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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: Well, here we go with much angst and saddness to follow... Don't be discouraged though, I plan for this fic to (in one way or another) have a happy ending. Sorry if that spoiled it for any of you! Heh heh... Anyway, enjoy! ^_^

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 XII: An Angel's Tear
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Asuka:

My eyes sting for some reason. I rub at them as I approach the immense, shining building. It looks innocent enough from the outside, but inside... I know this place holds more danger for me than perhaps even the Angel.

I approach, smoothing my wind-ruffled hair with my hands as I step through the entrance. A large, square-shaped man opens a door for me and I step inside. Many eyes turn to me. Surely they're all curious as to the reasoning for a girl in a school uniform to be in such a place.

Taking a deep breath, I start towards a woman behind a desk. She looks up from her work and seems a bit surprised and confused, Yes? May I help you?

I nod, I need to speak with Mr. Ikari.

Her lips, nearly dripping with lipstick, pull wide into a grin, I think not. Mr. Ikari doesn't have to time to talk to school girls... No matter how pretty they may think they are.

I nearly growl, slapping a hand down on her desk, I assure you... He'll want to talk to me.

The woman was more than startled by the semi-violent act. Her eyes wide, she slowly begins reaching for the phone. I notice two large men approaching, guards no doubt. I sigh, Just tell him it's Asuka Langley Sohryu.

Not minutes later was Gendo Ikari coming forward from having just exited an elevator, What are you doing here? He asks rudely.

I can't help but smirk, feeling my spite and hate for this man allowing no weakness to show, I have information about something I'm sure you and your goons will be interested in.

His eyes narrow and I remember again why I once feared this man's power. He dismisses my rudeness as if it hadn't even occurred. Instead, I sense somewhere behind his glasses he's contemplating what I could possibly know. It takes him only seconds to decide that whatever information I have is worth hearing, and he gestures for me to follow him back to elevator. Although I don't feel I've made much of an impression on Shinji's father, I'm glad to see that the woman at the desk and the guards are staring open-mouthed. Surely they've never seen a mere teenager insult their employer so.

The elevator doors close though and I'm alone in such a small space with him. I feel uneasy, and I'm more than thankful when the doors finally open. We must be pretty high up, it took quite a while to get here.

The room we step into is far too clean, men and women everywhere in white lab coats. Ikari walks briskly down the middle of the room. There are desks and computers everywhere and I wonder how many trees were put to death for all the papers that litter nearly every flat surface. I blink back into the moment though and I hurry to catch up.

There's an office of glass at the back of the large room and as we enter, I find that we're not alone. Two men, both in white coats, stand and give me strange looks. One is tall with piercing green eyes while the other is short and stockier, his face far too dull for my eyes to linger.

Gendo takes a seat behind a desk and the two men sit in nearby chairs. I take a look around and decide I'd rather stay standing. If anything should go wrong, I feel comfort in thinking that I may be able to run and escape.

Well, what is it that you know? he asks, his voice deep and demanding.

I narrow my eyes, I demand that you not harm or involve either Shinji or myself. I won't say a word until you give me that much.

Nothing you know is important enough to involve either of you. He says and I wonder if he's rolling his eyes, his tone suggests it.

I know there's an Angel in the city, and I know where.

Everyone in the room instantly sits up, and Gendo's smirking, Very well then... You have my word that I will do everything within my power not to harm or involve either Shinji or yourself in this matter.

Now I'm smirking, It's the Seventeenth Angel. He's returned.

Green eyes leans forward, How is that possible?

I shrug, He's been here for some time.

The dull man asks, his voice rough like sandpaper.

Gendo's voice is slight and the word is sharp.

I nod, Yes, he's been with Shinji. They are together.

Gendo tilts his head forward and his glasses slide down his nose only slightly, but just enough to reveal his hard eyes, blue like Shinji's, exactly like Shinji's, My son and an Angel? Ah... I see now. The jealousy of a woman... No doubt you want this Angel dead and out of your way.

He's fucking with me now and I know it, It's true, I won't deny it.

He leans back, pushing his glass back up on his nose, his smirk furthering, Very well then. I'm assuming we might find him at Ms. Katsuragi's apartment?

I nod, taking a mini step back.

Oh, I must ask that you remain here until the Angel is captured and restrained. He says, suddenly standing and moving towards me, We wouldn't want you running off to give warning in a last minute change of heart.

I sigh, knowing that if I just cooperate where this is concerned, I have better chances of his word being kept in the future,

In a swoop of movement, the three men are out of the office barking orders in all directions. People begin scurrying like ants and I find it somewhat amusing. In moments there are two guards approaching, no doubt my bodyguards while everyone heads off on the Angel hunt.

Turning, I decide that perhaps a chair is in order. As I take a seat, my two guards exchange looks before copying my movements and sitting on either side of me. In no more than an hour, the place is devoid of life except for the three of us.

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Misato:

I dig through my closet, finding that there's hardly anything suitable. Kaworu and I returned from shopping no more than an hour ago. He left in favor of the mysterious place I didn't buy much. Some cigarettes, a CD, a few groceries, toilet paper, etc. However, I did much window shopping and admired more than twenty lovely outfits that would perfectly enhance my figure. Kaworu kept me company the entire time, giving his opinion only when I asked for it. He seemed simply content with watching people and their behavior. At one point, however, he asked if we might go to a place in order to purchase lubricant. Surely, my mouth must have dropped open, my chin falling to floor. However, I had no choice but comply and soon we found what he desired. It was utterly adorable to watch as he read labels and compared products. I got the sense that this wasn't the first time a similar decision had been made.

I sigh deeply, slapping at the empty hangers that litter my closet rod. Turning, I examine the piles of clothing strewn about my room. Hardly any of it is dirty, mostly they're things I'd disapproved of at one point or another when trying to decide what to wear. I move to the closest pile and begin digging. Quickly I find a white button-up blouse. It had been overly starched at one point and now due to its location, its more than wrinkled. However, upon putting it on, I find that its a bit too snug, therefore pulling taut all wrinkles. Feeling only slightly satisfied, I move to another pile, this time finding a black mini skirt that I had no doubt deemed to short. I solve the problem easily though, pulling on a pair of white leggings first. My black jacket and boots complete the outfit, and I'm smiling at myself in the mirror when I hear the door bell.

My breath catches in my chest and builds up, and I wonder if perhaps my lungs will burst. Before my open door stands Gendo Ikari, What do you want? I finally manage, my nostrils flare in my attempt to breathe through my nose.

He just smirks at me, I've come for the Angel.

My eyes go wide. No. Asuka... How could you? I take a step back and leave room for them to pass without having to brush me aside, He's not here. I whisper as Gendo steps closer.

You will forgive me if I don't believe you. He says, then quickly walking passed. Moments later the apartment is flooded with people searching in almost humorous places. I caught one man lifting my couch cushions. I wanted to ask if he'd found anything there, but I dared not. Instead, I quietly make my way over to the phone and discreetly lift it from it's cradle, punching in a number burned into my brain.



That cool, masculine voice is enough to bring me to my senses, Please, hurry over my love. I fear the worst for the boys. And before he can even answer I'm hanging up, thankful that my little act went unnoticed.

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Kaworu:

I thanked Misato for a lovely time and then headed for the elevator. The trip up was boring and so was the walk to the little apartment Shinji and I had shared last night. I left the door unlocked for my lover and now I lie naked on my back, still bored.

The sun's up high, but for some reason its rays aren't warming me. It disappoints me. A breeze sweeps down and I let it wash over and through me. I whisper to it of my love and happiness. I ask it to hurry over to my love and let him know how I feel. Surprisingly, the wind wisps up and out of the room and I'm left with a strange feeling. What on Earth am I doing? I'd never before tried such a thing and I feel a bit silly for letting my boredom control my actions so.

Minutes later, however, I feel the breeze return, and Kami, it's warm! I let it encompass me and I know that it reached its destination. I can sense that Shinji's emotions have warmed this wind just for me.

The wind, obviously impatient, swirls through the room once more before escaping and leaving my flesh hotter than the sun was capable of doing. Sweat beads from my pores and I close my eyes, imagining a clock and willing the hours to pass swiftly.

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Kaji:

The door to the Katsuragi residence is wide open when I arrive. Men in suits and white coats are coming and going as they please, searching the place as if there were a possibility it had secret doors and hiding places.

I find Katsuragi standing in a corner in the living room. Her eyes are wide and she looks like a rabbit ready to dart away at any given chance. She doesn't see me as I approach, and when I take her hand in my own, she near jumps through the ceiling.

She breathes, throwing her arms around me once she realizes it's me, I didn't know what else to do, I'm sorry for dragging you out here.

No, it's fine. Don't worry about it. We stand silent together watching as the search draws to a close. Gendo Ikari is standing near the couch and many men begin reporting to him.

Sir, the apartment's empty; however, there are signs that the Angel has been here.

Ikari's brows draw together, What signs?

Well, it appears that the Angel was residing in Shinji Ikari's bedroom and it's fairly obvious that two males have had sex there recently.

I see. Gendo says before raising his eyes to Misato and steps closer to us, Ms. Katsuragi, I can't imagine you let this go on knowingly.

She remains silent and adverts her eyes.

Ikari turns back to the man, Search the entire building.

Yes, Sir. And with a quick nod, the man hurries off to inform the others. Within minutes the room is clear and we're alone.

I just can't handle this. Katsuragi whispers in my ear as she turns lean against my chest.

I ask, sensing there's more to the tears welling in her eyes.

She sniffs, Kaworu's in the building... Somewhere upstairs. They're going to find him for sure. Her voice is the slightest whisper and I have to concentrate in order to hear.

Let's go out in the hall then. If they discover him, we'll know. We may not be able to stop it, but we can at least be there. I say, hoping that in some way this will comfort her.

She nods and hand in hand, we make our way outside into the busy hall.

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Shinji:

A smile lingers on my face as I approach my building. Today was surprisingly a good day and I just can't wait to lie in Kaworu's arms. There are an unusual amount of cars in the car park. Mostly large black vehicles, looming like guard dogs ready to attack. I quickly step into the elevator and shrug the oddity off as I jab the button for the top floor.

A dull little ding lets me know I've reached my destination and I step out into the empty hall. The door's unlocked and I'm a bit surprised to see Kaworu lying there naked in bed.

I missed you. I say as I close the door behind me.

He turns his head at an odd angle and looks me in the eyes, Did you feel it?

I can't help but grin as I move quickly to his side, Hai, that was you wasn't it?!

He sits up and smiles at my excitement, Yes, and I felt your response.

I almost giggle, I didn't know we could do stuff like that.

He shrugs, With time, I'm sure there is much we could do.

My eyebrows pull together,

Hai, I'm afraid they have come for me. He keeps his eyes on me as he speaks and I know he's waiting for a reaction.

I try to remain calm, That's why there were all those big cars in the lot. Are they going to kill you Kaworu?

Eventually. Although, I suspect they will want to run tests and such first.

I feel my eyes watering against my will, But... But... Do you think that maybe they'd let me stay with you?

His eyes soften and narrow and he pulls me close, pressing his thin, soft lips to my forehead much like I always imagined my mother would do in order to comfort me.

I sniff, pulling back, Kaworu, I don't want to give up! Why can't we at least try to run? My voice is stronger now and I'm not sure I understand the smile that's suddenly spreading across his visage.

You can be so strong when you need to be. He sighs, No, running will do no good, and I fear it would only burden you further.

He takes in my confusion and goes on to explain, You would only feel guilt and pain, thinking it was your fault our escape was unsuccessful.

I breathe in a deep ragged breath, knowing deep down that his words ring true. Not wasting another second, I kick of my shoes and yank my shirt off, buttons popping off and flying in every direction. I'm more than ungraceful in the removal of my pants, but once done, I sit before my lover in only my shorts.

Kiss me. I whisper.

He smiles and complies. I feel anxious, but he keeps it slow. Eventually, my lack of air causes us to part and now I'm panting. My eyes water instantly and I force myself not sob. I have to be strong for my Angel. I lift my eyes to his and search their depths.

I always think of the weirdest things when I look at your eyes. I say, totally out of the blue.

He smirks, Their color?

I nod, It's like every time I look at you, I get a red image in my mind.

A chuckle rolls out of him like music, And what red thing are you thinking of now?

My eyes narrow and I tilt my head, placing a hand to his cool cheek, Cherries. Of course, I've never seen a cherry as red as your eyes.

My Angel's expression instantly softens, And your eyes remind me of water... The deepest ocean, the calmest river, the purest waterfall...

We come together and our lips meet in the most satisfying way. Sorrow is full in my heart and I can think of nothing except getting the most out of what little time we have left together.

Lack of air forces us apart again and we lie down, gazing up at the afternoon sky, the sun out of sight, the sky bright and blue and littered with wispy white clouds. Kaworu is stretched out on his back, his legs sprawled out. I'm as close to him as I can get, a leg resting between his, my arms wrapped about him, his resting on my back. Now and then his fingers wiggle and I close my eyes as he traces senseless patterns on my skin.

A thought suddenly jumps into my mind,



What was you Tanabata wish?

He chuckles, I wished for at least a year without discovery.

I close my eyes and will myself not to cry.

What was yours? He asks, his voice slight and serious.

I wished for your happiness. I manage. His hands move to my face as he gently wills me to turn and look at him.

His eyes are watery, You are the only one that would wish such a thing for me. A single tear builds and escapes and I move forward without thought, lapping up its saltiness with my eyes open.

When I pull back he is smiling and it seems he's regained control over his tearing eyes, And you're the only one who'd drink an Angel's tear. He says through a slight chuckle.

I blush and move to lie back against him. We resume our position and as we wait, I try and prepare myself for what's to come.

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Misato:

Kaji and I are crowded in an elevator with the first group heading to the top floor of the building, the last to be searched. As we step out into the hall, two other elevators down the hall open and within seconds there are people everywhere entering apartment after apartment.

I never realized the building was so damaged. To one side there's basically no roof. Kaji squeezes my hand and I glance to my right to see Ikari. My evil thoughts of him are interrupted, however, as a young man with glasses and freckles calls out.

Sir, I think I've found it! He's standing before an open door and his cheeks are tinted with a blush.

All at once everyone, including Kaji and myself, is surging forward for a look. Sure enough, within the quaint little apartment with a skylight above the perfectly positioned bed, is the Angel along with Shinji. My eyes are already leaking tears, but I'm not fully aware of it.

Ikari steps forward, Never had I imagined such a thing. His voice holds arrogance and disgust and it's all directed towards Shinji.

Shinji bolts upright and climbs to the far edge of the bed while Kaworu slowly and calmly sits up, I see you have discovered me. The Angel says through a smirk.

Ikari returns the expression, quickly giving orders. Men rush in and carefully approach the pale-haired boy, restraining him and jabbing a needle in his arm.

Shinji looks like a frightened rabbit, tears streaming from his eyes, but suddenly, it's as if he realizes something, Father! Please, let me go with him. Let me stay with him. He's pleading, rising to his feet and moving forward with that courage he often attains in such drastic moments.

Gendo scoffs, Don't be stupid! And with that, he gestures for the men to take the Angel away.

Kaji and I quickly move out of the way as the swarm quickly heads for the elevators. As Kaworu passes he pauses to turn, and to Shinji he says, Do not worry my love, we will be together again. Death is not the end for us. And with that they begin crowding into the elevators.

Shinji's eyes are shaken and he's obviously out of it. Suddenly, he bolts forward, exiting the apartment and turning the corner in order to chase after his lover. Kaji, however, snags him by the waist and heaves him back.

No, you've got to calm down. Kaji insists, holding tight.

No! Let me go! Kaworu! Kaworu! I love you! Shinji's voice is nearly screaming and it rasps as it strains to reach the Angel's ears. His face is wet with tears and snot and he's struggling like a child, his fingers trying in vain to pry Kaji's hands from his waist.

The elevator carrying the last load of men closes its doors and we're left alone. At that instant, Shinji's strength and will drain out from him as if someone had pulled the plug. He goes limp in Kaji's arms and slumps down to the floor.

Why wouldn't you let me go to him? He asks, sniffling, his face resting against the filthy floor.

I drop to my knees, Oh, Shinji... There was nothing you could do. I manage, the tears still free flowing.

A sob momentarily racks his body, I know, but... At least he would have known how much I love him... That I wouldn't just give up.

I place a hand on his back and he jerks away from it, rolling over onto his side and then onto his back, I'm sure Kaworu knows how much you love him, but I doubt he would have liked to have seen you taken as well.

He pulls his knees up and squeezes his eyes shut, tears still spilling forth. He presses his fists against his forehead and tries his very hardest to control the sounds of sorrow forcing their way from his body.

Kaji moves closer, Shinji, you okay?

My eyes go wide in sudden shock as Shinji begins laughing, loud hysterical laughter, No! No, I'm not okay at all. He pushes himself into a sitting position and moves to lean against the wall, I'm not ready to die. He says, his laughter dying out, the last coming out in barely more than a whisper.

My tears slow, nearly stop, I'm reminded of a conversation I recently overheard...


What would you do if I were to die?

My eyes go wide. That was Kaworu's voice! I tiptoe to the living room, glancing in to see the boys lying together on the couch, shirtless, arms wrapped about one another. They both appear calm and content.

What do you mean? Shinji asks, his head tilting up to look at his lover. I follow the gaze and I'm shocked to see Kaworu looking right at me. Quickly, I pull myself from the doorway and remain out of sight.

If I were to die... What would you do? Kaworu says, repeating his question. I know he saw me, but he says nothing of it. I remain there, leaning against the wall, unknowingly holding my breath.

Then I hear Shinji's voice, I'd die.



Shinji, I'm not saying that Kaworu's going to die, but if he does, that doesn't mean you have to die. My voice sounds pleading and I know I might as well be begging. Kaji only stands by and watches, confusion evident on his manly features.

Shinji looks up at me, his eyes connecting with mine, a slight smile pulling at his lips, Yes it does. If I don't, I'll lose him... I don't think I could take that again.

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Kaji had to carry Shinji back downstairs. The boy is now resting on the couch in the living room. I get the sense that he's asleep, yet he's lying there with his eyes wide open staring at the ceiling.

I move back to the table and sit again across from my lover, Kaji, do you think he's okay? I ask, taking a sip from my coffee.

He sighs, No, but it's the best we can do for him.

He's serious and calm and it scares me, But, do you think he'll hurt himself? I'm afraid he'll try and kill himself if anything happens to Kaworu.

Katsuragi, you've got to calm down. All you can do is be there for him and hope for the best. That's it. He reaches across the table and takes my hands into his own, I think it would be best if I left. He needs you now. Sit by his side, be there for every minute in case he needs you.

My eyes are watering again and all I can manage is a nod. He smiles and releases my hands and I wonder when he plans on shaving that awful stubble. Moments later he's out the door and I close my eyes, drinking the last of my coffee in one big gulp. Kaji's right and I know it. All I can do is comfort and support Shinji in his dark times. With a slight smile on my face, I move into the living room and take a seat on the end of the couch, placing the boy's feet in my lap. His cheeks are still wet and his hands are open and limp. I think maybe he's totally emotionally drained. Well, when he comes around, I'll be here.

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To be continued...