Asuka was helping Hikari back to the apartment. Shinji was helping Misato and Toji Kensuke, while taking his occasional glances to Hikari and Misato. Kaoru and Rei were just following them back. The three newcomers were exhausted and really needed the others' help to get to the apartment. And now two days have passed.
Asuka and Hikari were talking in the kitchen and the others were in the living room. Misato was in her own room, after hearing everything from the others. Kensuke was excited and Hikari was concerned.
"But you can't let Rei sleep with those four, can you ?" Hikari weakly stated.
"Hmph, I guess you have a point, I never thought Wondergirl was to sleep in MY room." Asuka whined.
"Well, you can't let her stay with THEM. Especially Kensuke."
"HEY ! I'm not like that !!" Kensuke reacted, after stepping in the kitchen.
"Four-eyes, mind your business !" Asuka screamed in his face, almost blowing Kensuke's glasses over his head.
"Hey, I think I'll decide that, red-" Kensuke responded very quickly, but was cut off by Hikari.
"Aida-kun !! Leave the kitchen, we're talking !!" Hikari screamed as well.
"Huh ? But..I just wanna get myself a drink.."
"Four-eyes, You wanna leave. Now !" Asuka threatened.
"Aida-kun. Can't you see we're talking ?" Hikari yelled, a little softer.
Kensuke's features showed a scared frown, now knowing what could happen if you piss off both Hikari and Asuka. He walked out of the kitchen slowly, trying to maintain what little proud he has. Asuka and Hikari watched him leave and continued their talk.
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Kensuke entered the living room again and saw Toji, Shinji and Kaoru discussing. Rei was sitting with them, but she wasn't discussing. Being curious, he joined them in seconds.
"So, what you guys talking about ?"
"We're talking about what'll happen next." Toji responded, after noticing Kensuke.
"Aah."
Toji still looked back at Kensuke, since he knew Kensuke would ask another thing.
"So, what will happen next, huh ?"
"Uh, we will have to leave this place." Shinji said
"Oh."
"But we won't be alone outside." Toji continued.
"So, more people will come back ?" Kensuke asked.
"No." Shinji said seriously.
"But, we won't be alone ?" Kensuke continued his asking.
"No." Kaoru said.
Hikari and Asuka walked inside Asuka's room. Both of them glanced at the others before entering.
"So, what did you want to talk about that you couldn't talk about in the kitchen ?"
"I, I need your help, I guess."
Hikari frowned. She never heard Asuka asking anyone for help. Her eyes widened a great deal when she heard Asuka ask for her help. But, being a good girlfriend, she responded, after 15 seconds of confusion.
"Uh, you need my..help ?"
"Well, not really. But I could use it."
Hikari smiled, recognising Asuka again.
"Ok. I'm here. What do you want to know ?" Hikari curiously started.
"Shinji." Asuka said.
"Shinji ?" Hikari said, confused again.
"...." Asuka stayed silent, hesitation very clearly in her eyes.
"Did...did he do something to you ?!" Hikari whispered hard.
"No !! Ofcourse not ! And what could he do against me, anyway ?" Asuka said annoyed.
"Well...ok, then, what's wrong with Shinji ?"
Asuka watched Hikari in narrowed eyes before answering, "He said.........he liked me...a lot."
Hikari froze, after hearing those words, after her eyes widened again and her mouth fell open. Hikari knew about Shinji that he was shy, not self-confident at all. And now she hears he told Asuka he likes her. Third Impact had changed him.........them.
"He said, he likes you ? A lot ? Shinji ?"
"Yeah.."
"But, you don't like him, right ?"
"I..I don't know. That's why I need your help."
"You mean, you don't know if you like him ?"
"Yeah..I think so."
"But, you once said to me you didn't like Shinji at all."
"Well, at that time I didn't !"
"Ok, ok. But now, you don't know ?"
"No. Do you think he really...likes me ?"
"Well, Shinji's a lot, but I don't think he's a liar."
"Hmm. I just, can't help but think that he's toying with me or something."
"Shinji ? Toying ? And with YOU ? I thought you knew Shinji better than me." Hikari exclaimed wildly.
"I guess you're right." Asuka sighed.
In the living room, the others told Kensuke about everything. Well, Kaoru did. Toji and Shinji just listened to the story again as if they never heard it before. And Rei chose to observe everything. Kensuke was scared after hearing Kaoru telling everything. Even Toji and Shinji were a bit scared, as if they never heard it. After about five minutes of silence, Misato came through the door and walked straight to the kitchen,
"Is there any beer ?"
Kaoru, Shinji, Toji and Kensuke looked at each other and shrugged. Except for Kaoru. Rei observed and learned.
"Hey, Kensuke, can you make that TV work ?"
Kensuke looked at Toji, than at the TV, "I'll see what I can do."
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"I don't know Shinji very well, Asuka. But I do know he rarely lies."
"I know that. But what if I took it the wrong way ?"
"The wrong way ? What do you mean ?"
"Well, maybe he just liked me, but didn't, you know, 'liked' me."
"Oh. I don't think Shinji thinks a lot about what he says."
"Exactly. Maybe he just blurted it out."
"I see what you mean. Maybe you should talk to him again."
"I don't know. Shinji's a wimp, but he's difficult to deal with."
"I know what you mean. Sometimes, he pushes people away, without even saying anything or even looking at them."
"Yeah. It's his attitude. He knows it and, in some way, I think he likes it."
"How can anyone like being left alone."
"Well. Sometimes I do."
"Hmm, I don't like to be alone at all."
"Anyway. What do I do Hikari ?"
"You need to talk to him. That's all."
"But, what do I say ? I shouldn't be talking about this at all. It's baka-Shinji we're talking about."
"Well, that maybe so, but apparently, you do have SOME feelings for him."
"Yeah. Maybe resentment."
"Maybe. Talk and you'll know, right ?"
"Hmm. Fine !"
"Hey, there's sound coming from the living room."
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Kaoru had a surprised frown on his face as he watched images dance around the window of the TV. He had no idea lilum had these kinds of things. Rei observed Kaoru's features with a curious look. Shinji, Toji and Kensuke were just bored and watched the TV. Misato was pissed off since there wasn't any beer in the house. She was groaning every minute, and whining about the beer every ten seconds. Toji and Kensuke were very happy Misato was here. And as she whined, they ogled her.
Asuka and Hikari came out. Seeing the couches were all full, they sat on the ground.
Shinji was still trying to avoid Asuka, and she was trying too, he thought. He stared at her for a little while before turning his attention back to the TV, and before anyone caught him staring at her. He was happy Misato was back, but Misato was still a little depressed after everything. And he doubted he could be of much help. So he just decided to stay out of anyone's way, so he wouldn't be a bother. Asuka's mood has lightened up thanks to Hikari. He was glad for that. Now Asuka had someone to talk to. He did wonder why she didn't wish Kaji back. But he could never understand her, so why try ? He watched as Kaoru was really interested in how this TV worked, as he started asking Kensuke questions about it. Everyone rolled their eyes over Kaoru's questions, except for Rei and himself.
Toji was staring at the TV, but his thoughts were elsewhere. He was really surprised Asuka wished Hikari back. He knew he had some kind of feeling for the class rep. But what that feeling was, he wasn't sure of. He only knew, Hikari probably didn't have the same feelings.. He noticed he thought a lot about Hikari since she came back. He could try and tell her, but he really wasn't in the mood to get yelled at. Or be humiliated and laughed at by Kensuke, or comforted by Shinji..
Kensuke was a little annoyed. Kaoru just kept asking him about the damn TV. He really wasn't in the mood to keep answering "that button turns up the volume" or something. Man, where did Kaoru come from ? Oh yeah, he's an angel...But Rei is the same as he. But Rei isn't throwing questions at me, I wish she did..I guess there will always be a difference between man and woman. Even with Angels. But why is Kaoru glowing like that ? Rei isn't..
Misato was the gloomiest of all. She was happy she saw Shinji and Asuka and the others again. But the situation was just so depressing. Everything was just doomed to fail. Like always... The angels coming back was not good at all. And losing Kaji will probably be used against her...again, just like in Instrumentality.
Asuka was confused. She thought Hikari would tell her to shove Shinji aside. Well, she probably wouldn't if she did. But why she wouldn't was beyond her. Shinji didn't hate her, which meant there was a possibility he actually likes her. He already said he did, but in what way ? A friend, a lover, like family ? She wanted to know, and she wanted to know today.
Hikari was confused as to why she was wished here. And she was really surprised when she saw Toji had his leg and arm back. But this survival...would she be strong enough ? Would she slow the others down ? No, she wasn't the class rep for nothing. She would probably be the one that was going to cheer everyone up. She occasionally glanced at Toji, when she was sure he or someone else wasn't watching. She always felt something for Toji. But, does he feel something for me ?
Kaoru was too interested in the dancing images on the TV to be thinking right now. He was watching a soap with wide eyes. Rei was observing the others, and she saw Shinji staring at Asuka, and Hikari at Toji. She also noticed Kensuke would watch her sometimes, after and before answering one Kaoru's questions.
Shinji had a little smile on his face as he remembered how things went two days ago. His own mind travelled back in time as he re-watched it all..
----
"Misato-san..Misato-san ! A-Are you okay ?!" Shinji screamed.
Misato watched the boy who was screaming in front of her and felt her own eyes widen as she recognised him. She cried in happiness as she hugged him. They fell to the ground as Misato lay on top of Shinji, hugging him.."Shinji-kun, Shinji-kun." She cried.. Shinji was smiling as he was being hugged by Misato. He was so glad she was still alive. He watched the others, Kensuke and Toji shaking hands, and Asuka and Hikari embracing each other. He smiled at the scene..
----
Shinji did not know when they were going to make the final wish, the path of survival.. But he hoped not too soon. He wanted to enjoy this for now. A few days without worry. Before they had to go and try to survive. This could be even harder then Third Impact. Or maybe this is still Third Impact. He didn't want to know, it didn't matter. Either way, the outcome didn't change.
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Misato was almost asleep in her bed. She missed Kaji a lot. The answering machine still had the message on it. The words just kept echoing through her mind. The words made her cry, the words had made her cry ever since they appeared on the answering machine. And she was afraid she could never get over it. And she was supposed to be the adult one in the house. Overcome everything right ? Your own fears, your own faults, your own sins... Could she forgive herself ? Could she be of help to the others ? They had to fight angels again, but they won't have Eva's this time...It's just impossible. They're going to walk an impossible path.. But, she couldn't give up. She couldn't.. She had to be there for Shinji, and for Asuka... She will be there for them. She will make sure they will all be happy. She won't make any mistakes anymore. Not anymore. This time, they were going to make it. Even if she had to sacrifice herself so that the others can have a happy life. As long as they are happy, everything will be fine. "I wish Kaji was here" Misato groaned as she gripped her bed sheets and fell asleep..
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Shinji and Toji were the last ones who were awake, so it seemed. everyone went to sleep pretty early. Both were still watching TV, Kaoru was still awake a few minutes ago, he was very interested in the TV, but he too eventually went to bed. Rei went about an hour earlier than Kaoru. Asuka and Hikari hit the sack early, and Kensuke went to sleep when Rei did. Shinji and Toji were both not feeling sleepy at all. But they called it a day five minutes later anyway. Shinji went in the bathroom to brush his teeth before sleeping and Toji just got in the bedroom.
When Shinji was finished and opened the bathroom door, he stood face to face with Asuka. Shinji turned from relaxed to scared as soon as she saw her.
"Shinji ? Can we....talk ?" Asuka asked in her soft sweet voice, which Shinji rarely heard.
"Uhh...yeah, sure.." Shinji stuttered.
Shinji was once again, terrified.
'She's probably really pissed at me....I...I don't think I can take this...She's going to reject me.. I can't believe I told her I liked her just like that...I should have thought about it more...Nu-now I'm dead' He was thinking as he looked at Asuka's back as they walked toward the couch in the living room. 'I'm even stuttering in my thoughts.. I must be pathetic..' was Shinji's final thought.
"Shinji ? About..what you said...a few nights ago..." Asuka began nervously.
"Ya-yeah ? Uh, I.." Shinji stuttered.
"I want to know ! Did you mean it ?!" Asuka demanded.
Shinji looked confused, "Uh...Whu...whi, what....?"
Asuka looked annoyed, "Listen, I just want to know..... Do you really like me ?"
Instead of answering Asuka, he was thinking.'If..If I really like her ? If I say yes, she's going to embarrass me, if I say no, she 's going to hurt me....'
Shinji looked at her carefully, trying to read her. But he found it impossible to do. He had no idea what was going on inside her head.
Asuka couldn't stand the suspension. 'Why doesn't he just answer ?! A simple yes or no will do ! But no, Idiot must overreact again.. Aargh !'
"Yes."
Asuka's eyes widened. He finally answered. And the answer was "yes." And now here she was, standing in front of the boy. She tried so hard to prove herself to him, to Kaji, to NERV and to the world. But she wanted to prove herself to Shinji so bad it became one of her primary goals. And he liked her. He didn't hate her. He didn't hare her, even after all those slaps and insults, he didn't hate her.
"A-Asuka ? What about you ? Do..do you like me ?"
Now Asuka was the scared one. Could she tell him ? Would she tell him ? He did tell her he liked her, but could she tell him ? What would he do ? Laugh at her ? Hug her ? Mock her ? She sighed deeply as she decided. She prepared herself and sucked a lot of breath in before answering.
"Yes."
Shinji's eyes widened, his lips trembled. What was he supposed to do now ? Kiss her ? Hug her ? Uhh...shake hands ? Say 'Good night' ? His hands were clenching and unclenching in fists as he tried to do something. His mouth opened to say something, but closed again. And this went on for about five minutes. They kept staring at each other, in each other's eyes. Asuka's light blue meeting Shinji's dark blue. Shinji tried to take one step closer to Asuka, but hesitated. Asuka was convincing herself all will be right. Both had the same thought running through their minds, 'I hope I don't get hurt again...' And they continued to stare in each other's eyes. Hoping the other one would talk or do something first.
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Asuka and Shinji were staring longingly at each other, but both were hesitating as in to make the first move. Both were staring at each other with unblinking eyes. Their lips were trembling, though. Shinji's fist was clenching and unclenching. Asuka's hands were a little shaky. Shinji was known as someone who would never start something. So why should he be the one that makes the first move ? Asuka wasn't like Shinji in that perspective, but she was too pride to make the first move. They've been staring at each other for 5 minutes now, neither of them moving an inch. And then, Shinji swallowed, His hands forming two clenched fists. And he made a few steps toward the fiery German.
Step by step, he came closer.
'Should I kiss her ? Should I hug her ? I..I don't know what to do, I'm moving toward her right now, but I don't know what I'm doing....'
"Ikari !! Where are you ?! Does it take that long for you to brush your teeth ?" This yell suddenly filled the air, as Toji was about to step out of Shinji's room.
Shinji's and Asuka's eyes widened. Shinji took a few steps back, but couldn't avoid Asuka's push. As Shinji fell to the ground and let out a slight yelp, Asuka winked at him before turning back to her room and whispered, "Serves you right, you pervert !!"
Toji came out of Shinji's room and entered the living room. As he saw Shinji lying on the ground he frowned, "What are you doing, Shinji ?"
Shinji looking up at Toji, who leaning above him, "Uh ?"
Toji shook his head and turned around, "I'm going to sleep now. Night" he said as he waved his hand once.
Shinji was confused as kept lying there. He stared up at the ceiling and wondered what just happened. Was it him, or was he just trying to kiss Asuka ? And....Asuka allowed him to ? But...Asuka loves Kaji.... She doesn't love me.. Do I love her ?
Asuka closed the door to her room and saw Hikari and Rei were asleep. She quietly tiptoed to her bed and lied down. Was Shinji about to kiss her ? She thought as she, too, stared at the ceiling. So, Shinji DOES like me in that way ? Or doesn't he ? Was he just going to....do something else ? Like kiss my cheek and say goodnight ? Or embrace me in his arms ? Well…. at least we talked...
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Next morning..
Hikari was making breakfast, she always loved to make breakfast. It made her forget everything that has happened around her. And it made her think about what might still happen, about good things that might happen. She saw Rei and Kaoru wake up and she watched them as they seated their selves in front of the TV. She smiled a little smile as she saw Kaoru wonder what button to press to turn the TV on. She turned her attention back to the cooking. She knew Toji always slept long. He often comes late in school, and when he was in the hospital.....that time....he was almost always asleep, when she was there. Once did he wake up when she was there. One time... of all those times she visited him.. She could have told her feeling to him then and there, but, she didn't. Now she was back, and Toji was here as well. Was this her second chance ? What would his reaction be ? Would he laugh his silly laugh ? Or will he widen those dark brown eyes of his ? Or maybe...he would...hug her...
Misato woke up. Her room was a mess. Her clothes were everywhere. She felt something on her feet and noticed those were three bra's. She watched to her left and noticed a dirty sock, close to her face. The room represented her state of mind. She rose up and stepped on one of her high heels. Which, ofcourse, hurt. She growled as she threw the shoe away, only to find out she had to wear that one. She yawned before watching to her phone.. The phone that kept her lover's last message. The phone....that will never ring.. She put some clothes on and planned on stepping out of the room. Than she remembered there were kids there. Shinji and Asuka were used to this, but the others weren't. So she carefully picked out clothes to wear. After that, she stepped out of her room and went immediately for the beer. Ofcourse, there wasn't any... So she just sat down on a chair and watched Hikari make breakfast. Then she watched a clone and an angel watch TV...
Shinji, Kensuke and Toji were asleep, but didn't feel like facing reality just yet and remained in there beds. Kensuke and Toji were glad Misato had a few sleeping bags left somewhere in her room. Kaoru already left the room half an hour ago. They were still asleep when he went inside the living room. Now the three were just talking about the birds and the trees. They were all teasing each other. Kensuke and Toji were experts at doing that. Shinji, on the other hand, wasn't, and tried to stay silent as much as possible. And that's why he always gets teased the most.
"So, Ikari ? What going on between you and the Demon, huh ? You two have been avoiding each other since I came here" Kensuke began.
Toji smirked, "That's right, Shinji. What's going on ?"
Shinji's eyes widened as he began to stutter a response, "Ah...a..I..No ! Nothing...is ..going...on.."
Kensuke smirked again, "Oh ? Then why isn't she insulting you every second of the day ?"
Shinji was actually surprised by that question. Kensuke's got a point. She hasn't insulted me the last couple of days.. So, what she said, could be true, then ? Shinji fell silent at the question.
Kensuke and Toji looked at each other with a smirk as they saw Shinji fell silent. But both frowned as Shinji didn't answer them. Both sighed as they were used to this from The Third Child's attitude.
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The three of them came out of Shinji's room together, bringing a lot of laughter with them. Misato smiled at Shinji's happiness, but then noticed her own headache again. Hikari noticed Toji and the other boys had woken up. Asuka was still asleep. She had to wake her up, because breakfast was almost done. Toji is his normal self. While he didn't change much after the incident -The 13th Angel attack- but he was kind of depressed. Like Shinji always is... Hikari hoped Asuka would talk to Shinji soon, cause Asuka wasn't her old self at all. And then there was Misato. She was probably feeling the same way as Shinji. Misato and Shinji were the two most depressed people here. And it seemed Asuka was following.
Toji and Kensuke joined Kaoru and Rei, while Shinji went to talk with Misato. Shinji noticed Misato was a little down since she came back. And he knew it was probably about Kaji as well. Shinji was never good at comforting people. And on top of that, he was afraid of affection.. Kaworu pointed that out once... He really didn't want to remember what happened after that.. Now Misato needed his help.. but could he really help her ? She was the adult, how could he ever help an adult ?
Kensuke saw that the soap that was on today was the same as yesterday, Kaoru didn't seem to notice as he watched it like he has never seen it before. He looked at Rei and wondered why she was like she was. She hasn't changed, she was always quiet. And this thing about her being a clone, kinda freaked him out. But after this whole survival-thing, she could become human, again. Could..it's not sure if she will. It must feel bad to be a clone, to know that you're not the original, that you're not supposed to be here. He watched Rei for a long time. After a while, Rei looked back, right in his eyes, for a short time, say about three seconds, before turning her attention back to the TV.
Toji noticed Kensuke's staring and grinned wickedly. He always thought Kensuke had a thing for Rei. And seeing as how he is staring at her, like that, it simply must be true. Well, he wished Kensuke good luck. Rei is...weird.. and probably very hard to talk with. He himself never tried, really. Shinji and Kaoru don't have trouble talking with her. He watched as Hikari walked toward Asuka's room, poked her head in there, and probably woke Asuka. Then she turned back, and yelled in the living room breakfast was done.
"Misato-san ?" Shinji started nervously.
"Yes, Shinji-kun ?" Misato said, with her hand on her forehead.
"Are..are you okay ?" Shinji said looking worried.
"Yeah..just a headache."
"...Oh.." Shinji said.
Shinji just kept his mouth shut. Cause every time he opened it, it seemed to cause nothing but pain or trouble. And besides, he did not have a clue as to what to say to Misato right now. And sometimes, people just want to be alone, he knew that like the best. Misato probably just want to be alone right now. So he ate from the plate Hikari just put in front of him.
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Shinji, Toji, Kensuke and Kaoru were taking a walk outside. Kensuke decided to ask about what's been bugging him lately.
"Kaoru, You and..Rei..are you sure you don't know if you'll become human again ?"
"I am not sure, Kensuke-kun."
"Why do you ask, Kensuke ?" Toji asked.
"I..I just wanted to know, Suzuhara !" Kensuke exclaimed.
"I think you like Ayanami !!" Toji laughed and grinned at the same time.
Kaoru turned his attention from the sky to Kensuke, and he had a very curious expression on his face.
"I..I don't, you idiot !" Kensuke screamed.
Kaoru and Shinji decided to just watch. Kensuke was pretty red in the cheeks. And Toji was laughing his ass off at Kensuke's discomfort.
"At least I don't like the class rep." Kensuke stated smugly, with his chin in the air and his eyes closed.
"What ?! Who ever said that !?" Toji said wide-eyed.
"Huh, No one. I just saw you staring at her a lot." Kensuke grinned.
Toji grinned as well, "Well, I think you stared at Rei way longer this morning !"
"You said 'Oh, Oh, Hikariii' in your sleep last night !!" Kensuke said while pointing his finger at Toji.
"Yeah right ! You're making this up, Aida !" Toji pointed back.
"Huh, why would I wanna do that ! I'm just pointing out the truth !" Kensuke turned his back at Toji.
"Because..because..because you don't have anything better to do !!" Kensuke turned around again.
"Hah ! I have plenty of things to do !" Kensuke pointed out.
"Oh yeah ? what, besides staring at Rei the entire day ?" Toji grinned.
"Like looking at you while you're making a fool out of yourself !"
Shinji and Kaoru were already several feet ahead, as Toji and Kensuke were still trying to beat each other. Shinji could use Kaworu's help with maybe Asuka or Misato.. Maybe he should just ask. Kaoru is a good friend. Shinji glanced at Kaoru and saw him staring at him as well. With a smirk on his face.
"Shinji-kun, what's wrong ? Are you not happy you're friends are back ? You don't seem very happy." Kaoru said smiling.
"Uh, I..no, I'm happy..It's just..Misato, seems so depressed.. and Asuka, a little, as well." Shinji stuttered.
"Hmm, Katsuragi-san and Sohryu-san. They mean a lot to you, do they not ?" Kaoru asked.
"Yu-yeah..they do." Shinji responded.
"Then, you should help them, like they helped you. Don't think loneliness helps in dealing with a certain pain. Loneliness only makes things worse. So being alone, makes it all worse. Don't make them feel alone, Shinji-kun. And they will feel a little better. A little is better than not at all, is it not ?" Kaoru told.
"Ah...Yeah, I see...But, what can I do ? I'm..I'm a total mess myself...How can I ever help them ?" Shinji asked.
"Well, you do not know, unless you try, Shinji-kun. If you have tried, you are not to blame.." Kaoru said.
"A-oh.." Shinji sighed deeply.
"Hey man !! Can't you guys wait up !?!" Toji screamed in the distance.
Kaoru and Shinji stopped and allowed Toji to reach them. Kensuke was still in the distance, and a lot slower than Toji. Shinji, Kaoru and Toji were waiting, for a whole minute, until they saw Kensuke reaching them. "Would you hurry up already ?!" Toji screamed.
"Shut up !!" Kensuke screamed back.
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"So..he almost kissed you ?!?!" Hikari said with wide open eyes and wide open mouth.
"Yeah, he almost, but your lover interrupted us !" Asuka said.
"You...you mean, Toji interrupted you ?" Hikari blushed slightly.
"Yeah, that jock is a nuisance." Asuka stated.
"Did he see... ?" Hikari began.
"No, he didn't, I was already gone when he came in." Asuka said.
"Oh."
"Do you still feel anything for him ?" Asuka groaned.
"...Yeah.." Hikari blushed, again.
"Hmph ! I don't know why you like that jock !" Asuka exclaimed.
"Hey, you like Shinji !" Hikari shot back.
"Well, I don't..... That's different, ok ?" Asuka said.
"Actually, I don't think Shinji and Toji are a lot different from each other."
"What do you mean ?" Asuka asked.
Misato was watching TV, many channels weren't working, only one, where one episode of one soap kept repeating itself. She watched Rei and caught her staring at her. She blinked once. She never did understand Rei, but what was there to understand about a clone ? She just tried to ignore Rei. She didn't know how to talk to Rei. She did feel pity for the girl. She was used her entire life. Everyone in NERV was used, but Rei was used her entire life, if you can call what she had a life. Misato decided she needed to talk to the children and think of a way to actually survive the survival.
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Kaoru suddenly spoke up, silencing Toji and Kensuke, who were still arguing.
"Listen, The Survival isn't that hard...physical...but it will be very hard for the mind. You probably won't die, but there is a possibility you'll go insane. You'll just have to prepare for that what is to come. The angels won't attack you physically. But, like the 15th Angel", he looked at Shinji, "Will attack you mentally.. This will be hard. but...just, don't give up. And more importantly, help each other..You're going to need each other.. Me and Rei will try to help too, since the angels won't attack us, but the other things out there will... But do not be too frightened. This will not get bloody.."
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TBC
