Hello, I am Zentrodie.
{Hello Zen}
And I.am a fic writer. And with that means I don't own anything.
Ok so that was a very poor rendition of AA, but I tried ^_^ sorry for the delay in this chapter but I've been so busy it's scary. Finals are just about over so I can finally relax. No classes for about a month, which is good I guess. I can catch up. Hope you enjoy and remember a review is vastly appreciated.
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Out of Disaster Chapter Six- Ulterior Motives
Things were finally coming together. After months of planning and manipulation from behind the scenes, her actions were bearing fruit. Ritsuko smiled as she viewed the latest security photos.
"Finally going to strip him of his cherished toy," she muttered to herself, the emptiness of her office causing a slight reverberation of her voice.
The photos she held in her hand were those of two pilots, quietly eating lunch under a tree. By itself that meant nothing, but with her knowledge of the situation it meant a lot more. A smile crossed her lips, as she recalled the drive up to the hot spring not three days before.
"A little prod in the right direction and she dances superbly."
Putting the dossier back in her desk she marveled at how lucky she had been. She wasn't even suspected of any foul play at this point and Rei seemed to genuinely care about Shinji, which made things a lot easier. The only problem was that other blue haired girl, 'She could be a problem.' Her hand wasn't inches away from the drawer when a slight rasp was heard on her door.
Regaining her composure, "Enter."
Upon her command, the door opened and the object of her extreme hatred entered. "Thanks for coming on such short notice Rei," her voice full of mock pleasantries.
Dressed in her school uniform, Rei approached the desk, "You wished to see me Dr. Akagi?"
Handing the girl a small folder, "I need Shinji-kun to get these papers signed, his act of recklessness at the volcano requires it."
Surprising her desire to smile, "Why do you not give them to him yourself?"
Catching the subtle hints of emotion on the girls face, "His illness requires bed rest, I was hoping you could either give them to him, or see to it that Asuka gets them and she can give them to him. You will see her at school will you not?"
'Shinji-kun was absent from school for the past few days, that would explain his absence.' Tucking the folder into her attaché, "He will get the forms."
"I knew I could count on you. That is all," Ritsuko said with a false smile and wave.
Her reason to stay being gone, Rei left the office and headed towards the school. As the door shut, Ritsuko glared at the spot Ayanami had taken. 'I will see to it that you lose your precious Rei, Gendo."
-----------------------
"Take care Shinobu-chan! Try to catch the train on time today!" Naru called out as Shinobu headed out for school.
Turning back to face her, she nodded. "I'll try my best Naru-sempai."
'She's been acting so strange lately. Missing her train, mood swings, and she started drawing in her sketchpad a lot gain.'
Walking up behind her, Keitaro tapped her shoulder, "Going to be looking at the stairs for a while yet?"
On blind instinct, Naru turned around and slammed her fist into Keitaro sending him careening against the walls. "Don't startle me like that!"
As testimate to his invincibility, Keitaro shrugged off the blow and walked back over to her. "Something on your mind?"
Leaning against the window frame, "Shinobu-chan. She's not herself lately."
"I've noticed it too. She seemed depressed after she found out about us."
Stealing a glance at Keitaro, "Don't try to blame yourself for this."
Hiding around the corner, Kitsune listened to the pair talk. She wanted to tell them not to worry about her, and to in fact be happy, but she promised she wouldn't tell. And in Hinata lodge if its one thing you keep, it's a promise.
Naru's voice ladled with concern, "She was sad, then happy, now she just looks confused. She spends all her free time studying or drawing. Maybe we should talk to her."
Matching her tone, Keitaro added, "And she's been forgetful. Missing her train isn't like her."
"It could just be her new school. She doesn't seem to make friends easy, and now that Su goes to a different school." Naru trailed off.
In a flash of insight, "We could look at her sketchpad. It could help, and it's not like her diary."
Naru was skeptical, "I don't know. That might be a bit much."
Standing up and heading out of the room, "I'm going to check it. It's my duty as manager to keep the residents safe."
Chasing after him, Naru hollowered, "Not without me you pervert!"
Kitsune sighed. 'If they look at her pad, I hope she didn't do any more kiss drawings.' Her answer was received several minutes later as Naru screamed and Keitaro bellowed, "WHO IS THAT BOY!"
Losing her trademark smirk, Kitsune frowned slightly, "Going to be a long day for you Shinobu-chan."
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With what could almost be considered a spring in her step, Rei made her way towards campus, after a short stop at her apartment. She had found herself missing the young Ikari's presence more and more. The more time she spent with him, the more she felt she wanted to remain with him.
She didn't understand that she could have just gone to visit him, but now that she had a purpose she was overjoyed. As she made the final leg of her journey to school, she recalled how she felt to just lay her head on his shoulder during the uneventful drive back from that retched hotel, and that .child.
'Why such a simple action caused such a response is a questionable. I will ask him when I see him.'
So engrossed in her thoughts, she didn't notice a figure was in her path until she collided with it. At the sudden burst of feeling, she stopped her progress. Sprawled in the ground at her feet, Shinobu stared blankly at the sky.
Eyes narrowing slightly Rei spoke softly, "You."
The soft voice of her attacker, racked Shinobu's thought process, 'It's that Ayanami girl!' Almost jumping to her feet, Shinobu muttered an apology, and sped off from what she hoped wasn't going to be her demise.
'Exactly as her profile suggested, she will offer no hindrance. Akagi was wise to give it her file to me.'
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At the Katsuragi apartment, a one sided debate was being held.
"I'll be fine Misato-san. You skipped work two days already. I don't need you to watch over me again," the bedridden boy pleaded.
Reading the thermometer, "I don't know. That cold hit you really hard. You could have another relapse."
Shinji sighed. This was the third time they had this conversation. After his return from the Hinata dorm, Shinji's health took a dive. Ritsuko said it was normal, in his weakened state a cold virus had hit him. Misato's motherly instincts kicked into overdrive the moment she heard.
She insisted he remain in bed until he was at 100% again. She called in personal time to see to his needs. While he was very pleasantly surprised she was willing to do so, it was wearing thin. He simply couldn't stand Misato's version of chicken soup anymore.
"I have your cell-phone number, and the emergency number. If I need anything I can call right?"
Realizing her workload was growing into a small mountain, she folded. "You call me the minute anything happens. Understand?"
Containing his joy, "I'll keep the phone right next to me."
Kissing his forehead, "Alright, I'll be back around five, and I'll call Asuka and tell her to check up on you."
His face paling a bit, "You sure that's at good idea? She insisted that she stay at Hikari's until I wasn't contagious anymore."
Walking over to his door, she turned back, "If I have to, I'll make it an order. Now get some rest."
Shinji promised her he would try, and listened to the fading sounds of Misato's feet and the sounds of doors closing. Finally left alone, he reclined back in bed. He was feeling much better, but still very weak. He viewed the readout on his watch.
"Wednesday. I should be cooking with Shinobu tonight, not forcing down cans of chicken broth mixed with beer."
With nothing else to do, he turned on his side and fell back to sleep.
-----------------------
Asuka was not in a very pleasant mood. Her clothing stash was wearing thin, and she wanted to return to her apartment. But, thanks to that idiot, she couldn't risk it. She also knew that Hikari was slowing getting a bit agitated.
Asuka could understand why, so she wasn't mad. She would be agitated if the situation was reversed. To her, if the first day back from vacation somebody begged to stay over, and didn't leave for a few days she'd be pissed. Her mood was also lower than normal due to a phone call she had just received.
"So now I have to check on him. Baka will probably be lying on the floor in a pile of his own sick," she grumbled.
Hikari pulled out her books, "You really think so?"
Demonstrating her ability to change emotions at the drop of a hat, she smiled. "Nah, just like to give him hell on occasion. He's always so damn uptight."
Giggling softly, "Why Asuka, it almost sounds like you actually care about him."
Eyes widening, heart rate rising, voice.exploding, "I DO NOT CARE ABOUT HIM!"
Across the room, Touji couldn't resist his base emotions, "Shut the hell up you damn demon! People are trying to sleep!"
'That was almost worth the price of my left ear,' Hikari thought. She couldn't help but believe Asuka had some feelings for the meek boy. It wasn't love in the romantic sense, but she was sure she felt something for him. "Going to get anybody chocolates? Valentines day is coming up soon."
Relieved for the change in topic, "Maybe Kaji-san."
"Think Shinobu will get Shinji some?" Hikari asked.
Asuka was stumped by that question. After all the time she spent with Shinobu, Asuka was tempted to believe she wouldn't risk it. "I don't know she's so skittish she may be afraid to."
"That's too bad, they seem like they could be a nice couple. Where is she anyway?"
A loud ruckus drew their attention to the door. Asuka smiled, "Speak of the devil." Asuka was starting to really like the shy girl. She hoped the shy girl would break free from the confines of her own fears. 'Wish we all could,' she thought sullenly.
Hikari watched as Shinobu collided with her desk as she ran towards it. "Something wrong?"
"Brilliant deduction Watson," Asuka laughed.
Again from across the room, "Some people were up late last night so SHUT UP!" This time it was Kensuke.
Paying the boy no mind, Shinobu straightened her cloths and sat down, "No.just Ayanami-san scared me."
The mention of the first child quickly got Asuka's attention. She was just too creepy for Asuka's taste, and simply to formal. "What she did she do? Smile? Talk above a whisper?"
Hikari started to giggle again as she thought of Rei smiling and yelling at the top of her lungs. "Don't mind Asuka, she's worried about Shinji. What happened?"
"I am NOT worried about him!"
"Sure Asuka, Sure. Back to the matter at hand," both girls turned to face the new arrival.
Under the combined view of her friends, Shinobu was suddenly very embarrassed. 'Not much happened, I just jumped the gun.' Squirming more in her seat, she lowered her head. "She kinda ran into me, looked at me, and."
Leaning on the edge of her seat, Asuka inquired, "And?"
'I hate being the center of attention," Shinobu cried mentally before finally admitting, "She acknowledged me."
She couldn't contain it anymore, Hikari burst into a fit of laughter, "Call the police! It's assault!"
As Shinobu tried to explain herself to Hikari, Asuka recognized how odd that truly was. 'Wondergirl actually talked to her. What caused her to do that? It's not like her to just talk, even if she did run into Shinobu. And how could little Miss Perfect not pay attention to what she was doing.'
Laughter was suddenly silenced as the sensei finally made his entrance to the classroom. Reverting to Class Representative mode, Hikari composed herself and started class.
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"I don't know Asuka-san. If he's sick I shouldn't bother him," Shinobu meeped out as she held her hand over her mouth.
Picking up her bag and heading towards the door, "Not like this would be the first time you missed your train on Wednesday would it?"
Following her red headed companion, "But.but.what about Hikari-san?"
Asuka wanted to give Hikari a little break. She knew she could be a bit of a pill on occasion, and she didn't want to strain her friendship with her. "Hikari has some things to do in private. Anyway I'm sure seeing two beautiful women will help that baka get better."
Fighting back her blush, "I'm.not beautiful.not like you Asuka-san."
'Kami-sama I like this girl,' Asuka beamed at the compliment, "Just to say hi. You don't have to stay long."
"I guess I could, the train doesn't leave for about another hour. I could say hi and."
Asuka cut Shinobu off, "Great lets go then!" Grabbing the smaller girl's hand, Asuka was off and running home, and Shinobu was reminded of how Su would do the exact same thing.
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After waking up around noon, Shinji quickly depleted his sources of entertainment. His sdat's batteries died, he completed the homework Kensuke had brought over from the day before, and he was too weak to play his cello. 'Boredom stinks,' he mused.
Finally the boredom became so great he ventured out of his room and plopped down in front of the television. He set a mental reminder to clean it up before heading back to his room so Misato wouldn't suspect anything. He flipped through the stations aimlessly as time flew by. Startled by the sudden ringing of the doorbell, the remote clattered to the floor.
'Wonder who that could be,' he pondered as he forced his body to the door. As he ventured through more of the apartment he cringed at how dirty it had become in his few day absence. 'At least I'll have something to do when I feel better,' he thought as he smiled softly.
Opening the door, he was greeted by a big surprise. "Asuka.Shinobu! What brings you here?"
"Shinji-san! You're sick! You should be in bed!" Shinobu actually scolded.
Blushing at her rather loud accusation, "Sorry, I was just so bored. Why did you ring the bell?"
Asuka answered that by blushing and pushing her way past Shinji. "So I forgot my keycard at Hikari's place. Misato actually let you out of your room?"
Moving aside to allow Shinobu enough room to enter, "I don't plan on telling her I left it."
Again Shinobu pointed her finger at him, "You should listen to her! I don't want you staying sick! I.I." Shinobu's voice was lost to her when she peered through the crack in the now closing door, 'that girl!'
Still closing the door, Shinji felt a hand cover his. A slightly warm hand which he didn't expect. He looked at his own hand and found in embraced by a pale feminine one.
"Ay.Rei, you came to visit me too?" asked the mildly astonished Shinji.
Keeping her hand on his, she slid the folder out of her bag with her free hand. Holding it out to him she addressed him, "Doctor Akagi wished for you to have this."
"What's taking you two so long! We need to get baka Shinji back into bed!" Asuka bellowed from the living room.
Try as she might, Shinobu simply couldn't find her voice. 'What will Ayanami-san do if she finds me here! I thought she threatened me!'
Oblivious to Shinobu's fright, "Would you like to come in Rei?"
Nodding her head slightly, "I would enjoy that."
Shinji again, moved away from the door to allow Ayanami access to the apartment. Once inside, Rei saw Shinobu and a frown formed on her face. 'She has come here.' Rei bore down on Shinobu with a relentless gaze as Shinji gestured for the pair to follow him. Shinobu was lost in Rei's eyes much like a deer in a pair of headlights.
'She looks.I don't know but I don't like it. Maybe coming over wasn't a good idea.' Averting her eyes from Rei's, Shinobu rushed after Shinji. Finding him informing Asuka of Rei's presence.
Rounding the corner just behind Shinobu, the first child's hands were clenched into fists. Her knuckles whiter than they normally were. 'She did not listen to me. I shall have to take steps.'
Trying in vain to hide her fear, "I have to run or I'll miss my train. Hope you get well Shinji-san. See you at school."
Asuka was about to interject when Rei spoke, "I must leave as well. I have business to attend to."
Smiling softly at the pair, "I'm glad you two could come visit, even if it was only to say hi. I was getting lonely. Take care," the boy said.
Offering formal goodbyes, the two girls left. Shinobu was relieved when Rei didn't take the elevator with her, and appeared to head off in the opposite direction as her train. 'And I wanted to spend more time with Shinji too,' she pouted.
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"Well that sure was odd," Asuka scoffed.
Taking a seat at the kitchen table, "What?"
"Wondergirl, she could have given me that folder but she came over in person."
Not following, Shinji asked, "What's odd about that?"
Meeting Shinji's eyes, "I don't know, but something. I don't trust her."
With his retort in mind, Shinji opened his mouth to speak but no words came out, he was enveloped in a shroud of blackness. When he could see again he felt a lightweight on his arm. He also felt the soft embrace of his mattress under him. Looking at his arm he saw Asuka sitting in a chair by his bed her arm over his.
"Asuka?"
Woken from her light sleep by Shinji's voice, "Oh.you finally awake again. Don't scare me like that."
"What happened?" the bewildered boy asked.
Smiling softly at him, "You stood up to talk and planted your face on the table."
He honestly couldn't remember doing that, but figured it possible. Blushing softly, "Thanks for moving me."
Flexing her biceps, "A small guy like you? It wasn't any trouble at all."
'She's being so nice to me.she really can be sweet at times.' He smiled at her posture and overly dramatic pose, "Thanks away. Anything I can do to repay you?"
"Don't worry about it, you don't a.A---ACHOO!"
"Oh shit.sorry Asuka."
'I caught his cold.one time I try being nice and.' despite herself she smiled at him, "Think I'll be able to skip school too?"
Releasing the breath he didn't know he was holding, "If you think you can handle Misato's chicken soup."
Making a clicking sound with her tongue, "Nope, you'll be making me soup. Payment for me dragging you in here."
"It's a deal."
Asuka grinned. 'He has his flaws. He's weak, a pervert, and worthless at times, but.he's not all bad.'
The pair talked into the night, and when Misato came home from her marathon session of paper work found the two of them still talking to each other. From outside his door, she heard them joking, harassing each other, and behaving like siblings. "My kids."
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Well another chapter done.
Trying to make Asuka and Shinji friendlier to each other. May seem a bit OOC but I think they both need to have a stable person in their lives. Family so to speak. Hope you liked it.
Ja Mata
Zentrodie(zentrodie@secondimpact.com)
OMAKE!!
Misato came home from her marathon session of paper work, and found the apartment a war zone. She saw broken furniture, appliances, and Pen-Pen was having a fit.
"What the hell happened here?" she murmured.
She made her way towards Shinji's room and saw several imprints of a human form on the wall. "What the."
Asuka jumped out of Shinji's doorway, "Misato! You'll never believe what that Naru girl taught me to do!"
"Does it explain why this place looks like world war 4 took place in it, and where is Shinji?"
Answering her question, Shinji flew through the ceiling and landed at Misato's side.
"Naru taught me how to punish perverts! I can send Baka Shinji into Orbit! She called it the Keitaro Maneuver!"
Shinji simply lie on the ground, having not inherited Keitaro's invincibility. Misato's face drained of color, "YOU KILLED HIM!"
Blushing, "Oops, Didn't think about that part."
{Hello Zen}
And I.am a fic writer. And with that means I don't own anything.
Ok so that was a very poor rendition of AA, but I tried ^_^ sorry for the delay in this chapter but I've been so busy it's scary. Finals are just about over so I can finally relax. No classes for about a month, which is good I guess. I can catch up. Hope you enjoy and remember a review is vastly appreciated.
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Out of Disaster Chapter Six- Ulterior Motives
Things were finally coming together. After months of planning and manipulation from behind the scenes, her actions were bearing fruit. Ritsuko smiled as she viewed the latest security photos.
"Finally going to strip him of his cherished toy," she muttered to herself, the emptiness of her office causing a slight reverberation of her voice.
The photos she held in her hand were those of two pilots, quietly eating lunch under a tree. By itself that meant nothing, but with her knowledge of the situation it meant a lot more. A smile crossed her lips, as she recalled the drive up to the hot spring not three days before.
"A little prod in the right direction and she dances superbly."
Putting the dossier back in her desk she marveled at how lucky she had been. She wasn't even suspected of any foul play at this point and Rei seemed to genuinely care about Shinji, which made things a lot easier. The only problem was that other blue haired girl, 'She could be a problem.' Her hand wasn't inches away from the drawer when a slight rasp was heard on her door.
Regaining her composure, "Enter."
Upon her command, the door opened and the object of her extreme hatred entered. "Thanks for coming on such short notice Rei," her voice full of mock pleasantries.
Dressed in her school uniform, Rei approached the desk, "You wished to see me Dr. Akagi?"
Handing the girl a small folder, "I need Shinji-kun to get these papers signed, his act of recklessness at the volcano requires it."
Surprising her desire to smile, "Why do you not give them to him yourself?"
Catching the subtle hints of emotion on the girls face, "His illness requires bed rest, I was hoping you could either give them to him, or see to it that Asuka gets them and she can give them to him. You will see her at school will you not?"
'Shinji-kun was absent from school for the past few days, that would explain his absence.' Tucking the folder into her attaché, "He will get the forms."
"I knew I could count on you. That is all," Ritsuko said with a false smile and wave.
Her reason to stay being gone, Rei left the office and headed towards the school. As the door shut, Ritsuko glared at the spot Ayanami had taken. 'I will see to it that you lose your precious Rei, Gendo."
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"Take care Shinobu-chan! Try to catch the train on time today!" Naru called out as Shinobu headed out for school.
Turning back to face her, she nodded. "I'll try my best Naru-sempai."
'She's been acting so strange lately. Missing her train, mood swings, and she started drawing in her sketchpad a lot gain.'
Walking up behind her, Keitaro tapped her shoulder, "Going to be looking at the stairs for a while yet?"
On blind instinct, Naru turned around and slammed her fist into Keitaro sending him careening against the walls. "Don't startle me like that!"
As testimate to his invincibility, Keitaro shrugged off the blow and walked back over to her. "Something on your mind?"
Leaning against the window frame, "Shinobu-chan. She's not herself lately."
"I've noticed it too. She seemed depressed after she found out about us."
Stealing a glance at Keitaro, "Don't try to blame yourself for this."
Hiding around the corner, Kitsune listened to the pair talk. She wanted to tell them not to worry about her, and to in fact be happy, but she promised she wouldn't tell. And in Hinata lodge if its one thing you keep, it's a promise.
Naru's voice ladled with concern, "She was sad, then happy, now she just looks confused. She spends all her free time studying or drawing. Maybe we should talk to her."
Matching her tone, Keitaro added, "And she's been forgetful. Missing her train isn't like her."
"It could just be her new school. She doesn't seem to make friends easy, and now that Su goes to a different school." Naru trailed off.
In a flash of insight, "We could look at her sketchpad. It could help, and it's not like her diary."
Naru was skeptical, "I don't know. That might be a bit much."
Standing up and heading out of the room, "I'm going to check it. It's my duty as manager to keep the residents safe."
Chasing after him, Naru hollowered, "Not without me you pervert!"
Kitsune sighed. 'If they look at her pad, I hope she didn't do any more kiss drawings.' Her answer was received several minutes later as Naru screamed and Keitaro bellowed, "WHO IS THAT BOY!"
Losing her trademark smirk, Kitsune frowned slightly, "Going to be a long day for you Shinobu-chan."
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With what could almost be considered a spring in her step, Rei made her way towards campus, after a short stop at her apartment. She had found herself missing the young Ikari's presence more and more. The more time she spent with him, the more she felt she wanted to remain with him.
She didn't understand that she could have just gone to visit him, but now that she had a purpose she was overjoyed. As she made the final leg of her journey to school, she recalled how she felt to just lay her head on his shoulder during the uneventful drive back from that retched hotel, and that .child.
'Why such a simple action caused such a response is a questionable. I will ask him when I see him.'
So engrossed in her thoughts, she didn't notice a figure was in her path until she collided with it. At the sudden burst of feeling, she stopped her progress. Sprawled in the ground at her feet, Shinobu stared blankly at the sky.
Eyes narrowing slightly Rei spoke softly, "You."
The soft voice of her attacker, racked Shinobu's thought process, 'It's that Ayanami girl!' Almost jumping to her feet, Shinobu muttered an apology, and sped off from what she hoped wasn't going to be her demise.
'Exactly as her profile suggested, she will offer no hindrance. Akagi was wise to give it her file to me.'
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At the Katsuragi apartment, a one sided debate was being held.
"I'll be fine Misato-san. You skipped work two days already. I don't need you to watch over me again," the bedridden boy pleaded.
Reading the thermometer, "I don't know. That cold hit you really hard. You could have another relapse."
Shinji sighed. This was the third time they had this conversation. After his return from the Hinata dorm, Shinji's health took a dive. Ritsuko said it was normal, in his weakened state a cold virus had hit him. Misato's motherly instincts kicked into overdrive the moment she heard.
She insisted he remain in bed until he was at 100% again. She called in personal time to see to his needs. While he was very pleasantly surprised she was willing to do so, it was wearing thin. He simply couldn't stand Misato's version of chicken soup anymore.
"I have your cell-phone number, and the emergency number. If I need anything I can call right?"
Realizing her workload was growing into a small mountain, she folded. "You call me the minute anything happens. Understand?"
Containing his joy, "I'll keep the phone right next to me."
Kissing his forehead, "Alright, I'll be back around five, and I'll call Asuka and tell her to check up on you."
His face paling a bit, "You sure that's at good idea? She insisted that she stay at Hikari's until I wasn't contagious anymore."
Walking over to his door, she turned back, "If I have to, I'll make it an order. Now get some rest."
Shinji promised her he would try, and listened to the fading sounds of Misato's feet and the sounds of doors closing. Finally left alone, he reclined back in bed. He was feeling much better, but still very weak. He viewed the readout on his watch.
"Wednesday. I should be cooking with Shinobu tonight, not forcing down cans of chicken broth mixed with beer."
With nothing else to do, he turned on his side and fell back to sleep.
-----------------------
Asuka was not in a very pleasant mood. Her clothing stash was wearing thin, and she wanted to return to her apartment. But, thanks to that idiot, she couldn't risk it. She also knew that Hikari was slowing getting a bit agitated.
Asuka could understand why, so she wasn't mad. She would be agitated if the situation was reversed. To her, if the first day back from vacation somebody begged to stay over, and didn't leave for a few days she'd be pissed. Her mood was also lower than normal due to a phone call she had just received.
"So now I have to check on him. Baka will probably be lying on the floor in a pile of his own sick," she grumbled.
Hikari pulled out her books, "You really think so?"
Demonstrating her ability to change emotions at the drop of a hat, she smiled. "Nah, just like to give him hell on occasion. He's always so damn uptight."
Giggling softly, "Why Asuka, it almost sounds like you actually care about him."
Eyes widening, heart rate rising, voice.exploding, "I DO NOT CARE ABOUT HIM!"
Across the room, Touji couldn't resist his base emotions, "Shut the hell up you damn demon! People are trying to sleep!"
'That was almost worth the price of my left ear,' Hikari thought. She couldn't help but believe Asuka had some feelings for the meek boy. It wasn't love in the romantic sense, but she was sure she felt something for him. "Going to get anybody chocolates? Valentines day is coming up soon."
Relieved for the change in topic, "Maybe Kaji-san."
"Think Shinobu will get Shinji some?" Hikari asked.
Asuka was stumped by that question. After all the time she spent with Shinobu, Asuka was tempted to believe she wouldn't risk it. "I don't know she's so skittish she may be afraid to."
"That's too bad, they seem like they could be a nice couple. Where is she anyway?"
A loud ruckus drew their attention to the door. Asuka smiled, "Speak of the devil." Asuka was starting to really like the shy girl. She hoped the shy girl would break free from the confines of her own fears. 'Wish we all could,' she thought sullenly.
Hikari watched as Shinobu collided with her desk as she ran towards it. "Something wrong?"
"Brilliant deduction Watson," Asuka laughed.
Again from across the room, "Some people were up late last night so SHUT UP!" This time it was Kensuke.
Paying the boy no mind, Shinobu straightened her cloths and sat down, "No.just Ayanami-san scared me."
The mention of the first child quickly got Asuka's attention. She was just too creepy for Asuka's taste, and simply to formal. "What she did she do? Smile? Talk above a whisper?"
Hikari started to giggle again as she thought of Rei smiling and yelling at the top of her lungs. "Don't mind Asuka, she's worried about Shinji. What happened?"
"I am NOT worried about him!"
"Sure Asuka, Sure. Back to the matter at hand," both girls turned to face the new arrival.
Under the combined view of her friends, Shinobu was suddenly very embarrassed. 'Not much happened, I just jumped the gun.' Squirming more in her seat, she lowered her head. "She kinda ran into me, looked at me, and."
Leaning on the edge of her seat, Asuka inquired, "And?"
'I hate being the center of attention," Shinobu cried mentally before finally admitting, "She acknowledged me."
She couldn't contain it anymore, Hikari burst into a fit of laughter, "Call the police! It's assault!"
As Shinobu tried to explain herself to Hikari, Asuka recognized how odd that truly was. 'Wondergirl actually talked to her. What caused her to do that? It's not like her to just talk, even if she did run into Shinobu. And how could little Miss Perfect not pay attention to what she was doing.'
Laughter was suddenly silenced as the sensei finally made his entrance to the classroom. Reverting to Class Representative mode, Hikari composed herself and started class.
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"I don't know Asuka-san. If he's sick I shouldn't bother him," Shinobu meeped out as she held her hand over her mouth.
Picking up her bag and heading towards the door, "Not like this would be the first time you missed your train on Wednesday would it?"
Following her red headed companion, "But.but.what about Hikari-san?"
Asuka wanted to give Hikari a little break. She knew she could be a bit of a pill on occasion, and she didn't want to strain her friendship with her. "Hikari has some things to do in private. Anyway I'm sure seeing two beautiful women will help that baka get better."
Fighting back her blush, "I'm.not beautiful.not like you Asuka-san."
'Kami-sama I like this girl,' Asuka beamed at the compliment, "Just to say hi. You don't have to stay long."
"I guess I could, the train doesn't leave for about another hour. I could say hi and."
Asuka cut Shinobu off, "Great lets go then!" Grabbing the smaller girl's hand, Asuka was off and running home, and Shinobu was reminded of how Su would do the exact same thing.
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After waking up around noon, Shinji quickly depleted his sources of entertainment. His sdat's batteries died, he completed the homework Kensuke had brought over from the day before, and he was too weak to play his cello. 'Boredom stinks,' he mused.
Finally the boredom became so great he ventured out of his room and plopped down in front of the television. He set a mental reminder to clean it up before heading back to his room so Misato wouldn't suspect anything. He flipped through the stations aimlessly as time flew by. Startled by the sudden ringing of the doorbell, the remote clattered to the floor.
'Wonder who that could be,' he pondered as he forced his body to the door. As he ventured through more of the apartment he cringed at how dirty it had become in his few day absence. 'At least I'll have something to do when I feel better,' he thought as he smiled softly.
Opening the door, he was greeted by a big surprise. "Asuka.Shinobu! What brings you here?"
"Shinji-san! You're sick! You should be in bed!" Shinobu actually scolded.
Blushing at her rather loud accusation, "Sorry, I was just so bored. Why did you ring the bell?"
Asuka answered that by blushing and pushing her way past Shinji. "So I forgot my keycard at Hikari's place. Misato actually let you out of your room?"
Moving aside to allow Shinobu enough room to enter, "I don't plan on telling her I left it."
Again Shinobu pointed her finger at him, "You should listen to her! I don't want you staying sick! I.I." Shinobu's voice was lost to her when she peered through the crack in the now closing door, 'that girl!'
Still closing the door, Shinji felt a hand cover his. A slightly warm hand which he didn't expect. He looked at his own hand and found in embraced by a pale feminine one.
"Ay.Rei, you came to visit me too?" asked the mildly astonished Shinji.
Keeping her hand on his, she slid the folder out of her bag with her free hand. Holding it out to him she addressed him, "Doctor Akagi wished for you to have this."
"What's taking you two so long! We need to get baka Shinji back into bed!" Asuka bellowed from the living room.
Try as she might, Shinobu simply couldn't find her voice. 'What will Ayanami-san do if she finds me here! I thought she threatened me!'
Oblivious to Shinobu's fright, "Would you like to come in Rei?"
Nodding her head slightly, "I would enjoy that."
Shinji again, moved away from the door to allow Ayanami access to the apartment. Once inside, Rei saw Shinobu and a frown formed on her face. 'She has come here.' Rei bore down on Shinobu with a relentless gaze as Shinji gestured for the pair to follow him. Shinobu was lost in Rei's eyes much like a deer in a pair of headlights.
'She looks.I don't know but I don't like it. Maybe coming over wasn't a good idea.' Averting her eyes from Rei's, Shinobu rushed after Shinji. Finding him informing Asuka of Rei's presence.
Rounding the corner just behind Shinobu, the first child's hands were clenched into fists. Her knuckles whiter than they normally were. 'She did not listen to me. I shall have to take steps.'
Trying in vain to hide her fear, "I have to run or I'll miss my train. Hope you get well Shinji-san. See you at school."
Asuka was about to interject when Rei spoke, "I must leave as well. I have business to attend to."
Smiling softly at the pair, "I'm glad you two could come visit, even if it was only to say hi. I was getting lonely. Take care," the boy said.
Offering formal goodbyes, the two girls left. Shinobu was relieved when Rei didn't take the elevator with her, and appeared to head off in the opposite direction as her train. 'And I wanted to spend more time with Shinji too,' she pouted.
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"Well that sure was odd," Asuka scoffed.
Taking a seat at the kitchen table, "What?"
"Wondergirl, she could have given me that folder but she came over in person."
Not following, Shinji asked, "What's odd about that?"
Meeting Shinji's eyes, "I don't know, but something. I don't trust her."
With his retort in mind, Shinji opened his mouth to speak but no words came out, he was enveloped in a shroud of blackness. When he could see again he felt a lightweight on his arm. He also felt the soft embrace of his mattress under him. Looking at his arm he saw Asuka sitting in a chair by his bed her arm over his.
"Asuka?"
Woken from her light sleep by Shinji's voice, "Oh.you finally awake again. Don't scare me like that."
"What happened?" the bewildered boy asked.
Smiling softly at him, "You stood up to talk and planted your face on the table."
He honestly couldn't remember doing that, but figured it possible. Blushing softly, "Thanks for moving me."
Flexing her biceps, "A small guy like you? It wasn't any trouble at all."
'She's being so nice to me.she really can be sweet at times.' He smiled at her posture and overly dramatic pose, "Thanks away. Anything I can do to repay you?"
"Don't worry about it, you don't a.A---ACHOO!"
"Oh shit.sorry Asuka."
'I caught his cold.one time I try being nice and.' despite herself she smiled at him, "Think I'll be able to skip school too?"
Releasing the breath he didn't know he was holding, "If you think you can handle Misato's chicken soup."
Making a clicking sound with her tongue, "Nope, you'll be making me soup. Payment for me dragging you in here."
"It's a deal."
Asuka grinned. 'He has his flaws. He's weak, a pervert, and worthless at times, but.he's not all bad.'
The pair talked into the night, and when Misato came home from her marathon session of paper work found the two of them still talking to each other. From outside his door, she heard them joking, harassing each other, and behaving like siblings. "My kids."
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Well another chapter done.
Trying to make Asuka and Shinji friendlier to each other. May seem a bit OOC but I think they both need to have a stable person in their lives. Family so to speak. Hope you liked it.
Ja Mata
Zentrodie(zentrodie@secondimpact.com)
OMAKE!!
Misato came home from her marathon session of paper work, and found the apartment a war zone. She saw broken furniture, appliances, and Pen-Pen was having a fit.
"What the hell happened here?" she murmured.
She made her way towards Shinji's room and saw several imprints of a human form on the wall. "What the."
Asuka jumped out of Shinji's doorway, "Misato! You'll never believe what that Naru girl taught me to do!"
"Does it explain why this place looks like world war 4 took place in it, and where is Shinji?"
Answering her question, Shinji flew through the ceiling and landed at Misato's side.
"Naru taught me how to punish perverts! I can send Baka Shinji into Orbit! She called it the Keitaro Maneuver!"
Shinji simply lie on the ground, having not inherited Keitaro's invincibility. Misato's face drained of color, "YOU KILLED HIM!"
Blushing, "Oops, Didn't think about that part."