Disclaimer: I do not own NGE. Oh wait. You knew that, didn't you?

Chap. 8

Morning...

Tsunami slowly awoke from her bed. The feeling of warmth that she felt from the previous night was gone, but not completely. It almost felt hazy, like it was a dream. Looking to the side, she saw that Shinji was not in the bed with her. Tsunami felt a slight chill from the empty spot he occupied. Did I dream it? Slowly, she stood up and looked out the window briefly. The sun was barely over the horizon, showing it to be early morning. Putting her slippers on, she opened the door and was a slightly surprised by what she saw. In the kitchen, Shinji was preparing lunch. The table had already been set with everyone's breakfast. Tsunami mused; He must have been up early. Tsunami went into the bathroom and washed up. A few minutes later, she came out and went back into her room to get dressed for school. Once that was done, she sat down to her meal and moments later, Shinji sat as well, just across from her. They ate slowly, their eyes avoiding contact with each other. But a person can only avoid another for so long, especially after what happened last night. Slowly, their heads raised and their eyes locked. This is what they were afraid of. Losing themselves in each others gaze.

"Morning guys."

Shinji instantly looked away while Tsunami's eyes shot back down at her plate, both acting as though they were caught doing something wrong. Shinji's head turned to Misato, who was currently yawning and dressed in her usual attire, which wasn't much. Shinji turned away and Misato chuckled to herself. Time to have some fun.

"Well, you two seem to be in good moods. Shinji, did you give her a good night kiss?"

Shinji's face turned light red, "Misato."

"What, I'm just teasing you. It not like you two slept together or anything."

The sudden deep blush on both of their faces instantly answered the unsaid question. Misato's eyes widened.

"Oh my...You did!"

Panicked, Shinji blurted out, "No, wait. That's not...I mean it is, but not..."

Misato glared at the young man and went into commander mode, "Third Child, you are in so much trouble."

"Misato, it's not what you think..." Tsunami interjected. However, Misato wouldn't have any of it.

"Don't even start, young lady. I'll deal with you in a moment."

"But Shinji didn't do anything."

Misato only barely heard those words through her rising anger, "Huh?"

Tsunami explained, "I had a nightmare and he came and helped me go back to sleep. It was late so I guess he fell asleep as well."

Misato blinked, "Oh, really?"

Tsunami nodded and Misato looked back at Shinji thoughtfully. I guess...that does sound like something he would do.

"Well...I guess you're off the hook then." She then grinned and went back to teasing mode, "You're such a sweetie, Shinji. But are you sure that's all that happened?"

Shinji blanched, "That's all! That's all!"

Misato laughed and took a big gulp from the can. "Ahhhhhhh!! Don't ever change, Shinji."

Shinji looked down in embarrassment as Tsunami gave a small giggle, "We better get to school. Come on, Third Child."

Grabbing his arm, she dragged him out the door with Shinji barely grabbing both their lunches off the counter. When the door closed, Misato smiled to herself and reached down to pet Pen-Pen. A slight frown formed. I hope you can handle it Shinji. She may not be here long.

Meanwhile, the two Children reached the elevator and entered. They both stood side by side, waiting for the elevator to stop. Shinji kept his head down and finally gathered enough courage to look over at her. Her head was down as well and her fingers were twitching slightly. He then noticed that his were too. How long does this thing take? Tsunami suddenly moved forward and pushed the stop button, stopping the elevator. Shinji was puzzled by the act and Tsunami turned to him.

"I...just have to..."

Her arms rapped around Shinji's neck. His eyes widened and her face moved close to his.

"I just need to know if it was a dream or not."

Shinji was even more shocked when she leaned forward and kissed him. Shinji felt all kinds of emotions put into that kiss. Anxiety, fear, and a longing. But it was that longing that he felt the most. Warmth. Soft. Sweet. Drowning in pool of these emotions as well as his own, Shinji pressed back and encircled his arms around her waist, locking her in a warm embrace. What went on for a solid minute felt like years as the two Children stayed together. Tsunami finally backed away, but her hand drifted and rested on his cheek. Shinji gave a small smile.

"Thank you, Shinji-kun." she smiled back.

________________

School

The newfound couple walked slowly to school, not caring if they were late or not. As they walked, their fingers and hands were linked together, much to their enjoyment. They were enjoying it so that they forgot to let go as they approached the school. Many of the students saw them from the outside as they approached. Embarrassed, they let go, but that wouldn't stop the people who saw from spreading the news. They were met with smiling faces as they entered class and took their seats. Touji and Kensuke cheered and joked about it to Shinji. Many of the girls and boys of the class were a little disappointed that those two were paired up while others were just glad for them. Hikari was the only one who didn't seem to care. During the day, she was apparently distracted. This was most noticed by her 10 second delay in her routine of stand, bow sit. A few of the students, especially Tsunami were worried. She looked back to Shinji. I guess Shinji will have to wait.

Lunch...

Tsunami and Hikari sat at the same table. Hikari quietly ate her food while Tsunami merely watched her. If Hikari was to say anything, now would be the time. Tsunami could have asked her straight off, but it was possible that Hikari would deny whatever was bothering her. She was strong-willed and she didn't want to appear soft in front of people. That was probably why she and Asuka got along so well. Asuka. Could that be the problem? Tsunami continued to watch, still waiting to see if she would say anything. She was on the verge of just forgetting what she thought earlier and asking her when Hikari raised her head.

Tsunami, do you mind if I ask you something?"

Tsunami nodded and Hikari went on, "You work with NERV and all so I wanted to know if you heard anything from Asuka."

I guess I was right. "I'm...afraid not."

Hikari looked back down, "Could you tell me the truth? Asuka's not coming back, is she?

Tsunami froze. What should I tell her? I can't tell her the truth. But I don't want to lie to her either.

"I don't know. It...is possible."

Tsunami thought about that last sentence. Up until now, she had nearly forgotten who she really was and was beginning to enjoy herself and her newfound relationship with Shinji. However, this also awakened a deep fear in Tsunami. What if it is possible? What will happen to me?

Hikari apparently didn't notice her friend's now-sullen state, "I see. She's probably really busy with something important. That's Asuka for you. Always wanting something major to beat."

Tsunami looked back up at her. "You miss her a lot, huh?"

"She's my friend. My best friend. Why wouldn't I miss her?"

__________

Hidden Office

Gendo and Fuyutuki watched the tape of Tsunami's latest synch test. It displayed her extremely high ratio and the results it showed.

"So this is a glimpse of what they want." Fuyutuki commented.

"It all fits into place, does it not?"

"The fusion, Tsunami's ratio. Yes, it does. Such a weapon would be unstoppable."

Gendo twitched his fingers slightly, "But they can't do it yet. Not with the remaining angels left." He gave a small dark grin, "They will wait."

"That doesn't give us much time."

"Rei is still needed. So the First and Second Child must be separate."

"Dr. Akagi is still working on it."

A slight scowl now formed, "I want results, not delays. Tell her to work faster."

_______

Nightfall…

Ritsuko looked over the recording of the incident again. Maya sat next to her, apparently tired, but trying to stay awake. Ritsuko didn't blame her. They have watched the tape well over thirty times and they still were no closer to finding a solution.

"Go home and get some rest."

Maya shook her head slightly, "I couldn't..."

Ritsuko cut her response, "You can. Go on. Return back here at 7:30."

Maya was about to argue again, but the look from Ritsuko said that she would have none of it. That plus the fatigue wearing on her finally convinced her to nod and leave. Ritsuko smiled slightly. She may go far, provided we survive all of this. Ritsuko then played the tape again. Lets see if thirty-one times a charm.

-"Try to keep still Shinji."-

-"Oh, sorry."-

-"Not again. When will you ever stop and grow a backbone?"-

-"Sorry."-

-"Mien Gott, you're such an idiot."-

Why do they always arg....wait a minute. She backed up the tape and played it at that point again. This time, she focused on Asuka and Rei at the same time. She then saw it. Both girls had blinked at the same time. It's a long shot, but if it was what she thinks it was... Ritsuko called out down the hall where Maya was still walking.

"Maya, get back here. We have work to do."