We Came To Help

by Mercaba

While on a journey to visit a new planet, Eris encounters an angel and crashes only to be found by the pilots. Now forces try to capture or control the alien for their own wishes.

1. Chapter 1

Standard Disclaimer

Well pool will be closing soon, work is adding SOME work but also taking away OTHER work...confusion. My nephew moved across the country and I helped with that...was a long drive. But this will be a medium sized story, about 10 – 12 chapters. And the names are a mess since no area keeps them the same, wiki/scanslation/anime…

X-X

We Came To Help

Chapter – 1

Walking through the high grass, his bag digging into his side, Shinji trudged along as best he could considering the weight. Asuka told him that he was being stupid, that Touji and Kensuke wouldn't be at the agreed upon camping spot, but Shinji plodded on regardless. They had agreed on this date, Shinji had to do all of Misato's chores for a week to get her permission, so despite the last few days of intensity Shinji had hope. Sure there had been an angel in space dropping parts of itself the last few days, most of the city fled just in case Nerv failed. But the angel was gone as of late last night, ten hours before the expected deployment, so Shinji hoped his friends hurried back to meet him.

It was delusional, even Shinji knew that, but he told both his buddies how much effort he went through to do this and had to try. "Wonder what did happen to that angel, not that I'm sad about it," Shinji mumbled. Grabbing a large stick, he used it to push the grass out of his path that smacked him on the backside as he passed through. Nobody knew what happened to the angel, one moment it was prepping to fall on the city and the next it blew up. N2 mines had no effect, the rifle Ayanami used against the murder cube couldn't reach, and Akagi had no answer. Kicking at the grass, "At least father wasn't around to see us all fumble about." That would have been terrible.

"Why did I agree to bring the food," Shinji whined as his back sang out in pain. The bag shifted and smashed into the small of his back at the perfect angle to score a critical hit. Stumbling through the last of the tall grass and entering the dirt circle that he had met Kensuke months ago, Shinji saw it was empty. A lone tarp hanging over a staked up metal wire, Kensuke's permanent shelter. Letting the food drop, blessed relief surging in, Shinji panted, "Maybe they're late. Yeah, just late." They weren't, but he wasn't going to accept that yet.

If nothing else he could have a little time away from Asuka and Misato, Shinji reminded himself. "Ayanami-san as well, I could use a moment away from all of them. They're all confusing," Shinji set about sorting the contents of the bag out. Touji ate a lot, so Shinji had a wide variety of things to try cooking over the fire. Kensuke had taught him a how to use the campfire pot that hung over the pit. A small part of Shinji had hoped to talk to his buddies about what he might do regarding his little female problem, it wasn't going to happen. Girls confused the lad, at times he thought maybe he could see a glimmer of emotion coming from the other pilots but his self-esteem squelched that. Misato…was a massive tease that lived to drink, make messes, and tease him.

Letting his brain feed on itself, memories of Ayanami's silhouette, Asuka hanging over him during the synchronization training, and the countless Misato drunken exchanges, Shinji setup the camp as best he could. No expert, have only camped the one night with Kensuke and have read up on it in preparation, Shinji's efforts bore a small and deformed fruit. Touji was supposed to bring the sleeping gear, Kensuke the entertainment, and the rest was left to hopefully not be stolen so Shinji mostly got the firepit fueled and ready.

Time passed, nobody came, Shinji's phone chimed with a message from Asuka asking if they showed. From the emojis present in her lengthy message, she didn't expect them to and she sent a picture of Hikari and a few girls he didn't know who were having a sleep over at Hikari's place. Moment Asuka knew Shinji was going to be gone she jumped on the chance to show him how it was done. Another reason Shinji was committed to his little doomed expedition. Things got worse after several hours of sitting on a log looking at the firepit that was loaded with ready to burn logs and under grass to start it, Misato drunkenly texted him asking how he was…complete with a selfie of herself in a towel with a beer. A guy could only handle so much teasing, Touji would have stolen his phone if he saw the picture.

"Not going to respond, they might show," Shinji knew they weren't going to. Neither Touji or Kensuke texted a confirmation of their return, but sunk cost. Sitting in the outskirts of the town, Shinji wondered if the agents that followed around stayed or left, he hasn't shown any indication of try to run away so it was unlikely they were close. If they wanted him they'd fly a VTOL to grab him or something. Once the sun set and the insects opted to start dining on human blood, Shinji started the fire. It took a few tries, Kensuke's hidden lighter was dreadfully close to being empty.

The smoke kept the vile creatures away, but Shinji didn't cook, no appetite. Maybe he'd just leave the packaged food behind when he left in the morning, be easier to carry it back. The perishable stuff he'd bury or something, Shinji did not want to carry that heavy bag back as a reminder of this evening. The dumb hopes of hanging out, getting some destress, vanished as the sky went from blue, to reddish purple, and finally black. "They can restock the firewood themselves," Shinji bitterly chucked more fuel on the fire. Eying that 'tent' with disdain, Shinji knew it didn't have any bedding in it so it was going to be the cold hard ground. Scooting along the log closer to the fire, "Just going to sit here and wait till morning." Shinji was not removed of stubbornness, and he wasn't going to let Asuka win.

Just watching the fire danced about as time bumbled forward, fatigue of the last few stressful days of prep washed over him. Being told to fill out a will in case the operation failed, the earthquakes, and seeing all the people leave had been nerve wracking. Then the anti-climax of 'the angel is gone!?' and now…Ayanami walking out of the grass towards him? She…she was in her swimsuit and she smiled at him with that heart melting smile of…

A mosquito took that moment to sting Shinji in the forehead and wake him from his small slumber. Smacking his own nose when he crushed the insect, pain woke him fully. Embers and small flames all that was left of his once moderate blaze. Maybe nodding off for an hour or more judging from the state of things. "Do I go to the tent or…" Shinji muttered before noticing something off in the distance. A small light, barely noticeable. The sun obscured it first, then the larger fire, but now he was sure he saw some light reflecting off the tall grass.

"Maybe I'm still dreaming," Shinji felt compelled check out light. As he stood up, the pain of sitting at that stupid log reminded Shinji that sleeping while sitting was a dumb idea. Slowly he advanced on the light, he quickly learned that distance was deceiving in the wilderness and it was further from the camp than expected, his little fire a looked like a matchhead when he got to the source of the light. It was coming from the ground impossibly! Without a real light to use, Shinji had no idea of knowing what was under the ground, but he started wiping away the dirt. It was smooth to the touch under the soft dirt, and as he brushed away the dirt he found more light coming out. Red flashing warning lights quickly became apparent.

It was some sort of escape pod or hatch out of a sci-fi movie! How it got here, Shinji hadn't the foggiest as he frantically brushed more dirt away with his hands, no longer concerned about not hurting them. "Is that a person?" Shinji barely could make out a figure when the red light flashed. It was to dark to make out the features, but it was quite obviously female. After a solid ten minutes of frantically digging, Shinji found some sort of control panel that showed a little more light, and oddly enough he saw sad looking cat faced animations pointing at a green circle on a touch pad.

He pressed it.

Moments after he pushed the button, the cute cat animations smiled at him and a hatch opened and cast the majority of the dirt still covering the pod covered Shinji and the interior of the pod. Covered in dirt and plant matter, Shinji started to think this was some elaborate prank his friends prepped. But when he heard the groan of the occupant, Shinji snapped out of his growing paranoia. Even if this was a joke, it had gone badly as the pod had nearly been buried and if he hadn't acted who knows what would have happened. "Miss are you alright, can you hear me?" Shinji reached in and cleaned off the earth that had fallen in. The light was covered now, most of the inside was filling with dirt, so Shinji pulled the woman out.

Dazed and stumbling about, the girl who was about a head taller than Shinji leaned against him and let him direct her. She said something, but Shinji didn't understand it immediately. Just holding onto Shinji's side as they moved back towards the fire, she regained some of her composure and stood a bit taller. When they got back to the clearing, she was standing on her own but still clutching her head. Sitting on the log near the blaze, Shinji put more fire on it and grabbed one of the water bottles he brought. "Can you…understand me now?" the woman asked.

"Oh yeah, are you alright? Are you hungry or thirsty? What were you doing out here?" Shinji wasn't expecting to suddenly hear her. Handing the water to her, glad he hadn't taken a drink first, Shinji was already bringing food over. In the light of the fire, finally able to see the woman more clearly, Shinji sucked in his breath and fell onto his bum. First thing he noticed was the girl was in something very similar to a plugsuit. It had the plastic look, only it was mostly white with red arms and a red belly plus the leggings didn't connect. Handing the woman one of the jerky packets, "You were nearly buried out there."

Taking the container, she sampled a small piece and her ears twitched and her tail stood out tall. "I didn't know how hungry I was! This is…chewy but tasty! My name is Eris, nice to meet you!" her energy was recovering with each bit of dried meat she ate. Patting the patch of log next to her, "My head is a little foggy. I think I crashed my escape pod, never had to use it before. You said I was nearly buried? It doesn't have THAT much oxygen."

Lured by the siren call of the honeyed voice and fire light face, Shinji found himself sitting as she wanted. Grabbing more food, he actually started cooking some of it for her, "Y-yeah I saw some lights away from camp, d-dug you out. M-miss…why are you out here? Escape pod from what?" How would she look if she wasn't covered in dirt? She was captivating already and Shinji could only see some of her. And uh…well…she was pretty well endowed maybe even larger than Misato!

"Thank you!" Eris latched onto Shinji and nuzzled against him, grinding her dirt into his. Taking one of the skewers of food Shinji barely had time to sear, she blew on it and started eating. "Oooh this is tasty too! And I was on my way to Earth to see if you were ready for a cultural exchange with my people the Catians. My ship encountered some sort of creature and instructed me to escape while it dealt with it. I messed up a little and well…I'll have to try and contact my ship to see if I can contact the main ship," Eris focused on the meat and left the vegies behind.

Ship? Catians? This girl was saying she was an alien? Ok, this had to be some sort of prank, maybe it was going to be on television or something! An attractive girl in a semi-buried escape pod in the middle of the woods after a near angel attack, best time to prank the next person that came to this…random part of wilderness…what was touching his leg? Shinji gently grabbed the fluffy appendage, looking down at what he expected to be a random animal only to find a fluffy snake that…was attached to…it was a tail?

"B-be careful with my tail its very sensitive, y-you never told me your name yet either," Eris's ears twitched rapidly. Taking the next skewer that Shinji set up, this time it was actually closer to actually cooked, "Not e-eating?"

Swallowing hard, Shinji let Eris's tail slip from his fingers. The heat of it, how it moved when he had held it, and seeing her ears twitch Shinji couldn't deny that if this was a costume it was the most elaborate fake he'd ever seen. "I-I'm Ikari Shinji. A-and no I'm not hungry. M-my friends couldn't make the camping trip…I've extra. E-eat up. D-do you want me to contact anybody? Any p-place to stay while you're waiting for your ship?" Shinji was more thinking this was an elaborate dream. Crashed alien ship with an impossibly attractive catgirl alien that spoke Japanese in it? Might as well go along with the insanity.

Her tail curled around Shinji's waist, Eris just smiled brightly in between bits. Her face covered with grease from the meat, "Shinji-san, I like that name! If it's alright with you, I could stay with you until I contact my ship or captain Kuune comes to check on me! I don't know the status of my ship so it might be in power down. And I have to repay you for saving me." Dropping the latest vegi laden skewer on the ground, Eris tented her fingers and fiddled with them a little while sneaking peeks at Shinji.

"Sure, why not, I'm sure Misato-san would like to talk to you," Shinji went along with his dream. Not his first red dream ever, but Shinji didn't think his imagination could come up with such a crazy scenario. Feeding Eris a bit better food and listening to her story, Shinji found he really loved her energetic voice. Catians were a civilization that was centuries ahead of humanity and searched the stars for new people to interact with and effectively play with. Numerous alien species existed in an allegiance, and now Earth was set to be considered. Yup just one big daze of stupid.

Soon the sky started to brighten, and Shinji stood up and gathered the trash. "Well if you'd like Eris-san, I can take you to my apartment and we can get some sleep. Don't know about you, but I'm tired. Plus I have better food there for later!" Shinji held his hand out to Eris, might as well enjoy the dream as long as possible.

"Lets go!" Eris had energy to spare. Stomping out the fire, showing no indication the flames hurt her proving more that this was all a dream, Eris got right up close to Shinji as they left the woods. His mind and thoughts all muddled with dream logic…or fatigue…or…whatever. Shinji lead Eris back to the apartment and…

Shinji's eyes popped open and the late afternoon sun streamed in the window of his room. "A dream? A dream…Misato-san must have put her hard stuff in my tea on accident again," only thing that would explain it all. The angel vanishing, the botched camping trip, meeting Eris, and all the sci-fi talk. Maybe Misato did it to insure he got a good nights sleep before the mission. Feeling stiflingly warm, Shinji threw back the blanket and saw a dirty Eris sleeping at his side in one of his school shirts just barely covering anything. That was when he noticed he was dirty as well, and his bedding was caked in dirt and mud. "N-not a dream…not a dream…" maybe it was…he touched Eris's ear and it was warm and fluffy to the touch. When it twitched he let out a quick yelp that woke the girl up…oh bugger.

X-X

Days when Misato worked a different shift than here were mixed blessings to Ritsuko. More work got done, a lot more work, but they were boring. Everybody she interacted with were more somber or outright afraid of her. Ritsuko considered it a result of idiots not knowing how her brain worked and associating intelligence with 'unstable'. Sure she burnt things she didn't like from time to time, showed pictures of her cats to everybody, and didn't have the best social graces. Misato understood her at least and would talk to her. "But today I guess the lack of distractions is good," Ritsuko moaned as she tried to focus.

A logical mind hated missing data, a logical mind with numerous people wanting answers for different purposes loathed missing data. Right now Ritsuko was trying to find an explanation for a vanishing angel, one that the city feared would teleport back at a moments notice, and try to find out why all the known satellites were having issues. An EMP conveniently went off when the angel was dealt with. So maybe the angel was back in space and just biding its time, was gone, or was making a few million copies of itself. Ritsuko had no idea as she couldn't see into space! Petting one of the porcelain cat figures she had, "I want to go home. I want a drink. I want to pet my kitties."

Thankfully Maya wasn't around to see her being hyper depressed and scared for the future, Ritsuko tried for the umpteenth time to connect to the down satellite system. Smashing her finger on the enter button as the 'Error – Cannot Connect' appeared again, Ritsuko nearly broke the keyboard. Growling at the offending application, "Why does nothing work easily! This should just re-connect on its own! WHY! WHY! WHY!" Fighting back tears of frustration, Ritsuko wondered if she had time in life to just quit and convince Misato to join her in erotic dancing.

The budding rage was cut short when her private phone rang. Quickly rubbing her eyes, taking a few calming breaths, she pulled out her phone to see it was Gendo. Her growing crush on the man caused her to pause a moment before answering, "Akagi here, how is Antarctica?" Maybe she could ask him to supper, a drink, a quick fling in her lab? Gods she was lonely, guy was old enough to be her father…maybe cool uncle…and she was just lacking other options.

"Cold, but we have it. Have Ayanami ready to receive it in two days," Gendo was his typical no-nonsense self. There was static over the line, other people could be heard yelling at Gendo but Ritsuko couldn't make it out, then the sound went muted.

Putting a cig in her mouth, not lighting it as she was still under observation for the last violation, Ritsuko tried to suck some nicotine out of it. Silence continued to be broken with rare moments when Gendo's hand slipped off the receiver. As she waited, Ritsuko did send Ayanami a text about her next secret mission. Getting the Lance into the base and into Lilith was going to take a lot of secrecy as Eva sized weapons going into restricted zones did get peoples attention. Most important, Ritsuko had to keep Misato in the dark as the drunken idiot was able to sniff out lies stupidly well. After a solid five minutes of waiting, "Sir is something wrong? I'm still here." Did he care?

"Seele just contacted us. Out outside contractor said they've verified what happened with the angel. A Catian ship is dead in orbit right now. They say it a scout ship with a small crew. We are to find a way to destroy it, and insure no survivors. The whole scenario is in jeopardy if larger Catian ship arrives as they'll have countermeasures to the Angels. I'm sending you the satellite contact details, do what you can. Counting on you," Gendo quickly shut off his phone.

Ritsuko's phone fell from her hand and only her quick reflexes prevented it from smashing off the ground. A Catian? Plugging in the new details Gendo forwarded to her, she nearly screamed in both joy and frustration when it worked. "If you had a satellite that worked why didn't you let us know you pricks! If we fail your stupid plans fail with us!" she shook her monitor as the images started to come in. Palm to cheek as her eyes widened, "It is a space ship, and that looks like bits of angel! This is…Cat-Catian?"

Ritsuko had heard of the Dogsian race that was helping Seele/Nerv with technology. Mostly it was the plugsuits and some of the scanner the Eva's used, but Ritsuko didn't really believe that this Jens was an alien. Never saw the man, she hoped it was a man for as much time as the commanders spent with them, but the name conjured images in Ritsuko's mind. A Dogsian would look like a human with dog features…w-would a Catian look like a c-cat? "If this is real I'd have to inform the others," Ritsuko whispered in a hushed reverend tone. Best to wait to contact the group until she had details, but the Underside would LOVE to know if this was real. Her phone rang again after a long period of thought, "Go for Akagi," she said without looking.

"You have to get to my apartment NOW, Ritsuko, and I mean like now-now. Something…well something important happened," Misato demanded over the line. What startled Ritsuko was the lack of fear in Misato's voice, it was far to jovial for the amount of urgency being voiced.

Going over the grainy images of the svelte craft that was so close yet so far away, Ritsuko found her drive to humor Misato slim. Caressing the image, "I've finally reestablished satellite communication and trying to piece together our missing angel, Misato. I don't have time to fix your computer or to diagnose whatever new issue you think Ikari-kun has." Misato was so doting on that kid, it was cute to see the woman acting like a terrible mother, was good for both of them. But annoying as hell to be at Misato's mama-bear reactions.

"Ritsuko, come over here. I promise you its important. If after you see what I want you to see, you don't think its important I'll do anything you ask of me. Remember that time in college? Once a week for a month if you want," Misato was not one to offer promises easily, especially ones of the lily variety. Actually Misato never offered such before, and the college event was heavily booze related and Kaji had pushed for it hard.

With promises of potential sexual relief, please all things listening don't let this be a thing to get Shinji into a three-way, Ritsuko relented. Shutting down the monitor, "Sure, alright Misato I'll come check this amazing thing out. Why can't you just tell me over the phone or bring it into the base though?" Misato was a crafty being for a drunken idiot, and Ritsuko had been burned before. Gathering her meager possessions, she made her way out of the lab.

Hearing some muffled talking on the other side, younger voices so the pilots where fighting or fucking or something. Misato eventually came back, "S-sorry, clothing foul happened and Shinji-kun spilled a drink as a result. Was bound to happen…how it happened before is only due to magic. And thanks Rits, you won't regret it. But if you can…bring one or both of your cats apparently. It's important! Now I have to go before things get worse!" Misato pulled a Gendo and ended the call before Ritsuko could counter.

"Bitch this better be good or I'm getting a Dragon and you'll be the receiver," Ritsuko grumbled and pocketed her phone. Getting her babies into the carrier was a pain, but Ritsuko couldn't refuse Misato at times. When you only had one real friend, you tended to protect that relationship. Plus Ritsuko already ordered a dragon toy that was still in its wrapper, damn thing was intimidating. Well Misato could break it in if necessary, be a fitting punishment for pulling Ritsuko away from that ship!

Driving to her apartment, thankfully whenever Gendo was gone Ritsuko could use the car provided for the commanders, Ritsuko had to coax her two cats into the carrier with treats. They were smart little darlings, but the box was synonymous with the vet whom they hated. But a few treats leading into it, and some quick acting, got them caged and contently lapping at some wet food. By the time they realized they were going somewhere, Ritsuko was already pulling into Misato's. "See, no vet you two, just Aunt Misato and her likely mouse problem. Up for some hunting?" Ritsuko asked as she pet Luna through the door with a long finger. Luna had been her baby since she bottle fed the abandoned thing as a kitten.

Being careful with jostling the cage as she took the stairs up to Misato's, the cats hated elevators. Rapping her knuckle on the door, Ritsuko heard voices on the other side and they were jovial. Did Misato finally spike Soryu's drink to get the kid to relax a bit? When it opened, Misato was all smiles and Ritsuko held up the cage, "Alright Misato, what is this super important thing you needed me here for that is keeping me away from finally getting the city off our backs." Ritsuko stepped in and took off her shoes and set the cage down.

"Best you see it for yourself, sorry about the cats thing, but I overheard something that I just HAD to have verified. And believe me Ritsuko…what you see is real," Misato gently propelled Ritsuko through the entry hallway and into the living room.

Ritsuko had been expecting disappointment, to have it be a rodent problem or a mole on Shinji's dick Misato 'somehow' saw. When she saw it…saw her…Ritsuko's heart knew peace. Something she had never expected she needed but now had. "Misato, what the fuck? You called some teenager and put her in cat ears and a tail," Ritsuko lied. How the ears moved, how the tail swished…this was a real Catian. But since she wasn't supposed to know aliens existed, she lied.

"Ritsuko-san h-hello, Um…this is Eris-san a-and she's an alien," Shinji awkwardly introduced Ritsuko to the most important thing in her life. At current the cat girl was dancing alongside some television program, wearing something from Misato's closet and just swaying around.

Upon hearing her name, the divine creature stopped her gyrations and turned to Ritsuko with a smile befitting one so above her. Walking over to Ritsuko, Eris held her hand out, "Nice to meet you. Shinji-san and Misato-san said you'd like to meet me." Eris's grip was firm and warm, Ritsuko had to force herself to let go of it.

She had to contact the Underside of the Kitten's Paw and let them know of this, a real cat girl existed. An alien, one that she was supposed to kill. Hah! Not happening, sorry Gendo but Eris was not going to be hurt if Ritsuko could help it. "Eris-kun you say? Misato this girl is the 'big thing' you needed me to see? Sorry I'm not buying it, how exactly are you going to prove she's an alien?" Unlike Misato and Shinji, Ritsuko was a fine liar.

"We can prove if to you, if you don't mind Eris-san. Sorry for putting you through all of this, but we've never encountered peaceful aliens before," Shinji apologized to the girl.

Beaming a thousand watt smile back at the lad, Eris showed no issue with the current situation. "A lot of races have this reaction I've been told. This is my first 'initial encounter' with a new species so its so much fun for me! So what would you like to know?" Eris sat down on the couch, right next to Shinji who looked ready to pop, Misato took one of the side chairs leaving Ritsuko the choice of couch or chair. Well, she wasn't worthy of setting next to Eris yet so Ritsuko took the chair.

For the next twenty minutes, Ritsuko's mind was expanded on things she hadn't thought possible. Eris sadly didn't know any advanced science herself, girl was only a sixteen year old scout, but Ritsuko didn't blame her. The ship she was supposed to destroy was recovering due to automatic systems, and eventually would call out to the Mother Ship which had even more Catians. Eris showed off the holographic brain of the ship, sadly it was cut off from the database so only had basic knowledge. But Eris knew her races history, spoke of how the galaxy was organized…and said that the Dogsians were an exiled species. Ritsuko didn't ask more, didn't want to show her foreknowledge.

"Well this is…I'll have Section-2 coordinate with reclamation and get your escape pod recovered. We kept tabs on the general location Shinji-kun was going to be in. Won't be hard to find an impact crater," Ritsuko's mind was flooded with potential. Sending a quick text to trusted personnel, those loyal to Misato and not Gendo, Ritsuko couldn't wait to see the future tech. But for now it was a personal matter, "So why did you need me to bring my cats with me? Not going to say Eris-kun only eats cats or something are you?" Even for her new idol Ritsuko wouldn't give her cats up without a fight.

Misato had brought the cage over during the talk, but left the cats inside the cage. The two were yowling and wanting out to stretch their legs, and to break things as was the cat tax. "I don't believe this one myself, but I heard these two chatting. Apparently Eris-kun here can talk to our cats. We don't have any so…" Misato opened the cage and the two rushed out and immediately did cat things. Luna jumped up on Shinji's lap, stupid thing had a thing for males, and Artemis tentatively approached Eris.

"Hello, and how are you two? I'm Eris, no I'm not from here…sorry but I don't have pants on so you can lay by side…Luna-san um…you don' t have to tell me…no seriously that is…Ritsuko-san what have you taught these two?" Eris's cheeks went red and she averted her eyes the humans.

Pointing at the cats and at Ritsuko, Misato blinked several times, "You never…told her the names. She CAN talk to them? What did Luna say that has you that has you so…Shinji-kun something you want to confess?" Misato was lewd as always, assuming Luna would have told Eris something.

"H-how about we don't bother the poor girl about this. She proved she can talk to my cats. C-can you tell them to get back in the cage? As much as I…very much want to stay. I have to keep your pod from being captured, and see if I can find a way to help Eris-kun contact her ship," Ritsuko gushed. If Eris could talk to her cats, that would mean they'd tell Eris her secrets! Ritsuko had a few…extravagancies…so Luna likely was a bit of a 'dirty old lady'. So who knows what was being told from cat to cat-girl.

Pointing at the box, timidly looking at the confused boy and smirking Misato, "Could you get back into the cage? Oh…really? Ritsuko-san, you might want to take Luna to a doctor, she's been feeling sick lately." The cats did do as asked and easily walked into the cage and let Ritsuko shut it. A whole new world was opened, human to cat communication was now a thing! So much to do, so much to learn, and next time she visited she'd have to get a photo for Underside, but until she had evidence she'd keep this little secret to herself, she wasn't being selfish just didn't want to stun the other members without proof is all. Oooooh today was a very good day.

X-X

Misato hated mysteries in real life. In movies and such they were fine, but when it came to her daily life she wanted to destroy all of them. So this mess with the amazing disappearing angel was not on her bucket list. Made her day of work lovely, everybody was looking to her for answers and she had none, and the city wanted to know why they scared everybody out and then did nothing. Official word was Ayanami actually took it out with the positronic rifle, unofficially the city was out for blood for the scare.

With all that on her mind, Misato wanted to partake in her second favorite destress activity and tease Shinji a little. Slowly opening the door to the apartment, being as stealthy as possible, Misato cupped her hand to her ear to listen for any unique sounds. Asuka had texted the group chat for the apartment that she was going to be home late, so Misato lied and said the same. Misato wondered just what her little house husband did when nobody was around. Added to the mix was the no-doubt failure of the camping trip the day before. If those flaky boys pulled through she'd give each a hug, she didn't expect she'd need to.

"Is that one of my movies…did I forget to take it out?" Misato whispered as she heard a familiar bit of dialogue. With Shinji and Asuka gone the night before, Misato allowed herself a personal night. A harder drink, a little exercise, and one of her borderline porn movies. Heavy on story, extra heavy on the action, but just no on-screen penetration. Her heartrate spiked as she realized she left it in the player! Thankfully Shinji found it and not Asuka. One would tease, the other could be teased. Closing her eyes and calming herself, Misato went through a series of possible comments.

Did she go for shock, surprise, accusing, or maybe faux anger? Opting to go for positive and a little startling, Misato readied her accusation and rounded the hallway and into the living room. "Oh so you're home already…" Misato's brain short circuited as she took in the room. It wasn't that mop of shaggy brown hair in need of a small cut, it was a sea of light brown hair bordering on orange topped with fake cat ears! Pointing at the girl who turned at the comment, a pair of red eyes locked on Misato's, "Who…Ayanami?"

"Oh, you must be Misato! I'm Eris, pleased to meet you," the girl turned around and propped herself up on the back of the couch. Clad in a white t-shirt that wasn't buttoned on the top, she nearly exploded out of it, and a blue ribbon adorned with a large silver bell. It was the expressive face and excited smile that broke the illusion that it was Ayanami in cosplay that Shinji got for her. Showing Asuka level dexterity, Eris vaulted over the couch and let Misato know she was at least wearing some panty. Jiggling on her way to Misato, the fake tail now on display, she extended her hand, "This is the proper custom right? From your video it showed same sex greeting one another this way."

Did Shinji get a rent-a-girlfriend or something, Misato boggled. Taking the girl's hand in hers, nice strong grip, Misato gave it a shake. "Y-yeah its custom. S-so Eris-kun, what brings you here? Where is Shinji-kun right now and when did you two meet? You two didn't…you know…make a mess in his room did you?" Misato really hoped not but had to ask. Misato worried her little butler had issues opening himself up to others, the hedgehog thing Ritsuko said (Misato forgot most of that). But to think he rented a girlfriend…or a teenage prostatute, she hoped not. Ritsuko would never let Misato forget it if that was the case.

Letting Misato's hand go, she followed Misato back to the couch and sat down by her, still showing off the ample tracks of land she was blessed with. Girl was open and definitely body positive as she showed no care of being seeing in such a state. Crossing her legs on the couch, "I met him last nigh. And I guess we did make a really big mess in his bed. As for where he is…well I was hungry and ate a lot while he was in the shower. So after he saw what I did he went to get more food." Girl had the gall to cutely look away and cover her blushing cheeks.

"You did make a mess?" Misato felt her core chill. Reaching out for Eris, grabbing her shoulder gently, Misato needed an anchor as her brain went over countless possibilities. Did one of those stupid, soon to be missing, kids send Eris to Shinji since they couldn't make it? How could those kids afford a girl that looked like Eris? Hair longer than Asuka's, chest larger than her own, red eyes to match Ayanami…as if they took various qualities of the girls Misato knew Shinji interacted with, blended them up, and gave the super positive and bubbly personality. With an uneasy laugh, "Is that one of his shirts?"

Grabbing the open parts of the shirt, Eris playfully pulled it 'shut' and Misato could see the strain on the fabric, "I don't always like to wear my suit so I used this to sleep in." Eris's eyes suddenly widened as the door opened again, only loudly this time, and her smile was radiant. Scampering off, Misato saw the fake tail bounding around, Eris went to greet the new addition. "Welcome back Shinji-san. Oh…what as I supposed to say…oh yeah do you want a bath, supper, or me?" Eris asked as she approached.

"Where did you hear something like that, and why aren't you wearing the clothing I set out for you?" Shinji's panicked voice filled the apartment, and raised Misato's confusion. Entering the living room, Shinji saw Misato standing with crossed arms and a very neutral expression, and he dropped the bags laden with various foods. His mouth opened and closed wordlessly a few times before, "M-Misato-san, you said you'd be home later. Did you tell Eris-san to say that?"

Not expecting to be accused of anything by the lad she was about to accuse Misato was immediately thrown off. Putting her hand to her chest and standing tall, "I did not! And she was wearing that when I got here! So what do you have to say for yourself young-man? I know she's pretty, but making her wear cat ears and a tail after you two fooled around. Didn't know you had it in you Shinji-kun, a little disappointed in you. If you wanted a girl, you could have just asked." Misato tried to throw him off a little, this wasn't going as she expected at all. Well the entire twenty minutes she's been home has been a very unexpected mess.

"I heard it on your documentary, Misato-san," Eris pointed at the television that showed a man and a woman enjoying some heavy petting. "Are humans in heat all the time like that?" Eris now blushed a little and her shoulders rotated back and forth making her sizable distractions sway.

It was Shinji that was able to break the hypnotic effect of Eris's psychic attack, "Misato-san!" Shinji's yell broke the spell on Misato who had been lost to the sway of flesh and the miracle of adhesion that kept Eris from flashing the whole room. Taking Eris's hands, stopping the mini-dance, "Maybe you could put your plugsuit back on and we can show Misato-san that you're an alien." He nodded a little, frantic and worried at the sudden appearance of a parental figure. Approaching Misato, rounding the couch, Shinji's arms flailed about, "Misato-san, Eris-san is actually an alien. I-I-I saw her escape pod in the woods last night. And she said her primary ship is what dealt with the angel."

"An alien? One that just so happens to speak fluent Japanese, is a fetish creature, and has no issues wearing a shirt three times to small for her chest. Oh and who made a mess in your bed. Mighty convenient Shinji-kun. Just glad Asuka didn't come home early to see this. She'd throw you off the balcony. How much did she cost?" Misato paced the room pinching the bridge of her nose. Shinji couldn't lie for the life of him, so Misato wasn't shocked his explanation was so outlandish and impossible.

Eris touched her bell and a flash later she was in what Misato could only consider to be 'sexy plugsuit' and her ears and tail twitched in all to lifelike ways. "Ok I've turned back into my suit. What is a fetish creature? Oh are we in trouble for getting dirt on your bed?" Eris sauntered over to the duo and double tapped her bell. Out of the shimmering bell was a holographic two-foot tall robotic looking cat thing. "Can you contact my primary ship yet?" she asked Nekomi-Miku, "A-and am I-I supposed to do that too? I'm…a little shy to do that. But if it's an earth custom…"

Both Misato and Shinji turned to the television where the man and woman were still going at it, with roaming ands and made for soft-core kissing. It all snapped into place in Misato's brain, and her eyes just widened to their max, she covered her open mouth with one hand, and pointed at Eris with the other. "You're actually an alien! Holy shit! Holy shit! Shinji-kun you…how…we have to get Ritsuko here NOW. But we have to keep this a secret for now! Last thing we need is the government grabbing her! And Eris-kun that is just a movie, its…entertainment. M-meant to get c-couples all hot and bothered," Misato quickly turned off the television leaving the video playing its unknown content.

"I still can't reach the ship, it is likely still in repair mode. I'll let you know when contact is reached. Until then you should create some Assist-aroids to aid you," the holographic cat spoke and then dove back into Eris's bell.

Reaching into one of the compartments on her belt, Eris pulled out a small handful of seeds. "Do you have any pots of dirt I could use to plant these?" Eris showed the pair a handful of a hybrid of plant and machine. Noticing the television was off, "And it isn't how humans really work?" her cat ears pressed against her head in a cute display of disappointment.

"Misato-san has some out on the veranda. We tried to grow some plants when we first moved in, but she forgot to water them when it was her turn," Shinji threw Misato under the bus. Rightfully so, she had forgotten that week but he didn't have to say it. Rushing to the door that led outside, Shinji left the two women alone. Calling out, "How many do you need?"

Chance! Reevaluating all of what she thought she knew and what she truly did now, Misato wasn't going to let this chance slip by her! Her boy deserved a good significant other, and this Eris was giving him the eye…maybe…who knew how aliens actually were. But at least it would help Shinji relax around women! Drawing in close to Eris, "It is how humans work, just once they get to know each other and like each other." She wasn't going to lie to the naive girl, but if she was as open as she appeared…Shinji would have a heart attack! "Just bring the big one, Shinji-kun!" Misato yelled and winked at Eris.

"Thanks!" Eris bought it full heartedly, and upon seeing Shinji struggling with the three foot long dirt filled ceramic pot, skipped over to him and effortlessly took it out of his hands. Holding the over fifty pound unbalanced bulk without effort, both Misato and Shinji gaped at her. Spinning around in her suit, Misato getting a good view of how the top portion was more a swimsuit with arms as it gave a lovely view of her rump, "Suit amplifies my strength and offers protection."

With his masculinity challenged and then released, Shinji bashfully rubbed at his arm while Misato poked at him. "What do you need this for?" Shinji watched as Eris worked.

"That ground is pretty dry too, we didn't really take care of it after our little experiment failed," Misato confessed. She had just wanted something to add some color to the apartment, had nothing to do with the snide comment Ritsuko made about Misato being unable to keep a single plant alive. Shinji had done well with it, but when it was Misato's turn she thought it would rain eventually. It hadn't, the plants withered, and Misato convinced Shinji they both shared the blame. Now she watched as Eris poked half a dozen holes in the earth and dropped one of her seeds into it. Old movies repeated in Misato's head ending with, "Do we have to worry about this taking over local plants or anything?" What if Eris was lulling them into false security and she was going to take over the planet! Pod people or some such!

Gathering up the spilled food, putting some of it on the coffee table for immediate indulgence, Shinji paused and the two slowly shook their heads. "I'm sure it will be fine. As long as we keep them separate up here right?" Shinji shrugged and tried for force a laugh. Was Eris a face shifting alien monster that was going to eat them? Well if she was, Shinji was already gone, but he was acting exactly like he did before so…Misato rolled the dice. A ding from the drier got the timid male to smile, why did cleaning make him so happy Misato wished to know, "That will be my bedding! We got covered in dirt getting Eris out of her escape pod…then I thought it was all a dream…woke up in bed covered in dirt." He fled less Misato ask more questions.

"So what happens now, Eris-kun? You likely told Shinji-kun about your plans, but mind telling me as well? We can save the technical stuff for Ritsuko, she'll understand it," Misato knew she wouldn't. She could run a computer, but she didn't set the thing up. Eris joined her back on the couch after putting the planters box back outside.

Grabbing some of the snacks Shinji had bought, she instantly started eating. Hand to cheek, "Food here is so good! And until I can contact my ship I can't contact the mother ship with the rest of our expedition, so I'll need a place to stay. S-Shinji-san said I could stay here. Is that accurate? I've never been this close to a male before, Catian males are very rare so I can understand if you'd not allow it." Eris's tail flopped about as she watched Shinji drag the wad of sheets and blankets from the washroom and vanish into his room.

Oh this was just perfect, again assuming Eris wasn't really an insect with plans to eat humanity. "Of course you can stay here. Asuka might say otherwise, she hates competition, but I have final say here. You're welcome to stay here as long as you want. Now excuse me, going to call my friend over. She's a scientist and would flay me alive if I didn't let her know you were here. We'll need to get that pod of yours into custody before somebody else finds it. So go play with Shinji-kun," Misato flinched her head at Shinji's room. Heading to her own room, she pulled out her phone, "Life just got very strange. But if she took out an Angel on her own this might have gotten very good."

X-X

There was being open, there was being naïve, and there was being stupid Asuka did not know what to consider Eris. Having seeing Angels, Asuka knew what true extra-terrestrial beings should look like. Knowing that there was now a race of cat people really did dampen her dreams of space. Slap a pair of fetish ears on a person, label it an alien, and that was the end of it. Of course Shinji was taken in by the damn girl, hope it was all an illusion and the 'girl' rammed her ovipositor down his throat. Cutish face, big tits, and curvy and a boy would let you lay your eggs in his chest. Shinji even let Eris use his room! After that first evening Asuka was back however Shinji slept in the living room.

Now they were all at Nerv, an impromptu physical examination day as requested by the nutty doctor. Last day before school started back up post angel and she was sitting in the locker room at Nerv instead of playing games back at the apartment! This had to be a lie, a con, or some sort of trick. "So…Eris…is that your actual name or just something easy for us Japanese to say? How are you able to speak Japanese so easily anyway?" Asuka didn't want to change in front of this thing. No plugsuit today, not for the pilots, just workout cloths. But that still meant changing. Alien could be using beams or something to make them see things and 'Eris' was really a lizard man.

"I have a translator, it takes a little time to fully comprehend a language so I might not get the right word or phrase," Eris pointed at her ear and then throat. Taking her bell off, her plug suit looking outfit faded into it as she pulled out the first set of clothing provided. It was one from Asuka, and Eris tried to put it on. Her chest was large enough to leave the shirt hanging and leaving her belly exposed while the sports shorts gave a clear outline of those legs…lewd. Giving Asuka and Rei a good showing of the back crack, "Is it supposed to be this tight? The material feels nice, and it's really easy to move in."

If Shinji saw Eris like this he'd make a mess in his pants, he was a pervert after all, Asuka pinched her nose. "Use the stuff from Misato after all. You're to big for my stuff," Asuka grumbled. Shinji had recommended Eris use Misato's stuff, but Asuka had been adamant the girl wasn't THAT much bigger than her so her clothing would suffice. That was a mistake, and now Asuka had that inferiority…proof Eris was just using hypno-rays to make herself look impossible. Watching as Ayanami nearly fell over trying to put on her own outfit, girl was a clumsy oaf, "So why are you even here Eris? Your species so bored you just travel space looking for lame boys to seduce?"

"Well I'm the advanced scout for my ship, I was excited about new food and volunteered. And actually yeah! The Catian's are one of the older races in the Milky Way Alliance so we've been interacting with new races for as long as I can remember. Meeting new races is super fun! New food, customs, forms of entertainment, and so much more! Part of why I became an explorer was for things like this," Eris quickly switched from Asuka's mind shattering outfit to Misato's more modest outfit. Well more modest if you didn't read the words on the shirt…Misato was teasing Shinji via Eris again. Having a shirt say "Sugoi Dekai" sent a message.

Draping her towel around her neck, Asuka's eyebrow peaked, "Milky Way Alliance? What do they do? And how long until your mother ship comes to enslave humanity? Going to help us with the Angels or is there some Prime Directive of non-interference or something" Being an intellectual, Asuka had always been secretly interested in the idea of aliens. The universe was vast and infinite, the idea of intelligent life was impossible not to except. Just life that could cross the stars always sounded impossible, well seeing Roelofs holographic body and the six Assist-aroids that grew from Misato's failed attempt a garden made it harder for Asuka to deny the proof Eris was of earth.

"You did not read Akagi's pamphlet on the topic," Ayanami just had to say. While it was true Asuka hadn't read it, the principle was to get Eris to expose herself by messing up and saying something different! Wearing a dirty set of shorts and a wrinkled white shirt, Ayanami just had no fashion sense at all. Not even taking a towel, just wearing that bored expression she always had, Rei stood between Eris and Asuka, but at least kept closer to Asuka in case Eris proved hostile after all. Pointing at the bell that was on the bench, "You are to bring that as well, correct?"

Scooping up the bell and the twel it was sitting on, Shinji provided, Eris gave the bell a shake and it jingled with a sweet sound. Her tail flipped about as Eris spoke, "I don't mind saying it again. Captain Kuune said some races are a bit more…distrustful of us. I hope that is the right word. The Alliance is the governing body of races that keep us from going to war or doing what you said Asuka-san. If you violate the tenants of the Alliance they first exile you, cutting you off of new tech, and if you continue to violate treaties they exterminate you. But that hasn't happened in a long time. And if you want help with those strange creatures we'll gladly help! Our main ship would have had a much easier time with it than my scout ship."

Not sure if she liked that idea, Asuka was confused. The trio of girls left the changing room to head to the onsite gym. Nerv was huge, had a lot of people, so they had a few training facilities provided for most purposes. A gym, pool, weight training station, and a targeting range all open for use. Asuka used the pool from time to time, but the rest she had no use for until today. But thinking of what Eris said, if these Catians helped with the Angels wouldn't that take away Asuka's purpose? Sure it was better for humanity, but to lose her position as pilot to some alien that showed up with a ray gun or something…what would Asuka do then?

"You three took your time, Asuka you didn't try to…you actually wore mine?" Misato had to cover her mouth as she hid her laugh. Standing in the center of the gymnasium, if you could call it that, Misato and Ritsuko were both in brighter spirits. Calling out to Shinji, who was failing to make a basket at one of the few basketball courts, "Shinji-kun get over here, we're about to start." Oh Asuka could see the mirth in Misato's eyes as she waited for Shinji to see what was about to happen.

As Shinji put the ball back and started over, Ritsuko with her clipboard slyly moved to Eris's side. Good, Asuka thought, the scientist was on her side and was going to be skeptical of this cat eared freak. "Just going to have you four run a few drills, Eris-kun we'd like you to do the first set without your suit and then with them. Want to compare how your physiology is normally compared to ours and then see how that suit works. After these tests, I'd like you to come to my lab where we have your ship," Ritsuko was already writing a few things down. A camera was dangling from a cord from her wrist, it was evidence and proof finding day!

"I made some food for lunch, I made a vegetarian option for you Ayanami-san, for when we…Misato-san!" Shinji's eyes were locked onto Eris's shirt. Guess without a sports-bra for the girl it was exactly the type of reaction Misato wanted.

Bouncing over to Shinji, Misato nearly dying laughing, Eris' had no idea she was making things worse. "You made even more food! I can't wait! Let's get started!" Eris took Shinji's hand and raised it into the air with her own in a sign of excitement. Asuka saw it again and again, Eris would always try to stay closer to Shinji if she could, compliment the boy, comment on the food he made. Nothing overt or romantic, just a small thing Asuka noticed after she got over the initial reaction to Eris. Two days of co-habitation as Akagi got Eris's ship to the base and came up with this little test. Day one Asuka waited for Misato or Shinji to die of an alien illness, day two was…well those idiots were indoctrinated. Not going to get her though!

"Going to need to get her some support or she'll smack herself in the face. Have to admit even one of mine wouldn't fit her. Think its from being in lower gravity?" Misato asked Asuka in a conspiratorial tone. Asuka had told Misato, in a rare moment away from Shinji/Eris that she didn't trust Eris. Misato claimed it was jealousy, Misato was a stupid bitch, and now she was mocking Asuka's genuine concern.

"Now-now children, that includes you Misato, lets get started so we can be done. We'll have you run some laps, do some simple exercises, try to make a few baskets, and I even have some weight training equipment here to get a baseline," Ritsuko cut off any further arguments. Leading the ensemble to the starting line of the inside track, its oval a distinct color and softer texture to be softer on the feet. Slapping Misato on the back of the head as the woman continued to point at Shinji and Eris, "Just do your best, this isn't a competition, just wanting to see how Catian's compare to humans."

Asuka was going to show this 'sixteen year old alien explorer' just how good humans could be! Get Shinji to realize that Eris wasn't anything special, get him to stop fawning over alien invader. Taking the outing ring, so Shinji could see her, "Now pay attention to how proper form is." Leaning forward, hands on the ground, back arched up, legs taught and ready to go, Asuka knew he'd freak out since he was so boring.

"Ready…set…Go!" Misato took the role of officiator as Ritsuko wrote down the results. Asuka was…well nothing was definitive except that Shinji desperately needed to work out more and Ayanami gave negative care about the whole thing. Eris kept up with Asuka in every trial, neither of them having a distinct victory over the other. Asuka won the running, as Eris really did jiggle excessively. Both got eight out of ten for making baskets, Eris was bigger so it made sense she could lift more weight, both were equally flexible, and matched count for count in pushups, sit ups, and jumping jacks.

After a solid hour of trials, Misato tossed a towel over Shinji's panting and sweaty face, "Alright that is good for the first half. We'll save the pool for another day. Shinji…you can sit out the next half if you want." Misato just had to baby him, Asuka hated it. Keep pushing Shinji and maybe he'd get better, but Misato was going to just let him off while the girls had to keep pushing. When Ayanami stood next to Shinji however, "You can take off as well if you want Ayanami." Rei hadn't broken any records, hadn't shattered expectations, and hadn't cleaned herself at all so she was dripping sweat and her white track outfit was clinging in ways that would make most males take attention.

"I will," Rei said simply enough and found one of the offered chairs and sat down. She did take a moment to look at the large box that had the hinted at food.

Shinji, panting and bending over, Eris at his side patting his back, "I'll keep going. N-not fair for the others if I don't as well. A-Ayanami-san, if you want you can have some of the s-snacks I made. It's the smaller bag." Boy at least tried to be strong, even if he wasn't, Asuka accepted that.

Misato and Ritsuko whispered something to one another, Misato visually more animated and upset than Ritsuko. But in the end Misato grumbled and rejoined the remaining trio of participants. "Alright if you're sure then. Eris-kun, we'd like you to use your plug-suit for this run. And Shinji-kun if you get light headed just sit out alright?" Always the worry when that idiot was involved, Asuka didn't know why he always got such special treatment!

"Can I have some treats too before we start?" Eris eyed the offering with a trickle of drool. Offer the glutton meat and she'd do anything Shinji asked, Asuka suspected. Maybe all aliens were sluts or something, or it was just a trick so Eris could eat him.

Pushing past the girl, brushing into her, Asuka did not like seeing Eris touching Shinji, giving him alien bacteria or something. "Eat now and your stomach will cramp up. We're taking this seriously, so lets just finish this and you can eat yourself fat after," Asuka took her place again in the front. A flash of light behind her indicated Eris had switched into the plug-suit. Why Ritsuko had Eris in a plug-suit but not them, Asuka didn't know. Stupid suits were just fetish gear and uncomfortable latex prisons! But a good workout was nice, she'd drag Shinji to the pool after this to get a nice cool off swim, and to tease him a little. "You still have energy to spare right?" Asuka mocked Eris a little. Stamina control was something that was learned by experience, not in reading.

"Of course, and you're right about that cramping, thanks for the reminder! But Shinji's food is just so tasty I get excited about eating it!" Eris took her position, her bell jingling as she got ready. Asuka saw Shinji fall over as he saw both of them, his perverted boy brain overloaded with imagery and imagination. Hearing the fall, Eris actually hurried over to him, "Shinji-san, are you alright, you've a small cut on your head. Let me fix that." Eris took a small device from her pouch and ran it over Shinji's head, oh she was extra close to him, Asuka just knew she was hypnotizing him.

Once that was taken care of, and Eris retook her position, Asuka grumbled, "Can you two stop flirting and get this finished? Remember Shinji that she is an alien and likely doesn't know better so get that stupid grin off your face." Shinji let his head stop looking at Eris and examined the ground, good, he knew his place and knew even if Eris wasn't going to eat him doing mating she would leave.

The second half, with Eris in her suit, was a different game all together. Eris just dominated everything. That suit augmented Eris's strength, stamina, speed, and Asuka hated it! It wasn't fair, not a true comparison, Asuka had to keep reminding herself that. The suit, it was the suit doing all of this extra work, not Eris. So when the stopped for the day, Eris and Shinji joining Ayanami who had found the food and made a mess of herself, Asuka felt a bitter pill. The tech was just that much more advanced then her plug-suit. Going to the pool, hungry, Asuka needed to cool off. "This is too good to be true, I can't believe her story this easy. I just can't," nothing was that easy/good.

X-X

Earth was wonderful! The food was great, the people friendly, it had so much entertainment options, and Eris thought she was doing her job perfectly. Document all she learned, don't make trouble for people, and prepare the way for the others. If she had to say the worst thing about Earth was that giant space monster that disabled her ship, but Shinji said those were a big problem for everybody. Maybe she could contact the Milky Way Alliance about putting up some defenses for Earth. It was a global problem that the Alliance likely could easily deal with. Then Earth would be available to have embassies and she could visit or even stay here!

"Sorry about today's trip to Nerv. I didn't expect Akagi-san to make us do exercises like that. At worst I thought she'd do a few medical tests to check for illness or something," Shinji apologized as he set a plate of half sandwiches on the coffee table. Cooking for a planned visit from some of his friends, Shinji had a small bounty of various options available. Sitting on the chair, despite Eris gently patting the seat next to her, Shinji was still a little shocked at the Assist-aroid, "T-thank you…uh…thanks. How do you keep them apart to know which you're talking to?"

Knowing she should wait for supper, Eris couldn't help herself and snagged a small handful of chips. With all that exercise earlier, Eris forgave herself for the increased intake. "Well if we had more time they can be designed to look unique. But I was trying to make just some generic ones to help you around the apartment. Typically we don't bother much with naming them since they act as a group. But if you wanted you could write on them. They like you so they wouldn't mind," Eris chomped on the brown sticks and felt savory and salty blasts of flavor. Reaching out for another handful but she stopped herself, best not to ruin her appetite, "What are these they're crunchy and makes me thirsty!"

"Oh those? They're called pretzels, Misato loves them when she drinks. Touji really likes them as well. So these guys all have their own personality? They all seem really nice, anything I can do for them?" Shinji actually pet one of the servants behind the ear and it swooned into it. A loud sound emanated from what Eris knew was Asuka's room, Shinji nearly got up to see what it was, but when it was silent again he sat back down. Squeaking out embarrassed, "Sorry for Asuka, she's…she means well. I don't know why she is so skeptical of you."

Waving off the concern, Eris knew to expect something like Asuka's attitude from her training. Sentient beings weren't always going to accept an outsider, didn't think they'd get something easily, and some just were protective. It didn't bother Eris, Asuka hadn't been aggressive or hurtful, so she'd let the human come to terms with the drastic change that was being presented. "She has her reasons, and everybody else has been wonderful to me. As for them, they do have their own personality, and just keep treating them nicely and they'll appreciate it. Right guys!" Eris stood up and raised her hand in solidarity. The machines all joined her in an impromptu cheer!

"Wow, nice spread Shinji-kun. As much as I'd like to stay and tease your friends, Ritsuko actually wants me back at Nerv," Misato strode into the room with a fresh set of clothing on. Dressed in her formal military fatigues, Misato gave off her professional aura that left Eris a little intimidated. Grabbing a handful of pretzels, "Wish I could have a beer with these, but the city wants a formal debriefing of Eris-kun here. Not letting them see you yet, not until we know they're not going to freak out. Once things are cleared we'll let you out of the apartment. Don't hate us for that. Asuka still pouting in her room?" Misato pointed at Asuka's room with an exasperated sigh.

Liquor, Eris wouldn't mind trying some of Earth's various drinks, she suppressed the urge to lick her lips. "It isn't an issue. I've read about first contact reactions and she's a textbook example of paranoid but accepting, maybe she's worried I'm going to try and…" Eris's eyes wandered over to Shinji and felt that thump again.

"Oh hey, Shinji-kun, can you go throw the trash out real quick, before your friends show up," Misato winked at Eris after catching the side-eye. When Shinji went to compline, Misato just put her hands on her hips and gave him a stern look, Shinji withered and hurried off. Once the door shut, Shinji taking the mostly empty bag, "He's a good kid, knows when to listen. Now did you watch that video l suggested?" Misato was close now, speaking in softer tones that Eris's sensitive ears easily picked up.

Eris had watched the video while Shinji and Asuka had been out getting groceries prior to the trip to that base. Eris's hands instinctively reached out and gripped her tail, it comforted her and soothed her. "I-I did. So I-I'll be able to leave here with Shinji-san after you talk to those people?" Eris's chest was beating harder now. She wasn't stupid, knew she was being sequester for now because she was an alien. It was following standard First-Contact possibilities. Humanity didn't know it, but they were being evaluated for future contact based on their actions, and so far they were getting glowing marks!

Leaning back, hands on her hips, Misato's back popped as she stretched, "Yup, well that is the hope at least. Not fair to keep you locked up here, but we wouldn't want to cause a panic. Then again if people saw you, they'd not be afraid. Might as you for a picture or something though, thinking you're a cosplay model or something. Now you two play nice, and know his friends can be a little…strange. Not bad kids, but Shinji-kun definitely is better behaved." Kneeling down to pet the Assist-aroid that was fixated with her, "And you little cutie, keep the apartment safe," she pet it under the chin.

"You two really are great with them," Eris couldn't help but smile. The Catians were nice to the tools, but considered them just that. Not slaves, abuse of the AI would result in being forbidden from having them, but most Catians didn't lavish attention on the tech as Shinji and Misato did. Made Eris like the two even more, as how one treated something like the support bots is a clear indication of how they'd treat others. Misato and Shinji each had at least one machine that adored them. Pointing at Asuka's room, "Should I do or say anything to her…before…" Eris's cheeks burst with warmth.

Shrugging and shaking her head, Misato let out a slow sigh, "She's going to do whatever she wants. How she is. Give her time and she'll come around. Asuka's always been 'the best' of the pilots, and she has some good reasons for not trusting people. Not my place to tell you, but she has genuine reasons for her personality. Don't hold it against her. And I saw you eying my Yebisu earlier…you're sixteen right? You can have one…maybe two if you want. Have a good evening." Misato gave Eris's a gentle pat on the shoulder and a small head nod before leaving.

Shinji came into the apartment a few minutes later, exasperated and blushing, "Stupid Misato, doesn't know what she's saying. She didn't say anything stupid to you did she?" Shinji kept looking at the apartment door a mixture of frustration and excitement fighting for supremacy on his face.

"Nothing stupid at all!" Eris sat back down mindful of her tail, it was a little sensitive right now. When her mind got into certain states, Durel said it was related to her upcoming first heat and it there was nothing wrong with exploring. Very much aware of Shinji's presence now, "So when are your friends going to show up? Anything I should know about them?" Eris found herself blinking far more than necessary, but thoughts were ever so slightly muddled. That video Misato had her watch, human etiquette, Eris was very interested but hesitant due to her lack of experience.

Turning on the television, the DVD player was on showing the menu for Misato's video, Shinji scrambled to eject the disk. "She's always leaving her things everywhere! S-sorry about that, Misato has been absent minded lately," Shinji took the disk, rushed to Misato's room, and slid the disk under the door. A wark from Pen-Pen followed by a crash, left Shinji bouncing his head against the door. "Mind if I let Pen-Pen out? He's getting antsy stuck in her room," he opened the door once Eris gave her confirmation it was fine. Bird ran off towards the shared beer fridge for a drink. Rejoining Eris, Shinji collapsed into his chair, "Tired already. As for Touji and Kensuke, they'll be very excited, won't believe you're an alien at first. But…you don't have to do anything you feel uncomfortable with. Feel free to tell them no on anything. They get…excitable when pretty girls are…" Shinji covered his mouth and turn the television to some show, neither teenager watched it.

"I…I'm going to get a drink, want one?" Eris quickly fled. He thought she was pretty, he said it, and Eris's brain latched onto that little tidbit and it was playing on repeat in her brain. Being on a ship of all females, Eris had heard she was cute a lot from her crewmates, but never had a male complimented her. She actually could count the times she interacted with actual males on one hand. So the romantic notion that the man helped her from being buried and put into deep sleep being her destiny had a powerful effect on her mind. He was so polite to her, helped her so much, made her delicious food, and she thought HE was attractive…to hear he thought the same? Well…made following earth customs a lot easier, still intimidated Eris though. Grabbing a can of juice, she eyed the Yebisu but opted to wait, and returned.

Shinji was still showing a bit of red in the cheeks, Misato said he was shy so Eris let him be, so they watched a game show for awhile until the bell at the door rang. "That is probably them, I'll go see them in. I doubt Asuka joins us, unless she gets hungry, so…yeah," he all but ran off, glad to not be alone with her. The sounds of talking, a very boisterous voice and a squeaky one echoed through the hallway, Shinji explaining who Eris was and what to expect, then the heavy sound of running.

"Dude…I ain't seeing this…Shin-man…you ain't lying? Um…hey…welcome to Earth?" the larger boy stuck his hand out, trying to stand taller and with an unsteady breathing and eyes that danced from part to part.

Camera covering his face, the other boy, filmed everything, "Yeah, he's Suzuhara Touji, I'm Aida Kensuke…please to meet you…Ellis? Eris-san!" Either pronouncement was fine to Eris, the earthling language had very similar sounding phrases.

"Eris is fine, and I'm pleased to meet both of you as well," Eris shook the boy's hand and it was a sweaty mess and he did squeeze a bit to hard. When the Assist-aroid firmly but gently pushed Touji away from his constant shaking, did the boys finally let out dual cheers of joy. Alright, Misato had been right, these two guys were very different than Shinji.

Telling her, by now, well-rehearsed story of what she was doing on earth and why, Eris felt she was getting good at it now. Clad in some of Misato's clothing, Eris considered turning into her power suit, but a nagging sensation of not wanting these two to see her mid-transformation so didn't. The Assist-aroids helped proof she was a Catian, and they helped keep the room clean.

Kensuke filmed everything he could, but listened when Shinji said not to do anything with it until Misato gave the ok. Touji kept telling Eris stories of how good he was at things, but both would keep cutting Shinji off when he tried to interject or interact. Psychology was not Eris's strong suit, the First Contact training only had so much in it, so she didn't know why Shinji's friends were paying her more attention and kept keeping him from talking. But it was still fun, they were funny and had nice stories to tell. Then they played some of Asuka's video games and finally one of Misato's boardgames. All while eating and drinking their fill of Shinji's wonderful cooking. Asuka did come out of her room to get something to eat, but turned her nose up at the two new boys and retreated less she 'get infected with their stupid.'

After little more than three hours of hanging out with Shinji's friends, Eris was starting to get a little fatigued of constant overabundance of energy from the two. Oh she liked them, but posturing and being constantly filmed and asked tech questions she didn't know the answer too was a bit draining. Thankfully Asuka saved the day when she opened her door, "Shinji, its eight o'clock and we've school tomorrow. Isn't it time the other two stooges left so we can relax a bit before bed?"

"OH its that late already? I…shit yeah it is. Well, I better get home and make dad his work lunch. Eris-san it was great to meet you, is she going to school with you tomorrow?" Touji dropped his controller and a dusting of food crumbs fell off of him onto the ground. The Assist-aroids were quick to clean it up.

Closing his camera, a rarity for the evening, Kensuke cleaned his greasy hands off on his jeans, "Agreed. I need to go and edit this footage for when Misato-san lets me upload it! Nobody will believe it at the start, but eventually I'll be famous for being the first to have a real sentient alien on film! Hope to see you at school tomorrow, Eris-san." Gathering there things, the two boys continued to be loud and excitable until Shinji lead them to the door.

When he returned, he collapsed on the couch…and Eris sat right at his side, "So those were my friends. They normally aren't so excitable, but learning about the Catians and that maybe the Angel threat is gone…moods were high. Sorry they ate so much, did you want me to make anything now?" Tired but willing to do more for her, well he wormed deeper into her affection.

"No, I don't need anything else. A-actually…I think it's time I start repaying you for your kindness," Eris summed up her courage. Drawing her legs up onto the couch, Eris grabbed Shinji's wrist and felt his pulse. He backed against the armrest and muttered something unintelligible. It was just human custom, nothing wrong with it. Apparently humans were in heat all the time. Eris was hesitant but very interested, just worried about her skills. Putting his palm to her cheek, "I don't have any money to repay you for the kindness you showed me. S-so I'll pay you back with my body."

His eyes danced around the room and settled on Eris who was slowly starting to pull the oversized shirt up. Acting quickly, Shinji grabbed that hand and stopped her, "Where did you hear something insane like that? Y-you don't have to pay for anything, I want to help you, you don't have to p-pay. Especially like that, n-nobody should ever do t-that unless they like the person." All said through clenched teeth, and trying to not be loud enough for Asuka to hear it.

"The video Misato-san had me watch, she said it was human culture. N-now I'm not very confident in my abilities since I'm only sixteen. I've never had much experience with males, but with you I'd…" Eris was could scarcely hear as her blood was pumping. It was only a short period of time, but she was feeling like he might truly be somebody she cared deeply for.

Closing his eyes, and accidentally drawing her in closer to him, she lay across his chest and they both felt something unexpected. "Fiction, that is just a silly story. M-Misato-san likes to watch romance movies…I think they're romance movies. She gets d-drunk sometimes and watches more adult films. But that is all fake stuff, exaggerations," Shinji stammered and slowly, oh so slowly, both teens came to realize just how they were laying. Eris was pressed firmly against his chest, and Eris felt a very warm pressure against her leg and…

"Shinji can you make me something for me, its late so make it something small," Asuka's door opened and the two magically found themselves both on chairs across the from one another. Seeing the two, "Oh good, was a bit worried you two would be…never mind." Eris's stomach was flip flopping as her brain processed all that just happened. Yes, she had powerful feelings for that male. Earth really was a great place!

X-X

Notes

I had to re-read a bit of the manga, I need to get my copy of the anime back. But the whole quickness of Eris learning she liked the protagonist was actually there. It took three days for Eris to be alright with reading a porn mag and offering herself because she thought she thought 'he was the one'. Oh and I did check out some sizes out on the internet...Eris IS written as having a larger bust than Misato. Eva went more realistic I guess...whelp this is going to be more humorous after all.

Later

Mercaba