I promised fast updates but it seems that I can't keep my word. As for the story itself, don't worry. Asuka will get her lucky break soon enough, and Kensuke's… end is almost at hand.

-Chapter 22-

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*Misato's office at NERV*

"Come in!" Misato said as she heard a knock on the door. It was Ritsuko.

"Hello Misato."

The NERV major looked up and smiled. "Hey Ritsu, what's up?"

"Just checking on an old friend." The blond haired doctor replied as she sat down on a chair across from Misato. "How are you doing?"

Misato sighed. "The kids are giving me trouble."

Ritsuko looked curios. "How so?" She asked.

"I caught them kissing yesterday."

"What's wrong with that?" The woman looked confused. "It's what couples do."

"The problem is:" Misato paused to add effect. "Dear Asuka, who was in Shinji's arms at the time, was totally naked."

Ritsuko gasped. "I think you really should keep a closer eye on them."

"I think you're right."

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*Later that day, in school*

The class had been sent to the library to gather research for their task. Naturally, they were seated with their designated partners.

Asuka kept a close eye on Shinji and Sakuya, who were seated a few tables across from them. Shinji seemed genuinely absorbed in the work he was doing, Sakuya on the other hand, was doing nothing but stare at him.

Asuka's muscles tensed as she watched Sakuya whisper something in to her boyfriend's ear. 'How dare she?' She fumed quietly.

*Snap*

"Hey Devil."

"What is it Geek?"

"Do you mind? That's the 4th pencil you've snapped!" Kensuke said irritably.

The girl looked down at what remained of the pencil that was now crushed in her fist.

"Sorry." She said. "I was… distracted."

"Yeah." Kensuke turned to look at her. "If you keep that up we won't have anything to write with."

Asuka was reaching her limits. Why can't she just enjoy a normal relationship with Shinji? Why does everyone have to get in the way?

Quietly, under the pretence of reading a book, she began to formulate a plan.

---

Across the room, there sat two entirely different people.

"Will you stop staring at me?"

"Oh, I'm sorry Rei." Goro quickly turned away. "It's just… I'm finding it hard to concentrate."

Rei looked at him. "Would you like me to re-locate so you face no further difficulty?"

"No!" He replied hastily. "It's okay!"

Rei didn't say anything, so the boy though it was up to him to keep the conversation going.

"So, have you considered my offer?" He asked hopefully.

"If you are asking whether I have agreed to accompany you to a movie theatre, my answer remains the same as before."

"Oh, okay." He looked down in disappointment. "You can't blame a guy for trying." He muttered quietly.

Surprisingly, Rei commented on what he said. "No… I can't."

---

Asuka had successfully thought up a plan that would not only get rid of Kensuke, but would also insure that Sakuya doesn't get her grabby paws on Shinji.

"Kensuke?" The girl asked sweetly.

He raised an eyebrow. "What is it Devil?"

"Seems we'll be working together for the next few days, huh?"

He sighed. "Unfortunately it seems that way."

She turned to face him. "Listen Kensuke, I know you don't like me."

"Understatement of the century."

He yelped as she slapped him on the back of the head.

She got more serious. "We can't do this if we keep fighting."

He eyed her suspiciously. "Why do you care all of a sudden? What have you got planned?"

"Nothing." Her eyes betrayed but a hint of something else. "I'm just saying we'll have to reach a stage of mutual collaboration."

"That." Kensuke said. "I can agree on, but frankly I don't trust you."

"On the contrary, I will make you an offer you just can't refuse."

Both were silent for a moment.

"Ewww…" Kensuke looked suddenly repulsed. "I'm not sure I want to."

"Pervert!" She slapped him on the back of the head again. "Get your mind out of the gutter! That's not what I mean."

"Just what are you proposing then?"

Asuka motioned to the boy so he can get closer allowing her to whisper something to him. His face brightened when he fully grasped what she had told him.

"Really?"

She nodded.

"Wow!" He exclaimed.

"Keep it down will you!" She hushed.

"But this is so cool!"

*Smack*

"Okay, I'll be quiet." Kensuke finally relented.

Asuka shook her head. "Stupid Stooge."

-To be Continued-

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What did Asuka propose to Kensuke? Does this have something to do with her secret plan? And what about Shinji, now that he has been left completely out of the loop.

Find out Next time!

Till Laterz