Well, I'm happy to say that the reviews I got were encouraging, so I suppose I'll continue this and see where it takes me. Actually, the truth is I really know where it's taking me as I pretty much have the whole story planned out. In any case, I'm really enjoying writing it, so I hope everyone is enjoying reading.
Just to know- would anyone like the chapters to be longer? I don't actually have chapters for this story, I only have the acts and sections, so I can put up more per chapter if anyone wants it. Well, tell me what you think of the current chapter length.
I don't own Eva. Enjoy.
* * *
Ritsuko's office in NERV HQ was littered with papers, but somehow the doctor always managed to find her way through them. She sat at her desk, looking at a printout so long that Misato would surely get lost looking for the end of it, but looked up when Misato knocked on her door.
"Ah, Misato. How's it going?"
Misato glowered at her. "I resent your cheeriness. Got any coffee?"
"Sure." Ritsuko gestured to her coffee machine, whirring at the side of her desk. A mug was placed underneath it to catch the steaming liquid. "Help yourself. Where's Shinji?"
"Thanks. He was feeling fine, and since you were done with the tests I told him he could just head home." Misato switched the machine off and grabbed the mug by its handle, leaning against Ritsuko's desk. She didn't drink, however, but just stared into space.
Ritsuko watched her closely. "I'm guessing you didn't just come here to get your daily caffeine fix."
Misato made a face. "No, I didn't."
"How are things going with Shinji?" Ritsuko wanted to know.
Misato sighed. "You read my mind. He's…different."
"Misato, I think you have to keep something in mind. His memory may have changed, but he's still the same person inside."
Misato smiled and sipped her coffee. "Is he? I'm not sure. He was…he was so cool about the Evas and the battles, when we discussed it. He reminds me of Rei now, a little bit- so technical. Only he said-"
"What did he say?" Ritsuko asked delicately when she hesitated.
"Just that he, well, did what he had to do." Misato took another sip and shook her head. "That is not the Shinji I know."
"Of course it isn't. The Shinji you knew experienced pain and anguish in the Eva. Aren't you glad that's all over?"
"I guess I should be," Misato whispered.
Ritsuko stared at her. "What do you mean?"
"I dunno," Misato sighed. "I guess it's cruel of me to say, but…it was as though all the pain and anguish…was what made Shinji Shinji."
"Hm." Ritsuko looked at the major speculatively. "Misato, I think you just need to get used to the idea."
"Get used to it?" Misato laughed derisively. "I'd better, since I'm supposed to be his mother."
* * *
Asuka lay on her back and stared at the ceiling. A clock ticked loudly on the wall.
How could they do it…
Tick.
They made him someone else…
Tick.
He's not even the same old stupid Shinji…
Tick.
I don't know who he is…he's different…
Tick.
But I haven't even spoken to him…
Tick.
And I don't think I'll ever want to…
"Oh, load of fucking crap!" Asuka threw her pillow at the clock on the wall. It fell and struck the floor with a loud crash.
Asuka climbed slowly to her feet and walked to the clock.
"Stupid, useless thing…" Asuka kicked the clock hard. "IDIOT THING!"
"Asuka?" a familiar voice rang. Asuka froze, feeling like she wanted to hide.
"Asuka, is that you?"
"Damn," she muttered, knowing that she couldn't just hide in her room and pretend she wasn't there. Well…she could hide in her room. "Go away, Shinji! Don't you dare bother me!"
"What's wrong, Asuka?" His voice carried from right outside her door. Asuka squeezed her eyes shut for a moment. It was no use; she couldn't help it. She spun and threw the door open.
He stood there, looking the same as he always did, and Asuka felt a sharp stab of pain in her heart. "Well, here he is," she sneered. "The brand spanking new third child."
He made a face at her. "Asuka, it's been ages since you called me 'third child.'"
"Oh, it has, has it?" Asuka shrieked, filled with sudden rage. "Is that what they made you think?!"
"Asuka, what are you talking about?"
"Nothing. Nothing, Shinji Katsuragi," she snapped bitterly. "Now go away." She slammed the door in his face.
She heard him sigh. "Whatever." He padded away from the door. Asuka flung it open again and yelled after him, "Where's Misato?!"
He glanced back. "She told me she was heading to HQ."
"And when's she going to be back?"
"How would I know?" But then there was the sound of the front door opening, and Misato's cheerful voice.
"Hi, guys! How's it going?"
"Just fine, Mom," Shinji replied dryly. "Asuka's in one of her 'moods.'"
"Misato, I want to talk to you in my room right now!" Asuka snapped.
Misato sighed. "Can't it wait, Asuka? I just got home-"
"Fine! Guzzle a beer or do whatever, but you'd better come talk to me in five minutes!" Asuka slammed the door shut and sat on the floor with her back pressed to it, listening to the muffled conversation outside.
"Did you make it back from the hospital okay?"
"Of course I did. I know the way."
"Um, right. How do you feel?"
"I'm fine, Mom. Why does everyone keep asking me that?"
"Mom," Asuka muttered, furious. "Mom! ALL A FUCKING LIE!"
There was a silence outside her door.
"Shinji, excuse me for just one minute." Asuka heard the swift padding of feet toward her room, then Misato threw open the door. She stepped into the room, looking madder than a stung bull, and shut the door behind her.
"What is the matter with you?" she hissed. "What the hell are you trying to do?"
"I'm not going to play along with this, Misato!" Asuka yelled. "I refuse to live this-"
"For God's sake, keep your voice down!" Misato whispered, panicked. "What do you want me to say, Asuka? I know you're upset about this, but there was nothing I could do-"
"You let it happen!" Asuka said furiously, but in a whisper. "You didn't even say a word-"
"Asuka, I have no control over what Ritsuko and Commander Ikari decide to do, do you understand that? No control!"
Asuka fell sullenly silent.
Misato drew a long, shaky breath. "I'm sorry, Asuka. You're just going to have to learn to live with him."
"Or maybe I'll just move out," Asuka snapped.
"If you want to, Asuka, that's your choice. But you still have to work with him. Don't let your differences get in the way of your job, understand?" Misato surveyed Asuka closely, then turned and walked out of the room, shutting the door softly behind her.
"So," she said cheerily from outside the door. "What do you want for dinner, Shinji?"
* * *
To be continued.