Disclaimer: I think I mentioned this before but I don't own Evangelion and I doubt I ever will.
Author's notes: I have revised the first chapter fixing some mistakes but not doing any major story changes. This is the second instalment, I would apologise for how long it took but I wasn't planning on writing a continuation so I was writing other things. I will write more of this story but it is still secondary to other stories at the moment so it may be a while. I know where the story is going but I don't really know how I'm getting there. I don't have a plan but a general idea of how the story is going.
Shinji's Lullaby Chapter Two"Was it all a dream?" was Shinji's first conscious thought for the day as he slowly slipped back to the waking world. The dance, walking home, talking with Asuka and then listening to his mother sing, none of it seemed real but he wanted to believe that there was at least some truth in it. He took a deep cleansing breath and immediately felt the unnatural weight upon his chest. Not wanting to open his eyes, Shinji made an effort to sense his body position and could feel himself smile as he felt the warm body next to him, encircled by his arm. He now had confirmation that not all of it was a dream, unless of course he was still dreaming.
Whatever state of consciousness that Shinji was in, he made no effort to leave it feeling quite content how he was at the moment. However as time slowly passed he found himself becoming bored. The longer it went the more he realised that this couldn't be a dream because nothing was happening. Of course the more he thought about it the more alert his mind became and eventually he came to the point where he knew he had to open his eyes. He squinted slightly as the light began to fill his eyes and looked up towards the ceiling still not willing to move. He blinked several times as his blurred vision detected a difference in the appearance of the ceiling. He pulled the arm that was not wrapped over Asuka out from under the sheets, drawing his fingers across his eyes to clear his vision.
He froze, able to spot the reason for the change in his view of the ceiling. Misato Katsuragi's face stared down at him as he looked up through his fingers at her. Despite her usual morning dress of a yellow top with shorts and her hair tied back in a ponytail, her face was all business. It was the serious face of the NERV operations director that was used to command the Evangelions in their primary mission of destroying angels. The next action Shinji was conscious of was of himself swallowing hard as his hand moved away to give him an unobstructed view of his guardian. Their eyes met and for the briefest of moments her eyes softened and her lips curled into a small smile. All too quickly for Shinji that look disappeared and a quick darting of her eyes told him that he should wake Asuka.
Shinji rocked the second child gently watching the mass of red hair sway with the movements before beginning to move to Asuka's movements. Her first action was to tighten her embrace on his waist, pressing her face harder against him and whispering unintelligibly in protest at being awoken. As Shinji persisted, Asuka finally raised her face up to look at him, first in confusion and then a warm smile and bright blue eyes that instantly entranced him. Asuka moved her face to within inches of Shinji's, deliberately sliding her body over his that effectively pushed all his blood to his face. She smiled teasingly as she wavered over him not getting close enough to kiss but never drifting too far away. Shinji instinctively placed his hand on Asuka's back, drawing small circles on her shoulder blades. As Asuka succumbed to the moment for their first kiss the third person in the room, tired of being ignored, cleared her throat loudly.
Asuka stopped before her lips met Shinji's, her eyes wide with surprise as she looked over her shoulder into the stern face of Misato. Asuka's guilty smile could be likened to a child that had been caught with its hand in the cookie jar and it had no effect on the battle hardened Major. They stared at each other with the only change between them, Asuka's fading smile. Shinji's view was obscured by Asuka's hair so he shifted slightly to regain a view of Misato. She regarded them for a short while, torn between pulling them into a congratulatory hug and chewing them out for sleeping together. She decided to take a firm stance against them but knew that she couldn't or wouldn't be too hard on them.
"Kitchen, ten minutes," She stated flatly and with authority. Neither child moved for a few seconds before Asuka turned her attention back to Shinji. He thought she was going to wish him a good morning and then return to her room but she only resumed from where Misato had interrupted her. It wasn't hard for Shinji to forget that Misato was still there as Asuka pressed her lips to his, her hands gently caressing his chest as his caressed her back. It took three attempts by Misato to regain their attention and both children looked at her, Shinji still in a daze but Asuka was annoyed.
"I expect you both to be dressed and in the kitchen in eight minutes," Misato announce cutting of the immanent protest from Asuka.
"Morning Shinji," Asuka whispered giving Shinji another quick kiss.
"Good morning Asuka," he replied and copied her quick kiss with one his own and without hesitation. She smiled down at him before dragging herself out of the bed. Both of them notice a slight chill as she left even though the morning was a warm one after the stormy night. Shinji watched Asuka walking out the door and she indulged him by adding a little extra swing to her hips. Only when she was out of sight did the thought of what she was wearing under the oversized T-shirt occur to him. Luckily Misato moving to the door stopped him thinking too deeply about that.
"You have seven minutes," were her final words before the door shut firmly. Shinji sighed heavily as the emptiness of his room hit him. It wasn't just that he was alone, it was the lack of personal touches that showed this room to be his. At the moment he would have settled for a picture of his two roommates in a frame that he could place beside his bed. He sighed again as he registered that he had spent too much time thinking idle thoughts that would not help in a few minutes time. He got up and dressed in jeans and a T-shirt rather than his usual school uniform. It was Sunday and he thought that Asuka might appreciate him dressing in something other than his standard uniform. Of course considering his lack of clothes and Asuka's abundance, he could see that Asuka may choose to feed her shopping habit by taking him shopping for new clothes, not that he would mind.
It didn't take long for him to be ready but he wasn't keen on entering the kitchen too early. He sat on his bed wondering what exactly Misato was planning to do and more importantly why. Sure sleeping in the same bed wasn't a great idea but it wasn't exactly an incredibly bad thing to do. Of course that would depend on what Misato believes that they were actually doing in the same bed. Sex was the biggest thing that he could think of that would really test Misato's patience. While he believed that Misato didn't think they had gone that far he was curious as to how Asuka would react to such a suggestion. Normally she would rant and rave about how disgusting the idea was but with the events of last night and this morning he knew that normal would have to be reclassified.
Tired of waiting for the final few minutes, Shinji stood a walked out of the room. Misato sat in her usual spot with a beer under her hand unopened and four more next to it. The quantity was right for her normal holiday morning breakfast but the fact she had yet to open a single can was a testament to the situation. He walked to the fridge, his presence never acknowledged by the only person he could consider family even though she was not related to him. Pen-pen waited patiently for his breakfast and Shinji obliged by removing the can of chilled fish from the fridge and tipping them into his bowl. Putting the empty can in the trash, Shinji then removed two drinks from the fridge placing one in front of each seat opposite of Misato. Shinji took the seat to the left and waited for Asuka to come and claim the seat to his right.
As he waited he examined his guardian who had still yet to look in his direction. Her left hand sat on the beer can, constantly flicking the ring pull, which was beginning to grate of his nerves. Her right elbow was on the table and her right hand supported her head as she stared off to her left. If Shinji couldn't see her eyes he would have assumed she was staring out the balcony doors. Her eyes however told him that she wasn't looking at anything, only concentrating on whatever thoughts were travelling through her brain. With nothing better to do he opened his drink and took his first mouthful as Asuka exited her room.
Shinji watched her walking towards him and realised that he was smiling without any conscious though to do so. She smiled back looking almost shy under his constant admiring gaze. She went to walk towards the fridge when she noticed that Shinji had already removed a drink for her. She mouthed a thank you as she sat and drank nearly half the drink in her first go, letting out a soft gasp of satisfaction. Before Shinji could wet his lips again with his own drink, the alarm of Misato's watch went of drawing her out of her reverie. She sat up straight and studied the calm faces of her two roommates as the stared back waiting for her to initiate the conversation. She only sat stoically waiting for one of her two wards to offer some sort of explanation. As Shinji lifted his drink to resume his second sip he decided to speak.
"We didn't have sex, if that is what you are thinking," it wasn't a surprising comment but to Misato the fact that it was Shinji who said it was. He lowered his drink back to the table as Misato noticed that Asuka had shown no sign of surprised by Shinji's comment.
"I didn't think you did," Misato replied calmly.
"Then what is the problem?" Asuka asked quickly and Misato paused not letting the girl have the immediate answer she was expecting.
"The problem is that I found two teenage people responsible for the fate of the world sharing the same bed and I want to know why?" Misato looked from one to the other but neither offered an answer. "Look I don't care that you are dating as long as you are responsible about it and understand that this can not affect your piloting. However I would like to know why after all the fights you two have had, how you came back from a dance and ended up sleeping in the same room." There was a silent pause while the two sides sized each other up.
"So you are not going to punish us if we tell you?" Shinji cautiously asked but doubted they would escape unscathed.
"No you will still suffer some punishment but that still doesn't change my question," Misato watched Shinji watching her but he quickly dropped his gaze and took another drink.
"You aren't giving us much incentive to answer," Asuka replied casually before destroying her can and tossing it into the trash.
"The fact that I'm asking should be incentive enough," Misato could see that this impressed neither child, so she decided to change tact. "You know you could show a little more respect for your superior officer, guardian and the person who got you two together." Both Shinji and Asuka seemed disinterested until she mentioned the last point and then they looked at her with shocked expressions. It didn't take long from Asuka to become agitated at this new development.
"What do you mean 'the person who got us together'? Just where do you think you come into this relationship?" Asuka was barely restraining herself from losing her temper but Misato was unperturbed.
"Well for starters who decided you should live here?" She glanced at Asuka who was waiting to pounce on any mistake she could find so she continued.
"Then there was the synch thing which would have been a lot easier if we had Rei doing it," Asuka twitched slightly but didn't retaliate.
"Of course then there was last night where I insisted that you both go to the dance," Asuka's fist hit the table as Misato gave her a target.
"But you couldn't control that. How could you think that just putting us in a dance hall would lead to anything especially since Shinji was too afraid to ask me there and probably too afraid to ask me to dance?" Asuka smirked in triumph not concerned that Misato was incredibly calm.
"You forgot about Rei," Misato stated and then watched Asuka's concentrating face as she tried to figure out how the blue haired girl was involved. "I took Rei to the dance, actually I ordered her to go and I also ordered her not to leave until she had had a dance. Of course there is only one boy at your school who is not afraid of Rei Ayanami," Misato savoured her victory as Asuka couldn't come up with a feasible come back. She was about to say that the doll had no effect on her decisions when Misato leaned forward.
"I bet you were so jealous of those two as you watched them out on the dance floor," Misato was finding it hard to contain her joy and didn't hear the sound of a can slowly being crushed. Asuka's world was spinning with the idea that Misato was setting her up and that what she was feeling was as good as false.
"Don't," it was a barely audible whisper but it still got Misato's attention. She turned to her first roommate feeling good and about to ask what he had said but once she laid eyes on him all her coherent thoughts stopped dead in their tracks. His right hand was slowly crushing his half-full can while his eyes were fierce and focused directly on her.
"Don't make me think this isn't real," his voice was clear, low and contained a deadly undertone but it was his eyes that were conveying most of the impact. They weren't cold and unemotional like his father, they were full of emotions that told of all the pain he had suffered and how Misato was only causing him more.
"Don't make me think that it was all planned," Misato had seen her lot of killer looks. Commander Ikari was cold and emotionless making you feel insignificant and worthless and proving that he would kill you without a second thought. However the raw emotional power and pain that she could see in Shinji's eyes made it far worse than his father's ever could be. He was showing her how much he had suffered and how her implications were only adding to that because he cared for her and she was betraying him. His glare was destroying her because it was destroying any emotional bond that they had. If her mind weren't in turmoil it would have been going into damage control.
"Don't make you think that this is a lie," Asuka was sitting right next to him but didn't know what to do. She had knew about his occasional intensity but this was the first time she had witnessed it. While it should have been comforting for him to come to her defence it was also showing how close to breaking point he was and how easily he could reach it.
"Don't make me think you are manipulating me just like my father," and there it was, the reason that Shinji was close to going of the deep end. Misato hadn't hesitated in trying to force their hands to find out what she wanted to know but she had crossed the boundary and there was no escaping it. She numbly tried to find some way to solve the problem but her mind couldn't function nearly well enough with Shinji maintaining his glare. Thoughts of a solution faded as her mind started to contemplate her failure and even what Shinji would do to her when he snapped. Shinji hadn't even noticed the cool damp liquid of his drink leaking onto his hand as he crushed the life out of the can.
Misato couldn't tell how long it was before she noticed movement but the whole time she sat helplessly watching Shinji glare at her. Slowly Asuka's left hand glided along Shinji's right forearm and then too a gentle hold on his wrist trying to persuade him to release his grip. Asuka persisted even when Shinji seemed not to react and raised her right hand to his neck trying to get his attention away from Misato. For a brief moment Shinji looked into Asuka's face, which was a picture of genuine concern. Misato could see most of Shinji's intensity had drained away when he looked back at her and watched as he surrendered to Asuka's tender touch.
Asuka's head was now softly nestled on Shinji's shoulder as they leaned into each other. Their eyes closed and Asuka allowed herself a contented smile as Shinji's right hand released the crushed can and his other hand was placed on top of her left hand. Misato relaxed, quietly sighing with relief as the two teens lost themselves in the moment. Instead of trying to assess the situation with a clear head, Misato quickly finished of her first four beers of the morning but with out her usual exuberance. She sat on her final beer, examining the scene before her with a discerning eye trying to imagine what could have happened to change her two roommates. Twenty-four hours ago these two were afraid to become close to anyone let alone each other and now they were almost depending on each other.
Misato was suddenly struck by how isolated she felt, as if an invisible barrier was now between her self and the new couple. They were in their own world even though they were only sitting on the opposite side of the table. She felt some sort of loss at this new situation even though in all honesty this could quite possibly be the best thing that could have happened. Well she saw it as a good thing but she doubted that Ritsuko and Commander Ikari would see it in such a way. Misato could feel an immanent headache if she continued on that train of though so she shifted her mind back to confronting the problem in front of her. She chided herself again as she realised there wasn't really a problem until she had created one.
"You know I'll still have to punish you for sleeping in the same bed and insist that you don't do it again," Misato's voice was steady and calm void of any hint of authority. Neither child reacted to Misato's statement that sounded more like a suggestion than a demand.
"It's like I said before, as long as you new relationship doesn't affect your piloting I can't see a problem. Although I'm not sure the Commander will see it that way but I will be on your side if it comes to a head. Now on with the punishments," the last part was said with more enthusiasm and was followed by something heavy being dropped onto the table. Shinji half opened an eye to see what it was and didn't know whether or not he should be relieved.
The object was a medium sized book that technically belonged to him. It was another one of his life's disappointments since it was an unexpected present from Asuka. He had been surprised and suspicious because there was no real reason for Asuka to do something like that. So when he opened it he wasn't quite shocked to find that it was a western style cookbook that Asuka had insisted he should use often. It was another not so subtle hint for him to try to cook her what she called 'real food'. Of course even though Shinji knew that it was going to be something that was more for her benefit than his, he still felt a pang of disappointment. Right know the book looked to have several pages marked and made it clear that Misato had been preparing for something like this.
"So Shinji for your punishment, every meal I am home this week you have to cook the recipe of my choice," Misato smiled proudly at what the two children considered a lame punishment.
"How is that going to be any different from every other night?" Shinji asked tentatively knowing that he probably wasn't going to like the answer.
"It's different because I don't usual tell you what to make but for the next week here is what I want you to cook." Misato handed Shinji a list that had recipes and ingredients. Shinji's face was one of dismay as he looked over a list of recipes, they were time consuming and difficult with the accompanying ingredients being long and varied.
"It's going to take me all day and I'll have to go all over Tokyo-3 just to get these ingredients," Shinji said in defeat, understanding why Misato was happy about making him cook.
"Don't worry, it looks like a nice day and we'll get to have a long walk together, even if it is to go grocery shopping." Asuka pointed out but immediately noticed Misato smiling like she had something else to inflict upon them.
"Not quite," Misato pause slightly to finally finish her fifth can of beer before she continued. "You Asuka will need to clean the apartment and I mean ALL of the apartment," Misato watch Asuka's bemused face until the complete realisation of her words sunk in. Asuka looked past Misato to the partially open door of Misato's room. Asuka didn't know the exact circumstances but she knew that sometime before her arrival there was some incident that occurred with Shinji and Misato's room. Ever since he has never entered that room for anything and it has been something she naturally followed even though she didn't know why. In any event it was left to Misato to clean her own room, something she rarely did.
"So you expect me to clean the whole apartment including your room?" Asuka watches Misato nod with a small smile of satisfaction on her lips. "But I thought your room was out of bounds?" Asuka asked hoping to try and alleviate some of her workload especially considering she usually does only the bare minimum.
"Don't worry, I'll be there to supervise you and after that you can wash my car," Misato could see Asuka about to explode but she held her tongue for a moment to regain some control.
"Why do have to wash the car as well as clean your room?" Her voice was almost a hiss as she tried to hold back her temper and refrain from incurring a greater penalty.
"Well Shinji keeps the rest of the apartment relatively clean so the only real work you have to do is in my room. So it's only fair that I give you something else to do to make up for it. Do you have a problem with that?" Misato asked the question and waited to see how the German girl would react. Asuka momentarily looked to argue but could tell that Misato was waiting for her to argue, so she decided to give rather than risk more work.
"No," came Asuka's disgruntled reply before she moved her head back to Shinji's shoulder. She settled back in her position closing her eyes to escape the impending reality of her day of manual labour. Misato looked at Shinji, who was looking at the table but was lost in thought, before she stood taking her empty cans to the bin.
"I'm going to take a shower and by the time I'm finished I expect you to be beginning your duties," Misato pause in the bathroom doorway waiting for a response. When none was forth coming she quietly stepped inside, closing the door behind her. The two sat in silence until the sound of running water could be heard from inside the bathroom.
"Shinji," Asuka's soft call went unanswered so she leaned back and turned his face towards hers. "Shinji, what's the matter?" Shinji confronted with Asuka's concerned face just smiled uneasily only making Asuka frown.
"I was just thinking about what Misato said," Shinji pulled away from Asuka so that he could move over to the sink to get a washcloth. Asuka waited for him to return but watched his face constantly as he moved around seeing that he was obviously troubled by something.
"So what is it?" Asuka asked trying not to sound too annoyed by Shinji's silence. "Are you really that upset by Misato finding me in your room or is it the so called 'punishment' she has set?" Asuka watched Shinji wiping up the contents of his drink and could see he was trying to find some way of phrasing his thoughts.
"It's not that, it's just something else she mentioned," Shinji looked at her and could see that she was waiting for him to continue. "I was just wondering what my father is going to do when he finds out," Asuka face only showed confusion at his statement.
"What do you mean? It's none of his business, what could he possibly do?" Shinji just looked at her as if she were speaking in another language.
"You mean what wouldn't he do if he thinks we weren't performing at our best?" Asuka could see Shinji was being serious. "If he thought that it was in his best interests to separate us he would do whatever it took to achieve it," Asuka sat and pondered Shinji's point as he rinsed out the soaked washcloth.
"Then we'll just have to make sure we don't let him," Asuka announced confidently but Shinji didn't turn away from the sink to face her.
"Even if he made you chose between piloting and me?" Asuka only just made out what he said but it immediately sent her mind into a frenzy. Consequently when Shinji turned to hear her answer, she had none and he could see it in her expression. Asuka had to watch as a disappointed Shinji turned silently and walked into his room. Shinji could only feel empty as he realised he would be second to Asuka with her main priority being piloting. On Asuka's part she could see the same thing but admonished herself for not being able to explain herself to him. She knew that he didn't care for piloting and would probably put her as the most important thing in his life. That difference between them made her feel hollow and only fuelled her anger toward herself. She belatedly returned to her room to change into something more fitting for her punishment.
Shinji exited his room carrying an empty backpack and his SDAT to aid in his long trek across Tokyo-3. He passes the bathroom noting that Misato still hasn't finished and then hesitates as he passes Asuka's closed door. He drops his stuff near the door so he can put on his shoes but decides against it and turns back to Asuka's room. He pauses before knocking, trying to hear any noise until he summons the courage to knock. His knock is tentative and quiet but her response is just the opposite.
"I'll be ready in a minute Misato," is her shouted reply that surprises Shinji and almost chases away his resolve.
"It's me, Shinji," his voice matches his earlier knock and he waits for a hostile reaction. What he does hear is a flurry of activity, which sounds like Asuka trying to clean up, and then a startled cry causing Shinji to start to worry. He listens closer to hear Asuka's quiet cursing but all movement within seems to have stopped.
"Asuka are you okay?" Shinji asks again in a stronger voice before slowly opening her door to peek inside. He spots Asuka sitting on the edge of her bed looking down on her bandage toe that is showing the signs of fresh bleeding. He goes back to fetch the first aid kit and then returns to find Asuka cautiously removing the bandage.
"Here let me do that," Asuka looks up to protest but relents and leans back to watch Shinji. He sits in front of her with his legs crossed and puts her foot in his lap before starting to attend to her wound.
"You know I can do that by myself," Asuka makes a weak attempt at a protest while enjoying the attention. Shinji briefly looks up with one eye raised in question making Asuka smile in mild amusement.
"What were you doing anyway?" he asks, returning his attention to his task.
"I was cleaning up a bit," Asuka replies after a moment of hesitation. "Can't have a pervert like you see my lingerie now can I? Besides you would probably die of a nose bleed," Asuka's playful tone causes Shinji to chuckle slightly at what would normally be a bitter insult.
"Who do you think does your laundry?" he doesn't look up but the silence tells his comment had the desired effect. He continues working in the silence until it is broken by an unusually quiet voice from his patient.
"Why are you here Shinji?" Shinji tenses up and doesn't look up knowing that Asuka is watching him closely.
"I came to apologise," he can tell she is frowning even though he hasn't seen her face. "I shouldn't have asked that question…" he was going to go on and explain in more depth but she cut him off.
"Why did you ask, especially when you already knew the answer?" Asuka continued to stare at him even though he wasn't going to look up.
"I though, after last night, things might have changed," Shinji almost jerks his head away from Asuka's touch. After overcoming his normal reflex action, he allows Asuka to tilt his face up so that he is looking at her.
"Things have changed but there are some things that haven't," Shinji can see Asuka grappling for words and waits patiently. "I do care and I don't want piloting to be the only thing in my life but…" Asuka starts to struggle as Shinji's fear noticeably rises with the continuation of her explanation. Slowly her hand drops away from his face, and then she lowers her gaze before flopping back on the bed and letting out a frustrated sigh. Shinji waits for her to speak but then returns to applying a new bandage to her toe. As he finishes and closes the first aid kit Asuka continues.
"Eva has been part of my life for so long that I can't just let it go, not yet. It sounds sad but for most of my life it has been my sole purpose. I can't give it up so easily for something that has only just started. Do you understand?" Asuka sits back up to see Shinji looking at her with a faint smile on his face.
"I understand and besides, you said 'yet' so one day maybe you will. I can wait and I'll show you that you don't need to be a pilot to be important to someone," Asuka smiles at Shinji's reassuring words. "I like you hair as well but I think I prefer it the usual way," Asuka reached up to smooth back her hair now tied back in a pony tail.
"Well I wanted to make sure that it wasn't going to get in the way. I just wish I could do the same with my fringe," Asuka blew a few stray bangs out of her eyes as she spoke. Shinji stood up and looked around the room while Asuka examined her toe before covering her feet with a pair of socks. Asuka stood up and was confronted by Shinji standing directly in front of her with a white handkerchief folded into a triangle.
"May I," Shinji indicated he was going to use the handkerchief in some way and Asuka closed her eyes and nodded her approval. Shinji cautiously reached out and used the handkerchief to hold Asuka's stray bangs away from her face. He began to tie the handkerchief at the back of her neck and hesitated when she gasped softly.
"Is something wrong?" Shinji asks as he finishes tying the handkerchief. Asuka opens her eyes and grins before raising her hands to the back of Shinji's neck. She tickles the fine hairs like he was unintentionally doing to her and her grin widens as she watches him enjoying the new sensation. Shinji stands motionless even after Asuka has removed her hands and only opens his when she speaks.
"My god! I look like some sort of housemaid," Shinji looks at Asuka who is looking at herself in the mirror.
"Well it's not like you have to go out in public," Shinji meekly speaks, wary of becoming a target for an angry outburst. He is saved by the sounds of movement in the kitchen and Misato's all too cheerful voice.
"Shinji, Asuka you have until I leave my room again to be ready," with that and the sound of a fresh beer being opened Misato entered her room. Much to Shinji's surprise Asuka gave a deflated sigh and the enveloped him in a comfort seeking hug.
"She says that she doesn't mind us but I think she's making us do this because she is jealous," Asuka grumbles into Shinji's ear. He smiles to himself and returns her embrace.
"Well at least you only have today, I'm going to spend the next week cooking just to appease her," he can hear her slightly muffle chuckle.
"So at least there is one benefit from this," Shinji decides against saying anything, happy to just enjoy the moment rather than risk screwing up by talking. "Shinji, why don't you clean Misato's room?" Shinji's smile faded as he remembered something he was less than proud of.
"It was nothing really, just that when I came here I was going to live on my own. I guess Misato took pity on me and decided I should live with her. I didn't really care at first but I started to and also thought she did as well. That was until when I was cleaning her room and I found my supervision record. So I thought that she really didn't care and was just doing it as part of her job. It sort of became a reason for running away after the fourth angel." Asuka leaned back to see Shinji's face but he would look at her.
"So where did you go?" her curiosity into his life before she arrived surprised him so he continued even though he was reluctant to do so.
"Actually most of the time I just walked around trying to figure out where I was going to go. Then I ran into Kensuke and I stayed in one place long enough for Section Two to catch up to me." Asuka just smiled and then placed her head back onto his shoulder.
"That would be just like you, running away but not knowing where you were going." Asuka's words seem to reassure him even though the comment wasn't really a positive one.
"We should really start moving otherwise Misato's going to find something else for us to do as punishment," Asuka grunted a protest before clinging onto him tighter.
"But I don't want to do anything, I'm quite happy right here." Shinji's smile brightened but he slowly peeled the girl off him to look her in the face.
"A piece of advice, take her futon out onto the balcony to air out. Also she usually piles the trash in the corners and some of the cans and instant ramen packs will probably be half full so it's best to just shovel them straight into a garbage bag." Asuka nodded to show her understanding but held onto his arms as he tried to leave.
"You're going to leave without saying a proper goodbye?" Shinji opened his mouth to say goodbye but Asuka's quickly covered it with her own. The force of the kiss pushed Shinji back until he was up against the wall. Shinji quickly overcame his shock and joined in the kiss that left him breathless.
"Wow," was the only coherent thing that Asuka heard him say as he leaned heavily on the wall trying to regaining his breath. Asuka stood back to proudly admire the effect she had on Shinji.
"Now third child you better get going before Misato make things harder on both of us." A dazed Shinji stumbles out into the hall and put on his shoes. Asuka stops midway between her room and Misato's and dashes down the hallway to Shinji.
"Hurry back and I'll give you an even better welcome home kiss," Asuka pecks Shinji on the cheek and then pushes him out the door. The confused Shinji begins his journey trying to decide whether or not it's possible for Asuka to make good on her promise. Asuka walks back to Misato's room to find the door open and her guardian sitting on her futon with beer in hand.
"My, my, don't you two make the sweetest couple," Misato looked at Asuka with dreamy eyes to emphasise her cute voice. Asuka looked at her guardian tiredly realising that this was the first in a long day of teasing.
"Isn't it great Misato, now the four of us can go double dating. Shinji and me and you and Kaji out on the town drawing the envy of everyone that sees us," Asuka grins at Misato's disgusted look.
"Kaji and I never were and never will be a cute couple," her voice was flat and forceful but she didn't shout. Taking another swig from her beer her face seemed to brighten.
"So Asuka it is time to get started. You just get to work and I'll be right here watching you," Misato smiled evilly making Asuka understand that she just wasn't going to be cleaning the room but also become Misato's slave for the day.
"Fine," Asuka's mischievous grin disturbs Misato slightly. "First I think we'll start with the bed," before Misato could react, Asuka pulled the futon out from under her. Years of drunkenly falling of bar stools meant that Misato didn't spill a drop of her beer as she landed on her back. Misato sat back up and heard Asuka disappearing out onto the balcony with her futon. Looking down Misato could see the clear difference between the clean floor under her futon and the rest of the floor. It was a sight that made her stomach uneasy, so she settled it back down by finishing her beer.
"It's a wonder with all this filth that you are still alive Misato. God knows what sort of disease is in all this trash." Misato could only nod dumbly in agreement to Asuka's words. Misato sat watching from the security of the only clean patch of floor as Asuka grumbled her way though her work. Misato was amazed at the amount of dirt that Asuka was picking up in her room. It was also a big contrast considering how clean Shinji kept the rest of the apartment. Misato decided that she might have to rethink the rule of keeping Shinji out of her room so that it gets cleaned more often. One thing was for sure and that was she didn't want to clean up after herself considering how much of a slob she was. She knew it was selfish but with everything that was happening it was a lot easier this way, even if she felt terrible for putting so much of a burden on Shinji.
It had been a long day, six hours in fact and this was the first time since she had woken up that she felt relaxed. The long hot bath had been very relaxing but the nagging doubt over a certain roommate was getting to her. Shinji hadn't returned and she was worried even though she knew that he had to walk to the opposite side of Tokyo-3 and back with serval stops in between. Asuka finished brushing her hair and started to replace her ever-present headset. That was when she here a tired male voice announce his return. Asuka smiled to herself, checking her hair and clothes in the mirror and then pausing at the door to calm herself down. She exits the bathroom to see Shinji with his back to her placing the groceries on the table but before she can make her presence know Misato's voice stops her.
"Hello Rei, I take it that Shinji invited you to dinner," Misato voice went over the sound of the TV.
"That is correct Major Katsuragi," Rei's soft voice was almost drowned out by the noise from the TV but Asuka could see the back of the girl's head from where she stood. Asuka notice that Shinji was smiling at her but it quickly faded as she glared at him.
"Come with me Third Child," it was an order but he didn't have a choice considering she took hold of his collar and dragged him to her room. Rei watched them emotionlessly while Misato smiled behind her beer can. Once they were inside the room, Asuka threw Shinji onto the bed and slammed the door. As Shinji tried to sit up Asuka knocked him back down pinning him to the bed.
"What took you so long? Why is Wondergirl here? Did you spend all day with her? What is wrong with you? Why won't you answer me?" Asuka had noticed Shinji's face go from pale to red and now was turning blue and leaned in closer as her stammered out an answer.
"Your… knee… on… chest…" Asuka leaned back and then looked down to see her knee pressed squarely onto Shinji's chest. Quickly rolling of him, Asuka waited as Shinji filled his lungs again in between coughing. He finally calmed down but rubbed his sore ribs as he sat up straight.
"You still haven't answered me," Asuka's voice was distant even though she was sitting at the end of the bed.
"I ran into her at the market," his voice was even and quiet but he didn't look at her knowing she was studying him. "She was shopping and was only buying instant foods and a few fruits and vegetables. I felt sorry for her and asked if she wanted to have dinner here." He looked up at her and her displeased face had softened to the point where she looked like she was about to smile.
"So you only took pity on her?" Asuka seemed to relax as her faith in Shinji was restored.
"Have you seen where she lives?" Asuka shook her head as Shinji turned to face her. "She lives in the old disused NERV apartments that went out of use when the geofront was finished. It's worse than Misato's room and I think she only lives there because no one has told her that she can move. Not that she would if she knew," Asuka appeared to be satisfied and was now smiling. Shinji smiled back as he climbed off the bed and stretched out, still feeling an ache in his chest.
"You don't need to convince me Wondergirl is an idiot," Shinji frowned at her comments. "Okay, I'll try and be nice if you give me something in return." Asuka stands as Shinji looks to be thinking about what he can give her, something Asuka feels frustrated about. She knows exactly what she wants from him and is starting to believe he really is dumb. However the smile that he gives her erases that thought and just about every other thought goes with it. Time halts as he pulls her closer and the captures her lips with his own. It's a slow, sensual kiss but what makes Asuka's legs weak is the unrestrained emotion that he conveys through the kiss. As they separate Asuka realises she is holding onto Shinji to keep herself from dropping to the floor.
"Is that enough," Shinji's face is flushed just as Asuka's is as they stare at each other. Before they can kiss again there is a loud banging sound as Misato pounds the wall.
"You two better hurry up, we are still waiting for dinner out here," Misato's yell still has enough impact even though its through a solid wall. Both sigh, closing their eyes and pressing their foreheads together.
"I should go," Shinji reluctantly whispered, waiting a few seconds before slowly leaving the room. Asuka surprises herself by being able to stand without using Shinji to steady herself. As he disappears from view behind the closing door Asuka flops onto her bed. She relives the kiss and revels in the emotions attached to the kiss. Curling up into a ball with a luminous smile Asuka decides on a quick nap before dinner.
Shinji would consider this to be the most normal time he had ever experienced. Of course this is only what he assumed to be normal for the rest of the world. Asuka had exited her room with a smile and the proceeded to sit in the lounge room next to Rei. Much to everyone's surprise she attempted to enter into a conversation with what some would consider her arch nemesis. It started out on why Rei only wore her school uniform and then moved to where she lived and even what she considered 'fun'. That was where Misato tried to join in but they continued to get the same answer, 'It is not necessary for me to fulfil my purpose'. Shinji found it weird that they didn't ask what her purpose was but he assumed it to be Evangelion related. At the moment they had sat down to eat and the topic had not surprisingly turned to food.
"I know that you don't like meat but just why don't you like meat?" Asuka was becoming aggravated at her lack of progress.
"What Asuka wants to know is why you decided that you didn't like meat?" Rei seemed to consider Shinji's question for longer than she had thought about anything else. While Asuka was not particularly happy about that, it was out weighed by the fact Shinji may be able to get some answers.
"I do not like meat because Commander Ikari does not like meat," Rei continued with her salad seemingly unaware of everyone else staring at her.
"My father is a vegetarian?" Shinji asks not quite believing it for some reason.
"That is correct," Rei replies with out looking up.
"You mean to tell me that the only reason you don't eat meat is because the Commander is a vegetarian?" Rei looks up hesitant in repeat her answer but Asuka doesn't give her a chance. "Have you ever actually eaten meat before?" Rei sits up straight and appears to scan her memory for anytime she has actually eaten meat.
"I believe I have never eaten meat," Rei looks around the table to see everybody has stopped to watch her.
"So how can you not like something if you haven't tried it?" Asuka stares at her ready to gloat over her victory.
"It is not necessary for my dietary needs so I see no need to try it," Asuka's head hits the table with a dull thud.
"It may not be necessary but it is not unnecessary, is it?" Rei looks at Shinji unable to dispute his statement. "So there is no reason that you cannot try at least one bite, would you like some Rei?" Shinji picks up a piece of his chicken and offers it to Rei. Rei considers the offered food as Asuka, Shinji and Misato look on trying to discern what Rei's choice will be. It is almost a shock to see her face move forward as she takes the offered food into her mouth. She chews several times and the pauses, eyes widen for a moment before her chewing resumes at twice the speed. Asuka and Misato are surprised at how much reaction they have seen in Rei while Shinji seems pleased.
"That tasted… different," they all appear to be surprised by her answer.
"Would you like some more?" Shinji asked Rei who was still relishing the taste of the digested meat.
"I would appreciate that," Shinji stands and dishes out a new bowl for Rei. She pushes away her salad to make room for the bowl of chicken curry. Much to the astonishment of the other people at the table, Rei eagerly digs into her food rather than her usually steady pace. Shinji, Asuka and Misato get back to their own meals eating in silence but feeling a sense of accomplishment at getting Rei to try something new.
"Thank you for the meal Ikari, it was… delicious," Misato nearly dropped her beer when Rei said the last word with a smile.
"Thank you for the compliment Ayanami, you should join us again sometime," Shinji avoided looking at Asuka, already feeling her fiery glare.
"That would be nice, will you be having meat?" Shinji looks a little taken aback by the question but Misato answers for him.
"Of course we will be Rei, in a couple of days, since I'm working late tomorrow, Shinji will be making another terrific curry from around the world. You are more than welcome to join us," Misato moves alongside Rei who stood up when she approached.
"That would be satisfactory," Rei replies as Misato's arm encircles her shoulders guiding her out of the kitchen and to the lounge room.
"Now let's get back to the issue of fun," Rei looks up at her superior officer but doesn't get a chance to say anything. "I know you said it wasn't necessary but it's not unnecessary as Shinji said." Rei sat next to Misato as she revisited the discussion of 'fun' armed with a new, proven plan of attack. Shinji just gathered the dirty dishes and placed them in the sink so that he could begin washing them. A thought that had been plaguing him all day, wormed its way back into his conscious mind. As it started to consume his thoughts he failed to notice Asuka standing next to him until she took the first clean bowl to dry it.
"Asuka," Shinji jumped after being startled out of his thoughts by Asuka. "I didn't see you there," he offers in a weak reply to Asuka's inquisitive stare.
"What's the matter?" Asuka asks in a concerned tone but she focuses on drying the bowl in her hands.
"Nothing," he cringes the instant after his automatic response. The look from Asuka tells him that she knows that there is definitely something wrong. He doesn't speak right away, choosing to pick his words carefully to avoid an incident like this morning.
"I was just thinking about tomorrow," he paused waiting to see if Asuka knew what he was talking about, she didn't. "I mean we have to go to school tomorrow and being the first day after the dance and I was thinking…" His voice trailed off as Asuka slowly nodded, starting to understand his misgivings.
"You were thinking I was going to go to school and insult you like I used to," Shinji nodded but neither spoke as they continued with the dishwashing.
"You said before that some things haven't changed. I just started to doubt that you would admit to liking a boy you publicly announced as a worthless, perverted, idiot just about every school day." Asuka looks a Shinji's forlorn face as he hands her another clean dish and begins to regret her previous actions.
"You make me sound like a real bitch, you know that," Asuka is surprised that Shinji doesn't come back with his usual 'sorry' but he strangely had a smile on his face.
"Well Toji and Kensuke don't call you the red headed demon for no reason," Asuka just looks blankly at Shinji and Shinji starts to think he shouldn't have said anything. Asuka dries the last bowl as Shinji drains the sink and then washes his hands.
"Don't apologise," Asuka pre-empts Shinji's apology and hands him a towel so that he can dry his hands. There is another pause as Shinji carefully dries his hands not wanting to look at her.
"You still haven't answered my question," he hands the towel back and looks at her smiling face. Normally her smile is uplifting but this type of smiles makes him nervous. He feels justified as Asuka turns to the living room and the two people sitting on the couch.
"Oh Wondergirl! Can I have your attention please," both Rei and Misato turned to look into the adjoining kitchen. Shinji's concern at having an impromptu audience is turned into full-blown panic when Asuka turns to face him. Normally Shinji would look for any way to escape when he saw Asuka's devious smile but she was prepared and didn't give him the chance. Their lips meet in a forceful kiss that stunned Shinji as he was backed up until his back was pressed against the kitchen sink. They held that position for a moment before Shinji surprised Asuka and even himself by fighting back just as hard when he felt Asuka about to separate from him. Asuka allowed Shinji to hold the initiative until her back hit the table then she pushed back just as hard.
From the lounge room, two people watched as the couple battled for supremacy, bouncing between the kitchen sink and table. Misato had smiled when this began but as it progressed, her smile shifted into a frown. As always Rei watched impassively, knowing what they were doing but not understanding why. This was especially due to the Second Child's firmly stated opinion on her fellow pilot. Misato shifts slightly getting ready to hurl her now empty beer can at the two teenagers but relaxing, as they break apart. They both stand in the kitchen trying to regain their breath as they looked at each other's flushed faces.
"There is your answer," Asuka smiles brightly but Shinji blinks as his mind tries to resume normal functions.
"What was the question?" Shinji finally asks, glad that he can at least speak even if he can't think.
"Can't you remember what were talking about five minutes ago?" Asuka watches Shinji's futile attempts to retrieve the requested memory. Eventually he gives in shaking his head in defeat.
"Not when you kiss me like that," they share a cheerful smile, Shinji just happy that Asuka is happy.
"I'll take that as a compliment," Asuka gleefully replies making Shinji blush. Meanwhile, Rei has come to the conclusion that she is no longer required to observe the Second Child. She then does the thing that Misato was dreading, she turns to her for an explanation. Misato looks at her knowing that even though the girl hasn't asked or changed facial expressions she is awaiting an answer.
"I suppose you could say that they are dating now, even though yesterday morning I clearly remember Asuka yelling at him for some reason." Rei looks satisfied, which only means she looks away from Misato after receiving an acceptable answer.
"Do they wish to become one with one another?" Misato nearly choked at the direct question. One look at the piercing gaze and expectant face and Misato knew she had to answer.
"Well hopefully not until they are sixteen," Misato reluctantly conceded.
"Is age important?" Rei asked quickly, showing that she wasn't going to let this go easily.
"Legally yes," Misato replied but it obviously wasn't enough for Rei as she continued to wait for a broader answer. "I suggest you talk to Ritsuko about this. She's a doctor, she could explain it better," Misato sighed in relief as Rei looked away.
"Thank you, I will seek clarification from Dr Akagi," Misato smiled to herself as she thought of Rei asking her friend all the big questions. Although she was sure that her old collage friend would find out that she told Rei to ask her, it was still going to be fun.
"It's late Rei, you should probably go home," Misato stood up with Rei and followed her out to the door.
"What time should I arrive on Tuesday?" Misato looked back with a vacant stare. "You invited me to dinner two days from now," Rei stated to clarify Misato's earlier suggestion.
"Oh yeah, I did. Well about six should be fine, I'll see you then Rei," Misato let Rei exit the apartment.
"Thank Major Katsuragi and good night," Rei disappeared from sight and Misato sighed again. She didn't bother thinking why she was tired even though she hadn't done anything. She only went to get her all-purpose remedy, beer. Misato pulled out another beer and leaned back against the fridge as she opened the can. She stopped before drinking from it when it became apparent the apartment was completely silent. Looking around her mind quickly asserted that the TV was off, the lounge room empty, Asuka's door open and Shinji's door closed. Deciding to let them have some time alone Misato continues with her all-purpose remedy.
However, halfway through the can the sound of discord from a fallen cello changes her mind. She moves to Shinji's door but can't hear anything through it. Knocking loudly and not waiting for a reply, she forcefully slides open the door. Inside she spots the couple on the bed, Shinji pinned at the elbows as Asuka hovers over him. Asuka's hair covers both their faces but the soft sound of German curses could be heard. That ceased when Shinji stretched up from where he was held and silenced her with a soft kiss. They bid their good nights and then a frustrate Asuka stood up to leave.
"You know you have terrible timing Misato, I was just starting to enjoy myself," Misato only smiled as Asuka passed her.
"That would mean I got here just in time," Asuka frowned, stopping just next to Misato.
"Just because you and Kaji couldn't control yourselves doesn't mean we have the same problem," Misato lets the insult pass not letting Asuka antagonise her that easily.
"What happened between Kaji and myself has nothing to do with this," Misato confidently states, assured she could stop any challenge.
"So that story Ritsuko told us, about how you two skipped a week of college to have sex, was a total fabrication?" Asuka smirked as Misato paled.
"That… It… She told you about that?" Asuka grinned with her victory and went towards her room.
"I rest my case," her door shut and Misato could only stare before turning to Shinji who was examining his cello.
"Did Ritsuko really tell you about that?" Misato pleaded with Shinji.
"Umm…well actually she did," Misato dejectedly hung her head. "At least Asuka wasn't there when Kaji insisted on telling me more about it." Shinji swallowed heavily trying to hide behind his cello with the realisation that he probably shouldn't have said that.
"What did… no wait I don't want to know," Misato felt a headache and a need for more than a few beers. She closed Shinji's door and went to the fridge.
Later that night Misato awoke with a start, slumped on the kitchen table with a blanket draped over her shoulders. With a silent thanks to Shinji, Misato stood up to go to her room. Giving in to her doubt however, Misato decided to check on her roommates. Quietly opening Asuka's door Misato could see her sleeping peacefully with her back to the door and her face covered with a mass of red hair. Misato would have left then but a soft click stopped her. Entering the room, Misato looked for the offending object and found it in Asuka's hand. Shinji's SDAT was nestled in the palm of Asuka's hand and set to replay, constantly playing soft music to the sleeping girl. The sight is heart warming but also peaks Misato's curiosity as to how Shinji would sleep without his music.
Opening his door, Misato looked in to see him also facing away from the door. Stepping inside her eyes travel from his contented face to the red headset cradled in his hands. Misato sighs, trying not to make it too loud but can only smile like she did twenty-four hours ago in this same position. Finally leaving her first roommate to his dreams, Misato went straight to her room and instantly noticed the clean and fresh smell. Wondering how she is going to sleep with the strange smell hanging in the air. That thought is quickly forgotten as she slides into her clean futon and then slips into unconsciousness as sleep overtakes her.
The clock ticks over to four thirty in the morning as a mobile phone rings somewhere in the apartment, only to be answered after several rings. There is a short discontented conversation followed by the sound of someone dressing. A door opens and closes and the ruffle of paper as a note is written is heard before the front door opens and closes leaving only two people and one penguin present in the apartment.
Additional notes: Well I hope to have to the third part up sometime sooner that it took for the second. This only took about a week to write but I've been procrastinating about posting it. I know what the third part is about but after that it gets a bit sketchy. All chapters should be about ten thousand words but still that is sometimes not enough. Especially since I needed to trim some stuff out of this part. Anyway this will be continued, when I don't know.