Requiem chapter 6:
Fox and Hound

Disclaimer: See previous chapters.

Author's notes: I was beginning to feel a bit stale. Anytime writing becomes a chore, it's time to either take a break, or try something different. I'm taking the latter approach, using another's point of view.

Hope people don't hate this; I'd hate to lose the few regular readers I have.

Mom and Dad had told me that Shinji had called looking for me. This after leaving a couple of puzzled sounding messages on my answering machine. They had bluffed him by saying I was attending a medical conference out in Vegas, and that I couldn't be reached. Good! Let him worry for a change! Sorry if I'm being a bit of a bitch, but this little game of cat and mouse that's been going on for the past 2 years was going to come to an end or my name wasn't Nehlani Neramani. No, no ultimatum. That would backfire for sure. I bit my lip; of course, what I was going to do could blow up in my face anyway, but it was worth taking a chance. HE was worth taking the chance. And if I keep thinking like this, I'm probably going to wind up on some soap opera. On Today's episode of "As the stomach turns".

Yes, I know all about his past. I also know that he had been badly abused both mentally and emotionally. Certain mannerisms, little quirks that others wouldn't notice were apparent even before I found out about Gendo, Misato and the rest of those expletive deleted people at NERV. I'm a Pediatrician. I also do volunteer work at a local clinic. I've seen more than my share of kids beaten, starved or having some kind of chemical dependency coming in. I do my best, but half the time the courts end up putting the kids back with the abusers. And this despite much stricter laws against child abuse. I've lain awake so often at night sick to my stomach over what was going on. I love children. Love to have about a half dozen myself, but let's not rush things. I became what I am because of that love. That this kind of crap still goes on when we're trying to rebuild and repopulate this planet..sickening!

No, I do not want to mother Shinji.I'd rather be doing something far more enjoyable and absolutely sinful with him. Whoa, down girl! Put a hold on the hornies 'til later.

It was sweet of Conrad and Asuka to put me up at their place. Even better that they were going to help spring my little surprise on a certain ex-Eva pilot. The bath was heavenly, and I only reluctantly got out of the water to avoid "prunification." As I was drying off, I considered my reflection in the mirror. Grey eyes set in a high cheek boned face looked back at me. Long wavy black hair went down to mid-back A real pain to brush out. Not a bad bod for a 30 year old either. Yes, I was a bit older that him, but did that really matter? I loved him. I wanted him, wanted to shield him from any harm. I wanted to have him with me for the rest of my life, and to bear his children. I've been told I'm like a pit bull.when I've got what I want, I don't let go. That also applies to men in general and Shinji in particular. Manny told me that Shinji would be there tonight. I planned accordingly. After all, the day Shinji ever made the first move was the day the devil opened a ski resort.

Shinji and I met at Conrad's wedding to Asuka. Shinji was the best man. Those 2 had become like brothers, ever since Shinji managed to talk Manny out of committing suicide one night. I'm not that certain of the details, but Shinji later joked that he knew the right buttons to press. Not surprising from someone who had multiple failed attempts before he even turned 15! I had also been friends with Manny, having run into him during a summer session. He played a wicked game of pool, but I got him back at air hockey. I was still shocked to receive an invitation, though. Must have made quite an impression! That Manny was trying to play matchmaker never entered my head.

The bride was stunning, the groom very handsome, but the best man.! I just wanted to jump him right then and there. He was gorgeous! When we were formally introduced at the reception, I found myself becoming much more interested in this quiet young man. I have my urges and a roll in the hay with him would have been fantastic. But there was just something about him. His eyes.they made him seem so much older than he was. His manner was reserved, even a bit shy; he even blushed when he took a good look at me. Of course, the dress I was wearing didn't help. I managed to dance with him a few times, but he seemed almost a ghost, very elusive. Very frustrating to me; I really enjoyed the way he felt against me.

Then a little girl, not much older than 4, fell on the dance floor and started to cry. Before anyone could get there, Shinji had scooped her up, rocking her in his arms and making little shushing sounds. You would think that a child being picked up by a stranger would have a screaming fit, but this was not the case. He had such a comforting influence that she was calm, even smiling in moments. As he handed her back to her mother he turned to me, and said with a little grin,

"I don't like seeing anyone in pain."

And that's when I knew. I was never a believer in love at first sight, but this came pretty damn close. A man like this just couldn't exist! He was just too good to be true! That's when I made it my mission to unravel this mystery called Shinji Ikari. Of course, I didn't know that that was his name. He was using an alias at that time. Speaking of which, my quarry had finally arrived. I watched from an alcove as he circulated around. He was much surer of himself these days than when we first met, but he still tended towards being a loner. Soon, he got that look that I knew so well. It was a reflective look, the one he used when he was mulling something important over.

He stepped out onto the terrace. I saw him shiver a little in the chill air. He never did feel comfortable in social situations, even after all this time. Manny and Asuka came out to talk, managing to distract him and keep him from noticing my stealthy approach. Yeah, stealthy with these heels? Give me a break!

Time for me to make my move.