Ok, It's about time everyone reading this fic get some idea of what is really going on here. Honestly, I was just going to do a typical A/U-ish fic, but I seem to have gotten pretty chewed out at Project R. So, I got this idea from the review group, and after watching the show for the lord only knows how many times and reading the manga up to volume 7, I decided to kinda mix some plots from the show with scenario's from the manga (Such as the conversation Shinji will have with Kaji). Here you are. Ch.11 of "Sixteen and in Love"
'Is this another? Can I be this...?
"Hey, Shinji! Wake up!!!" A crash of freezing water wasn't the way poor Shinji wanted to wake up early monday morning. He shot up, almost in shock from the rude awakening.
"Asuka!?!? What's gotten in to you!?!?" His vision was temporarily impaired and didn't get a focused view, but knew it was her from the same naggy voice and the red blur that he made out to be her hair.
The world renowned bitch goddess was in a rather pissy mood "What do you think!? Today's the day! Now get out of bed and get ready!"
Being in the rush that she's in, Shinji was only able to take a three minute shower before brushing his teeth, combing his hair, and getting dressed in his typical school uniform. It was only after that he was fully dressed that it hit him. 'Hey, wait. She doesn't live here anymore. And why is she getting me ready for school?' When he opened the bathroom door, he was not prepaired for what he was about to gaze apon."Asuka...?"
Asuka wasn't what came to mind at first. Rather, a beautiful woman from a far, dressed in a glacier blue gown with Hyacinth flower petals in her hair. No, this was nothing like the hateful girl that taunts and teases him out of leasure. She was a lumintating goddess.
"What the hell are you doing!?!" Of course, his eyes diceived him. She asked him again. "Are you seriously going to show up dressed like that?"
"What are you talking about," he asked. "And why are you dressed like that?"
She looked at him with disbeliefe. "Your kidding, right?" He shook his head, honestly having no clue as to what the day was, why she was dressed, and surely why she was losing her patience with him quickly. Hanging her head away from him with a twitching eye, she pointed her finger towards his calander, which had the date circled in a large, red marker.
,center>July 20th
Mr & Mrs. Ryoji Kaji
With a deadly glare, she threw him his suite over his head. "I swear, if I have to dress you myself, I'll make sure you won't want it to happan again." He gulped loudly and backed his way into his room to change into his wedding attire.
"Oh, will you hurry?!? Mein Gott! Ich kenne niemanden, der so lange braucht, um bloß einen einfachen Anzug anzuziehen. Idiot ..." The door slid open and Shinji stepped out. Asuka turned to examine him. "Well, it's about time, you idiot. Let's see. Pants & shirt pressed and you're shoes are shined... Just as I tought!" She walked over to him and grabed him by the collar.
"Asuka!?!? What are you- Hey, careful!"
He stepped back, but she simply tugged him back, making sure he wouldn't get away. "Stand still! How else am I supposed to fix your tie!?!? Over... under...there!" She stepped back once again and gave him one last thourough examine. "Well. not bad for a spineless wimp such as you. You may even get a dance with some fluke at the reception." She chuckeld at her self, "like that would ever happen."
Just as The two were heading out the door, the door bell rang. "Well, I'd say that was perfect timing." She opened the door, only to be met by three monkeys in their monkey suits. "well, perfect timeing... for a stooge."
"WHAT!?!? NOT EVEN TWO SECONDS AND YOU'RE ALREADY STARTING WITH THAT SHIT!?!?" If it weren't for Kouru and Kensukei, he would probobly have gotten all up in her face, only to get his lights either punched out, his 'pride' shattered, or any number of 'misfortunes' that seem to come back to Asuka's will. Kensukei decided to step up to her fury the only way he can. With excuses.
"We're sorry if we're late. We took a little detour and picked up the rest the honored guests."
With his hand over Touji's flaming mouth, he dragged him aside to reviel a cloister of beauty. Rei, Hikari, and Crystle stepped forward, wearing the same blue dresses with flowers glistening their hair. With Rei, it wasn't as noticable, but still a beauty to behold. "I'm sorry we kept you so long, Asuka," Hikari apologised. "I just couldn't get my hair just right and... well... my shoulder strap kept..." She blushed intensly, along with Touji, who stopped his muffled shouting as soon as he heard her words. Kouru, intriged, released Suzuhara. "Care to explain this, kind sir?"
He was beside himself. "Well, it's not like I had a choice! We where running late, and no one else was there to help her out, and the only reason my hand was in her dress was because the strap slipped insi-" He nearly bit his tounge when Hikari slammed his head down with her bare fist. "They don't need all the details!!!"
Just as Shinji cracked a smile, a luminating figure made her way towards him. "My, Shinji. You look exceptionaly handsome today."
He had enough blushing to last him a life time and felt this one really go to his head. "Realy? I mean, you think so?"
She nodded and smiled that bright smile of hers. "Why of course. You really look like a true gentleman. I think it matches your personality."
Asuka gave a sigh of exhaust once again. "Oh, please. He's still the same perverted idiot he always has been and always will be."
Rei stood back and watched as the rest laughed and talked about things that didn't concern her, until she felt a brush through her hair. "Here" said Kaouru. "You need a little more color to bring out your eyes." He placed a red stargazer lilly onto her hair band. Her eyes truely did stood out, locking into his.
"Thank you, Mr. Nagisa." She turned away from him and walked into the apartment.
Shinji looked on as she walked inside, smiling a tad. Asuka, on the other hand, noticed her blushing and couldn't help but make a comment. "Oh, what's the matter, wondergirl? Is Nagisa making lovey-dovey moves on you again?" Her voice had a hint of sarcasme, but that was quickly subdued by a poke in the ribs.
"Asuka, that's not called for," Crystle said. "And besides, I'm sure there where plenty of boys that tried to make a move or two on you, am I right?" Crystle had Asuka in check.
"Wha... what are you talking about? Of course I have boys chase after me all the time, but that's all are. Just boys. If only Kaji would sweep me off my feet and run away with me to a private island in the south pacific... ahhh...." Everyone stared a blank at her, hearing these words from a 16 year old girl who'se obsession has left her still single and in a waiting job.
At the white chappel, Misato looked in the mirror with her veil set back. Her lips glowed of a passionate red, and her earings sparkled from a light within the diamonds. Still at her neck was her necklace her father gave to her so long ago. "If only you could see your daughter now..." She took a deep breath and knew there was no turning back. This would be the first large step she would take for so long. She stood up and headed for the door, only to bump into Ritsuko.
"Oh, you're finaly ready, Misato," She asked. "We've been waiting for you, and everyone was beging to think you would try to make a run for it." Misato smiled and pulled her veil over her face. "If this would have happaned two years ago, than I would have." They shared a good laugh, for which she really needed. Misato regained her composure, and with a bouquete in hand, made her way to the aisle. Meanwhile, at the alter, Kaji stood at the front of the room, noticably sweating profusly. Shinji, Touji, Kensukei, and Kouru where at his side, but didn't help much to calm his nervs. Shinji had to ask."Are you sure you're alright, Kaji?"
He gave them a thumbs up. "Of course. This couldn't be any better. This is my wedding day, after all." The music from the organ began playing, and the radiant beauty imerged from the door in the back. Asuka, Rei, Hikari, and Crystle all stood on the brides side with their flowers at hand and all with smiles upon their faces.
"Wow, Asuka. You sure are taking this well. You must have finaly gotten over that childish crush over him, huh?"
Asuka tilted her head just enough for Hiakri to see her eyes burning with a fieindish rage. "Oh, you really think so?" She was speaking with her teeth clamped shut, gritting from the rage deep inside.
In the seating where many people, mainly former Nerv staff including Maya, Hyuga, Aoba, and government official Kozo Fuyutsuki. The family doctor, Ritsuko, was all the more choked at the sight, but made sure she would hold herself strong until the end of the ceramony.
As Misato finaly stood beside her love, she gasped in shock at what she was gazing upon.
"You... you actualy shaved!" He gave her his trademark smirk as he took her hand.
"Well, I know deep in my heart you want this day to be perfect." They both turned to face the minister when he whispered "And besides, It'll only grow thicker with every shave, right?"
'Asshole.'She rolled her eyes just before the father spoke.
"Welcome to the marriage of Misato Katsuragi and Ryoji Kaji. You have been asked to gather here to witness and share in the joy of this union."
Kaji took her hand and stared deep into her eyes as he began to speek. "There was darkness for a long time and then there was light, and that light was you. Your love has given me wings, and our journey begins today. I pledge before this assembled company to be your husband from this day forward. Let us make of our two lives one life. I want you for today, tomorrow, and forever."
Misato was holding back her tears when she started. "I have dreamed my whole life of having someone as wonderful as you love me the way you do. I give myself to you as your wife, and I promise here to treasure you for all of my days the love we celebrate today. Let us bring together our lives and find ourselves anew each day."
The minister turned to the bride. "Misato, will you take Ryoji Kaji as your husband, in happiness and with patience and understanding, through conflict and tranquillity?" She smiled.
Asuka with a heavey heart, more or less from envy, presented Misato with the ring. Misato picked it up from the pillow and placed around his finger.
The minister nodded in approval and continued. "Ryoji, will you take Misato as your wife, in happiness and with patience and understanding, through conflict and tranquillity?" He nodded as well.
"I will."
Shinji pulled the velvet box from his breast pocket. He opened the box and handed him the ring , which he delecatly placed on his Bride's finger.
The old man smiled. "In the years which shall bring Misato and Ryoji into greater age and wisdom, we hope that their love shall be ever young; that they shall be able to always recover from moments of despair. In this hope, may they keep the vows made on this day, in freedom, teaching each other who they are, what they yet shall be, enabling them to know that, in the fullness of being, they are more than themselves and more than each other, that they are all of us, and that together we share joyously the fruits of life on this earth, our home. In as much as Misato and Ryoji have declared their love to each other before family and friends, I now greet them with you as husband and wife."
And with those words spoken, they shared their first kiss in holy matramony.
The room stood up with cheering, applause, sobbing, and laughter. Hikari and Crystle held eachother, crying into eachother's shoulder's, similer to the way Touji and Kensukei where. Rei only stood in silence, but was happy for them none the less. Kouru smiled at the entire sceane with his eyes drawn more to Rei than anything else. All this happened, though it might as well be in another life time to Mr and Mrs. Ryoji Kaji. All that mattered to them was that they where holding eachother in their arms, never letting go, never drifting apart.
Shinji and Asuka, each on opposite sides, didn't pay heed to anyone else either. Only at the blissful couple that embrassed one another. Asuka, though envious, was happy to see her former gaurdian and her love together at last. Shinji could only be happy for them. They where together and that's all it took for them to smile. That's all he wanted was to see them smile like they did before.
Half the people where already drunk, with a large exception from the bride. She was stuck drinking soft drinks ordered for the kids, but she wasn't bitter about it. She watched on as Shinji, Asuka, and the rest sat to their side and talked about topics she couldn't quite eaves drop on. With all their heads nodding in agreement, Shinji stood up with his glass.
"Excuse me, but if I may have but a moment of your time, please." He cleared his throught and spoke with as clear a voice as ever. "Durring the past two years, these two have had rather eventful days and shared them with most of you. From their days to Colledge sweet hearts, to their joyous reunion on the Pacific. Working together and now, joining together in our company in holy matramony. I think these two deserves a toast. To the wonderful years you two will share, and to your beautiful child who'll soon be with us as well."
The audiance applauded his words and drank to them. Kaji stood from his seat and kissed his beloved on her cheek. "If you'll excuse me, I need have a talk with someone." He walked over to the kid's table and signaled Shinji to follow him. Rei saw this and asked him. "Is there something wrong, Shinji?"
He shook his head. "No, it's fine. I'll be back in no time." He stood up and followed Kaji to a private room.
After making sure the door was locked, he looked Shinji in the eye and began speeking. "Shinji, do you remember two years ago when I had that conversation durring the angel attack?" Shinji simply nodded. "I told you about my brother. Misato's father. And you..." He took a long sigh, for this took alot out of him by just trying to come with the words. "I'm not saying I have my brother's blessings in death, but this is something I want. Misato, I'm sure, might feel the same way, but we both feel we must move on. And I thank you, Shinji. After these years, you truely seem happy and I think you gave us the streangth we needed to be together."
Shinji felt a chill running down his body and into his heart. Something felt out of place. he fell to his knees and griped his body, as if he would lose himself at any given notice. Kaji went to him quickly, cathing him before he fell back and hit his head. "Shinji! Shinji, are you alright!?!?"
He stopped shaking, and felt everything come back together. It seemed so odd, for some reason, he just couldn't put his finger on it. But the closest he could figure it out was he just didn't feel... right. He felt happy for them. For Misato and Kaji. But he knew deep... he couldn't.... deserve...
"Kaji." He stood up, regaining his balance and as much of himself as he could. "I'm... I'm fine. I just felt a little... uneasy... I think I just need a glass of water... and some fresh air."
Kaji nodded as he picked Shinji up under his shoulders and helped him outside. He set him on the stairs, cathching his breath. "Well, I hope that's muscle you put on, because you're getting pretty heavy." Shinji laughed and took some deep breaths from the fresh air around him. "I'm gonna go get you you drink."
Shinji still sat on the stairs of the reception hall, looking at the clouds pass him by. The late afternoon sun was blocked by passing clouds, but the light still shined in his face warming him up from what happened inside.
"Shinji?" Kensukei took a seat right beside him, handing him a glass. "Kaji about to get ready for his first dance with Misato. You better hurry in because they both said they don't want you to miss out. And also, I think that Crystle is going to want to dance with you."
Shinji took a sip from the glass and cleared his throught. "You think so?"
Kensukei sighed. "Yeah, it's so obvious even Touji sees it."
"Are you two just going to sit there? The first dance has just started" The two looked over their shoulders and saw Kouru and Rei.
"We've been sent to be sure Kensukei didn't get lost or forget why Kaji sent him," Rei said.
Shinji stood up and bowed his head. "Sorry, I was just thinking something over." Kouru shook his head. "That's ok. Are you ready now to head inside?"
Kaji stood up from his seat and offered his hand out to his beloved, which she lovingly accepted. They walked to the middle of the dance floor, his hand holding her's and the other at her waist. The lights dimmed and a spotlight drew them to be the center of attention as the music began.
I know that you're hiding things Using gentle words to shelter me Your words were like a dream But dreams could never fool me Not that easily
I acted so distant then Didn't say goodbye before you left But I was listening You'll fight your battles far from me Far too easily
"Save your tears cause I'll come back" I could hear that you whispered as you walked through that door But still I swore To hide the pain when I turn back the pages Shouting might have been the answer What if I'd cried my eyes out and begged you not to depart But now I'm not afraid to say what's in my heart
Though a thousand words Have never been spoken They'll fly to you Crossing over the time and distance holding you Suspended on silver wings
And a thousand words One thousand confessions Will cradle you Making all of the pain you feel seem far away They'll hold you forever
The dream isn't over yet Though I often say I can't forget I still relive that day "You've been there with me all the way" I still hear you say
"Wait for me I'll write you letters" I could see how you stammered with your eyes to the floor But still I swore to hide the doubt When I turn back the pages Anger might have been the answer What if I'd hung my head and said that I couldn't wait But now I'm strong enough to know it's not too late
"I know your father would be proud." He said with her chin rested on his shoulder. "And your brother would be happy as well." They contnued their slow waltz and held eachother in their arms.
Cause a thousand words Call out through the ages They'll fly to you Even though we can't see I know they're reaching you Suspended on silver wings
Oh a thousand words One thousand embraces Will cradle you Making all of your weary days seem far away They'll hold you forever
Oh a thousand words Have never been spoken They'll fly to you They'll carry you home and back into my arms Suspended on silver wings ohhh
And a thousand words Call out through the ages They'll cradle you Turning all of the lonely years to only days They'll hold you forever
The audiance stood and applaud them as the piano came to a close with it's final notes. The music began again and the rest of the crowd got up to dance. Ritsuko stayed behind and watched all the other's danced when a very familiar face walked up to her and took a seat. "It really is a beautiful wedding, isn't it, Sempai?"
The doctor looked at Maya with a welcoming smile. "Yes, it really is. I never thought I would envy Misato as much as I do now." Maya blushed as she gave herself a second thought before asking.
"Hey, you don't mind if I ask you for a dance, would you?" She began to laugh, already feeling the liquor go right to her head. The same was the case for the good doctor as well.
As the band began to pick up on a new song, Ritsuko thought what's the worst that could come out of it. She held out her hand and rised from her seat. The two lovely women danced like any other of the couples would have danced. Maya felt that people were starring at them, but she didn't let that bother her. She just continued to dance with her ever so beloved Sempai.
Touji and Hikari sat beside eachother, each one looking away to the side as the rest of the guests got up and danced along with the bride and groom. Shinji and the others could tell from the other side of their table that they where going to need a little help if they where going to get up there.
"Hey, Kouru," Shinji asked. "You think you could go up there and give Touji the push he needs?" with his familiar smirk, he stood up and walked to the opposite end and kept his eyes on Hikari's.
"Ms, Horaki, I'm unpleasently surprised to see you not up there dancing with everyone." Touji nearly snapped his neck when he turned his head to see what appeared to be his friend hitting on Hikari.
"And Just what do you think your doing, pretty boy!?!?" Touji was already on his feet and butting shoulders against Kouru.
"I beleive I'm asking the lady for a dance. Is that so wrong in such a joyous occasion?"
His face was blushed from anger and shyness for what he was about to pull. "Yeah, atcualy it is when I'm the one who was going to ask first. I was only biding my time, but you just ruined my approuch!"
He smiled and gracefuly stepped aside. "Then please. By all means."
Hikari felt someone approuch her from the back and tunred around and saw Touji as pink as he's ever been. "Oh, is there something you need, Mr. Suzuhara?" Once again, he shut down. All he was saying at this point was all gut and no brains.
"Hikari, since everyone else is up there and seeing you sit alone here, I was wondering if you would do me the honor of dancing with me." Hikari looked at him with a stare of annoyment.
"Just what the hell are you talking about? Do you really need to act like that? Just shut up and lead." She got up and dragged him by his collar on to the dance floor, where she span him around and grabbed him by his hand. "Well, are you going to lead, or you want me to?"
He shook his head, only know realizing his situation. "Um... That's ok. I'll lead." So they began a slow waltz, just a bit slower than everyone else.
Kensukei breathed in a breath of envy as he scaned the whole room, makeing sure to catch everyone utill he caught a glance of his own reflection. "What the-?" He put down his camera to take a look, but was blinded by an intense flash of light. "Ggghaaaa! My eyes! I'm blind! BLIND!!!"
"Oh my gosh, I'm soo sorry! I was only taking some pictures! I didn't mean to flash it into your face like that!" He felt someone move his hand and grabbed his face to hold open his eyes. "I think you'll be ok. Of course, I'm only guessing."
As his vision began to clear, and the red begn to fade, he saw a girl holding his face. Glasses and pigtails with a pink digital camera. "I'm very, truely sorry about that, mr..."
His face was still restrained, but he managed to say his name out load and clear. "Kensukei. Kensukei Aida..."
She smiled and let him go. "Well, I apologise, Mr. Aida for my camera. My name is Kyoko Tokiwa. I beleive you're in the class down across the hall from mine, am I right?."
{Author's note: A Cookie for anyone who can guess who I borrowed this charecter from!}
He was intriged. "Yeah, how did you know that?" She smiled at him and dumped a fat stack on the table. "I'm a photographer. I love taking pictures of anything and everything I can." He looked on and saw pictures of alot of classes he had no idea about, but it was when he saw the pictures of him and Touji running like a couple of convicts that truely caught his eye. "Hey, I remember these! This was the day Touji and I nearly killed ourselves in the science lab explo-" He caught him self just before blurting out his self-incrimination.
Kyoko laughed and handed him that picture. "Here you are. I really think you should have this. And if your not doing anything right now, I was wondering..."
'Oh god! She's gonna ask me to dance! What do I do!?!? I don't know what to say!' This was it. For the first time in Kensukei Aida's life, a girl was going to ask him-
"I was wondering if you would like to take some snap shots with me. You see, I'm the photo club preseident and I was asked by Mrs. Kaji to take some quality photos. Would you mind if you could lend me a hand?" His fists clenched with a fury unlike any other, his head lowered and deep in thought...
'Thank you, god.'
"I'd be happy to help!"
"Well, Shinji, it seems that all your friends are up and dancing about except you." Asuka teased. "I'm sure your new friend would be delighted to oblige you for a while."
Crystle looked up from the corner of her table. "Actualy, I'm going to have to leave really soon. I promised my exchange parents I would be home in time to help them get some groceries." She got up from her seat and went up to the newly weds. "I'm very sorry, but I have to go now. I left my gift on the table and I wish you two the best of luck."
Misato was crushed by this. "Oh, are you absolutly sure you can't stay a bit longer? I'm sure Shinji wanted one dance with you before today ended."
She shook her head with disapointment. "I'm sorry, but I really musnt."
Misato saw this and thats when she decided to play hard ball. "I can garentee you an A- on our next project..." Just as
she was about to turn around and leave, she glanced back over her shoulder, rather intrigued. "An A."
Misato gave her a wink as she said "deal."
"Look, now Rei and Kouru are up there," said Sinji. "They really seem to be having a good time."
Asuka rolled her eyes and thought what harm could one dance bring? "Well, since wondergirl seems to be having a great time talking to Mr. Mojo there, I guess I can-" Asuka was about to finish when Crystle came back and offered her hand to Shinji.
"Well, maybe one dance wont take too long, I suppose," she said cheerfuly.
"Sure, that would be great." Shinji accepted her hand and walked up to the dance floor, where the music began again with another slow beat. She set her hands on his shoulders, which left Shinji in a rather akward position. 'Um... where are my hands suppose to go?'
Kouru saw this and started to lead Rei and himself to him. "Psst. Ikari..."
"huh" Shinji was about to turn his head to see what he wanted.
"No! don't turn. Just listen. Put your arms around her waist."
Shinji almost stopped breathing when he heard 'waist.' "Are you serios?"
Kouru gave him a quick kick in the thigh, hoping that would make him shift into high gear. "Just do it. You'll thank me later."
From the table, Asuka was nearly foaminf at the mouth. "That... that bitch! She thinks she can out perform ME!?!?!? I swear, this isn't over..."
But as she nearly drew blood from her clenched fists, she just had an impact on reality. 'WAIT ONE DAMN SECOND!!! WARUM ZUM TEUFEL REGE ICH MICH SO VERDAMMT AUF!?!?" She began to laugh to herself and took a gulp from the glass to her left. She watched as Shinji set his hands at her waist, and Crystle rested her head on his shoulder. "Ahahahaha... Jeez, I guess Misato was right... Ich bin ein bisschen zu überfürsorglich..." She shook her head and slammed her drink on the table, breaking her wine glass. "Dear god..." She shot from her seat and ran out the doors.
Shinji just barely caught a glance and was worried. "Asuka!"
Crystle looked up from his shoulder and saw her run out as well. "I guess you have a bridesmaid to catch. You better run after her before she get too far away." Shinji nodded.
"Thank you, and I'm sorry for-"
She caught him by the lip with the tip of her finger. "Nah-uh. Just run."
To Be Continued...
Remember me? I'm sure alot of you are P.Oed for my lack of updates. Forgive me, for I just lacked the attention span for awhile and lately, I've been feeling like crap for quite some time. I'll try to follow up real soon, but please, don't demand too much from me. Thanks to my forum people at evamade.com, Puddle for the German translations, and Kaji for pre-reading. BTW, the song I borrowed is from the English version of FFX-2's '1000 words' and the charecter who I introduced Kenukei to is none other than "Full Metal Panic's Kyoko the photo freak! If you have a request or comment, I can always be reached at darkmagicianduosbcglobal.net and the same on yahoo and AIM I.M.. And visit me at my new web home at evamade.com. Look for Touji Suzuhara
Untill the next chapter, here is your quote of 'wisdom'
"Ohh really? That's funny considering all I have to do to make you obay is say the word "sit-" Whoops! Sorry about that! " Kagome Higurashi from "Inu-Yasha" (I love that word...)
