R equiem chapter 7:
Questions and Answers
Authors note: Thanks to all my readers. I'll endeavor to keep the quality high on this fic. I'm also trying to make the acc's as real as possible. You be the judge.
Easy, Nehlani! Remember, deep cleansing breaths. Nothing to worry about! Of course, try telling that to the swarm of butterflies trying to fly my stomach out my mouth!
o.k., one last look before go time. I ran my fingers through my mane, pushing it back away from my face. Black leather pants with a tightly cinched matching vest clung to every curve. A gauzy little black nothing with bloused sleeves lay under the vest, and the heels put my 5'9 frame almost up to eye level with Shinji. Definitely high up on the slink factor scale! Not quite as vampish as that gold number I wore at Manny's wedding.speaking of which, I haven't been this nervous since I asked him and Asuka about Shinji, and suffered brain meltdown as a result!
I had decided to stay a few days more at the hotel before flying home. I was a little surprised to find that the newlyweds were not going anywhere else on their honeymoon. Not that they really needed to, since Manny's company virtually owned the place, supplying all the amenities including privacy! And that was one thing they needed. Asuka was practically mobbed wherever she went. Posters of the "Crimson Valkyrie" adorned the walls of many an adolescent boy. She was constantly being sought after for movie deals, talk shows, you name it. She was admired and revered the world over. Only one other had more prestige and adoration, and he had completely dropped from sight. Shinji Ikari, the Pathfinder. Rumors and tales swirled around that name, and the longer he stayed hidden, the bigger the legends grew. Weird coincidence that my target was a Shinji too. Common enough name in Japan, I guessed.
I was lounging around poolside when I saw them come down from the penthouse suite. They both had that glow peculiar to young newlyweds and I admit to feeling a strong twinge of jealousy. The tired, but very smug looks they exchanged also showed that somebody had had a very busy night! Manny sprawled out on a chaise, nursing a frozen daiquiri. Asuka in the meantime did a beautiful swan off the high dive, cleaving the surface with nary a ripple. Upon surfacing, she started doing laps. I figured this might be a good time to get some information on my new romantic interest, and moseyed on over towards the bearded slab on the chaise.
"Hey, 'Lani, enjoy the wedding?" He hugged me and bussed my cheek as he asked.
"It was beautiful, Manny, really nice. But I do have a couple of questions, though."
"About.?"
"Well, your best man, Shinji Ryouji."
"Ah, and what did you think of my erstwhile former roommate, eh?"
"You mean, aside from wanting to tear his clothes off and do the nasty with him right then and there..? "
Manny practically convulsed at that, his whole body shaking with silent laughter. "Oh, oh my, don't let him hear you say that, otherwise he's liable to turn bright red and melt into an embarrassed blob on the floor" he wheezed, trying to get his breath back.
"Been there, done that, along with most of the world's population. 3rd impact, remember?" Came my tart rejoinder.
"Ouch. I deserved that, I guess. So what d'you want to know?"
I took a minute to consider how to put it. I had noticed a few some things that had me concerned. His wariness around others, even his friends. His overly apologetic manner, even though he tried to cover it up. These things, among others pointed to someone who had really taken a beating emotionally.
"He seems like a real sweetie, and I definitely want to get to know him. But I get the feeling that he was "Gendo'ed"* at some point. Has he ever said anything about that?"
Manny's reply surprised me. "If I answer that, it may tell you a helluva lot more than you want to know." His expression was dead serious, as he gave me an appraising look. "I don't know if you could handle it. And I don't feel that I have the right to divulge that information."
"Try me. I'm a big girl, you know." This air of mystery was beginning to irritate me.
Instead of answering me himself, he called Asuka over. "Honey, you remember Dr. Neramani from last night, don't you?"
"Sure do!" She favored me with a bright smile. "Nice to see you again, Dr. Neramahni. So what's up?"
"Seems 'Lani's rather taken with Shinji. She's been asking about him." At this, Asuka lost her smile completely. She exchanged a series of looks with him that spoke volumes. Finally, she nodded, and motioned for me to follow her. We wound up in a small private lounge near the bar. Asuka closed and locked the door
"Let me explain something, Dr. Neramani."
"Lani, please."
"O.k. Lani. Please don't be offended if it seems like we're giving you the 3rd degree, but Shinji is very special, to both of us. We owe him more than can ever be repaid so we're a little over protective where he's concerned. Neither of us wants to see him get hurt or taken for granted. That's happened too often before, and anyone who does it now had better watch their asses!"
I was amazed! I just could not believe that this shy, self effacing man could have such an impact on 2 such highly influential people. I was starting to feel a bit apprehensive.
"I knew about Manny, but.you too? God, what is it about Shinji Ryouji? What's your connection with him?"
Asuka thawed a bit, giving a silvery laugh. "Well, in the first place, are you aware that Shinji and I were co-workers?"
I shook my head. This was real news to me!
"Well, I've known that baka much longer than the pet rock out there has." She used the term in an affectionate manner, and I began to get a sinking feeling that the other shoe was about to drop, and hard!
"In the second place, his family name is not Ryouji. It's Ikari."
OH-MY-GAWD!!!
I sat down heavily, legs feeling like limp spaghetti. It all made sense now! It had been widely documented how The Pathfinder had been treated while an EVA pilot. And here he was, the living legend, hiding in plain sight! I shook my head, to clear the cobwebs.
I was then treated to a brutally honest, no-holds-barred account of life during the angel wars, and the tragedy that was Shinji Ikari. Midway through it, I had tears of mixed sorrow and anger running down my face. But instead of being scared off, I was determined to continue what I knew was going to be a very hard road. Boy, could I ever pick 'em! I couldn't help but laugh at myself and my luck. And the worst thing is, I had to continue as if I knew nothing about him or his little masquerade. Asuka's voice brought me back to reality.
"Shinji once told me that my happiness was his main goal in life." She stood there, incredibly intense. "I have a lot to make up for in the way I treated him." Her lip was quivering slightly, her voice tight. "I'd cheerfully go to hell and back if I can help him be truly happy. Well 'Lani, you still up for this?"
What came out of me was a low growl. "Just let anyone try and stand in my way!" Much to my surprise, Asuka then grabbed me and hugged me, hard. I saw a glimmer of tears in her eyes.
"You'll do, 'Lani, you'll do!"
I felt like I had been given a benediction.
This brings me back to the present. I reached out and tapped him gently on the shoulder. When he turned around, I saw his eyes widen in shock as he saw me standing in front of him. Then I don't think either of us saw much of anything after that, as I wrapped myself around him and kissed him thoroughly!
After what seemed like hours, we broke the kiss. "Neh-ne-ne..." I cut him short by placing a finger on his lips. "That's what I love about you honey. You're always so eloquent" I teased. "But we really have to talk. NOW!"
With that, I led him into the study, with both Manny and Asuka closing the doors after us. I saw it slowly begin to dawn on him that he had just been set up!
Once the doors closed, I started in. "Shinji, how long have we been going together now?" I held up my hand, stopping him from answering.
"You know how I feel about you. You know that on New Genesis, you're supposed to spend it with loved ones and family. And what do you do? You friggin' high tail it off to Japan, and don't even ask me to come along!!" I yelled at him, not really having to fake the anger I felt at that.
He started to open his mouth. I shut it for him. "And don't give me that Gomen crap!! Sorry just won't cut it this time!" Good, he was beginning to sweat. That was the wind up. Here comes the pitch.
"Shinji Ikari, you leave me no choice" I paused theatrically "but to ask you to marry me!" I dropped down to one knee while saying it. A woman proposing to a man was fairly common in the States these days, but in Japan it was almost unheard of! Outwardly I was calm; inside I was sweating bullets, and praying that this wouldn't go to hell in a hand basket!
Then came what could be classed as one of the rarest things in the world. Shinji smiled!! Not the tight little smile he usually sported, but a true smile, one of pure joy. The effect was like someone set off a flare in the room! A true wonder to behold! I reached into the small purse I carried with me, pulled out a ring, and placed it on his outstretched finger. I had it made special, with a raised horizontal figure eight on a thick gold band. In each of the lobes was a pear shaped diamond, with tips touching a tiny ruby in the center. As he watched it slide onto his hand he said,
"Yes.but only on one condition!"
Now it was my turn to be baffled. "What condition?"
And then that adorable idiot did it! He dropped down on his knee and said
"Nehlani Neramani, will you do me the honor of being my wife?" A small case was in his hand, enclosing a beautiful diamond solitaire.
"Yes" I whispered. Then I screamed it, hurling myself into his arms. "YES!!"
We kissed again, but this wasn't the hungry one we had exchanged earlier. This was a gentle, lingering one, the kind that was a promise. I rested my head on his shoulder, and then gave him a playful punch.
"You shit, how long have you had that ring with you? Months?"
"Actually, I just purchased it this morning. I had a long talk with myself, and came to a decision last night. But when I tried to call you."
".You were told I was in Vegas. I know. "I sighed heavily. "So this whole trip was for nothing?"
"Well, I wouldn't exactly say that, "He winked.
"Mmm, your place or mine, sailor?"
We walked out of the study to a hail of applause and catcalls. Asuka was ecstatic and Manny grinning like a Cheshire cat. We ran up the stairs and into my room, slamming the door after us. We slowly disrobed, and then.well, there are no words.
Later, as the sweat dried on our intertwined bodies, I ran my fingers down his chest, gently kissing him.
"Shinji, when are we going home?"
"Soon, love. By the end of the week I hope. I still have a couple of things to take care of here." I knew what, or rather who those were
"Whatever happens, Hon, I'll be there. But in the meantime." I let my hand drift south. He got the message. Thermal expansion indeed!
Like I said, there are no words!
To be Gendoed. Term referring to ultimate abandonment. A betrayal. To be abused mentally and emotionally on an unheard of level.
A Gendo. A mortal insult. Equating someone with the betrayer of all mankind.
Questions and Answers
Authors note: Thanks to all my readers. I'll endeavor to keep the quality high on this fic. I'm also trying to make the acc's as real as possible. You be the judge.
Easy, Nehlani! Remember, deep cleansing breaths. Nothing to worry about! Of course, try telling that to the swarm of butterflies trying to fly my stomach out my mouth!
o.k., one last look before go time. I ran my fingers through my mane, pushing it back away from my face. Black leather pants with a tightly cinched matching vest clung to every curve. A gauzy little black nothing with bloused sleeves lay under the vest, and the heels put my 5'9 frame almost up to eye level with Shinji. Definitely high up on the slink factor scale! Not quite as vampish as that gold number I wore at Manny's wedding.speaking of which, I haven't been this nervous since I asked him and Asuka about Shinji, and suffered brain meltdown as a result!
I had decided to stay a few days more at the hotel before flying home. I was a little surprised to find that the newlyweds were not going anywhere else on their honeymoon. Not that they really needed to, since Manny's company virtually owned the place, supplying all the amenities including privacy! And that was one thing they needed. Asuka was practically mobbed wherever she went. Posters of the "Crimson Valkyrie" adorned the walls of many an adolescent boy. She was constantly being sought after for movie deals, talk shows, you name it. She was admired and revered the world over. Only one other had more prestige and adoration, and he had completely dropped from sight. Shinji Ikari, the Pathfinder. Rumors and tales swirled around that name, and the longer he stayed hidden, the bigger the legends grew. Weird coincidence that my target was a Shinji too. Common enough name in Japan, I guessed.
I was lounging around poolside when I saw them come down from the penthouse suite. They both had that glow peculiar to young newlyweds and I admit to feeling a strong twinge of jealousy. The tired, but very smug looks they exchanged also showed that somebody had had a very busy night! Manny sprawled out on a chaise, nursing a frozen daiquiri. Asuka in the meantime did a beautiful swan off the high dive, cleaving the surface with nary a ripple. Upon surfacing, she started doing laps. I figured this might be a good time to get some information on my new romantic interest, and moseyed on over towards the bearded slab on the chaise.
"Hey, 'Lani, enjoy the wedding?" He hugged me and bussed my cheek as he asked.
"It was beautiful, Manny, really nice. But I do have a couple of questions, though."
"About.?"
"Well, your best man, Shinji Ryouji."
"Ah, and what did you think of my erstwhile former roommate, eh?"
"You mean, aside from wanting to tear his clothes off and do the nasty with him right then and there..? "
Manny practically convulsed at that, his whole body shaking with silent laughter. "Oh, oh my, don't let him hear you say that, otherwise he's liable to turn bright red and melt into an embarrassed blob on the floor" he wheezed, trying to get his breath back.
"Been there, done that, along with most of the world's population. 3rd impact, remember?" Came my tart rejoinder.
"Ouch. I deserved that, I guess. So what d'you want to know?"
I took a minute to consider how to put it. I had noticed a few some things that had me concerned. His wariness around others, even his friends. His overly apologetic manner, even though he tried to cover it up. These things, among others pointed to someone who had really taken a beating emotionally.
"He seems like a real sweetie, and I definitely want to get to know him. But I get the feeling that he was "Gendo'ed"* at some point. Has he ever said anything about that?"
Manny's reply surprised me. "If I answer that, it may tell you a helluva lot more than you want to know." His expression was dead serious, as he gave me an appraising look. "I don't know if you could handle it. And I don't feel that I have the right to divulge that information."
"Try me. I'm a big girl, you know." This air of mystery was beginning to irritate me.
Instead of answering me himself, he called Asuka over. "Honey, you remember Dr. Neramani from last night, don't you?"
"Sure do!" She favored me with a bright smile. "Nice to see you again, Dr. Neramahni. So what's up?"
"Seems 'Lani's rather taken with Shinji. She's been asking about him." At this, Asuka lost her smile completely. She exchanged a series of looks with him that spoke volumes. Finally, she nodded, and motioned for me to follow her. We wound up in a small private lounge near the bar. Asuka closed and locked the door
"Let me explain something, Dr. Neramani."
"Lani, please."
"O.k. Lani. Please don't be offended if it seems like we're giving you the 3rd degree, but Shinji is very special, to both of us. We owe him more than can ever be repaid so we're a little over protective where he's concerned. Neither of us wants to see him get hurt or taken for granted. That's happened too often before, and anyone who does it now had better watch their asses!"
I was amazed! I just could not believe that this shy, self effacing man could have such an impact on 2 such highly influential people. I was starting to feel a bit apprehensive.
"I knew about Manny, but.you too? God, what is it about Shinji Ryouji? What's your connection with him?"
Asuka thawed a bit, giving a silvery laugh. "Well, in the first place, are you aware that Shinji and I were co-workers?"
I shook my head. This was real news to me!
"Well, I've known that baka much longer than the pet rock out there has." She used the term in an affectionate manner, and I began to get a sinking feeling that the other shoe was about to drop, and hard!
"In the second place, his family name is not Ryouji. It's Ikari."
OH-MY-GAWD!!!
I sat down heavily, legs feeling like limp spaghetti. It all made sense now! It had been widely documented how The Pathfinder had been treated while an EVA pilot. And here he was, the living legend, hiding in plain sight! I shook my head, to clear the cobwebs.
I was then treated to a brutally honest, no-holds-barred account of life during the angel wars, and the tragedy that was Shinji Ikari. Midway through it, I had tears of mixed sorrow and anger running down my face. But instead of being scared off, I was determined to continue what I knew was going to be a very hard road. Boy, could I ever pick 'em! I couldn't help but laugh at myself and my luck. And the worst thing is, I had to continue as if I knew nothing about him or his little masquerade. Asuka's voice brought me back to reality.
"Shinji once told me that my happiness was his main goal in life." She stood there, incredibly intense. "I have a lot to make up for in the way I treated him." Her lip was quivering slightly, her voice tight. "I'd cheerfully go to hell and back if I can help him be truly happy. Well 'Lani, you still up for this?"
What came out of me was a low growl. "Just let anyone try and stand in my way!" Much to my surprise, Asuka then grabbed me and hugged me, hard. I saw a glimmer of tears in her eyes.
"You'll do, 'Lani, you'll do!"
I felt like I had been given a benediction.
This brings me back to the present. I reached out and tapped him gently on the shoulder. When he turned around, I saw his eyes widen in shock as he saw me standing in front of him. Then I don't think either of us saw much of anything after that, as I wrapped myself around him and kissed him thoroughly!
After what seemed like hours, we broke the kiss. "Neh-ne-ne..." I cut him short by placing a finger on his lips. "That's what I love about you honey. You're always so eloquent" I teased. "But we really have to talk. NOW!"
With that, I led him into the study, with both Manny and Asuka closing the doors after us. I saw it slowly begin to dawn on him that he had just been set up!
Once the doors closed, I started in. "Shinji, how long have we been going together now?" I held up my hand, stopping him from answering.
"You know how I feel about you. You know that on New Genesis, you're supposed to spend it with loved ones and family. And what do you do? You friggin' high tail it off to Japan, and don't even ask me to come along!!" I yelled at him, not really having to fake the anger I felt at that.
He started to open his mouth. I shut it for him. "And don't give me that Gomen crap!! Sorry just won't cut it this time!" Good, he was beginning to sweat. That was the wind up. Here comes the pitch.
"Shinji Ikari, you leave me no choice" I paused theatrically "but to ask you to marry me!" I dropped down to one knee while saying it. A woman proposing to a man was fairly common in the States these days, but in Japan it was almost unheard of! Outwardly I was calm; inside I was sweating bullets, and praying that this wouldn't go to hell in a hand basket!
Then came what could be classed as one of the rarest things in the world. Shinji smiled!! Not the tight little smile he usually sported, but a true smile, one of pure joy. The effect was like someone set off a flare in the room! A true wonder to behold! I reached into the small purse I carried with me, pulled out a ring, and placed it on his outstretched finger. I had it made special, with a raised horizontal figure eight on a thick gold band. In each of the lobes was a pear shaped diamond, with tips touching a tiny ruby in the center. As he watched it slide onto his hand he said,
"Yes.but only on one condition!"
Now it was my turn to be baffled. "What condition?"
And then that adorable idiot did it! He dropped down on his knee and said
"Nehlani Neramani, will you do me the honor of being my wife?" A small case was in his hand, enclosing a beautiful diamond solitaire.
"Yes" I whispered. Then I screamed it, hurling myself into his arms. "YES!!"
We kissed again, but this wasn't the hungry one we had exchanged earlier. This was a gentle, lingering one, the kind that was a promise. I rested my head on his shoulder, and then gave him a playful punch.
"You shit, how long have you had that ring with you? Months?"
"Actually, I just purchased it this morning. I had a long talk with myself, and came to a decision last night. But when I tried to call you."
".You were told I was in Vegas. I know. "I sighed heavily. "So this whole trip was for nothing?"
"Well, I wouldn't exactly say that, "He winked.
"Mmm, your place or mine, sailor?"
We walked out of the study to a hail of applause and catcalls. Asuka was ecstatic and Manny grinning like a Cheshire cat. We ran up the stairs and into my room, slamming the door after us. We slowly disrobed, and then.well, there are no words.
Later, as the sweat dried on our intertwined bodies, I ran my fingers down his chest, gently kissing him.
"Shinji, when are we going home?"
"Soon, love. By the end of the week I hope. I still have a couple of things to take care of here." I knew what, or rather who those were
"Whatever happens, Hon, I'll be there. But in the meantime." I let my hand drift south. He got the message. Thermal expansion indeed!
Like I said, there are no words!
To be Gendoed. Term referring to ultimate abandonment. A betrayal. To be abused mentally and emotionally on an unheard of level.
A Gendo. A mortal insult. Equating someone with the betrayer of all mankind.
