Disclaimer: I don't own the rights to Neon Genesis Evangelion – Studio Gainax does.  If they have a problem with me writing this non-profit fan-fiction, I will gladly remove it from the web. 

2

1

By Random1377

For what felt like the hundredth time, Shinji wiped his left hand on the leg of his pants, trying to wipe away the accumulating sweat.  Any minute now, he told himself, stealing a glance at the other three occupants of the kitchen with a nervous, sickly smile, she'll be home any minute now…

The she in question – his guardian, Misato – had called twenty minutes prior to let him know she was on the way and to have a beer waiting for her arrival.

The beer was there… but so was the topic that Shinji had to discuss with the woman.  Both of them were waiting patiently in the kitchen, dripping with perspiration.

I never thought I'd identify with a can of beer, the young man thought, wiping his hand again, at least Ayanami looks cool.

As if in response to his thought, Rei looked up from the drawing she was being shown and inclined her head slightly in Shinji's direction. 

"She is here."

"Ready?" Shinji asked tensely.

Looking to his right, he met the reluctant eyes of his accomplice in this task – his class representative, Hikari Horaki.  "Ready as I'll ever be," the girl said nervously, giving his right hand – currently held in her left one – a tentative squeeze.  "Don't worry… we'll make her see…"

"Hope so," Shinji muttered.

After a moment of waiting, the front door slid open, then closed, and Misato made her way into the kitchen with a weary sigh.  It was a testament to her tiredness, Shinji thought, that she offered no comment on finding him holding hands with Hikari as Rei and Bella sat at the table, drawing pictures.  The woman simply walked over to the table, picked up her beer, and upended it, draining half its contents in one long swallow.

"Ahhh…" she sighed, setting the can carefully on the table and shrugging off her jacket.  "Now then – what the hell is going on?"

So much for being tired, Shinji thought ruefully.  "We need to talk to you about something."

Misato glanced around the room.  "All of you?" she quipped, dropping into one of the chairs around the kitchen table.

"Well, just the two of us," Hikari said softly, "Ayanami and Bella can hear, though."

"Huh," Misato grunted, reclaiming her beer can, "well, fine… I guess I'm not going to get to bed until you get whatever's on your chest off of it, so speak up."

Very slowly, Shinji reached over and pushed the Play button on the answering machine.  In silence, the group in the kitchen listened to the message left by the police officer in charge of Bella's case.  When it was done, Shinji replayed it, carefully hitting Stop when it reached the part about him taking custody of Bella… if he was married.

Misato shook her head.  "Not a chance," she said flatly, "for one thing, your father will never approv-"

"He already has," Shinji cut in quickly, "I called him when you were out."

"You spoke to your father?" the woman snorted, folding her arms and giving him a sardonic smile, "you'll have to forgive me if I'm a little skeptical, Shinji, but-"

"It's true," Hikari spoke up, "I listened to him, and… and so did Rei."

All eyes turned to the quiet, blue-haired girl, and for the first time in his life, Shinji REALLY understood what desperation was.  PLEASE, he thought as hard as he could, wishing he could reach into his mind and literally throw the idea at her, please, Ayanami – I'll never ask you for anything ever again, I swear!!

"Well?" Misato asked as the First calmly returned her stare.

Rei shifted in her seat, gently pulling Bella's shoulder as the little girl suddenly reached out to grab a different crayon and letting the silence spool out for nearly a full minute before giving her quiet reply.

"Ikari would not lie."

Shinji nearly melted with gratitude.

Misato's hand unconsciously flexed, half crushing the can in her hand before she could stop herself.

"We figured that we can rotate our schedules,"  Hikari said quickly, nervously eying the crinkled aluminum in the captain's hand, "that way, one of us will always be home with her, and-"

"And you'll both flunk out of school," Misato interrupted, "an excellent plan, Miss Horaki – you've definitely thought this through."

Hikari blushed, unable to meet the older woman's eyes.

Sensing that the girl's resolution was wavering, Shinji stepped in.  "We can make it work," he said firmly, "Miss Horaki's father said he has no problems with this, and-"

"He's very liberal," Hikari cut in, nearly babbling as Misato continued to stare at her, "and he knows it's for a good cause, and that it's probably only a few months, or a year, or however long it takes to work something else out and… and… ummm…"

"So," Shinji licked his lips as Hikari trailed off into incoherent mumbling, "I called the officer, and he said if we really are married, he's sure there won't be any problems with Bella staying here for a while, and he… he's coming in the morning to… to check our records…"

Very slowly, Misato raised her can of beer and closed her eyes, finishing the entire can and setting it carefully on the table.  The two teens flinched as she abruptly brought her fist down on the can, smashing it into a flat, irregular disk, her nostrils flaring as her irritation punched easily through the façade of calm she was trying so desperately to maintain.

"I never knew you were this selfish," she said coldly, staring straight into Shinji's eyes.  "You say you're doing this for her… well, Shinji, I'd love to believe that.  Wait," she raised a hand as Shinji started to talk, "I also had no idea you were this… determined, and it's pretty obvious you're not backing down, so here's the deal."  She looked from Hikari to Shinji for a moment before turning her attention to Bella and whispering, "I'll go with this – for now… but if it looks like you're slipping, especially at NERV, I'll call the whole damn thing off, do you understand?  It's all well and good to want to help people, Shinji – just keep in mind why we're all here.  If you fail in your duties it won't matter if you quit school and dress up in pink chiffon, singing her lullabies until your voice is raw… we'll all be dead, including her.  So remember what we're all trying to do and… and I'll back you on this…"

"Thank you, ma'am," Shinji said formally, bowing at the waist.  "I won't let you down."

It's so easy to forget what he does, Hikari thought, grimacing slightly as she realized that their joined hands were nearly dripping with sweat, I'll be the one doing most of the work… God, I hope I can actually DO this!

"Look," Misato said, rubbing her eyes as she felt a headache coming on, "NERV has a lot of resources, but even if your father's ok with this, the best I can do is pull a few strings and get the marriage certificate backdated in the computer systems… and that means there has to be a marriage certificate to work with – you understand that, right?  And that officer – Kokobunji – is going to come to check your records tomorrow.  That doesn't leave a lot of time, or options.  If you're really going to do this… you better get moving."

Shinji and Hikari nodded.  "Yes, ma'am," Hikari said quietly, "there's… there's an all night chapel not too far from where I live."

For the first time since her arrival, Misato managed a small smile.  "Why do you know that, Miss Horaki?"  She chuckled, shaking her head as Hikari stammered something about passing it one day on the way to school.  "I must be insane," she lamented quietly, "but if the Commander said it was ok, I guess… I guess I understand why you guys would want to."

All eyes fell to the little girl perched on Rei's lap, but she continued working on her picture, entirely oblivious to the conversation taking place.

"This won't be easy you know," Misato whispered, looking from Shinji to Hikari before averting her gaze, "where will you live?  How will you get by?  Do you really think you can balance school and everything else?  God, why am I wasting my breath…"

"I can support us," Shinji said, sounding very uncertain as his guardian pushed away from the table and went to the fridge to collect another beer.  "My… my pilot's salary is enough to get us by.  We'll get an apartment… I guess… it'll work out."

Misato slowly closed the fridge, keeping her back to the teens as she spoke.  "You have no idea what you're getting into, Shinji," she whispered, "this isn't something you can do halfway. You guys can stay here for two weeks," she said levelly, popping the can of beer open but hesitating before drinking. "But, Shinji… you know I have duties I have to fulfill.  There's no way I can let another two people – one of them a little girl – be here all the time.  I just can't be responsible for everything. You know that… right?"

Shinji nodded slowly, and then gave the woman another deep, formal bow.  "I understand," he said hollowly, "two weeks."

The operations director nodded, her hand trembling as she brought the can up to her lips.

"Two weeks…"

**

Hikari looked around, taking in the wedding chapel's cheap décor and trying to relax as Shinji hunched down further in the seat next to her, his right hand pressing tightly against his stomach in a clear attempt to keep whatever remained of his dinner from coming back up.

"So," she said, trying to break the uncomfortable silence, "here we are…"

"Uh huh," Shinji nodded, glancing towards the chapel's bathroom – a place he had already become quite familiar with.  "Guess so."

"Really gonna do this, aren't we?" Hikari asked quietly, wondering how someone could go from iron-clad determination to kicked-puppy weakness in the space of a fifteen minute drive.

I guess I can't blame him, she thought, sighing as Shinji mumbled a weak affirmative, that woman's car was colder than my freezer – and the air conditioning wasn't even on, if you know what I mean.

"It will be just one more minute," the round-faced receptionist said warmly, shuffling papers around on her desk and trying to look busy.  "Relax – everyone gets the jitters right before they go in.  You'll be fine."

"Thanks," Hikari said politely, shaking her head as Shinji abruptly stood up and hurried into the bathroom.  "He's… just a little nervous," she said awkwardly.

"Don't think nothing of it, honey," the woman chuckled, "we once had a ceremony in the bathroom because the groom was… well, like you said – a little nervous.  Oh, I just heard the reverend knock.  He's ready for you."

Hikari gave her a sickly smile as the bathroom door opened and Shinji reemerged, a light sheen of sweat covering his face as he grimaced with distaste.  "Darling," she said, making him jump, "it's… it's time."

"R-right," Shinji nodded, turning slightly green.  "Let's go… d-dear."

Misato had recommended using words like that as practice.  "Look," she had told them as they drove to the chapel, "when that police officer comes by, he's going to expect to find a married couple waiting for him, do you understand?  He wants Bella to be happy as much as you do… but he's still got a job to do.  If he thinks for one second that we're all trying to make a fool of him – which, by the way, we are, if you think about it – he'll never let her stay… so you might as well start practicing for his visit."

Taking Shinji's shaking hand in hers, Hikari led him towards the inner chapel.  "Relax," she whispered tensely, "think about Bella."

Shinji swallowed.  "Right," he said once more, clasping her hand gratefully, "Bella… this is all for Bella."

They approached the door to the inner chapel, taking deep, calming breaths as they walked.  Man, Hikari thought suddenly, I wonder what Suzuhara would say if he could see us. She blushed – as she always did when she thought of Touji – and rolled her shoulders to try to loosen them.  He probably wouldn't care about me… but he's gonna ride Shinji like crazy.  Poor guy…

The secretary smiled, murmuring, "Good luck," as she pushed the doors to the inner chapel open and ushered them in.

They stepped into the brightly lit room, flinching slightly as the doors boomed shut behind them, sounding a little too much like a coffin lid slamming shut for Hikari's tastes.

"Dearly beloved," the reverend said grandly, spreading his arms wide, "we are gathered here today to… oh, it's just the two of you.  Well, you'll have to pardon me if I don't give you the whole show – I was napping when you showed up, so I'm a little out of it."  He stepped behind the alter.  "Well, come on, let's get you two married."

Blinking, the teens cautiously approached him.  "Is, umm… is this it?" Hikari asked hesitantly.

"What were you expecting?" the reverend asked, covering a yawn with the back of his hand, "rows of flowers?  An organist?  I've got rice, but I usually save that for after the ceremony."  He shrugged, putting his hands on the alter and yawning expansively.  "We may not look like much, but our marriages are fully state-sanctioned, and we never rush the 'I dos.'  Now," he looked down at a sheet of paper on the alter.  "You are Mister Ikari, and you are Miss Horaki, correct?  Or is it the other way around?  Sometimes my secretary, Miss Satsuma, gets a little confused."

"I'm… Miss Horaki," Hikari said softly.

"Not for long!" the reverend said jovially, clapping his hands together.  "Do you have rings?  The deluxe package does include some simple bands, but some people prefer using their own."

"We'll take the ones you have," Shinji said queasily, "can we get on with it?"

"Yes, yes," the man said, "I can see that you're in a hurry, so I'll use the short version… and you can get your rings from Miss Satsuma on the way out – she has every size."  He cleared his throat and straightened his back.  "Do you, Shinji Ikari, take…"

Hikari tuned out, glancing at Shinji from the corner of her eye as the man recited the classic, Western vow of marriage.  Are we doing the right thing? she thought nervously, swallowing with some difficulty.  Just… just don't think about it.  If you think about it, you'll-

"I do."

Oh God…

"And do you," the reverend said, turning to face the girl, "Hikari Horaki, take Shinji Ikari to be your lawfully wedded husband?  To have and to hold – in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, to love, honor, and obey, until death do you part?"

Hikari's mouth moved, but no sound came out.  I'm about to get married, she thought, panicking, I… I can't do it!  I'll never date!  I'll never kiss anyone else!  I'll… I'll be married!  I can't!  I CAN'T!!  I-

"Hikari…?"

The reverend smiled indulgently as Shinji squeezed the girl's hand.  "Take your time, miss," he said kindly.

Bella, Hikari thought desperately, this is for Bella.  That poor little girl will be shoved into a foster home if I don't do this – and I know what those places are like, you see them all the time in movies… so just do it!  Just say, I do… I do… that's all I have to say – just I do… I do… I do…

"…I do."

"Excellent!" the reverend boomed, making Hikari jump.  "I now pronounce you Husband and Wife."

That wasn't so bad, Hikari thought, feeling inexplicably relieved, I just-

"You may kiss the bride."

Shinji and Hikari both lowered their eyes, their cheeks coloring bright red.  Forgot that part, didn't you? Hikari thought, wetting her lips uncertainly.  Who ever thought I'd get my first kiss from IKARI?  She smiled a bit sickly as the boy took a deep breath and put his hands on her waist.  Well… here goes… I guess…

She closed her eyes, trying not to fidget as the young man leaned closer, but she opened them again almost immediately as she felt his lips gently press against her forehead.  She looked at him in surprise as he pulled back, smiling apologetically as he mouthed, 'sorry.'

"Ahem," the reverend cleared his throat, "well, congratulations."

Shinji bowed.  "Sorry to have woken you, sir."

"No, no," the man waved one hand, looking bemusedly from one teen to the other, "I'm always glad to help young people in… love."

Hikari averted her eyes.  He knows, she thought with a stab of fear, he knows this is just a front.

But the reverend simply bowed to them and laid a hand on each of their shoulders.  "Best of luck to you," he said warmly.  "Pardon my rudeness, but…"

Here it comes, Hikari and Shinji thought at the same time, bracing themselves for the inevitable question of why they were REALLY there.

"…would you take an old man's advice?"

The two youths blinked.  "S-sure," Shinji stammered, wishing he could look away from the man's bright, watchful eyes.

"Whatever your…circumstances," the man said delicately, "please try to remember that you are husband and wife now, alright?  That means that the little bit about 'for better or worse' still applies."  His eyes twinkled merrily as he concluded, "So for as long as you both shall live – regardless of what the world brings you – do your best to be good to one another."

"Yes sir," Shinji said quietly, giving the man a deep, respectful bow, "we will."

"Thank you," the reverend nodded approvingly, "goodnight, Mister and Misses Ikari."

**

"Well," Shinji sighed, dropping onto the couch at Hikari's side, "here we are…"

"Yeah," Hikari murmured, rubbing her eyes for a moment before glancing at the small suitcase she had picked up from home on the way back from the wedding chapel.  "Here we are."

They stared into space for several minutes, searching for something to say.

"I'm surprised Ayanami stayed to watch Bella for us," Hikari said finally, "she's been really quiet the last week – like, more than usual… I didn't think she'd go for it when Miss Katsuragi asked her to hang out for a while so she could drive us."

"You know," Shinji said thoughtfully, "I didn't think she would either… but I guess she knew it was important to us."

Us, he thought wearily, glancing down at the cheap gold band on his left ring finger, important to Mister and Misses Ikari.  Mister Ikari… Father… what will he say when he finds out?  He'll be mad… won't he…?

"So Miss Katsuragi will have the record changed first thing in the morning?" Hikari asked, refusing to let silence steal over them.  "She's really nice when she wants to be, huh?"

 "Yeah," Shinji agreed, glancing around the apartment and noticing for the first time just how small it was.  "She's great… when she's being nice."

"Yeah…"

In spite of their efforts, silence somehow managed to fill the space between the newly married couple, swallowing the echoes of their uneasy conversation in a matter of seconds.  They fidgeted, plucking absently at their clothes and looking everywhere but at each other as the quiet stretched on and on.

I read somewhere that people get nervous on their wedding night, Shinji thought ironically, but I don't think this is what they meant…

These thoughts lead him to another, and he took a deep breath, forcing himself to say, "W-we should get in bed…"

"What?" Hikari blinked, unconsciously edging away from the boy.

Shinji paled.  "Not… that's not what I meant," he said quickly, shaking his head for emphasis.  "I mean… we should figure out where we're sleeping, that's all.  I wasn't…"

Hikari relaxed as Shinji trailed off.  "Oh, right," she laughed nervously, putting a hand on her cheek to hide the rising flush there.  "Well, umm… I guess… I'll sleep on the cou-"

"No way," Shinji interrupted, "you can have the bed, and I'll sleep on the couch."

"But that's not fair," Hikari protested, "this is YOUR house, Ikari, I-"

"Shinji."

"Huh?"

"You should call me Shinji," he said softly, "at least until after the police officer's gone."

Hikari averted her eyes.  "Sorry," she whispered.  "I guess… I'm Ikari now too, huh…"

Shinji nodded.  "And… this is your house," he said slowly, "for two weeks, anyway, then…"

"Then we get our own place," Hikari concluded, sighing deeply. 

"I'm sorry."

"For what?" Hikari yawned.  "I said 'I do,' didn't I?  I could have just left."

"Well, thanks for doing it," Shinji said.

Hikari rose to her feet and stretched.  "Sure," she shrugged, "well, umm… I'll sleep in your bed tonight, and then the couch tomorrow, ok?  No," she said quickly, holding up a hand as Shinji opened his mouth to argue, "We're in this together, like that priest said… for better or worse – so we'll share, ok?  Besides," she managed a weak smile, "your bed looks kind of hard… maybe I'll like the couch better anyway."

"Maybe," Shinji replied doubtfully.

"Bella and the Captain should be home soon," Hikari pointed out, dropping back onto the couch and folding her arms as she stared into space, "we should… stay up until they get here.  She'll probably want to talk to us…"

Shinji closed his eyes, suppressing a shiver as he realized she probably would.

Continued…

Author's notes:  I decided to keep this posted with 3 to avoid confusion and maintain continuity.

2 is not being pre-read.

Feedback is always welcome on any site with reviewing capabilities, or by e-mailing random1377@yahoo.com