Chapter 5

The next day, December 4th, Asuka's Birthday.

Three figures walked quietly up to the Katsuragi Apartment door, one carrying a nicely wrapped gift.

Sayoko glanced over at her Aunt. "Why are you bringing it?"

"I just finished repairing HER yesterday." replied Skuld, "And SHE has a name. It's Sigel." Skuld looked back to the girl standing behind them. "You alright Sigel?"

"Yes Skuld-sama." replied Sigel.

Skuld left eye twitched, "I thought I had finally got her to stop saying that."

"Again, why are you bringing her?" asked Sayoko.

"She is going to help me keep an eye out for you." replied Skuld, "The last thing I want for you to get clobbered again."

"I've told you all week, it was an accident."

"Asuka's fist smashing into your head was an accident?"

Sayoko winced and looked at the ground. "She got upset over what happened. I told you it didn't look good."

"You may have forgiven her, but I haven't." Skuld eyed Sayoko, "If she so much as lays a finger on you.....Kami-sama forgive me for what I'll do to her, birthday or not!"

"I thought we were supposed to forgive those who seek it, even those that wrong us?" "We are." replied Skuld, "But it doesn't say we have to forgive them immediately."

With that, Skuld pressed the doorbell. After several moments, Misato answered it.

"Hello Skuld, Sayoko. Hey, who's this?" Misato looked at Sigel, "That your daughter Skuld?"

Skuld blushed while Sayoko giggled.

"No, this is Sigel. She's a robot I made when I was younger. She's here to help me watch out for Sayoko."

"Robot huh?" Misato eyed Sigel curiously, "Well come on in. We have another hour or so before Shinji brings Asuka back."

Skuld, Sayoko and Sigel followed Misato into the apartment. Hikari, Kensuke, Touji, and Rei were busy decorating the living room. Skuld followed Misato into the kitchen where Kaji was... protecting the beer.

"Oh Sayoko!" said Hikari, "I'm glad you're here. Come over here and help me with this." Hikari held up a sign. Sayoko began to walk towards Hikari.

"Grab the end and pull it across the room." said Hikari.

Sayoko started to back up when she tripped. She turned and glared at Sigel.

"Do you mind?"

"Skuld-sama ordered me to keep an eye on you." replied Sigel.

Sayoko sighed, "Can you do it without getting in the way?"

Sigel shrugged and sat down on the couch. Hikari watched Sigel then looked at Sayoko.

"Sister?"

"No. Sigel was built by my Aunt years ago."

"How come we haven't seen her before?"

"She was disabled during Second Impact along with another of Auntie's robots." Sayoko moved and pinned the banner up. "She just got around to repairing them." Sayoko stood back and looked at the banner. "Does that look right to you?"

Hikari moved next to Sayoko and looked at the banner. "I don't know...Rei?"

Rei moved next to the other girls. "It looks alright. Nice job."

Hikari moved off towards Touji. Rei started to walk away when Sayoko grabbed her arm.

"Can we talk?"

Rei looked at Sayoko for a second, then nodded. "Alright."

She led Sayoko down the hall to her room. Rei had never had much in the way of possessions when she had been a pilot. As Sayoko looked around, she could see that Rei still hadn't changed much. She did have quite a bit larger selection of clothing to choose from, as well as several pictures on her dresser top. One was of her and Shinji. Another was of all the roommates: Misato, Asuka, Shinji, and Rei. Another was the same picture that Sayoko had showing all the pilots and Misato. It was the last picture that really surprised Sayoko though. It was from the day Sayoko became a Goddess First class. Rei was standing next to Sayoko who was in her full goddess outfit.

"How did you get that?" asked Sayoko, "I thought they wouldn't allow you to have your cameras?"

"They didn't." replied Rei, "I asked Skuld for one. What did you wish to talk about?"

"Asuka. How is she today?"

"She seemed to be acting normal today. But then again, she's been acting normal every morning for the past week. It's only when.."

"..She sees me that she explodes." finished Sayoko. She sighed, "Maybe I shouldn't have come."

"She'll get over it." replied Rei, "Worst that could happen is she just ignores you like she does at school."

"Something to look forward to." mumbled Sayoko.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------

"I'm still wondering if this is a good idea."

Misato looked up. "Hmmm?"

"Sayoko coming here so soon after the dance 'incident'." said Skuld, "Seems like it's just asking for trouble."

"Aww nothing will happen." said Misato, "With you here, Kaji, myself, all her friends, I seriously doubt Asuka will try to hurt Sayoko." Misato put her arm around Skuld. "Tonight we are going to have fun. Nothing could possibly go wrong."

---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------

A few hours later.

Mara came back into her lair and sat down on a chair.

"Ahhhh It feels so good to be evil." She let out a cackle. "I forgot what this feeling was like."

She leaned back in her chair and looked around her lair. Suddenly she sat up and looked over where she had left the dogs. Both sat quietly by a full water dish and a full food dish. Both were also surprisingly being sweet with each other. Mara walked over and looked down at the dog.

"How the hell did you get food?" muttered Mara, "And when did the spell wear off?"

"It didn't wear off." replied another voice, "I removed the spell."

Mara's blood froze at the voice, quite a feat considering they were in hell. She slowly turned around and looked at her unexpected visitor.

"Hi there Urd. How's Heaven?"

"Cut the crap." said Urd, "You made a hate spell."

"What gives you that idea?"

Urd pointed at the very happy dogs.

"Yeah so what. Sue me."

Urd's eyes narrowed, "Who'd you use it on? Did you used it on Sayoko?"

Mara snickered. "Oh yeah, that's a good one Urd. Me casting a hate spell on a Goddess. I wish I'd thought of that."

Urd sighed, "Alright. It was a long shot. After the way Sayoko's been acting I wasn't really sure."

"Is that why you're here?" asked Mara, "You think Sayoko's under a spell?"

"It seems like it." replied Urd, "And you're the only Demon I know of that might give her problems."

"Just because she's having a bad time doesn't mean a demon's the cause."

Urd leaned back, "Yeah, maybe your right."

"Maybe she's just stressed out. I mean, getting your license suspended for blowing out a few tires has to bug her a bit."

Urd's eyes narrowed, "Oh?"

"Yeah. I mean, sure the guy deserved it after drenching her with a puddle, but come on, shit happens."

"Mara dear..."

"What is it.." Mara turned and froze. Urd glared at Mara, lighting sparking from her eyes.

"For someone who claims to be not involved," said Urd quietly, "You sure know a lot."

"Well, I.uh.that is.I hear things."

Urd leaned over Mara, watching her shrink down. "Perhaps we should talk about what you have heard, hmmm?"

---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------

Asuka and Shinji walked home together arm in arm.

"That movie was great." said Asuka, "Thank you for taking me."

"Hey anything for the Birthday Girl." Shinji said with a smile.

Asuka turned and stared at Shinji, "You remembered?"

"Of course I did. You're my girlfriend after all."

Asuka was quiet for several moments.

"Shinji?" she said softly.

"Hmm?"

"Thank you."

"For what?"

"Everything." said Asuka, "No matter what I do to you, you're always there for me."

"Of course I'm there." replied Shinji, "After all, the one I love is you Asuka."

(Author's note: ^_^ couldn't resist)

"You really mean that?"

"Yes."

Asuka was quiet for several minutes as they walked.

"Baka." She finally muttered.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------

Everyone was quietly talking in the living room when Skuld suddenly turned towards the door.

"Here they come." she said.

"Alright!" shouted Misato, "Everyone find a hiding spot!"

Rei, Sayoko, Hikari, Touji, and Kensuke immediately dove behind the couch. Just as quickly Kensuke flew back out with a handprint on his cheek.

"Hiding under my skirt is NOT an option!" shouted Sayoko.

"Hentai." muttered Hikari and Rei together.

Misato watched as Pen Pen waddled towards his fridge. She turned and looked at Skuld.

"There's only room for two in that closet."

"You and Kaji take it. I'll go with Pen Pen." replied Skuld.

"There isn't that much room in there either."

Skuld smiled. With a flash, she vanished. Misato and Kaji looked around.

"Skuld?"

"Down here!"

They looked down to see a foot tall Skuld.

"How.?"

"Later!" shouted Mini-Skuld. She quickly ran over and jumped onto Pen Pen's back. "Let's go Pen!"

Pen Pen glanced back at the pint sized goddess before entering his fridge. Misato then dove into the closet, followed by Kaji and shut the door. Kensuke remained on the floor, still stunned, Sigel staring down at him, blinking. Sayoko suddenly appeared from behind the couch and grabbed Sigel, pulling her back behind the couch.

The front door then opened.

"We're home!" came Asuka's voice.

She and Shinji stepped out of the hallway and entered the living room. Both stared at Kensuke still laying stunned in the middle of the room.

"What the hell is he doing here?" asked Asuka.

"Oops." came a voice from behind the couch.

Asuka whirled about. "Who was that!?!"

"SURPRISE! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!"

Asuka jumped as her friends popped out of their hiding places. She then turned and looked at Shinji who was grinning.

"You knew about this?" Shinji nodded. "And you didn't tell me!"

"Then it wouldn't be a surprise." said Misato with a smile.

Asuka smiled back. It was then she noticed an odd sight.

Someone was riding Pen Pen. Asuka bent down and looked at the little figure.

"Auntie Skuld?"

Skuld glared at Asuka. "I don't care if it is your birthday, DON'T CALL ME 'AUNTIE'!!"

"Well if you're here.that means..." Asuka turned back towards the couch. Standing behind Touji and Hikari, trying to keep out of view was Sayoko. Asuka immediately felt a rush of anger, but like she had done during the past week, she calmed herself. She then turned so that she wouldn't see Sayoko. "Thank you. All of you."

"Comon!" said Misato, pulling Asuka towards the kitchen. "Dinner awaits!"

Asuka paled. "You made dinner?"

"No Hikari did." replied Kaji.

Asuka sighed in relief. "Thank god."

Misato glared at Asuka, "What was that?!"

"...nothing...."

The others snickered and followed Misato and Asuka into the kitchen, leaving Rei and Sayoko in the living room.

"See." said Rei, "She said thank you."

Sayoko just eyed Rei.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------

Later on, everyone was sitting around the apartment talking. Sayoko stood alone on the balcony in front of the apartment, looking out over the city. The front door behind her slid open and then closed.

"So this is where you went."

Sayoko sighed as Kaji walked up next to her. "Shouldn't you be inside hitting on Misato?"

Kaji smiled and leaned against the railing. "Misato is currently talking about men in general with Skuld. My input wasn't required."

Sayoko smirked, "Right..."

Kaji offered Sayoko a glass, "Punch?"

Sayoko looked at the glass curiously.

"It's punch!" said Kaji, "It's harmless....Unless you want a beer?"

Sayoko shook her head. "No..no beer." She sipped the punch. She looked at the glass in surprise. "Wow. That's good."

'Never had punch before.' thought Kaji, 'weird.' "So why are you out here?"

Sayoko took another sip of punch. "I'm avoiding Asuka."

"What for?"

"I don't want to upset her on her birthday."

"Upset her how?"

Sayoko eyed Kaji, "Misato didn't tell you?"

"I just got back into town today from my.....'vacation'."

"Let's just say I did something that pissed her off."

"I suppose that's a valid excuse," said Kaji, "but you will have to face her eventually."

"I know." Sayoko turned around and wobbled. "Whoa!" She quickly caught herself. "You sure that was just punch?"

Kaji grabbed her glass and sniffed it, then took a sip. "I don't taste any booze." He then eyed the wobbling goddess. "You alright?"

Sayoko steadied herself against the railing. "I dunno. A little wobbly."

"Maybe I should go get your Aunt..." Kaji started towards the door.

"NO!" shouted Sayoko grabbing hold of Kaji. "Please, no. She'll get worried. Don't tell her. Please?"

Kaji stared at the pleading goddess. "Alright. But I still think someone should keep an eye on you."

"Rei." said Sayoko, "Rei or Hikari."

"OK." Kaji started to walk into the apartment. He then stopped and looked at Sayoko. "You stay right here. Do NOT move from that spot."

Sayoko gave a salute. "Yessssir!"

The door closed behind Kaji, leaving Sayoko alone on the balcony. She wobbled over to the railing and looked over. Several stories down she could see Misato's blue car, as well as Kaji's red sports car.

"Oooooooooo." Sayoko slowly moved her head up, taking in the view of Tokyo- 2, "Preeeeettty."

"Sayoko?"

Sayoko spun around startled. As she did, she fell to the floor.

"Ow!"

"Are you ok?"

Sayoko looked up to see Shinji kneeling next to her.

"Wha?!?!" said Sayoko, "What you doing here?!!"

"Kaji came in looking for Rei," said Shinji, "but she and Hikari got pulled into Asuka's room. So he told me." He offered his hand.

Sayoko stared at the offered hand, "I dun wanna get you in any more trouble."

"You won't." Shinji continued to hold out his hand.

Sayoko finally grabbed his hand. Shinji help her to her feet, then helped her to remain standing.

"You too nice fer your own good Shinji." mumbled Sayoko.

Shinji stared at Sayoko. "You're drunk."

"Am not."

"Are too! Your talking just like Misato after 8 beers."

"I had only punch."

"It must have been spiked."

"Kaji said it twasn't"

Shinji smiled, "Kaji's been around Misato so much I don't think he notices the beer smell anymore." Shinji put his arm around Sayoko. "Come on, we'll walk it off."

---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------

"I said I don't want to talk about it anymore!"

Hikari and Rei frowned at Asuka.

"Look Asuka," said Hikari, "Sayoko didn't do anything wrong. It wasn't her fault."

Asuka stood up. "I said I'm not talking about it!!" She grabbed the bowl that sat in front them. "I'm getting more snacks." She turned and left her room, slamming the door behind her.

Hikari sighed, "This is bad. She's bottling it all up like before."

Rei nodded, "At this rate, she will either hurt herself, or hurt Sayoko."

"We'll just have to try and prevent either from happening."

---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------

Asuka stomped out into the living room. Touji, Kensuke, and Pen Pen sat around playing video games. Sigel and Kaji sat quietly on the couch watching. Asuka frowned.

"Where is Shinji?"

"He's out helping Sayoko." said Kaji, "I think someone spiked the punch."

Asuka's left eye twitched. "He's with her....alone?"

"Well....yes."

Asuka dropped the bowl and headed towards the door. "I'm going to give Shinji a hand. That girl can be a handful...."

Asuka slammed the front door shut....her thoughts were of many things....non of which were pleasant.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------

Skuld swirled the beer around in her glass while Misato held her head in her hands.

"I don't get it..." muttered Misato, "You've had just as many beers as me, yet you're fine. Not even a little drunk." She eyed Skuld closely. "You sure you've never drank before."

"Never touched a drop." Skuld then downed the last of her glass, "Urd's been the heavy drinker of the family."

"But how can you still be fine?" asked Misato, "I mean Shinji accidentally had one beer and he was dancing through the apartment in his underwear!"

"My sister Belldandy was able to drink the entire Motor Club under the table." said Skuld with a smile, "and she never did get drunk." Skuld then frowned. "Actually, she did get drunk once, but it wasn't because of alcohol."

"Really? What did she get drunk off of?"

"Soda."

Misato started to snicker. Skuld let out a sigh as Misato broke out into laughter and began rolling about on the floor.

"Are you done yet?"

Misato climbed back into her chair. "Yeah. Now seriously, what did she get drunk off of?"

"I told you. She got drunk off of soda pop."

"You're really serious?"

"Yes." replied Skuld, "And Sayoko can get drunk off of it too. She got a hold of a soda from Megumi once." Skuld shook her head. "You think kids are bad when they're two and sober....wait till you see a drunk two year old...."

---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------

Shinji helped Sayoko walk laps around a fountain in a nearby park.

"Easy. Just one step in front of the other." Shinji said as they walked along.

"Shinji?"

"What?"

"Are you happy?"

Shinji glanced at Sayoko. Her blue eyes were staring at him.

"What do you mean?"

"With Asuka." said Sayoko, "Are you happy with Asuka?"

Shinji turned back and watched where they were walking.

"We've had our ups and downs." said Shinji, "This past week has definitely been a down...."

"Because of me.." Sayoko said quietly.

"It's not your fault." said Shinji, "Asuka is just.....very possessive. She always has and probably always will be."

"Still...you wouldn't be in trouble with her if you had just left me sitting there."

"Maybe." replied Shinji, "But I still wouldn't have been happy." Sayoko looked up at Shinji questioningly. "You looked really miserable sitting there. Yet, when I got you out on that dance floor, the smile that appeared on your face was brighter then any I've seen before. I'm glad that I was able to help you." Shinji looked down at Sayoko to see tears in her eyes.

"Shinji...." Sayoko grabbed Shinji in a hug and brought his face to hers, "you're so kind..To you.I give.all joy." Sayoko then leaned in and kissed Shinji. Shinji stood there stunned for several seconds, not knowing what to do. The decision was made for him. Suddenly, both he and Sayoko were on the ground. Shinji rolled over and looked up, right into the angry face of one Asuka Langley Sohryu.