Chapter 12

I'm not Perfect

1 Dec 16

(Katsuragi Residence)

Asuka was laughing hysterically in front of Misato. Asuka was apparently drunk. 12 cans of SMB, Misato thought. 12 cans of SMB, wasted, 'Asuka. you drank it all.' She thought it would be a good idea to get the poor pilot to relaxed. 'What the hell happened anyway?' Misato pondered. 'Asuka kept mumbling,' "Shinji. Shinji, Rei stole her from me. She's not even the real Shi." Asuka flopped dead drunk and fell asleep. Misato just gave the girl a confused look and then carried Asuka to her room.

Misato wondered what Asuka meant about 'Shinji not being Shinji'. She let the though pass, Asuka was drunk after all.

(Nerv, Commander Ikari's Office)

Shinji sat quietly on the floor, hugging a white teddy bear. She was playing with it, holding it tight. She would toss it on the air and catch it. Giggling playfully, it has been a long time since she's had someone to play with.

Across the room, Ikari Gendou was frowning. This was not supposed to happen. Shinji was supposed to be perfect. Shinji was supposed to be the next evolution of man, Shinji was.

Ikari Gendou kept studying the girl this was the third Shinji, the second one has rejected the implant, 'it has.no. he corrected himself, she has rejected the implant in her body,' The third one was almost the same as the second. They differed in hair color and she was more like an angel now than ever before.

Shinji smiled at her father, giggling as she stood and ran to his side and planted a kiss on his cheek. She then ran back to her spot and sat again. She kept whispering to the teddy bear, "that's dad."

Ikari Gendou was trying to hold back his tears. He couldn't help but feel responsible. He knew deep inside that Shinji hated him more than anyone could. He knew Shinji couldn't show it because the implant Ritsuko placed in Shinji was an obedience chip. It main program was to suppress Shinji's real feelings and replaced it with a fake one. A fake love program.

"Selfish." A woman's voice

'!' Gendou looked around his office, he saw no one but Shinji, who seemed to have fallen asleep.

"Greedy." A woman's voice

Gendou Ikari stared at the girl's lips. It wasn't moving. He knew Shinji wasn't a ventriloquist. But he eyed her more.

"Bastard." A woman's voice

It came from somewhere behind him.

"I hate you."

*Slap*

Gendou Ikari was waking up from his daydream. He saw Dr. Ritsuko Akagi and Shinji looking at him with concern in their eyes. He realized it was just a dream. He fixed his composure and relaxed.

"Status report." Commanded Ikari Gendou. Dr. Akagi Ritsuko performed a little salute. Shinji smiled and sat quietly beside Ritsuko who wasn't quite in the mood. 'Lack of sleep.' Thought the commander. Mental note Christmas Vacation.

"Everything's going as it should be. Shinji's REAL body is regenerating; he'll be back to his old self with minor changes. 'Just another doll for you to play with.' Ritsuko thought with disgust.

"Very well, is that all?" Gendou asked sheepishly.

"Yes sir." Ritsuko replied.

"Brief Rei about the situation." Ikari said

"Yes sir." Ritsuko saluted and turned around about to leave.

"One more thing, Dr., 8:00 PM your place tonight." Ikari grinned

Ritsuko gave smiled and left.

He knew that would make her happy. A little attention once in awhile. 'Love.' he sighed and took a quick glance at Shinji who was sketching. He took a closer look and gently massaged Shinji's shoulders. She relaxed and gave a soft purr. He continued to rub her back and whispered "can I have a look?" Shinji just smiled and handed him the drawing.

Shinji sketched unit 01, with Rei and Asuka standing on each hand, Misato was sitting on top of unit 01 they all were smiling. Family was written in the background. The word really caught Gendou's eye. He asked. "Am I also a part of your family Shinji?"

Shinji gave him a light smile and rested her head on his shoulders and gently gave him a hug. Gendou smiled, his eyes showed pure joy.

Shinji thought. 'Pathetic!'

To be continued