Echoes of Angels2 an Eva fic by AngelDragon

Disclaimer: I don't own the series or anyone in it (though I know Kaworu and Shinji would be on my list of prospective birthday presents!)

Warnings/Notes: Okay, different kind of warning here; shonen-ai ahead. Nothing too descriptive, mostly talk of sensory input and suggestiveness, but you'll definitely get the idea . Just go with it and keep an open mind. As the saying goes, how will you know if you like something or not, unless you try it first? Also, the first part of this is my take on the 'missing' shower scenes, added to the existing ones. Like I've said before, if you do not like this sort of thing, please don't read just to flame me. Enjoy!







Chapter 2:A Warm Embrace.

After they undressed, they sat on the little plastic stools near the shower faucets and washed off first, discreetly turned away from each other.

'Could you get my back, Shinji? I can't reach between my shoulders,'Kaoru asked.

Blushing a bit, Shinji turned around and took the washcloth from Kaoru's hand to oblige.

'Thank you. Would you like me to get yours?'Kaoru looked over his shoulder at Shinji and giggled at his embarrassment.

'Uh, um, --- sure,'Shinji said, giving in and turning around on his stool. Kaoru scrubbed him up then rinsed himself off after washing his own hair. Shinji tried to keep cool as he finished his own washing, then almost fell off his stool when Kaoru suddenly stood up in front of him, giving him an up close flash as he turned to go to the hot tub.

'Are you alright?'Kaoru asked, looking back at him. He smiled; thinking that Shinji wasn't quite as comfortable as he'd thought. Well, he'd just have to fix that.

'Fine -just fine!'Shinji said, getting up. He watched Kaoru ease into the water as the scenery of the picture wall behind the wide tub shifted to a lake in a forest.

'Come on Shinji, the water's so good!'Kaoru called over his shoulder. He obliged again and slid into the relaxing water next to Kaoru.He sighed as he let it melt all his tensions away. Kaoru was right, it did feel good.

'How did your other test go?' 'Fine.How do you feel now, Shinji?'Kaoru leaned back, closing his crimson eyes. 'A - a little better, with someone to talk to.' They talked about life for a while as they soaked and it all just came out in a rush from Shinji; about his father, Toji, everything that was troubling him. He just let it all out and Kaoru listened intently, drinking in every word and expression. He speaks with such passion and sadness, he thought. How fragile his heart and mind are.

He also had a penchant for coming down too hard on himself and that was something Kaoru couldn't let continue.

'Shinji - Kun,'he said, putting a hand over Shinji's, which was resting on his own knee,'you mustn't berate yourself forever. What's done is done and you must move on.'Shinji blushed at his touch, not used to such attention.

'But how, why? All I have is piloting Eva now, but all that does is create more problems, hurt more people around me. The ones who survive, I can barely face these days.'He looked at Kaoru, who hadn't moved his hand.'Eventually, it'll all be over with the Angels and then what? I don't know who'll be there at the end or even what I'll do after.'

Kaoru smiled at Shinji and looked into his eyes. 'You may not know yet, but you will be able to go on, eventually. You can't save everyone, Shinji and you can't be in two places at once. Fate will move as it always has, we just merely travel along with it.'He sighed, running fingers through his hair.'but know this; you'll never be alone, unless you want it to happen. What I'm saying is, I love you, Shinji - kun.'

Shinji blushed furiously and looked away, not knowing what to say. He knew, he knew it now; this was the warm, gray - haired figure from his dream. He didn't know how or why, but it was. How do I tell him? Should I tell him? he thought. What if he's disgusted by it? .

He felt a warm hand on his cheek and looked up. Kaoru was leaning over and gently kissed his lips for a second, before backing off from the wide - eyed Shinji.His heart fluttered again and he couldn't respond. Kaoru took a deep breath as he waited in the steamy silence. It was now or neverhe thought.

A few beats later, the lights dimmed and the picture wall went black. The recycled water started to become luke-warm. Shinji came out of his daze. D-did that just happen, or was I imagining it? he thought.

'It - it's time to go.'

'Go?'

' Yeah, I've gotta go to bed now.'

'With me?'Kaoru asked innocently, a playful smile on his face. He watched Shinji turn an interesting shade of red.

Shinji sputtered a bit and said,'No! Um, that is, I'm sure you have your own place provided for you and everything and - and I've gotta go home.'

'Really?'Kaoru asked, standing up. He caught Shinji peeking at his nakedness and grinned at him devilishly.'It's rather late and my quarters are only a few levels up. Are you sure you don't want to stay the night, Shin -chan?'He was rewarded with another blush and a tiny smile from his embarrassed new friend. He got a kick out of seeing how many colors he could make Shinji change.

Shinji got up, so many thoughts flashing through his mind.'Alright, I'll stay, if you want,'he said in a soft voice. Maybe I can tell him, after all? he thought.'But, I have to call Misato first.'

Kaoru smiled as he handed Shinji a towel from a stack nearby. 'Sure.And Shinji,'he said, selecting his own towel. 'Yes?'Shinji asked, in mid - dry. 'I do want,'Kaoru said, giving the blushing boy a wink as he toweled off. After they got dressed, they stopped off at a payphone so Shinji could call Misato. 'H'lo?'Shinji sighed. She's either drunk, which would be dissapointing, or she's just woken up, I hope it's the latterhe thought.

'Hey, Misato.' 'Shinji? Where th' hell are you?! You know what time it is?!' 'I know. I'm still at the Geofront.I was at the shower with Kaoru - kun. You know, the Fifth?' 'Oh, sure, Nagisa.S'what about it? You comin' home,'r what?'Shinji heard a loud yawn over the line.

'Well.that's the thing. It's late and he asked me to stay over, okay? That way, you don't have to come pick me up.'

'Fine, whatever Shinji.You two play nice now, g'night.'The line clicked off in his ear. Puzzled, Shinji hung up himself. Did she know? he thought. Nah, couldn't be. He felt Kaoru's hand on his shoulder and turned to him.

'What happened?'

'Nothing, she's fine with it,'Shinji said, still a little nervous. Kaoru was as well, but he so wanted to tell him about his dream, even his others, too, if he could. He knew why he was here, who he was; Tabris the Final One, as well as Kaoru Nagisa.Right now though, he was free of Seele and he would spend time with this shy boy from his dreams, whom he felt such a strong bond with, for as long as Shinji would want him to.

'Well then, I'll show you where I'm staying for now.'

* * * * After many moving stairs later, they'd arrived outside his door. Kaoru swiped his key-card and opened the door for Shinji.

'I apologize for the smallness, but it was the best they could give me at such short notice.' Shinji went inside with Kaoru, after taking off their shoes again and looked around. 'It's okay, I don't mind,'Shinji said as Kaoru closed the door. Unseen by Shinji was the security cam picking up their entrance. Kaoru, however, saw and looked right at it, but didn't care. Let them see that we're here. I don't care what Gendo Ikari or any of the other Lillim think. I'll protect Shinji from them, if necessary. he thought.

'Make yourself at home, Shin - chan,'he said.

'Why do you call me that?'Shinji asked, blushing as he sat on Kaoru's bed, looking at his small stereo recessed in the wall by the bed.

'Because I think you're cute,'Kaoru said, getting a quilt, blanket and pillow from a wall-cupboard and spreading them out on the floor for Shinji.

Shinji coughed and said in a small voice,'T-thanks, um, Kao- chan.'It was Kaoru's turn to be surprised. He had to be careful now; or else he'd scare him, so he controlled his enthusiasm.

'You're welcome. Will the floor be alright? Really, though, I should be the one to sleep on it.'

'It's fine, really. I'm the guest, so don't worry about it.'

'Do you want to borrow some pajamas? I got my stuff moved here earlier today,so I've got extra.'

'Um, okay. It'll make sleeping on the floor a little more comfy, I guess,'Kaoru rooted around in a wall-drawer and tossed him the pjs.

'I'll turn away if you want.' 'Thanks,'Shinji said, unable to keep the relief from his voice. He quickly changed and was folding his clothes when Kaoru turned around to take them from him and put them in a cupboard.

'Well, do you want to turn in now?'

'We probably should. As it is, I doubt we'll wake up in the morning. Good thing it's a weekend tomorrow, huh?'Shinji rambled, parking it on his pallet.

'I agree.'Kaoru turned out the light and went back to his bed. Dim light from the hallway came in through the cracks around the door, giving the room an almost twilight illumination, some of which was caught in Kaoru's deep crimson eyes.

Shinji saw it when Kaoru lay down and put his arms behind his head. He did the same, trying to get up the nerve to talk more.

'A - are you tired yet? 'Not really. Did you want to ask me something, Shinji?' Blinking, he said,'Um, yeah, if you don't mind'. How did he know? Maybe now I can tell him. 'Not at all. Ask whatever you will of me.'Perhaps this is my chance to tell him. 'Um, I told you a little about me, but what about you? Where did you live before they told you you were a pilot?'

'Far away from here. I'm not even sure what it's called. I was very - sheltered,'Kaoru calmly told him.

'Wow,that must've been tough.Were your parents strict?' Kaoru chuckled.'Yes, very much so. That's why I was so interested in lunch today. I was on a strict diet. I was only allowed ice cream and such things on my birthdays. I wasn't permitted to do much, either, even go out side very much.'

'I'm sorry to hear that. You must've been happy to leave them, huh?'He wished that'd been the case with him. It seemed like no matter where he went; his situation never changed, even at Misato's. Kaoru - kun was like a breath of fresh air. He was happier than he'd been in a long time.

'Yes, in a way I was. My time became my own,'Kaoru said, turning his head to look at Shinji, who was looking straight at him.'I think I was born just to meet you,'he said in a soft, passionate voice.

Shinji blushed in the dim light and gave him a smile. 'You do?'he asked softly. Now was the time. 'Yes, very much so.'He took a deep breath. Now was the time.'Shin - chan, I - I've dreamed of you. Before I came here.'Then silence for a few beats, which Shinji broke.

'M - me too. I dreamt - of someone with gray hair and - and your smile. Before I met you, that is.'More silence and Kaoru's turn. I'm so happy! Shinji thinks the same way! he thought.

'Did you know, when we met?' 'I - wasn't totally sure yet. I didn't think I'd been, you know, dreaming like that. How about you?'

'Yes, I knew. You were so clear to me in them, your face and eyes, anyway. Tell me, Shin - chan, how did it make you feel? The dream, I mean,'Kaoru was up on one elbow now, hanging on every word. I have to know! he thought.

Remembering his little morning problem, he blushed and looked away. Should I tell? I want to. I so want to be open with him. I'm comfortable with telling him other things, so why not share this with him, too? His heart thudded away as he weighed it, and then he cracked.

'I -I felt warm, so warm. And light, like I was soaring with wings of my own. I felt - a presence, holding me close, soaring with me .It was - intense.'An understatement, of course.

'Did you - like it?' He turned his head back to Kaoru and said, very softly,'Yes.'His eyes shone in the twilight as he fought back tears.'How - did you feel?'

Kaoru smiled and leaned over the side of his bed to wipe Shinji's tears away. He had a few of his own to take care of, too.

'I also felt warm - and so very happy. Besides music, it was the only other thing that gave me joy. I looked forward to them and the times I could play my violin. Sometimes when I played, I would see your face. That made me smile.'He stroked Shinji's cheek as he spoke.'Do you play anything, Shin - chan?'

Shinji closed his eyes as he said,'Yes.I play the cello. Can I play for you sometime?'

'I'd love to hear you play. How about a duet, too?'

'Sure.I want too hear you, too.'He was starting to relax again. He couldn't believe how well that went. He hadn't known that Kaoru felt that way.

Moving quietly, Kaoru got up then knelt near Shinji on the slightly cramped floor. He touched his cheek again, speaking softly to him, so as not to frighten him.'Shinji, may I - may I show you how much I love you?'

Shinji opened his eyes wide and looked into Kaoru's. He could see the hopeful caring they held. He could get lost in those eyes. He was the first to ever tell him that he loved him. Even his father hadn't said it and he'd never had a girlfriend. He didn't even remember if any had spoken to him for any other reason than to tell him to get lost. He was so lonely..

'Why not?'he said, just as softly.

Kaoru smiled his famous smile, then bent down to kiss him, at first lightly, then with more passion as Shinji, getting over his shock, kissed back. He ran a hand through Shinji's dark, damp hair and was pleased to feel Shinji's hand on his cheek. He pulled back from his lips long enough to whisper,'I'll stop whenever you want me to, so don't be afraid, Shin - chan.'

'Okay.'Shinji whispered, definitely not wanting him to stop yet. His pulse was racing and he started to feel tingly all over. He ran his own hand through Kaoru's hair, hearing a little sigh escape him.

Kaoru kissed him again, feeling an electric thrill shoot through him. He gently pulled Shinji up to a sitting position and ran his hands down his arms to grasp hands with him, nuzzling Shinji's neck. He jerked his head back and gasped.

'What's the matter, Shinji? Am I moving too fast?'

'No, that just tickled, that's all.It's okay.'

Kaoru let go of his hands and continued on, guiding Shinji to stand as he kissed his neck and stroked his arms and shoulders, slipping his hands under his pajama sleeves, gently kneading the muscles he found there.

Shinji leaned his head against Kaoru's shoulder and sighed, feeling warm hands rubbing his back and chest. He felt hot and lightheaded, but loved it. Kaoru's pulse quickened as well. It feels so right to be here with Shinjihe thought. My heart aches with how I feel for him!

'You know, you look cute in my pajamas,'he whispered in Shinji's ear, who shivered as he felt Kaoru's hot breath on him.'But you'd look just as cute out of them, too.'

With that, he slid Shinji's shirt over his head and tossed it aside. Going along with it, Shinji shyly reached out and fumbled with the buttons on Kaoru's shirt, who helped him out of it, then let Shinji pull his T-shirt off him. Spontaneously, Kaoru held him close, feeling the heat of his body, the slight tension in it. He looked him in the eyes, lightly tracing his brow with a finger.

'Was this how it felt in your dream, Shin -chan?' Shinji gasped,'Yes,'as he felt his body betray him. He blushed, sure that Kaoru'd felt that sudden pressure against him. He grinned nervously.'Sorry about that.'

Kaoru smiled and kissed his nose.'That's alright, I'm having the same problem. You're just too attractive. This is how it felt in my dream, too, so don't be ashamed. I - I want to be honest with you, Shin - chan; this is my first time, ever. How about you?'He could pick up on his feelings a bit, could tell he was just as anxious as he was.

'It's, well, mine too, Kao - chan. But I don't want to stop. Kaoru.I love you, too!'Their eyes locked and they knew, instantly and totally.

With a burst of enthusiasm, Shinji undid Kaoru's belt and jeans, while Kaoru helped him out of his pants, in between passionate kisses of lips, necks and chests. They found their way into Kaoru's bed, sliding out of boxers and under the blanket, unable to restrain themselves any longer. Hidden behind the safe walls of Kaoru's twilight world, all sense of time disappeared, their senses opened to each other fully. All that mattered was each other; embracing, kissing, stroking, nothing else was thought of or intruded. They spent hours exploring each other's bodies, reveling in what they found, using everything they had to do so:

Sight; looking deeply into eyes of crimson and blue, dark pools reflecting love, desire, trust, an eternal, unspoken bond.

Scent; the slight muskiness of the light sheen of sweat forming from their increased excitement, the clean, floral scents of freshly washed, tousled hair.

Taste; the sweetness of lips and shared mouth, the saltiness of heated skin and tears of joy.

Touch; the feel of damp hair, flexing muscles under slick skin, the firm press of growing arousal, pounding heartbeats through chest and back, light, electric caresses all over.

Sound; soft sighs, gasps and moans of pleasure, cries of pain, gentle words of apology and devotion, the rustling of bedclothes and calling of names, over and over again, reaching a passionate crescendo together.

They collapsed together, pulses throbbing throughout their spent bodies, breathing hard. They'd kicked the blanket off quite a while ago but didn't care, they just cuddled together, facing each other, with flushed faces and sweaty brows. They grinned broadly, Shinji wiping his eyes a little.

'Are you - alright - Shin - chan?'Kaoru asked, trying to catch his breath as he stroked Shinji's damp hair.

'Yeah - just - a little sore.' 'Heh - me too. But - it was worth it.'Kaoru said, giving Shinji a kiss on the forehead. 'Definitely,'Shinji said, sighing. 'Hmm, I wonder what I can do to take your mind off of it?'Kaoru asked, grinning as he suddenly started tickling Shinji's armpits and sides. He still felt playful after sharing his body, heart and mind with his koibito.

Shinji jerked and wriggled, laughing hysterically as Kaoru's busy fingers found all his ticklish spots. He begged off and Kaoru stopped, but now Shinji pounced and tickled him witless, saying,'Got you now, Kao - chan!'He bucked and twitched, laughing until he sqeeked,'I give!' and Shinji mercifully quit.

'You - should do that - more often,'Kaoru said, breathless and smiling again. 'What, tickle you?'Shinji asked, brandishing hooked fingers. 'Well - yes, but laugh, too.'He gave him a playful pat on the butt.'And smile. It suits you.' Shinji was touched and gave him a warm, drawn out kiss. 'You too, Kaoru.Your face lights up when you smile and your laugh is like music to my ears.'He was surprised he could feel so deeply for another person, after closing himself away for so long. He was finally happy and it felt so good, as if a huge weight had been lifted from his heart and mind.

Kaoru felt light and free. Shinji speaks from the heart. He's the first person to treat me with such kindness, the first to love me, instead of use me. He wants nothing more than to love and be loved in return. He sighed and smiled. I've found my reason for living; Shinji.

'Thank you Shinji.Thank you so much.' They were exhausted, so they retrieved the blanket and snuggled up, spooning together with Kaoru's arm over Shinji's, locking fingers with him. He nuzzled the back of his head and yawned, hearing Shinji yawn, also.

'Mmm, g'night, Kao - chan,'Shinji said, squeezing Kaoru's fingers gently.'Ai shiteru.'

Kaoru hugged him close, squeezing back and said,'G'night to you, too, Shin - chan. I'll never leave you, never, koi.'as he drifted off to peaceful dreams of the seashore and his Shinji.

Well, that certainly was long, wasn't it? Forgive me, I am a hopeless romantic (sniffle). What do you think? The next chapter will be more interesting, in a funny way; they spend a day out together, that turns out to be probably something you guys wouldn't quite expect, but I'm sure you'll get a kick out of it anyway. Remember to be nice with your words : don't anger the Dragon, for you are crunchy and good with ketchup! Otherwise, arigato!