Standard Disclaimer!!!
Being a poor person like myself means I don't own either Evangelion or Love Hina. I try to make a nice story, that's all. I make no money, what I do get out of this is um.still trying to figure that out so pay no mind.
Sorry for the time it took me to update this story, with the other two still going hard to focus. On a separate note, I just got back from a nice lil trip to the Windy City! Walked a lot, went to the tiny beach. And ate at a neat Thai -make your own stir fry- place called Flattop, highly recommended!!!
Well enough of my pointless babble you're here to read about what happens next, ne?
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Out of Disaster Chapter 5 - Recovery
The sun was just cresting the tree line surrounding Hinata lodge as a long figure headed towards the staircase. The new arrival was dressed simply in a Gi and carried a katana at her side. Motoko Aoyama was home.
Heading for the stairs she noticed something was amiss, somebody unwelcome was on the property. With unregistered speed her katana was out and she unleashed a Ki blast at the source of her apprehension. A man clad in a black suit fell out from behind a bush, unconscious but otherwise unhurt, and more importantly he never saw her once.
"Welcome back Motoko."
Facing the voice, "Haruka-san what is the meaning of this? Who are these men? Why are they here?"
Haruka sensed the feeling of violation Motoko had, her home had been invaded after all, asked Motoko to enter the teashop and she'd inform her as best she could, as well as hide her from any other section-2 men that would be upset with her attack.
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Hinata lodge was in an odd sort of disarray. Shinobu and Kitsune sleeping on the living room floor. Kanako was pouring over paperwork, Keitaro had left early for a part time job, and Naru was checking to see if the military lady had any idea when they were to leave after telling Kanako that Hinata wasn't a sick house.
Only Suu greeted Motoko's arrival.
"OYI MOTOKO-CHAN!" the petit girl bellowed as she flung her body towards the source of her call.
Catching the girl with an ease that would shame a professional ball player, "Where is he?"
With a bit of confusion in her voice, "Keitaro? He left awhile ago."
After speaking Suu started rubbing her head against Motoko's, to her credit she didn't flinch, "No the guest."
Jumping off Motoko with her own form of grace, "Oh the sick boy, he's in room #105."
"Thank you Kaolla-chan," she said with a slight smile and made her way to the mentioned room.
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Light struck his face and Shinji began to stir. His fever breaking during the night, he awoke clear minded and alert. What he noticed automatically was.
"Unfamiliar ceiling," he said in his hushed voice.
He began trying to remember what happened and where he was. 'I was in the onsen and started feeling light headed, then nothing.' He rubbed at his eyes and kept his focus on the simple panels of the ceiling. 'Can't be a hospital, the panels are different. I must be in one of the rooms at the lodge, hope I didn't cause to much trouble.' A sound to his right side brought his attention to a strange woman sitting by him.
'She.she's beautiful!' His eyes gracing the long black hair, the stoic features, and finally the sword by her side, "Am.I in trouble?"
Motoko followed his eyes since she attained his attention, 'he is polite, he didn't stare at my chest but what would cause such a question?' Clearing her thought, "No, Ikari-san you are not in any trouble."
His eyes still locked on the katana, "Um, than can I ask you why you armed?"
"I am a disciple of the blade, I carry my katana with me as much as possible," she answered and continued to review his actions. 'This wasn't what I was expecting. From what Haruka-san told me, this boy is a warrior, a trained killer.'
Trying to desirn why such a woman would be watching him, "Am I in your room miss?"
With a shake of her head, "No, I was informed of your presence and decided to meet you."
Blushing softly, "Thank you miss," Shinji was about to sit up to properly great Motoko when he realized his lack of dress. He quickly withdrew under the sheet.
Taking his actions for male ego, Motoko's eyes narrowed, 'maybe I was mistaken with my initial impression.' With a subtle hint of anger, "Have you no manners?"
Drawing his covers closer to his chest, "It's not that miss, it's just I seem to not have much clothing on, I didn't want to.to."
After hearing his explanation, it was Motoko's turn to blush, "Forgive my rashness. I will leave so you can dress then I wish to speak with you again."
True to her words Motoko left the room, in which she could hear Shinji dressing. While still not having a very favorable opinion of men, her time spent with Keitaro allowed her to tolerate them better. Her mind was actually pleased with how the young boy acted. 'Most men wouldn't care about modesty. He seems well behaved as well. For a warrior he has a kind soul.' But Motoko could also feel Shinji's Ki; she was astounded by the fact that such a small boy held such power. Softly to herself "He is like the ocean, his power runs deep but is docile.' she hoped the waters of the boys life wouldn't case a storm.
After a few minutes Shinji opened the door and Motoko re-entered and took her seat as Shinji sat on the bed.
"You wanted to speak with me?" Shinji asked meekly.
Motoko was initially going to request the boy leave Hinata lodge immediately that was before she meet him.
In an eloquent tongue, "I wished to thank you, Ikari-san."
Stammering, "Thank me, but for what?"
"You are the warrior that saved Hinata, and Japan numerous times are you not?"
Lowering his head, "I'm no warrior, and I didn't save anything. I'm just doing what I'm told and trying my best."
'And humble too, indeed a credit to the male species,' out loud "You are to humble as well. Whether you admit it or not, you did save my home, and for that I thank you." With that Motoko stood and walked to the door. Before shutting the door, "You have earned honor, be proud."
Shinji was left speechless; he didn't understand what just happened. 'What a nice lady.but I don't feel like I should be proud. I don't even know what happened to Shinobu.'
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Naru was pissed, "Just how long do you plan on staying her miss?"
Not being a morning person, and not having her morning beer, Misato was equally pissed, "Until my ride shows up! I can't just move Shinji around if he's sick!"
The arguing pair were quickly moving through Hinata and woe to those in their path. As they entered the living room, their screeches woke the pair sleeping. "I tolerated your group graciously all night, but this isn't a hospital!"
"He got sick in YOUR onsen!" Misato countered.
Naru opened her mouth to let loose another verbal barrage when.
"He was allowed to stay which is against normal policy. He was given room against normal policy. He will be fine. You should watch your tongue or I will increase the amount your organization owes me," Kanako spoke in her flat voice.
Kitsune wiped the sleep from her eyes and looked at Kanako, 'Does she know who she is talking too? Nerv can whip us off the map if they want.' With a nudge from her sleeping partner, Shinobu joined the ranks of the conscious.
Groggily, "Morning Kitsune-san, what's all the noise?"
With her trademark look for snide ness, "Kanako and Naru are ganging up on that Misato woman to get Shinji out of here."
Shinobu jumped to her feet and panicked, "Naru-san you can't throw Shinji- san out he's still sick, what is the problem?"
Not wanting to be interrupted, "Not now Shinobu! This doesn't concern you."
Kitsune wanted to say otherwise but figured that right now it would be best to keep Shinobu's budding relationship secret.
Misato was about to launch into another argument when the problem was solved by an unexpected source.
"You shouldn't force them out Naru-sempai, the boy has done us a great service and we should honor that," Motoko spoke from the hallway.
Kanako and Naru were equally surprised to know that 1) Motoko was home and 2) she didn't mind another male staying at Hinata. They weren't going to argue, if Motoko had no anger about it, than it wasn't going to be that major a problem. And they had to admit she did have a point.
With the issue of Shinji's continued stay taken care off, Misato went back to check on her ward, after a call to check on Ritsuko's E.T.A.
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Upon Naru's insistence, Shinji stayed in his room with Misato. He didn't really mind, as he was still fairly weak from his previous ordeal. The arrogant air that Naru emitted angered Misato. He had lain down while Misato paced across the small room. She forgave him for his recklessness during the previous days mission, but asked he at least THINK about her before he did anything that crazy again.
Shinobu brought the pair breakfast, but left quickly afterward, unknown to Shinji, per Naru's orders.
Shinji ate sullenly, 'She must still be mad at me, I should apologize.'
"Looks like trouble in paradise, you forget an anniversary?" Misato asked as she ate.
He told her of the events that transpired before mission, Misato asked several questions during that time, and afterward she had a fairly good impression of the situation.
She summed it up simply with, "You screwed up," but a question plagued her, 'why would Rei do that?'
Letting his head sink further, " I know, and I want to apologize but.well you see how she acted."
Gathering up the plates, "I'll get her in here, and then you can apologize," she said with a beaming smile.
With plates in tow, Misato set foot back into the passageways of the lodge. Making a stealthy trip to the kitchen, she found Shinobu looking dreamily out the window. Unable to resist the sinister urges in her she snuck up behind the child and poked her ribs softly.
With a yelp and a jump Shinobu found herself back in realty. She was occupying her time with a short fantasy about a possible relationship with Shinji when she was so rudely interrupted. "Oh, Misato-san, you should have waited. I was going to go get those," the young girl said as she tried to catch her breath, and secretly wanted to see Shinji again.
Surprising her laughter, "Wanted to give you these in person, and ask you something."
Now Shinobu was curious, what could she possible ask her? "Yes?"
To the point, Misato asked, "You upset with Shinji?"
Shinobu drew back and shook her head fiercely, "NO NO I'm not upset with him is that what he think I am?"
"Why don't you ask him yourself?" Misato said raising her finger to her chin.
With typical indesiviness, "I, could, I guess."
Smiling softly, Misato prodded the girl out of the room, 'I'm just glad that annoying girl wasn't around.'
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With Misato as a driving force, Shinobu was propelled back into the guest room that Shinji had slept in. In a quick move, Misato launched the girl, shut the door, and braced it from the outside with her body. 'I'll be damned if I let them mess this up over a silly misunderstanding.
Shinji looked shocked at the disheveled look Shinobu was wearing, "Are you ok Shinobu?"
Smiling softly at him, "That's my line, you're the sick one."
Calling from outside, "She watched over you about as much as I did Shinji- kun," Misato added.
The boys eyes widened in shock as he heard the words, "You.did?"
Fighting back a major blush, "I found you in the onsen and.and wanted to make sure you got better."
'SHE FOUND ME IN ONLY A TOWEL!' Shinji's voice cracked, "T-thank you Shinobu." With the statement said he dropped into silence, wanting to apologize but not being able to find the words.
"How are you feeling now?" Shinobu asked more to fill the silence than anything.
Under his breath, "Terrible," then raised his voice, "the fever broke and I feel fine."
Again from outside the door, "JUST SAY IT!!"
With Misato's words adding fuel to his actions, Shinji waited until Shinobu locked her gaze with his and finally spoke, "I'm sorry about Thursday. I didn't know Ayanami just wanted to eat lunch, I thought it was about something else." He lowered his head in solace.
'He doesn't know this is the second time he's apologized,' suppressing the giggle that tempted to erupt from her she spoke, "It's ok Shinji-san, accidents happen. Still want to eat lunch with me when school starts again?"
Outside the door, Misato listened to the pair talk aimlessly about topics teenagers find important. She smiled softly to herself, although she hoped Shinji would have said something else. 'Why can't people admit feelings easily?'
Back in the room, "Um, Shinobu can I ask you why Aoyama-san was in my room this morning?"
That brought a the shocked expression back to Shinobu's face, "Motoko- sempai meet you and she didn't attack you?" Needless to say the conversation quickly changed into stories about Motoko and her rather unique style of dealing with men.
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An hour passed with the pair talking quietly in the guest room while Misato stood guard. Misato figured that if any of the other residence realized Shinobu was alone with a boy, they'd be more than just mildly upset. Just as she was contemplating walking to the train station with Shinji, Ritsuko arrived, but she wasn't alone.
Opening the door, "Shinji-kun we have to go, Ritsuko's here for us."
Standing up and looking at Shinobu, "Ok Misato-san. Shinobu thanks again for saving me, and you have an," he fished for an appropriate word, "unique home."
Nodding as she stood, "I'll walk you to the car, you shouldn't walk unattended after being sick." And with a shaky and tentative hand wrapped around his waist, she prayed she wasn't blushing to hard, the pair head to the awaiting car.
Misato had told the pair as they set off that she had to finalize a few things with 'that girl' and to have Ritsuko sit tight and wait.
The duo were able to exit Hinata with only Kitsune spotting them, and making an appropriate comment, "Better watch out Shinji, once Shinobu sets her claws into somebody she won't let go." To which, the pair blushed and Shinobu almost dropped Shinji as she went into a mild bout of hysterics.
As they descended the staircase towards the street, Ritsuko's car was increasing in size. When the reached the street, Shinobu saw the driver standing by the car. 'Does this organization only hire attractive women or something?' Then she noticed the other occupant and felt a mild cold chill, the blue haired girl.
"Good morning Ritsuko-san, sorry for making you come back to get me," Shinji said in his apologetic manner.
Waving her hand, "It's ok Shinji-kun, just don't make a habit of getting sick."
"Ikari-kun," Rei said to make her presence known, she was not pleased. 'He was with that girl, the annoyance.'
Turning to see Rei standing in the shade of one of the larger oak trees, "Ayanami-san, you came too?"
In a mildly irritated voice, Ritsuko interrupted, "Where is Misato? I can't wait around all day now. Shinji you can catch up with Rei in the car."
Before Shinji could say anything Rei pre-empted him "I would rather acquire the Captain, this girl could take me to her while you inform Ikari-kun of what transpired in his absence."
Both Shinji and Ritsuko stared at Rei, neither having heard her say so much at one time. Ritsuko merely nodded to the girl as she helped Shinji into the car. With a wave to Shinobu, he shut the door and the blue haired girls ascended the stairs.
The ascension started in silence, Shinobu was combating her emotional drives. She was never really well suited to meeting new people, she wasn't the best at conversation, and finally this girl had some motive about HER Shinji. When that thought actually registered she blushed and chastised herself, 'it could just have been a fever dream, he didn't mention anything else about it.'
Rei broke the silence, "What are you intentions."
Stopping mid-stride, "Intentions? For what?"
Not stopping her movement or even altering her tone, "Don't attempt to deviate from the question."
'She must mean Shinji,' she hastened her step to catch up, "I don't know really."
Being raised by Gendo Ikari the king of lies, she noticed something, "You're lying is evident."
'Why does she even care! Unless, unless she.' shocking herself, "I like him."
Rei ended the conversation with one word, "Don't."
The word sent a chill that covered Shinobu's body. With that one word, Shinobu was able to discern that Rei wasn't asking, she was telling. And if she didn't listen something could 'happen' to her and nobody could stop it. Shinobu simply gazed at the back of Rei's skull. 'Could that truly be a threat? Maybe she's trying to warn me? Maybe Shinji can't have outside relationships.' Thousands of other reasons Rei would say such a thing passed her mind but she couldn't get the simplest out of her mind, 'She likes him too.'
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Rei didn't say another word to Shinobu. She found Misato and returned to the car. Misato was mildly shocked to she the enigmatic 1st child, but waited until they were again on the stairs.
"What made you come today Rei?"
"Ikari-kun."
"That's very nice of you Rei, I'm sure Shinji-kun appreciated it," Misato said pleasantly but her mind reeled 'is it possible? If it is hate to break it to her but she's too late.'
"This place violated several health code's, a report should be made," after her statement Rei remained silent until they were at the car. As Rei abstained from speaking, Misato was left to her thoughts, a scary concept, 'did she mean that? What's she got against this place?'
Misato took her place in the passenger's seat, looked back and Shinji and winked, "Keep ya long?"
"Don't you always?" Ritsuko said offside.
Wrinkling her nose, "Not my fault the proprieties were upset with me."
As Ritsuko and Misato started the argument that lasted the entire hour-long drive back to Tokyo-3, Shinji contemplated Rei.
"Thanks for coming Ayanami."
She looked at him and nodded softly, and Shinji thought it was a trick of the light but she looked as if she had a small smile.
Twenty minutes into the ride Shinji came to another conclusion, 'Ayanami must be tired.' Sure enough Rei's tufts of blue hair were nestled against Shinji's shoulder as the blue hair girl mocked sleep. 'This is very agreeable; the outsider will abide the warning. The profile has her to meek to protest.'
Shinji was returning to Tokyo-3.
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Ah finally gotten back to this story.
Tried to keep the Rei-Shinobu confrontation mild and IC, hope I pulled it off.
Major thanks go to GoldenKitsune for both pre-reading and for the omake to follow
Ja Mata
Zentrodie (zentrodie@secondimpact.com www.geocities.com/zentrodie.geo)
OMAKE!!!
With Misato as a driving force, Shinobu was propelled back into the guest room that Shinji had slept in. In a quick move, Misato launched the girl, shut the door, and braced it from the outside with her body. 'I'll be damned if I let them mess this up over a silly misunderstanding.
Shinji looked shocked at the disheveled look Shinobu was wearing, "Are you ok Shinobu?"
Smiling softly at him, "That's my line, you're the sick one."
Calling from outside, "She watched over you about as much as I did Shinji- kun," Misato added.
The boys eyes widened in shock as he heard the words, "You.did?"
Fighting back a major blush, "I found you in the onsen and.and wanted to make sure you got better."
'SHE FOUND ME IN ONLY A TOWEL!' Shinji's voice cracked, "T-thank you Shinobu." With the statement said he dropped into silence, wanting to apologize but not being able to find the words.
"How are you feeling now?" Shinobu asked more to fill the silence than anything.
Under his breath, "Terrible," then raised his voice, "the fever broke and I feel fine."
Again from outside the door, "JUST SAY IT!!"
Shinobu lowered her head and played with the seam of her skirt, "Shinji- san."
Sensing the strife in her he took her hand, "What is it Shinobu?"
Her face blushed terrible and she said it, "Shinji-san I'm pregnant."
Shinji's jaw dropped to the floor, "Guess we weren't just cooking with food the other day."
Being a poor person like myself means I don't own either Evangelion or Love Hina. I try to make a nice story, that's all. I make no money, what I do get out of this is um.still trying to figure that out so pay no mind.
Sorry for the time it took me to update this story, with the other two still going hard to focus. On a separate note, I just got back from a nice lil trip to the Windy City! Walked a lot, went to the tiny beach. And ate at a neat Thai -make your own stir fry- place called Flattop, highly recommended!!!
Well enough of my pointless babble you're here to read about what happens next, ne?
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Out of Disaster Chapter 5 - Recovery
The sun was just cresting the tree line surrounding Hinata lodge as a long figure headed towards the staircase. The new arrival was dressed simply in a Gi and carried a katana at her side. Motoko Aoyama was home.
Heading for the stairs she noticed something was amiss, somebody unwelcome was on the property. With unregistered speed her katana was out and she unleashed a Ki blast at the source of her apprehension. A man clad in a black suit fell out from behind a bush, unconscious but otherwise unhurt, and more importantly he never saw her once.
"Welcome back Motoko."
Facing the voice, "Haruka-san what is the meaning of this? Who are these men? Why are they here?"
Haruka sensed the feeling of violation Motoko had, her home had been invaded after all, asked Motoko to enter the teashop and she'd inform her as best she could, as well as hide her from any other section-2 men that would be upset with her attack.
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Hinata lodge was in an odd sort of disarray. Shinobu and Kitsune sleeping on the living room floor. Kanako was pouring over paperwork, Keitaro had left early for a part time job, and Naru was checking to see if the military lady had any idea when they were to leave after telling Kanako that Hinata wasn't a sick house.
Only Suu greeted Motoko's arrival.
"OYI MOTOKO-CHAN!" the petit girl bellowed as she flung her body towards the source of her call.
Catching the girl with an ease that would shame a professional ball player, "Where is he?"
With a bit of confusion in her voice, "Keitaro? He left awhile ago."
After speaking Suu started rubbing her head against Motoko's, to her credit she didn't flinch, "No the guest."
Jumping off Motoko with her own form of grace, "Oh the sick boy, he's in room #105."
"Thank you Kaolla-chan," she said with a slight smile and made her way to the mentioned room.
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Light struck his face and Shinji began to stir. His fever breaking during the night, he awoke clear minded and alert. What he noticed automatically was.
"Unfamiliar ceiling," he said in his hushed voice.
He began trying to remember what happened and where he was. 'I was in the onsen and started feeling light headed, then nothing.' He rubbed at his eyes and kept his focus on the simple panels of the ceiling. 'Can't be a hospital, the panels are different. I must be in one of the rooms at the lodge, hope I didn't cause to much trouble.' A sound to his right side brought his attention to a strange woman sitting by him.
'She.she's beautiful!' His eyes gracing the long black hair, the stoic features, and finally the sword by her side, "Am.I in trouble?"
Motoko followed his eyes since she attained his attention, 'he is polite, he didn't stare at my chest but what would cause such a question?' Clearing her thought, "No, Ikari-san you are not in any trouble."
His eyes still locked on the katana, "Um, than can I ask you why you armed?"
"I am a disciple of the blade, I carry my katana with me as much as possible," she answered and continued to review his actions. 'This wasn't what I was expecting. From what Haruka-san told me, this boy is a warrior, a trained killer.'
Trying to desirn why such a woman would be watching him, "Am I in your room miss?"
With a shake of her head, "No, I was informed of your presence and decided to meet you."
Blushing softly, "Thank you miss," Shinji was about to sit up to properly great Motoko when he realized his lack of dress. He quickly withdrew under the sheet.
Taking his actions for male ego, Motoko's eyes narrowed, 'maybe I was mistaken with my initial impression.' With a subtle hint of anger, "Have you no manners?"
Drawing his covers closer to his chest, "It's not that miss, it's just I seem to not have much clothing on, I didn't want to.to."
After hearing his explanation, it was Motoko's turn to blush, "Forgive my rashness. I will leave so you can dress then I wish to speak with you again."
True to her words Motoko left the room, in which she could hear Shinji dressing. While still not having a very favorable opinion of men, her time spent with Keitaro allowed her to tolerate them better. Her mind was actually pleased with how the young boy acted. 'Most men wouldn't care about modesty. He seems well behaved as well. For a warrior he has a kind soul.' But Motoko could also feel Shinji's Ki; she was astounded by the fact that such a small boy held such power. Softly to herself "He is like the ocean, his power runs deep but is docile.' she hoped the waters of the boys life wouldn't case a storm.
After a few minutes Shinji opened the door and Motoko re-entered and took her seat as Shinji sat on the bed.
"You wanted to speak with me?" Shinji asked meekly.
Motoko was initially going to request the boy leave Hinata lodge immediately that was before she meet him.
In an eloquent tongue, "I wished to thank you, Ikari-san."
Stammering, "Thank me, but for what?"
"You are the warrior that saved Hinata, and Japan numerous times are you not?"
Lowering his head, "I'm no warrior, and I didn't save anything. I'm just doing what I'm told and trying my best."
'And humble too, indeed a credit to the male species,' out loud "You are to humble as well. Whether you admit it or not, you did save my home, and for that I thank you." With that Motoko stood and walked to the door. Before shutting the door, "You have earned honor, be proud."
Shinji was left speechless; he didn't understand what just happened. 'What a nice lady.but I don't feel like I should be proud. I don't even know what happened to Shinobu.'
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Naru was pissed, "Just how long do you plan on staying her miss?"
Not being a morning person, and not having her morning beer, Misato was equally pissed, "Until my ride shows up! I can't just move Shinji around if he's sick!"
The arguing pair were quickly moving through Hinata and woe to those in their path. As they entered the living room, their screeches woke the pair sleeping. "I tolerated your group graciously all night, but this isn't a hospital!"
"He got sick in YOUR onsen!" Misato countered.
Naru opened her mouth to let loose another verbal barrage when.
"He was allowed to stay which is against normal policy. He was given room against normal policy. He will be fine. You should watch your tongue or I will increase the amount your organization owes me," Kanako spoke in her flat voice.
Kitsune wiped the sleep from her eyes and looked at Kanako, 'Does she know who she is talking too? Nerv can whip us off the map if they want.' With a nudge from her sleeping partner, Shinobu joined the ranks of the conscious.
Groggily, "Morning Kitsune-san, what's all the noise?"
With her trademark look for snide ness, "Kanako and Naru are ganging up on that Misato woman to get Shinji out of here."
Shinobu jumped to her feet and panicked, "Naru-san you can't throw Shinji- san out he's still sick, what is the problem?"
Not wanting to be interrupted, "Not now Shinobu! This doesn't concern you."
Kitsune wanted to say otherwise but figured that right now it would be best to keep Shinobu's budding relationship secret.
Misato was about to launch into another argument when the problem was solved by an unexpected source.
"You shouldn't force them out Naru-sempai, the boy has done us a great service and we should honor that," Motoko spoke from the hallway.
Kanako and Naru were equally surprised to know that 1) Motoko was home and 2) she didn't mind another male staying at Hinata. They weren't going to argue, if Motoko had no anger about it, than it wasn't going to be that major a problem. And they had to admit she did have a point.
With the issue of Shinji's continued stay taken care off, Misato went back to check on her ward, after a call to check on Ritsuko's E.T.A.
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Upon Naru's insistence, Shinji stayed in his room with Misato. He didn't really mind, as he was still fairly weak from his previous ordeal. The arrogant air that Naru emitted angered Misato. He had lain down while Misato paced across the small room. She forgave him for his recklessness during the previous days mission, but asked he at least THINK about her before he did anything that crazy again.
Shinobu brought the pair breakfast, but left quickly afterward, unknown to Shinji, per Naru's orders.
Shinji ate sullenly, 'She must still be mad at me, I should apologize.'
"Looks like trouble in paradise, you forget an anniversary?" Misato asked as she ate.
He told her of the events that transpired before mission, Misato asked several questions during that time, and afterward she had a fairly good impression of the situation.
She summed it up simply with, "You screwed up," but a question plagued her, 'why would Rei do that?'
Letting his head sink further, " I know, and I want to apologize but.well you see how she acted."
Gathering up the plates, "I'll get her in here, and then you can apologize," she said with a beaming smile.
With plates in tow, Misato set foot back into the passageways of the lodge. Making a stealthy trip to the kitchen, she found Shinobu looking dreamily out the window. Unable to resist the sinister urges in her she snuck up behind the child and poked her ribs softly.
With a yelp and a jump Shinobu found herself back in realty. She was occupying her time with a short fantasy about a possible relationship with Shinji when she was so rudely interrupted. "Oh, Misato-san, you should have waited. I was going to go get those," the young girl said as she tried to catch her breath, and secretly wanted to see Shinji again.
Surprising her laughter, "Wanted to give you these in person, and ask you something."
Now Shinobu was curious, what could she possible ask her? "Yes?"
To the point, Misato asked, "You upset with Shinji?"
Shinobu drew back and shook her head fiercely, "NO NO I'm not upset with him is that what he think I am?"
"Why don't you ask him yourself?" Misato said raising her finger to her chin.
With typical indesiviness, "I, could, I guess."
Smiling softly, Misato prodded the girl out of the room, 'I'm just glad that annoying girl wasn't around.'
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With Misato as a driving force, Shinobu was propelled back into the guest room that Shinji had slept in. In a quick move, Misato launched the girl, shut the door, and braced it from the outside with her body. 'I'll be damned if I let them mess this up over a silly misunderstanding.
Shinji looked shocked at the disheveled look Shinobu was wearing, "Are you ok Shinobu?"
Smiling softly at him, "That's my line, you're the sick one."
Calling from outside, "She watched over you about as much as I did Shinji- kun," Misato added.
The boys eyes widened in shock as he heard the words, "You.did?"
Fighting back a major blush, "I found you in the onsen and.and wanted to make sure you got better."
'SHE FOUND ME IN ONLY A TOWEL!' Shinji's voice cracked, "T-thank you Shinobu." With the statement said he dropped into silence, wanting to apologize but not being able to find the words.
"How are you feeling now?" Shinobu asked more to fill the silence than anything.
Under his breath, "Terrible," then raised his voice, "the fever broke and I feel fine."
Again from outside the door, "JUST SAY IT!!"
With Misato's words adding fuel to his actions, Shinji waited until Shinobu locked her gaze with his and finally spoke, "I'm sorry about Thursday. I didn't know Ayanami just wanted to eat lunch, I thought it was about something else." He lowered his head in solace.
'He doesn't know this is the second time he's apologized,' suppressing the giggle that tempted to erupt from her she spoke, "It's ok Shinji-san, accidents happen. Still want to eat lunch with me when school starts again?"
Outside the door, Misato listened to the pair talk aimlessly about topics teenagers find important. She smiled softly to herself, although she hoped Shinji would have said something else. 'Why can't people admit feelings easily?'
Back in the room, "Um, Shinobu can I ask you why Aoyama-san was in my room this morning?"
That brought a the shocked expression back to Shinobu's face, "Motoko- sempai meet you and she didn't attack you?" Needless to say the conversation quickly changed into stories about Motoko and her rather unique style of dealing with men.
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An hour passed with the pair talking quietly in the guest room while Misato stood guard. Misato figured that if any of the other residence realized Shinobu was alone with a boy, they'd be more than just mildly upset. Just as she was contemplating walking to the train station with Shinji, Ritsuko arrived, but she wasn't alone.
Opening the door, "Shinji-kun we have to go, Ritsuko's here for us."
Standing up and looking at Shinobu, "Ok Misato-san. Shinobu thanks again for saving me, and you have an," he fished for an appropriate word, "unique home."
Nodding as she stood, "I'll walk you to the car, you shouldn't walk unattended after being sick." And with a shaky and tentative hand wrapped around his waist, she prayed she wasn't blushing to hard, the pair head to the awaiting car.
Misato had told the pair as they set off that she had to finalize a few things with 'that girl' and to have Ritsuko sit tight and wait.
The duo were able to exit Hinata with only Kitsune spotting them, and making an appropriate comment, "Better watch out Shinji, once Shinobu sets her claws into somebody she won't let go." To which, the pair blushed and Shinobu almost dropped Shinji as she went into a mild bout of hysterics.
As they descended the staircase towards the street, Ritsuko's car was increasing in size. When the reached the street, Shinobu saw the driver standing by the car. 'Does this organization only hire attractive women or something?' Then she noticed the other occupant and felt a mild cold chill, the blue haired girl.
"Good morning Ritsuko-san, sorry for making you come back to get me," Shinji said in his apologetic manner.
Waving her hand, "It's ok Shinji-kun, just don't make a habit of getting sick."
"Ikari-kun," Rei said to make her presence known, she was not pleased. 'He was with that girl, the annoyance.'
Turning to see Rei standing in the shade of one of the larger oak trees, "Ayanami-san, you came too?"
In a mildly irritated voice, Ritsuko interrupted, "Where is Misato? I can't wait around all day now. Shinji you can catch up with Rei in the car."
Before Shinji could say anything Rei pre-empted him "I would rather acquire the Captain, this girl could take me to her while you inform Ikari-kun of what transpired in his absence."
Both Shinji and Ritsuko stared at Rei, neither having heard her say so much at one time. Ritsuko merely nodded to the girl as she helped Shinji into the car. With a wave to Shinobu, he shut the door and the blue haired girls ascended the stairs.
The ascension started in silence, Shinobu was combating her emotional drives. She was never really well suited to meeting new people, she wasn't the best at conversation, and finally this girl had some motive about HER Shinji. When that thought actually registered she blushed and chastised herself, 'it could just have been a fever dream, he didn't mention anything else about it.'
Rei broke the silence, "What are you intentions."
Stopping mid-stride, "Intentions? For what?"
Not stopping her movement or even altering her tone, "Don't attempt to deviate from the question."
'She must mean Shinji,' she hastened her step to catch up, "I don't know really."
Being raised by Gendo Ikari the king of lies, she noticed something, "You're lying is evident."
'Why does she even care! Unless, unless she.' shocking herself, "I like him."
Rei ended the conversation with one word, "Don't."
The word sent a chill that covered Shinobu's body. With that one word, Shinobu was able to discern that Rei wasn't asking, she was telling. And if she didn't listen something could 'happen' to her and nobody could stop it. Shinobu simply gazed at the back of Rei's skull. 'Could that truly be a threat? Maybe she's trying to warn me? Maybe Shinji can't have outside relationships.' Thousands of other reasons Rei would say such a thing passed her mind but she couldn't get the simplest out of her mind, 'She likes him too.'
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Rei didn't say another word to Shinobu. She found Misato and returned to the car. Misato was mildly shocked to she the enigmatic 1st child, but waited until they were again on the stairs.
"What made you come today Rei?"
"Ikari-kun."
"That's very nice of you Rei, I'm sure Shinji-kun appreciated it," Misato said pleasantly but her mind reeled 'is it possible? If it is hate to break it to her but she's too late.'
"This place violated several health code's, a report should be made," after her statement Rei remained silent until they were at the car. As Rei abstained from speaking, Misato was left to her thoughts, a scary concept, 'did she mean that? What's she got against this place?'
Misato took her place in the passenger's seat, looked back and Shinji and winked, "Keep ya long?"
"Don't you always?" Ritsuko said offside.
Wrinkling her nose, "Not my fault the proprieties were upset with me."
As Ritsuko and Misato started the argument that lasted the entire hour-long drive back to Tokyo-3, Shinji contemplated Rei.
"Thanks for coming Ayanami."
She looked at him and nodded softly, and Shinji thought it was a trick of the light but she looked as if she had a small smile.
Twenty minutes into the ride Shinji came to another conclusion, 'Ayanami must be tired.' Sure enough Rei's tufts of blue hair were nestled against Shinji's shoulder as the blue hair girl mocked sleep. 'This is very agreeable; the outsider will abide the warning. The profile has her to meek to protest.'
Shinji was returning to Tokyo-3.
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Ah finally gotten back to this story.
Tried to keep the Rei-Shinobu confrontation mild and IC, hope I pulled it off.
Major thanks go to GoldenKitsune for both pre-reading and for the omake to follow
Ja Mata
Zentrodie (zentrodie@secondimpact.com www.geocities.com/zentrodie.geo)
OMAKE!!!
With Misato as a driving force, Shinobu was propelled back into the guest room that Shinji had slept in. In a quick move, Misato launched the girl, shut the door, and braced it from the outside with her body. 'I'll be damned if I let them mess this up over a silly misunderstanding.
Shinji looked shocked at the disheveled look Shinobu was wearing, "Are you ok Shinobu?"
Smiling softly at him, "That's my line, you're the sick one."
Calling from outside, "She watched over you about as much as I did Shinji- kun," Misato added.
The boys eyes widened in shock as he heard the words, "You.did?"
Fighting back a major blush, "I found you in the onsen and.and wanted to make sure you got better."
'SHE FOUND ME IN ONLY A TOWEL!' Shinji's voice cracked, "T-thank you Shinobu." With the statement said he dropped into silence, wanting to apologize but not being able to find the words.
"How are you feeling now?" Shinobu asked more to fill the silence than anything.
Under his breath, "Terrible," then raised his voice, "the fever broke and I feel fine."
Again from outside the door, "JUST SAY IT!!"
Shinobu lowered her head and played with the seam of her skirt, "Shinji- san."
Sensing the strife in her he took her hand, "What is it Shinobu?"
Her face blushed terrible and she said it, "Shinji-san I'm pregnant."
Shinji's jaw dropped to the floor, "Guess we weren't just cooking with food the other day."