Standard Disclaimer!
Love Hina and Evangelion have owners.and they are NOT me! I wish I had the cash to say I did but I don't so.sux to be me.
Well oddly I don't have any other 'witty' banter so I'll just get to the heart of the matter. (P.S. anybody notice how my chapters keep getting longer?) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------
Out of Disaster Chapter 4- Confusion
Three weeks have passed in Tokyo-3. During that time it was quickly growing in acceptance to see the Ikari boy and the Maehara girl eating lunch together. Each day the other would bring a bento fit for two and they ate under the same tree. Most of the girls really didn't pay any mind as after three weeks the girl had yet to make a move so they still figured they had a chance.
What they didn't know was that after class Shinji would escort Shinobu to the train station. The funny thing was that every Wednesday, the same day as the initial encounter, Shinobu would always miss the first train. The first week Shinobu forgot an important textbook and had to get it. The second week Shinji had accidentally led them down the wrong street.
So on Wednesdays Shinobu was 'forced' to visit the Katsuragi apartment. They shared recipes, did their home work, and Asuka would force Shinobu to play her Game Station. The small group had a genuinely enjoyable time until Shinji would again escort Shinobu to the station. Now Asuka and Misato had their reservations about how 'accidental' these late night visits were, but kept their mouths shut.
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Wednesday had reared its head again and Shinji found himself with his bento in his lap. The classroom was unusually noisy as the students prattled on about the upcoming trip to Okinawa.
Kensuke taking the seat next to Shinji, "So are you going to go scuba diving Shinji?"
"Of coarse he is! How can he resist the chance to see all those chicks in tiny bathing suits!" Touji sang from behind as he pictured said suits.
"I don't think I'll be able to go actually," the slightly less morose pilot stated.
His friends' faces dropping in intensity a bit as they looked at him and demanded an explanation.
Trying to convey his position without to many words, "What if something happened while I was away? Who would pilot?" He decided to keep the fact he couldn't swim a secret.
Touji scratched his head, "That's true, but you don't know yet right?"
"Why worry until you know for sure right, buck up! You can see Shinobu in a bathing suit," Kensuke Added.
The image flashed in Shinji's mind resulting in a blush, "Why did you say such a thing like that! I don't want to see her in a swim suit."
Touji thought a moment, "What about Ayanami, you could see her in one."
Again a blush spouted on Shinji's face, "I.don't want to see that either."
Head shaking slowly, "You a man or what Shinji," Kensuke berated as images of scantly clad women filled his mind.then he had to put tissue to stop the blood flow.
On the other side of the room, a trio of girls were talking. More specifically, two were talking while the third was listening.
"I'm going to need to get a new swim suit for this trip!" Asuka stated elated at the idea of a nice shopping trip.
Nodding in agreement Hikari added, "We should make a day of this, I mean we leave for the trip on Friday."
The two girls then eyed Shinobu and awaited her inclusion in the conversation. Shinobu was glad to be included in the group but still didn't seem to fit in. 'What was Asuka-san thinking calling me over here.'
"Don't you wanna look good on the trip Shinobu?" Hikari prodded.
With a smirk Asuka offered, "Or look good for somebody?"
Shinobu could guess what Asuka was implying and felt her arms swaying wildly and her face increase in temperature. "Asuka-san! I don't.don't know what your talking about!"
The other two girls simply laughed at the tiny show Shinobu was giving them, and changed the subject. During the resulting conversation, Asuka got a superb idea, 'I'll call Kaji-san and ask him to take me shopping after school!"
All conversations silenced as the Sensei entered the room and class started. The lecture was the same but the attention level had dropped to a new low. Multiple IM conversations were being had and the trip was on all the students' minds. Several times class had to be stopped as an excited student overstepped their bonds while the Sensei droned on.
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The noon bell eventually rang and the pupils all dashed from the room. Shinji and Shinobu calmly meet up at their tree. Touji and Kensuke watched the pair walk off before heading to the battleground known as the cafeteria. Hikari watched Asuka scream armature hysterics over her cell phone to Kaji before they went to eat the lunch Shinji made for Asuka.
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"You think they like each other?" Touji managed to saw between bites.
Averting his eyes from the site of Touji's predigested food, "Honestly I don' know. They could just be friends."
Continuing to shovel food down his throat, "Bullshit, they eat lunch together everyday. They cook for each other. I say he likes her."
Hearing a few giggles from girls around them, "Touji, you know WE eat together everyday."
"So?"
"Think about what you just said out loud," Kensuke said as he inched further under the table.
Touji did as he was instructed and realized his error and joined Kensuke in hiding from the growing crowd of onlookers.
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"I don't know how he can cook so well," Asuka announced as she impaled another sushi roll with a chopstick.
Looking with a slight ting of envy Hikari said, "From what you said, he's been practicing a lot."
"It's a shame he can't pilot nearly as well as he can cook.only redeeming quality he has actually."
Hikari rolled her eyes as Asuka went on another 'Shinji is a wuss, pervert, and useless rant.'
When the tirade of insults towards the shy boy ended Hikari asked, "What's deal with him and Shinobu?"
Scoffing at Hikari, "How should I know what that pervert is thinking?"
Mildly confused by the constantly changing opinion Asuka had regarding Shinji she continued, "Is it true she's been over three times?"
"Keeps missing her bus on Wednesday."
'That is just to convenient.' Hikari thought, "I think she likes him."
The chopstick fell from Asuka's hand, "Hell no! She could do much better than him, next your going to tell me that Wondergirl likes him too!"
Rei, who had been listening to both the Asuka/Hikari debate and the Touji/Kensuke laugh off thought, 'is that what I am feeling regarding pilot Ikari?'
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Under their tree, Shinji and Shinobu were oblivious to the growing debate regarding their love lives. They were simply enjoying each others company and the food Shinji had prepared. The topics of conversation continually changing from current lessons, to recipes, to television shows, and all the while they both resisted the urge to ask the other about the trip.
Shinji had figured Shinobu would be attending the trip with the rest of the class, 'Who wouldn't like to go on a trip to such a place?'
Similar thoughts were shifting through Shinobu's mind. Reliving her past time in Okinawa, 'It's a beautiful part of the country if I had the money I'd go with him.'
As the lunch period waned, the duo finished the meal and made their way back to class. Shinji, like he had done everyday for the last three weeks, asked her if she wanted company for the walk to the station. Shinobu accepted in offer, but both were thinking of ways to miss the train.
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The second half of class was just as lax as the first. Two students were sent to the office for spitballs. One girl asked to be excused for personal reasons. Shinji was shocked when Asuka stood up and screamed "HELL YES!" to which she was sent to hold buckets.
After class had been released, Shinji slowly approached the still giddy 2nd child.
"Asuka, you alright?"
Stunning him with a bright smile, Asuka poked his arm, "Am I alright? I'm GREAT! I get to go on a date with Kaji-san!"
Shinji didn't know what to say, he didn't actually think Asuka's infatuation with the man was all that smart but he knew better than to tell her that.
Asuka started skipping down the aisle of chairs, "And you'll do my clean up so I can do it!"
That broke him out of his silence, "I'll do it? But.but."
Behind him, Shinobu made her presence known, "Its ok Shinji-san, I don't mind waiting."
Relieved, Shinji turn to tell Asuka he'd do it but was greeted by only an empty space. He had no choice in the matter anymore. With no alternative, and secretly happy to have something waste time, the pair cleaned the classroom together.
While wiping the chalkboard, "You don't have to help if you don't want to Shinobu."
She answered, "I want to help you," arranging the few desks.
He nodded slightly, "Thanks a lot."
Looking up at him she smiled and told him not to mention it.
The work was finished in record time as both children had practiced the cleaning arts extensively in the past. The headed to the train station afterwards, again both silently hoping to see the train had already left. It had, the time the pair spent at the school was more than adequate for the train to depart stranding Shinobu in Tokyo-3 until later in the evening.
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They arrived at the apartment after the short walk. Shinji apologized to Shinobu for again causing her to miss her train.
As she took her shoes off, "It's really ok Shinji-san, it wasn't your fault Asuka-san had a date."
"Kaji-san is about two times Asuka's age."
Shinobu's eyes widened to the size of saucers, "She's dating somebody that old!" To her surprise, the idea of dating somebody that much older than herself sounded odd to her now.
Shinji quickly admonished the idea, telling her that Kaji used to be her guardian before Misato.
Looking around the apartment, "Where is Katsuragi-san?"
Making his way into the kitchen, "She should be here. Misato-san!"
As he donned his apron and handed Shinobu hers, he found a note.
{ Dear Shinji Got word from Kaji that he's taking Asuka shopping. I got called into a meeting so I'll be late. So the house is yours and I bet Shinobu's. Don't do anything I wouldn't do. Your Loving Commanding officer Misato. }
'We're going to be alone all night,' the thought hit Shinji hard.
Noting his altered composure, "Shinji-san, what's the note say?"
"Misato's going to be at a meeting till late," his voice raspy.
"Oh that's to bad for her so." then Shinobu realized the meaning as well, ".I.guess we should get started."
She quickly covered her mouth with her hands and blushed, " I meant get everything out!" again she increased her blush and started fidgeting.
In a similar state of shock, Shinji merely nodded and pulled out the cooking implements.
The thoughts of both teens were mirrored, 'We're going to be alone all night together!'
After a period of awkwardness, the two settled down and started enjoying the solitude. Shinobu took the reigns of the lessons, and taught Shinji a few new methods of traditional cooking. Though as nobody was spying on them; they both stood a little closer together, and took a bit slower time practicing the proper handling of the food.
Uncertain of his grasp of the lesson though, Shinji told Shinobu to make a spare lunch for tomorrow, just in case his turns out bad. She didn't have any argument about cooking a lunch but claimed that she had no doubt Shinji could make it just fine on his own.
'It's like a date,' Shinobu continually thought as they set the table.
They ate at a peaceful rate and afterwards shared the chore of dishes, again standing closer than usual.
As the class trip was quickly approaching they didn't have any assigned homework to do so opted to watch a movie to pass the time. Once a channel was selected they sat rigidly next to each other.
The movie hid underlying romantic undertones that began playing on both of their teenage minds. The credits began to roll and they found themselves looking at each other. Slowly and unconsciously their heads inched closer together. At about six inches apart, Shinobu's watched began to ring signaling her time to depart.
The teens quickly stood up and fought the oncoming bout of emotions. Shinji turned the T.V. off and they headed to the station, not mentioning the near incident.
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Shinobu plodded her way towards Hinata Sou in serious contemplation. Her emotions were running rampart. She could tell she felt something for Shinji, but didn't know exactly what.
She reached the stairs that lead up to the lodge and stopped, 'do the others know anything about this?'
Her answer came in the form of cigarette smoke wafting across her vision; Haruka was standing in the doorway of the Teashop.
In her trademark position, with her arms crossed and cigarette lit, "You're late again Shinobu."
Bowing slightly she apologized for her error. When Haruka invited her in for a free drink, Shinobu realized something had happened.
Making lemon-aid for Shinobu, "What happened this time?"
Shinobu was scared, could she tell anybody about her meeting a boy and visiting his house, they'd think she had loose morals. But what could she do? She lied.
As she took the drink from her, "I keep forgetting the train schedule for today is different.'
Haruka took the seat across from Shinobu and took a drag, "I know about Shinji, Shinobu."
Shocked, Shinobu leaned back heavily in her chair. She had lied and was found out, she was sure she was in trouble. 'How did she find out, the only person that could know was Kitsune-sempai?'
Haruka looked on as Shinobu dipped her head in shame for her lie. "Don't worry, only reason I know is because Kitsune's been sampling to much of the wears during her shift."
Rising her head to look the older woman in the face, "You're not mad at me?"
"Little disappointed that you'd lie," she exhaled the building smoke, "but this must be important to you. Is it the boy?"
She realized that no lie would get her out so she told the truth. She admitted to staying at Shinji's on the days she missed the train. She told Haruka about the lunches and the talks.
A tiny smile emitted from the shop owner, "I'm glad you met somebody you like."
Waving her hands in front of her face wildly, "You've misunderstood, he's just.just a friend."
"Now you're lying to yourself. Are you going to tell me you didn't want to miss the train today like you did in the past?"
Shinobu suddenly halted all action, "I."
Letting her smile broaden, not a smirk but a genuine smile, "You like him. Just don't do something foolish now."
Her attention now fully on Haruka, "Foolish, what do you mean?"
"From what Kitsune told me, this boy is in the service. Men in love with danger will do foolish things and hurt those who love them. He won't think about the risks of things and just do it," she envisioned Seta and their past life together as she spoke.
Quick to his defense, "No no Haruka-san! Shinji-san isn't like that. He.he's gentle. He doesn't seem to want to fight."
What happened next would forever be in Shinobu's memory. The cigarette fell from Haruka's mouth. The look of pure astonishment radiating from her, "You must truly like this boy."
Taking it the wrong way, Shinobu flushed and mumbled, "What do you mean by that?"
"You defended him. You didn't take a moment of hesitation before you jumped to his aid," regaining her smile and cigarette, "Go home Shinobu- chan, before it gets much later."
Finishing her drink, Shinobu thanked her and made her way to the lodge, smiling softly to herself.
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Shutting the door and taking his shoes off, Shinji noticed Misato's shoes on the mat.
'Misato's here, maybe she can help me with this.'
As he spent more time with Shinobu, Shinji could feel a change in his feelings about her. What started as guilt, turned to friendship, and now confusion.
He found his guardian polishing off the last of the leftovers in the kitchen.
"Misato-san, can we talk?"
Looking at the new addition to the room, "Evening Shinji-kun, I take it your date went well?"
Looking at Misato in what could be called abstract terror, "Date.what date?"
Pushing the plate away, "Shinji, what you and Miss Maehara do is called a date."
Sitting down, "She just misses her train, and I let her stay until."
"Every Wednesday she misses her train, that's just to much of a coincidence."
"But it's true," he countered.
After a quick drink, "Maybe you don't want to admit you want her to come over."
'I do want her to come over.but isn't that bad?' he debated.
Misato's gaze softened to that of a mothers. "Do you like her Shinji?"
Unknown to them, Asuka was standing just outside of view. Arriving a few minutes after Shinji did, she was curious as to the conversation, 'Is he talking about me?'
Examining the pattern in the fake oak table, "I don't know."
Misato took a hold of one of his hands, "You spend time with her, and do you feel any different about her?" Inside she was dancing; she hoped Shinji liked the girl.
"I guess, when we cook together and have lunch, it's just so peaceful."
In the hall, Asuka realized the topic was Shinobu and actually increased the amount of attention she was paying.
Letting her pearly whites show Misato patted Shinji on the back, "If that's so than I say GO FOR IT!"
"Go for what?"
"The girl Shinji-kun, nothing gets done unless you try right? But just make sure you use protection. We can't have are pilots with children," her demeanor now changed to a more demonic form.
"MISATO-SAN! I.I.couldn't do such a thing!"
Bursting out from behind her hiding place, "YOU ACTUALLY LIKE SHINOBU!?"
Shinji was backed into a corner; both Misato and Asuka were pressuring him for an answer now. Misato had a sadistic glint in her eyes, and Asuka was rabid.
Finally admitting something, "I don't know.maybe."
A cheer erupted from the captain while Asuka's expression declined from livid to merely irritate.
As the air calmed down, Shinji inquired as to the nature of Misato's meeting. To Asuka's dismay, it was about an A-14 and the children's inability to go on the school trip. Asuka went on a German swearword spree as she learned that. She tried to force Misato into changing her mind. During the shift in attention, Shinji snuck off to his room and went to sleep. 'I knew I wouldn't be able to go.'
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The next day was going just as expected. Nobody was paying the sensei any attention as thoughts of fun in the sun played on their minds. Shinji held his first attempt at the new recipes in his hand waiting for the lunch bell. Uncertain of his attempt, He was glad he insisted Shinobu make a spare lunch in case his turned out poorly. 'If it's bad, at least she can eat.'
The lunch bell rang, but before Shinji could get to Shinobu he was stopped.
"Ikari-kun."
Surprised that Rei would talk to him, "Oh hello Ayanami-san, did you need anything?"
"I request your attendance during the lunch period," she said in her soft voice.
Shinji was even more surprised now; Rei had asked him to eat lunch with her. His feelings toward the 1st child were just as confusing as his feelings towards Shinobu. She saved his life, and he couldn't say she wasn't a devastatingly beautiful girl.
At times he tried to talk to her, to be her friend, but he didn't know if he got through to her. His mind clashed, his conflicting emotions running wild. So in his mind, 'It must be about that A-14 thing Misato said. I better find out.'
He nodded, "Sure Ayanami, would you meet me."
Cutting him off, "Under the tree on the west side of campus. Please come alone."
That synched it, She must be referring to Nerv business. He solemnly approached Shinobu and told her about things. Masking the disappointment, Shinobu said she'd talk to him later and watched him head off to eat with Rei.
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As he approached the surreal scene of Rei sitting under his favorite tree, he couldn't help but wonder why. Sure it could be Nerv related, but if it was why wasn't Asuka called over as well?
Taking a seat at a comfortable distance from her, he noticed she had already begun to eat.
With a slight twinge of her head, "Ikari-kun."
Feeling a tad nervous about the meeting now, he averted his eyes, "Ayanami, so.can I ask why you wanted to h.have lunch with me?"
The words felt alien to him, he had wished to spend more time with his fellow pilot, but was too nervous to ever approach her. Now that she had made the effort, he was at a loss.
Rei waited until Shinji peeked his head up to look at her and bore deeply into his eyes with her own. Her words as soft and monotone as usual but hinted at some internal conflict.
"I witnessed you and Maehara-kun partaking in this activity. You appeared to enjoy it, I wish to experience it as well."
The sheer bluntness of the statement caused Shinji to drop his opened bento on the ground, ruining the food. "You wanted to eat lunch with me.just to do it?"
Ayanami looked at the spoiled food and slid her bento closer to him, "You must eat. You may have a portion of mine. And yes I wanted to see if this act was pleasurable to me as well."
In fact it was much more for her. Ever since Shinji's act of heroism after the battle with the 5th angel, she found she was growing in appreciation of his presence. The words she heard the other day from the 2nd caused her to employ her current tactic.
Hesitant, "Are you sure you don't mind sharing. You don't seem to have enough for two, and I don't want you to go hungry."
"It is important to obtain nutrients, half a meal is better than no meal at all."
Thanking her for the extra food she was willing to part with, Shinji noticed something odd about the meal.
"You're a vegetarian?" he said with a touch more enthusiasm than he wanted.
"I dislike meat so the meals I purchase are devoid of the matter."
Trying some of the bland meal, "I could make you something.if you'd like. It would be better than this." While he was himself shocked at his offer, he realized his willingness came from his time with Shinobu.
"My meal is satisfactory," she stated coolly, after another bite though, "but the choice is yours to make."
The two continued to eat the meal Rei provided, again at first the conversation was dry and impersonal, but as time progressed Shinji found himself actually enjoying his time with the subdued girl. She was, while not outwardly showing it, greatly enjoying his company as well.
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Shinobu was lost. Since the first time she ate with Shinji, her lunches were always planned. Without her companion she didn't know what to do.
She ate her lunch alone in the classroom contemplating what to do next. She set her empty box back in her backpack. 'I wonder what Shinji-san is doing?'
"What are you doing here?"
"AH!" Shinobu squealed before she recognized Asuka's voice, "Asuka-san, did you need something?"
Reaching into her desk for her forgotten lunch, "Forgot my lunch, why aren't you with Shinji?"
"He said that Ayanami-san needed to talk to him about Nerv business," she confessed.
With a laugh, "If Wondergirl needed to talk to the pilots, why didn't she call me too?"
Shinobu's voice lost its strength at the notion, "I.don't know."
'What is that baka doing,' to Shinobu she said, "Why not go find him, or at least go for a walk or something. Don't stay in the room." After her speech Asuka headed off to find Hikari who was hopefully still holding her seat.
With nothing else to do, Shinobu followed Asuka's advice. She went for a walk around the campus. She was debating on why Shinji would say such things. 'Maybe he didn't like having lunch with me.'
Following a blind force, she made her way to her usual lunch place and found it occupied. She tried to resist the urge to spy on the two under the tree, but she failed. Her eyes darted from Shinji to Rei and back. A feeling of jealously growing, and a feeling of despair.
'He's sharing her lunch, and if what Asuka-san said was true he lied to me about the meaning.'
Unable to continue watching the two converses somewhat joyfully, Shinobu ran back towards the classroom. She was unwilling to jump to conclusions about this, but it still hurt her.
Falling heavily into her seat, she drew the attention of the returning Kensuke and Touji.
They wandered over to her, "What's wrong Shinobu?" Kensuke offered.
Noticing Shinji's friends she tried to compose herself, "Oh, nothing pay no mind."
In his characteristic brashness, Touji said, "You're lying, what happened?"
She nodded, "It's just.Shinji's eating lunch with Ayanami-san so I."
Cutting her off in mid sentence, "I kinda thought Shinji had a thing for her, didn't you Ken?" Touji stated without thought.
Kensuke had to slap his forehead for the unsubtle comments his friend was telling the shy girl that may like Shinji.
"Yeah, ever since that big floating cube thing attacked, they started acting little funnier towards each other," Touji continued.
Unable to take it anymore Kensuke acted, "SHUT UP!"
But the damage was done, Shinobu sunk further into her seat. Touji attempted to rectify his statements but Shinobu was either not believing them or ignoring the pair.
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When Shinji arrived ten minutes later, his friends assaulted him and drug him off to his chair. They drilled Shinji for the reasons behind his lunch with Rei, and had to admit Shinji was right in his earlier believes.
Shinji asked them how they knew about his change in lunch partners, and was mortified when they told him about their conversation with Shinobu.
Shinji stood up, "I have to talk to her and straighten things out."
Grasping his hand Kensuke asked, "Can't you tell her on the trip, make it more dramatic?"
Shaking his head, "No, I can't go on the trip."
In a boisterous voice, "We'll just have to have fun for the lot of you," Touji chimed in.
Shinji nodded to them but he was unable to reach his destination as his cell phone rang, Misato needed the three pilots at Nerv. 'Damn my luck.this just had to happen now!' With one look at Shinobu, finding her head plastered to her desk, he knew it was going to take some effort to tell her about what happened.
With Asuka and Rei in tow, they headed to the Geofront.
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"So in preparation for this offensive attack against the 8th angel, you three will remain at the Geofront until the operation on Saturday," Misato said finalizing her report.
Asuka was elated; she was going to be the main unit during the upcoming operation. Shinji was relieved but surprised by Misato's decision, he suspected it was going to be him. Rei was unusually quiet, even for her.
"Captain Katsuragi?"
Misato caught off guard by the sudden outburst of the 1st, "Yes Ayanami?"
"I request permission to accompany the assault force."
'She actually asked me for something, that's different, but why?' Misato pondered before answering, "Request denied, Commander Ikari insisted one unit stay behind in case of mission failure."
Now he wasn't sure of this, but Shinji could have sworn that he saw Rei grimace slightly upon her being refused, he was almost positive that her voice held agitation when she spoke.
"Understood Captain."
Saluting her subordinates, "Dismissed. Oh, Asuka and Shinji, you two made marked improvements on your grades. I was going to insist you use this extra time to study, but feel free to use the rec-room instead."
Confident and smiling, "Of coarse I've improved, don't forget who I am," Asuka said pointing her thumb to her chest.
"Hai, Misato-san," Shinji said with a returning lack of conviction. He knew why his grades improved, Shinobu. Her help had caused his grades to recover, and now things between them were unsteady.
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The remaining pre-mission time was spent relaxing or in preparation. Asuka spent a deal of time in the pool, as did Rei, while Shinji worked ahead on his homework.
A humbling episode occurred while he was studying his physics lessons, in which Asuka inquired if heating her chest would cause her bust to grow. He blushed and said he wouldn't know such things, but to Asuka's surprise Rei walked up behind her and told her the amount of heat needed to do such a feat would also melt her skin.
Asuka quickly dove back into the pool to avoid 'contamination' from the odd 1st child. Kindly thanking her for her assistance, Rei nodded to Shinji.
Her reply to his thanks was cryptic and puzzling to the 3rd.
"It is what one does. When in a group as ours it is best to stay with one's own and not allow outside collaborators."
He thanked her again as she left and found himself watching Asuka perform different scuba techniques. Not that he wanted to really, but whenever she was about to do one she would insist he watch her as she hollered out the name.
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Asuka was not enjoying this mission. First Kaji had seen her in her evil new plugsuit, her beautiful Unit-02 was in a similar state, she was hot, she was sweating, and clinging.
Over the intercom, "Just think, there's a wonderful onsen nearby, I'll have Nerv pay the bill for us to go after you finish."
"I'll remember you said that," Asuka said in her most confident voice.
On Misato's end, she sent a carrier off to make good on her offer before returning to the displays.
Descending lower and lower, losing her knife in the process, and still finding nothing, the morale was dropping. Standing near the edge of the volcano, Shinji was beyond nervous. 'Sure she's annoying as hell sometimes, but I don't want anything to happen to her.'
Just as Misato was about to abort the mission, Asuka signaled she spotted the chrysalis. Following directions, she employed the electro-magnetic cage, dropped her ballast, and began to rise to the surface.
Emergency klaxons bleared as the Angel suddenly began to mutate. Bursting out of the cage and swimming away from Unit-02, Asuka readied herself for combat. Receiving a new knife from Shinji, she struck at the approaching heavenly attacker.
Having no effect, and having a sudden revelation, a plan to destroy the creature using her coolant was formulated. Filling the creature with the extreme temperature difference the coolant offered, allowed for its destruction, but not before it cut all but one of Asuka's safety cables.
As she began to plummet into certain death, "I guess.this is it."
She wouldn't cry, yes she was going to die, but she would face her death with pride. A few regrets passed into her mind. She regretted not admitting her love to Kaji openly and her sometimes overly abusive nature towards Shinji.
As a tear finally crept its way towards her eye she felt a tremendous jerk, she had stopped. Calling up the view screen, she saw the brightly lit eyes of Unit-01. "Show off," she said in a joking tone, her face light up with a radiant smile.
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2 hours later on the steps of a lodge.
"AC-CHOO! Is it always this cold around here?" Shinji said with a sniffle.
Looking back at her fellow pilot, "It's just like with the angel, temperature difference. You went from extreme hot to cold really quick," Asuka informed the shivering male pilot.
"Let that be a punishment for disobeying orders Shinji-kun, I'm still upset you didn't ask for clearance first," Misato berated to her ward as they approached a long flight of steps.
Pointing a finger at Misato, Asuka hollered, "If he had waited I'd be dead!"
The two women continued to argue about the proper ethics of the past encounter, neither noticed how Shinji wasn't with them anymore.
Following the pleasing smell of freshly brewed tea, Shinji found himself inside a small but well furnished teashop. He was approached by a woman with short brown hair, a cigarette, and looked to be in her late 30's.
"You must be with Nerv, we were informed they'd be more of you," she said almost accusingly.
Rubbing his head under the gaze the fairly attractive woman was giving him, "Yes ma'am, I'm with Nerv. The others had some more work to do but will show up in about two hours."
The woman noticed how Shinji was looking at the tea kettle behind the counter, "Thirsty young man? I only serve customers who tell me their names."
Laughing softly at how easy to read he was, "Please, and my name is Ikari Shinji."
"Haruka," she said as she handed him a small cup of tea. 'So this is the boy Shinobu likes. He doesn't know she lives here?"
Sipping his tea, "Oishii! Thank you very much Haruka-san."
'He is very well mannered, but the look in his eyes. How much pain has this boy endured in his short life?' Haruka wondered as she made idle chatter with the boy. When she informed him the name of the onsen was Hinata she noticed his ears perk up.
Shinji recalled the header of Shinobu's train was Hinata, 'She lives in this town somewhere.' With a sneeze, Shinji made an offer to pay for the tea but was refused. He thanked her again and left to catch up with his more than slightly miffed room-mates at the gates. -------------------
The trio was greeted at the doors of the lodge by a girl with long light brown hair.
She introduced herself, "Welcome to the Hinata all girls dorm, my name is Naru Narasagawa," She stressed 'all girls' dorm' and sneered at Shinji suspecting
Slack jawed, Misato stammered, "All girls dorm you said?" in her mind she was cursing at Mokoto for setting up this trip in such a bad place.
"Yes, but with the money you people were willing to pay, we made an exception today. We even put up a divider in the onsen for you," Naru informed the guests as they followed her. "BUT if any MALE does attempt to breech the divider, security will be called and said intruder will be expelled, with force."
Taking the cruel glint in the woman's eyes as a sign, Shinji gulped and attempted to blend into the wall.
Looking at the spacious and quaint lodge, Asuka asked, "So a lot of people live here?"
"We have a select number of people living under this roof, yes" she said with a smile as she referred to her pseudo family.
Naru informed the Nerv staff of the history of the lodge and a few tales of the exploits she had while living there. They arrived at the changing room and Naru told them about which side was to be used by which sex. Eyeing Shinji, she stressed again that no peeping will be tolerated. -----------------
"Should I tell her or not?" Kitsune debated. She just received a call from Haruka about Shinobu's friend being there.
Seeing the dazed look on her friends face, Naru approached her, "What's got you so spaced out? Was it the phone call?"
Regaining her normal composure, "It was just Haruka asking if I could fill in for her tomarow."
That was nothing new so Naru brushed it off, changing the subject, "You notice something odd about Shinobu lately?"
"Odd how?" Kitsune asked while thinking, 'Before Thursday or after.'
Checking to see if they were being listened too, "She was so depressed about a month ago, then she was happy, but now she just sits off and stares at the wall."
"You'd have to ask Shinobu I guess."
"Ask me what Kitsune-sempai?" Shinobu asked as she entered the room.
Trying to cover up their conversation, Naru said, "If you'd help her check on those city people in the onsen. You know how those types tend to overstay themselves and get dehydrated."
A tad surprised, "We have guests?"
'That's an understatement," Kitsune reasoned, "Yeah, it's actually a split party, and they have a male guest with them."
Blushing quickly and shaking her head, "I don't want to check on a guy in the onsen!"
That statement made Naru smile, "You're a smart girl, men are all perverts.even mine."
While Shinobu didn't fully agree with Naru's rather brash opinion she nodded while Naru continued.
"No, you'll be checking on the female guests and Kitsune would check on the male."
'I hate it when Naru lies! I always get the odd jobs.' Grabbing a few bottles of milk for their well paying guests, Kitsune lead the way.
"What's bothering you shrimp? You seem depressed again."
Following in step with the older woman, "It's nothing really; just Shinji- san ate lunch with another girl and was called away. I could talk to him about it."
'You'll get your chance once he gets out.if I don't kill him first.' Kitsune didn't like the idea of this boy, important or not, using Shinobu for sport.
Outside the changing room, Kitsune and Shinobu split up to tend to the guests. Kitsune suspected that once Shinobu saw the ladies her Shinji lived with in the onsen, she'd realize who was in the male half. She just hoped that Shinji had enough modesty to wear a towel. 'I do NOT want to see a naked fourteen year old.'
-----------------
Taking a deep breath, Kitsune drew the curtain to the male half of the onsen and walked in.
"Hinata lodges best service is at your disposal!" She announced with her eyes looking skyward.
"AH great, I was starting to get thirsty!"
'That voice.either Shinji has a very high pitched voice or.' Looking at the source of the voice, Kitsune spotted to towel clad women.
Screaming, "W...what are you doing on the male side!"
Taking a bottle from her hand Misato looked surprised, "Narasagawa told us that this WAS the female side."
Asuka pitched in, "Well at least you checked on us first right, didn't have to see Shin-baka in the buff."
"That's for sure. Shinji would die of embarrassment if you saw him, "Misato said with a chuckle.
Before Kitsune could reply a scream was heard, "OH SHIT SHINOBU!"
Rushing over at the panicked scream, Kitsune suspected that her young friend got an eye full. 'If he did anything to her.heaven help him when Motoko finds him.'
Again Shinobu's cry pierces the late afternoon air.
Entering the true male half, Kitsune found Shinobu hunched over by the unconscious form of a boy.
Tear stricken, "Kitsune-sempai you have to help him!"
She was totally confused, "Help him, what happened in here?"
As Shinobu started to tell her about what she found, Misato and Asuka joined them.
Still frantic, "I.I came in and.found him face down in the onsen, help him!"
Misato rushed to his side, pushing both Shinobu and Kitsune out of her way and administered CPR. Asuka made a discrete exit upon noticing Shinji's lack of dress.
Spitting out the lung full of water, Misato reclined from her position atop of Shinji. She was a bit distraught because he didn't regain consciousness.
"Give me that towel!" she ordered.
Kitsune scowled at the rude woman who threw her and Shinobu, but figured she had some just cause. Handing her the towel which was draped over Shinji's form, Misato felt his forehead.
Addressing Kitsune more formally, "He has a bad fever; do you have a spare bed I can put him in?"
--------------
When Ritsuko arrived later that afternoon, she was quickly rushed to the young Ikari's side.
Finding Shinobu sitting at his side, she quickly diagnosed the cause of Shinji's ailment.
"Is it serious Ritsu?" Misato asked from her view on Shinji's side.
Smiling softly at her worried drinking buddy, "It's just a normal fever. His body went into a mild state of shock. From what you told me, going from the extreme heat of the volcano with no protection, to the cold air in this region, and back into the hot spring caused his fainting spell."
Taking her eyes off her sleeping friend, "But he'll be ok right Miss?"
"With a good nights rest he'll be fine."
"He can stay here then.you shouldn't move him if he's sick!" Shinobu almost pleaded.
With more than her normal amount of doubt, "I don't think that's very wise, just leaving him."
"I'll stay too, if that's alright with the faculty here," Misato said while looking at Shinji's chest slowly rise and fall.
The combined effort was enough to cause the doctor to relent and allow Shinji to stay until the morning. Ritsuko offered to take Asuka back to Tokyo-3 and stay with her until Misato's return.
--------------
"What.were am I?" Shinji spoke into the void that surrounded him.
His environment began to shift around him. Shapes began to form then dissipate. People passed him and he slowly became accustom to the altering reality before him.
Suddenly the pulsating reality around him began to slow and take a permanent shape, he was lying on his futon, just as he had about a month ago.
He could hear Asuka in the bathroom exactly like before, he shut his eyes and a few moments later felt her plop down beside him. Opening his eyes he still marveled at her beauty.
Knowing now what he did however, he didn't try to kiss her. He wiped the tear out of her eye as she softly called out to her mother and placed the blanket on her.
'This time.I did the right thing,' he thought with a smile. To his shock Asuka sat up and stared right at him.
Rubbing her eyes softly with the back of her hand, "Thank you, baka." Her soft voice echoing in Shinji's mind long after she had laid back down and fell back asleep.
Before he could react his vision was filled with a bright light as reality began to alter once again. His mind futilely tried to make sense of the current events, but failed.
The alterations slowly subsided and he was sitting in a Nerv brig, Misato bearing down on him.
In full voice she bellowed, "What were you doing disobeying my orders like that!"
Uncertain of what had happened or how he was now facing his guardian he apologized.
Misato again berated him for his careless actions while fighting the 4th angel.
It struck Shinji like a thunderbolt; he was talking to Misato about events from months past.
"I.I did it because I didn't care.didn't care if I died," he admitted for the first time.
"Didn't care! With that attitude why are you piloting?" Misato's voice lowering in intensity.
Thinking about his response carefully, and remembering the events and why he did stay. "I wanted to see how you would react.if you cared."
The look on the captain's face was unreadable at first, but as the minutes spent in silence past it softened to a smile. "You could have found a better way of asking me that Shinji-kun."
"I'm sorr." his words died in his mouth as reality again began to shift and alter itself.
He saw himself rescuing Rei from the entry-plug after the defeat of the 5th. He saw a brown haired woman in a familiar plugsuit. His mind was accosted with odd and bizarre imagery. Old memories of things he wished he could have said or things he would have rather done. Each memory that passed his eyes was a regret he had in his life.
Just as he felt he could take no more of it, he found himself standing in his classroom looking at Shinobu's head against her desk.
He felt the gaze of Asuka and Rei upon him, but he walked over towards her regardless.
"Shin.Shinobu?" he called out to her.
Her response was silence, she didn't even move at his call.
Perplexed by this whole ordeal, Shinji raked his hands across his head, 'what is going on.am I dead? Dreaming? Something else?'
After a few more moments of silence he spoke again, uncaring if it were a mere phantasm, "I want to apologize. Touji and Kensuke told me you oversaw my lunch with Ayanami."
Shinobu's form neither reacted nor responded in any form to Shinji's words but he pressed on.
"I thought it was work related when she asked me. If I had known what she had in mind things wouldn't have been that way. I don't like seeing you sad.talk to me.please?"
Asuka and Rei began to become irritated, they had a job to do and insisted Shinji hurry.
"I have to go.but I want you to know I think I like you.I don't know for sure but I really think I might."
His words said found himself surrounded by darkness, unchanging darkness.
---------------------------
Shinji had no way of knowing that in his fever dream, he was speaking out loud. Bits and pieces of his conversation making their way into the real world.
Taking Misato's place by Shinji's side, as she needed to visit the water closet, Shinobu was listening, and listening intently.
Squeezing Shinji's hand softly, "Apology accepted Shinji-san.apology accepted" she said softly.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------
Author Notes
The end.well when people have fever dreams they DO speak in real life. Often saying things they wouldn't say in real life. Mostly because they don't realize that what is going on in their head is really happening.
My longest chapter to date to :) I'm happy bout that! Hope you like this. Well up next is a mst.if I can find the CoaEG website is back up.
Thanks again to Golden Kitsune for excelling suggestions on how to fix things up in this chapter.
I'm also divided, I have two possible ways to take this story, one is fairly dramatic and less dark, while the second is to descend into a more complex darker storyline.both are open but I'm leaning towards a particular one.just have to wait and see I guess.
Ja-mata
Zentrodie (Zentrodie@secondimpact.com www.geocities.com/zentrodie.geo)
It's OMAKE TIME!!
Looking around the apartment, "Where is Katsuragi-san?"
Making his way into the kitchen, "She should be here. Misato-san!"
As he donned his apron and handed Shinobu hers, he found a note.
{ Dear Shinji Got word from Kaji that he's taking Asuka shopping. I got called into a meeting so I'll be late. So the house is yours and I bet Shinobu's. Don't do anything I wouldn't do. Your Loving Commanding officer Misato. }
'We're going to be alone all night,' the thought hit Shinji hard.
"Shinji-san, what does the note say?" Shinobu asked meekly.
Blushing softly, "Well basically we're alone all night. Misato's at a meeting."
Sliding closer to Shinji, Shinobu smiled softly, "Bout time they gave us some private time."
Startled, he inched back towards the cabinets, "Shinobu?"
Encircling his waist with her hands, "Oh don't be so coy Shinji-san."
Blushing softly, "You mean.?"
Letting him go she turned around and sauntered out of the kitchen, "Why don't you show me your room.then Asuka-san's room.then Misato-san's room."
Dropping the note to the floor, Shinji suddenly found himself hoping Misato had many more meetings, as he followed Shinobu to his room.
--------------
Walking into her room, Misato dropped her beer can. "WHAT THE HELL IS ALL THIS STUFF ON MY BED!"
Her bed was covered with an odd assortment of food products and cooking implements.
"Guess they tried a different approach today."
Love Hina and Evangelion have owners.and they are NOT me! I wish I had the cash to say I did but I don't so.sux to be me.
Well oddly I don't have any other 'witty' banter so I'll just get to the heart of the matter. (P.S. anybody notice how my chapters keep getting longer?) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------
Out of Disaster Chapter 4- Confusion
Three weeks have passed in Tokyo-3. During that time it was quickly growing in acceptance to see the Ikari boy and the Maehara girl eating lunch together. Each day the other would bring a bento fit for two and they ate under the same tree. Most of the girls really didn't pay any mind as after three weeks the girl had yet to make a move so they still figured they had a chance.
What they didn't know was that after class Shinji would escort Shinobu to the train station. The funny thing was that every Wednesday, the same day as the initial encounter, Shinobu would always miss the first train. The first week Shinobu forgot an important textbook and had to get it. The second week Shinji had accidentally led them down the wrong street.
So on Wednesdays Shinobu was 'forced' to visit the Katsuragi apartment. They shared recipes, did their home work, and Asuka would force Shinobu to play her Game Station. The small group had a genuinely enjoyable time until Shinji would again escort Shinobu to the station. Now Asuka and Misato had their reservations about how 'accidental' these late night visits were, but kept their mouths shut.
------------------
Wednesday had reared its head again and Shinji found himself with his bento in his lap. The classroom was unusually noisy as the students prattled on about the upcoming trip to Okinawa.
Kensuke taking the seat next to Shinji, "So are you going to go scuba diving Shinji?"
"Of coarse he is! How can he resist the chance to see all those chicks in tiny bathing suits!" Touji sang from behind as he pictured said suits.
"I don't think I'll be able to go actually," the slightly less morose pilot stated.
His friends' faces dropping in intensity a bit as they looked at him and demanded an explanation.
Trying to convey his position without to many words, "What if something happened while I was away? Who would pilot?" He decided to keep the fact he couldn't swim a secret.
Touji scratched his head, "That's true, but you don't know yet right?"
"Why worry until you know for sure right, buck up! You can see Shinobu in a bathing suit," Kensuke Added.
The image flashed in Shinji's mind resulting in a blush, "Why did you say such a thing like that! I don't want to see her in a swim suit."
Touji thought a moment, "What about Ayanami, you could see her in one."
Again a blush spouted on Shinji's face, "I.don't want to see that either."
Head shaking slowly, "You a man or what Shinji," Kensuke berated as images of scantly clad women filled his mind.then he had to put tissue to stop the blood flow.
On the other side of the room, a trio of girls were talking. More specifically, two were talking while the third was listening.
"I'm going to need to get a new swim suit for this trip!" Asuka stated elated at the idea of a nice shopping trip.
Nodding in agreement Hikari added, "We should make a day of this, I mean we leave for the trip on Friday."
The two girls then eyed Shinobu and awaited her inclusion in the conversation. Shinobu was glad to be included in the group but still didn't seem to fit in. 'What was Asuka-san thinking calling me over here.'
"Don't you wanna look good on the trip Shinobu?" Hikari prodded.
With a smirk Asuka offered, "Or look good for somebody?"
Shinobu could guess what Asuka was implying and felt her arms swaying wildly and her face increase in temperature. "Asuka-san! I don't.don't know what your talking about!"
The other two girls simply laughed at the tiny show Shinobu was giving them, and changed the subject. During the resulting conversation, Asuka got a superb idea, 'I'll call Kaji-san and ask him to take me shopping after school!"
All conversations silenced as the Sensei entered the room and class started. The lecture was the same but the attention level had dropped to a new low. Multiple IM conversations were being had and the trip was on all the students' minds. Several times class had to be stopped as an excited student overstepped their bonds while the Sensei droned on.
------------------
The noon bell eventually rang and the pupils all dashed from the room. Shinji and Shinobu calmly meet up at their tree. Touji and Kensuke watched the pair walk off before heading to the battleground known as the cafeteria. Hikari watched Asuka scream armature hysterics over her cell phone to Kaji before they went to eat the lunch Shinji made for Asuka.
--------------------
"You think they like each other?" Touji managed to saw between bites.
Averting his eyes from the site of Touji's predigested food, "Honestly I don' know. They could just be friends."
Continuing to shovel food down his throat, "Bullshit, they eat lunch together everyday. They cook for each other. I say he likes her."
Hearing a few giggles from girls around them, "Touji, you know WE eat together everyday."
"So?"
"Think about what you just said out loud," Kensuke said as he inched further under the table.
Touji did as he was instructed and realized his error and joined Kensuke in hiding from the growing crowd of onlookers.
----------------
"I don't know how he can cook so well," Asuka announced as she impaled another sushi roll with a chopstick.
Looking with a slight ting of envy Hikari said, "From what you said, he's been practicing a lot."
"It's a shame he can't pilot nearly as well as he can cook.only redeeming quality he has actually."
Hikari rolled her eyes as Asuka went on another 'Shinji is a wuss, pervert, and useless rant.'
When the tirade of insults towards the shy boy ended Hikari asked, "What's deal with him and Shinobu?"
Scoffing at Hikari, "How should I know what that pervert is thinking?"
Mildly confused by the constantly changing opinion Asuka had regarding Shinji she continued, "Is it true she's been over three times?"
"Keeps missing her bus on Wednesday."
'That is just to convenient.' Hikari thought, "I think she likes him."
The chopstick fell from Asuka's hand, "Hell no! She could do much better than him, next your going to tell me that Wondergirl likes him too!"
Rei, who had been listening to both the Asuka/Hikari debate and the Touji/Kensuke laugh off thought, 'is that what I am feeling regarding pilot Ikari?'
--------------------
Under their tree, Shinji and Shinobu were oblivious to the growing debate regarding their love lives. They were simply enjoying each others company and the food Shinji had prepared. The topics of conversation continually changing from current lessons, to recipes, to television shows, and all the while they both resisted the urge to ask the other about the trip.
Shinji had figured Shinobu would be attending the trip with the rest of the class, 'Who wouldn't like to go on a trip to such a place?'
Similar thoughts were shifting through Shinobu's mind. Reliving her past time in Okinawa, 'It's a beautiful part of the country if I had the money I'd go with him.'
As the lunch period waned, the duo finished the meal and made their way back to class. Shinji, like he had done everyday for the last three weeks, asked her if she wanted company for the walk to the station. Shinobu accepted in offer, but both were thinking of ways to miss the train.
-----------------
The second half of class was just as lax as the first. Two students were sent to the office for spitballs. One girl asked to be excused for personal reasons. Shinji was shocked when Asuka stood up and screamed "HELL YES!" to which she was sent to hold buckets.
After class had been released, Shinji slowly approached the still giddy 2nd child.
"Asuka, you alright?"
Stunning him with a bright smile, Asuka poked his arm, "Am I alright? I'm GREAT! I get to go on a date with Kaji-san!"
Shinji didn't know what to say, he didn't actually think Asuka's infatuation with the man was all that smart but he knew better than to tell her that.
Asuka started skipping down the aisle of chairs, "And you'll do my clean up so I can do it!"
That broke him out of his silence, "I'll do it? But.but."
Behind him, Shinobu made her presence known, "Its ok Shinji-san, I don't mind waiting."
Relieved, Shinji turn to tell Asuka he'd do it but was greeted by only an empty space. He had no choice in the matter anymore. With no alternative, and secretly happy to have something waste time, the pair cleaned the classroom together.
While wiping the chalkboard, "You don't have to help if you don't want to Shinobu."
She answered, "I want to help you," arranging the few desks.
He nodded slightly, "Thanks a lot."
Looking up at him she smiled and told him not to mention it.
The work was finished in record time as both children had practiced the cleaning arts extensively in the past. The headed to the train station afterwards, again both silently hoping to see the train had already left. It had, the time the pair spent at the school was more than adequate for the train to depart stranding Shinobu in Tokyo-3 until later in the evening.
---------------------
They arrived at the apartment after the short walk. Shinji apologized to Shinobu for again causing her to miss her train.
As she took her shoes off, "It's really ok Shinji-san, it wasn't your fault Asuka-san had a date."
"Kaji-san is about two times Asuka's age."
Shinobu's eyes widened to the size of saucers, "She's dating somebody that old!" To her surprise, the idea of dating somebody that much older than herself sounded odd to her now.
Shinji quickly admonished the idea, telling her that Kaji used to be her guardian before Misato.
Looking around the apartment, "Where is Katsuragi-san?"
Making his way into the kitchen, "She should be here. Misato-san!"
As he donned his apron and handed Shinobu hers, he found a note.
{ Dear Shinji Got word from Kaji that he's taking Asuka shopping. I got called into a meeting so I'll be late. So the house is yours and I bet Shinobu's. Don't do anything I wouldn't do. Your Loving Commanding officer Misato. }
'We're going to be alone all night,' the thought hit Shinji hard.
Noting his altered composure, "Shinji-san, what's the note say?"
"Misato's going to be at a meeting till late," his voice raspy.
"Oh that's to bad for her so." then Shinobu realized the meaning as well, ".I.guess we should get started."
She quickly covered her mouth with her hands and blushed, " I meant get everything out!" again she increased her blush and started fidgeting.
In a similar state of shock, Shinji merely nodded and pulled out the cooking implements.
The thoughts of both teens were mirrored, 'We're going to be alone all night together!'
After a period of awkwardness, the two settled down and started enjoying the solitude. Shinobu took the reigns of the lessons, and taught Shinji a few new methods of traditional cooking. Though as nobody was spying on them; they both stood a little closer together, and took a bit slower time practicing the proper handling of the food.
Uncertain of his grasp of the lesson though, Shinji told Shinobu to make a spare lunch for tomorrow, just in case his turns out bad. She didn't have any argument about cooking a lunch but claimed that she had no doubt Shinji could make it just fine on his own.
'It's like a date,' Shinobu continually thought as they set the table.
They ate at a peaceful rate and afterwards shared the chore of dishes, again standing closer than usual.
As the class trip was quickly approaching they didn't have any assigned homework to do so opted to watch a movie to pass the time. Once a channel was selected they sat rigidly next to each other.
The movie hid underlying romantic undertones that began playing on both of their teenage minds. The credits began to roll and they found themselves looking at each other. Slowly and unconsciously their heads inched closer together. At about six inches apart, Shinobu's watched began to ring signaling her time to depart.
The teens quickly stood up and fought the oncoming bout of emotions. Shinji turned the T.V. off and they headed to the station, not mentioning the near incident.
-----------------------
Shinobu plodded her way towards Hinata Sou in serious contemplation. Her emotions were running rampart. She could tell she felt something for Shinji, but didn't know exactly what.
She reached the stairs that lead up to the lodge and stopped, 'do the others know anything about this?'
Her answer came in the form of cigarette smoke wafting across her vision; Haruka was standing in the doorway of the Teashop.
In her trademark position, with her arms crossed and cigarette lit, "You're late again Shinobu."
Bowing slightly she apologized for her error. When Haruka invited her in for a free drink, Shinobu realized something had happened.
Making lemon-aid for Shinobu, "What happened this time?"
Shinobu was scared, could she tell anybody about her meeting a boy and visiting his house, they'd think she had loose morals. But what could she do? She lied.
As she took the drink from her, "I keep forgetting the train schedule for today is different.'
Haruka took the seat across from Shinobu and took a drag, "I know about Shinji, Shinobu."
Shocked, Shinobu leaned back heavily in her chair. She had lied and was found out, she was sure she was in trouble. 'How did she find out, the only person that could know was Kitsune-sempai?'
Haruka looked on as Shinobu dipped her head in shame for her lie. "Don't worry, only reason I know is because Kitsune's been sampling to much of the wears during her shift."
Rising her head to look the older woman in the face, "You're not mad at me?"
"Little disappointed that you'd lie," she exhaled the building smoke, "but this must be important to you. Is it the boy?"
She realized that no lie would get her out so she told the truth. She admitted to staying at Shinji's on the days she missed the train. She told Haruka about the lunches and the talks.
A tiny smile emitted from the shop owner, "I'm glad you met somebody you like."
Waving her hands in front of her face wildly, "You've misunderstood, he's just.just a friend."
"Now you're lying to yourself. Are you going to tell me you didn't want to miss the train today like you did in the past?"
Shinobu suddenly halted all action, "I."
Letting her smile broaden, not a smirk but a genuine smile, "You like him. Just don't do something foolish now."
Her attention now fully on Haruka, "Foolish, what do you mean?"
"From what Kitsune told me, this boy is in the service. Men in love with danger will do foolish things and hurt those who love them. He won't think about the risks of things and just do it," she envisioned Seta and their past life together as she spoke.
Quick to his defense, "No no Haruka-san! Shinji-san isn't like that. He.he's gentle. He doesn't seem to want to fight."
What happened next would forever be in Shinobu's memory. The cigarette fell from Haruka's mouth. The look of pure astonishment radiating from her, "You must truly like this boy."
Taking it the wrong way, Shinobu flushed and mumbled, "What do you mean by that?"
"You defended him. You didn't take a moment of hesitation before you jumped to his aid," regaining her smile and cigarette, "Go home Shinobu- chan, before it gets much later."
Finishing her drink, Shinobu thanked her and made her way to the lodge, smiling softly to herself.
--------------------
Shutting the door and taking his shoes off, Shinji noticed Misato's shoes on the mat.
'Misato's here, maybe she can help me with this.'
As he spent more time with Shinobu, Shinji could feel a change in his feelings about her. What started as guilt, turned to friendship, and now confusion.
He found his guardian polishing off the last of the leftovers in the kitchen.
"Misato-san, can we talk?"
Looking at the new addition to the room, "Evening Shinji-kun, I take it your date went well?"
Looking at Misato in what could be called abstract terror, "Date.what date?"
Pushing the plate away, "Shinji, what you and Miss Maehara do is called a date."
Sitting down, "She just misses her train, and I let her stay until."
"Every Wednesday she misses her train, that's just to much of a coincidence."
"But it's true," he countered.
After a quick drink, "Maybe you don't want to admit you want her to come over."
'I do want her to come over.but isn't that bad?' he debated.
Misato's gaze softened to that of a mothers. "Do you like her Shinji?"
Unknown to them, Asuka was standing just outside of view. Arriving a few minutes after Shinji did, she was curious as to the conversation, 'Is he talking about me?'
Examining the pattern in the fake oak table, "I don't know."
Misato took a hold of one of his hands, "You spend time with her, and do you feel any different about her?" Inside she was dancing; she hoped Shinji liked the girl.
"I guess, when we cook together and have lunch, it's just so peaceful."
In the hall, Asuka realized the topic was Shinobu and actually increased the amount of attention she was paying.
Letting her pearly whites show Misato patted Shinji on the back, "If that's so than I say GO FOR IT!"
"Go for what?"
"The girl Shinji-kun, nothing gets done unless you try right? But just make sure you use protection. We can't have are pilots with children," her demeanor now changed to a more demonic form.
"MISATO-SAN! I.I.couldn't do such a thing!"
Bursting out from behind her hiding place, "YOU ACTUALLY LIKE SHINOBU!?"
Shinji was backed into a corner; both Misato and Asuka were pressuring him for an answer now. Misato had a sadistic glint in her eyes, and Asuka was rabid.
Finally admitting something, "I don't know.maybe."
A cheer erupted from the captain while Asuka's expression declined from livid to merely irritate.
As the air calmed down, Shinji inquired as to the nature of Misato's meeting. To Asuka's dismay, it was about an A-14 and the children's inability to go on the school trip. Asuka went on a German swearword spree as she learned that. She tried to force Misato into changing her mind. During the shift in attention, Shinji snuck off to his room and went to sleep. 'I knew I wouldn't be able to go.'
---------------------------
The next day was going just as expected. Nobody was paying the sensei any attention as thoughts of fun in the sun played on their minds. Shinji held his first attempt at the new recipes in his hand waiting for the lunch bell. Uncertain of his attempt, He was glad he insisted Shinobu make a spare lunch in case his turned out poorly. 'If it's bad, at least she can eat.'
The lunch bell rang, but before Shinji could get to Shinobu he was stopped.
"Ikari-kun."
Surprised that Rei would talk to him, "Oh hello Ayanami-san, did you need anything?"
"I request your attendance during the lunch period," she said in her soft voice.
Shinji was even more surprised now; Rei had asked him to eat lunch with her. His feelings toward the 1st child were just as confusing as his feelings towards Shinobu. She saved his life, and he couldn't say she wasn't a devastatingly beautiful girl.
At times he tried to talk to her, to be her friend, but he didn't know if he got through to her. His mind clashed, his conflicting emotions running wild. So in his mind, 'It must be about that A-14 thing Misato said. I better find out.'
He nodded, "Sure Ayanami, would you meet me."
Cutting him off, "Under the tree on the west side of campus. Please come alone."
That synched it, She must be referring to Nerv business. He solemnly approached Shinobu and told her about things. Masking the disappointment, Shinobu said she'd talk to him later and watched him head off to eat with Rei.
-----------------
As he approached the surreal scene of Rei sitting under his favorite tree, he couldn't help but wonder why. Sure it could be Nerv related, but if it was why wasn't Asuka called over as well?
Taking a seat at a comfortable distance from her, he noticed she had already begun to eat.
With a slight twinge of her head, "Ikari-kun."
Feeling a tad nervous about the meeting now, he averted his eyes, "Ayanami, so.can I ask why you wanted to h.have lunch with me?"
The words felt alien to him, he had wished to spend more time with his fellow pilot, but was too nervous to ever approach her. Now that she had made the effort, he was at a loss.
Rei waited until Shinji peeked his head up to look at her and bore deeply into his eyes with her own. Her words as soft and monotone as usual but hinted at some internal conflict.
"I witnessed you and Maehara-kun partaking in this activity. You appeared to enjoy it, I wish to experience it as well."
The sheer bluntness of the statement caused Shinji to drop his opened bento on the ground, ruining the food. "You wanted to eat lunch with me.just to do it?"
Ayanami looked at the spoiled food and slid her bento closer to him, "You must eat. You may have a portion of mine. And yes I wanted to see if this act was pleasurable to me as well."
In fact it was much more for her. Ever since Shinji's act of heroism after the battle with the 5th angel, she found she was growing in appreciation of his presence. The words she heard the other day from the 2nd caused her to employ her current tactic.
Hesitant, "Are you sure you don't mind sharing. You don't seem to have enough for two, and I don't want you to go hungry."
"It is important to obtain nutrients, half a meal is better than no meal at all."
Thanking her for the extra food she was willing to part with, Shinji noticed something odd about the meal.
"You're a vegetarian?" he said with a touch more enthusiasm than he wanted.
"I dislike meat so the meals I purchase are devoid of the matter."
Trying some of the bland meal, "I could make you something.if you'd like. It would be better than this." While he was himself shocked at his offer, he realized his willingness came from his time with Shinobu.
"My meal is satisfactory," she stated coolly, after another bite though, "but the choice is yours to make."
The two continued to eat the meal Rei provided, again at first the conversation was dry and impersonal, but as time progressed Shinji found himself actually enjoying his time with the subdued girl. She was, while not outwardly showing it, greatly enjoying his company as well.
-----------------
Shinobu was lost. Since the first time she ate with Shinji, her lunches were always planned. Without her companion she didn't know what to do.
She ate her lunch alone in the classroom contemplating what to do next. She set her empty box back in her backpack. 'I wonder what Shinji-san is doing?'
"What are you doing here?"
"AH!" Shinobu squealed before she recognized Asuka's voice, "Asuka-san, did you need something?"
Reaching into her desk for her forgotten lunch, "Forgot my lunch, why aren't you with Shinji?"
"He said that Ayanami-san needed to talk to him about Nerv business," she confessed.
With a laugh, "If Wondergirl needed to talk to the pilots, why didn't she call me too?"
Shinobu's voice lost its strength at the notion, "I.don't know."
'What is that baka doing,' to Shinobu she said, "Why not go find him, or at least go for a walk or something. Don't stay in the room." After her speech Asuka headed off to find Hikari who was hopefully still holding her seat.
With nothing else to do, Shinobu followed Asuka's advice. She went for a walk around the campus. She was debating on why Shinji would say such things. 'Maybe he didn't like having lunch with me.'
Following a blind force, she made her way to her usual lunch place and found it occupied. She tried to resist the urge to spy on the two under the tree, but she failed. Her eyes darted from Shinji to Rei and back. A feeling of jealously growing, and a feeling of despair.
'He's sharing her lunch, and if what Asuka-san said was true he lied to me about the meaning.'
Unable to continue watching the two converses somewhat joyfully, Shinobu ran back towards the classroom. She was unwilling to jump to conclusions about this, but it still hurt her.
Falling heavily into her seat, she drew the attention of the returning Kensuke and Touji.
They wandered over to her, "What's wrong Shinobu?" Kensuke offered.
Noticing Shinji's friends she tried to compose herself, "Oh, nothing pay no mind."
In his characteristic brashness, Touji said, "You're lying, what happened?"
She nodded, "It's just.Shinji's eating lunch with Ayanami-san so I."
Cutting her off in mid sentence, "I kinda thought Shinji had a thing for her, didn't you Ken?" Touji stated without thought.
Kensuke had to slap his forehead for the unsubtle comments his friend was telling the shy girl that may like Shinji.
"Yeah, ever since that big floating cube thing attacked, they started acting little funnier towards each other," Touji continued.
Unable to take it anymore Kensuke acted, "SHUT UP!"
But the damage was done, Shinobu sunk further into her seat. Touji attempted to rectify his statements but Shinobu was either not believing them or ignoring the pair.
----------------------
When Shinji arrived ten minutes later, his friends assaulted him and drug him off to his chair. They drilled Shinji for the reasons behind his lunch with Rei, and had to admit Shinji was right in his earlier believes.
Shinji asked them how they knew about his change in lunch partners, and was mortified when they told him about their conversation with Shinobu.
Shinji stood up, "I have to talk to her and straighten things out."
Grasping his hand Kensuke asked, "Can't you tell her on the trip, make it more dramatic?"
Shaking his head, "No, I can't go on the trip."
In a boisterous voice, "We'll just have to have fun for the lot of you," Touji chimed in.
Shinji nodded to them but he was unable to reach his destination as his cell phone rang, Misato needed the three pilots at Nerv. 'Damn my luck.this just had to happen now!' With one look at Shinobu, finding her head plastered to her desk, he knew it was going to take some effort to tell her about what happened.
With Asuka and Rei in tow, they headed to the Geofront.
------------------------
"So in preparation for this offensive attack against the 8th angel, you three will remain at the Geofront until the operation on Saturday," Misato said finalizing her report.
Asuka was elated; she was going to be the main unit during the upcoming operation. Shinji was relieved but surprised by Misato's decision, he suspected it was going to be him. Rei was unusually quiet, even for her.
"Captain Katsuragi?"
Misato caught off guard by the sudden outburst of the 1st, "Yes Ayanami?"
"I request permission to accompany the assault force."
'She actually asked me for something, that's different, but why?' Misato pondered before answering, "Request denied, Commander Ikari insisted one unit stay behind in case of mission failure."
Now he wasn't sure of this, but Shinji could have sworn that he saw Rei grimace slightly upon her being refused, he was almost positive that her voice held agitation when she spoke.
"Understood Captain."
Saluting her subordinates, "Dismissed. Oh, Asuka and Shinji, you two made marked improvements on your grades. I was going to insist you use this extra time to study, but feel free to use the rec-room instead."
Confident and smiling, "Of coarse I've improved, don't forget who I am," Asuka said pointing her thumb to her chest.
"Hai, Misato-san," Shinji said with a returning lack of conviction. He knew why his grades improved, Shinobu. Her help had caused his grades to recover, and now things between them were unsteady.
------------------
The remaining pre-mission time was spent relaxing or in preparation. Asuka spent a deal of time in the pool, as did Rei, while Shinji worked ahead on his homework.
A humbling episode occurred while he was studying his physics lessons, in which Asuka inquired if heating her chest would cause her bust to grow. He blushed and said he wouldn't know such things, but to Asuka's surprise Rei walked up behind her and told her the amount of heat needed to do such a feat would also melt her skin.
Asuka quickly dove back into the pool to avoid 'contamination' from the odd 1st child. Kindly thanking her for her assistance, Rei nodded to Shinji.
Her reply to his thanks was cryptic and puzzling to the 3rd.
"It is what one does. When in a group as ours it is best to stay with one's own and not allow outside collaborators."
He thanked her again as she left and found himself watching Asuka perform different scuba techniques. Not that he wanted to really, but whenever she was about to do one she would insist he watch her as she hollered out the name.
-------------------
Asuka was not enjoying this mission. First Kaji had seen her in her evil new plugsuit, her beautiful Unit-02 was in a similar state, she was hot, she was sweating, and clinging.
Over the intercom, "Just think, there's a wonderful onsen nearby, I'll have Nerv pay the bill for us to go after you finish."
"I'll remember you said that," Asuka said in her most confident voice.
On Misato's end, she sent a carrier off to make good on her offer before returning to the displays.
Descending lower and lower, losing her knife in the process, and still finding nothing, the morale was dropping. Standing near the edge of the volcano, Shinji was beyond nervous. 'Sure she's annoying as hell sometimes, but I don't want anything to happen to her.'
Just as Misato was about to abort the mission, Asuka signaled she spotted the chrysalis. Following directions, she employed the electro-magnetic cage, dropped her ballast, and began to rise to the surface.
Emergency klaxons bleared as the Angel suddenly began to mutate. Bursting out of the cage and swimming away from Unit-02, Asuka readied herself for combat. Receiving a new knife from Shinji, she struck at the approaching heavenly attacker.
Having no effect, and having a sudden revelation, a plan to destroy the creature using her coolant was formulated. Filling the creature with the extreme temperature difference the coolant offered, allowed for its destruction, but not before it cut all but one of Asuka's safety cables.
As she began to plummet into certain death, "I guess.this is it."
She wouldn't cry, yes she was going to die, but she would face her death with pride. A few regrets passed into her mind. She regretted not admitting her love to Kaji openly and her sometimes overly abusive nature towards Shinji.
As a tear finally crept its way towards her eye she felt a tremendous jerk, she had stopped. Calling up the view screen, she saw the brightly lit eyes of Unit-01. "Show off," she said in a joking tone, her face light up with a radiant smile.
----------------
2 hours later on the steps of a lodge.
"AC-CHOO! Is it always this cold around here?" Shinji said with a sniffle.
Looking back at her fellow pilot, "It's just like with the angel, temperature difference. You went from extreme hot to cold really quick," Asuka informed the shivering male pilot.
"Let that be a punishment for disobeying orders Shinji-kun, I'm still upset you didn't ask for clearance first," Misato berated to her ward as they approached a long flight of steps.
Pointing a finger at Misato, Asuka hollered, "If he had waited I'd be dead!"
The two women continued to argue about the proper ethics of the past encounter, neither noticed how Shinji wasn't with them anymore.
Following the pleasing smell of freshly brewed tea, Shinji found himself inside a small but well furnished teashop. He was approached by a woman with short brown hair, a cigarette, and looked to be in her late 30's.
"You must be with Nerv, we were informed they'd be more of you," she said almost accusingly.
Rubbing his head under the gaze the fairly attractive woman was giving him, "Yes ma'am, I'm with Nerv. The others had some more work to do but will show up in about two hours."
The woman noticed how Shinji was looking at the tea kettle behind the counter, "Thirsty young man? I only serve customers who tell me their names."
Laughing softly at how easy to read he was, "Please, and my name is Ikari Shinji."
"Haruka," she said as she handed him a small cup of tea. 'So this is the boy Shinobu likes. He doesn't know she lives here?"
Sipping his tea, "Oishii! Thank you very much Haruka-san."
'He is very well mannered, but the look in his eyes. How much pain has this boy endured in his short life?' Haruka wondered as she made idle chatter with the boy. When she informed him the name of the onsen was Hinata she noticed his ears perk up.
Shinji recalled the header of Shinobu's train was Hinata, 'She lives in this town somewhere.' With a sneeze, Shinji made an offer to pay for the tea but was refused. He thanked her again and left to catch up with his more than slightly miffed room-mates at the gates. -------------------
The trio was greeted at the doors of the lodge by a girl with long light brown hair.
She introduced herself, "Welcome to the Hinata all girls dorm, my name is Naru Narasagawa," She stressed 'all girls' dorm' and sneered at Shinji suspecting
Slack jawed, Misato stammered, "All girls dorm you said?" in her mind she was cursing at Mokoto for setting up this trip in such a bad place.
"Yes, but with the money you people were willing to pay, we made an exception today. We even put up a divider in the onsen for you," Naru informed the guests as they followed her. "BUT if any MALE does attempt to breech the divider, security will be called and said intruder will be expelled, with force."
Taking the cruel glint in the woman's eyes as a sign, Shinji gulped and attempted to blend into the wall.
Looking at the spacious and quaint lodge, Asuka asked, "So a lot of people live here?"
"We have a select number of people living under this roof, yes" she said with a smile as she referred to her pseudo family.
Naru informed the Nerv staff of the history of the lodge and a few tales of the exploits she had while living there. They arrived at the changing room and Naru told them about which side was to be used by which sex. Eyeing Shinji, she stressed again that no peeping will be tolerated. -----------------
"Should I tell her or not?" Kitsune debated. She just received a call from Haruka about Shinobu's friend being there.
Seeing the dazed look on her friends face, Naru approached her, "What's got you so spaced out? Was it the phone call?"
Regaining her normal composure, "It was just Haruka asking if I could fill in for her tomarow."
That was nothing new so Naru brushed it off, changing the subject, "You notice something odd about Shinobu lately?"
"Odd how?" Kitsune asked while thinking, 'Before Thursday or after.'
Checking to see if they were being listened too, "She was so depressed about a month ago, then she was happy, but now she just sits off and stares at the wall."
"You'd have to ask Shinobu I guess."
"Ask me what Kitsune-sempai?" Shinobu asked as she entered the room.
Trying to cover up their conversation, Naru said, "If you'd help her check on those city people in the onsen. You know how those types tend to overstay themselves and get dehydrated."
A tad surprised, "We have guests?"
'That's an understatement," Kitsune reasoned, "Yeah, it's actually a split party, and they have a male guest with them."
Blushing quickly and shaking her head, "I don't want to check on a guy in the onsen!"
That statement made Naru smile, "You're a smart girl, men are all perverts.even mine."
While Shinobu didn't fully agree with Naru's rather brash opinion she nodded while Naru continued.
"No, you'll be checking on the female guests and Kitsune would check on the male."
'I hate it when Naru lies! I always get the odd jobs.' Grabbing a few bottles of milk for their well paying guests, Kitsune lead the way.
"What's bothering you shrimp? You seem depressed again."
Following in step with the older woman, "It's nothing really; just Shinji- san ate lunch with another girl and was called away. I could talk to him about it."
'You'll get your chance once he gets out.if I don't kill him first.' Kitsune didn't like the idea of this boy, important or not, using Shinobu for sport.
Outside the changing room, Kitsune and Shinobu split up to tend to the guests. Kitsune suspected that once Shinobu saw the ladies her Shinji lived with in the onsen, she'd realize who was in the male half. She just hoped that Shinji had enough modesty to wear a towel. 'I do NOT want to see a naked fourteen year old.'
-----------------
Taking a deep breath, Kitsune drew the curtain to the male half of the onsen and walked in.
"Hinata lodges best service is at your disposal!" She announced with her eyes looking skyward.
"AH great, I was starting to get thirsty!"
'That voice.either Shinji has a very high pitched voice or.' Looking at the source of the voice, Kitsune spotted to towel clad women.
Screaming, "W...what are you doing on the male side!"
Taking a bottle from her hand Misato looked surprised, "Narasagawa told us that this WAS the female side."
Asuka pitched in, "Well at least you checked on us first right, didn't have to see Shin-baka in the buff."
"That's for sure. Shinji would die of embarrassment if you saw him, "Misato said with a chuckle.
Before Kitsune could reply a scream was heard, "OH SHIT SHINOBU!"
Rushing over at the panicked scream, Kitsune suspected that her young friend got an eye full. 'If he did anything to her.heaven help him when Motoko finds him.'
Again Shinobu's cry pierces the late afternoon air.
Entering the true male half, Kitsune found Shinobu hunched over by the unconscious form of a boy.
Tear stricken, "Kitsune-sempai you have to help him!"
She was totally confused, "Help him, what happened in here?"
As Shinobu started to tell her about what she found, Misato and Asuka joined them.
Still frantic, "I.I came in and.found him face down in the onsen, help him!"
Misato rushed to his side, pushing both Shinobu and Kitsune out of her way and administered CPR. Asuka made a discrete exit upon noticing Shinji's lack of dress.
Spitting out the lung full of water, Misato reclined from her position atop of Shinji. She was a bit distraught because he didn't regain consciousness.
"Give me that towel!" she ordered.
Kitsune scowled at the rude woman who threw her and Shinobu, but figured she had some just cause. Handing her the towel which was draped over Shinji's form, Misato felt his forehead.
Addressing Kitsune more formally, "He has a bad fever; do you have a spare bed I can put him in?"
--------------
When Ritsuko arrived later that afternoon, she was quickly rushed to the young Ikari's side.
Finding Shinobu sitting at his side, she quickly diagnosed the cause of Shinji's ailment.
"Is it serious Ritsu?" Misato asked from her view on Shinji's side.
Smiling softly at her worried drinking buddy, "It's just a normal fever. His body went into a mild state of shock. From what you told me, going from the extreme heat of the volcano with no protection, to the cold air in this region, and back into the hot spring caused his fainting spell."
Taking her eyes off her sleeping friend, "But he'll be ok right Miss?"
"With a good nights rest he'll be fine."
"He can stay here then.you shouldn't move him if he's sick!" Shinobu almost pleaded.
With more than her normal amount of doubt, "I don't think that's very wise, just leaving him."
"I'll stay too, if that's alright with the faculty here," Misato said while looking at Shinji's chest slowly rise and fall.
The combined effort was enough to cause the doctor to relent and allow Shinji to stay until the morning. Ritsuko offered to take Asuka back to Tokyo-3 and stay with her until Misato's return.
--------------
"What.were am I?" Shinji spoke into the void that surrounded him.
His environment began to shift around him. Shapes began to form then dissipate. People passed him and he slowly became accustom to the altering reality before him.
Suddenly the pulsating reality around him began to slow and take a permanent shape, he was lying on his futon, just as he had about a month ago.
He could hear Asuka in the bathroom exactly like before, he shut his eyes and a few moments later felt her plop down beside him. Opening his eyes he still marveled at her beauty.
Knowing now what he did however, he didn't try to kiss her. He wiped the tear out of her eye as she softly called out to her mother and placed the blanket on her.
'This time.I did the right thing,' he thought with a smile. To his shock Asuka sat up and stared right at him.
Rubbing her eyes softly with the back of her hand, "Thank you, baka." Her soft voice echoing in Shinji's mind long after she had laid back down and fell back asleep.
Before he could react his vision was filled with a bright light as reality began to alter once again. His mind futilely tried to make sense of the current events, but failed.
The alterations slowly subsided and he was sitting in a Nerv brig, Misato bearing down on him.
In full voice she bellowed, "What were you doing disobeying my orders like that!"
Uncertain of what had happened or how he was now facing his guardian he apologized.
Misato again berated him for his careless actions while fighting the 4th angel.
It struck Shinji like a thunderbolt; he was talking to Misato about events from months past.
"I.I did it because I didn't care.didn't care if I died," he admitted for the first time.
"Didn't care! With that attitude why are you piloting?" Misato's voice lowering in intensity.
Thinking about his response carefully, and remembering the events and why he did stay. "I wanted to see how you would react.if you cared."
The look on the captain's face was unreadable at first, but as the minutes spent in silence past it softened to a smile. "You could have found a better way of asking me that Shinji-kun."
"I'm sorr." his words died in his mouth as reality again began to shift and alter itself.
He saw himself rescuing Rei from the entry-plug after the defeat of the 5th. He saw a brown haired woman in a familiar plugsuit. His mind was accosted with odd and bizarre imagery. Old memories of things he wished he could have said or things he would have rather done. Each memory that passed his eyes was a regret he had in his life.
Just as he felt he could take no more of it, he found himself standing in his classroom looking at Shinobu's head against her desk.
He felt the gaze of Asuka and Rei upon him, but he walked over towards her regardless.
"Shin.Shinobu?" he called out to her.
Her response was silence, she didn't even move at his call.
Perplexed by this whole ordeal, Shinji raked his hands across his head, 'what is going on.am I dead? Dreaming? Something else?'
After a few more moments of silence he spoke again, uncaring if it were a mere phantasm, "I want to apologize. Touji and Kensuke told me you oversaw my lunch with Ayanami."
Shinobu's form neither reacted nor responded in any form to Shinji's words but he pressed on.
"I thought it was work related when she asked me. If I had known what she had in mind things wouldn't have been that way. I don't like seeing you sad.talk to me.please?"
Asuka and Rei began to become irritated, they had a job to do and insisted Shinji hurry.
"I have to go.but I want you to know I think I like you.I don't know for sure but I really think I might."
His words said found himself surrounded by darkness, unchanging darkness.
---------------------------
Shinji had no way of knowing that in his fever dream, he was speaking out loud. Bits and pieces of his conversation making their way into the real world.
Taking Misato's place by Shinji's side, as she needed to visit the water closet, Shinobu was listening, and listening intently.
Squeezing Shinji's hand softly, "Apology accepted Shinji-san.apology accepted" she said softly.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------
Author Notes
The end.well when people have fever dreams they DO speak in real life. Often saying things they wouldn't say in real life. Mostly because they don't realize that what is going on in their head is really happening.
My longest chapter to date to :) I'm happy bout that! Hope you like this. Well up next is a mst.if I can find the CoaEG website is back up.
Thanks again to Golden Kitsune for excelling suggestions on how to fix things up in this chapter.
I'm also divided, I have two possible ways to take this story, one is fairly dramatic and less dark, while the second is to descend into a more complex darker storyline.both are open but I'm leaning towards a particular one.just have to wait and see I guess.
Ja-mata
Zentrodie (Zentrodie@secondimpact.com www.geocities.com/zentrodie.geo)
It's OMAKE TIME!!
Looking around the apartment, "Where is Katsuragi-san?"
Making his way into the kitchen, "She should be here. Misato-san!"
As he donned his apron and handed Shinobu hers, he found a note.
{ Dear Shinji Got word from Kaji that he's taking Asuka shopping. I got called into a meeting so I'll be late. So the house is yours and I bet Shinobu's. Don't do anything I wouldn't do. Your Loving Commanding officer Misato. }
'We're going to be alone all night,' the thought hit Shinji hard.
"Shinji-san, what does the note say?" Shinobu asked meekly.
Blushing softly, "Well basically we're alone all night. Misato's at a meeting."
Sliding closer to Shinji, Shinobu smiled softly, "Bout time they gave us some private time."
Startled, he inched back towards the cabinets, "Shinobu?"
Encircling his waist with her hands, "Oh don't be so coy Shinji-san."
Blushing softly, "You mean.?"
Letting him go she turned around and sauntered out of the kitchen, "Why don't you show me your room.then Asuka-san's room.then Misato-san's room."
Dropping the note to the floor, Shinji suddenly found himself hoping Misato had many more meetings, as he followed Shinobu to his room.
--------------
Walking into her room, Misato dropped her beer can. "WHAT THE HELL IS ALL THIS STUFF ON MY BED!"
Her bed was covered with an odd assortment of food products and cooking implements.
"Guess they tried a different approach today."