Disclaimer: Evangelion: Neon Genesis is not owned by me, it's owned by GAINAX. This fanfic cannot be distributed without the clear, explicit consent of the author (me). No profit has been made from this piece.

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"Sections 2 and 3 of the East Wing will close at 6 p.m. today.
Staff are requested to finish all work by 4: 30 p.m."

Shinji ignored the announcement. The hospital was about to close, but he didn't care. He looked down at Asuka's unconscious form lying on the bed.

"I... I'm scared Misato and Ayanami... Help me... Help me, Asuka."

Asuka makes no response. She continues to lie on her bed, without movement.

"Hey... Wake up! Come on... Wake up! Come on... Hey... Asuka... Asuka... ASUKA!!!"

Shinji continues to rant and rave. Asuka continues to lie face down, giving no sign she can understand nor hear Shinji.

Help me... Help me... Help me... Help me... Help me! Call me an idiot like usual! HEY!!!"

Shinji shook Asuka roughly, turning her over, revealing everything beneath her hospital gown. She is wearing a lacy bra revealing much of her breasts. Shinji backs away a few steps. He turns around, then bolts the door. The room is filled with Shinji's labored breathing, which gradually grows faster in pace. Finally, there is a grunt, then silence...

"I... I'm worthless..."

************

The plane swooped down the runway like a raptor, and made a safe landing. It continued down the path, then came to a complete stop. A staircase with a blood red velvet carpeting on it was brought to the plane. The door slid open, and out stepped Kaworu Nagisa, the Fifth Child. He slowly strolled down the stairs, then stopped in front of a purple-haired women. Upon meeting her, Kaworu bowed.

"Konnichi wa, Major Katsuragi."

Misato was temporarily speechless. Kaworu's appearence was unusual, to say the least. He had greyish-silver hair, and deep crimson eyes. Misato hadn't expected him to bow, but she quickly reacted by returning the bow.

"Please call me Misato, since we'll be working closely. Welcome to Tokyo-3, Kaworu."

Kaworu gave a slight grin, then responded.

"Thank you."

Misato turned around and started walking. Kaworu followed at her side.

"Do you know where you will be staying tonight?"

"I assumed NERV had already arranged everything."

"Damn. I can't believe I forgot something so important... Terrific first impression..." Misato cursed silently at herself for being so unprepaired. "Alright, lets see... I could have him stay at the barracks... Yeah, right, that's no way to treat a guest! Apartment then? No, has to be requested then processed... We don't have that much time. Fucking stupid bureaucratic proceedures... Why the hell does it take 3 days just to prepare an apartment?"

"Uhh... Well, um, I kinda forgot to arrange that... Sorry."

Kaworu's smile stayed on his face as he responded.

"That's alright, I can stay at the barracks."

"NO! I mean, that's no way to treat a guest... Well, you could stay at my apartment temporarily... I have an extra room"

"Thank you for your offer, but I'm afraid I cannot accept. I dare not to inconveni-"

Misato cut him off before he could finish his sentence. "No, I insist. It is my fault that you do not have a place to say, so I must take repsonsibility."

Kaworu gave another bow. "Then I thank you for your hospitality"

"No, it is expec-" Misato stopped in mid-sentence, as her cell phone on her hip began to vibrate. "Excuse me" she said absently minded. She didn't even hear Kaworu's response as she looked at the display. A priority 3 message. Not urgent, but not something to be ignored either. She put the phone to her ear.

"Major Katsuragi."

"Hello, this is Doctor Yamazaki from the hospital. One of our patients, Asuka Langley Sohryu, has awaken. I've been told to notify you when this happens."

"What is her condition?"

"Physically speaking, she's fine. Mentally... She seems very depressed."

"Is she ready for pick-up?"

Upon hearing the words, he doctor hesitated. He hadn't though of that, until Misato mentioned it.

"She might need some time to rest. She should be fine tomorrow."

"Thank you. I'll pick her up tomorrow."

With that, Misato closed the link before the doctor could respond. It was probably rude, but she could care less.

"Asuka has finally recovered..."

"Alright, Kaworu, lets go to your new temporary home."

************

"I'm here to pick Asuka Langley Sohryu up." Misato took her NERV Identification card out, and flashed it to the receptionist. The receptionist walks away from her desk, then bowed.

"Alright, please follow me, Major Katsuragi"

The receptionist stood up, and Misato followed. Together, they went down the hallway, then turned left. They stopped at a room. The receptioist stepped back, and Misato opened it. Inside was Asuka. She was sitting up at her bed, staring into space. She didn't look at Misato when she spoke.

"Asuka? I'm here to pick you up."

Asuka only nodded. She got up, and walked out the door without glancing at Misato or the receptionist. Misato followed her out. The drive back was uneventful. Neither one broke the silence during the half-hour drive. Asuka just gazed out the window, while Misato kept looking back to see if she was ok. Misato longed to ask how she was, but she already knew the answer. Asuka took the lead, and entered the building. She didn't even look back to see whether Misato followed or not.

************

Misato had left earlier, leaving Kaworu at home. He remembered her telling him to make himself at home. So, he did what he usually did at home; watch soap operas.

"Why are you watching this shit?"

"It's a great opportunity to observe the Lillim."

"You expect to learn about them through soap operas? You don't actually expect them to be accurate representations of their life, do you?"

"Maybe. Another reason is that because they're amusing."

"Thats what I thought."

Before Kaworu could respond, the door opened. The Second Child walked in. Not with her usual swagger and confidence, Kaworu noted. In contrast to the videos he had seen about her, he couldn't help but think she seemed depressed. Asuka took a few seconds to respond to the strange visitor on the sofa. Her face showed apparent suprise.

"Might as well introduce yourself..."

"Hello. I am Kaworu Nagisa... The Fifth Child."

Authors Notes: I apologize before-hand for any mutilated Japanese you might find here. I'm taking it as a foreign langauge this year, but it's my first year, so, yeah, you can expect quite a few mistakes.