Round Perdition's Flames
Part X
Etiquette"Something faintly emanating perfume and decay
Whispered lightly in the wind that she had got away
Longing for the touch of something soft upon my face
I thought about her fingertips and not her lack of grace"
--The Residents
"Fingertips"
Rei shifted her legs yet again, but her would-be suitor didn't seem very good at taking hints. Asking him to stop would only cause a scene. She resigned herself to enduring the advances for the duration of the evening. She was confident she would find a private moment later to openly reject his overtures and tell him to move on to greener pastures. At least, that was her intent. Certainly she had not expected anyone to so overtly express interest in her as a woman. Not even the two men she felt closest to, Commander Ikari and his son, behaved in such a manner towards her, although there had been that one occasion that seemed to bother Pilot Ikari, his discomfort saddened her. She did not like making others uncomfortable, but her quiet and separate demeanor tended to have this effect on others. Now when Rei stopped to consider some of the things she and Shinji had shared, she regretted that she had made him feel uncomfortable. Maybe it was just her lot in life. Still, she did not really know what it was to be "normal." She knew, of course, that no one regarded her as such, but rarely did she find that this mattered to her. Being set apart from the others usually suited her, she saw no reason to seek personal friendships with the other children in her class. None of them would understand her unique existence.
Things had quieted down a bit at the behest of Dr. Akagi, not to mention the restaurant management. A round of alcohol passed through the lips of the adults, and all arguments had been laughed off. The children were another story. Rei still seemed to border on fidgety behavior, something Shinji had never seen her do before. Shinji had slipped into his "don't speak unless spoken to" demeanor, and Asuka seemed to be hovering between the moods of annoyed and mischievous. It was in her latter frame of mind that she spoke to Shinji. "Having fun, Third Child?"
"Hmm? Oh, yes. Very much so."
Asuka snorted. "You aren't very good at lying. You know, if you'd make an effort to talk more, you might find some common ground with others. It's certainly better than just sitting there moping."
Mentally, Shinji conceded that Asuka had a point, but he also considered the source and took her advice with a grain of salt. Asuka might be outgoing, but he certainly never heard her talking about herself. And even when she did, it was only with regards to her wonderful abilities as an Eva pilot. Shinji had yet to even overhear her have one conversation about what it was like to live in Germany. The only time she ever spoke of Germany was when she had something negative to say regarding the Japanese culture.
"I'm sorry. I guess I've never been much of a conversationalist. My father isn't either. I guess it just runs in the family."
"Then maybe you should aspire to be better. No one ever got anywhere without being outgoing."
"But I-"
"Oh c'mon! You can't be that bad! How did you manage to become friends with the other two stooges in our class?"
"Well, Kensuke kind of worships me because I pilot an Eva. And Toji, well, he didn't always like me. He used to blame for his sister getting hurt, until that time he had to get into the entry plug with me..."
"He did what?!"
"It's a long story. Kensuke was there too. It...wasn't really one of my finer moments. I don't want to talk about it."
Asuka stared at him for a moment, then snorted and changed the subject. "What about when you first moved in with Misato? Was that awkward?"
"Misato and I. . .we don't really see eye-to-eye on a lot of things. It's not that I think she's a bad person, or even that she's wrong. But we have very different lifestyles."
"I don't know anyone who lives like Misato. She's so messy and disorganized!"
"You really should've seen what her apartment looked like when I first moved in."
"Knock it off, you're starting to scare me!"
"Well, remember when you first moved in and you had all your boxes piled around the place?" Asuka nodded. "It was a lot like that, except the rest of the place was covered in empty beer cans and spent instant ramen or curry cups. The was a really narrow path that ran from her bedroom, past the bathroom, and to the kitchen. There probably would have been a lot of roaches before long if I hadn't decided to give the place a more fitting look."
"Hmpf, well, I suppose you are a bit more useful than you look."
"Hey, the alternative is Misato's cooking." Shinji said as he held his arms up in front of him."
"Point taken. Besides, this is a lot better than the last fancy dinner I had out."
"You mean when Misato took us out for ramen?"
"I said 'fancy' you idiot! No, the last time was in Germany. Kaji took me out the night before we left." This puzzled Shinji, since he knew that Asuka loved to spend time with Kaji. "Everything was going so nice, and then his stupid boss had to call his stupid phone and tell him to get back to stupid HQ. Something about a stupid package he had to deliver to your father. All I know is that it ruined what could've been a perfect evening. But at least Kaji will be here all night, even if I don't have him to myself." Asuka glowered at Misato, staring daggers for a moment before putting on a grin. "Adults. They just don't know how to loosen up."
On cue, a basket of bread was placed between the two Children. "Are we ready to order, Miss?" Their waiter asked.
"Meat sounds good to me, thanks. I'll have the Prime Rib. A loaded baked potato and a side of mushrooms to go with it. Hey, does the bar serve non-alcoholic drinks?"
"Several. Would you like me to bring a menu?"
"Of course!"
"And the gentleman?"
"Teriyaki chicken with the House vegetable." Shinji decided.
"Anything to drink?"
"Just a glass of water." The waiter quickly departed. "You want a drink?"
"Depends on what they serve, I've been dying for a raspberry daiquiri since I left Germany. It's okay, there's no alcohol. You should try one."
"I don't know. . ."
"Hey, I haven't steered you wrong yet, Shinji!"
"Yeah, but we're on a limited budget."
"Pfft, if we go over, I'll just get Kaji to cover it."
"How?"
"Because I can be very persuasive when I want to be, Shinji." Shinji decided not to press for further information, lest she demonstrate her abilities on him. "I can't believe this!" Asuka growled in frustration. "Look at this! The butter is hard! How am I supposed to spread this, huh?! Leave this jerk a small tip, Shinji!"
"But it's not the waiter's fault if the butter is hard. It's the fault of the person who put it in there."
"I don't care! The waiter is the representative of this restaurant, so it's his damn problem!"
"Can't you just eat it without butter?"
"That's not the point you idiot! The point is that I shouldn't have to! Small tip!"
"But-"
"Don't argue!"
"Alright, alright." Anything to make her change the subject!
"You see?"
"What?"
Asuka grinned. "That's feminine persistence for you." Asuka sighed. "Kaji understands...."
"What? About women?"
"About everything. He's not boring like most boys."
Shinji stared down at his napkin. "I'm sorry. I'm not as good company as he is, I know."
"No, you're not. But you've been slightly more tolerable. I think that if I locked you in a dark cellar for a few years, you might mature into something a woman might want to have dinner with."
"Even you?"
"Don't push your luck!"
"So ladies, what have we established here?" Kaji inquired in a flirtatious voice.
"That you're a jerk?" Misato volunteered.
"Really Katsuragi, I had expected better of you!"
"Sorry to disappoint." The Major scoffed.
Ritsuko's hand banged the table hard enough to make the various plates, cups, and silverware vibrate. "Will you two knock it off already? All you ever do is argue! Can't you be mature enough to handle the situation? Your inability to be in the same room together is really aggravating, and I'm tired of it! Clearly you have a lot of issues that you never got over after all this time! Don't let me stop you, alright!" Akagi rose from the table and bowed slightly to Rei. "Rei."
"Dr. Akagi." Ayanami replied effortlessly.
Ritsuko then turned towards Shinji and Asuka, whose conversation had come to a very abrupt halt at Ritsuko's outburst.
"Dr......Akagi?" stammered Shinji.
"Shinji, Asuka, I'll see you back at Headquarters." Again the slight bow, and Ritsuko showed herself out.
Misato sat, mouth agape, staring after her friend as she waltzed out the door. Kaji sighed, then put his best smirk on. "She's right, you know."
"What?! How can you even be thinking about that at a time like this! Look what you did you jerk! Go apologize for ruining her evening!"
"Why? It was a sacrifice on her part. She's giving up this evening for our sake."
Misato snorted. "You're a real bastard."
"No, I just have the ability to see when someone is trying to be a friend. Come on, Katsuragi. We really need to talk, seriously."
"Screw you."
"Fine, have it your way. I've already learned the hard way there's no use talking to you when you're stubborn."
"And just where the hell do you get off making comments like that? You know what, I don't have to sit here and listen to this." And much like her friend before her, Misato stormed out, gathering her coat around her shoulders, Kaji stating after her. Absent from her performance was any acknowledgement of the three children.
Rei's eyes widened. Suddenly, she found herself sitting all alone at a table with someone who made her uncomfortable. Still, she realized that this was her chance. "Mr. Kaji, there's something I wish to discuss with you."
"What? Oh.....Rei, I'm sorry."
"I wanted to ask you...about..."
"You know, I don't believe I've ever spoken with you before. I apologize if that makes me appear rude."
"It does not."
"Thanks. And...I'm sorry if we, ah, ruined your evening. Sometimes it's the adults who act like children."
"I am not offended. The interaction was rather...intriguing."
Kaji smiled. "Yeah, I suppose it was. Human drama beats television any day." Rei gave him a quizzical look. Kaji sighed. "Did you come here alone?"
"Dr. Akagi brought me here, but I can walk home by myself."
"No, that hardly seems fair. I tell you what, why don't I take you home. I'll stop by someplace and we'll get ourselves something to eat, then I'll bring you home."
"We can get something to eat here."
Kaji couldn't help but laugh at her naiveté. "Something tells me we've worn out our welcome here. It'll be alright."
"It's no trouble, I have food at home. I do not require your assistance."
"Perhaps not, but you did say you had something you wanted to ask me. And we should get to know each other a little, since technically we're co-workers."
Rei felt conflicted. Kaji's earlier advances had made her feel a little uncomfortable, but at the same time, he did not seem like someone who was looking to harm her. And she was anxious to ask him about his intentions towards her. She soon found herself agreeing without even realizing that she had accepted.
"Excellent, don't worry, I know a few places where we can get something more suitable." Standing up, Kaji took a few steps towards Shinji and Asuka's table.
"What? You're leaving?!" Asuka cried. "You can't leave! What's going on?!"
"It's okay, Asuka. I just promised Rei I'd take her home."
"But I want to go with you too!"
"You and Shinji already ordered, I saw you earlier. Go ahead and finish."
"But I don't want to stay here by myself!"
"Shinji's here."
"Shinji doesn't count!"
"Why don't I believe that? He lived with Misato all by himself before you came over from Germany, you know. Trust me, he knows how to have a good time."
Asuka growled. "You are taking me shopping if I don't have a good time!"
Kaji grimaced. "Fine, fine. That's how confident I am in my man Shinji here!" He smiled, elbowing Shinji in the shoulder. The impact sent Shinji's head flying into the table. "Oh, uh, sorry Shinji."
"No problem." Shinji squeaked, rubbing his sore cranium.
Kaji reached into his pocket and pulled out his wallet. You're going to have to pay for the drinks the rest of us ordered. Since Misato and Ritsuko have both run off, it seems I'm stuck with the bill, eh? Well, it's nice to know that some things haven't changed in all these years. Oh, and there's a little something extra in here for all your trouble. Dinner's on me." He grinned.
"It's okay, I was going to pay for it."
"You're escorting the lady now, Shinji. Save the cash to take her someplace fun afterwards. She's a woman of good taste."
"Got that right." Asuka smirked, then turned on Kaji. "Don't think this means I forgive you for running out on me."
"Another time, perhaps."
"If you're expecting a goodbye, you won't get one." She stuck her tongue out at him.
"Fair enough." Surrendered Kaji. "Take good care of her, Shinji. I'll see you both later."
"Uh.......goodbye.....Kaji." Shinji stuttered. Asuka looked away from him.
"Good evening. Rei, shall we?"
It was after the duo walked out the door that Asuka lost her temper. "Why does the little bitch Wondergirl think she is, trying to steal MY Kaji. She'd better not even think about it. She can find her own man, damn her."
"I wouldn't worry too much about it Asuka. You and Kaji have a history." Shinji hated trying to put a positive spin on Asuka's crush on Kaji, but the last thing he felt like dealing with this evening was an Asuka who was off on a hostile tangent, something she'd been known to do on more than one occasion. He grinned slightly, thinking to himself. Hey, not too long ago, I would've made a mistake here and been miserable all night long.
"You know what, Shinji? You're right. Look at me! Rei's got nothing on me, hmpf! She's not even in my league! I've got better legs than she does too....and I know how to use them......."
Shinji began to turn red. "Um....yes...." Now what the hell do I do? Does she want me to agree with her? Or will she use it an excuse to call me a pervert and pummel me? "I, uh, I don't think you'll have to worry about Rei at all? How could Kaji possibly be interested in her when he can have you?! It's probably just something work-related."
Asuka sighed contentedly. "Well, I'm glad that's settled. Hey! Since you have the extra money, I do know of a good ice cream place that Hikari and I often visit after we're shopped out. Your treat." She grinned.
"That sounds nice."
"They've got 49 flavors, you really have to see it, words don't do it justice."
"Are you still going to have that drink?"
"What are you, stupid?! Of course I am! You can't get a good daiquiri just anywhere, you know!"
"I'm sorry, I didn't know."
Asuka sighed. "You're never going to be ready for college life at this rate. Someone has to show you the ropes. But if I have to spend my precious time, you'd damn well better make good use of the things I teach you."
Shinji couldn't help but gulp. "Yes'm!"
"Alright then. When the waiter comes back, just follow my lead."
Rei fidgeted slightly in her seat as Kaji drove the car at a leisurely place down the road. "So Rei, tell me, what's your favorite food?" Kaji asked her casually, trying to put the young girl at ease.
"I. . .do not have one."
"You don't have one? There's no specific food that sets your taste buds tingling, eh?"
"Should there be?"
"Well, most people do have one, Rei. I don't think that there's necessarily anything wrong with not having one, but it is a bit different. Well then, perhaps we can try something basic. How do you feel about salad that eats like a meal? I know this wonderful little storefront restaurant a few miles from here."
"That would be agreeable." Kaji needed no further encouragement. He made a quick right at the next intersection and headed through the central part of the city, the lights giving a gentle glow in the evening light. Silence passed between the car's occupants, as Kaji had expected, he had to do most of the talking. Finally he was able to pull up in front of the quaint cafe, after what had seemed like eons of silence. Trying his best to be a gentleman, Kaji quickly leapt out of the car and opened the door for Rei, helping her out.
Unable to control the reaction, Rei blushed slightly, but otherwise said nothing, allowing her escort to assist her and then politely disengaging her hand from his. Kaji also opened the screen door of the restaurant for Rei; it was by no means an elegant establishment, but it was clean, the service was friendly, the portions were generous, the prices were reasonable, and most importantly, the wait staff was cute. The interior had an intriguing decor, walls made with scans of maps and newspaper, no frills booths lining the walls, with a long counter at the back wall where orders were placed and some people sat enjoying themselves. Kaji showed Rei to a booth in a corner, next to a large window that captured the essence of Tokyo-3 at night like a painting.
A cute young waitress with long brown hair and matching eyes smiled as she placed two menus on the table. "Would you like anything to drink?"
"Coffee will suit me just fine, and perhaps a glass of water. Rei?"
"Water." Kaji's charge spoke softly, and the young waitress parted quickly.
The menus, as they were, consisted of little more than a thin piece of cardboard, the selections typed on both sides and the whole piece laminated. "Their grilled chicken salad is very good here, Rei. This was one of the first places I ate at after coming back to Japan, it was a late night and I needed something in a hurry. I highly recommend it. In fact, I think I'll have one myself." He smiled.
"But I-"
"Ah yes, you're a vegetarian."
"You knew?" Rei felt surprised, she had no idea that Kaji would know anything about her eating habits. Why should he?
"It's in your file. Don't look too surprised. Pretty basic stuff, it's very low-level classification, just high enough to keep anyone who wouldn't be interacting with you out. Shinji and Asuka have files too, you know. Basic observations on their behavior and hobbies, their likes and dislikes. Kaji smiled. "Don't worry, it's not like I've got access to your medical record or psychiatric history."
"If you knew that I dislike meat, why did you suggest what you did?"
"Simple, so I can pull the meat off of yours and get a double helping with my order. Clever, huh?"
Rei found herself doing something she hadn't done in a long time. She smiled, ever so slightly, just a slight upturn at the corner of her lips. If Kaji hadn't been looking, he might not have noticed it. But perhaps this evening would be more interesting now, she was finally feeling less uncomfortable around him. "I see." Rei managed, curious now about her escort's nature.
"So...." Kaji tried to strike up an actual conversation. "Major Katsuragi and Doctor Akagi, they were behaving rather strangely tonight, don't you think?"
Rei pondered this for a moment. "I do not understand why they would take the trouble of going out to dinner, only to walk out before even ordering any food."
"Ah!" Kaji giggled a bit. "As we guys would say, 'women.'"
"I do not understand."
"I'll try to explain. I hope I don't cause you any offense.....let's see, well, men and women are fundamentally different, right? I mean, besides the obvious physical differences. Now, take men. Men have a habit of oversimplifying things. Most men like to take complex problems and relate them in the simplest terms possible. Women, on the other hand, tend to do exactly the opposite, drawing things out and making mountains out of molehills. This is one of the biggest obstacles men and women have in relating to each other. Amusingly enough, neither side uses a method that's very practical. But to simplify in typical "guy" fashion, I guess you could say that men tend to see things in simple black and white, while women see black, white, and countless shades of gray. I don't know if this means anything to you." Rei absorbed his words and continued to stare at Kaji, saying nothing. "Ah, when you get right down to it, maybe everyone's just a little crazy. I like your style, you know that Rei? You're not always screaming to get your point out to someone. You're not out to prove anything."
"I am who I am. Other people's opinions of me mean very little."
"Is that how you prefer it? I realize that interacting with others, gender regardless, isn't always easy. In fact, I understand why you might not even consider it worth your time except in situations where it's necessary, but it's really no way to live your life. If you just sit around all the time contemplating vast truths and never sharing anything with anyone, then there really isn't much point to the whole being human routine, is there? Trust me on this one, it's just something I've picked up over the years." Kaji sighed. "I'm sure you've been wondering why I have this sudden interest in you, rightfully so. It's not really anymore special than my concern for Shinji and Asuka, but it's there. Sometimes the three of you look like you're carrying the world around on your shoulders. Now I know you all have different circumstances.....Eva is really the only major thing you have in common, but I guess I just want to let you kids know that I remember what it was like to be fourteen, quite well, actually. Now, Asuka always talks to me about various things, but that's just because of her, ah, infatuation with me. Shinji and I have talked a few times too. I'd like to be someone you can talk to as well, about anything you want. I'd keep things completely off-the-record, of course, and confidential as well. I don't expect you to tell me your whole life story, I'm just offering an ear, no strings attached."
Rei found herself blushing and looked away. "I will. . .consider you offer."
"Great!" Kaji smiled, pushing thoughts of guilt to the back of his mind. So what if I may also glean some information that brings me closer to the truth? Isn't that my right? The cute waitress returned, two tall glasses of water and a mug on her tray, a coffee pot in her other hand. "May I take your order?" she smiled. Kaji ordered for both of them, two grilled chicken salads, one with the meat on the side. He slid the girl a knowing look, letting that hint of a twinkle play there momentarily, perhaps the same one that had hooked Misato all those years ago, he was no longer certain. Everyone of the opposite sex that had come after her seemed to dim in comparison, and he had found he didn't have the strength for anything beyond rather short and flirtatious relationships. For over a year after Misato had gone, her absence had been like an open wound. That was one of the reasons he had taken to caring for Asuka back in Germany, years later. It had been like his own form of redemption, moving past Misato through a sort of pseudo-fatherhood. Perhaps Katsuragi had found her own vindication by taking on Shinji, and later Asuka. He didn't really know. But now that circumstances found them together again, he had an aching desire to pick up where they had left off.
Kaji grunted, bringing himself out of his reverie and back to the woman at hand. "That's fine, Rei. You think about it, and you can talk to me another time if you like. For now, I'm simply content to share the evening with a lovely lady such as yourself."
Rei did not blush, she was becoming accustomed to Kaji's flirtatious nature. Rather, she was reminded of the inquiries she had originally intended to make. "You wish me to be company for you. Why?"
Kaji started, setting his mug of coffee down on the table. "Why? Well, I'm intrigued by you Rei. I know a bit about Shinji and Asuka, I've spent some time with them both, as you know, especially the latter." Kaji rolled his eyes, remembering how many times Asuka had come onto him, openly, sometimes even in public, making him look despicable. She came off as so precocious sometimes, fourteen going on twenty-four. It was nice to get a little change from that, Rei was very much the opposite. She was unique, and that was what had inspired his new effort to get to know her, much more so than the prospects of learning any secrets could have. There was definitely something special about her, and Kaji had come to hope that in knowing her, he would be able to find some peace. For too long he had been haunted, by his past, by Katsuragi, by all the times in his life where he zigged when he should have zagged. He needed some comfort, some release. He now hoped to find it in Rei, although he had no doubt that rekindling his old romance with Misato would also be just what the doctor ordered. But there was no denying something intriguing about Rei, some sort of inner truth he couldn't shake the feeling she held within her. Maybe it was just her closed personality, putting foolish ideas into his head. Whatever the case, he knew that he had to be careful with her. Ikari would likely watch any interaction he had with her closely, so caution would have to rule the day.
"Something else?" The waiter inquired.
"Yes. We'd like to see the beverage menu." Asuka offered. The waiter pulled a small menu out of his vest, handing it to the girl. Asuka thumbed through it quickly, double-checking to ensure the bar offered her drink of choice. "Bring us two raspberry daiquiris please." The waiter's response was to look down his nose at Asuka. "Non-alcoholic!" she shouted, and the man was quickly on his way. "That went well" Asuka smiled.
"Yeah, I guess so. So, Kaji got you into these?"
"Yeah, he liked to go out for dinner a lot, and he usually drank, though not like Misato. He was always able to drive when we left. But he never wanted me to feel left out, so he'd get me the virgin variety. The restaurants used to love me. They can charge the same place as a regular drink without putting in costly alcohol. I wish I could actually live with him!"
"Is his place any nicer?"
"I haven't seen much of it here. I don't get to see him very much since we came to Japan. It's really aggravating!"
"I'm sorry."
"Yeah, how did I know?!" Asuka rolled her eyes, Shinji inwardly winced.
"I guess I just feel a little weird. Misato and Dr. Akagi made such a scene when they left, I feel like people are sitting here, judging me."
"So what if they are? They should be grateful to dine in my presence! You and I, hell even Wondergirl, we save this stupid city on a regular basis. This meal should be on the house! But do we get the respect we deserve? No! We get treated like leftover liver and onions. We don't even get treated that well down at NERV! I swear, Shinji, someday I'm going to write a book."
"Will I be in it?"
"Yes, you idiot, you'll be in it. You'll be the moron who I'm always pulling out of trouble!"
"Oh, okay." Somehow, Shinji figured that Asuka's accounts as told in her book would be history as only Orwell could write it. Did this mean he'd have to write his own book to set the record straight? Probably, but it might be fun. Maybe he could express in words his feelings on the situations he was forced into, his father. He'd like to talk about his friends. Shinji thought better of expressing anything regarding Asuka beyond professional relations in the book. He didn't much feel like dying young, and getting in an Eva was a definitely a High-risk behavior. Deliberately seeking out the wrath of Sohryu was not something he was up for. Shinji sighed, knowing that their meal should be coming soon. He needed something else to focus his attention on. After all, he finally had Asuka alone, in a classy place, and she was dressed up. Now that he had her where he wanted her, just what the hell was he going to do with her?
Congratulations, I have returned! And this time, it'll be a lot more frequently. In fact, it's now 2003, and I've dedicated myself to 1 chapter per month this year. What you've just read is the first. With any luck, this means I'll be able to finish the entire book sometime this year. I enjoyed writing this more than usual, I truly felt a flash of inspiration. Maybe it's the encouragement I got from others to get off my lazy ass and write, I dunno.
Shout-outs to Reizig and Leper for riding my ass, Random for my daily dose, and Karina for getting me through those times when I felt totally blocked. If I left anyone out, well, thanks to you too. So now that I've got this chapter a month thing going on, what's next? You figure it out! I sent some subplots going. And the main plot? What about? I'm going somewhere with it. No, really. Honest!
So this is the end of the file. Thanks for a lovely time, we'll do it again in 30. Maybe sooner, who knows. I'm inspired lately, so I've kind of found my Second Wind. We'll see what happens.
Lord Malachite
1/21/03
Latinum Lasts Longer Than Lust