Touji nodded each in their own world. As the final bell rang, Ken told the others that he was going to head over to headquarters and work out a bit. Telling Shinji he would see him later so they could get started on the project.

"Do you want me to come over to Misato's or will you be coming over to my place?", asked Ken of his fellow group member.

"Call me when you finish working out and I will let you know then. Okay?", answered Shinji.

Ken nodded and headed off. Shinji waited a bit and told Kensuke to get that tape done as soon as possible. He wanted to hear it before Ken called. Kensuke said he would try. Then he spotted the trio of girls.

The girls came over and wrapped their arms around their significant others after a few kisses and the like. Shinji didn't see Rei with them and asked about her.

"Oh she said that she had to run off for a bit and would meet us later. Why do you ask?", questioned Asuka.

Before he could answer, Shinji was interrupted by a question from Mika asking about her roommate. Which Touji answered after breaking free from the kiss Hikari had planted on his lips.

"He told us he was headed for headquarters to work out and left us."

Catching the subtle glances between the girls, Shinji got a feeling of deja vu.

"Let me guess, she left you three and headed for HQ?", he deadpanned.

The three girls looked at him in astonishment. Their intense gazes made him feel a bit insecure. Shinji knew he should be used to the scrutiny by now but it still gave him pause.

"How did you know that Shin-kun?", asked Asuka with a deceptive air.

"Umm, ahh, well you see Ken headed that way just before we ran into you.", stammered the teen.

Mika was quick to see the implications of Shinji's statement.

"Do you think he went to see Rei? They might be meeting clandestinely for a romantic interlude."

"Mika, quit looking for conspiracy theories around every corner when it comes to those two.", her bespectacled boyfriend shot back.

This brought the Asuka and Hikari into the discussion on Mika's side. Which in turn caused Touji and Shinji to side with their partner in crime. This friendly discussion had just about reached a peak when Asuka just happened to glance at her watch. She was surprised at the time she saw.

"Damn, come on Shinji we need to get home!", she said while grabbing her fiancés arm and tugging him behind her as she ran towards their apartment.

The remaining four teenagers looked on in askance.

"What was that all about?", asked Touji of no one in particular.

"I think Asuka remembered that there was someone waiting at home for her.", quipped Mika in the silence of Touji's question.

The other three looked at her in confusion till it dawned on them.

"That child of theirs is going to have a very good childhood.", stated the class representative after a few minutes.

Everyone murmured their agreements and made plans to meet over at Mika's place after dinner so they could get started on the project they were assigned.

Across town ran Asuka with Shinji trailing behind her. When she had looked at her watch she had saw that it was near closing time for one of the stores she had visited the week before.

"Hey... hey... hey Asuka slow down. What are you in a hurry about?", asked Shinji as he dug his heels in to slow his rushing companion.

"I can't stop now or by the time we get there the store will be closed.", huffed the redheaded teenager.

When he heard her response, Shinji's heart fell.

"I should have guessed involved shopping.", grumbled Shinji.

After a few more minutes of running, Asuka slowed and stopped in front of a small almost inconspicuous shop. Asuka gathered her breath.

"Here it is and we made it with 20 minutes to spare."

"I suppose there is a pretty good reason for you to drag me out here. Could you please enlighten me to that reason Asuka?", stated Shinji.

Asuka didn't say anything; she just opened the door of the place and went in. having no choice Shinji followed her. When he walked into the store he was surprised. The store was ablaze with lights that criss-crossed the area. Not seeing Asuka right off the bat, he strolled around coming up on her as she stood in front of a display case.

"Look at that Shin-kun. Don't you think that it is just right?", asked Asuka when she felt his presence by her side.

Looking into the case, Shinji saw what she was pointing at.

It was a small stuffed rabbit. Asuka had seen it and fell in love with it when she had first came in with Misato. Their guardian had been looking for something for Rei and Asuka had nosed around on her own. Coming to this display case she had seen the rabbit sitting in one corner of the cage. After asking the clerk she was told it was the last one they had. Asuka recognized the workmanship as being German and had wanted it for Teri. At that moment Misato had come over and reminded her about a previous engagement of theirs and Asuka had had to leave the store. But not before she had gotten assurances from the clerk that she would hold it for her.

Shinji studied the doll and not knowing anything about the workmanship had said that it was okay. Asuka had whirled on him like a top in a tempest and, in no uncertain terms, had told him the significance of the rabbit in question.

"Many years ago I had a doll exactly like that one and vowed to keep it and give it to my first child. When I lost that doll I was devastated. Now that I've found it or one like it I want it so that Teri can have some thing to give her first child when she becomes a mother. Is there anything wrong in that?", steamed Asuka looking like an ancient valkyrie of fire.

Stepping back from the waves of anger and despair flowing off of Asuka in streams, Shinji had no choice but to concede the point.

"Okay Asuka, go ahead and buy it."

Asuka was so thrilled that she squealed like Rei had earlier and jumped into Shinji's arms while wrapping her arms around his neck. After a somewhat lengthy kiss, Shinji told her:

"You know I can't refuse you and Teri anything, Asuka. The two of you are my life."

Paying for the rabbit, the couple strolled out of the shop hand in hand. Stopping for a moment, Shinji told her he had to go back inside and would she wait out here for a minute. Nodding her okay, she watched as he went back inside the store. When he came out after a minute or so he was smiling and wouldn't elaborate on the reason.

Meanwhile at NERV HQ, Ken was in the gym. After arriving almost an hour before, he had changed into a pair of shorts and a t-shirt. Once changed Ken had warmed up for a few minutes before he tackled the rowing machine. Setting up one of the more difficult of the machines programs (it had modes for competition and non-competition rowing. Ken had chosen one of the difficult competition modes.)

Checking his progress on the machines little monitor, Ken saw that he was ahead by about a boat length approaching the halfway point. Reintensifying his determination, Ken increased his lead over the computer and at the end of the course the computers' AI was more than four boat-lengths in arrears of his skiff.

Getting up from the machine, Ken stretched and grabbed the towel from around his neck and carefully wiped his perspiration off the equipment. Finished with that, he mopped his forehead and headed over to the bench press. Adjusting the weight that was on the bar, Ken lay down underneath and proceeded to crank out a number of reps before finishing with that apparatus. After wards he had spent some time in the communal sauna with one towel knotted around his waist and another draped over his face. He was feeling so relaxed that he didn't hear the door to the sauna open and a couple of people enter the space.

Getting up from the wooden bench, he padded over to the temperature control to increase the heat. While he was adjusting the controller, Ken heard voices on the other side.

"Whomever it is must be talking pretty loud for me to hear them over here.", thought Ken.

The sauna was designed to have one entrance. Once a person stepped into the sauna area they would see two wooden partitions on each side of the short hallway. Women who came in to use the sauna would go around the partition to the left while men would go around the one on the right. This alleviated the need for two separate saunas. Of course there were some couples that often used the sauna for 'other' reasons. (figure it out.)

Deciding that he had done enough, Ken left the sauna and jumped into the shower. Once clean and dressed, he made his way over to the phone to call Shinji.

"Hello."

"Hey Shinji, its Ken. I just finished working out and am leaving HQ. Are we meeting over at your place or mine.", said Ken.

"Oh, hi Ken. I just found out that Hikari and the others are going to be at your place with Mika. So I guess we will start on the project over here. Next time we maybe can go over to your apartment.", replied Shinji.

"Sounds fine to me. I'll be over shortly."

"Okay. Rei just arrived here herself. Right now Asuka is giving Teri-chan her bottle. She should be finished by the time you make it over."

"No problem. See ya in a few."

"Okay, Ken. See you shortly."

The two boys hung up. Shinji went into the kitchen where Rei was watching Asuka and Teri. Shooing the girls out, he prepared to make a little snack that they could nibble on while they worked on the project.

At the same time Shinji Ikari was cooking, Ken was leaving the geofront. On his way out he ran into Toma.

"Hey Ken whats up?"

"Nothing just came from the gym. Now I'm headed over to the vice-commander's place to start on a group project with Shinji, Asuka, and Rei."

"Alright. Just was inquiring. How was school today?", asked the impeccably dressed colonel.

"School was fine except for the group assignment.", answered the teen.

The two chatted for a few more minutes before they parted company.

"Hey Ken remember all of you have a harmonics test tomorrow."

"Okay, Toma. I'll remember and tell the others."

With a nod in his charges direction, Toma continued on his way to the meeting he had been summoned to. Ken left the geofront and headed for his destination.

Once he arrived at the Katsuragi/Ikari residence Ken knocked on the door. Shinji opened almost immediately and beckoned him on in. Taking off his shoes and placing them in the appropriate location, Ken entered the living room and saw Rei sitting at one end of a table and Asuka holding Teri and sitting at the other end. Shinji explained that they both had gone ahead and started on the assignment while he was in the kitchen.

"I guess that it is up to you and me to do the part about life before The Second Impact. Asuka jumped on the part about life afterwards and coerced Rei into helping her.", shrugged Shinji.

"That's all right. We can do it. All we have to do is a lot of research.", returned Ken.

The two boys started to work on their assigned project. Since they had started later, they dove into their part of the assignment. After a couple of hours the couples broke for a snack. Asuka and Rei went to put the sleeping Teri to bed. She had fallen asleep in her father's lap and Asuka had to gently pry the little girl away from her father.

When the two girls returned from the back, the saw that Ken had set the table while Shinji was putting the finishing touches on the dinner he had cooked on the spur of the moment.

"So how far are you two along, Rei.", asked Shinji.

"We've gotten pretty far. We've listed quite a few things about the differences between the two times periods.", answered Rei.

Before anyone else could comment on that, the phone rang. Shinji went and answered it. On the other end of the line was Kensuke.

"Hey Shinji, I got that video from earlier today cleaned up and the audio is almost perfect. You want me to bring it over there tonight or what?", asked the video maven.

"Sure, if you figure your partners aren't worrying about your project.", said Shinji.

"Naw Touji and I got stuck with the doing the part about life before the Second Impact. Besides, they want to see the tape as well."

"You too huh. Ken and I got stuck with doing the pre-second impact part also. Maybe the four of us can get together and do research at the same time. You think Touji would go for it?"

"Oh yeah. I believe that us guys got set up by our significant others."

"Okay how about tomorrow?"

"I don't know, I'll have to check my schedule."

After finding out that it was possible, Shinji hung up the phone and came back to the table. He told the others that Kensuke and the others were on their way over to watch a video that Kensuke had made. Asuka wanted to disagree saying that they didn't need to waste time on some dumb video. She was about to say more when Shinji performed his favorite tactic to halt one of Asuka's signature rants. He kissed her full on the mouth.

Rei and Ken excused themselves to the living room. Once the two of them were gone, Shinji pulled back from Asuka and told her what the tape could possibly contain. Back out in the living room, Rei and Ken had sat down at the table. They had gone back to working on their parts for the report. Ken was going through some stuff he had checked out of the school library when he looked up and saw that Rei was sitting right next to him.

"I thought she was on the other side of the table. How did she get over here?", wondered Ken.

He also wondered what he was going to do about it. Putting it in another corner of his mind, he got back to writing down points that he was going to have to research. When he looked up again, Ken found himself looking into a pair of red eyes that were intently looking at him.

"Ah Rei, is there something you want?", asked Ken.

"No, just something I want to do.", replied Rei.

Upon saying this she leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss on Ken's lips. Ken was surprised yet he found himself responding. Putting his pencil down he reached up and trailed a finger down Rei's face.

Rei had been watching Ken covertly ever since he and Shinji had sat down to start on their part of the project. She had watched him and marveled at how he handled his pencil. Her insides fluttered when he picked up the textbook to look for obscure bits of information. Rei had swooned internally when he had asked her a few questions. When they had gone to put baby Teri to bed she had told Asuka what she had been feeling. Asuka had told her to let her emotions chart her course for her. Taking Asuka's advice Rei had gone with her emotions and had decided to let things happen.

When the broke for air, Rei was reeling from just that simple kiss. Ken was having a hard time trying to concentrate. By now Shinji and Asuka had returned from the kitchen. While Rei was seething at the inopportune moment, Ken was almost bursting with thanks.

"Dammit, why'd they have to come back so soon.", fumed Rei mentally.

Unaware of the poisonous thoughts running through Rei's mind Asuka sat down in her previous spot. This placed her between Rei and Ken. This also infuriated Rei a bit more. Rei wanted to sit next to Ken. She wanted to have the closeness that Asuka and Shinji shared. After a few comments about the progress on the report, everybody concentrated on their work. Soon Shinji and Ken were deep in a discussion about an example from one of the books they had checked out. On the other side of the table Asuka and Rei were discussing their half of the project.

"So Rei, do you think we should use this in our report? I believe it would work pretty well. It would contrast with whatever Shinji and Ken come up with.", asked Asuka.

"I think it would do real well Asuka. But why don't we compare and contrast relationships between men and women now to relationships between men and women then.", said Rei low-voiced.

Asuka caught the inflection and tone of Rei's statement and wondered why it was directed at her. Looking up she was caught by the intensity of the glare in Rei's eyes.

"Uh Rei, is there anything wrong? You seem upset.", said Asuka with a sidelong glance at Ken and Shinji.

"Two minutes. Could you have waited two more minutes to come out of the kitchen? After that little stunt I don't think I'll ever get another chance like that one.", retorted the blue-haired teen in a frosty voice.

"Huh, wha... What are you talking about Rei? I'm confused.", stammered Asuka

"While you and Shinji were sucking face in the kitchen I had worked up enough courage to kiss Ken. When you and Shinji came back in here I was building myself up for another one. He had started to respond to me when we broke apart. Things were going fine and then you two walked in and ruined it all. Dammit.", hissed Rei.

Everything became crystal clear to Asuka in that moment. She saw that Rei was starting to come into her own with her emotions. Casting another glance down to the far end of the table, Asuka saw that the two boys were still deep in conversation about the project. Turning back to Rei she apologized for ruining things for her friend. Seeing that Rei was mollified, Asuka got back to work. Soon they were deep into discussion themselves. The teenagers were so deep into their work that at first they didn't hear the cries from the bedroom Asuka and Shinji shared with their daughter. It took Rei's superb hearing to pick up the whimpers from Teri and she let Asuka know about it.

Asuka jumped up and ran to the bedroom. Once in the bedroom Asuka saw that Teri's eyes were open and searching. Asuka picked up Teri and held her to her chest. In her mind she turned over what Rei had said. Coming up with an idea she called Shinji into the back.

"Shinji, your daughter wants to see you."

"Okay Asuka, I'll be there in a moment.", Shinji called back.

"Rei better be grateful for this chance I'm giving her.", thought Asuka.

Shinji arrived in the room and took everything in at a glance. He was a bit confused about why Asuka had called him back here if Asuka had everything was under control. Teri was trying to play with her mother's hair as it dangled in front of her. Asuka was cooing to the baby and trying to get her back to sleep.

"Asuka, why'd you call me back here when Teri is calm and you have everything under control? This is frivolous."

"Calm down Shin-kun. I'm doing Rei a favor and I need you to stay here with me for a few minutes."

"What kind of favor Asuka? This is highly unlike both of you."

"If you keep your mouth shut maybe I'll show you."

Up front Ken and Rei were alone again. Ken was nervous recalling what had happened last time that the two of them had been left like this.

"I still cannot believe that Rei kissed me. What came over her, what caused her to decide to do what she did?", thought Ken.

Keeping his head down to avoid the embarrassment from before, Ken concentrated on his work. He was doing fine until he looked up. Once again Rei was looking him right in the face. This time she didn't let him speak, the moment he opened his mouth, she crushed her lips against his. At first he fought it but like last time his body started to respond to the pressure of her lips on his.

Rei was putting all of her heart into this kiss. When Asuka had called for Shinji, Rei was sure Asuka was allowing her to do what she wanted. And Rei wasn't one to look a give horse in the mouth. She waited till Ken looked up and when he started to speak, Rei acted. Beneath her lips she felt Ken struggling to control his reactions. It was a minor triumph when he gave in and just flowed with the moment. He was returning her kiss almost as strong as she was giving it to him. Taking a different tact, she eased the pressure of her lips and let Ken take the offensive. If the first kiss caused her knees to shake then this second one melted her. Ken was being offensive and gentle when returning this kiss. Closing her eyes she let herself fly away on the currents of unquenched passion take her away. On its own volition Rei found that her right arm had come up and was draped around Ken's neck.

"I'm enjoying this as is he. I want this to continue forever.", thought Rei.

Ken was running on autopilot. His senses were overwhelmed. This girl kissing him was like a reactor waiting for a meltdown. And he was doing his damnedest to be the cause of the meltdown. Going with the currents flowing between them, Ken gently pressed his tongue against her closed lips. When her mouth opened in a smothered gasp he slipped it in and let it explore the inside of her mouth. Brushing her tongue with his own he withdrew it from her mouth.

Rei took the meeting of his tongue as an invitation and let her tongue follow his out of her mouth into his. Once inside his mouth she allowed only a second for her tongue to trace the contours of his mouths' interior.

In the hallway stood Asuka and Shinji. Teri had gone back to sleep and they had come back up front. Just short of the living room, Asuka halted.

"Asuka what did you stop for... mmmph.", Shinji was saying until his fiancée covered his mouth with her hand.

When she pulled the offending body limb away she put a finger to her lips and indicated the goings on in the living room with a shake of her head. Shinji peeked around her and saw that Rei and Ken were locked into a very passionate embrace. Both of them had their eyes closed and from what Shinji could see the both possibly had smiles on their faces.

"Give them a minute or so to break for air. Then we will walk in like nothing ever happened. Right now I just want to watch them take the first faltering steps into the relationship.", murmured Asuka as she leaned her head on Shinji's shoulder.

Shinji nodded and wrapped his free arm around her, pinching her on her butt as he did so. This caused her to jump with surprise but she didn't do anything other than bounce a light punch off of his shoulder.

Not knowing that they were being watched Rei and Ken continued their kiss. By now Rei had placed herself in Ken's lap while they were still enjoying the kiss. When they broke for air both of them were breathing hard. Ken looked at Rei at the same time she looked at him.

"Damn, that was some kiss.", they said to each other at the same time.

At that moment Shinji and Asuka walked back into the room. Asuka looked at Rei and saw the thanks that resided there. Shortly after that, there was a knock at the door. Shinji went to answer it and Touji, Kensuke, Mika, and Hikari came spilling in to the house. There were greetings all around and Kensuke held up a tape.

"Well there goes any studying for the rest of the night.", quoted Asuka as she saw who all had arrived.

Touji was grumbling to Shinji that Kensuke had refused to show them the tape until they all had arrived at the Ikari/Katsuragi household.

"He didn't want to spoil the surprise he says.", growled Touji when Shinji asked the reason for Kensuke's refusal.

Asuka and Hikari went into the kitchen to prepare some drinks and leftover snacks for the new arrivals. Mika took a seat on Ken's left side. This earned her a quick glare from Rei that went unnoticed. Touji plopped down on the far side of the couch and watched as Shinji and Kensuke prepared the VCR. Once everything was hooked up, the duo called everybody's attention back to the tv. Asuka and Hikari came out of the kitchen and took their seats after placing the tray and drinks on the coffee table.

"Attention everybody. This is the tape that I believe you all have been waiting for. What's on this tape will provide the answer to the burning question: what was she yelling? So find a good seat and cuddle with your loved one. The show must go on!", trumpeted Kensuke.

Shinji hit the lights and everybody got comfortable as Kensuke pressed the play button.

On the television appeared the P.E. period from earlier in the day. At first the camera was bouncing around as Kensuke walked out of the locker room with Touji, Shinji, and Ken in front of him. The quartet was bantering between them about the soccer game they were going to be participating in. As the group made their way over to the field, the camera had panned across the area and caught the girls standing at the fence by the pool. The picture settled down and then Kensuke must have pushed the close-up button because the camera tracked closer to the girls standing along the fence. As the focus cleared up, Mika, Hikari, and Asuka came into view. With the boosting of the audio it was apparent what each was saying. The clearness of their words brought blushes of embarrassment to the trio's faces. Unseen by anybody, Rei had crawled back up into Ken's lap. Now she had her head resting in the hollow of his neck as they watched the video progress. When she had first climbed back into his lap, Ken had stiffened. Now he was relaxed. He had even placed a couple of kisses on her exposed throat.

Now the video was stable and it showed the start of the soccer match between the team Shinji and Kensuke were on and the team Touji and Ken were on. For the first few minutes the game had been static, neither side coming close to scoring a goal. Shinji and company were commenting on the video that Kensuke had made. Touji was slapping Shinji on the back and saying that he should have practiced a bit more while Asuka was teasing Mika about her boyfriends playing. Hikari was beaming with pride as she watched the video.

On the video, Kensuke had scored a goal for his team on a penalty kick. Ken had tripped him up in the penalty area, thus giving Kensuke's team a free kick.

"That was a good one Ken. Just trip him in the box where it automatically gives the other team a direct free kick.", grumbled Touji good-naturedly.

"Well if you had been a bit quicker to cover him on the pass maybe I wouldn't have had to slide tackle him from behind. I'm lucky the coach didn't have any yellow cards to give out. For I surely would have gotten one then,", retorted Ken.

The two bickered like the friends they were until a shot from the camera saw Touji and Ken on the bench drinking some water and getting a much-needed break. In that span of time, everyone saw Ken pick up the camera and fiddle with the controls a bit. The eight teenagers watched as the camera panned again and stopped on the fence separating the pool area from the field. This time only one figure could be seen.

"That must've been when we were having our turn in the pool.", commented Asuka.

"Ken must not have been paying to much attention, he didn't let it linger long enough to see who it was.", said Kensuke with an air of knowledge.

The conversations they heard with the enhanced audio had caused Ken to want to go and hide, while Touji avoided looking in Hikari's direction. He could feel the intense burn of her look.

"Next time I'll have to keep my mouth shut when Kensuke's camera is on the P.E. field.", muttered Touji.

"That would be a good idea Touji.", came the cool reply from Hikari.

Once again the video shifted as the camera was put down. This time Kenuske and Shinji were the ones' coming off the field to get a breather. Since the four boys were all on the bench resting, a good-natured debate was going on. Ken grudgingly shook hands with Kensuke and apologized from tripping him up while Kensuke said it was okay. It gave him a chance to score a point for his team, something that hadn't happened to Kensuke before.

It wasn't long until both Touji and Ken were back in the game. Two minutes after they had gotten back in the game, Touji had scored the equalizer much to Hikari's joy. Even now watching the video, she still couldn't conceal her happiness. It came down four minutes after that with Shinji and Kensuke coming back in. This time Shinji was playing as part of the front for and he had scored two goals in a span of three minutes. Two of Ken and Touji's teammates scored the next two goals to equalize the score again. Asuka was busy letting Shinji know that she was proud of him when the coach moved him back to goal because the other team was threatening to score. A couple of good blocks by Shinji and great defensive work by Kensuke promised that the game would end in a draw.

While the camera watched and time counted down, it showed Ken breaking down the sideline with the ball in his possession. Once again everybody watched as Ken executed the fake on Kensuke and went outside. Even thought they knew the outcome it still struck with wonder as they watched. Ken closed his eyes and imagined himself there on the field judging the situation, analyzing it, seeing all options and picking out the one he wanted.

Once again Ken passed the ball to Touji on the outside. Once again Touji stopped and saw the situation. Once again, he kicked the ball trying to score but knowing that it wasn't enough, and once again Ken ended up in the correct place at the right time and headed the ball into the far outside corner of the net, getting it past a stingy Shinji Ikari in goal; caught flat-footed and going the wrong way. And once again they head the shrill squeal of Rei and the exact words she said:

"ALRIGHT MY SWEET KENNY!!! GOOD JOB", came clearly over the televisions speaker in that was unmistakably the voice of Rei Ayanami.

Both Ken and Rei blushed a deep crimson. In this case and because of her pale complexion, Rei's blush was far deeper than the one on Ken's face.

With the exception of Shinji and Asuka everybody turned as one to face the two very embarrassed teens. Mika was the first one to speak.

"Is there something going on here that we don't know about, Ken?", she questioned.

"Umm, ahh, I don't know what you're talking about, Mika? She could have done that accidentally.", stammered Ken.

"Sure Ken, sure. Well Rei is there anything you want to tell us about that reaction of yours?"

"I didn't know I had done it. Other than that, no.", replied Rei in a monotone.

Rei looked at the screen again where Kensuke had paused it. Somebody had angled the camera so it caught both the goal and her reaction to it. At this point it had caught her in mid-jump.

"Oh I don't think we should worry about it.", interjected Asuka with a glance at Shinji. Hikari caught it and called her on it.

"Is there something that you aren't telling us Asuka? You and Shinji seem very calm about this whole affair. In fact you two are the only ones who didn't show a reaction. And as I remember you showed a very intense reaction when this first played out.", teased Hikari.

"That's true. You were the one who insisted that we move our lockers down to the far side of the locker room where Rei's was.", added Mika.

Asuka didn't answer and Rei wasn't going to, so Shinji stepped in and answered Hikari's question:


"What makes you think that we aren't telling you anything? We were as shocked as you were to see it. We just hid our reaction better."

Asuka could have kissed him right then and there for covering their collective asses. As much as she wanted Rei to get together with Ken, she didn't want to force them into it. Shinji glanced at her and thanked her with his eyes for not doing what she wanted to.

During the conversation between Asuka, Shinji, Mika, and Hikari; Rei had unconsciously moved closer to Ken and was now entwining her fingers with his.
Ken jerked at the sudden contact between their skin but nobody caught it. Deciding that discretion was the better part of valor, he gently squeezed Rei's hand and released it. At that moment a sleepy Misato chose to make her appearance in the door to the hallway.

"Can you children keep it down, I've got a major hangover and an early day at work tomorrow. Your discussion izz not doing my disposition any wonderzz. Anyway, don't you know that there is a harmonics test for all eight of you tomorrow after school? It is pretty late already.", she said; the effects of drink and sleep slurring her voice.

Ken slapped his forehead.

"Aw damn, I forgot. Jeez and look at the time.", he said while frantically standing up and gathering his school books. His movements initiated a mad scramble by the other students to gather up their books as well. While this was going on, Shinji and Asuka were cleaning up the mess of snack food and drink cans scattered over the table.

Misato watched as the chaos reigned. Asuka was telling everybody to keep it down because Teri was sleeping and she didn't want her to wake up again. Shinji was scrabbling around with Asuka trying to get the room cleaned up after the impromptu gathering. Finally everyone had their books and the room was devoid of all the food and drink remains.

Misato had watched as some semblance of order came about. With a wry smile on her face she bid everyone a good night. As Ken and Rei were about to leave, she called them back saying that she had to speak to them.

"I don't know what is going on between the two of you. I just want to ask one thing: When is the wedding and are we all invited."

The reactions she got from the two teens was something to remember. Both Rei and Ken blushed deep red and stammered to make up excuses. Misato just grinned.

"Don't tell anyone but that seemed to be a pretty intense kiss that you two shared earlier. Tell me: was it as good as you thought it would be Rei?", asked the 30 year-old vice commander.

Rei thought about it for a moment, looked at Ken then turned back to Misato with a grin of her own:

"No Misato.", replied Rei.

Misato's face fell.

"It was better.", Rei added.

Asuka and Shinji face-faulted, Misato looked stunned, and Ken passed out from surprise. After a minute Misato laughed and was soon joined by the other three as Ken struggled back to consciousness. At that point Misato sent Rei and Ken home while teasing them about stopping at a hotel on the way.

A few more good laughs among them and Ken and Rei found themselves walking down the hallway to the elevator. When the elevator arrived they didn't speak to each other. The two of them didn't speak again until they were halfway to Rei's apartment. Without any prior discussion, Rei changed their direction away from her apartment to the park they had been in a few weeks before. This time when Ken stood by the railing at the overlook, she stepped up behind him and wrapped her arms around his waist.

Feeling the arms encircle him from behind, Ken stiffened then relaxed. He was starting to get used to these unnatural acts by the usually timid teen.

"Besides, I like the feel of her arms around me.", thought Ken.

Turning around till he stood face to face with Rei, Ken moved her arms from his waist and looped them around his neck. Looking deep into her eyes, he saw confirmation of what she wanted. Leaning down slightly he pressed his lips to hers.

Rei was in heaven. Sparks were running through her nervous system.

"He's kissing me. On his own without prompting, Ken is kissing me! And oh my god, he can kiss.", ran the wild thoughts in her mind.

Returning the kiss she maneuvered him to the bench that sat across from the overlook. Gently pushing him down she placed herself in his lap. Arranging herself until she was comfortable, Rei continued to enjoy the kiss and the emotions that cascaded through her. She was kinda let down when Ken broke the kiss first.

"Rei we need to head home.", he whispered huskily.

"I feel as if I am home.", returned Rei.

"You know what I mean. We have school and a harmonics test tomorrow. We need to get some sleep."

"You sure know how to put a damper on things don't you Ken?"

He didn't acknowledge her question; he just moved her out of his lap and stood up. She followed suit and straightened her uniform skirt. After placing one kiss on his swollen lips she walked off. Ken caught up with her and together they continued on the way to her apartment.

Rei was surprised when they entered the neighborhood and she felt his hand grasp hers. When her surprise wore off, she relaxed and let the emotions run free. When they arrived at Rei's apartment, Ken hesitated to enter but Rei insisted on it.

The apartment was vastly different from when he had last been there. Instead of a dirty place that had clothes strewn all over, it actually looked livable. There was no dust on any of the surfaces. The floor had been swept and mopped, the bed had been made and there were no dirty dishes in her sink. Rei tossed her book bag onto her dresser and sat down on her bed. Patting the place by her side she indicated that Ken should join her. Ken declined her invitation and chose the lone chair in the place instead. After what had already occurred last time the two of them had been in fairly close to each other, Ken was a bit wary about putting himself in that kind of position again. He saw the disappointed look in Rei's face but it disappeared as quickly as it had appeared.

Rei was miffed. She wanted Ken to sit next to her. She wanted to keep him close to her. Ken knew that if he sat down next to her in her emotionally aggressive mood, things were going to go farther than even they could control. Even though part of him wanted to follow the course they could head in, the other part overrode it and he promised himself that he would make a gentlemanly exit.
They sat and talked for thirty minutes each enjoying the other's company. Checking his watch Ken saw that it was time for him to go. He could see that Rei was getting sleepy and he didn't want ruin her sleep cycle.

Rei knew that she was getting sleepy and she was trying to fight it off. She had been having some success at it while the two had been talking. She decided to put on her nightgown. She had asked Ken to avert his gaze while she changed which he did. When he turned back around Rei had on a leopard print nightgown and was lying on the bed. Finishing up, Ken bid Rei a good night and started out the door. Rei called him back and when he leaned over to see what she wanted he found himself in a relentless embrace. As he struggled to get out of the embrace Ken discovered that Rei had pulled him down and was kissing him with authority.

To his horror, Ken slowly found his body being drawn down onto the bed. Fighting it with all his might, Ken was able to break away from the kiss and return his body to its usual normal and upright position. Smiling at the now sleeping Rei, Ken silently left the apartment after writing a quick note and leaving it on her dresser. Making sure the door was closed and locked after he left, Ken made his way downstairs and out of the building. Thirty minutes later he was at home and making his way to his bedroom hoping none of his roommates would come out and question him about his lateness in coming home.

He entered his room and closed the door with a sigh. Turning on the light Ken started to strip off his clothes in preparation for bed. Changing into his sleeping clothes, Ken turned off the light and hopped into his bed. He ran his mind over all that had happened to him today and thought about how things were going to be tomorrow. The last thing he saw in his mind was Rei's smiling face as he left her sleeping in her bed.



The next day Ken woke up to a pillow hitting his head. Opening his eyes, he saw that it was Mika who was wielding the offending implement. Rubbing his eyes he scowled at the enthusiastic girl.

"If you would, please stop hitting me with the pillow. It is highly aggravating, Mika."

"No, you came in really late last night and I want to know why. I also want to know why Rei Ayanami is sitting in our living room waiting to walk to school with you. Besides, this is fun.", replied Mika.

Seeing that she had no intention of stopping, Ken heaved up and tossed her off of his bed. Fully awake now, he got out of his bed and went to his dresser. Picking out a few things, Ken glared at the girl who was in a heap on the floor of his room. Then continued out of the room to take a shower.

After he showered and put on a clean school uniform, Ken stepped into the living room where Rei and Mika waited. Rei was sitting primly on the couch while Mika was leaning against the door to the kitchen. Brushing past Mika, Ken went into the kitchen and fixed himself a quickie breakfast.

"Morning Ken, you ready to go to school?", asked Rei.

"Yes, just let me get my bag and we can go. You coming with us Mika?"

"Of course. How else did you expect me to get to school? I already called and told Kensuke that I would see him on the way.", said Mika by way of explanation.

Together the trio walked out of the apartment. At the first corner they ran into Kensuke. Immediately Mika latched onto her boyfriend and the pair walked off leaving Ken and Rei to continue on to school by themselves.

Happy to be rid of the curious duo, Ken and Rei smiled at each other. Shyly Rei reached out and took a hold of Ken's hand. Looking down at the ground, the blue-haired teen felt the look from Ken. When she felt the gentle pressure that acknowledged his feelings, her heart gave a leap. The two continued hand-in-hand towards their destination.

Just as they reached the gate, Ken and Rei ran into Asuka and Shinji. Rei tried to hurriedly drop Ken's hand so that she could deny their burgeoning relationship. Ken gripped her hand a bit harder.

"Remember Rei, they already know about us. And I trust that they will keep it between themselves. Kensuke and Mika and Touji and Hikari will learn soon enough.", Rei heard Ken say.

She relaxed as she saw the other couple holding each other's hand.

Walking through the gate Rei felt Ken release her hand and breathed a sigh of release. Once in the door of school, the four teens took off their shoes and put them in their assigned lockers. Continuing to their classroom, they saw their four friends standing in the hallway outside the door.


"So what's the deal between you two? Can we officially say that you two are dating or do we continue to fan the flames of gossip, Ken?", asked Kensuke.

"Well Kensuke, I think you need to get the camera out of my face before you find it rammed somewhere it doesn't belong.", grinned Ken.

Kensuke hurriedly brought the camera down from his face.

"And turn it off Kensuke. I know that you still got it recording."

Hikari chose that moment to switch to her class representative mode and ordered them all into the classroom before their sensei arrived. As usual Asuka, Hikari, and Mika all gathered around Hikari's desk and talked for a few minutes. Since Shinji, Kensuke, and Touji all sat near each other they just carried their conversation to their desks and continued it as they sat down. Temporarily left out, Rei and Ken made their way to the two desks beside the window and sat down. As the two took their seats, Rei reached back to the desk behind her with her left and gently squeezed Ken's outstretched hand. Ken returned her squeeze with one of his own. When the teacher stepped into the classroom and Hikari went through her usual routine. Once that was over, the rest of the class proceeded to get bored as he went over his lecture. Midway through the lecture he asked each group about the progress on their research and reports.

During the lecture Rei had been furiously typing on her laptop. This had caught the attention of Hikari, Asuka, and Mika. Each girl sent an inquiry about what she was doing to Rei. Her brusque and somewhat rude reply surprised the trio.

Ken had been trying to keep from falling asleep when Rei messaged him from her computer.

-"Ken are you awake?"

-"Yes, why do you ask? And why do you use the computer?"

-"I was just curious. Besides, I don't want to elicit more attention than I absolutely want to."

-"Okay. What's up?"

-"I'm going to send you a file and I need you to download it."

-"What kind of file?"

-"A program I wrote."

-"What kind of program did you write Rei?", asked Ken.

_"A program to insure that nobody is able to read our messages to each other. Even Kensuke couldn't crack this one."

Ken reread the message and surreptitiously looked around. The boy in question was trying to hide the work he was doing on his camera while chatting with Mika at the same time. Shinji looked like a zombie while Touji was already asleep. Hikari and Asuka were having a conversation of their own with the occasional comment directed to Mika.

Turning back to his computer, Ken smiled. Unfortunately someone noticed it and called him on it.

-"Rei, I gotta deal with Hikari. She just sent me a message.", he typed.

-"Okay, make it quick."

Smothering a snort, Ken opened the new message window and read Hikari's message.

-"What are you smiling at Ken?", sent Hikari.

-"I'm just happy, class rep. Nothing wrong about that is there?", he replied.

-"No, I was just asking. By the way is something wrong with Rei. I've sent her a bunch of messages, as have Asuka and Mika. But she either chooses to ignore them or is rude in her reply."

-"No, nothing is wrong with Rei. She was just writing something on her computer."

-"Ken if you tell her about the program I'm writing, I won't be happy.", came a message from the girl in front of him.

-"Rei you know me better than that, I wouldn't dream about telling anyone about your program."

Another message from Hikari came across his screen and told Ken that she understood. When she signed off Ken was able to give a sigh of relief. At that moment, his desktop chirped alerting him to the message attachment from Rei. Quickly opening the attachment and downloading the program it held, Ken reached in front of his desk and pinched Rei's side causing her to jump and garner the attention of the Sensei.

"Ms. Ayanami is there a problem?"

Rei stood up and answered:

"No sensei, there isn't a problem. I thought I felt a bug on my arm."

The teacher seemed satisfied with the explanation and went back to his lecture on the Second Impact. Ken leaned back and waited for the message he knew was coming. When it came he wasn't surprised.

-"If that bug ever pinches me again Ken, I'll slap the hell out of him."

-"I care for you too Rei. Thank you for the program."

-"Your welcome, just make sure that bug keeps to itself. We can't run the program today, it will have to wait until tomorrow."

-"I understand. Hopefully Hikari's computer system doesn't notice the new program. She has all those sniffer programs on her set."

-"It won't. I programmed Hikari's watchdog system to ignore any new readings from your computer or mine. I just hope that it doesn't alert the main system to the miniscule change. Or we'll be in major trouble."

After a few more pieces of conversations, the two logged off and sat through the rest of the morning basically ignoring each other.

When the class broke for lunch, Rei and Ken watched as their fellow pilots were swallowed up by the mass migration to the cafeteria. As the tide slowed to a trickle, Ken got up and walked out, Rei followed a minute later. They had decided on dong things this way to keep the others from getting suspicious about the new relationship between the two.

Outside, the six pilots were sitting at their usual table. Questions about Rei's actions from Hikari and Mika were bombarding Asuka during class. Shinji was going through what amounted to the Spanish Inquisition and the third degree rolled into one from the other two stooges.

"I don't know what is wrong with Rei today, Hikari. She ignored my messages too.", Asuka was saying.

"Be happy that all she did was ignore you. When I messaged her, I received a brusque mind my own business from her.", added Mika.

"I asked Ken about it but he was non-committal. He just said that Rei was working on something."-Hikari.

"Why don't we just leave her alone and not worry about the supposed relationship you are alluding to.", commented Asuka with a quick glance at her fiancée.

Over on the male side of the table, the topic had switched from the goings on of Ken and Rei to the sync-test they had tonight. Since Kensuke was facing the door with his camera, he was the first to see Ken walk in. Aida was about to call him over when Rei made an appearance.

"Hmmm, this is interesting. Rei almost never comes into the cafeteria. I wonder?", thought the military fan.

By now, Asuka and Shinji had seen the pilot walk in and had brought it to everybody's attention. Getting up from her seat, she ran over to Rei and all but dragged her back to the table.

"Rei could you please tell them, that nothing is wrong with you.", said Asuka.

Rei looked quizzically at the group and in a monotone said:

"There is nothing wrong with me. I am fine."

Everyone groaned but it had the desired reaction of diverting attention from Rei and to the progress of everyone's project. Soon Ken joined the group with his lunch and sat down. Immediately, the three stooges started chatting about their upcoming P.E. class and wondered if it was going to be soccer again or will they be doing something new. When the lunch bell rang signifying the end of the lunch period, the eight pilots got up and made their way back to the classroom for the waiting lecture.

At the end of the school day, the group decided to catch the train into Headquarters so they could prepare for the test. Once aboard then tram, the group found its way to one of the more deserted cars before sitting down. In the car three of the couples found their way into each other's arms while scattered around the small car. Rei and Ken just took seats opposite each other and looked out the window.

Rei was enjoying the scenery in a new light now that her emotions had been given full reign. She was intently watching the patrol boats cruise around on the lake of LCL when she heard soft snoring coming from the seat across from her. Glancing in that direction she had to smother the smile that was trying to break out on her face. Ken had leaned back in his seat and fell asleep. Taking a quick look around and seeing nothing but the other couples embracing, Rei was sure that none of them were looking in her direction. Satisfied with her look around, she reached over and gently brushed a strand of hair out of Ken's face and smiled.

In the back seat, Asuka and Shinji had just separated when they saw the tender caress Rei offered the sleeping Ken. Smiling at Shinji, Asuka rested her head on his shoulder and relaxed.

"I'm happy for her. Rei has found her emotions and those emotions are teaching her to love. I believe Ken is right for her; they can do so much for each other. They're both quiet and unassuming.", stated Asuka softly.

"Yes. The two of them are made for one another. Ken is yin to Rei's yang. The two of them are two halves of the same whole. Right now they see it and are on the edge of the chasm. But once they give each reign to those emotions for each other, there will be no breaking the bond that will bind them together.", replied Shinji.

The tram chugged to a halt just in front of the doors that allowed them entrance. Piling out, the eight pilots ran their NERV ID cards through the scanner and the massively thick gates irised open to admit them then closed behind them.

Heading for their respective locker rooms, the group made its way down to the correct level. Separating at the doors, the pilots proceeded inside.

On the men's' side, the guys were goofing around as they unlocked their lockers and stripped down. Reaching in, each boy pulled out his plug suit. Ken averted his eyes from the gleaming metal prosthetics that made up Touji's left arm and leg. Suzehara noticed it.

"Don't worry about it Ken. I put the loss of my arm and leg in the past. I even forgave Shinji for it. It took me awhile to get used to the new feeling and the minute I did NERV, in all its infinite wisdom, decided to put me back behind the controls of an EVA. The day before Mika arrived in Tokyo-3, I had just completed my training and was able to sync with my unit even through the prosthetics. Once I get better at this, Dr. Akagi told me that they are going to try and clone me a replacement arm.", said Touji.

"I understand. I'm sorry for gawking like an ill-mannered lout.", answered Ken.

Over on the other side of the locker room, Mika and Hikari were trying to get Rei to answer questions about Ken.

"Come on Rei, spill it. Tell us everything.", whined Mika.

"Yeah Rei. Please.", added Hikari.

Pressing the button that sealed her plug suit to her figure, Rei didn't answer. She glanced at Asuka. Asuka was busy sealing her own suit and didn't return the glance.

Presently Rei, Asuka, and Mika were ready. After being a pilot for more than a month, Hikari still felt embarrassed when her plug suit form fitted itself close to her skin.

"Hikari come on, we are running a little bit late. Don't worry about the intimacy of the suit. You've already let Touji do more than just look. Besides, the color looks good on you.", stated Asuka of the green and black of Hikari's plug suit.

"Just wait until you have to do a sync test without the plug suit. Then get embarrassed.", added Mika.

When the girls were finished, they walked out into the hallway and ran right into the boys. Touji and Shinji were teasing Kensuke about his silver and tan plug suit. Together the eight teens made their way to the cages. Since his unit was first in line, Ken was able to peel off from the group without much attention. Watching as the rest of the group moved further down the walkway, Ken shared one last look with Rei. Nodding once, he sat himself down in his Throne of the Souls and waited for the plug to fill with LCL. Running through his activation sequence, Ken opened a channel to the command center.

"Evangelion Unit Alpha activated.", he reported.

Up in the tower, Misato replied to the activation signal from the black and gold Eva. In sequence the rest of the pilots checked in. Dr. Akagi was beside Maya and having her run an extra test on Unit 00 and its pilot. Ritsuko had figured that Misato didn't need to know about this test.

"Okay everyone, you know the routine. Concentrate on your units. We will tell you when we need you to initiate an action. We're only going to deal with two units at a time. Rei and Asuka are first. The rest of you relax and wait your turn.", stated Misato.

The rest of the pilots rogered the instructions and started to relax as they waited for their turn. In his plug, Ken wasn't surprised when he received a call from his roommate.

"Hey Ken tell me what is going on between you and Ayanami. After that video we all watched, I was sure that you two would announce that your going together.", stated Mika.

"Nothing is going on between us, Mika. Rei and I are just friends.", replied Ken.

"There is more than friendship between you two. I bet Asuka knows. I'll have to bug her about it."

Ken shook his head and cut the link. Leaning back in his seat, Ken closed his eyes and let his thoughts run free. Ken was so caught up in his thoughts that he didn't here the signal notifying him that it was his turn for the test. It took a few minutes but he finally returned the call.

"Bout' damn time you answered, Pilot Osako. We've been calling you for the last twenty minutes. Kensuke is already performing his tests.", stated an obviously pissed off Misato.

"Uhh, sorry colonel. I guess I drifted off."

"Then you better drift back on, mister. It wouldn't do you any good to 'drift' off during battle.", she snapped back.

Knowing that it was time for him to fold his tent and quietly walk away from the discussion, Ken hung his head in shame and let the vice-commander have her say. When she was finished, Dr. Akagi went ahead and started the test.

In Eva Unit 00, Rei had heard every word Misato had said to Ken and was seething.

"Damn that woman! Why must she come down hard on Ken like that? It wasn't his fault he drifted off. Ken was tired.", fumed the Blue-haired teen.

As she was about to reach the switch that would connect her to the control room, an unknown communications channel opened up. Seeing the figure shown on her screen, her mouth dropped.

"Rei. Let it alone. Pilot Osako needs to learn. Do not worry about him. The colonel was just reminding him about his duties.", stated the seated Gendo Ikari.

Not knowing what to say, she just nodded. Seeing the former commander of NERV sitting in the position she remembered so well, had surprised her. Before she could say anything, the screen went blank and the elder Ikari vanished from view.

In the control room, Ritsuko was checking some readings from the test she had been running on Rei. With a surreptitious look at Misato, Ritsu shifted herself so that no one could see the small screen except her and Maya. Leaning forward over Maya's shoulder, the blonde doctor murmured something in her ear.

"It seems that when Misato started berating Ken for his inattentiveness, Rei's emotions spiked."

"Yes sempai, I noticed it too. That's not all, during her part of the test; Rei's ratio had dramatically increased. Her new emotions must've led to the increase. Do you know what this means?", asked Maya sotto voice.

"Yes I do, it means that Rei will get more control over her unit. Thus making her a bit more dangerous in battle. Make sure we keep an eye on her readings. If she starts to exhibit signs of mental contamination, I'll go around Misato's back and have Rei designated as a back-up.", returned Ritsuko just as quietly.

Tapping some keys, the doctor sent the results of her test to the computer in her office. She wanted to go over the results again later.

For her part, Misato had noticed Dr. Akagi and Maya having a quiet conversation out of the corner of her eye. Standing behind the techs in her black skirt and flight jacket, Misato nudged Hyuga with her foot. Not visually acknowledging the nudge, the tech ran a monitoring program and sent the results to Misato's office.

"She thinks she can hide something from me? I'll show her.", thought the colonel.

Unknown to either of the people in the control room, somebody else was monitoring the computers. Gendo Ikari, saw what both Dr. Akagi and Lieutenant Colonel Katsuragi were doing. Picking up one of the phones on his desk, he ordered his trio of computer experts to intercept the file and divert it to his desk unit.

Hours later, the eight pilots were standing in a room just off from the control area. Shinji and Asuka were standing next to the low table in the room. Ken was leaning against a window that looked out over the cages where the Eva's were. Rei was across the room from Ken and flipping through one of the magazines that were scattered haphazardly around. The other pilots were scattered around in similar fashion. The door opened and Misato came striding into the room as the teens turned their attention in her direction. Following her were Tasha Smith, the Kadji brothers, Maya, and Ritsuko.

"Okay...okay... okay. All of you gather around. Your test results are in. Some of these scores were a surprise. Others weren't. All of you improved in one way or another. Now without further ado, here are the results:

Ikari, Shinji 95%
Sohryu, Asuka Langley 97.3%
Suzehara, Touji 82.4%
Hanrahn, Mika 89.64%, you're slipping Mika.
Osako, Kenneth 98.1%
Horaki, Hikari 73.8% don't worry Hikari, you're getting better.
Aida, Kensuke 73.5%
Ayanami, Rei 99.35%."

There was a hush as Rei's score was announced. Asuka started to frown but Shinji pinched her and inclined his head in the direction of the adults when she turned around to complain.

Ken was the first to walk up to Rei and offer his congratulations. Before he could step away, Rei grabbed him and, in front of everyone, planted a memorable kiss on his lips. When she was finished she turned to the rest of the room and nonchalantly said:

"Does that answer everyone's question about our relationship? Now you all can quit asking me and Ken about it."

Then she walked out as Ryoji and Toma broke out into laughter and Misato and Tasha shared a look. For his part, Ken didn't do or say anything. His face was a very deep red.

"Damn, what a time to not have my camera with me.", muttered Kensuke into the silent room.

This had the desired effect of bringing everybody out of his or her daze. The questions started at once, coming from all sides.

"Ken, how long have you and Rei been going together?"

"When did this start?"

"Why didn't you tell us?"

"What else have you two done? Was that your first kiss or have the two of you kissed before?"

With his mind whirling, Ken answered the questions as best as he could. After a minute or so of this continuous barrage of questions, he ran out the door in a bid to get away. The others started to follow him but Asuka stood in their way.

"Come on, can't you just leave him alone right now? Give him some time to react.", started the red headed pilot.

"Did you know about this, Asuka? If you did, why didn't you tell us?", inquired Hikari.

"Yes I knew about it the other day. Even before the video was shown. Shinji and I didn't tell anyone because we were asked not to."

The questions continued as the pilots made their way to their respective dressing rooms. When they arrived the group saw that neither Rei nor Ken had yet come to change out of their plug suits. In the men's locker room Shinji changed the subject and glared at both Touji and Kensuke when they continued speculation on Rei and Ken. Slamming his locker door after changing, the Third Child stated:

"When you see Ken or Rei again, don't bring this revelation up and don't tease them about it. If I found out that you have, you won't like what happens."

In another part of Central Dogma, Rei came upon Ken as he stood in another control room a short distance from the cages. Clearing her throat, she announced her presence:

"Ken, are you alright?"

"Yes Rei, I'm fine. Just a bit dazed."

"Why is that?"

"I thought you wanted to keep the others from finding out about us till later. What possessed you to do what you did?"

"I did what I did because I wanted to. I was tired of deflecting and denying the obvious. When Asuka, Shinji, and Misato found out I was relieved. Today at school it was all I could do to keep Mika, Hikari, and the remaining two stooges in the dark about us. Besides it felt right and I enjoyed it."

Ken nodded in agreement; he had enjoyed the kiss also.

"You know that tomorrow at school we won't find a minutes' rest.", said Ken wryly.

"Yes I know, but I know where we can go to escape the rest of the class."

As she had been speaking, Rei had moved next to Ken and took his hand in hers. She hoped that her touch relayed to Ken the depths of her feelings for him. Looking him in the eye she kissed him once. Then she tugged on his arm and started pulling him in the direction of the dressing room.

"Lets go. I'm ready to get out of this plug suit.", she said.

"Me too. Here I come.", he replied.

Together the couple trotted hand in hand in the direction of the Eva pilot changing rooms. Ken stopped just around the corner from the doors of the dressing rooms. Rei ran into his back.

"Why did you stop Ken?", she asked.

"So I could do this.", he replied then taking her by surprise he pressed his mouth to hers and returned the soul searing kiss she had started earlier.

Rei couldn't contain herself. She returned the kiss with all of her heart and then some. When he pulled away, her legs almost couldn't hold her up any more.

"We'll finish this after we change. I don't know about you, but this plug suit has suddenly become increasingly tight.", said Ken as he disappeared around the corner and into the men's locker room. Rei slowly mimicked him and went into the women's locker room.

It didn't take them long to change. Since their fellow pilots had already changed and had left, neither Rei nor Ken had to deal with the comments and questions they knew were coming.

Ken was waiting in the hallway for Rei to come out of the locker room. With his back turned he didn't see Rei when she exited the changing room. Ken jumped when she placed a hand on his shoulder.

Eye to eye, the pair just stood there until the alarm notice on Ken's watch went off.

"We need to hurry Rei, otherwise we'll miss the tram."

"Is that so? And if we miss it what would we do then."

"I think we would have a ten minute wait before the next one. We'd be the only ones on it this late at night."

"And do you think there is a problem with that?", Rei asked leadingly.

Finally getting the point that she was hinting at, Ken grinned. Offering his arm to her, Ken let the grin get bigger before answering:

"Why no milady, I don't think that it would be a problem."

Arm in arm the couple strolled happily in the direction of the tram stop.


Another part finished. Its' took me a long time to complete this part so don't be too hard on me. As usual, all criticisms will be read and recorded accordingly. Any and all mistakes are mine and I plan to do better for the next part.

Thank you again for your reviews.

Knightewolfe.