Echoes of Angels3 an Eva fic by AngelDragon

Disclaimer: The usual; don't own em, wish I did.

Warnings/Notes: Okay, in this chapter, begins the A.U.-ness. No spoilers, just a little comic insanity and fluff, with a bit of drama thrown in for good measure. The boys have a day of fun that ends up rather silly. Enjoy! Also, beware of shonen-ai ahead.



Chapter 3: An Innocent Mistake.

The following morning, Ritsuko met with Gendou in his office to discuss Kaoru.

'I'm telling you Commander, there's something odd about that boy. During his synch test yesterday, I found that he could meet whatever level I set it at,'Ritsuko said, handing Gendou Kaoru's chart.'I tested him alone after his initial one against Rei and Shinji, so I know it's not a fluke.'

He looked through it, then handed it back to her, folding his hands in front of his face in thought.

'I don't see what the problem is Doctor.It only means that he has a unique talent. Don't forget how well Shinji stumbled through his synching with Unit 01; 44% on his first try. His physical was normal, wasn't it?'

Ritsuko nodded, hating to back down, but she knew she couldn't win an argument with Gendou Ikari.She'd already tried once before.

'Have they located Asuka yet?' 'No, Commander, but they're following a lead as we speak. She won't be in any capacity to pilot.'

'No matter. Nagisa is obviously capable of replacing her. Put her in protective custody in the hospital when she is found. Don't let her return to Major Katsuragi's residence. I don't want to have her wandering off again. The Major isn't the most attentive guardian these days,'Gendou said, narrowing his eyes. He'd seen Kaoru escorting Shinji into his quarters by chance, working late.

'Yes - Sir,'Ritsuko said, turning to leave. 'And Doctor.' 'Sir?'She didn't like the tone he'd adopted. 'Don't go into Central Dogma again. This is your only warning.' A chill ran down her spine as she warily left. 'Yes, Sir,'she said, calmly. He knew about what had happened; when she'd shown Misato and Shinji the true nature of the Dummy Plug System then destroyed it. He knew.

* * * * * Kaoru woke, still groggy, to Shinji having a bad dream. He was twitching and crying out and had broken out in a cold sweat. He sat up and gently shook him awake.

'No, no, stop!'Shinji cried, jerking awake. His eyes were wide with fear and he was panting, tears welling up. He looked around in confusion, then found Kaoru's eyes, full of concern. He let Kaoru pull him into his arms and press the side of his head against his chest. He held onto Kaoru as he cried it out. When he was done, he just leaned against him quietly as Kaoru stroked his bed-head, making soothing sounds to him.

'Want to talk about it, Shinji?' 'I'm - not sure yet,'he said, wiping his eyes. 'I understand. When you're ready, feel free, I'll listen. And I can keep a secret.' Shinji smiled a little and sat up straight, looking him in the eyes. 'Are you hungry, Kaoru?' 'A little.'His stomach growled in response.'Maybe more than a little.' Shinji giggled and gave him a playful butt with his fore head. 'Well, we did work up an appetite, right?' Kaoru laughed and tousled Shinji's already messed up hair with both hands. 'Yes.You should see yourself. There's a mirror on the back of the cabinet door,'Kaoru said, grinning and pointing. Shinji got out of bed to look and snorted out a giggle.

'Yikes, I look like I've got gel in my hair! Shinji the walking hedgehog!'He turned to Kaoru.'We should probably shower before breakfast. I smell kinda sweaty.'

'Agreed.'Kaoru got up and stretched, cracking his shoulders as he arced his back and pulled his arms behind him.'I've got a distinctive odor, too.'

Shinji turned on a light and blushed a bit at his friend's rather suggestive stretches. He found his clothes in the cupboard and dressed while Kaoru did the same, picking up the floor and putting away Shinji's barely used palette and pajamas.

'Let's hit the water, Shin-chan,'Kaoru said, slipping into his sneakers and opening the door. Shinji followed, smoothing down his hair as best as he could.

They made it to the bathing room and took a quick scrub and soak; amazed they hadn't been spotted by anyone. Then, april-fresh and combed, they dressed again and went to the cafeteria for breakfast.

As they gathered up edibles on their trays, Shinji yawned and looked around, scoping out a table. He saw that it wasn't too crowded this morning, for once. As Kaoru decided between a frosted donut or a cinnamon roll to go with his breakfast, Shinji spied Misato sitting alone, having coffee and toast.

'Let's go sit with Misato, Kaoru,'he said, tapping him on the shoulder. They went over and sat down; one on either side of her. 'Morning, Misato.Did you sleep well?'Shinji asked, taking a drink of juice. Misato looked at him groggily over her coffee cup. 'Guess not,'he added, yawning again and wiping his eyes. 'You don't look so conscious yourself, Shinji.Must've been up all night, huh?' Kaoru practically choked on his tea at that one. Misato gave him a thump on the back as he coughed.

'Might want to try swallowing, Nagisa.Man wasn't meant to inhale his tea,'she said.

Kaoru just coughed harder and tried to drink as Shinji rolled his eyes, Typical Misato.Poor Kaoru, he thought. She sure has a knack for catching people off guard.

'Better?'she asked Kaoru. 'Fine,'Kaoru squeeked, drinking again before starting to eat. 'You're sounding better,'Shinji said. Misato sighed and took a bite of her toast. 'It's the caffeine talking. I'm still not feeling that great. You?' 'A little better than before.' 'Good.At least somebody around here is. Got any weekend plans?' 'Um, maybe I'll show Kaoru around Tokyo-3, I guess.'Kaoru's brow arced as he ate his cinnamon roll. That could be funhe thought. I haven't been out without a Seele chaperone anywhere before. Even when I was, it was never for too long. No wonder I'm so pale. He smiled as the sweetness of the roll hit his tongue. It tasted so good.

'Well, have fun. You need any money?'Misato asked, downing the last of her coffee and toast as she stood.

'Um, I am a little short.'Shinji said, remembering how much he blew on the arcade for a distraction over the last couple weeks.

'Here,'Misato said, handing him a few yen notes from her purse,'try not to blow it all in one day, okay? I don't get paid again 'til Wednesday.'

'Thanks,'Shinji said, cramming them into his pocket and slamming back his juice. 'See ya, boys,'Misato called, leaving with a little wave. They awkwardly waved back, finishing their breakfast.

They headed up to the surface after a bathroom break, trying to decide where to go. Kaoru was excited, looking around, sniffing the clean, cool morning air, as Shinji stood by, also looking and scratching his head. Kaoru'd never been to Tokyo-3 before and was pleased his sweet friend was showing him a good time.

'Let's see, I've spent way too much time in the video arcade, so, hmm,'Shinji said. Where the hell should I take Kao-chan, anyway? he thought.'Oh, I got it!Wanna see a movie,Kaoru?There's a good one at the multiplex up the street.'

Kaoru cocked his handsome gray head to one side to consider Shinji's idea. I've never been to a movie before, but I know about theatres. Why not? he thought.

'I'd love to, Shinji-kun.Let's go.' It was still early, so they didn't have to stand in a long line. Shinji bought their tickets and they went inside. Just as they were about to get popcorn and soda, Shinji smiled, stopped and pointed, Kaoru almost walking into his outstretched arm.

'What's the matter, Shinji?'

'Nothing, look.'He followed Shinji's finger to a little machine near a few video game machines.

'It's a U.F.O Catcher! I love that game! C'mon, our movie doesn't start for a few minutes, I want to play.'He led Kaoru over, who stood to the side as his enthusiastic young lover eyed the goodies inside.

'Cool, they've got a Riiya plushie! I've been wanting one of those.'He loved the old anime series the little plushie belonged to and would watch it when Asuka and Misato weren't home to tease him about liking shojo anime.

Shinji popped a hundred yen coin in and began to manipulate the catcher just so ,concentrating hard as he bit the tip of his tongue. Kaoru watched intently, studying the game carefully. There were so many plushies and items in the machine, he was sure Shinji would win.

'Aw, man, I was almost there, too! Damn!'Shinji said, giving the machine a little smack. Kaoru frowned; he'd seen the catcher release the toy right before Shinji'd moved it to the drop-off. He should've won. I calculated the time perfectly. he thought. His eyes narrowed a bit. This mustn't be a totally honest game. But he got a wicked little idea after seeing how disappointed Shinji looked. He put a hand on his shoulder and held out the other hand for a coin.

'Can I play, Shinji-kun?'

'Oh, sure Kaoru.Good luck.'He handed him a coin and stood back, silently cheering him on.

Kaoru popped it in and went to work, angling the catcher over the little stuffed white wolf with blue eyes, nabbing it perfectly. Concentrating, he used his special telekinesis to make the catcher grip the toy until he'd gotten it to the drop off, then released it.

'Hey, awesome, Kaoru-kun! You got it on your first try!'Shinji said, slapping him on the back as Kaoru retrieved the plushie and handed it to him, grinning impishly.

'You're my good luck charm, I guess,'he said. 'Thanks, Kaoru, really,'Shinji said, holding the little wolf under his arm.'Let's get our popcorn now.'

Properly treated and refreshed, they found good seats without more than a couple other people in the theatre. They parked it next to each other just as the lights dimmed and the previews started. Kaoru smiled as he took a sip of their shared cherry soda, enjoying the company and the cold, sugary soda. He hadn't been allowed it often.

The movie was pretty good, a sort of action-comedy about a secret agent with the power to become invisible who stopped an evil organization from taking over the world. Shinji and Kaoru laughed as he hit the bad guys over the head with a fish and their fingers met as they both reached for some popcorn.

Glancing at each other, they grinned and Shinji let Kaoru have some first. He found Kaoru's hand in the flickering darkness and held it for the rest of the movie. They left the movie laughing, talking about their favorite parts, Shinji holding his little Riiya close.

'Hey, why don't we go to my place now? Nobody's home but Pen-Pen, it should be quiet. I can show you my room, maybe teach you how to play this video game I've got. It can be up to two players, but nobody wants to be the second with me.'

'Alright.I am kind of curious about where you live,'Kaoru said, following Shinji and casually checking him out. Very nicehe thought, smiling to himself.

About a block from the tall apartment building, Shinji had to stop for a little break. It was getting warmer now and they'd been walking quite a bit.

'It is getting rather hot, huh Shinji?'Kaoru said, wiping his forehead with the back of his hand.

'Tell me about it. It shouldn't be this warm now. Stupid post- Impact weather patterns, I guess. Could we sit for a sec?'They wandered over to a shady bench under a tall, leafy tree.

'Back in a sec,'Kaoru said, going over to a shaded wall of vending machines.

Puzzled, Shinji shrugged. He's probably just getting a sodahe thought.

Totally into watching some birds hopping around nearby, he never saw what happened coming at all.

'E-E-Y-A-H!!'He sat bolt upright, clutching his toy and the birds split. Something icy-cold had been pressed against the back of his neck. He heard Kaoru's light laughter behind him.

'S-sorry, Shin-chan, I couldn't resist!'he said, in between giggles. 'Jeez, I almost had a heart attack! Whew, it's okay, though. I'll just pass out, right here,'he said, patting his chest and standing up.

Kaoru held out the tall, cold can with an apologetic grin.'Soda?'

'It's a start,'Shinji said, mock-pouting as he took said can and cracked it, taking a sip. It tasted a little odd, but he just figured it was a brand he hadn't tried yet. He passed it back to his friend, who also took a drink.

They were able to make the last block without a problem, thanks to their refreshment. Kaoru took the last sip as Shinji fumbled for the key- card Misato'd given him when he'd first moved in.

'C'mon in, Kao-chan,'Shinji said, grinning and gesturing him in. They stumbled out of their sneakers in the shallow genkan, almost tripping over the squat step-up. Kaoru left the soda can on the kitchen table as Shinji closed the door and turned on some lights.

'My room's this way,'Shinji said, yanking Kaoru down the short hall.'like it?'

He showed him his posters and manga collection, almost tripping over the corner of his bed as he left, Kaoru trailing after him.

'Neat room, Shin-chan.Where's Pen-Pal?'

'Oh, he's prob'ly 'fridged or watchin' TV. Wanna see what's on?'Shinji asked. I don't understand why my words are coming out funny. he thoughtMy tongue feels thick.

'Sure, lead on, cutie,'Kaoru said, giggling.

They wandered into the living room, almost tripping over Pen-Pen, who was lounging in front of the TV.He squawked in surprise and skittered out of the way, just as Kaoru's foot came crashing down where his head had been.

'Sorry, Pen-Pal.Didn' see ya. I'm Kaoru, nice ta meetcha,'he said, reaching out a hand to shake the flustered penguin's clawed flipper.

That's it, I've had it! Pen-Pen thoughtFirst Misato, now these two! No one ever remembered the penguin. Squawking indignantly, he turned and ran to his fridge and closed himself inside.

'Not very frenly, is he?'Kaoru slurred, plopping down on the couch. Why do I feel so strange? he thoughtI can't speak correctly and I feel kind of giddy.

'He's jus' moody. Doan mind him.'Shinji said, flopping on the floor to the side of Kaoru's feet, giggling as he clicked the remote.

They watched TV for a while, still feeling kind of relaxed and silly. Kaoru tried stretching out on the couch, then, not comfy, tried turning upside-down, his legs over the back of the couch and his head dangling off the side. Shinji had crawled over to a cushion on the floor and, still holding his toy, dragged the cushion back over to his spot by the couch.

Kaoru giggled at him so hard, he started to slide forward until he was mostly slumped to the floor, still upside-down.

'Wha's so funny?'Shinji asked, looking down at him on hands and knees.

'You are. Ya look so funny upside-down!'

Cocking his head to one side, Shinji said, while bopping him on the head once with his plushie,'So da you,'before breaking out in his own giggles.

'Ya know somethin, Kao-chan, I doan think that was soda we drink,'Shinji said, giggling again as he flopped onto his belly, hugging the cushion and carefully putting his toy to the side.

'Sorry, I jus' got one from th' firs' thingy I saw by th' wall. Please doan be mad, Shin-chan,'Kaoru pleaded, looking at Shinji with his tearful, crimson eyes.

Shinji giggled and reached over to touch Kaoru's face, spreading his fingers out around his eyes.

'Yer nose an' face'r red,'he stated, smirking at him.

'So'er yers, Koneko-chan!'Kaoru said, ruffling Shinji's hair up with a clumsy hand.

'Am not a little kitten, Kao-chan!'Shinji said, pushing himself up with shaky arms and hovering his head over Kaoru's.

'I think yer's cute as one, Shin-chan.'Mere,' He pulled Shinji's head down to his to kiss him as Shinji flopped back onto his belly and cushion again. Does Shinji feel this floaty? Kaoru thoughtThis feels kind of nice and warm. I'll share this with Shinji. He slid off the couch the rest of the way and landed next to him, letting out a giggle.

'Let's go ta my room,'Shinji said, getting shakily to his feet, pulling Kaoru and his toy up with him. He fell against Kaoru and giggled as they staggered off.

Well, how is it? I know, it's another long one, but that's supposed to be a good thing. More strangeness to come, stay tuned. Please review, but remember to be nice.