Title: I Love You, Asuka (8)
Author: Yih
Revised: January 5, 2001
Edit Major: Worldmage
Dedication: To the Following Reviewers (REVIEW THIS ONE TOO!)- Narck Death (thanks, I try my best), Ahriman (stop writing Rightwords, thankyou for not complaining about the length), Worldmage (I love the face!), Bob2345 (I might consider quitting Rightwords), catch22 (I'd like to continue both, but err.. I'd like to start on a more promising series that's not too WAFF-ish), blasted_sheist (K), FierySable (you'll just have to read and see), cali-chan (thanks for reviewing, this if my GIFT TO ALL OF YOU, an EXTRA long Part), Yebisu Beer (I am honored by your beer-belly presence), Mutronborg (I've gotten that from many people. I'm glad I'm not too OOC), Skull_Leader (many twists + turns, but I've already written out the details so I've got to follow them, I just have to connect them), Scarlet Fiacchi (next ALL in English, PLEASE?), Kyo Tetsuei (Thanks, I needed that), Mike Janes (k), Carlos Adrian (here's a long part), purplecow (sort of tired of complaints, I'm a big poetic person I like effects), Ron (I try my best), Flint (you try writing 1,000 words of quality in a time slot that includes checking your email?). David Ziegler (read my explanation for the speedy run-on line from purplecow, most of the mistakes should be corrected by Worldmage, I'm not a big grammar person, I'm more of an effect person) skymage (I understand it so well)
Disclaimer: I claim no rights to the characters, all belong to Gainax.
Opening Song Author: Yih
Opening Song Written: January 5/6, 2001 Revised: January 6, 2001
Opening Song Rights: The lyrics are original and have not been taken from any other sources but the imagination of a sleepless author who came up with the chorus at midnight.
OPENING SONG:
Unexpected (Vs. #1)
It was unexpected
It was unimagined
I was totally surprised
This led to that
And before I knew it
I was more in love
Her smile lights up my day
She makes me so crazy
I could kiss the sky
But I'd really like to kiss her
Anywhere and everywhere
She always tastes like heaven
It was unexpected
It was unimagined
I was totally surprised
This led to that
And before I knew it
I was more in love
I wanna tell her everything
But I'm so scared…
She'll just push me aside
And crush my spirit
It was unexpected
It was unimagined
I was totally surprised
This led to that
And before I knew it
I was more in love
Part 8: Seize the Moment
Shinji followed Asuka home from school, thinking about his conversation with Touji. I think he may be right. She may just like me. Why else would she be so concerned about me? She must care in some way. How can I show her that I care? All I am is talking. I'm not doing ANYTHING. I know what—I know just what to do.
Shinji snapped out of his thoughts and started walking faster. He overtook Asuka by the next corner and instead of turning right, he turned left and crossed the street. Asuka yelled at him, "where do you think you're going, baka?"
He stopped and glanced at Asuka. "Somewhere."
"Where?" Asuka asked again in a loud voice with distinct irritation.
"You won't know unless you come with me," Shinji responded.
Asuka glared at him for a second before she checked both sides of the street and ran across. She continued to glare at him as she took his hand in hers and muttered, "let's get going, baka."
Shinji smiled and proceeded to lead her to his chosen destination. He weaved them in and out of the traffic of numerous students retreating to their respective homes. By the time they had arrived, the sidewalks were a little less crowded, but activity was still bustling around.
Before Asuka could see the mysterious place, he gently withdrew his hand from hers and covered her eyes. Her voice grated against his ears, "What are you doing, dummkopf? You baka, get your hands off of me!"
He guided them around the corner and asked politely, "Asuka, please sit."
She sat down, dragging Shinji down with her. He nearly fell into her lap. He managed to stumble to the side, instead. Her eyes snapped opened with surprise as she yelled at Shinji again. She stared at the scene in front of her.
She started laughing. She laughed so hard she tumbled to the side of the bench and he didn't want to know what she was laughing so hard at. He mentally kicked himself.
She jumped off the bench and grinned at Shinji, "I love it! How did you know I was a video game fanatic?"
Shinji nearly fell down when she said it. He looked at the scene again.
The first thing he saw was a new video arcade which was filled with teenagers eagerly playing the latest games. The loud digital sounds were a sharp contrast from the idyllic coffee shop next store. He had been hoping to talk in depth with Asuka over a nice cup of mocha.
Just my luck. I pleased Asuka in a way I didn't intend to. At least now I know what she likes, he considered as he sighed inwardly.
"Well, what are we waiting for?" Asuka grabbed his hand and dragged him with her into the arcade.
Shinji stopped Asuka from barreling her way through the crowd by gesturing to something to the right side of the arcade. "Asuka-chan, don't you want to get something over there?"
"What?" she sharply asked, slightly agitated.
He pointed to the coin machine. "Tokens?"
"Baka!" Asuka grinned. "Is this your treat?"
"Yes, it's my treat," Shinji replied as he went over to the machine and exchanged his money for tokens. He returned after a few seconds with a handful of coins. "So what do you want to play?"
"This!" Asuka pointed to a new and, Shinji noticed, one of the more expensive games in the arcade.
"Alright. Do you think you can beat me?"
Asuka gazed at him triumphantly. "The question, baka, is whether or not you'll live a second before you're dead. We're talking about the great Second Child, baka."
Shinji raised his eyebrow. "I'm up for the challenge. Let's play."
"You'll just lose," Asuka predicted.
"We'll see about that," Shinji responded.
It turned out that Asuka was as good as she said she was. She easily beat him three times. It wasn't worth playing because Asuka killed Shinji's fighter before he even had a chance to play. It wasn't that Shinji was bad. Asuka was just really good at it. She wasn't just whipping Shinji's butt; she happened to be humbling quite a few of good players easily. They grumbled at the waste of money before retreating to other games where they wouldn't be killed by a gorgeous redhead.
Asuka's eyes were shining with victory, and she scanned the room for more potential challengers before she nudged Shinji. "Let's go. I don't think anyone wants to get beaten by me anymore."
Shinji smiled, "You're a really good player, Asuka."
"Thanks." Asuka smiled sunnily. "This was fun. How did you know about this place?"
Shinji shrugged. "I just do."
He thought retrospectively, it was more like you knew about it, Asuka. This wasn't meant to be our destination. But that's okay. I had fun. It's fun being with you having fun.
Asuka placed her hand into his. "Well, I had fun. Want to come here tomorrow?"
"Are you asking me out on a date?" Shinji inquired.
Asuka grumbled, "I guess I am. Are you accepting?"
Shinji gave the impression he was thinking hard before Asuka socked him in the stomach with her other hand. "Oowwwow!" Shinji cried out. "What was that for?"
"For thinking I was asking you out on a date!" Asuka retorted.
Shinji pointed out, "but you were asking me out. You just said you were."
He managed to avoid getting hit again when he dodged her quick arm.
"I was not asking you out, baka!" Asuka insisted.
"Anyways, what do you want to have for dinner?" Shinji asked. He pointed to his watch. "We don't have time to make it back home. We can stop at the nearest restaurant and call Misato-san that we're going to eat out tonight. I think Misato-san had to work late, so I don't think that'll be a problem. Convincing her, I mean."
He wasn't used to Asuka staring at him. It made him vaguely uncomfortable, in a good way though. He gulped, and he was very surprised when she mocked him; "are you asking me out, Shinji?"
"Uh--" Shinji murmured, wondering what Asuka's intentions were. "I'm just asking where you want to eat," he explained.
"I think you're asking me out," she accused.
Shinji found himself doing Touji's unable to speak phrase, "Err… ehm… uh?"
"Are you asking me out, Shinji?" she repeated.
He noticed that she wasn't calling him 'baka'. That must be a good thing, he
thought. Why not say yes? Yes, I am asking you on a date, Soryu Asuka
Langley. What are you going to do about
it? But I can't say that to her, he
moaned. She'll think--she'll think,
I should just say it.
Asuka was perplexed as she saw the changing expression of Shinji's various thoughts. Well, whatever he's thinking about, it must be interesting. He wouldn't just animate his face like that for nothing. I wonder what he's thinking. I wonder--.
"Asuka," Shinji asked, "are you here?"
She looked up after a long second, caught in her thoughts. "Yes, I'm here."
"If I asked you out," Shinji hesitated, "what would you say?"
What would I say? Asuka thought for a terrifying second. No, absolutely without a doubt I'd say no. Why would I say yes to this baka? This third child? But, to say yes--- it would open some new doors--- what to say---
WHAT TO SAY!?!
"Well?" Shinji asked, interrupting her thoughts.
"First off," Asuka responded slowly, "where do you intend to take me on our first date?"
"What would you like to eat?" Shinji inquired patiently.
Asuka stalked back and forth in front of him, thinking of where they could possibly eat. She hit upon the perfect place. "What about the new German restaurant a few blocks from here?"
She has expensive tastes, was the thought that crossed Shinji's mind. He took out what was left of his money and started counting it carefully. He hadn't spend that much because Asuka had been quite good at the game. I think I have enough. But what if I don't?
"WELL?" Asuka repeated what he had said scarcely a minute before.
"Um—" Shinji replied, "I might not have enough."
"Enough?" Asuka queried.
"Money," Shinji explained.
Asuka nodded with understanding and thought, After all, he didn't plan on this. "Well we can always go to that Japanese noodle shop you like."
"You wouldn't mind?" Shinji asked, trying to keep the relief out of his voice.
Asuka replied with a grin, "of course not. But when we have our first date, it will be at that German restaurant."
The only response he could think of was "well, what would this little dinner be called then?"
The grin was still on Asuka's lip as she enlightened him, "it's called 'have a dinner with a friend'."
"But it could also be called a date, couldn't it?" Shinji countered.
"It could. But it isn't," Asuka stated finally.
Shinji could only smile and they walked companionably to the
nearest Ramen stand that he enjoyed eating at frequently. I think I'll order my favorite dish. Even Asuka has to admit their noodles are
very good. Even she likes this
place. But she doesn't like it as much
as I do. She's being thoughtful. Could that mean--she likes me?
Asuka glanced at Shinji and saw that his smile was still
written all over his face. Well, my
choice of food seems to make him very happy. He looks so innocent when he's happy. How can he fight those damn angels? Damn--why do I even care?
I hope she likes me, Shinji thought. I don't care if she can't love me. But if she likes me, it doesn't matter.
Shinji's inner voice nagged at him, But it does
matter, Shinji. If she doesn't love
you, it would be just like your relationship with your father. You love him, but he doesn't love you. You wouldn't want that with Asuka, would
you?
No, no I wouldn't, Shinji agreed. I'd like her to love me. But if that isn't possible, it'll be okay. I can accept what she can give. But can I? His inner voice had gotten to him, Can I love her with all my heart if she doesn't love me?
"Shinji? Shinji? Shinji!" Asuka repeated.
Shinji nearly jumped out of his seat as he exclaimed, "what?!"
Asuka shook her head and gestured to the waiter. Shinji blushed and muttered, "I'll have number six."
The waiter nodded and left. Asuka stirred the water in her glass of water with the straw in her hand. She finally asked, "what's wrong?"
Shinji didn't want to tell her what he was really thinking. "I've got a lot on my mind."
What could he possibly be thinking of that would distract him that badly? I hope it's nothing sad, Asuka selfishly thought. It would ruin the perfectly fun time we've had. Just like that baka to do such a thing. He always has to do something wrong.
I don't even want to know what Asuka's thinking, Shinji moaned. I was totally pathetic.
You were. But hey--I don't think she'd mind you thinking of her. Girls like that. Why don't you just ask her?
Why should I follow your advice? Shinji
retorted.
Well do you see anyone that hears all your thoughts 24-7?
"Asuka?" He waited for her to look up at him from her food. "Er—em—"
Chicken.
"I—do you—" Shinji stuttered.
Chicken's ass.
Shut up!
"What would you like for dessert?" Shinji finally said.
You really got the point across that time.
Shut up!
But I can't. See--when you think I have to think.
I'll stop thinking to shut you up!
But you think all the time.
SHUT UP!
Asuka interrupted the internal war when she responded, "I'd like ice cream. Didn't you tell me they make really good ice cream?"
"Yeah." Shinji smiled. "They have really good ice cream here."
"I think I'll get chocolate," Asuka said. "I hope it's good."
Shinji accidently blurt out, "Asuka, you make everything taste delicious."
Asuka stared at him, but she didn't call him a hentai. She was too taken back by the compliment.
SCORE!
Didn't I tell you to SHUT UP?!!
Aww--but you're thinking! So how can I?
IF you have to talk, give me some advice!
Well, currently the target is in shock. I'd just say what you mean and not try to um--what's the word? Side-track the issue? Something like that, anyways.
Great advice, Shinji thought sarcastically.
Asuka waited for Shinji to explain himself.
"Well you see--you have really beautiful lips, Asuka."
"Complimenting won't get you anywhere," Asuka responded sharply.
She likes what you said, his inner voice said with glee.
How would you know?
She hasn't called you a 'hentai'!
You're crazy.
But am I ever right. Admit it!
You're right.
HAHAHAHAAH!
"I really mean it, Asuka," he replied frankly.
She shrugged and tasted the ice cream. She licked her lips when some of the ice
cream didn't make it entirely into her mouth. He's a hentai, she thought. But at least he has good taste. After all, he likes my lips.
Shinji sighed as he watched Asuka eat the ice cream slowly,
licking her lips every few seconds. That
looks like a good dessert.
Told you. She likes the compliment.
Must you always interrupt my thoughts?
I am your thoughts.
Then why haven't I ever heard you before?
Because you never needed me.
Whatever.
She's a smart girl. She knows how to use what she's got.
Yeah, she is, Shinji agreed. And she's so beautiful.
"Come on Shinji, let's go," Asuka exclaimed.
Shinji jerked his head up and smiled. "It's late isn't it?"
Asuka nodded. Boy,
is he ever out of it.
She didn't even try to insult him, belittle him, or pester him on the long walk home. They finally made it back to Misato's apartment late in the evening. They found Misato on the couch with Pen-pen enjoying an unknown number of beers together. Asuka shook her head and dragged Shinji to their rooms. They split up to their respective rooms.
"Good night, Asuka-chan. I had a great time," Shinji murmured.
Asuka felt her cheeks turn a little pink. "I had a wonderful time too. Thanks for taking me to the video game arcade. Good night, baka."
At least she said it affectionately, Shinji thought happily.
You are in so deep and over your head. His inner voice shook his imaginary head with great dismay.
Asuka and Shinji closed their doors. Shinji closed his door louder than he normally would, trying to remind his inner voice he didn't need to hear every single comment that little fellow wanted to say.
What makes you think I'm a guy, just because---YOU'RE
ONE?
You're a girl?
I don't have to dignify you with an answer. I am a higher being.
Shinji burst out laughing. You're acting like Asuka.
Hummph! For your information, I don't have a gender.
No wonder…
WHAT?
I don't have to answer you.
WHY NOT?
Because--I just don't.
His conscious nagged at him before settling down. He sprawled on his bed, crumpling the fresh
sheets. I think Asuka's warming up to
me. I hope she can love me. I really hope she can love me. I think she's finally learned to like me. With enough time--I think she can love me
like I love her.
Misato was stirred slightly when Shinji banged his door shut. She shoved Pen-pen to the ground and he said indignantly, "Wuargh!" [translation: Watch where you're touching!]
"I think they're--they're back," Misato slurred.
Pen-pen thought with amusement, She may have more
tolerance than most people, but she can't compete with my penguin
tolerance! We birds ROCK!
"I hope they've settled their problems."
I agree. I've had enough of their
unsure rock dance. It's time they
salsa. Pen-pen
shook his flippers.
"Pen-pen?" Pen-pen looked up at Misato before she said, "get me another beer."
I'm not your goddamn butler. Even if I do look like one in my tux, Pen-pen huffed as he waddled to the kitchen.
Author's Note: Part 9 is getting the finishing touches before I send it to Worldmage, again. I hope to keep at the weekly schedule, if I feel I won't make it, I'll skip next week because this is TWICE as long as my other parts. PLEASE KEEP REVIEWING, it helps TREMENDOUSLY. It only helps me get better. I'm really happy that I've gotten 20 reviews and some are first time reviewers!!! That surpasses most of my other fan-fics, but I have gotten that many reviews for my Dark Angel fanfics, so just keep bringing my some joy (I love hearing from you guys! I love to explain why I do things ~ if they're not spoilers ~). Enjoy this, isn't this a really sweet sweet loving part?
Remember: Reviewing is Doing the Giving to Caring authors Slaving over Working on Writing fanfics!
