In case you haven't figured it out yet, Jason Emery is the name that belongs to the somewhat famous writer ST Pika. I must admit, you've all been more then gracious with your reviews… I haven't received a single bad comment since Seldon stopped reviewing my work!

-Chapter 25-

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*Next day at School*

The room is full of the usual pre-class chatter. Asuka and Shinji are amongst the students exchanging gossip about recent happenings.

"Wow, really?"

"Yeah!"

"I had no idea."

All conversations ceased however, with the arrival of one of the class pupils.

The girl who had just stepped in to the room looked around at the expressions everyone wore on their face, and then cast her eyes down at her feet, no longer having to courage to face them.

"Sakuya, is that you?" Someone from the class called out.

The downcast girl muttered something under her breath but chose not look up.

Asuka couldn't contain her glee any longer and burst out laughing.

"Hey check it out everyone!" She said aloud. "Dear Sakuya has been reduced to a comb-over!"

Unable to endure any more of this, Sakuya turned on her heels with intentions to exit, but found the old Sensei at the door.

"What's going on here?" He asked. "Get to your seats everyone!"

Surrendering, Sakuya made her way over to her seat, the whispers of all those she passed following her.

The class teacher made his way over to the front desk in order to address the class.

"Today you'll just be continuing with the work you started yesterday, are there any questions?"

Asuka immediately raised her hand. "Um… yeah, my would-be partner has vanished, and I have no one to work with."

The sensei sighed. "I suppose you can join another group… or work on your own if you prefer."

"I'll join another group!" Asuka exclaimed excitedly as she stood up and pointed her finger at Shinji and Sakuya. "That one there!"

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*NERV Control Room*

The three techs are all seated at their stations. Makoto is surveying some statistical information on his terminal; Maya is typing something to do with the Magi while Shigero continues to practice his air guitar.

Misato walks in to the room and looks around, unsurprised at the quiet mood.

"Anything new to report?"

Shigero paused in his imaginary strumming. "Not really, it's been very quiet this last week."

"Yeah." Makoto added. "The commander's been busy with one of his secret projects, so we haven't seen much of him around lately."

Misato smirked. "Is that really a bad thing?"

Maya giggle at the comment.

After the brief and happy pause, all those present returned back to their work, leaving Misato standing in the middle of the room. Her shoulders slumped, as once again she found herself with nothing to do.

"You'd think that the Director of Operations would have at least something to do…" She said irritably.

Just then, Ritsuko Akagi came up in the small elevator.

"Oh, hello Misato." She said with a slight nod.

"Hello Ritsuko, anything interesting happen lately?" Misato asked.

"No, not really." The doctor sighed as she ticked a few more of the boxes that littered her pad. "I've been busy with a few… side projects."

"Oh… that's too bad." Misato said as turned to face the holographic display. "Then again, at least you've got something to do."

A short silence followed due, until Makoto decided to speak again.

"Hey, did you guys hear about that guy who snuck in to HQ?"

Everyone looked surprised at the news.

"No, but did they catch him?" Shigero asked.

"Yeah, from what I heard," Makoto turned to face the infamous NERV major as he said the last part. "He was trailing Asuka."

Misato looked shocked for a moment. "Really?! I didn't know… I mean, she hasn't complained or said anything." Lost in thought, it was a while before she spoke again. "Where are they holding him up?"

"Sorry Major." Makoto turned back to his computer. "I don't know… you'd probably have to check with security or section 2."

"Anyway, Misato." Ritsuko looked up from her notes. "We're going to run some routine sync tests today, can you give the kids a call?"

"Sure thing!"

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*At School*

Once again, in order to continue their work, everyone has returned to his or her pairs. In one case, however, it was a group of three. Shinji was sitting in between Asuka and Sakuya, doing his best to keep the two girls from lashing out at each other.

"Shinji, are you okay?" Sakuya asked him. "You're looking kind of tense."

Before the boy could answer, Asuka intervened by grabbing a hold of his arm and pulling him towards her. "Who the hell said it was okay for you to talk to him?"

The mood was quickly turning sour.

"I can talk to Shinji whenever I want!"

"When the hell did I say it was alright for you to use his name?!" Asuka demanded.

"I don't need your permission for anything I do!" Sakuya spat back.

"Ladies!" Shinji pleaded with them. "Can't we all just get along?"

Before either of them could retort, the ringing of a NERV standard issue mobile silenced the inevitable outbursts.

Asuka picked up her phone.

"Hello? Oh… it's you Misato. What is it? Do we have to? Albright, alright… Fine… Yeah, see you later."

She put her phone down and turned to Shinji. "We need to check in for some routine sync tests." She turned to face Rei who was now seated across the table with Goro at her side. "Did you hear that wonder girl?"

"Yes."

Asuka sighed. "Routine sync tests my ass… this stuff always pops out of the blue."

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*Ayanami's apartment*

Rei was at school, so the other occupant of the apartment found himself stuck with nothing to do most of the day.

Cupid had taken the form of a teddy bear, in hope that he might get to cuddle with Rei in her sleep. So far, he'd had no luck.

Sighing he looked around the bare and desolate apartment. "Sure is boring around here…" Suddenly, he was struck with a thought. "Say… that ain't a half bad idea!" He said to himself. "I'm sure it will make Rei happy!"

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*Prinbow Box*

"So, how are the pilots holding up?" Misato asked as she leaned over Maya's shoulder to examine the readings.

"Just take a look."

"Wow!" She looked up at the three simulation plugs. "They've all increased."

"That's not the only thing that's happened." Ritsuko said from behind.

"What do you mean?" Misato queered.

"Take a closer look at the readings."

Turning back to the monitor, Misato surveyed the influx of data for a few moments before she gasped.

"No way… Shinji's number one!"

"That's right." Ritsuko nodded. "He's surpassed Asuka by one point."

Activating a link between the box and the plugs, Misato spoke in to a microphone. "Hey, Shinji, did you her that? You're number one!"

He looked up in surprise. "Really… wow" He suddenly winced when he realized that Asuka must also have heard the conversation. Indeed, a moment later Misato's image was replaced with the one of the fiery redhead.

Shinji was expecting her to be angry, but in contrast, a proud smile graced her features. "Well done Shinji! I knew you could do it!"

The boy was taken aback with this. "Aren't you angry?"

"Why would I be?" Asuka said light heartedly. "Besides, a girl expects her boyfriend to be able to protect her in her time of need!"

Shinji sighed in relief. "I'm glad you see it that way."

She smiled once again before the link was severed.

-To be Continued-

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In the next chapter: Angel Attack.

Till Laterz