Yes, the next chapter has come.

There are some things, which really piss me off. (Excuse my language). This message goes out to all those Authors who think it's all right to start a story, and then just leave it. Frankly, I've seen enough of them, and I'm not happy. Get your damn acts together people!

Anyway, I pride myself on the fact that I always act on the feedback I receive. Any suggestions or improvements anyone has in mind would be greatly appreciated. Since I'm going to be working on this story for quite a long time, I'd like to make it in to something most people can enjoy. Also for all you Shinji/Asuka fans, the real stuff hasn't happened yet; it's all been foreplay up to this part. And now, without further ado.

Chapter 12

--Fan Fiction--

After the battle, Shinji had moved out of Misato's apartment again, and Asuka was already beginning to miss him. 'It's so damn boring without him' she thought, as she emerged from the bathroom after her morning shower. After she got dressed in her room she went in to the kitchen.

"Yeah! Take that!" Misato was playing around with figures of Shinji, Eva Unit 01 and the 3rd Angel. "You're no match for me!"

Asuka sweat dropped at the sight of her supposed guarding deeply enthralled by some action figures.

"Good morning Misato" Asuka said from the doorway to kitchen.

Misato quickly tried to hide the toys behind her back as she turned to face Asuka.

"To you too Asuka" She smiled innocently. "I didn't know you were awake."

"Oh it's okay." Asuka grinned in an evil manner. "Practicing some new battle strategies?"

Misato paled and Asuka burst out laughing.

"Oh shut up!" Misato snapped. Asuka calmed a bit and then sat down at the table.

"Oh yeah, I almost forgot." Misato spoke again. "You and Shinji are up for the next media conference."

"Huh?"

"The public is very interested in the Evas and NERV." Misato continued. "You two will answer some questions for the media and such. We need all the publicity we can get."

Asuka was thrilled with the news. 'Now everyone will know that I'm the best pilot!' she thought happily to herself. 'And Shinji will be there too!'

---

*NERV central*

"Shinji, Pilot Sohruy, as you know by now, you've both been selected for the media conference today." Commander Ikari explained. "As representatives of NERV, I'm sure you know that it is very important to show proper conduct."

Gendo motioned for one of his personnel to come forward. The man gave Asuka and Shinji the official NERV attire.

"I also expect you both to be on your best behaviour." Gendo continued. "Get dressed and come back here to await your escort."

Gendo exited and left the two pilots alone.

"So Shinji," Asuka nudged him on the side. "Are you excited about this?"

"Not really." He replied lazily. "This isn't the first time I've done this."

She was surprised at this.

"All the fame is starting to get to me." He spoke again. "To tell you the truth, I'm not a big attention seeker."

She sighed. "I guess we better get going then."

The two departed to change in to their issued uniforms.

---

*Conference Hall*

"All stand. The representatives of NERV are now arriving" Spoke the commentator.

All eyes in the room turned towards one of the doors that now opened. Two security guards stepped through, followed by the two pilots, who were in turn followed by another two security personnel. The male pilot motioned to two of them and they each took positions beside each door. He then approached the podium.

"Pilot of Evangelion unit 01: Lieutenant Shinji Ikari!" The commentator spoke out. Everyone in the room was hushed at this revelation.

"Good evening, I'm here to answer any of the questions that you might have." Shinji spoke in a business like manner.

Shinji really wasn't enjoying all the camera flashes. They hurt his eyes. A man with his hand up caught his attention and Shinji pointed to him.

"Yes?"

"The footage from the battle, which was incredible I must add, confirmed the existence of a third Evangelion unit, which battled alongside your very own. Can you give us some information regarding that?"

Shinji took a deep breath.

"The Red Evangelion you saw was the production model, unit 02. It is the latest addition to Tokyo 3 Evangelion fighting force, and is piloted by Asuka Langley Sohruy."

Shinji then motioned his hand to the girl with flowing red hair that sat at a chair on the side and regarded him with interest. Realizing he was calling her up she made her way to him.

"As you've all seen," Shinji continued speaking, now with Asuka at his side. "The latest victory was only achieved because of the effort we put in as a team. The collaboration between pilots is what will ensure our victory in the upcoming battles."

"Is it my turn yet?" She whispered to Shinji.

"Feel free to take over" He replied quietly.

"You're not half bad at this Shinji."

"I've had practiced." He quietly told her as he passed her and got off the stage to go to the chair she had previously sat on.

Asuka took over answering the questions, and the meeting was soon over. Both pilots exited the building and made their way in to the NERV car that awaited them outside.

---

Shinji and Asuka sat silently as the car drove to its destination. Asuka was just happy that the public would now recognise her. Secretly she was hoping that they'd make her in to an action figure as well.

Whilst passing by a hilly area, a thought suddenly came to Shinji and he told the driver to pull over. He then told Asuka to follow him as he exited the car and made his way up the hill. The timing was perfect, as the sun was just beginning to set.

Shinji motioned for Asuka to sit on the grass next to him, and when she did, they both remained silent for a few minutes and watched the city as it bathed in the golden orange light coming from the sun.

"It's a beautiful sight Shinji." Asuka finally said. "I'd never have figured you for the romantic type."

"Me neither." He admitted. "Asuka, I wanted to talk to you."

She turned to look at him.

"I'm not the type of person that can ignore his feelings." Shinji continued. "And I feel like I have to tell you this."

Asuka was very interested in what he had to say.

"You're different from everyone else I know. You're stronger." Asuka continued to watch him as he spoke. "And we can relate to one another in a way that no one else can." He turned and his eyes met hers. They were full of a strong resolve. "Asuka, what I'm trying to say is- mmph"

He couldn't finish what he was saying. Asuka had effectively silenced him with a kiss. One that started off slow, but transcended in to one that conveyed all the emotion the two pilots were feeling. She finally pulled away ending the kiss. Her eyes remained closed for a few moments.

"Shinji, I can say the exact same about you." She grabbed hold of his hand and held it tight. "You aren't like the other people I've met. I promised myself long ago that I'd let no one get close to me." Shinji squeezed her hand in return as it started to shake; however tears never came.

"It's alright." Shinji assured her.

"Shinji, when I'm with you I feel safer." She looked down at his hand as she held it tight. "I'm willing to give you a chance, to let you in to my heart."

He smiled at her, and leaned down and embraced her. They stayed together for a long time, but decided it would be best if they got home. They walked back to the car, the driver had been ordered to wait for them, and rode back to HQ.

---

To be continued.

Okay folks, that's it or this chapter, slightly shorter then the last. Anyway, I've tried to keep a balance between comedy, drama and an advancing story. Hope I've succeeded. You can look forward to the next chapter; it will probably be the best one so far.

Laterz.