Disclaimer: Well I didn't get any Eva merchandise but the stuff I did get was still cool and so I still don't own anything EVA related.
Author's notes: Well it took me a little longer than anticipated because of my apathy and being really busy. I hope to have the next and probably final chapter out in about the same amount of time but the epilogue may not be so forth coming. No matter but remember to let me know your opinions if you care enough to have any.
Shinji's Lullaby
Chapter 6
Shinji was glad that he got home in time for a shower considering there were only a few hours before his first official date. What wasn't so encouraging was the fact that his two roommates were still missing and hadn't been seen since they went shopping straight after school. It had turned into an all girl outing after Asuka asked Hikari to go and Misato asked Rei. Rei went mostly because she couldn't understand why they needed new dresses when their old clothes were sufficient. Her calm presence seemed out of place with the other two girls and the major, who all appeared genuinely excited.
While they were off enjoying themselves, Shinji was left with the job of doing the dirty work. Barely five minutes after Misato's car had disappeared, Kaji's came screeching around the corner. True it had been his idea to contact Kaji about Misato imposing herself on their date. Unfortunately he didn't have Kaji's phone number and had to ask Asuka for it and she wanted to know why. When she found out, she turned his simple idea of asking Kaji to join the to act as a buffer between them and Misato, into an overly complicated military type operation.
Shinji was to meet Kaji after school and give him a list of thing he should and shouldn't do so that he could endear himself to Misato. What Shinji hadn't anticipated was Kaji's sports car and his willingness to take Kensuke's advice and take them on a joyride around Tokyo-3. Shinji was glad that he had been able to pass on the note and a few last minute messages from Asuka. Kaji shared Shinji's concern that Asuka was over thinking the situation but Shinji hadn't divulged the first objective.
Even though he met Kaji first, the first objective was to intimidate Misato into a withdrawal with the threat of Kaji's presence. That way they could be alone at the restaurant while Misato stayed home and away from them. If that should fail then Kaji would also be there and hopefully be a distraction for Misato to stop her interfering in their date. Shinji knew that it could also backfire on them and Kaji may prove the catalyst for something Misato might do. Not that it was his greatest concern since Asuka had given him a script to provoke Misato into either not going or accepting Kaji's presence.
Shinji exited the bathroom wearing a t-shirt and a pair of shorts and grabbed himself a drink as he moved to the back of the couch. Sitting on it was Toji and Kensuke as they watched Kensuke's video of the dance. Shinji had to cringe as he saw himself dancing with one of his classmates. It wasn't that she was a bad person or that he wasn't mildly enjoying himself but the expressions of awe that were emanating from Toji. Shinji thought it best that he slip away before he was noticed and he turned around ready to leave when Toji spoke.
"He danced with all those girls and he chose the demon instead?" Toji's question was to no one in particular and Shinji had to silence his sigh of relief.
"Well considering he never danced with a girl for more than five minutes before being interrupted by another guy, it's not surprising. None of them seemed really interested in him but that still doesn't explain why he choose Asuka." Toji turned his head slight to the side to view Kensuke but didn't notice Shinji behind them.
"Not to mention why she chose him but I'll never understand a demon like her," Toji dismissively waved his hand at Asuka's room as if it would rid thoughts of her from his mind.
"Not that we want to understand a mind as twisted as hers," Kensuke pushed up his glasses as Toji nodded his agreement. "However I will admit that she has a positive influence on him," Kensuke closed his eyes almost in disbelief that he actually said that.
"I'll agree to that but I'm not going to admit it to him and definitely not to her," Toji looked at Kensuke and they shared a knowing smile. Shinji was also smiling and he decided that he should make his presence known.
"So we all agree not to tell Asuka, not that she'd believe me if I did," Shinji's two friends whirled around to look at him as he stood over them with a smug smile.
"You know it's rude to eavesdrop on other people's conversations," Kensuke looked accusingly up at Shinji.
"This coming from the amateur spy who spends all day listening to other people's discussions," Shinji's enjoyment of Kensuke's squirming lasted only until Toji opened his mouth.
"But we're you're friends, you not suppose to spy on us," Toji pleaded as he stood up and faced Shinji.
"And you're my friends, so you shouldn't be keeping secrets from me," Shinji cut back leaving his tall friend speechless.
"What secrets?" the three boys looked straight as Asuka with none of them hearing her enter the apartment. Hikari stood next to her and behind them they could hear Misato and Rei approaching.
"You wouldn't believe me even if I told you," Shinji admitted and Asuka fixed a curious stare on him. However before she could speak Misato brushed past her with Rei in tow.
"So what do you think?" Misato announced as she presented Rei to the three boys. The three of them looked at her blankly as she stared back looking a little uncomfortable. Shinji quickly assessed what could be different with Rei but her hair, clothes and shoes all seemed to be what she usually wore. Behind him, Shinji could hear the equally stupefied murmurs of his two friends as they also tried to figure it out.
"I told you they wouldn't notice," Asuka proclaimed to Misato as they both became impatient. Shinji looked at both of them and then back to Rei. He blinked twice before leaning forward slightly and taking a closer look, an action that appeared to escalate Rei's discomfort.
"Are you wearing makeup?" Shinji cautiously spoke and Rei seemed relived that he had guessed correctly.
"Congratulations, we have a winner," cheered Misato, startling both Shinji and Rei.
"I don't see what the big deal is," Asuka fumed slightly since all the attention, more importantly, Shinji's attention was on Rei.
"Because they make such a cute couple. See for yourself," Misato pointed at the TV. The video had come to the point where Shinji was teaching Rei how to dance. While most of the room hadn't seen it before, Asuka had and quickly latched onto Shinji's arm.
"He's mine Wondergirl, find your own man," Asuka defensively growled at Rei who was unfazed by her claim.
"I had no intention of making Shinji my own," Rei stated flatly but Asuka maintained her fierce glare.
"Well if we're going to be ready on time I should take you guys home now," Misato's comment interrupted Asuka's one-sided staring contest. Hikari and Rei had left their stuff in Misato's car, so they had to wait for Toji and Kensuke to gather their belongings. Asuka pulled Shinji aside as she moved into the kitchen.
"Do it now," she urged as she released him and then moved to the fridge to fetch herself a drink.
"Do what now?" inquired Misato after over hearing Asuka's hushed comment. Shinji swallowed nervously as Misato and Asuka watched him closely.
"It's nothing Misato," Shinji hesitantly spoke and saw that Asuka was wondering what he was doing. "You'd better leave now, otherwise you won't be ready when Kaji gets here at six thirty." Misato had dismissed Shinji's statement until she heard him mention Kaji. She looked inquisitively at him and it was obvious he was trying to act casual even though he was nervous about something.
"Why would Kaji be coming here at six thirty?" Misato kept Shinji in her sights with a scrutinising gaze but Asuka answered.
"To get us to the restaurant on time of course," Asuka condescendingly chastised Misato and Misato became even more perplexed.
"Why would he be taking us to the restaurant?" Misato asked and Asuka scowled at how dense she was acting.
"Because I… invited… him to… join us," Shinji replied in a small voice, immediately turning around to the sink. He pretended to reorder the perfectly ordered kitchen as the realisation of what he said sunk in.
"And why is he invited?" Misato's voice had hardened and she shifted her glare between Shinji's back and Asuka's calm face.
"You don't want to be seen alone as the third wheel on a teenagers date, do you?" Asuka sceptically asked but Misato solely focused her attention on Shinji. He tried not to make it obvious as he swallowed hard being fully aware of the flaws in the next comment that Asuka had given him.
"Asuka is right, I mean a thirty year old woman and with a couple of fourteen year olds is kind of… sad," Shinji gulped again as he noticed Misato's eyebrow twitch. She leaned forward so that her face was within inches of his and she appeared to be restraining herself from grasping his collar.
"You know perfectly well I'm twenty nine," Misato's forceful whisper backed Shinji up against the sink. As Misato enjoyed watching Shinji squirm she caught a glimpse of the smirking Asuka to one side.
"That still doesn't change the fact that you are crashing the date of a couple that are only half your age," Asuka interjected as she moved alongside Shinji. As Asuka expected, Shinji seemed to become a little sturdier when she stood next to him.
"Or the fact you failed to inform me that he was invited," Misato countered quickly but Asuka wasn't put off.
"At least he had the decency to wait for an invitation rather than inviting himself," Asuka allowed her volume to increase as her anger escalated. Shinji realised that whatever game plan they had about staying cool and conning Misato into backing down had gone out the window.
"There is nothing decent about that man and I'm sure if he'd known that I'd be there, he would have been there as well." Misato matched Asuka's voice but had an underlying strength that came from experience.
"He's not the only one who's indecent and he wouldn't be there if you didn't go, so stay home." Asuka's declaration felt like an insult to Misato even though she knew within herself that she shouldn't be imposing herself on them. As Misato moved to make her retort, which was going to be a strategic retreat, she noticed a small glimmer of hope in Shinji's eyes. Realising they were trying to make her stay home sparked a pang of regret in her actions but it didn't stop her from her original course.
"I get it," she quietly proclaimed, "You're trying to get me to say that I'm not going to go with you. Well I call your bluff, like it or not I'll be dining with you this evening." Misato didn't wait for their reactions and ushered the other children out the door.
"What just happened?" Asuka asked her gaze still fixed on the closed front door.
"I think she thinks that we were bluffing and didn't really invite Kaji," Shinji offered and watched as Asuka balled her fists in anger.
"I hate it when people don't take me seriously," Shinji just watched her, still a little apprehensive about intervening after what happened last time. Slowly he took her wrist and coaxed her hand into relaxing so that he could intertwine his fingers with hers.
"Don't worry about it, she'll know we weren't bluffing when Kaji gets here later," Shinji's weak effort at support was meet by a dubious glance from Asuka. Without warning she wrapped her arms around him and snuggle her face into his shoulder.
"Much better," Asuka whispered in a soothing voice as Shinji tentatively returned the embrace. Since the day before moments like this had been rare with both of them being overly cautious.
"You know if we stay like this we're going to be late," Shinji almost laughed as Asuka groaned in protest. The reason he didn't was that instead of pulling away, Asuka tightened her grip and pressed herself closer to him.
"Aren't you worried about what Misato might do?" Asuka bit her lip after asking. She knew that she only did so because he seemed too calm about the situation. Somewhere in the back of her mind she couldn't shake the fear that he wanted Misato there. So she asked the question, which he was painstakingly slow to answer.
"Actually I think I'd be a lot more nervous if I knew we were going to be alone," Shinji's admission sent a wave of uncertainty through Asuka's body.
"You don't want to be alone with me?" Asuka quietly asked trying to pull away but Shinji continued to hold her close.
"It's not being alone with you, it's being alone with you in public. I'm not comfortable around lots of people I don't know," Shinji continued to hold her close even though she was trying to lean away. Upon hearing his answer she relented and remained in his arms.
"You need to relax a little more," came Asuka's reply and Shinji felt the tension flow out of his system. As Shinji let himself relax into her embrace, the quiet moment was broken as a hungry penguin wanting to be fed decided to peck at Shinji's leg. Shinji scowled down at Pen-Pen but the bird either didn't understand or didn't care what the boy thought. He only wanted food and he wanted it now. Asuka was slightly amused by Shinji's reaction to the interruption and more so by the continuing staring match between the two.
Not willing to wait she drew Shinji's attention by blowing gently on his face. When he turned to her, their faces were within inches of each other. Shinji didn't pull away but he was surprised, especially when she pressed her lips to his. Shinji hesitated as Asuka kissed him but slowly regained enough composure to kiss her back. Having received a response, which was all she wanted, Asuka pulled away leaving Shinji slightly befuddled.
"The red bag is yours, make sure you wear it," Asuka spoke as she collected her shopping and dropped it in her room. She then passed the dazed but thoughtful Shinji as she headed for the bathroom.
"The kiss wasn't that good," Asuka comment as she stood in the bathroom door looking at Shinji's back.
"It's just the first kiss since our fight the other day," Shinji's quiet statement provoked Asuka into thinking about it a little more. It didn't take her long to figure out that he was right but she didn't see the significance. As they both pondered that thought, Pen-Pen had decided that he was too hungry to be ignored any longer. He went to his final resort, one that would have had him kicked like a football through the nearest window if he had tried it on either of his female roommates.
Pen-Pen bit Shinji's leg and at the same time twisted his beak, eliciting a yelp of pain from Shinji. Shinji stumbled over to the couch to attend his sore calf. Pen-Pen waited for Shinji to meekly admit his error and feed him as the usually submissive boy always did. Unfortunately the flightless bird's focus on Shinji meant that he was unaware of Asuka lining him up for a punt out the balcony door.
The colour had been familiar but he hadn't been able to place it until he looked into a mirror to adjust his tie. Shinji tightened the dark blue silk tie around his neck, letting his fingers glide over the silk once he was done. The silk shimmered in the light as it swayed with his movements. He slipped his arms into the vest that matched the colour of his tie and his eyes. They were both in the red bag that Asuka had given him and Asuka had told him that they matched the colour of her dress. Shinji looked once more in the mirror, making sure his tie and vest as well as his white shirt and black pants were all presentable.
He looked at his watch and was relieved to see that there was still time before Kaji was expected to arrive. He slipped on his jacket as he entered the kitchen and wasn't surprised to find no one else was ready. As Shinji rounded the table he spotted Pen-Pen looking up at the highest shelf. The bird paid him little attention as Shinji walked around him and into the living room. Looking back he could still see Pen-Pen trying to figure out how he was going to get the TV remote down from the shelf.
Shinji was surprised that he had been able to walk so quickly after getting kicked across the room and crashing the glass door. The placement of the remote had been Misato's idea after she saw the welt that was on Shinji's calf. However the penguin was not discouraged easily and had been staring up at that shelf even since the remote was deposited there. Shinji shook his head and looked away from the bird when he realised it was doing nothing to alleviate his growing anxiety. Another brief look at his watch told him that he was thinking too much because time had appeared to slow down.
The sound of an opening door immediately drew Shinji's attention and his eyes locked on to Asuka as she stepped into the hallway. Asuka froze in place with a slight blush on her cheeks as she realised that Shinji was staring at her. She smiled to herself as she remembered how she always called him perverted. However his eyes hadn't strayed from her face since she entered the room. Asuka took a couple of paces towards him and the slowly twirled so that Shinji could appraise her completely. The midnight blue dress hugged her body reaching down to her ankles and cut low along her back, allowing a hint of creamy skin to show through her cascading auburn hair.
"So… like what you see?" Asuka purred as he gaze returned to Shinji. Shinji appeared to have lost his voice, mouthing adjectives but no sound could be heard. As Asuka moved closer to him she could hear him swallow hard as he attempted to clear his throat so that he could voice his opinion.
"Stunning… absolutely stunning… you look very… elegant," Shinji had intended to go on but his mouth went dry again. Asuka leaned closer, clearly pleased with his response as she examined the colour and pattern of his irises. Shinji couldn't say that he felt drawn to her but he did feel compelled to lean forward. His action surprised Asuka but she held the gentle kiss, their lips being the only point of physical contact between them. She had to forcibly hold her hands behind her back as she slowly moved her mouth closer to his ear. Their cheeks remained in contact but both children were having a hard time restraining their hands from holding onto the other.
"Thank you," Asuka breathlessly whispered into his ear as she broke contact and leaned back. "Now hold this," Asuka handed Shinji a ribbon the colour of her dress. Shinji watched as Asuka raked her hand through her hair, gathering it together in preparation for it to be tied back. As closely as Shinji had been watching Asuka, he hadn't noticed that she hadn't been wearing her customary headset.
"Now tie it in a bow," Asuka commanded as she abruptly turned her back to him. Asuka was holding back her hair that would normally be held back by her headset as she waited for Shinji to tie it in place.
"Are you sure you want me to do this?" Shinji heard Asuka sigh in frustration at his timid question.
"Yes, I'm positive, so do it and make sure that it's tied tightly," Asuka waited a few moments before she felt Shinji's hands tentatively begin. She could hear the sound of the fabric as it was tightened into a bow and also felt the occasional touch of Shinji's hands on hers.
"Done," he simple stated and Asuka let her hands relax by her sides. She felt Shinji's hands slowly descending from her head, gently combing her hair. Occasionally his fingers reached right through the curtain of her hair and grazed along the exposed skin of her back.
"Don't you two just make the perfect couple," Misato sardonically commented. She had been in a bad mood since she had returned after both Toji and Kensuke told her that Shinji had spent part of the afternoon with Kaji. She was just as angry with herself for not remembering that when Shinji was intimidated, everything he said appeared to be a lie but it rarely was.
"We make a great couple Misato so don't get all patronizing because we weren't bluffing," Asuka chided Misato. Misato tried to calm herself down after noticing that Shinji wasn't happy with how things were going. They had spoken while Asuka was in the shower and Shinji conceded that he didn't mind her being there as long as she didn't cause trouble. Misato hadn't made any promises and she already felt the disquiet that had been bothering her since she first saw them together.
"Whatever, let's just go," Misato's dismissive attitude infuriated Asuka but Shinji tried to keep her calm. The last thing Misato wanted was to spend time anywhere near Kaji. He knew how to wind her up to the point where she'd confess something she didn't want to. She had enigmatic feelings that she needed to figure out. She knew that Shinji and Asuka should be left alone but she also found that idea unsettling. She knew that she was causing problems but she couldn't help herself. All this considered Misato knew that given enough time Kaji would see right through her and to the heart of her problem.
"We're waiting for Kaji, Misato," Asuka groaned but Misato didn't respond. She was too busy thinking about herself that she automatically collected her purse and keys and started to walk out the door. She wanted to solve her problems before she completely alienated Shinji but she didn't want Kaji to do it. She was startled out of her thoughts as she opened the door to find an equally stunned Kaji reaching for the doorbell. They both quickly let their faces become neutral as they stood staring at each other.
"Katsuragi," Kaji's greeting wasn't followed by the expected comment about her appearance.
"Finally," huffed Asuka from inside the apartment and the young couple were soon by Misato's side ready to exit.
"So shall we go then," Kaji stepped aside so that Asuka and Shinji could pass hand in hand. Misato went to follow them but stopped when she got close enough to Kaji to confirm her suspicion.
"You shaved and your tie is straight, I guess Shinji and Asuka have been telling you what to do." Misato had waited until Asuka and Shinji were far enough away that they wouldn't here what was said.
"Personally I think it was unnecessary but since it is their date I thought I'd do what they wanted. Of course I'd prefer if you decided to stay home and let them be," Kaji had spoken casually but he was deadly serious.
"I'm not doing anything of the sort. I've been looking forward to seeing what this restaurant is all about," Misato turned and walked toward the impatient Asuka with Shinji out of sight holding the elevator.
"If that's what you want to do but I don't think you're going to like how this night turns out," Misato gave Kaji a suspicious glance but Kaji didn't say anymore. The silence remained for the entire journey to the Tokyo-3 Skylight Bistro.
They exited the elevator and entered the small lobby that seemed a little confined. The man waiting at the desk immediately recognised Shinji but seemed a little surprise by his date. Polite as always he hid his emotions well and looked over the two adults in the group. His gaze hovered on Misato but he looked away as he noticed a fierce glare from Kaji, warning him to banish his lecherous thoughts. He summoned a hostess to take them to their table and they followed her through the double doors. The manger check off Shinji's reservation but noted a name below it that would demand his attention.
Inside the restaurant the four NERV employees were taken aback by the change from the lobby to the restaurant. The lobby was hidden along with the kitchen behind the single wall that was not made of glass. The remaining three walls and ceiling were all glass that appeared to be almost seamless. To their right against the wall that was not glass, was the stage that held the medium sized orchestral band. In front of that there was a polished marble dance floor. Around the dance floor was a higher level of dining tables where the majority of patrons were seated.
The hostess led them passed those tables to the higher level of booths that lined the glass walls. They offered the best view of the scenery outside and the restaurant. The booths were separated by low walls that were topped with fresh, fragrant flowers that kept the area smelling of perfume despite the odours of food and smoke being prevalent. The hostess led them to a booth that was close to the corner on the opposite side of the room to the lobby. Shinji allowed Asuka to sit but before he could sit next to her, Misato nearly bulldozed him to the opposite of the table.
Misato ignored the disgruntled glance from Shinji and didn't pay attention to the fuming Asuka as she sat next to Shinji. Kaji smiled apologetically at the hostess who politely ignored Misato's actions. Kaji sat down at the remaining place next to Asuka and the hostess handed out the menus.
"I'll be back in a few minutes to take your orders, would you like any drinks in the meantime," the hostesses voice was soothing and calm as she continually smiled.
"Do you have any beer?" Misato asked after she noticed that the drinks menu only listed wines, champagnes and non-alcoholic drinks.
"We only serve what is on the menu to tables. If you would like something else you will have to go to the bar. Just give them the name you made your reservation under and they will add the cost to your bill," Misato looked past the hostess to the bar located on the opposite side of the stage from the entrance.
"Orange juice," Shinji announced first.
"Lemonade," Asuka added a moment after Shinji.
"That'll be all for now," Kaji declared as the hostess completed her notes. She bowed and moved away as Kaji looked from Misato to the bar. She had been fixated on a row of bottles that appeared to be imported beers.
"Stop drooling Misato, it's only beer," Asuka didn't flinch under Misato's annoyed glare.
"Now, now, calm down. I'm going to get a drink, is there anything you want?" Kaji stood as Misato glanced from him to the well stocked bar.
"Just one of the imported beers," Kaji nodded at her response and made his way to the bar. Misato felt her eyebrow twitched slightly as he smiled at several women on the way. They all made different responses but they were all flattered by his attention.
"We need to talk," Asuka forcefully stated as she slipped out of her seat. Misato wanted to protest but it was obvious Asuka didn't want to make a scene. Misato shrugged her shoulders as she stood and followed Asuka towards the bathroom. Shinji relaxed a little now that he was alone and took the time to admire the view. He tried not to look too surprised as the hostess returned with the drinks, place one in front of Shinji and the other in front of the seat next to him.
"Thank you," Shinji's meek voice was accompanied by a short bow. The hostess smiled back at him before leaving to attend another table as Kaji returned to the table. He slipped into the seat that Asuka had occupied and placed down the two imported beers and their accompanying bottles.
"Don't complain about something that might work in your favour," Kaji pre-empted Shinji's attempt to point out Kaji's apparent mistake. Kaji left one of the beers in front of the seat next to him while he held onto the other one. Shinji noted how the drinks had been set up so that Asuka would be next to him and looked expectantly to where she would appear. A curious Kaji followed his gaze to see Misato emerge first with Asuka trailing a little behind her.
Misato noticed that Kaji was watching and slowed her pace so that she could flirt with several men as she passed. Asuka didn't hesitate as she realised that her opportunity had come. She moved swiftly but gracefully ahead of the distracted Misato and towards the table. Misato only noticed the change as she arrived a few seconds later than Asuka but she portrayed no emotion as she sat next to her former lover. She glances across the table to the two happier teens, which unbeknownst to her had used the cover of the table to link hands.
"How's the beer?" Kaji asked in an attempt to start some light conversation while they pondered their choice of meals.
"Fine," Misato grunted back after taking her first sip. She continually shifted her gaze between the two teens and even though they were going over their shared menu.
"Could yo stop staring Misato?" Shinji mumbled without looking up from his examination of the menu. Misato lost her opportunity to comment as the hostess returned for their orders.
"What would you like?" she announced a little too cheerfully for Misato.
"Could we both have the lobster?" Asuka asked, speaking on behalf of Shinji.
"And the entrée?" the hostess asked as she noted down the details. Asuka prompted Shinji with a nudge of her elbow and he quickly looked over the menu again.
"Ah… the creamy pumpkin soup," he replied a little uncertainly.
"Okay two pumpkin soups," the hostess glanced up to Misato but she was still perusing the menu.
"The shrimp for the entrée and the salmon," Kaji spoke up after a few moments of silence. The hostess nodded as she wrote his order down.
"I'll have the soup as well and the spicy chicken fillets," Misato gathered up the menus and waited for the hostess to finish making her notes.
"And dessert?" she inquired as she took the menus from Misato.
"Can we order after we've eaten?" Misato asked as the hostess reordered the menus.
"Sure," the hostess quickly turned and walked away leaving the group in silence once again.
"I wasn't staring," Misato declared after a few moments of uncomfortable quiet.
"Yeah, whatever," Asuka dismissively commented, clearly not interested in anything the older woman had to say.
"I wasn't staring," Misato reiterated with a little more force in her voice. "I was waiting for you two to leave your happy little world and start a conversation," Misato seemed unperturbed as Asuka obviously tensed up.
"Kaji is sitting right next to you, talk to him," Asuka tried not to raise her voice in frustration but it was becoming increasingly difficult.
"I'd rather try to start a conversation with Commander Ikari," Misato dryly responded. As Misato paused to sip her drink, Asuka prepared for her retort. She was stopped by Shinji gently nudging her away from the table in the direction of the dance floor. She wanted to stop him but a look at his determined face reminded her she had promised not to lose her temper.
"Why don't we dance for a little while?" Shinji's suggestion was met with a hesitant pause from Asuka. She knew he wasn't the most confident of people but he had asked her to dance even though the dance floor was empty. Smiling she nearly pulled him out of his seat and towards the dance floor. Misato watched quietly, both out of curiosity and as a reason to ignore Kaji.
"So how was your shopping trip this afternoon?" Kaji's innocuous question was countered by an uninterested glance by Misato.
"Fine," she grunted again as she finished her first drink.
"Talkative, aren't we," Kaji didn't heed Misato's warning stare as he continued to speak. "I mean you sure have plenty of words for Asuka. Pity the only one who seems to be suffering is Shinji," Kaji finished his own beer as Misato stared at him.
"He seems fine to me," Misato pointed out as she looked at Shinji and Asuka out on the dance floor. They were oblivious to their surroundings and appeared content to talk and joke as they danced on the otherwise empty dance floor.
"He is now that he doesn't have to guard against you setting off Asuka's temper. Besides even after all that's happened, would you really believe Shinji asking Asuka to dance when the floor was empty and everyone's attention will be on them?" Misato listen to Kaji while she watched Asuka giggling because Shinji's hand strayed from her waist to the bare skin of her back. She let her eyes wander and viewed the other tables around the room. They were all at least ten years older than the two teens but their focus inevitably fell on them.
They continued to dance without bothering about what was going on around them. Misato could see that Shinji was purely focused on Asuka and Asuka appeared almost shy under his constant attention. Slowly the other couples made their way to the dance floor as most of the women, envious of the young couple, decided they wanted similar attention from their dates. Misato started to realise that they weren't the only ones jealous of their interaction.
"No matter how timid Shinji acts and how defensive Asuka can be, they both look completely natural right now," Misato nodded at Kaji's astute observation. "It's a shame you are intent on interfering in it," Kaji's added remark made Misato's fist tightly clench her empty glass.
"I'm just making sure that they survive," Misato growled through clenched teeth.
"Is that as a guardian or a commanding officer?" Kaji continued to act in his usual casual manner, which infuriated Misato more.
"Both," was her curt reply as she stared hard at the unwavering man.
"Well you are failing as a guardian," Kaji offhandedly countered, waiting to be asked before going into detail.
"How so?" Misato hesitantly asked as she wondered what exactly he knew.
"Well for one thing, the fact that Shinji asked me to help deal with you. Of course being here in the first place is probably enough," Kaji watched Misato push her glass away before it broke in her grip.
"Does that really mean anything?" Misao's question surprised Kaji especially since it was a virtual denial.
"You sit here baiting Asuka and having Shinji try to keep her calm at a date you invited yourself to. Is any of this registering as interference in their relationship?" Misato new he had a point but she was far from conceding to him.
"Look Asuka needs to be taken down a peg or two for her own benefit," Misato answered quickly but Kaji's reply was just as fast.
"And Shinji? I suppose he needed a confidence boost so you went easy on him?" Misato coolly examined Kaji after his answer.
"It hasn't hurt," Misato kept her comment brief not wanting to give him any more ammunition.
"You know Shinji is trying to keep a fine balance between you and Asuka but it's a lot harder when you seem to be favouring him over Asuka. If things get out of hand, he would chose her over you and if she finally loses faith in Eva, they would probably both vanish from Tokyo-3." Kaji watched Misato's eyes but she had always been good at concealing things from him unless he got her to speak without thinking.
"I don't think you can really give me advice on how to treat them," Misato snidely remarked but Kaji smiled back at her.
"I'm not here to give you advice. I'm just telling you what I understand from talking to Shinji. Your actions are more those of a commanding officer and not a guardian. That is how I see things anyway," in truth Kaji had been making sure he got copies of the reports on all of their activities and he knew more than he let on. He didn't want Misato to know that he was checking up on her and not just the children.
"That's your opinion but I'm sure you can understand why I'm not going to listen to your views about how I treat my children." Kaji blinked and he was glad that Misato was again watching the dance floor rather than his blank face.
"Could you repeat that?" Kaji sheepishly asked since he wasn't sure he heard her right and he thought that she didn't realise exactly what she had said.
"I said, don't tell me how to treat… my… children," Misato stumbled over her words as she realised what she was saying. However it was an astounding revelation as the emotions attached to the simple statement reached far beyond what she had previously believed.
"Are you still with me?" Kaji waved his hand in front of her face as she finally snapped out of her trance like state. She looked at him for a few seconds before rising out of her seat.
"I hate it when you do that… but… thanks," Kaji was only just able to make out her mumbled statement before she headed straight for the bar. Kaji didn't follow straight away but was glad that Asuka and Shinji were oblivious to the recent turn of events. After watching Misato down two different imported beers and draw the attention of several men, Kaji decided to try and resolve the matter. Asuka wouldn't have minded if Misato stayed where she was but Shinji would worry about her and it would probably contribute to ruining the date. Besides he was curious as to what self-discovery she had made. As Kaji crossed the room he was unaware of a third familiar couple that had decided to dine at the same restaurant.
Commander Ikari was well aware of the essence of chaos theory and how little differences could grow exponentially over time. In the past week he had been informed of several changes in the behaviour of the First Child but this had been his first opportunity to witness them himself. They had come to this restaurant several times and it was his intention to gauge Rei's actions against previous visits here. So far they had only just sat down and she there was already a noticeable difference.
The first thing had been before she had even stepped in the car for the ride to the restaurant. Rei was always on time, to the very second but that night she had been thirty two seconds late. Being early or late was unheard when it concerned Rei. She would always reach the curb at the designated time, whether the car was there or not. Gendou didn't acknowledge that she was late and he continued to act as he normally did. He kept his eyes forward and asked simple questions that were answered briefly. Within five minutes they were both silent as the driver weaved his way through the streets to their destination.
Arriving outside the restaurant they exited from opposite sides of the car. Gendou had been on the driver's side of the car and had to wait until it had moved out of the way. As he turned to follow Rei up to entrance he noticed that she was not wearing her school uniform. She wore a long black skirt and a white long sleeve blouse. It wasn't anything exceptional but Rei wearing something new was always an exception. Gendou dismissed it considering he had already read the report on the school dance, which described what she wore and why.
He continued to walk behind Rei as she reached the elevator and pushed the button. This was the first time that he noticed that she seemed to be waiting for something from him. As always, Rei entered the elevator first, turning to face the doors as Gendou moved alongside her. He did spare her a brief glance before he faced the door and waited for it to reach its destination. Through the tinted glass of his glasses he was able to detect some sort of discolouration on her face. A second cursory glance from the corner of his eye where his glasses didn't reach and he could see the faint hint of make up.
Gendou noted that her appearance had changed but so far her behaviour had not. They continued their silent ride up to the top floor and were greeted at the door by the manager of the restaurant. He took personal care of them whenever they visited because he couldn't trust his staff to maintain their self-control around them. He guided them to their usual seat, a booth in the back corner of the room. However unlike every other time where Rei preferred to face the window, this time she sat so that she was looking into the restaurant. Neither Gendou nor the manager changed their behaviour despite Rei's change in routine.
Gendou had told the manager they would have the usual but Rei surprised the manager by asking for a menu. Not expecting such a request, the manager had to leave to retrieve one. Gendou had been reviewing the previous occurrences and considering them alongside the detailed reports he had been receiving from Section Two. He was sitting opposite her, so he could easily see where she was looking. Her gaze was into the restaurant and it was wandering over everything that was occurring. Her eyes suddenly darted to one particular spot and remained focused there but before Gendou could turn around to see what she was looking at, the manager returned.
"What would you recommend?" Rei quietly asked the slightly unsettled manager.
"We have a wide selection of vegetarian meals," the manager spoke soothingly despite his nervousness. He didn't normally spend a lot of around them and Rei speaking was a rare event.
"You do not need to restrict yourself to vegetarian meals," Rei responded as she viewed the menu.
"Well we have a lot of very fine dishes to pick from," the manager was feeling infinitely more uncomfortable as he spoke. He was well aware that they had never eaten anything but the vegetarian meals and at the moment he felt a chill emanating from Commander Ikari. Rei noticed his discomfort and new that an anxiousness would prove him ineffective in providing accurate answers.
"The shrimp for an entrée and a steak for the main course," Rei's emotionless order had the manager fumbling for a pencil.
"How would you like your steak?" the restaurant manger asked but Rei only blankly looked back. "How about a medium steak then?"
"If that is what you recommend?" the manager nodded even though he was still unsure about Rei change in behaviour. With no other response coming from the girl, the manager bowed and then went to fulfil the order. While he walked away he couldn't help but find Rei's naivety a little endearing.
Commander Ikari had watched on impassively but the fact he didn't now that Rei had taken up eating meat meant that he would have to mention it to the head of Section Two. There was nothing Gendou liked more than informing the man who thought he knew everything about the children something that his agents failed to pick up. That aside he quickly noticed that Rei's gaze had again become fixed at some point in the restaurant. He internally debated the decision on whether or not he should turn around to see what she was watching. In the end it was reasonable to assume that whatever it was might give him an insight into the changes in her.
His first view of the room only told him that there were more Section Two agents around than usual. They didn't trigger an immediate answer until a shorter couple on the dance floor began to stand out from in amongst the crowd. He didn't need to keep watching after he saw the flash of red hair and turned away to look straight ahead. He glanced back to Rei who held then in an almost revering gaze with a hint of a smile present on her lips. He had already guessed that her prolonged exposure to the other children was influencing her and now could see it with his own eyes. Of course the changes were almost indistinguishable but at his proximity they were distinct.
"It won't last," Gendou spoke almost without thinking but he felt a need to diminish some of the admiration that Rei appeared to have for them. "Humans will always end up hurting each other and those two fear pain most of all. It is inevitable that they will hurt each other and they will not try again for fear of being hurt more. This is the fate for people in a world were barriers exist between souls." Rei turned her face back to him but it had returned to its usual unreadable expression.
"Then your scenario is flawed," Rei's flat voice and determined look intrigued him but he showed no external change to his mood. "If you seek to reunite with Yui then you will suffer the same fate as Shinji and Pilot Sohryu. If you believe that no one can escape that fate then you will be no exception." Gendou considered Rei's words but held back his usual smirk.
"In this world that probably would be our fate but the scenario will allow me to create the world to my own specifications." Gendou spoke evenly but Rei didn't respond and continued to stare back impassively at him. She hadn't known his exact objectives but she had been able to discover little bits and pieces along the way. To Rei it was part of her purpose so she felt some need to know and understand it beyond what Commander Ikari had already told her.
"Will you still fulfil your purpose?" Gendou had intended for this evening to only gauge the changes in her. However he knew that he would need to get Rei to speak freely if he wanted to truly understand how deep the differences were.
"Yes," Rei replied without hesitation although Gendou felt far from satisfied with a simple answer this time.
"Why?" Rei blinked at the unexpected question that required an extended answer.
"It was what I was created for, it is the reason for my existence. There is nothing more important to me," Rei spoke with resolve even though her voice maintained it monotonous tone. Gendou seemed to peer down at her, like he was trying to read her soul but she was confident. She fully believed in her words but also knew that he couldn't read her as well as he though he could. Gendou appeared satisfied by her statement and Rei truly believed in them but a nagging doubt was beginning to form. It became stronger and clearer as her eyes again focused on the two other pilots as they danced and chatted happily together.
"You should not concern yourself with them, they are of no consequence," Gendou didn't need to check this time to see where she was looking. What he found of greater significance was the way in which Rei's features appeared to soften as she watched them.
"I believe you are incorrect," Rei's response was slow in coming but belied an understanding that was dawning upon her.
"Explain," came Gendou's blunt demand as he felt his authority being challenged. Only Yui had been strong enough to defy him, once she even went as far as belittling him in public.
"There is no AT-Field in existence between them," Rei's answer cleared his mind of the ancient memory and he focused on her.
"They are neutralising each other's fields," Gendou commented but he watched Rei as she concentrated harder on them.
"No… it is… different," Rei glanced back at him as his elbows came to rest on the table and his hands interlocked in front of his face. He carefully regarded her waiting patiently for her to fully explain herself. Rei hesitated, making sure that she could accurately describe what she could see and feel. There was also a mild curiosity about his sudden interest in them, something he had never shown before.
"Individually they still have there own AT-Fields but as they come in closer proximity their fields change. I said to Shinji that they had complimenting souls but they could also be described as harmonious. Their souls resonate at the same frequency and the closer they are, the closer their souls come to being in harmony. As a result, the AT-Field between them diminishes but the one around both of them strengthens. It could be said that they become one, even though they still exist as separate beings." Rei felt a little disappointment as Asuka and Shinji finally disappeared from the dance floor.
Rei looked at Commander Ikari but he was almost statuesque as he stared passed her and out the window. She waited to see if he would have any reaction to her explanation but with none coming she concentrated on her own thoughts. She wondered what it meant that Shinji and Asuka had no AT-Field separating them. The Third Impact had been about destroying such barriers and she had assumed that it was because there was no other way to do it. She now had an example that disproved her assumption and while it was confusing, she also felt what she believed to be relief. She didn't know why she would feel this way about her only purpose but she desperately wanted to explain it.
Her internal deliberations were cut short as the manager placed down their entrées. Rei looked at the almost alien appearance of the shrimp as they lay in an intricate pattern on the plate. The manager had been standing nearby having anticipated such a moment. He reached forward and took one shrimp making sure that Rei could see his actions. He tore the head off and placed it aside before skilfully removing the remainder of the shell. He dipped the small morsel of food into some sauce and presented it to her.
Rei took it in her delicate fingers and paused to examine it. Without further hesitation she placed it into her mouth and savoured the taste as it saturated her taste buds. She reached out and repeated the process on the next shrimp while under the watchful gaze of the manager. Once he was assured that she had no further need for his services, he disappeared to where he could wait until they needed him again. Rei didn't pay him or Commander Ikari any attention as she focused on the meal in front of her, methodically experimenting with the amount of sauce.
Gendou watched impassively between mouthfuls of food. He felt a hint of concern stemming from Rei's comments but he knew better than to question her judgement in such matters. The depth of the bond between the two pilots would only make their fall from grace that much more devastating. While the relationship between the pilots gave him greater control over them, it appeared to be aiding in the growing possibility of losing control over Rei. Gendou stopped any further thoughts on the future. The remainder of the night was to gather as much information and tomorrow would be for analysis and perhaps using the results to enhance his scenario.
The table was silent but for some it was not by choice. Kaji hadn't been able to say anything to Misato at the bar and had only sat next to her quietly sipping at his drink. Asuka wanted to talk, just like she had been when she was with Shinji on the dance floor but the mood had already been ruined. After sitting down Shinji had noticed where Misato had gone, after that he had withdrawn a bit, feeling guilty at being happy while there was obviously something wrong. Misato didn't want to speak because she didn't know if she could trust herself to make polite conversation and not try and bait Asuka.
They continued with their entrees with none of the daring enough to comment first. Of course when Asuka finished first, that all changed as the young girl looked eager to make a scene and blame Misato for ruining the date. Shinji let his free hand clasp hers as she prepared to speak but she paused. He smiled, trying to appear happy but still with a lingering doubt over Misato. Asuka silently complied but refused to return his hand to him. Both Kaji and Misato were watching the small gesture but Kaji was the only one smiling.
"I'll be at the bar," Misato announced as she abruptly stood up and walked away. Three faces watched her go with a variety of different expressions.
"What's her problem?" Kaji looked a little surprised that Asuka had directed the question at him.
"Jealous? Wait that's not quite right… maybe she's just tired or maybe she just wants a drink but doesn't want to keep going to the bar and back." Kaji stumbled over his words not sure what was wrong but feeling that he should be able to tell.
"You don't know, do you?" Asuka eyed the man suspiciously as he tried to articulate an answer.
"Maybe she's just lonely," Shinji muttered, having not looked away from Misato after she left the table. Asuka held back a bitter remark because of the concern in Shinji's voice.
"Well then, I guess I should go and keep her company," Kaji sighed as he pushed aside his half finished entrée.
"Could you make sure she doesn't drink too much," Shinji turned to face Kaji who was about to stand up.
"I'll try but not much can stand between Misato and a beer. Of course you'll have to do something for me," Kaji's comment induced a little fear in Shinji since he didn't know what the man might ask him for.
"Sure he'll do it, so go and help Misato," Asuka's urging was more so she could have Shinji to herself and hopefully it would help relieve his mind of thinking about their guardian.
"So it's settled then," Kaji's proclamation came as he stood. "I'll help Misato and after the main meal you'll play that song I heard you play the other day. After all I said that the next time I saw you near a cello you would have to play it perfectly for me and I do believe that is a cello over there." Kaji pointed to the instrument that was sitting on the stage but when Shinji turned back to him, he found that Kaji had already left to go to the bar.
"I have to play in front of all these people," Shinji gulped as he felt his anxiety growing and he tried to estimate the number of people filling the restaurant.
"Don't worry, we'll do fine," Asuka soothingly cooed as Shinji looked like he might have a panic attack.
"We? But…" Asuka silenced Shinji with a finger over his lips.
"The music is good but the song has lyrics as well. If you're going to do this then we both have to do it. All or nothing," Shinji stared at Asuka as her face hovered close enough that he could feel her breath on his cheeks. The hostess interrupted the intimate moment as she collected the dirty bowls, plates and glasses. She quickly left the pair but Asuka was staring intently out the glass walls to the moonlit city. Shinji didn't quite know what to say and instead looked up through the glass roof to the empty looking sky.
"You can't see a lot of stars with all the lights on," Shinji sighed as an old memory pushed its way into his mind. Shinji indulged the thought by adding Asuka to the imagined scene from his past.
"What are you smiling about?" Asuka's question broke Shinji from his daydream and he realised as he opened his eyes that he was still looking up. He looked at the inquisitive Asuka as she waited patiently for him to answer.
"It's nothing," Shinji watched Asuka struggling not to scream at him because of his answer. She closed her eyes and appeared to count to ten before she spoke again.
"You know I hate it when you say that and don't say you're sorry," Asuka pre-empted the impending apology and Shinji sat motionless as he tried to think of am appropriate response.
"So what do you want me to say?" Asuka sighed in frustration at Shinji's intellectual density.
"I want you to tell me what you were thinking about and it better not be perverted." Rather than being uncomfortable with Asuka's suggestion, he found it mildly amusing.
"You know that after my father sent me away, that the people who took care of me really didn't care about me," Asuka didn't vocalise a reply but nodded her understanding. "Well as I got older I wanted less and less to do with them. I started walking to and from school rather than them driving me. Wednesdays were the worst because I had a late cello lesson and it was always dark by the time I started walking home. One day I had a sore ankle so the walk home was slow," Asuka interrupted Shinji's introspection.
"What does this have to do with what you were thinking about?" the only indication that told Asuka that Shinji had heard her question was the fact he paused momentarily before continuing his story.
"I was tired since it was taking me three times as usual to get home so I stopped by the road to rest. The road was deserted and I sat looking out over a grassy field to the horizon. As I watched the moon began to rise, it looked bigger than normal but that wasn't the only thing. The grass was dewy and as the moonlight shone on it, it began to sparkle like the stars. For the few moments it lasted, I thought I was completely alone and floating in space. I couldn't explain it but it felt comforting, like the rest of the world had disappeared." Shinji paused to sip at his drink and dampen his dry throat.
"So that's what you were think about," her comment was meet by the faint hint of a smile.
"Sort of, it was where I first had the thought of disappearing from the world. I wanted to be free of the world and to recreate the sort of atmosphere that I experienced on the edge of that field. One day I saw a picture from before the Second Impact of a yacht sailing at night on a mirror like sea. That was when I came up with the idea of sailing a yacht to the middle of a calm sea and seeing the stars and moon reflect off the water. I thought it would look like sailing through space but it is kind of stupid considering I don't know how to swim." Shinji noticed that Asuka was staring at him and looked away to where Misato and Kaji were at the bar.
"I figured you for a romantic," Asuka quiet words brought a faint blush to Shinji's cheeks but he maintained his attempts to look at anything but her.
"Asuka," Shinji was only just able to breathe her name as Asuka turned his face so that she could look at his eyes.
"Were you smiling because you thought of me being with you on your yacht?" Shinji could only nod as her voice and bright blue eyes deprived him of the ability to speak. He saw a glimmer in her eyes as they started to fill with tears. As he tried to ask her what was wrong, she lowered her to his shoulder and silently wept on his shoulder. Shinji slid his arms around her and tried to offer as much comfort as he could when he didn't know why she was upset. He placed one hand on her back and let the other caress her neck and cheek as he tried to reassure her.
"Asuka, what is it?" Shinji whispered into her ear once he recovered his voice and the courage to ask her the question. She didn't respond immediately but she moved a hand from his back up to his neck.
"If I teach you how to swim, will you take me?" Shinji was stunned by her question and the wave of tension he felt flow through her body told him to answer quickly.
"Absolutely, you don't even need to teach me to swim," Shinji allowed Asuka to lean back and she stared intently into his eyes.
"You really want me to go with you?" Asuka's question was hopeful and it made Shinji wonder when an old daydream of his suddenly became something he wanted to do in the future.
"As long as you really want to be there with me and no where else." Shinji didn't think that what he had said had sounded quite right but Asuka seem prepared to accept it. However as her mouth opened something flashed in her eyes and no sound came out of her mouth. He couldn't describe the total desolation that he saw in her eyes as she realised that there was still something holding her back.
"I can't… I want to but I can't. It just won't let me…" her stuttered attempt at an explanation was ended as Shinji gently pressed his lips to hers. He didn't want her to spoil the night by repeating what had become his latest perpetual torture. He didn't need her to tell him that she still couldn't walk away from piloting, especially on this night. As Shinji broke the kiss Asuka looked back with some gratitude but still some sadness persisted.
"You don't need to say it, just as long as you think you'll be able to say it some day," Shinji noticed that Asuka wanted to protest against something he said but she held back. She wanted to say yes now but she couldn't bring herself to and Shinji probably wouldn't have appreciated another explanation as to why that was so.
"I will," Asuka whispered, smiling as she fully accepted within herself that this was just another obstacle to overcome. Shinji sighed in relief as he reciprocated her smile and he relaxed into his chair.
"So do you want another dance?" Shinji hesitantly asked after neither of them could figure out what to do next.
"No I'm happy right here," she rested her head on his shoulder and looked into the restaurant as Shinji took her hand in his. "Besides we both need to save our energy for our performance," Asuka could feel Shinji tense up as he remembered the deal he made with Kaji.
"Do we have to?" he groaned as he again tried to mentally count the number of people in the large room.
"Yes, I want to sing," Asuka pouted as Shinji decided to give into his fate.
"I guess it won't be that bad," Shinji conceded as Asuka smiled in victory.
"Of course it won't, I mean you've be given the chance to perform with the great Asuka Langley Sohryu." Shinji chuckled at her confidence and Asuka chose not to insist on finding out what he found so funny.
"Yeah, what's the worst that could happen?" Shinji found some comfort when Asuka's hold on him intensified a little after his comment. They both left the question unanswered and were content to remain in the companionable silence. While Asuka thought about her up coming serenade Shinji was still a little concerned about his guardian. He glanced over to where the old lovers sat on the corner of the bar. In front of them sat a couple of drinks that had yet to be cleared away. A dreaded image of a drunken Misato embarrassing Asuka and himself as they performed wormed its way into his consciousness.
He hoped that she would be able restrain herself just like he hoped he wouldn't make a mistake. As he thought about it, he hoped that Kaji wouldn't provoke an undesirable reaction from Misato. A myriad of possible outcomes raced through his mind and none of the outcomes would see him leave the apartment for at least three months. He looked down at Asuka to find some reassurance and felt slightly isolated when he realised that she had drifted off to sleep. Looking around he could see that no one else noticed or cared. He let out a contented sigh and found some peace in the face of the sleeping girl in his arms. For the moment he didn't care what happened later, as long as he could always remember this moment.