Chapter 2: Changes
*****
People say that things change so fast. That's not true, things change
slowly but by the time we notice things changing, its too late to ever go
back to the way things were before.
*****
"Shinji were you been?", Asuka asked as soon as he came though the door. Shinji swallowed hard and spoke "I been reliving the past" "What kind of answer is that?", Asuka snorted; "you been with wonder girl haven't you?", Asuka said with contempt.
Shinji didn't bother defending himself he just turned away giving her a side profile of his face, it was the only time she had ever seen him do that.
"My god, you really were with wonder girl", Asuka spoke. The anger falling out of her voice replaced with shock. Asuka just pushed him down onto the floor and yelled "You IDIOT, Wonder Girl is welcome to you!", Asuka ran to her room and slammed the sliding door.
Misato heard the commotion and came out of her room. She startled a bit on seeing Shinji, "AH, Shinji, You scared the crap out of me", Misato said.
Shinji didn't respond his hair and cloths were wet from the rain, he turned and headed for the door without saying a word. By the time he got to the door Misato had grabbed his arm pulling him to face her.
"Misato, I'm leaving", he said simply. "I can see", she replied. "No you don't, I'm moving out", he clarified. "Shinji", she said; "why?" "This is the closest thing I've had to a home in a long time, it was a place where I could be me, no one expected anything of me here, I could lower my defences"
"So why are you leaving If you feel so at home here?", Misato was Genuinely confused then a thought struck her; "Is it because of what happened". "I would NEVER leave because of that, the truth is its Asuka", Shinji answered, the hurt showing in his eyes at the implication briefly before his mask returned. "Auska?", Misato said shocked. "Asuka treats me almost sub human, I can't lower my defences here anymore, I can't live like that anymore, I need a place where I can be me", Shinji said simple.
"Are you moving in with Rei then?", Misato asked cautiously. "You two seem to get on well". "We do, she offered but I turned her down", Shinji replied. "Oh I see", Misato said with an almost disappointed tone in her voice. "Misato, don't look so disappointed, you are always welcome to stay with me anytime you like", Shinji smiled. "If I didn't know better, I would say you were propositioning me", She teased with a wink. "Misato, you know what I mean", Shinji defended. "I know", she said with another wink.
Misato smiled, it was nice to see some of the boy she used to know come back to the surface, if only for a moment as his mask fell away. He had been so closed when they had first met. Just like his father he wore an emotionless mask, it would scare him if he know how much he and his father had in common. However as they got to know each other he started to drop the mask around her and only her, anyone else would see the Shinji he wanted them to see. Even Ritsuko remarked that when he was at the apartment he was a different person and he never completely opened up when anyone visited. There was still apart of him he kept hidden from everyone else. She honestly thought that as he got to know Asuka he would open up to her also, I guess he just got sick of the constant humiliation and belittlement.
"Would you like to see my new apartment?", he asked simply. Breaking Misato out of her thoughts. "Sure", She replied; "if you don't mind?", She asked. "Its not a problem for me, do you have something else to do?" he responded.
"Nothing that can't wait, let me just get my jacket", she said as she walked to the coat rack. Out of the corner of her eye she spotted a Plastic bottle of water on the floor, she picked it up, It was still warm where it had been held only moments earlier. "Asuka", she whispered aloud. "Is something wrong Misato?", Shinji asked concerned. "No nothing at all", Misato said Grabbing her jacket and following Shinji out of the Door.
After a few minutes and she was certain she would not be seen Auska grabbed her Jacket and followed Misato and Shinji covertly.
*******
Hikari was busy planing her date with Touji they had eventually decided to see a movie for there first date after much deliberation now they were trying to decided which movie.
"How about Rocky 5000?", Touji Suggested; "Or Terminator 10?", he added. "Well that new Romance movie looks good, don't you think?" Hikari countered. Actually Touji had already seen it and in his mind admitted it was good since it made him break down and cry like a little girl, of course he would never admit that to anyone else.
"What?", Kensuke interrupted; "the guy dies slowly and painfully, what on earth is romantic about that?", Kensuke asked rhetorically; "how about that new Dragon Ball Z movie?", Kensuke suggested.
"What on earth are you talking about Aida, the last one was just an hour and a half of the main cast looking in shock as the Villain Glowed then Grew, More shocked looks then more Glowing, you get the idea", Hikari replied.
"Well according to this", Kensuke replied tapping his computer Keyboard; "this one has some action scenes". "But how many movies has this "Saga" lasted anyhow?", Touji asked sarcastically. "meh, six or seven", Kensuke replied. "Will you two shut up about Dragon Ball Z, its not that good anyway", Hikari spoke with a satisfied smile. "BLASPHEMER!" both Kensuke and Touji shouted in unison. "Well you can find a movie without my help then", Kensuke said as he pushed his Spectacles over the bridge of his nose. "I'm sorry Aida, we really do need your help", Hikari said with slight emphasis she crossed her fingers hoping it was enough. "Well, I never could turn down a pretty girl", Kensuke said mentally cursing he weakness.
Over the last two days Hikari had done a lot of thinking, she loved Touji yes, there was no doubt in her mind now, but what about Shinji. She felt like she couldn't just leave him like that but at the same time she knew that's exactly what she must do if he is to get through this.
*******
As Misato and Shinji walked through the streets of Tokyo-3, Shinji silently was leading her to his new apartment. "Shinji. Were being followed", Misato said without breaking stride. "I know, I spotted her a couple blocks back", Shinji whispered. "Oh, Its Asuka isn't it?" she replied back. "Yes, I figured you'd spot her", he replied mater of factly. They continued to walk to the apartment in silence.
Asuka had no idea she had been spotted, any professional would have known but she was no professional. 'Do I really treat him so bad he would move, she thought. It was the first time in two days she really had time to think about all the things that she had heard Shinji say to both Hikari and Misato. 'Sub human, Don't like anyone, belittling, I will show you Third child', Asuka mentally vowed.
Misato and Shinji arrived at their destination a medium sized apartment block the windows was nicely sized and the door had both an old fashioned Key-lock and a Card slider. Shinji opened both locks and opened the door. As they both stepped inside Shinji closed the door.
Shinji made dinner and drinks, after some hours of polite conversation Misato completely took Shinji by surprise; "Shinji, Could I stay here tonight?", Misato asked. Needless to say Shinji was stunned and it was several minutes before he answered. "Sure". "Can I sleep with you?", Misato asked.
"Misato I thought you said..", Shinji was cut off.
"I don't mean like that", Misato looked to one side; "not like before, I mean just Sleep by your side", Misato Clarified.
"Sure Misato, that would be fine", he smiled as he lay on the bed, Misato lay down next to him, they both starred at the ceiling.
"Another unfamiliar ceiling", Misato whispered.
"Yes", he said back in an equally quiet tone "the difference is this time I chose it", he finished. To which she smiled and said "I'll miss you, you know?"
"I know", was his only reply before they both fell asleep.
***** The following morning Shinji awoke to a snuggling Misato. In the course of the night she had moved herself so her head was on his chest and her arms draped over him. If it had been anyone else other than Misato in this position Shinji would have felt uncomfortable. As it was however Shinji drifted back off to sleep.
When Shinji woke again Misato was gone in her place was a white envelope there was no markings of any kind on it but he knew it could only be for him.
*****
When Misato came back to her apartment a very tired Asuka confronted her. "Rough night Asuka?", Misato spoke not letting on she knew anything. Asuka yawned out "not as late as you Misato"
"What do you mean Asuka?", Misato asked innocently.
"Well you spent all night at Shinji's new place", Asuka scowled; "It's obvious what happened", Asuka teased.
"Look Asuka, you don't know, what you think you know", Misato spoke.
"Well I'm sure the commander.", Asuka didn't finish because Misato cut her off.
Misato couldn't believe that the second child was actually threatening her. That put her over the edge and for the first time Misato completely lost it with the second child.
"Don't threaten me Asuka!" Misato barked; "Just remember, your not the commanders favourite and your not his son, you are expendable", Misato finished, emphasising the last word. Asuka paled knowing she had pushed too far.
Now convinced that she had sufficiently intimidated the second child, she spoke in a softer town;
"If you know what's good for you, you'll leave this alone", Misato didn't give Asuka a chance to respond and headed for her room.
******
/Hey Shinji,
Sorry I couldn't stay to see you wake up but I got to take care of some things. One of which being the one and only Asuka Langly Souryu I'll try and come over and see you later if that's ok and thank you for letting me stay last night.
See ya, Misato Katsuragi.
Shinji finished reading the small note Misato had left him, 'tonight', Shinji thought to himself; 'I look forward to it'
*****
Misato opened the door of her apartment to head for NERV headquarters. The face of Hikari Horaki met her. She didn't wait for Hikari to speak, she simply closed the door behind her and started to walk to her car. Hikari started to follow, speaking as she did.
"Hello Hikari", Misato spoke almost spitefully, she knew how much she had hurt Shinji.
"M---Miss Katsuragi, is Shinji home?", Hikari asked softly picking up the tone of Misato's voice.
"I don't know", Misato spoke simply.
"You don't know?" Hikari asked confused.
"Shinji doesn't live here anymore, so I honestly don't know if he's home", Misato spoke, her anger showing once again.
"Oh, do you know where I might find him?" Hikari asked not willing to give up.
"I do know where his new apartment is but I'm not going to tell you", Misato said simply,
"Why?", Hikari asked.
"Don't you think you've hurt him enough Hikari, or is this just to twist the knife in the wound", Misato said in a spiteful manner.
"I--I never meant to hurt him", Hikari said, her face flushed looking away from the older woman.
"It's too late for that now, isn't it?" Misato commented. She didn't bother to hear the girl's reply; she just slammed her car door, and sped off towards NERV.
*****
Rei Ayanami sat in her apartment still contemplating the conversation she had with Shinji a day earlier.
"Rei, I want to thank you for this", Shinji spoke.
"For what?", Rei replied.
"For listening to me, for trying to understand, I needed to thank you for that", Shinji answered.
"I see, I believe my response should be, your welcome", Rei said with a soft smile.
Rei looked mildly uncomfortable for a moment as if trying to decide something but it passed as quickly as it came and she said, "I would like you to stay"
"I'll stay as long as you like Rei" Shinji said nodding.
"You do not understand, I wish you to live here, in my apartment with me", Rei Clarified.
"I---I can't, I'm sorry, I would feel like I was imposing, besides I don't think this apartment would accommodate two people", he said the last part with a chuckle.
"I would adapt, Shinji", Rei replied flatly.
That got his attention, she never used his first name, he was so surprised he almost choked. Rei began giggling at his reaction, covering her mouth with her hand.
"Why did you do that?", Shinji asked. Rei looked back with a puzzled look on her face. "Why do you cover you mouth when you laugh?, you have such a nice laugh", he asked.
"I---I do not know", Rei replied simply. Shinji smiled at her.
Rei opened her eyes and spoke a single word followed by a smile "Ikari"
****
Hikari walked into School arguing with Touji, their date had obviously not gone well.
"Did you have to start that fight with the guy in front of us?", Hikari almost shouted.
"Well, you heard him, he was asking for it", Touji defended.
"All he said was the film wasn't that good", Hikari lowered her voice.
"Exactly, he was asking for it, how could ANYONE say that film was crap", Touji added.
"Everyone is entitled to there own opinion", Hikari said.
"Whatever", Touji dismissed.
They almost stopped arguing immediately as they approached the classroom, they certainly weren't going to give anyone a free show. They each went to there separate desks and sat down.
Kensuke turned around straddling the back of his chair. "Trouble in paradise?", Kensuke said.
"What the hell are you talking about Kensuke?" Touji bit his friend's head off.
"Well you two have been so lovey dovey the last few days, today your hardly speaking to each other, so 'sup man?" Kensuke reasoned. Touji just growled under his breath.
"Do you want to talk about it?" Kensuke asked. Touji growled once more and shook his head.
"Raise, bow, Sit", Hikari announced as the teacher entered the room. The teacher stood at the front of the black board and spoke "today class, we'll be learning about the Second Impact". The Class groaned.
"How many times they going to go over this", one pupil said. "I'm sure they must get as sick of teaching as we do of listening", said another.
Shinji was in his own world however, listening to track 26 on his SDAT. A message box flashed up on his Computer screen, "You have Been invited to Chat Room #Tokyo3 - Join room y/n", Shinji read and typed "yes". The box disappeared seconds later the Chat Channel appeared. The list of users on the right of the screen showed most of his Class. Shinji began to read the conversation as it happens.
Kensuke: So how long until School finishes? Tomoyo: Too long. ---- Hikaru Sighs Touji: Hey Shin-man. --- Asuka has Joined #Tokyo3--- Fu: hey Asuka. Asuka: So what are all you Cyber Junkies talking about? Touji is now known as Devil-woman Devil-woman: Look at me. My names Asuka, --- Asuka Clobbers Devil-Woman with a Baseball-bat over and over again. Devil-Woman is now known as Touji. Hikaru: Hey Touji even in the Cyber world you can't win. (
You Have Received a Private Message would you like to read it? Y/n
Shinji read the Box and answered yes, a second box appeared smaller than the first.
Shinji: Hello, who is this? Hikari: Hello Shinji, Meet me after School, where we last talked. Shinji: Hikari! --- Hikari has signed off.
Shinji Closed down the Private message box, he stayed in the Chat room but nothing of interest happened. He knew why Hikari was so vague, Kensuke had developed a program to read Private Messages. "So she wants to meet me, but why? She was quite clear", Shinji whispered to himself.
The afternoon Lesson was Lab Class, the aged teacher broke out of his Daze briefly to say "pick a partner and work on you assigned tasks", The teacher then seemed to zone out again. Shinji was on his own, as usual,
"Would you like to be my partner?", a gentle female voice asked from behind him. With out turning around Shinji replied "I work better alone". Undaunted the girl pressed on; "Well maybe you just haven't worked with the right person yet".
Shinji turned around to see the face of Hikaru Tenkowa smiling back at him, her mahogany coloured hair and long ponytail set her apart from the class. "Ok", he said nodding. The Experiment was pretty uneventful and went well, Hikaru and Shinji worked well together, they had the best scores in the class. As the day ended they made their way to the staircase. "I think we are going to be good friends Shinji", Hikaru smiled warmly. "I think we will", Shinji replied with an equally warm smile, to him it felt like the first time he'd smiled in 3 weeks.
Shinji felt good. He'd made a friend today. Hikaru Tenkowa. He repeated her name in his mind, she was definitely pretty, but the last thing he wanted right now was a relationship with anyone. As he walked thought the school he almost forgot his 'scheduled' meeting with Hikari.
He made his way to the same building they had talked, before this mess started. He walked into the dusty room. He hated this room, he thought, too many bad memories here. He summed. He saw Hikari waiting, she was sat on a Chair with her palms pressed against her skirt and she was just looking at them. He didn't know if she'd even noticed him so he spoke first.
"What do you want Hikari?", he asked coolly, trying to seem cold, but it was hard given how much she'd hurt him.
"I--We need to talk, Shinji", Hikari said almost distantly.
"There's nothing to talk about, everything's been said, Hikari"
"My date with Touji didn't go as well as I'd hoped"
"Well, I'm sorry Touji is not the man you hoped Hikari, but frankly, I don't care"
"I went to see you the other day, Miss Katsuragi said you moved out, she wouldn't tell me where"
"Misato is very protective of me"
"Hikari, I don't know what you hoped to gain from this but it can only open up old wounds for both of us", Shinji used a Cold tone of voice.
"Goodbye Hikari", Shinji turned and started to walk away.
This time he wasn't running away, this time he was walking away, this time he was facing his fear. Hikari knew that this was more than just he leaving here and now, he was walking away from their friendship, closing the door on this part of his life forever. Any hope of reconciliation now gone, short of a miracle he would probably never speak to her again. The way he said goodbye it was the same tone his father used, the same cold, empty voice. She had met the elder Ikari once, he had only said "Miss Horaki" then nodded, it was barely and acknowledgement but it was enough to send Shivers down her spine, and not in a good way. Then it dawned on her she had turned Shinji into the one thing he hated more than anything in the world - his father
It was the last straw for Hikari, she broke down and cried, for the first time since this whole affair had began, she cried until she ran out of tears but still she cried
******
Next Episode
After the Confrontation with Shinji how will this effect Hikari's relationship? And what is the Terrible secret Misato hold, Find out in the next Exciting Chapter of Circle of fire
*****
"Shinji were you been?", Asuka asked as soon as he came though the door. Shinji swallowed hard and spoke "I been reliving the past" "What kind of answer is that?", Asuka snorted; "you been with wonder girl haven't you?", Asuka said with contempt.
Shinji didn't bother defending himself he just turned away giving her a side profile of his face, it was the only time she had ever seen him do that.
"My god, you really were with wonder girl", Asuka spoke. The anger falling out of her voice replaced with shock. Asuka just pushed him down onto the floor and yelled "You IDIOT, Wonder Girl is welcome to you!", Asuka ran to her room and slammed the sliding door.
Misato heard the commotion and came out of her room. She startled a bit on seeing Shinji, "AH, Shinji, You scared the crap out of me", Misato said.
Shinji didn't respond his hair and cloths were wet from the rain, he turned and headed for the door without saying a word. By the time he got to the door Misato had grabbed his arm pulling him to face her.
"Misato, I'm leaving", he said simply. "I can see", she replied. "No you don't, I'm moving out", he clarified. "Shinji", she said; "why?" "This is the closest thing I've had to a home in a long time, it was a place where I could be me, no one expected anything of me here, I could lower my defences"
"So why are you leaving If you feel so at home here?", Misato was Genuinely confused then a thought struck her; "Is it because of what happened". "I would NEVER leave because of that, the truth is its Asuka", Shinji answered, the hurt showing in his eyes at the implication briefly before his mask returned. "Auska?", Misato said shocked. "Asuka treats me almost sub human, I can't lower my defences here anymore, I can't live like that anymore, I need a place where I can be me", Shinji said simple.
"Are you moving in with Rei then?", Misato asked cautiously. "You two seem to get on well". "We do, she offered but I turned her down", Shinji replied. "Oh I see", Misato said with an almost disappointed tone in her voice. "Misato, don't look so disappointed, you are always welcome to stay with me anytime you like", Shinji smiled. "If I didn't know better, I would say you were propositioning me", She teased with a wink. "Misato, you know what I mean", Shinji defended. "I know", she said with another wink.
Misato smiled, it was nice to see some of the boy she used to know come back to the surface, if only for a moment as his mask fell away. He had been so closed when they had first met. Just like his father he wore an emotionless mask, it would scare him if he know how much he and his father had in common. However as they got to know each other he started to drop the mask around her and only her, anyone else would see the Shinji he wanted them to see. Even Ritsuko remarked that when he was at the apartment he was a different person and he never completely opened up when anyone visited. There was still apart of him he kept hidden from everyone else. She honestly thought that as he got to know Asuka he would open up to her also, I guess he just got sick of the constant humiliation and belittlement.
"Would you like to see my new apartment?", he asked simply. Breaking Misato out of her thoughts. "Sure", She replied; "if you don't mind?", She asked. "Its not a problem for me, do you have something else to do?" he responded.
"Nothing that can't wait, let me just get my jacket", she said as she walked to the coat rack. Out of the corner of her eye she spotted a Plastic bottle of water on the floor, she picked it up, It was still warm where it had been held only moments earlier. "Asuka", she whispered aloud. "Is something wrong Misato?", Shinji asked concerned. "No nothing at all", Misato said Grabbing her jacket and following Shinji out of the Door.
After a few minutes and she was certain she would not be seen Auska grabbed her Jacket and followed Misato and Shinji covertly.
*******
Hikari was busy planing her date with Touji they had eventually decided to see a movie for there first date after much deliberation now they were trying to decided which movie.
"How about Rocky 5000?", Touji Suggested; "Or Terminator 10?", he added. "Well that new Romance movie looks good, don't you think?" Hikari countered. Actually Touji had already seen it and in his mind admitted it was good since it made him break down and cry like a little girl, of course he would never admit that to anyone else.
"What?", Kensuke interrupted; "the guy dies slowly and painfully, what on earth is romantic about that?", Kensuke asked rhetorically; "how about that new Dragon Ball Z movie?", Kensuke suggested.
"What on earth are you talking about Aida, the last one was just an hour and a half of the main cast looking in shock as the Villain Glowed then Grew, More shocked looks then more Glowing, you get the idea", Hikari replied.
"Well according to this", Kensuke replied tapping his computer Keyboard; "this one has some action scenes". "But how many movies has this "Saga" lasted anyhow?", Touji asked sarcastically. "meh, six or seven", Kensuke replied. "Will you two shut up about Dragon Ball Z, its not that good anyway", Hikari spoke with a satisfied smile. "BLASPHEMER!" both Kensuke and Touji shouted in unison. "Well you can find a movie without my help then", Kensuke said as he pushed his Spectacles over the bridge of his nose. "I'm sorry Aida, we really do need your help", Hikari said with slight emphasis she crossed her fingers hoping it was enough. "Well, I never could turn down a pretty girl", Kensuke said mentally cursing he weakness.
Over the last two days Hikari had done a lot of thinking, she loved Touji yes, there was no doubt in her mind now, but what about Shinji. She felt like she couldn't just leave him like that but at the same time she knew that's exactly what she must do if he is to get through this.
*******
As Misato and Shinji walked through the streets of Tokyo-3, Shinji silently was leading her to his new apartment. "Shinji. Were being followed", Misato said without breaking stride. "I know, I spotted her a couple blocks back", Shinji whispered. "Oh, Its Asuka isn't it?" she replied back. "Yes, I figured you'd spot her", he replied mater of factly. They continued to walk to the apartment in silence.
Asuka had no idea she had been spotted, any professional would have known but she was no professional. 'Do I really treat him so bad he would move, she thought. It was the first time in two days she really had time to think about all the things that she had heard Shinji say to both Hikari and Misato. 'Sub human, Don't like anyone, belittling, I will show you Third child', Asuka mentally vowed.
Misato and Shinji arrived at their destination a medium sized apartment block the windows was nicely sized and the door had both an old fashioned Key-lock and a Card slider. Shinji opened both locks and opened the door. As they both stepped inside Shinji closed the door.
Shinji made dinner and drinks, after some hours of polite conversation Misato completely took Shinji by surprise; "Shinji, Could I stay here tonight?", Misato asked. Needless to say Shinji was stunned and it was several minutes before he answered. "Sure". "Can I sleep with you?", Misato asked.
"Misato I thought you said..", Shinji was cut off.
"I don't mean like that", Misato looked to one side; "not like before, I mean just Sleep by your side", Misato Clarified.
"Sure Misato, that would be fine", he smiled as he lay on the bed, Misato lay down next to him, they both starred at the ceiling.
"Another unfamiliar ceiling", Misato whispered.
"Yes", he said back in an equally quiet tone "the difference is this time I chose it", he finished. To which she smiled and said "I'll miss you, you know?"
"I know", was his only reply before they both fell asleep.
***** The following morning Shinji awoke to a snuggling Misato. In the course of the night she had moved herself so her head was on his chest and her arms draped over him. If it had been anyone else other than Misato in this position Shinji would have felt uncomfortable. As it was however Shinji drifted back off to sleep.
When Shinji woke again Misato was gone in her place was a white envelope there was no markings of any kind on it but he knew it could only be for him.
*****
When Misato came back to her apartment a very tired Asuka confronted her. "Rough night Asuka?", Misato spoke not letting on she knew anything. Asuka yawned out "not as late as you Misato"
"What do you mean Asuka?", Misato asked innocently.
"Well you spent all night at Shinji's new place", Asuka scowled; "It's obvious what happened", Asuka teased.
"Look Asuka, you don't know, what you think you know", Misato spoke.
"Well I'm sure the commander.", Asuka didn't finish because Misato cut her off.
Misato couldn't believe that the second child was actually threatening her. That put her over the edge and for the first time Misato completely lost it with the second child.
"Don't threaten me Asuka!" Misato barked; "Just remember, your not the commanders favourite and your not his son, you are expendable", Misato finished, emphasising the last word. Asuka paled knowing she had pushed too far.
Now convinced that she had sufficiently intimidated the second child, she spoke in a softer town;
"If you know what's good for you, you'll leave this alone", Misato didn't give Asuka a chance to respond and headed for her room.
******
/Hey Shinji,
Sorry I couldn't stay to see you wake up but I got to take care of some things. One of which being the one and only Asuka Langly Souryu I'll try and come over and see you later if that's ok and thank you for letting me stay last night.
See ya, Misato Katsuragi.
Shinji finished reading the small note Misato had left him, 'tonight', Shinji thought to himself; 'I look forward to it'
*****
Misato opened the door of her apartment to head for NERV headquarters. The face of Hikari Horaki met her. She didn't wait for Hikari to speak, she simply closed the door behind her and started to walk to her car. Hikari started to follow, speaking as she did.
"Hello Hikari", Misato spoke almost spitefully, she knew how much she had hurt Shinji.
"M---Miss Katsuragi, is Shinji home?", Hikari asked softly picking up the tone of Misato's voice.
"I don't know", Misato spoke simply.
"You don't know?" Hikari asked confused.
"Shinji doesn't live here anymore, so I honestly don't know if he's home", Misato spoke, her anger showing once again.
"Oh, do you know where I might find him?" Hikari asked not willing to give up.
"I do know where his new apartment is but I'm not going to tell you", Misato said simply,
"Why?", Hikari asked.
"Don't you think you've hurt him enough Hikari, or is this just to twist the knife in the wound", Misato said in a spiteful manner.
"I--I never meant to hurt him", Hikari said, her face flushed looking away from the older woman.
"It's too late for that now, isn't it?" Misato commented. She didn't bother to hear the girl's reply; she just slammed her car door, and sped off towards NERV.
*****
Rei Ayanami sat in her apartment still contemplating the conversation she had with Shinji a day earlier.
"Rei, I want to thank you for this", Shinji spoke.
"For what?", Rei replied.
"For listening to me, for trying to understand, I needed to thank you for that", Shinji answered.
"I see, I believe my response should be, your welcome", Rei said with a soft smile.
Rei looked mildly uncomfortable for a moment as if trying to decide something but it passed as quickly as it came and she said, "I would like you to stay"
"I'll stay as long as you like Rei" Shinji said nodding.
"You do not understand, I wish you to live here, in my apartment with me", Rei Clarified.
"I---I can't, I'm sorry, I would feel like I was imposing, besides I don't think this apartment would accommodate two people", he said the last part with a chuckle.
"I would adapt, Shinji", Rei replied flatly.
That got his attention, she never used his first name, he was so surprised he almost choked. Rei began giggling at his reaction, covering her mouth with her hand.
"Why did you do that?", Shinji asked. Rei looked back with a puzzled look on her face. "Why do you cover you mouth when you laugh?, you have such a nice laugh", he asked.
"I---I do not know", Rei replied simply. Shinji smiled at her.
Rei opened her eyes and spoke a single word followed by a smile "Ikari"
****
Hikari walked into School arguing with Touji, their date had obviously not gone well.
"Did you have to start that fight with the guy in front of us?", Hikari almost shouted.
"Well, you heard him, he was asking for it", Touji defended.
"All he said was the film wasn't that good", Hikari lowered her voice.
"Exactly, he was asking for it, how could ANYONE say that film was crap", Touji added.
"Everyone is entitled to there own opinion", Hikari said.
"Whatever", Touji dismissed.
They almost stopped arguing immediately as they approached the classroom, they certainly weren't going to give anyone a free show. They each went to there separate desks and sat down.
Kensuke turned around straddling the back of his chair. "Trouble in paradise?", Kensuke said.
"What the hell are you talking about Kensuke?" Touji bit his friend's head off.
"Well you two have been so lovey dovey the last few days, today your hardly speaking to each other, so 'sup man?" Kensuke reasoned. Touji just growled under his breath.
"Do you want to talk about it?" Kensuke asked. Touji growled once more and shook his head.
"Raise, bow, Sit", Hikari announced as the teacher entered the room. The teacher stood at the front of the black board and spoke "today class, we'll be learning about the Second Impact". The Class groaned.
"How many times they going to go over this", one pupil said. "I'm sure they must get as sick of teaching as we do of listening", said another.
Shinji was in his own world however, listening to track 26 on his SDAT. A message box flashed up on his Computer screen, "You have Been invited to Chat Room #Tokyo3 - Join room y/n", Shinji read and typed "yes". The box disappeared seconds later the Chat Channel appeared. The list of users on the right of the screen showed most of his Class. Shinji began to read the conversation as it happens.
Kensuke: So how long until School finishes? Tomoyo: Too long. ---- Hikaru Sighs Touji: Hey Shin-man. --- Asuka has Joined #Tokyo3--- Fu: hey Asuka. Asuka: So what are all you Cyber Junkies talking about? Touji is now known as Devil-woman Devil-woman: Look at me. My names Asuka, --- Asuka Clobbers Devil-Woman with a Baseball-bat over and over again. Devil-Woman is now known as Touji. Hikaru: Hey Touji even in the Cyber world you can't win. (
You Have Received a Private Message would you like to read it? Y/n
Shinji read the Box and answered yes, a second box appeared smaller than the first.
Shinji: Hello, who is this? Hikari: Hello Shinji, Meet me after School, where we last talked. Shinji: Hikari! --- Hikari has signed off.
Shinji Closed down the Private message box, he stayed in the Chat room but nothing of interest happened. He knew why Hikari was so vague, Kensuke had developed a program to read Private Messages. "So she wants to meet me, but why? She was quite clear", Shinji whispered to himself.
The afternoon Lesson was Lab Class, the aged teacher broke out of his Daze briefly to say "pick a partner and work on you assigned tasks", The teacher then seemed to zone out again. Shinji was on his own, as usual,
"Would you like to be my partner?", a gentle female voice asked from behind him. With out turning around Shinji replied "I work better alone". Undaunted the girl pressed on; "Well maybe you just haven't worked with the right person yet".
Shinji turned around to see the face of Hikaru Tenkowa smiling back at him, her mahogany coloured hair and long ponytail set her apart from the class. "Ok", he said nodding. The Experiment was pretty uneventful and went well, Hikaru and Shinji worked well together, they had the best scores in the class. As the day ended they made their way to the staircase. "I think we are going to be good friends Shinji", Hikaru smiled warmly. "I think we will", Shinji replied with an equally warm smile, to him it felt like the first time he'd smiled in 3 weeks.
Shinji felt good. He'd made a friend today. Hikaru Tenkowa. He repeated her name in his mind, she was definitely pretty, but the last thing he wanted right now was a relationship with anyone. As he walked thought the school he almost forgot his 'scheduled' meeting with Hikari.
He made his way to the same building they had talked, before this mess started. He walked into the dusty room. He hated this room, he thought, too many bad memories here. He summed. He saw Hikari waiting, she was sat on a Chair with her palms pressed against her skirt and she was just looking at them. He didn't know if she'd even noticed him so he spoke first.
"What do you want Hikari?", he asked coolly, trying to seem cold, but it was hard given how much she'd hurt him.
"I--We need to talk, Shinji", Hikari said almost distantly.
"There's nothing to talk about, everything's been said, Hikari"
"My date with Touji didn't go as well as I'd hoped"
"Well, I'm sorry Touji is not the man you hoped Hikari, but frankly, I don't care"
"I went to see you the other day, Miss Katsuragi said you moved out, she wouldn't tell me where"
"Misato is very protective of me"
"Hikari, I don't know what you hoped to gain from this but it can only open up old wounds for both of us", Shinji used a Cold tone of voice.
"Goodbye Hikari", Shinji turned and started to walk away.
This time he wasn't running away, this time he was walking away, this time he was facing his fear. Hikari knew that this was more than just he leaving here and now, he was walking away from their friendship, closing the door on this part of his life forever. Any hope of reconciliation now gone, short of a miracle he would probably never speak to her again. The way he said goodbye it was the same tone his father used, the same cold, empty voice. She had met the elder Ikari once, he had only said "Miss Horaki" then nodded, it was barely and acknowledgement but it was enough to send Shivers down her spine, and not in a good way. Then it dawned on her she had turned Shinji into the one thing he hated more than anything in the world - his father
It was the last straw for Hikari, she broke down and cried, for the first time since this whole affair had began, she cried until she ran out of tears but still she cried
******
Next Episode
After the Confrontation with Shinji how will this effect Hikari's relationship? And what is the Terrible secret Misato hold, Find out in the next Exciting Chapter of Circle of fire
