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Cherry Waterfall
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a Neon Genesis Evangelion fan fic

By: Hatti Lee*
Also known as:
Saiyajin Peach
Saiyajin Peach 18
Amalthea*
Beloved Animosity

Contact: Beloved_Animosity@sbcglobal.net

Started: 10.2.3


Pairing: Shinji X Kaworu

Author's Notes: Hiya! ^_^ Here I am, getting a chapter up rather quickly! Pretty good, ne? ^_^ Well, enjoy! And don't forget to review! ^_^

Warnings: This is a yaoi fic, which means it contains intimacy between two males. If you're uncomfortable with that, I suggest you turn back now. Also, this fic will most likely contain violence, language, and graphic sexual content. If you're underage, please turn back now. You've been warned!

Disclaimer: Neon Genesis Evangelion and its characters are not my own, and I'm making absolutely nothing off of this. So, please don't sue me!!!

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Chapter VIII: Sweet As Candy
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Misato:

Work, as usual, is dull as shit, but today I don't mind. In fact, I arrive an hour early. Now I sit behind my comfortable little desk, my mind wandering.

There's no way Shinji and an Angel can be together, not like a real couple. He can never be fully trusted. Even now something could happen. I should have already reported this to someone, but for some reason I haven't and I really don't know why.

Well, maybe I do... I hate to put Shinji through that. If anyone knew of the Angel, it would be him they'd call in to destroy it, and even if it wasn't... I just don't think Shinji could handle losing the Angel again.

I just don't know what to do! I vowed I would destroy the Angels, and now I'm considering a world with one in it. Would it really be so bad? If the secret was kept, if Kaworu behaved forever like a Human, it really wouldn't be so bad.

My thoughts continue on like this the entire morning. Fellow employees look at me strangely as they pass. I never sit still and quiet. Normally, I'd be up chatting with others, at the vending machines, or something. I can't even get my easy-as-pie job done with all these thoughts.

When lunch rolls around, I'm more than thankful and I head outside for a breath of fresh air. I turn a corner and head for the picnic benches employees of nearby buildings use as a break spot. Cigarette butts litter the ground here and I wonder if perhaps they will be more damaging to the Earth than Kaworu.

I'm sitting up on the table, my head in my hands, when I hear his voice, Katsuragi, why so glum?

I look up and Kaji's face graces my day. He really is handsome, even if he does refuse to shave as often as I'd like. I sigh, I've got some bad news.

His face becomes serious and he stops to listen rather than make a little joke out of my statement. I sit up straight, You knew?

He sighs and looks down, a smirk pulling at his lips, Can't fool you, can I?

Why didn't you tell me? I ask, my eyes wide.

He hops up to sit on the table beside me, our thighs touching, I ran into the Seventeenth Angel on the street. He was looking for Shinji, I pointed him in the right direction. That's it.

What am I going to do? My voice is small and I'm looking at the ground again.

What happened?

Shinji came home last night with it, even introduced me to it, like it was his boyfriend or something. Asuka freaked. I explain, remembering the way Shinji had seemed so excited that night... The way he'd broken down into tears as his little introduction bombed.

Where are they now? Kaji asks, resting a hand on mine, gaining my attention.

Home, I guess. I sent them to Shinji's room last night... I left early this morning. I whisper the last, ashamed of my fear. I look up into those passionate, chocolate eyes, What should I do?

He smiles, Give it time. I don't think the Angel has any evil plans or anything. He seems simply intent on being with Shinji, and it's making Shinji happy... So, I don't really see a serious problem. Perhaps you'll have to keep Asuka under control though.

I nod, Yeah, but what if it suddenly destroys half the city? All those lives would be lost because I didn't report this when I had the chance.

Kaji's eyes narrow and he leans close, Do you really believe he'd do something like that?

I think about it, really think about. I remember the look in those ruby eyes. Minutes pass before I finally answer, No. No, I don't.

Kaji leans closer and his eyes slip shut just before he places his lips upon mine. The kiss is warm and chaste and I'm left wanting more as he pulls back, Don't worry. Time reveals all. His words are reassuring, and when I return to work, I feel much better.

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Shinji:

Kaworu's fingers spider their way under my shirt. They're like ice and I shiver, causing him to stop and look at me in a concerned manner, Is my skin too cold for you?

I shake my head, No, don't stop.

His eyes sparkle and smile, I've seen this look before... Lust. I blush and look away, leaving my neck wide open. He doesn't hesitate, and in seconds he's adorning my flesh with sloppy kisses.

The blanket is lost beneath us as we sit up, Kaworu pulling the T-shirt up and over my head. His eyes travel over my body, taking their time, and I remember suddenly that this is the first time we're seeing each other like this. Our first time had been in the dark. This realization causes me to blush further.

Kaworu reaches forward and places his cool palms on my cheeks, I love your blush. His eyes flicker down for a moment, And I love the way your skin gets so hot.

I take in a deep breath as he leans in close, pressing his cheek to mine. I'm so turned on it aches and yet I'm nervous as hell. Biting my lip, I boldly place my hands on my lover's back and let them slide down to the elastic band of his shorts. I taste blood in my mouth as I pull at them.

Kaworu chuckles, lifting himself in order to make my task easier. Soon enough, the boxers are discarded and I'm leaning back, cracking my eyes open for my first look at my Angel.

I find myself staring, You're so pale. I say, placing my index finger on his stomach, letting it trail down to his navel.

And you're kissed by the sun. He whispers, taking my exploring hand in his own and placing it on his swelling need.

I swallow and quickly look up into his eyes. My nervousness fades instantly at the compassion I see there clearly before me. Seconds later my lips are on his, my mouth coming open, our tongues dancing. He sucks at my bottom lip, his tongue assaulting the small cut I have there. I moan and feel the flesh beneath my hand harden. I experiment, moving my hand in such a way I know would be pleasurable for myself.

I swallow the sound that spilled forth from my lover, more deliberately touching him now, trying to wring more of those sounds from him.

And then his hands are on me and we're playing a little game, trying to pleasure the other more.

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Asuka:

As I'm leaving the park, I spot a cart on the sidewalk across the street. The sign reads: Candy! My good mood causes me to feel giddy as I approach the cart, like a child. As I'm telling the man what I want, he takes a good look at me, his eyes lingering on my chest. Sometimes I wish I were like all the other women of Japan, but then, men stare at them too. Thinking about it for a moment, I realize Shinji's the only male I've ever met that doesn't stare at women like an over-sexed pervert.

The man takes my money and hands me a paper bag. I start towards home, my building only a block away. As I walk, I pull forth a large piece of raspberry hard candy, popping it into my mouth like a fruit drop. The sugar revitalizes me and I feel my good mood surge forth again.

The elevator clicks as it passes each floor, stopping somewhat suddenly when it reaches mine. I pop another piece of candy in my mouth as I head towards the apartment. The door insight, not five feet away, I stop, glancing to my right. I can't help but admire the view. I step closer to the railing and stare out at the city. The sky is dimming and the lights are beginning to shine. I rarely take note of this beauty, the sight of our restored city. Normally, I'm too busy or too pissed.

Sighing, I realize that it must be about five or six o'clock. Misato went to work early, so she should be getting home early. Reluctantly, I turn from the view and approach the door marked: Katsuragi. The door slides open and I step inside.

The first thing I notice is the temperature. Outside, the evening air is cool, but in here it's a bit warm. Stupid Shinji, it's not like he doesn't know how to use the A/C. I head down the hall and take a look at the small control pad in the wall. The damned thing isn't even on! It's like Shinji hasn't left his room all day. A few seconds later, I have the A/C up and running, the temperature set at 70.

I enter the kitchen where I notice the noises. Setting my candy bag down on the table, I slowly begin down the hall... It's such an obvious sound, and yet, I just can't believe that's what it is. I tiptoe further, finding that the sounds are coming from Shinji's room. Moans, panting, groans, mumbled words... Anger builds in my core, spilling forth like lava from a volcano, flowing into my limbs, filling me to the brim.

How could Shinji do such a thing?! How could he choose some scrawny boy over me?! Not to mention the fact that that albino freak is an Angel! My rage takes a cruel turn and I find myself sliding the door open with unnecessary force.

Shinji's lying there, stomach down, his expression squanched, his hands gripping the sheets. He's sweaty and his cheeks are rosy and his legs are spread wide. There upon him, pressed against him is the Angel, his skin stark white in comparison, his thick bangs damp with perspiration.

I can only stand to look for but a few seconds, and yet, in that short amount of time, I see everything. The clothes strewn about, the blankets rumpled, their bodies slick, fitting together like they were doing this for the hundredth time.

I turn and stomp away, hurrying to my room before my watering eyes can manage to overflow. I slam my door shut and flop onto my bed, sitting still, my eyes closed as I listen to the sound of my blood boiling. Just over that though, I can hear Shinji's voice as well as the Angel's, and I can hear them scrambling for clothing.

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Kaworu:

Shinji's eyes are flickering nervously about as he hurriedly pulls on a pair of shorts and a large T-shirt.

I sit still, my body reminding me that it yearns for release. Shinji, however, went flaccid the moment that girl opened the door, What are you going to do? I ask, honestly curious.

He shrugs as he tosses me clothes similar to his own, I don't know... Apologize.

For what? I ask as I rise to my feet, dressing quickly and calmly.

He sighs, I don't know, but I have to go talk to her. She looked so mad and confused.

I nod, understanding this to be guilt, a Lilim emotion, one I'm glad to say I don't experience. I follow him out the door and down the hall. He taps gently on a door with a sign reading: Enter and die!

he calls, his voice small and timid. He waits a few moments before repeating himself.

We're both shocked as the door suddenly slides open to reveal a highly upset red-head, What do you want? She growls, and I notice that her eyes are glossy. There's emotion behind those bold, blue eyes, eyes the color of evening snow, ice blue. She's not just angry, she's heartbroken.

What are you staring at?! she screeches, stepping forward and looking directly at me.

I was wondering why you're so sad. I say calmly, watching as her eyes widen before transforming into an angered expression.

I'm not sad, I'm disgusted! The last thing I expected to find was the two of you f... Fucking! She stutters with that last word, turning her attention to Shinji as she finally spits it out.

Shinji's eyes water instantly, It's not like that.

No? That's what it looked like to me! How could you?! He's an Angel! Her shout echoes in my ears and I squint my eyes in pained annoyance.

I don't think that him being an Angel makes much difference. Shinji whispers, looking down.

She shoves past us and stomps towards the kitchen, It makes all the difference, idiot! He's just using you! The Angels are the enemy! You're fucking the enemy!

Shinji follows her on into the living room and I follow him, Stop saying that! It's not like that! he nearly shouts, anger fueling his courage.

I hear the front door open and close, but the sound goes unnoticed to Shinji or the girl.

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Misato:

As I step into the apartment, feeling rather good about myself, I hear shouts coming from the living room. I quickly remove my shoes and place my purse and keys on the table.

Yes it is! Angel or not, you barely know him, and already you're going at it! It's totally nasty! I mean, what's wrong with you?! Asuka's voice is nearly screaming, her words just barely understandable.

I step into the room to see her and Shinji facing off, her expression hard like steel, a small vein pulsing on her forehead and a large one in her neck. Shinji's cheeks are streaked with tears, his gaze on the floor. Kaworu is standing behind him, slightly to the side, his whole demeanor calm and composed. As I enter further, he glances at me, but quickly averts his eyes back to the situation.

I don't know! Shinji shouts the three words as if pleading for an answer, like it was something he truly didn't know and wanted to. I don't know what's wrong with me. The volume of his voice quiets and he sighs, I'm sorry.

Asuka had been surprised for a moment at the sudden outburst from the normally shy boy, but now she wasn't, I hate you. The words bring forth a sob from Shinji and she appears satisfied. Turning, she sets her eyes on Kaworu, And I hate you even more. Her eyes flicker for a moment as if she expects the Angel to attack her. You both disgust me.

That's enough. I say, fully entering the room, gaining the surprised attention from both Shinji and Asuka, Not another word. I don't want any more fighting in this house.

Asuka stares at me for a moment, her expression confused as if she expected me to hurry over and yell at Shinji just as she had been. She should know better though, even if I were angry at Shinji, that's not exactly a way to get through to him.

Her stare turns cold as it transforms into a glare. Without a word she storms passed me, her shoulder brushing mine as she heads for her room. I sigh, Well, you two hungry? I ask, turning back to the kitchen.

I put my things away and begin looking through the cabinets, What do we have? I ask as Shinji steps into the room.

He looks small and timid as he takes a seat in his usual spot, Nothing. Just instant ramen.

Guess it's about time to get groceries again. I sigh, thinking about how much money it will take to fill all these empty cabinets, not to mention the refrigerator. Kaworu takes a seat at what's normally Asuka's place as I set to work boiling some water, So, are you going to tell me what's going on around here? I ask after some minutes.

Shinji wipes at his eyes like a toddler, It was my fault. he whispers.

I glance at Kaworu, expecting him to pipe up and explain, but he's digging through a small paper bag, pulling forth chunks of hard candy.

What was? I ask, my question directed to Shinji.

Asuka came home when me and Kaworu were... His sentence trails off and a blush spreads across his cheeks.

My eyes are instantly wide, Shinji, don't you think that maybe you and... Kaworu are taking it a bit fast? I throw the noodles in the pot and take a seat at the table, waiting impatiently for an answer.

He just shakes his head, I say, I was talking to Kaji, and the Angel... I mean, Kaworu has only been around a few weeks, right?

Shinji nods and Kaworu adds another piece of candy to his mouthful, Okay, so... Don't you think sleeping together's a bit sudden? I ask, watching either of them for a reaction. Nothing. They both just sit there in their own little worlds. Shinji mourning and Kaworu snacking. My thoughts are interrupted by the hissing sound of the pot boiling over. I hurry to the small stove and switch it off. Moments later I'm returning to the table with bowls.

Okay, one of you has got to talk to me. I practically demand as I fill each bowl and pass them out.

Kaworu neatly folds the little bag closed and sets it aside as he graciously accepts his ramen, There is nothing sudden about us sleeping together. He says, and I'm a little surprised to find that he had been paying attention.

Shinji looks up and glances from the Angel to me and back again.

I see, I say, sipping at a beer, Are the two of you being safe?

A smile curves at Kaworu's lips, There is no need for such precautions considering what I am.

I swallow slow, allowing myself time to think, Did you apologize to Asuka? I ask, speaking to Shinji.

He nods, Hai... But, I don't think it made much of a difference.

Shinji, I.. I've been thinking all day about this. I'm still not sure I trust Kaworu's intentions here, but I'm willing to give him a chance, for your sake. They're both looking at me know. The Angel's the first to react, smiling as he reaches over and places a hand on Shinji's.

The rest of supper is eaten in silence. Eventually, the boys excuse themselves and I'm left to finish my beer alone. I notice that Kaworu left half his ramen. I also notice he took the little bag with him back to Shinji's room.

Just as I'm about to get up and start cleaning and putting things away, Asuka steps out of her room. She quickly takes note of her options and begins preparing herself some ramen.

Did you hear?

Minutes later she's taking a seat, beginning her supper, Yes, and I can't believe it.

Sighing, I know, but I really think this is best for Shinji.

And what about the rest of us? How do you know that Angel's not going to attack?

Her questions are valid, and I answer honestly, I don't, not for sure, but I'm willing to take that chance.

For him? For Shinji? He's that important to you? She's stopped eating now, her chopsticks looking rather dangers in her hand like that, in mid-air.

I lean forward, looking her in the eyes, Yes, both of you are.

She chuckles, a dry, sarcastic, sickening chuckle, So, rather than breaking Shinji's heart, you'll risk global destruction.

I say, sighing again, I really don't think this is going to come to that.

But I do, and you may not say anything, but I will. Something has to be done, someone has to know. That Angel has to be destroyed. Her tone is thick with determination and she finishes her ramen with a final bite.

Please, Asuka... Don't be rash. If you want, I can get them their own apartment. I'm basically begging at this point, my eyes pleading with hers.

You don't understand. You don't know what I saw. Her voice has become quiet now, hey eyes glossy.

I lean back,

Yes, I saw them, Misato. I saw them together.

I'm at a loss for words. My mind's racing for something to say when I notice movement down the hall. Kaworu's stepping into the restroom, a pile of clothes in his arms, the door closing behind him. Seconds later I hear the water running.

Asuka sighs, You don't have to get them their own apartment, but I'm not accepting this.

She continues before I speak, And I won't tell anyone about him.

I slump, my muscles relaxing in relief and she notices, Thank you, Asuka.

Without a word she puts away her dishes and retreats to her room.

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Shinji:

I lay in the tub, the water a bit cool, but I couldn't drain it. This is the water Kaworu used for his bath only minutes ago. I imagine his lean body lying here, his legs bent at the knees, his thick hair sopping wet, his bangs sticking to his forehead.

Despite the water's temperature, I find myself with a semi. I shake my head and try my best to clear my thoughts, enough to wash and be done anyway.

Eventually, I'm out of the tub, reluctantly letting the water drain. I scrub my short hair with a towl after drying my body. As I'm about to pull on a clean T-shirt and shorts, I notice my reflection in the large mirror over the sink. In it, I can see myself from head to navel. I stand on my tiptoes, glimpsing the beginnings of pubic hair just for a moment before dropping back to flat feet. My body is narrow and thin and on the verge of being considered too thin. I honestly don't know what Kaworu sees that he likes.

I smile, shaking my head as I begin pulling on my clothes. It doesn't matter anymore. I don't care what I think of myself. Kaworu loves me the way I am and I love him.

I exit the bathroom with a smile on my face. I return to my room to find it neat and clean. I had done most of the straightening while Kaworu was in the bath, but now it was finished and only the Angel could have done it. I blush, imagining Kaworu cleaning my room, picking up my dirty laundry, straightening my junk. Another look around and I suddenly realize that he's missing.

I turn and head down the hall to the kitchen, empty. A few more steps and I'm in the living room. There I find the TV going, music videos, and there sprawled out on the couch is Kaworu. He's still munching on that candy. I have no clue where he got it.

I stand in the doorway and watch as he stares at the TV, totally transfixed. It's nearly midnight and assumably Asuka and Misato are asleep. Tomorrow's school and Misato has to be at work early again.

A commercial breaks Kaworu's concentration and he glances my way, a smile coming to his face when he realizes I've been watching him. He lifts a hand and motions me over.

Without hesitation, I move closer and take a seat on the edge of the couch. He puts a hand to my chest and pulls me down to lie beside him.

Feel better? he asks, his expression serious, his lips stained pink from candy.

I look at him questioningly, unsure as to what he's talking about.

Your bath... Do you feel better after your bath?

I smile, Well, I would feel better if we had bathed together, but then we wouldn't have gotten any cleaning done.

Now he's smiling and I sidle closer, You know, that candy's making your lips all pink.

Kaworu places a finger to his lips, tracing them like a woman would if she were applying lipstick, And my tongue? he asks, sticking said muscle out for inspection.

Indeed, it was all pink, much more so than his lips. I chuckle, nodding.

Kaworu watches me carefully, leaning down and kissing me fully. Seconds later he's pulling back, Does it taste like candy? He asks playfully.

I can't help but laugh again, nodding. He did taste like candy, but our first kiss was just as sweet. I don't think it's so much the candy as Kaworu himself.

Turning in his arms, my back to his chest, and a blanket pulled up over us, we both watch as the commercial ends and another music video begins.

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Misato:

Lying in bed in nothing more than a pair of worn panties and an over-sized tank top, I'm thankful I talked Asuka into at least keeping her mouth shut about the situation. Her words had touched me though. That sliver in my mind that continuously reminds me that this Angel could destroy us all in the worst of ways remains and doesn't diminish. While I think Shinji deserves happiness more than anyone, I'm still not positive the risk is worth it.

My thoughts are interrupted by the sounds of giggling and laughter. Curious, I pull myself out of bed, scratching my head as I pull on my thick white robe. As I sneak down the hall, I notice light from the television is flickering and reflecting into the kitchen, blue and bright. A glimpse around the corner and I find myself looking in on the two boys. Their talking and kissing and laughing and smiling and cuddling, and the sight of it isn't much of a big deal, except that one of those boys is Shinji.

I can't ever remember the last time I heard his meloncholy voice strumming into blissful laughter. I pull back and lean against the wall out of sight, listening to a sound I'd almost forgotten.

Yes, it's worth it. All of humanity is worth this one boy's happiness. As lame and backward as it sounds, it's how I feel. And perhaps that's why the Angel returned in the first place.

My mind made up, I head back for my room and much needed sleep. I will do everything in my capability to keep Shinji and Kaworu together. Yet, at the same time, I think Asuka deserves happiness as well, and so, I will think of a way for all of us to coexist.

Yawning, I close myself up in my bedroom and remove my bulky robe. As I climb back into my bed of tangled blankets and sheets, I'm feeling a seed of positive energy in my mind, growing into a tree of hope. Things will work out, all of this will work out. I will try my best.

Within seconds of resting my head upon my pillow, I'm asleep, my mind at ease, my thoughts slow and calm. My dreams centering on my one and only, and just before I'm completely unconscious, I wonder if Kaji's dreaming of me.

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To be continued...