Author: Kenny Mcomic

Title: the Circle of Fire

Shout outs: big thanks to Will Z, Buzz, and Shattered Sponge for Pre- reading this story, thanks guys.

Disclaimer: I don't own Eva or its Characters, they belong to Gainex, so please don't sue me.

Chapter 1: Why have you forsaken me?

The four of them were sat at the table. Both Touji and Asuka looked at Shinji expectantly. He looked into Hikari's eyes, it had been the plan from the start, but now time had come to end it. "I.I. I can't", Shinji sobbed as he ran from the table bolting around a corner. Ha came to rest at one of the boarded School entrances or exits, it didn't really matter which. He sat down on the stone steps trying to figure out what just happened.

*****

It had been a simple plan, one he had every intention of going through with until five minutes ago. It wasn't long before Hikari had joined him on the steps, she sat down next to him flattening her dress as she did so.

"What's wrong Shinji?" Hikari asked. "I, just couldn't do it", he answered. "Why not?" Hikari replied. "The thing is when we started this I knew exactly what I was getting into and was confident I could stick to my part of the plan", he paused to let her digest the information. "But as I really started to get to know you, we started to open up to each other, I started to like you, I like you a lot. I don't want this to end", he spoke slow and concise. "I see", was Hikari's only response. "When I'm with you I'm not alone anymore, I don't want to be alone again, I don't want to lose you", Shinji admitted.

"We started this relationship to get Touji jealous enough to ask me out, I think we've done that. That's all it was to me", Hikari paused seeing the hurt in his face; "at least at first, I didn't think that WE actually might develop feelings for each other", Hikari stopped again seeing the hurt gone but replaced by hope, hope she would now have to crush. "However, I still like Touji a lot, I think I might be in love with him and I have to give that a chance", Hikari finished what she was saying but added on; "What about Asuka? She likes you".

"The only time Asuka shows any affection towards me is when Rei is around. Asuka hates Rei, I don't know why, that's her problem., She thinks that me and Rei are having a relationship", Shinji paused; "She thinks that by throwing herself at me in front of Rei is hurting her. Any other time to Asuka I'm just the 'Idiot' or the 'moron' or a 'pervert'", Shinji continued; "As for liking me, Asuka likes Kaji, herself and maybe you, but that's it", Shinji Finished.

They didn't know that a certain female red head had been listening to there conversation. "We should go back and finish this?" Hikari forced out.

**** They arrived at the courtyard in plain view of Touji, Hikari looked into Shinji's eyes and spoke. "I'm sorry for what I'm going to do", Hikari leaned in and kissed him. "I understand", Shinji replied fighting back tears. Seconds after Hikari Slapped him in the face and shouted "Consider yourself dumped!" the line was loud enough for anyone nearby to hear including one Touji Suzuhara who started grinning like an idiot.

Shinji ran off straight out of the schoolyard and onto the busy streets of Tokyo-3. "I'll go after him" Touji spoke standing up. "No, I will", Asuka spoke making her way to the front gate. "No Asuka", Hikari spoke up; "Shinji is in a fragile place right now, he doesn't need your tactless insults", Hikari spoke. "Fine", Asuka grunted grudgingly. 'Shinji I hope you understand, I hope you can forgive me', Hikari thought. "What's his problem?" Touji spoke more to himself than anyone. "You really don't get it, do you moron?" Asuka barked. Touji shook his head confirming to Asuka that he had no idea. "He's giving up something that means a lot to him for YOU", Asuka spoke softer this time; "Shinji is a good person, he's one of your best friends, if you tell him I said that stooge I WILL kill you", Asuka barked out the last bit.

**** Shinji sat on the park bench crying into his hands, he had no idea why he had stopped here or why he came here in the first place. He never noticed the girl ask if she could sit next to him, or when she took his silence as a yes and did sit.

"Is there something wrong?" she spoke softly yet still monotone. "Yes", He swallowed hard; "I just broke up with a girl" "I see, this is sad?" she asked. "I am sorry, I do not understand". Shinji turned to see the familiar face of Rei Ayanami "You and the commander are close?", Shinji asked not looking away. Rei nodded and Shinji continued; "Well what if one day the commander decided not to talk or bother with you anymore at all, how would it make you feel?" Rei paused for a moment considering the question then answered, "I would feel, sad, angry, unsettled". Shinji nodded; "That's how I feel". "I understand, I will leave you alone with your emotions", Rei spoke standing to leave, Shinji did something unexpected even to him, he grabbed her hand "Please stay, it helps to have someone to talk to", he said looking at her. She nodded and returned to sitting.

There was a long silent pause before anyone spoke, but it was Shinji that broke the silence. "Everyone I ever cared about is either dead or has abandoned me" Shinji paused although she gave no outward sign of it he knew she was paying attention. "Mother dead, Father Abandoned me, auntie and uncle didn't really give a damm, teachers the same, Kawour Dead, and now Hikari has left me too", Shinji said slowly. "I'm still here Shinji", Rei said softy. Shinji nodded and held her hand tightly.

***** Back at Misato's apartment its occupants were getting worried, well Misato was getting worried Asuka was just getting angry.

"Where is he, it's not like him to stay out late like this", Misato paced. "Geeez Misato, Stop with the pacing, you're going to create a hole in the carpet", Asuka spoke smugly. "Are you sure you don't know where he is Asuka?" Misato asked. "Why the hell should I care about the idiot", Asuka snapped back. "He is your fellow pilot and he is your friend", Misato snapped back losing her patience with the second child. "After what he said to Hikari about me, I don't think we are anything NEAR friends", Asuka shot back bluntly. "What do you mean Asuka?", Misato asked trying to calm her anger. "He and Hikari went of for a private chat, I followed them, My name came up, he said that the only people I like are Kaji, Myself and MAYBE Hikari anyone else don't stand a chance", Asuka reported. "I wonder where he got that idea from", Misato said sarcastically. "You think he's right don't you", Asuka spat out. Misato didn't respond to the Second's insinuation but started pacing once again.

****

"Are you certain Major Katsuragi will not be worried", Rei spoke in her monotone. "Misato? I don't know, but to be honest I don't really care what people think anymore", Shinji answered honestly. "I see", was her only response. "Say, you want some Ice cream?" he asked pointing the stand near by. "I have never had Ice cream before", Rei replied. "You've never had Ice cream? Then come on", he said pulling her along to the stand.

They arrived at the stand within a few minutes, it wasn't as far away as it looked. The woman behind the counter was quite old she wore a white apron and hat. "Can I help you?" the woman asked flatly. "Two Ice cream swirls with a Flake please", Shinji replied.

The woman handed over the two cones filled with the delicious substance and a flake propped vertically from the top to Shinji after he paid the money for them.

Shinji and Rei started to walk back towards the bench when he handed her one of the cones. Rei looked at the cone curiously for several seconds. She then looked at Shinji who had already eaten the flake and was licking around the cone with his tongue picking up the ice cream. She attempted to imitate his actions.

By the time they made it back to the bench most of there Ice creams were gone. Shinji and Rei mercilessly finished the cone and sat back down. Shinji looked at Rei and started to giggle.

"Do you find something amusing about my appearance Ikari?" she asked without a hint of annoyance but more confusion. "You have a little..", Shinji trailed off as he wiped the spot of Ice Cream from her nose. "T-Thank you", she returned hesitantly.

"Do you mind if I ask you a question Ayanami?" He asked a little unsure of himself. "Proceed, providing what you ask is not classified I will do my best to answer", she said monotone. "What is that you wear on your wrist? It's the only thing I've seen you wear that's not either part of your school uniform or a plug-suit", Shinji asked letting a hint of curiosity slip into his voice. "It was given to me as a child, since that time I have only taken it off when I shower, I wear it everywhere", She replied. "Everywhere? Even sync tests?" he asked. "Yes Ikari, even sync tests", She replied with a slight smile. "You smiled", Shinji asked in complete surprise. "Is that not the appropriate response when you are happy?", Rei asked. "Well Yes", Shinji paused; "Its just the first time I have seen you do it with someone other than the commander", Shinji added. "That is because I am rarely happy when I am not with the commander, however this is one of those occasions", she responded. "You mean I made you happy?", Shinji asked still shocked slightly. "Yes", Rei nodded to affirm her answer. "Tell me Ikari, how did you and Miss Horaki become.", Rei paused for a moment to search for the right word. "Close", she finally added. "Well Ayanami it started about 2 weeks ago.", Shinji started.

******

The Class had begun to file out. As usual Touji, Kensuke and Shinji were planing to go to the arcade and play the newest games. "I Get first go on Mecha-Blaster 8", Kensuke called out to the two boys. "Ok, as long as me and Shin-man here get first go on the new multi player version of Tank Rumble", Touji spoke back to the smallest of the three. "Fine, you drive a hard bargain", Kensuke agreed.

They almost made it out of the door when Hikari called them back; "Hey Shinji can I speak to you for a few minutes?" Shinji looked a little hesitant about the conversation but called out "Sure I guess". "Good luck Shin-man", both Touji and Kensuke spoke in unison. "We'll keep your place for you", Kensuke called back as he waved.

"What's the matter Hikari?", Shinji asked.

Hikari ignored him for the time being and made her way to the door looking both ways then coming back. "I'm sorry about that but I wanted to make sure we weren't being eavesdropped on", she apologised. "I understand", he said nodding. "I need to ask a favour of you?" Hikari spoke nervously. "Ok, sure, What do you need?" Shinji replied. "I need you to ask me out on a date", Hikari said flatly. "Excuse me!" Shinji almost spat out. "It's not what you think. As you may know I have a crush on Touji, and I'm pretty sure he likes me as well, but for some reason he won't ask me out", Hikari paused; "if we can make him jealous maybe he will get up the guts to do it", she finished.

Shinji paused before speaking as if trying to process the information he was given and more importantly what he was asked to do. "I don't know Hikari, Touji is my friend, I don't feel right messing with him like that", Shinji decided the honest approach was the best. "It won't be a real date Shinji. All you have to do it take me out a few times and brag about it to Touji and Kensuke every chance you get", Hikari waited for a response when she received none she pressed further; "It's a simple plan, what could go wrong?" she asked. "A lot could go wrong, what if you and I become too close for a start?" he asked bluntly. "Shinji, Okay I will find someone else who will help me, I just thought as Touji's friend you would want to see him happy", Hikari said matter of factly, she had pulled her ace in the hole, if that didn't do it nothing would. "Okay I'll do it, when do we start?" he asked flatly. "Tonight, pick me up at five", Hikari spoke; "Dinner and a movie" "Fine", he replied.

With that they both went there separate ways. Shinji headed for the arcade and Hikari made her way home to get ready for her 'date'.

When Shinji arrived at the arcade he looked around for Touji and Kensuke to tell them the news. "Hey Shin-man over here", Kensuke yelled from a game in the corner of the room. "So what did Hikari want with you?" Touji asked. "Yeah Shin-man, I hope you didn't get roasted too badly", Kensuke chirped. "Actually I have a date with her tonight", Shinji spoke. "Way to go Shin-man", Kensuke spoke; "remember I want details. and photos" Touji never said a word but his face fell into a frown ' Maybe this will be easier than I thought' Shinji chimed seeing his friends reaction.

****

The sun had long since gone down from when Shinji had began recounting his story to Rei "That is it?", Rei asked at the sudden pause in the tail. "No it's just I thought you may like a break from my ramblings", Shinji chuckled. Rei nodded and was about to speak when her pager started beeping, she took one look at the message and stood. "I apologise Ikari I must go" Rei spoke. "Where?", Shinji was worried as it was well past midnight. "NERV", Rei replied in monotone. "However if you would like to continue this discussion tomorrow please come to my apartment", she offered showing a bit more emotion than her previous statement. "Ok, Thank you Rei I mean Ayanami", Shinji spoke nervously. "Rei is acceptable and you are welcome", She spoke before running of toward NERV headquarters.

Shinji had sat on the bench for another hour before deciding to returns to Misato's apartment, he knew that he had would be in trouble for staying out so late and not calling but the 'black suits' as he called them would take care of his safety.

He arrived at the apartment, he hesitated to open the door but slowly slid his NERV lock card through the reader and the door opened. As he entered he called out quietly "I'm home, not that anyone cares", it was his usual mantra as he crossed the threshold of his home. He went straight to his room turned on his SDAT and slept.

****

Shinji awoke about 6:30am, no one was up yet he decided now was as good a time to make breakfast as any other. He swung his legs around to the side of the bed.

"Another day. I guess that means were still here", he spoke aloud.

After he cooked breakfast for himself, Misato and Asuka, he made Asuka's lunch and decided to head out before they awoke, as he was about to leave a voice called him back, "Shinji", she said, "where were you last night", Asuka finished. "Out", was his only reply as he left and shut the door.

"The next time he comes back I want some answers!" she screamed. "Who?", Misato said through a yawn heading for the fridge for a beer. "The idiot, who else?", Asuka replied sarcastically. Misato knew instantly whom Asuka was talking about; "Shinji was here?" "That's what I just said, he made us breakfast and left, you just missed him actually", Asuka said in a non-caring tone. "I see, I need to make a phone call", Misato said briefly.

Misato picked up the handle and dialled after a few moments a cold and male voice responded from the other end.

"Yes", he said sounding annoyed to have been called at such an hour.

"Sir, Its about the Third Child", Misato spoke.

"Has he run away again?", he asked no hint of annoyance in his voice but much hesitance.

"No, well I don't think so, he came back made food and left again", Misato answered.

"Did he say anything?", he replied.

"He spoke to pilot Souryu, not myself", Misato informed.

"Put Pilot Souryu on", he commanded.

Misato left the phone and returned to the Kitchen where Asuka was making an impressive job of demolishing her breakfast. Whatever else Asuka thought of Shinji she knew he was a damm good cook even though she would never admit it to anyone.

"Asuka", Misato waited for some sign that she was paying attention then continued; "Commander Ikari would like to speak with you", Misato said in a tone that reamed of 'don't you dare say no'. Asuka's only reaction was to swallow the food she was currently chewing, hard.

"As---Pilot Souryu speaking sir", Asuka said uneasily. The commander was a hard person to talk to even when fully prepared, it was even worse when you were not.

"Souryu, I understand you spoke with the third child", Gendou spoke. Asuka picked up on the discomfort in his voice and was relived that she was not alone.

"Y-yes, but all he said was one word 'out'", Asuka informed.

"I see", was Gendou's only expression; "Inform Major Katsuragi. To make contact with the third child, we cannot afford to lose him"

Asuka was furious and had she been speaking to anyone other than the commander, she would have ripped the offending person to shreds. But she knew that Commander Ikari has killed men for less and so remained silent.

Gendou becoming frustrated with Asuka for not confirming she understood prompted with a "Is that understood Pilot Souryu?", Gendou emphasising the word 'pilot'

Her only response was a half-hearted "yes" with that the commander hung up

"Misato, the commander said to make contact with the Idiot", Asuka passed along. Misato nodded in understanding as Asuka shivered.

****

Shinji had walked to the city limits 'black suits' in tow, It always amazed him that a rich powerful organisation like NERV would spend very little time training its agents in subtlety.

As he looked out over the city he remembered the first time he came here, it was with Misato after he defeated the Angel. He remembered what Misato had said to him *** "This is the City you Saved Shinji, OUR city", she paused "I'm very proud of you." "I. I just wish he had said that to me", Shinji sobbed out. ***

Shinji winced thinking about his father, a topic he didn't like to think about on a good day let alone right now. He picked up a rock and threw it as fast and hard as he could away from him.

His Cellular phone rang in his pocket, he didn't answer, he needed to be alone right now, and He needed to just think things through. One of the 'black suits' nodded a couple times after receiving a message from his ear- piece. After a few more nods he started to walk towards the third child from where he was standing.

"I guess they been told to bring me in", he muttered to himself. To his surprise the 'black suit' spoke softly and gently for someone who worked for NERV. "I have been asked to pass on a message", the black suit said; "they have scheduled a sync test tomorrow afternoon, Major Katsuragi has asked that you attend". The black suit finished.

"Major Katsuragi also asked me to give her your current location". Shinji went silent; "I refused" the black suit replied. "T-Thank you", Shinji stammered out as the man returned to his previous position.

Shinji stood there for most of the Morning just staring out at the city, he watched as life went on as normal, no on would miss him. If he jumped right now no one would care, it would be so easy to end this existence, so why don't I want to?

****

When he started to return to the city he decided to take up Rei on her offer and made his way to her apartment. He arrived and still couldn't quite believe anyone lived here even though he knew she did.

"Rei", he said opening the still unlocked door; "must do something about that", he muttered to himself as he entered her apartment. To his surprise it was quite a bit cleaner than the last time he had visited.

"Rei", he called out, but no response came.

"Rei are you in here", he re-affirmed "I am here Ikari", said the soft voice of Rei from Behind him, startling him slightly "You are here to finish our conversation from last night?", Rei asked as she sat on the bed. Shinji Nodded and was about to speak when Rei interrupted; "You may sit Ikari", she said simple motioning for him to sit next to her.

Shinji sat down on the bed next to Rei, and started to recount the events of the past week from where he left off.

*****

"So shin-man", Kensuke began; "where you taking our beloved Class Rep", he finished. "Well we agreed on something simple", Shinji answered; "Dinner and a movie, I pick her up at five today". "Good luck, shin-man", Kensuke spoke with glee. "Thanks", Shinji responded. "I meant for the game, I'm gonna kick your ass", Kensuke replied.

After an hour of playing the multi-player games it was obvious that Kensuke was true to his word, when the score was 10-4 Shinji decided to call it a day and headed out leaving his two friends to play some more.

He looked at the NERV issued watch it read 4:45pm. "Only 15 minutes left, there will be no turning back then", he muttered to himself. He started to walk towards Hikari's apartment block. He passed people as they went about there business. Cars zoomed past on the busy streets of Tokyo-3.

He entered the building and pressed the button for the elevator it took serveral minutes to arrive making a 'ding' as the doors slid open. Shinji stepped inside pressing the button. He watched as the doors slid back into place and the elevator moved upwards.

It took another few minutes before it arrived at the floor making another 'ding' as it did so. He stepped out and walked along the corridor. When he reached the door one thought entered his mind; "This is the point of no return." Steadying his nerve and resolve he knocked softly at the door. Hikari opened it and stepped out. Holding her jacket in her hand. Shinji looked in awe of this almost heavenly sight before him. Before his brain could regain control of his mouth one word escaped; "wow". Hikari flushed deeply.

She was wearing a black Mini-dress, her hair was dropped lose over her shoulders and she was wearing high heal shoes. "Ho---how come I've never seen you dress like this before?", Shinji said aloud. "You only ever see me at school or when I visit Asuka", she responded flatly. "Well, you look great", he complemented. She flushed again. Then they began the walk to the elevator.

*****

Rei was attentively listening to the story being told and wondered why Shinji had stopped so suddenly. "Is there something wrong Ikari?", she asked.

"Is it ok of we skip over the actually date?", he asked hesitantly. "Why?", Rei replied mater-of-factly. "Well we talked about things that I wouldn't feel comfortable telling anyone, things said in confidence, and.", Shinji was cut off in mid- sentence "I understand Ikari", Rei replied. "The date did go well though, I will tell you that, it was one of the best times I've had in a while". Shinji spoke; "One thing led to another and with each date we got closer at least I thought we did but.", Shinji paused finding the last words difficult to say. "But she still loves Touji, now my 'usefulness' is over, I was thrown away like-- like a toy", Shinji's anger was apparent in his voice.

Rei simply put a hand on his shoulder and pulled him closer to her. The look on her face said that she had no Idea why she had just done what she did, it almost seemed like instinct. Instead of pulling away he just let her hold him as he cried.

For an hour or so they sat like that neither of them saying anything. Until Rei finally broke the comfortable silence; "would you like to stay here tonight?" He though about it, yes he wanted to stay but spoke; "That wouldn't be a good idea, people would think that--". She cut him off for the second time today; "I do not care what people think, we would both know the truth that is all we need", Rei said flatly. Shinji pondered this for but a moment before nodding.

"I will sleep on the floor" Shinji said any anger now gone. "You will sleep in the bed", Rei spoke mater of factly. "I don't think It would be appropriate to share the bed Rei", Shinji reasoned to no avail. "This is my apartment is it not?", Rei asked. A silent nod was her only response. "Then _I_ will decide what is appropriate here". Rei said without any room for negotiation. Shinji reluctantly nodded. "Then it is decided", she said lying down to sleep, literally pulling Shinji beside her.

*****

Next Episode

What Will Shinji do now he has been shown that someone does care for him, will he go back Misato or will he stay with Rei. Find out in the next Chapter of Circle of Fire