Final chapter kids. Thanks to all you reviewed and will review after the tale has come to an end. I have vague plans for the future, ( NB:- THIS IS A LIE! A TOTAL LIE! IT ALMOST HAS IT'S OWN GRAVITY IT'S SUCH A BIG LIE!) but hopefully this will not be the last fanfic I churn out.

On a side note, I've just finished playing Girlfriend of Steel. How OOC is Asuka? Holy Robot Jesus. (No offence to Christians anywhere...or robot Christians...erm)

For disclaimer see first chapter. Fool.

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She found him lying on the couch, his head propped up on his arm and a minute ball of fur curled up on his chest, both of them asleep. Rei widened her crimson eyes as she saw her kitten contentedly sleeping in the hollow of the young pilots chest, confused as to how she had arrived in the Katsuragi apartment. The albino girl then noticed Shinji's damp hair and the wet patch it had made on the armrest of the couch, still not dry. Looking outside where it was still raining, though a drizzle rather than the relentless deluge of earlier in the night, it wasn't hard to surmise what had happened. Shinji had walked to her apartment and retrieved her cat. Her eyes were drawn to a jacket carelessly thrown to the side of their make-shift bed. Picking it up absently from it's own little puddle on the carpet, Rei saw that the inside was covered in tiny tan and brown hairs. Looking back to the scene on the couch she considered silently.

'It seems Shinji kept him inside his jacket for the journey back.' After she had arrived home with her tiny companion she had checked it's gender, ascertaining it to be male. She was glad that her kitten was here. The storm last night would have frightened the poor creature and she had not been back to the apartment to feed the animal before arriving at Shinji's abode. After yesterdays events she had been... distracted and had forgotten about her new roommate. Looking for a place to put the damp jacket, she settled for putting it on the table in the kitchen as she passed through to get a glass of water. She noted that Shinji had also brought some of her newly aquired pet supplies back with him. A small bowl had been placed on the floor with the remnants of the can of cat food the kitten had devoured last night. After a couple seconds of searching Rei retrieved a glass tumbler and filled it with water, letting the tap run for a while so it ran cold. As she finished a soft thump behind her caught her attention. Turning to find the source of the noise Rei observed the cat stretching on the floor by the couch. Apparently noticing his new owner she padded through to the kitchen and began to rub herself against Rei's bare legs. Bending down to run her hand across the animal's soft silky fur, it occurred to Rei that she had yet to name him. Pouring a measure of her water into another bowl she set it down next to the first, amused as her nameless cat sprung to the water, quickly lapping it up. Crouching on her heels with Shinji's shirt covering her thighs, Rei thought about names.

'A name is used to define and to catalogue something. Yet, I do not wish to catalogue this. I wish...a more meaningful reason for naming him. A definition for more reasons than just identification. He is my companion, not a aquisition.' With that thought in mind she quickly decided on a name for him. 'Rin'. Nodding to herself in affirmation of her decision, Rei quietly slipped past the thirsty kitten and back into the living area sipping her own water. Intending to return to her own room, for it was still early and she could still get a few more hours sleep, the azure haired girl's attention was caught by the young boy sleeping on the couch once more as he shifted to a more comfortable position, sensing the absence of the weight on his chest. Turning towards Rei, Shinji adjusted his position so that he lay on his shoulder, and tucked his arm under himself absently, his face frowning slightly with the effort before relaxing again after his sleeping body found it's new alignment pleasing. Distracted by his movement her eyes were drawn to his hands, both of them wrapped in thin bandages across the palms. She had been the first to notice when they had arrived at the apartment, that his nails had pierced his skin and blood was dripping down his hands. Shinji had shrugged it off saying that he was going to disinfect and bandage them in a second. He had disappeared into the bathroom for a few minutes and had returned with the gauze covering his injuries. She could only surmise they had occurred when they had been in the Commander's Office and felt a slight guilt at having not noticed until now. A glance at Asuka had shown that the redhead shared her feeling. But Shinji had shrugged it off and simply began making dinner.

From the pristine white of the bandages it seemed that the bleeding had stopped. Rei stood before the sleeping Third Child and examined his features, relaxed in slumber. They looked so different then they had when he had defied the Com- the elder Ikari, yet the same too. Even in his anger he had been passionate, his emotions roiling under the surface, churning like a wild river waiting to burst it's banks. In so many ways he was the antithesis of his father. The young woman couldn't stop the faint shiver that danced up her spine as she thought of the man who called himself her guardian. She had been too distracted by her abstract horror at seeing him again to notice, but she saw now that claiming to take responsibility for her was as much an insult to the child he had abandoned as it was a threat to her. Her eyes flittering across her brothers face Rei wondered if he resented her for the relationship she had used to have with his father. She thought it likely that he had, but wondered if it was still the case. She hoped not. Gendo Ikari's words skittered across her mind as she remembered her first meeting with him as her second 'self'. What few confused memories she possessed from her first incarnation had shown a man largely indifferent to her, being present always but never really showing affection. The man she had met after her death had terrified her. His eyes were cold as stone, a man appraising a tool not a person, wondering how much tolerance she had before she would break and be of no use to him. She remembered his words, that he had cast aside his son in place of her, and that she would have to prove herself worthy of his attention. She remembered the test she had undergone with the doctors. She could not remember well but she thought these..'tests' had predated Ritsuko Akagi's involvement with her. She remembered the pain, the burning agony that had flared across her limbs when they injected her with fluid after fluid. And her guardians words to her every time she tried to synchronize with her Eva.

'A doll to control a doll. Remember that Rei.' Rarely did a day pass when he didn't make it clear that she was expendable. The day he had shown her the Chamber of Guf was one of the last times she remembered expressing emotion openly, rather than containing it within. Her shock and fear at seeing a dozen of herself floating in the yellowish liquid, smiling faintly, the revulsion and horror she had felt as the technician's fished out one of the 'spares' and the way she had vomited with disgust and terror as Gendo put bullet after bullet into the other her, splattering crimson blood over the sides of the freakish 'aquarium'. Her had told her then that she was expendable to him, and that there was always more...

'...if you prove unsatisfactory.' Until that day she had not known what she was. He had kept it from her, saying that she had merely lost consciousness when Naoko Akagi throttled her and had not died. At the time she had been young, a child and still disoriented by the experience. She was not hard to convince. His explanation of her origins was now thorough and complete.

He had left her there for two day's huddled on the cold metal floor, weeping and trying not to see her nude 'sisters', trying to pretend they weren't there, desperate to block their ethereal giggles.

It had felt like she had been punched in the stomach the first time Asuka had called her a doll, bringing dark memories of the Commander saying the same thing time and again. But by then she had known how to mask her emotions. How to simply not feel. How to be the Commander's perfect little doll. After the disappearance of Gendo Ikari she thought she would weep for joy at her freedom...but only discovered she had forgotten how to cry. The only tears she could shed were tears of pain when she was injured. She brought her hands together, pressed against her chest. She had only had a week of experience with her brother and her new companions, those she could think of friends. She had made so little progress, but she was loath to give up even the slivers she had discovered of herself. Seeing him once again in the room that had epitified everything he was - barren, cold and arrogant to a fault - had nearly crushed her. Until Shinji had spoken. For those who didn't know Gendo Ikari it would seem as if Shinji's words had no effect. The man's control of his emotions was as great as Rei's. His desire that it should be that way made it even more effective. To Rei, however it was like watching a hedgehog poleax a rhino. She didn't think it would ever be possible for her to express just how much gratitude she had to Shinji for taking her away from that place, or for comforting her earlier in the night. In the dim light of the apartment, lit only by the street lamps below, Rei Ayanami smiled at the boy she had come to think of as her brother.

"What are you doing up Rei?"

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Asuka stood just outside the shadows of the corridor that led to her room, looking at Rei curiously. The angle of the couch largely obscured Shinji from view but she could see his feet propped up on the armrest. It had hidden Rei for the most part as well, as a result of her position, apparently knelt next to the couch. It was only because the German girl had seen her mop of cerulean hair that she had noticed her. Rei lifted her eyes to meet her's when she asked the question, then stood, moving around the couch obviously not wanting to wake up Shinji. Lifting the glass of water she gestured pointedly, conveying without words her reason for being there. Asuka nodded, a flash of relief passing across her face briefly. Despite what Rei had said to her two days ago she still felt insecure about the two of them alone together. She was too unsure of where she stood with Shinji to be anything else. Hesitating briefly she moved out of the shadows to stand next to the other girl, angling her head so she could look down on the silent boy. Gentle sapphire eyes softly traced his features, at once glad beyond comparison that his cerulean eyes were not open and sad beyond belief. She would give anything for him to feel for her what she did for him. The normally loud girl felt a few tears forming at the thought.

Blinking rapidly to rid herself of the accumulated water, she found herself knelt at his side listening to his breathing. Looking around she found Rei standing at her side, eyes indicating that she understood how Asuka felt and would not intrude on her desire for privacy. Quickly and quietly she returned to the kitchen.

Asuka, reminding herself to thank the First Child later turned back to Shinji. His face was so different than the one he had shown earlier. She remembered the few brief minutes they had spent in the cavernous office that the former commander had occupied. She knew he had seen her react so violently to his father's presence, could feel his eyes on her as she shook in abject terror. Hearing his voice...had brought it all back...

The only thing Asuka really remembered about the 15th was Gendo Ikari's voice, cold as ice, booming through her cockpit audio system, calmly giving the order for Rei to retrieve the Lance and denying Shinji the permission to help her. As she was deluged by the torrent of memories she had tried to hold at bay for so long, his voice had become inextricably linked with them, hotwired into everything she feared, every dark little memory that plagued her. In the whirlpool of her consciousness his voice...was the only thing she could distinguish from the shapeless form of her terror and pain. Seeing him again...more importantly hearing his voice had unleashed the hordes of demons that competed for her soul. His voice was only one of the many things that had crept up in her dreams, it's presence at her 'mind-rape' enough to make her loath and fear it. Hearing it again after so long had transported her right into the middle of her worst nightmare. She had only vaguely heard his casual insults about her mental health, but those had plunged her further into the horror. A horror she had been unable to escape until Shinji had spoken and released her. Like she had wished so many times that he had back then. Curled into a ball in her plug, she had wanted more than anything to hear Shinji speak to her, to have Shinji rescue her from the pain. He hadn't been able to then...but now he had.

Knelt at his side, Asuka was startled to feel the cool streaks of tears as they fell from her eyes. She had been crying so much recently, she was almost inured to the sensation. Her tremulous smile took in her young, silent, companion.

"Baka...why do you always make my cry?" Jerkily, she reached out a hand to his brow and trembled as she brushed his hair free of his face as delicately as she could. Breathing in shakily, she stood and retreated to the kitchen.

Seeing Rei sat at the table, behind a wet jacket and stroking the kitten that was in her lap, Asuka made a point to ask her where the cat had come from, but later. She sat down to Rei's right and stared at the cool surface of the table, contemplating what she wanted to say.

" Thank you...for giving me some privacy." Asuka whispered, both because she didn't want to wake Shinji and because she couldn't bring herself to speak any louder. Rei pinioned her with her scarlet eyes and smiled slightly, nodding her acceptance of the thanks.

"Do you love him?" Asuka might have expected the question if she wasn't sure her fellow pilot already knew the answer. As things stood her head snapped up, eyes wide with panic as Rei regarded her calmly. She had no problem with Rei already knowing, but being asked to vocalise her feelings was more than she felt she could handle. The redhead's mouth began to open and close as her mind whipped through denials, acceptances and distractions seemingly unable to settle on any single one. Finally Asuka lowered her gaze to the table once again before whispering again, this time even quieter then before.

"...Yes." Out of the corner of her eye she saw Rei nod expressionlessly. After a while the pale girl spoke again.

"I do not know how he feels for you...but I suspect the feeling is mutual." Smiling once more at her opposite she stood, holding the minute ball of fur and strode quietly to her room. Asuka remained at the table for some time. Lost in her thoughts.

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The adolescent denizens of Tokyo-3 awoke with a mixture of cheer and dejection. The latter because it was a Monday and hence a school day, the former because it was the only day that week when they were to attend school. Monday itself was a half day and the rest of the week they had to themselves. A cause for celebration therefore.

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In the aftermath of Third Impact Nerv had taken over much of the administration and governmental control of Tokyo-3, having these responsibilities placed at their feet after the UN opted to reconstitute the organization. It was felt that allowing them the onus of running the city would make up for the fact that they really didn't have anything to do except wait for the unlikely event of an Angel attack. However most of the bureaucratic infrastructure had also been re-enstated and the Magi supervised most of the day to day activities and running of the most technologically advanced city in Japan. Which is what allowed Misato Katsuragi to spend vast swathes of her office hours watching anime re-runs rather than actually doing work. This fact alone was enough to enrage one Gendo Ikari. The further facts that he had the God of hangovers from finishing of a excellent bottle of brandy and that his seven story Curry Ramen fort had fallen over were not helping.

The former commander of Nerv, now looking even more dishevelled than usual thanks to dark circles under his eyes and half his hair matted to the left side of his head as a result of falling asleep on his desk, was alternating between scanning reports of Nerv activities and glaring half heartedly at his old comrade, daring him to make a comment about his appearance. His glare intensified when Kouzo continued to pretend that his younger student was not mentally willing him to die and innocently removed a small comb from his sleeve, proceeding to brush his hair humming a mild, but jaunty tune. Ikari's glare may have been all the more effective had his face not been distinctly green.

Sighing and turning his attention back to the reports Gendo scowled irritably, both at what he read and the throbbing behind his eyeballs.

"I can't believe this. Katsuragi has made use of none of the nine contingency plans I formulated to seize control of the Japanese government. She hasn't even annexed China!" Gendo sighed once again, lamenting his successor's lack of conquering vision. He lent back in his chair listening to his teacher's reply, seriously considering braining Fuyutsuki with a paperweight because he was still combing his hair.

"To be fair Ikari, not all those plans were brilliant." Fuyutsuki paused as he heard a repeated soft slapping sound behind him. Almost as if someone was throwing and catching something heavy absently, trying to gauge it's weight. Putting the thought out of his mind he continued. "The one about using the Evangelions in a 'dance off' to determine who ruled the country was not your best work." Gendo smirked.

"On the contrary. The performances of both the Second and Third Children during the battle with the 7th were enough to guarantee the success of that scenario." He shrugged. "Besides if we lost we'd just stand on the competition and steal the prize. Would you argue with a size 700 right foot?" Kouzo shook his head in exasperation. He also mused silently that he had come across Ikari inside the toilets once zipping up his trousers and declaring the action 'according to the scenario'. After that whenever Gendo told him that 'things were going according to the scenario' he wasn't nearly as reassured. A slight thunk behind him, alerted Fuyutsuki to that fact that he had been right. And more importantly that the paperweight had been put down. A rustling indicated that his comrade had picked up the papers again in it's stead. "Where is the iron fisted control? The ability to strike fear into the innocent at the drop of a hat? All my effort's wasted. Look at this..." Fuyutsuki noticed that Gendo's voice had taken on a whining tinge as he saw his legacy of hate and terror slip through his fingers. "...Katsuragi has declared a five day holiday to commemorate the end of the Angel War. The damage to our profit margins will be immeasurable." Having given up trying to find exactly where the organization of Nerv could possibly make a profit, Fuyutsuki had decided that Gendo only used the phrase because he had done a one year business course in college and thought it sounded cool.

"Well it will mean there are less people at Nerv. There's only a skeleton crew present now, which means your little...game should be all the more easy." Even from his position in front of the younger man Kouzo could hear the smirk rippling across his face.

"This is true." Leaning back in his chair Gendo snapped his fingers. Abruptly where no one had been a second ago...there was now 'someone'. Three 'someones' to be exact. Crouched in position around the front of the desk, the three figures seemed to merge with the shadows, their black clothing making it impossible to see where they ended and the darkness began. Every inch of their bodies covered and their faces hidden from view, they were the shadow warriors of Nerv. Nerv Ninja. And they served only Gendo Ikari. They never questioned his orders or gainsaid his wishes. They were too well trained. So if they were suddenly required to abandon their wakizashi's in favour of a less practical weapon and remove their traditional face coverings in favour of a plastic mask depicting a blue haired school girl they would do so without hesitation. They did not move when they heard the elder of the two men groan loudly.

Gendo's smirk grew...and so did his headache.

"The Rei Ninja are ready for their new duties I see." The three silent figures dipped their heads in agreement. "Very well. As you know my plans for Nerv-wide Gendofication are nearly at fruition. The only room that remains to be Gendoified is the command centre. This is always occupied, most of the time by the commander of the enemy forces. Ergo Gendofication must take place with the enemy present. Only you, the elite of my forces are fit for the task. Are you prepared?" In silent answer the three figures reached behind their backs and removed their new weapons. Paintbrushes. It had occurred to each of them at one time or another that this new weapon would make committing seppuku rather problematic. At a dismissing nod from their lord they melted into the shadows once again.

"Don't you think you're overdoing things Ikari?" Fuyutsuki's question was tinged with uncertainty. His old friend had been acting...decidedly unusual lately. Receiving nothing as an answer he shrugged and absentmindedly removed the comb from his sleeve and raised it to his hair once again. "Well, lets hope Katsuragi doesn't notice your little team-"

Twack. Thump.

In the new silence of his extravagant office, Gendo Ikari calmly buzzed through to a switchboard floors below.

"Major Fuyutsuki appears to have fallen over. Please send help immediately." Gendo leant back in his chair before pausing thoughtfully. After a moments stillness he stood up and retrieved his paperweight.

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"So we have the beautiful Misato to thank for our week off, huh?" Kensuke Aida grinned behind the lens of his ever-present camera, zooming in on Shinji's grimacing face. Grunting softly and stretching his neck as much as possible, trying to get all the kinks out that a night of sleep on the couch had provided, Shinji ignored his friend momentarily. When he had decided that he wasn't going to be able to alleviate the stiffness in his neck anytime soon he gave up and turned his attention to his friends. He smiled slightly at that thought. In just a week Rei, Hikari and Asuka had become a regular part of his social circle. Old animosities had not been set aside, as was regularly displayed when Asuka chased Touji around the classroom brandishing a chair, but the distance that they had had only a week ago seemed to have gradually faded. Even the aforementioned duo had seemingly gone from outright hatred to more of a bantering posture...backed up by a goodly amount of hatred. The more things chance, the more they stay the same.

"Yeah, our slob of a guardian decided that a weeks celebration would be an ideal commemoration of mankind defeating it's greatest threat." Asuka said with a light sneer. She wasn't looking forward to the coming week in the Katsuragi household. Misato had spent the entirety of the celebration last year, the first of it's kind, on an alcohol fuelled bender. There was only so many times one could open the door at night and have your guardian fall through the doorway without becoming frustrated. For Asuka this number was zero. Kensuke shrugged in response.

"A week off is a week off. Don't complain so much." The distinct popping sound of a vein erupting out of Asuka's forehead was clearly heard in the hush of the classroom.

"Are you saying I complain too much Stooge!" Kensuke began backing away, trying to put the bulk of the group between himself and the irate girl, stammering denials.

Watching Asuka stalk his friend like a field mouse, Shinji threw a look at Touji who simply shook his head. Nodding in return Shinji settled in to watch the show. Brotherhood of men be damned, the sandy haired youth was on his own for this one. Sighing at her best friend's violent nature, Hikari addressed the remaining three in the group, knowing Asuka was too distracted and Kensuke was in too much pain. Hearing a howl from behind her, Hikari winced.

"Are you all going to the festival tonight?" Shinji and Touji shared confused glances, while Rei stayed silent. Looking irritated Hikari shouted at the two boys. "The big festival! The one that starts the week of celebration?" Her eyes flickered back and forth between the two guys, looking for any sign of understanding. The two shared another glance, both wondering if they had better start backing away from their Class Rep before she injured someone. "ARGH! How can you not know about it!" Touji smiled weakly and began shifting uncomfortably.

"Well, it really wasn't that hard. We just-" Hikari screaming again and turning away slapped his weak joke out of the air like a elephant sitting on a paper plane. Crossing her arms and glaring out the window she was the vision of antagonised displeasure. Shinji, being Shinji, acted on both his desire for peace among his friends and a hitherto unrevealed death wish and spoke to the girl hesitantly, mentally bequeathing everything he owned to the penguin. She really had been hanging out with Asuka for too long.

"Er, why don't you tell us about the festival Hikari. We'd like to know, right Touji?" Touji just nodded dumbly trying to think of a way to escape the room that didn't involve diving out the window and hoping for the best. Spinning around in glee, the pigtailed girl slammed her palms onto Shinji's desk, behind which he still sat, beaming. Touji couldn't help but think she looked better with the lose ponytail she had worn before. He was also fairly certain that it was that time of the month for her, seeing as she was skipping gleefully through moods faster than he could keep up. He figured he'd just act like she was happy all the time and sooner or later her emotions would cycle back to that anyway. It was less stressful for him that way. "It's being held in the park we went to a couple of days ago. There's going to be rides because they re-opened the fair after the accident, and it's going to be done in the traditional style." Touji groaned, haplessly throwing himself into the way of enemy fire.

"Oh man, does that mean I have to wear a kimono? Even in a yukata, I'll boil alive." It was at this point that Touji recognised his impending doom, as the shadow of his enraged love interest loomed over him. "Eep." Eyes burning with apparently righteous fire Hikari leant forward intent on laying down the law. For she was Hikari, so it would be.

"You three Stooges are going to turn up tonight promptly at 6pm at the entrance to the festival, dressed appropriate for the occasion. Are we understanding each other, Su-za-ha-ra?" The way she bit off each syllable of his name, sounding as if she'd prefer to take a chunk out of his leg or something was distinctly unnerving. Touji nodded rapidly, from his position cowering on the floor. Shinji was wondering if Rei would allow him to use her as a human shield, at least until he reached the door...or the window. Hikari rocked back on her heels, her patented look of murderous wrath replaced near instantaneously with a deceptively sunny smile. "Good! C'mon Rei lets go talk to Asuka about what we're going to wear!" Rei nearly dropped her chopsticks as it became clear she was expected to attend this...event. Taking one look at the Class Rep's sunny smile she decided against declining. After all there were no spare bodies left. Calmly the two girls left the room, collecting Asuka on the way who now had Kensuke lifted across her shoulders and was making a spirited attempt to snap him in half despite his squeals of protest. Touji and Shinji looked at each other, then their twitching comrade on the floor.

"You're girlfriend's insane."

"You're telling me!"

Shinji had the grace to blush.

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Misato was bored. It went beyond the simple boredom that came from merely having nothing to do, where you felt tired yet frisky at the same time - as if you had loads of energy to do something, anything...except for the things on offer. Oh no, Commander Misato Katsuragi was so bored she had surpassed that low plain of boredom and had progressed to something greater, a higher state, bordering on the Zen. Which explained why she hadn't noticed she was drooling slightly. This contemplation of the universe and it's multitude of mysteries had brought her to this one inescapable conclusion therefore.

"I'm borreeeeddddd!"

"Misato shut up! I know you're bored! I'm bored to! Shigeru and Maya are bored! Having spoken to Shoji on only two occasions I can't be sure, but if I had to hazard a guess I'd say he was bored too!"

"Yep."

"Shut up Shoji."

"Shutting up ma'am." Ritsuko ended her tirade at her dear, oldest, aggravating friend, who looked totally unfazed by her anger. The rest of the bridge crew were to far into their own little boredom induced trances to be bothered noticing. It had been five minutes since Shigeru had fallen off his chair and no one had noticed yet. Not even Shigeru.

"Look Misato it's only a few more hours before we finish our shift and then you can go get roaringly drunk and embarrass Shinji and Asuka. Again." Absently wiping her mouth with the back of her hand Misato ignored her friend's acerbic humour. Sighing loudly and collapsing face first onto her desk she failed to notice the apparently empty shadow next to her swallow her favourite potted plant. Dragging her face onto her hand she leant haphazardly on her elbow, staring muzzily at the far distant wall, beyond the holographic representation of the surrounding landscapes, unaware of the three dark figures scuttling across the ceiling, leaving trails of white behind them.

"I can't believe that Ikari has repainted the entirety of Nerv. It took the original decorators months and he's done it in less than a week!" Misato leaned back in her chair, leaning her arms on the rests and let it swivel around slightly. A small plant that had not been there previously froze at her movement. Ritsuko was right though. In only a few more hours Nerv would shut down for the holiday, relying on the Mount Fuji observatory to send any warning needed and the Magi system to run the city while Nerv employees, baring the barest minimum would abandon the complex for their week off. She could almost taste the beer now. She glanced longingly at the vending machine, but after her rather extreme response to Major Ikari's Irish dancing, it had yet to be fixed and it's stock of Yebisu was gone. Strangely so was it's stock of Ramen, and she was sure she hadn't had that much recently.

"Did you hear?" Maya asked listlessly, her head lying down on her arms. "Major Fuyutsuki was admitted to the hospital ward earlier today. Apparently he has a concussion." Misato and Ritsuko stirred slightly at this, seeing as neither of them had heard.

"What happened to him?" Shigeru asked from his position on the floor. Maya grunted and shrugged as best she could while leant on the console.

"I don't know what happened. Major Ikari was there when it happened. He says that the old man just spontaneously fell over for absolutely no reason whatsoever. He was very specific about that." The two college friends shared glances and shrugged. Shoji, so engrossed in his recent manga purchase didn't notice the mostly black figure creeping down past his position, holding a can of paint between it's teeth. Dropping stealthily to the deserted section below it unsheathed it's weapons. In the spirit of it's profession certain changes had been made to the traditional paintbrush that it had wielded in it's master's office. Two paintbrushes had been joined by a length of chain about a foot and a half in length. These paint-nuchuku were it's weapon of choice. Grinning behind the mask it dipped both ends lightly in the paint and began to whirl them around it's body, leaving streaks of paint on the wall in front of it. The others had modified their weapons as well, but it preferred this configuration. It was maximised for stealth and speed, neither large nor unwieldy like the others had a potential to be. It's mission would be a success.

Misato was mulling over the fate of the former sub-commander and didn't notice the thin chain whip down from the ceiling and wrap itself around the plant on the opposite side of the desk to the one that had already disappeared. When the unseen presence was confident she wouldn't suddenly turn around, the plant was hauled into the shadows above. Misato snapped her fingers irritably.

"Anyone going to the festival?" Maya suddenly whipped her head up, nearly giving a Rei Ninja a heart attack in the process, and Shigeru slammed his head into the bottom of the console, a result of trying to do the same but not factoring in the fact that he was on the floor. Ritsuko looked at them both curiously, before a sly smile snaked it's way across her lips.

"Is someone going together?" Misato joined in, knowing the drill from their old days in college together.

"Like on a D-A-T-E?" Her wicked smile echoed her friends. Maya began to blush deeply, while Shigeru attempted to relocate from the floor to his seat without anyone noticing. Misato, seeing the girl blush and sensing that she would be easier prey jumped out of her chair and approached the hapless bridge bunny. "Aw, that's so sweet, isn't it Rits? How cute?" Throwing her arms around the startled tech's neck and hugging her close, she ignored the girls protests.

The second of the warriors of the shadow cursed silently, from it's position high above the command deck, where it was perched on a innocuous girder. When all the enemy were silent and stationary it's job had been easy. Now they were more active and he would have to wary of them as it worked. Fortunately they seemed to be absorbed in their own concerns so it and it's partners might go undiscovered yet. Smiling grimly at it's weapon, a chain whip with a paintbrush on the end, it appraised it's methodology critically. The range of it's weapon far surpassed the other two's, and despite the seemingly unwieldy appearance of the chain whip anyone with sufficient skill could control it like a part of their own body. Smirking coldly it dipped the brush into the paint lightly, not wanting any drops to fall below and alert the enemy. Uncoiling the whip it snapped it's arm forward leaving the whip to trail across the far wall, leaving streaks of paint. It repeated the motion again and again, untiring, soon covering the wall in white paint and completing the section it was to finish first. As it summoned the whip back to himself with a flick of it's wrist, it grinned again. This was kinda fun.

"Commander!" Maya, who was still being harassed by the two women looked at Aoba desperately, virtually begging for help. Blowing her a small kiss and shrugging, indicating that there was nothing he could do Aoba settled back to watch the show. Blushing at his kiss, and smiling softly, the female tech was startled when the two senior women closed in further, effectively sealing her from view.

"So what are you going to do on your little date Maya? Or should that be to your little date, hmmm?" Blushing to the roots of her brown hair, Maya wriggled out of her Commander's grasp trying to sound enraged instead of just embarrassed. Shigeru choked.

"Commander Katsuragi!" Ritsuko clicked her tongue absently, deciding to tease her friend instead of just her panicked protege.

"Not everyone is like you Misato. Most people wait until at least the third date." One could almost see the cat ears pop out on her head. "But you-"

"What's that supposed to mean?" Misato had spun away from traumatising Maya and grabbed her faux blonde friend by her lab coat, shaking her back and forth.

"Oh nothing, nothing. Just that you are perhaps more eager than most, Misato..." Whiskers appeared to complement the ears, but the rest of her sentence was drowned out as the Commander began shaking her back and forth so fast the Doctor had turned into a white and blonde blur, screaming incoherent rage all the while.

The third ninja warrior stood in the shadows, sweatdropping lightly when the commander of the enemy shook her friend so fast she created a small sonic boom. Shaking it's Rei shaped head the figure returned to equipping itself with it's armament. Unlike it's partners it had decided that to terminate the target with extreme prejudice was the most assured way to victory. Ergo, it had decided that to terminate the target - the target being any non-white coloured wall in Nerv HQ - it would use all the martial arts knowledge at it's disposal. It grunted with satisfaction as it finished strapping the last paintbrush to it's body, satisfied with it's decision. As it stood, extending it's body out of it's crouch, any who had looked into the shadows would have seen, two paint brushes strapped tot he soles of it's feet, tow extending from the back of his hands like claws, one on each elbow and one on each knee. Balancing delicately, it dipped each paintbrush in the white emulsion, then proceeded to unleash whoop-ass on the wall behind itself. In a matter of seconds the grey canvas had been covered in the white paint. A moment of silent celebration for the ninja ended as it quietly backflipped off the top tier onto a lower level when it was sure no one was listening. The targets had fallen to his martial prowess.

Absent-mindedly dropping her friend to the floor, Misato Katsuragi halted, sniffing delicately. Left eye twitching in fear and the smell of fresh paint clear in her nostrils, she pivoted on her heal to examine the command deck.

"DAMN HIM!" Startled out of their reposes by their superior's enraged cry the others looked around wildly, trying to find the cause of her rage. Pure white met their incredulous gazes. Leaping to their feet they spun around in shock staring at the walls that had been a soft hue of blue just a few seconds previously. Misato growled in incoherent fury. "He did it AGAIN! This means war dammit!"

Shoji looked up from his manga which he had been fixating on for so long and with such attention that the ninja had mistaken him for some misshaped statue, or perhaps part of the Magi system and painted him white just to be sure. He hadn't noticed

"What's wrong? Why are you all staring at me? Is there something on my face?"

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"ARGH! Why are we doing this again?"

"Because if we don't you're lady love will maim us." Touji roared in anger and took a swipe at Kensuke, not appreciating his friend's deadpan humour. Mari laughed from her position, sat on the bench nearby. The four of them were awaiting the girls arrival, stood or sat at a bench on the promenade, under the shade of the trees. Shinji watched as his normally track-suited friend scratch irritably at his yukata, complaining for the umpteenth time that it was too hot for such a garment. Sat next to the jock's little sister he smiled absently as she giggled at the actions of her brother. He had been surprised when Touji had arrived, carrying the little girl on his fake shoulder, but apparently she had insisted on coming along despite her weak condition and Touji didn't have the heart to put her in a wheelchair when she asked him not to. Dressed in a soft green yukata with a wide bright forest green obi and leaves picked out on the fabric, she looked like the opposite of her brother. While her costume for the night comprised of light, strong colours his yukata was mostly black with a navy blue obi. The only thing that stayed the same was the pattern of leaves on the fabric, though not the colours they were displayed in. Kensuke had opted for a warm brown coloured yukata, with an obi the colour of polished walnut.

Shinji himself was dressed in the only yukata he had. He had little occasion to wear one so there was no need for more than one in his possession and while this one was well worn enough to be comfortable, it was by no means threadbare. Blue as dark as his eyes, with blue cherry blossoms cascading down the sides and a sky blue obi. He felt more than a little uncomfortable. It was the first time in a long while that he had dressed formally.

Ignoring the squabbling two as best he could, Shinji leaned back and closed his eyes feeling the warm sunlight on his face as it filtered through the swaying branches of the trees above. Despite the previous night being stormy, the weather had improved dramatically during the early morning and if the young pilot had opened his eyes he would have seen that there wasn't a cloud in the sky.

"There you are!" Hikari's voice made him snap his eyes open in an automatic fear response: he wanted to know where his predator was dammit. Unfortunately his position meant he was looking almost directly at the sun when he did and resultantly momentarily blinded himself with a yelp. While he frantically rubbed his tearing eyes he heard the rushed footsteps of the girl's arrive near the bench he was currently writhing on. Shading his eyes and blinking rapidly to try and rid himself of the huge purple after image that was taking up most of his vision Shinji hesitantly looked at the new arrivals. Hikari, with her hair in the braid that Touji had so silently admired, wore a long flowing yukata of white with a pale pink obi and was looking at Touji as if it was the first time she had seen him. A quick glance at the object of her affections showed a similar response, made all the more profound by the way Touji was apparently unable to speak. Or breathe. Turning his attention back to the girls, Shinji found Rei in a pale blue yukata and red obi, matching her hair and eye colour respectively. Even seeing her in something other than her typical school uniform hadn't prepared him for seeing her look like this. The girl herself however looked a little uncomfortable.

"You look great Rei." Smiling reassuringly Shinji spoke, hoping to put her more at ease with her new attire. Blushing minutely at the praise Rei bowed her head, whispering her thanks. Continuing to smile Shinji turned to the last of the group. And nearly fainted.

The young boy had frequently heard the volatile girl remark that there was no way she would ever wear one of the traditional Japanese costumes, so he had expected her to turn up in a sundress or something more western in style. He was not, therefore, prepared for her attire. A pale red yukata, bordering on pink, wrapped with a wide obi of a vibrant blue that matched her bright eyes the yukata was worked with a trail of sakura blossoms similar to his own, except worked in a darker shade of red was clothing her frame, while her neural interface clips that permanently held up her hair had been replaced with a crimson ribbon holding her hair back from her face, barring a few strands that fell forward framing her cheekbones. She looked gorgeous. Suddenly finding the simple process of inhaling and exhaling inordinately difficult Shinji paused a moment trying to oxygenate his brain. It wasn't until he saw the blush erupting onto her face that he realised that he had been staring at her for far too long to be easily excused. Tearing his eyes away he felt his own flush starting to creep up his cheeks. Hurriedly looking around he saw that Hikari and Touji were still absorbed in each other's presence while Mari watched them. Rei was seemingly paying little attention to her surroundings and Kensuke looked preoccupied, staring down the path from which the girls had come. Flittering his gaze back to Asuka he found her studying the tree's by the path, her rampant blush still far from faded.

"Let's go!" Everyone turned to the little girl who was now tugging on her big brother's yukata, trying to get his attention. Looking down Touji broke into a grin and bent down to hoist the girl up onto his shoulder, while she laughed enjoying her high vantage. Hikari giggled and came closer to greet Mari who looked overjoyed to see her again. Watching this the others began moving slowly towards the entrance to the festival, though Kensuke, for once without his ever-present camera, still looked reluctant. Shinji waited at the back while the others moved forward, waiting for Asuka to draw level with him. She refused to meet his eyes leaving them walking side by side, seemingly ignoring one another.

"Y-you look beautiful Asuka." Shinji cursed his stutter but was satisfied that he had said what he wanted to and fell back into the awkward silence, swallowing the lump in his throat. He thought he saw Asuka stumble out of the corner of his eye at her words, but couldn't be sure since he was looking at the floor in front of them.

"Thank you." Her answer was almost a whisper, but Shinji heard it. And was satisfied.

Soon enough their group came to the entrance to the festival grounds. Past the boulevard and the food areas a thin stream trickled it's way over the rocks towards a larger lake. One of the relics of the Angel Wars it was not nearly as large as the lakes created in Eva Unit 0's self destruction or the repeated use of N2 mines, it was still and impressive size, and when Tokyo-3 had been reconstructed over the remnants of the original city it had been build around the new lake, incorporating it into the cities plan. The wide park that surrounded it made up the centre of the new city. The long wooden bridge that crossed the creek to the area of festivity was thronged with people, in groups of two and three, crossing back and forth, the vast majority in traditional dress. Few groups were as large as their's though. The bridge had long poles stood upright at the railings every two meters or so, with small bowls at the top and little faggots within. Later, when it got dark these would be lit and the small torches would illuminate the bridge. Some small children in plainer, more contemporary clothes were winding their way through the adults legs, giggling. Shinji watched as a little brunette in a sundress who looked younger than Mari was swooped up by her father and carried, laughing to her mother who laughingly received her with wide arms. He smiled softly at the sight. In the more crowded area they had entered Rei had dropped back to walk next to Shinji her hands folded before her, so that now the brown haired youth was flanked by the two girls. Leaning over to Shinji Rei asked quietly.

"Do you regret not having such interaction with you're parents?" Shinji looked at her and shook his head slowly, somehow sensing that Asuka was listening to his answer as much as Rei.

"I used to regret it deeply Rei. But now even though I still regret it, I am glad that others have the chance y'know? I'm happy watching the young girl laughing with her mom and dad. I'm happy that some people have the chances that I didn't get." Looking down, somewhat embarrassed by the insight he had provided into himself Shinji awaited her response, felling Asuka relax at his side, not bothering to wonder how he knew she had been tense in the first place. Rei paused at his answer before hesitantly asking another question in response.

"Shinji...do you resent my relationship with you're father?" Shocked by the inquiry Shinji's head snapped back up as the group edged forwards through the crowd. Looking at Rei's nearly impassive face he could tell she was worried by this matter. Looking at her ruby eyes and remembering all too easily when they had been shedding tears in his father's office he answered truthfully.

"No Rei, I don't." He watched as she nodded, imperceptibly relieved by his answer to her query. Continuing to walk along the wooden bridge they had just set their feet on the soft earth at the far side when they heard the girl's voice.

"Kensuke!" Turning around curiously they scanned the bridge looking for the owner of the voice, Kensuke himself looking up in surprise. Quickly fixing on a girl with long hazel hair gently pushing her way through the crowds gently, making slow progress against the throng and apologising often and profusely. Eventually arriving in front of the group she was panting a little and her face was flushed. Shinji blinked taking in her pale yellow yukata and golden obi, decorated with sun flowers, and wide green eyes. Her hair was set in a high ponytail and trailed down to her waist. Her face burst into a smile when she saw Kensuke and she hurried towards him, obviously ecstatic to see him. Both Touji and Asuka had similar expressions, combinations of having just bitten into the sweetest lemon imaginable and the kind of disbelief normally reserved for leprechauns suddenly appearing from nowhere and spontaneously breaking into opera. Hikari herself looked a little shocked and Rei...well Rei was still mostly impassive, but she watched with a mild curiosity. Kensuke turned away from talking with the joyful girl and took her hand leading her to the group where he made introductions.

"Ah, guys this is Tessa. She, uh, goes to our school. We met a couple of days ago and I asked her to meet us here if she was free." The girl beamed at that before becoming abruptly shy at meeting the rest of the group. Touji and Asuka were still stunned. "Ah, Tessa I guess you already know the pilot's and Touji, but this is out Class Rep Hikari Horaki and that's Touji's little sister Mari." Kensuke was blushing violently. The hazel haired girl, now known to be called Tessa bowed politely to the group.

"Pleased to meet you all." Her voice seemed soft and quiet, though Shinji wasn't sure if that was because she was nervous about meeting so many new people or whether she was just shy. Touji suddenly snapped out of his stupor and punched the sky with the arm not supporting Mari.

"Atta boy Ken! Way to go buddy!" Both Kensuke and Tessa blushed deeply at the jock's words, but smiled when both Hikari and Mari began to scold Touji, who suddenly looked hunted. Poised to continue on with the others, where the Forth Child was trying to weasel his way out of the lecture he was receiving, Shinji noticed that Asuka was still staring incredulously at nothing, frozen in place. Lightly tapping the girl on the shoulder Shinji called her name, trying to rouse her from her mini-coma.

"A-Asuka? Are you ok?" The girl shook herself and stared at the boy who stood next to her for a few seconds, before striding off after the rest of the group. Shinji heard her muttering under her breath as he made to follow her, but didn't comment because he was fairly sure she hadn't wanted him to hear.

"...even the camera-dweeb's got someone! I refuse to give up! Damn camera-dweeb..."

Soon enough the group reached the centre of the festival area, a long street filled with small stalls and stores, long wires of lightbulbs threaded between them and more of the long poled ready to be lit, the same as the bridge before, and paused.

"Me, Mari and Hikari are gonna go get some cotton candy. We'll see you guys later." Nodding to the rest of the group Touji and his little group broke away and were soon lost in the crowd, with only Mari's swaying figure to pin-point them. just before they were out of sight, Shinji saw Hikari grab Touji's arm. Turning back to the others, he found Kensuke explaining that he and Tessa were going to look at the art works they had put up on a stall further down the street of temporary stalls. They too quickly broke away leaving Rei to quietly explain that she intended to listen to the musicians at the far side of the festival area, near the lakeside. Her disappearance left Asuka and Shinji alone, both still a little stunned at how fast the group had disintegrated. Quickly enough though they realised that they were indeed alone. Together. Staring at the dry soil beneath his feet, Shinji spoke hesitantly.

"So...what are you gonna do?" Asuka shook her head slightly, no more interested in meeting his eyes than he was hers.

"I don't know. Hikari was the one who knew where everything was." She shrugged lightly. Shinji swallowed.

"Uh...well...we could just wander around...see what's here?" His breath nearly choked him when he said 'we', before he continued with his softly spoken sentence. Asuka met his gaze briefly, before looking away again.

"Y-yeah...that'd be nice." Trying to cover her stammer, she grabbed his arm, as much to simply be able to feel him as to distract him and pulled him into the crowds.

Hours passed, and Shinji found joy in simply watching Asuka smile and laugh, as she watched the antics of the people around them. He watched her blush when he bought her cotton candy and felt the silky smoothness of her lips on his cheek when he won her a plush toy at a ring toss booth. All the while, simply happy to be in her company. They walked the length and breadth of the festival stalls time and again, passing their time together, while the sun set over the lake, staining the sky and the few thin clouds a dusty red. They watched together as the torches were lit and the flames licked and danced atop their poles, illuminating the festival with a soft golden glow. Shinji watched Asuka clap her hands in glee, when the strings of multicolored lights turned on some time later, making the festival street shine like a carnival and went willingly when she took his wrist and dragged him to listen to the small orchestra play a German classical piece.

Shinji watched the girl he loved standing in the torchlight, eyes sparkling like a wondering child, as she listened to the piece, her small plush cat-rabbit-thing tucked behind her slender arm and could only repeat the refrain he had thought all through the day since he seen her by the boulevard bench.

'Beautiful...' As they listened Shinji noticed Rei standing under a nearby tree, listening intently to the music and watching the currents of people that flowed around her, occasionally picking curiously at a stick of cotton candy she held in her pale hand. Looking around further he saw Touji, his little sister perched in the crook of his arm now and Hikari, who was contentedly enveloped in his free arm. They seemed to be as much lost in each other as they were in the sweet orchestral music. Smiling he looked further, picking out Kensuke and Tessa, standing at the railings tentatively holding hands and blushing while they listened.

'All here...' As the music wound down and the orchestra took a quick break, a hand came down on Shinji's shoulder startling him. Trying to stifle his small 'eep' he turned around, along with Asuka who had heard his not so muffled exclamation.

"Misato!" Their guardian and Commander grinned at the two of them and gave them a peace sign, wearing a purple yukata and violet obi, while Hyugga stood next to her smiling, wearing a darker formal set of clothing. The low lighting made it hard to tell what colour it was exactly.

"Hey kids! Havin' fun? We only got her a while ago." Asuka cocked her head curiously. It was past 10pm, now that the sun had completely vanished behind the tree line on the far side of the river.

"Why, what took you so long Misato? I thought you got replaced at five for your week off?" Misato's honest smile stretched into a wide and somewhat unnerving smirk. Hyugga sighed quietly remembering the reason the Commander had insisted that her shift mates had stayed behind and she had called him to ask him to meet her at work rather than at her apartment as they had planned.

"Oh, I just had a little matter to take care of at Nerv..."

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"WHAT THE HOLY HELL!" Gendo Ikari was displeased. He was displeased for many reasons. He was displeased because his hangover headache had not faded and was still drumming out a tattoo on the back of his eyeballs. He was displeased because his hair refused to be tamed and was still matted quite firmly to the side of his head, making him look much like a hyena with one ear. He was displeased because he had slipped out of his office to the toilet and returned to find his 'old friend' had been released from the hospital ward with a light concussion, had removed his paperweight and was leaning on the corner of his desk, once again humming a jaunty tune and running a comb through his silver hair. But most of all he was displeased because-

"Why Ikari, it seems the new Commander took advantage of our trip to the cafeteria and has taken the time to paint you're office neon pink. Oh, and the System Sephirothica are tastefully done in florescent green. Marvelous." Starting to hum once again Fuyutsuki began to run the comb through his hair, taking care to avoid the thick white bandage wrapped around his head. Gendo spun towards him, took the comb off him and snapped it in half impassively, before returning it to his old teacher. Fuyutsuki shrugged and removed another comb from his other sleeve and continued. It didn't really matter if Ikari took this one either.

'After all I have two more in the shoulder holsters and one more strapped to my leg.' The tune suddenly got that much jauntier.

Gendo's eyebrow twitched.

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"Did you hear that?" Hyugga suddenly asked, looking around curiously.

"Hear what?" Misato turned to look at him in worry. Hyugga frowned slightly, cocking his head to the side and scratching the side of his head in confusion.

"I just thought I heard a scream...Must be me." He shrugged and turned back to the rest of the group grinning. Misato tapped him on the shoulder and gestured behind him, directing his attention to a Ritsuko Akagi, who was holding two can's of beer and a can of coffee, dressed in a gold yukata and sunburst yellow obi. Waving to her Misato spoke to the children before her.

"Gotta go kids. Have fun now. But not too much, ok?" Smiling cheekily she dragged Hyugga off towards the good doctor, who waved at the children before handing out the drinks. Shinji waved back, then turned his attention to holding back Asuka before she tried to maim her guardian for her last comment. Spinning her back around he directed her attention to the orchestra who were once again setting up for music. This time however the conductor turned to the audience, which by now was quite large. It seemed that most people had gravitated to the orchestra at the late hour. Set in a separate field near the lake side, cherry blossom trees sprung up in random places throughout the field of grass that came up to the shins.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we are now pleased to perform some pre-Second Impact music. I believe it is perfect for dancing to and encourage you all to do so." Smiling at the crowd as he finished he turned back to the players who had now finished setting up and were poised ready to begin. As the conductor began to slowly move his arms, a swell of quiet music arose from the orchestra breaking upon the audience like a wave upon the shore. The people around them began to separate into couples, so that soon Asuka and Shinji appeared to be the only ones not swaying softly to the gentle music. Looking around him at the dancing couples, Shinji was startled to feel a tug on his sleeve. Turning back to Asuka he found her with an expression on her face he could not identify as she stared at him. Suddenly she brought herself closer to him, so that she pressed against him, almost making him stumble back in surprise. Shifting her grip to his arms just below the shoulder Asuka held him so he couldn't move away from her. Still expressionless she looked at him, before slowly leaning her head in the crook of his neck. Numbly Shinji brought his arms up and held her, his arms wrapped around her body. Relaxing and sighing against him, Asuka released his upper arms and lay her hands against his chest, letting him hold her as they began to gently sway.

Slowly rotating in the field, the girl of his dreams held against his body, Shinji's eyes wondered the field, looking without seeing, just content to rest his cheek against her soft red hair and hold her. Absently he saw Kensuke dancing with Tessa, before they slipped out of his line of sight, behind other couples. As he looked he saw Aoba and Maya dancing together, neither of them dressed formally but in a white sundress and a smart shirt and pants instead, looking lost in each other's embrace. A flash of pale blue caught his eye, drawing it to Rei, who was stood at the sidelines with Mari at her side, the former seemingly showing the little girl the stars. That probably mean that Hikari and Touji were dancing too.

'Everyone important to me is here...' Looking down at the bundle of red hair in his arms he smiled and hugged her closer. His movement made her look up, curious at his actions. Looking down into her sparkling blue eyes, he could see the world. The pale moon hanging above them shone in her cerulean eyes and he was suddenly more conscious of the feel of the grass sweeping against his legs, the softness of the girl in his arms while everything else seemed to fade away leaving just the two of them. Shinji forgot about the field and everyone in it, forgot the festival, forgot Tokyo-3, forgot everything except the girl in his arms and the music. Soon enough the music faded to.

He found they had stopped moving now and were staring into each other's eyes, her breath cool on his face, washing past his lips. He found himself edging closer, losing himself in her eyes, wanting nothing more than to dive in and lose himself. Watching her eye's widen briefly, before she began to mimic him, raising her lips to his. Feeling her gentle, moist lips cover his own, soft as the cherry blossoms on her dress. Tasting her sweetness and taking in her delicate scent and hearing her moan quietly into his mouth as he massaged her lips with his own, Shinji dove and was content to never resurface. Hesitantly her lips opened and her tongue snaked out, licking his lips timidly, requesting entrance. Inhaling sharply, he opened his mouth, tentatively touching her tongue with his own. As he did Asuka stiffened and pushed him away, arms holding herself and tears in her eyes. Looking at the shocked boy, she ran out of the clearing, running well in the restricting yukata. Watching her go in stunned fascination, Shinji was frozen, before he heard the voice behind him.

"You gonna let her go man? Go after her dammit!" A lighter, seemingly female voice added her agreement. Not knowing the voices and not bothering to look at the strangers who had spoken he took off after the girl, eyes fixed only on where she had disappeared, hearing the rustle as he ran through the long grass.

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He found her in the shadows, far from the rest of the festivities. Down by the lake side near the reeds, far away from the nearest torch, leaving only the light from the pale moon and stars to guide him. Standing in the reeds the girl didn't turn around even though she must have heard him approach. An arms length away from her he halted unsure what to do next.

"Why did you follow me Shinji?" The question was whispered as the redhead clutched hands to her chest refusing to turn and look at him.

"Why did you let me kiss you?" The words leapt out before he could stop them, but he didn't really regret the question since it was the one foremost on his mind. And he wasn't sure if he could tell her why just yet why he had followed her. The silence stretched on.

"Did you kiss me Shinji? Did I kiss you first? I can't remember..." Sweeping around to face him, Shinji saw the smile on her face, despite the tears running down her cheeks. Trying desperately to keep her smile, Asuka walked a few steps closer looking him in the eye. There was no point avoiding his eyes anymore, not with what she was about to say. About to do. Her walls were crashing down, and she knew she had to do this now, knew she had to touch him to make sure he was real, to take a piece of him even though she could never have the whole. Stepping closer she forced her smile wider ignoring the tears that flowed.

"Could you ever like someone like me Shinji? Someone who can't bear to be near you in case you make her say things she knows she shouldn't say? Someone who can't bear to be away from you for even a second?" The tears intensified and she bit off a sob before it could begin. "Could you really want to spend any time with someone as broken, as scarred as me?" Almost absently she traced the path of the nearly invisible scar on her arm, the only sign left of her ill-fated battle with the MP Evas. "I asked myself that every night for so long...and I always knew the answer. I can't stand it anymore...being near you, but never being with you. I can't do it." The sobs finally broke through and she threw herself into the boy in front of her, unable to halt the crying, while his arms automatically held her to him. Looking into his face again, she was so close she shared his breath. "Just..just let me kiss you once more...just let me have that little memory...please..."

"...No." Smiling softly again at the answer she had secretly expected Asuka nodded, making to move away from him but his arm tightened holding him to her. Feeling his finger's light caress on her cheek, brushing away her tears she looked up at his face.

"Asuka...the reason... I came after you. The reason I kissed you...is because I love you Asuka... I can't give you any little parts of me. You already own everything I am..." Trying his best to speak from his heart and re-assure Asuka at the same time made him sure he sounded like a Wednesday morning soap opera that Misato favoured, but it was the best he could do. "I love you Asuka. I need you near me...I want you with me...please stay..." Asuka's mouth was open and moving, but no sound issued forth. Eventually giving up, she threw herself into his chest again, sobbing loudly, not even trying to hold back the flood as he held her in his arms.

Eventually, an amount of time later, she calmed down and pushed weakly against him signalling she wanted him to loosen his embrace. As she pulled back, only a little he saw an honest smile on her face. Between the red eyes and the tears that continued to streak over her pale cheeks, her smile was the most glorious he had ever seen. She leant closer to his face, whispering to him, when their lips hovered perhaps an inch apart.

"...Baka...I love you too...my baka..." And she pressed her lips to his, letting him taste her salty tears, her warm breath and the indescribably sweetness that was herself.

Under the moonlight in the reeds by a lake two loves held each other and swayed to the music only they could hear. And the fireflies dances around them, following the eddies and currents of the silent lake.

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And done! Yatta! Woo! Go me! The story that consumed my life has now finished. But before I go there are four things I need to say.

Firstly I apologize to all who read my, ahem, 'authors note' - insert quote notations with fingers as appropriate - at the end of Limitations. I was pissed off and overreacted to the nth degree. Any criticisms are by no means welcome, but it's something we all have to learn to accept to grow as writers. So I apologize (especially to the guy who's head I ripped off. No vic it wasn't you.)

Secondly I'll tell you now that this story may be re-posted in a couple of weeks in it's Perfect Grade incarnation. Basically this means any spelling errors and any grammatical problems I find should be fixed - including the stupid sentences that make sense but sound so dumb they really shouldn't, y'know the ones I mean - as well as me fleshing out any scenes I feel I missed or facts I failed to mention early enough. Those who have already read and reviewed really need not do again in this second incarnation, as any changes should be minor. I would indeed 'welcome', sigh, any opinions as to the stuff that needs fleshing. Flame anything and I will send in the Jesus Robots. Don't test me people, I'm a man on the edge.

Thirdly, the ending will remain the same. Chances are I will not do an epilogue, and if I do it certainly won't be in the near future. Sigh, however if there is something you desperately want confirmation of, or clearing up or whatever, then say so and I'll consider it. Saying 'I want an epilogue' does not count. And if you don't like it you can kiss my pink perfectly formed behind. In fact give it a little smooch anyway. Go ahead. ;)

Finally I want to thank everyone who reviewed and gave me the desire to finish this story in a stupidly short amount of time. Without you all this story would still be in it's first chapter and going no where. So I thank you all. Until inspiration, coughyeahrightcough, strikes again that will be it from me for the now.

Thank you and goodnight.

Ja Ne