Shinji's POV:

I always wondered how Misato managed to avoid accidents with her reckless driving. Kaji was completely different, however. He kept the speed, but was at the same time slick in overtaking other vehicles. Neither of them said a word. Misato was apparently still finding it difficult to believe that Kaji was alive, for she kept staring at him the whole time. I felt happy for her.

Rei had fallen asleep on my shoulder. Her long eyelashes rested peacefully with her eyes closed; her shoulder moved up and down gently as she breathed quietly. She felt surreal, but the dried blood on her face reminded me of what had just happened. It was terrifying, but I couldn't bring myself to sympathize with my father. In my mind, he deserved worse.

I wrapped the cloth tighter around her and hugged her to my chest. She felt soft and warm. I could understand how Misato must be feeling, for I felt the same way. This girl in my arms…I thought I would never see her again, and suddenly I was touching her now. It felt like a dream, but I was glad. I just hoped this time we would not be forced apart again.

We arrived at Misato's apartment shortly after. Kaji's eyes darted from side to side. I thought he was being cautious not to let anyone see us. Misato still had a disbelieving look on her face. I didn't think this place was safe for us, but then again we had no where else to go to. I carried Rei in my arms and followed them into the elevator.

Rei stirred a little in my arms. I looked down and saw her open her eyes slowly. The colour of her eyes made it seem that she could see through my mind, but somehow I felt comfortable at her stare. The smile on her face was soothing.

Not long afterwards, we arrived at the door and Misato let us in. I brought Rei to my room immediately and put her on my bed. I tried to be as gentle as possible.

"Shinji, I am dirty." She said suddenly. It surprised me.

"What?"

"I said my body is dirty. Your bed will be stained."

"Oh that! Don't worry. Just rest for now." I said as I left the room, "I'll be back with a towel."

Rei lay back down on the bed as I closed the door. Misato was outside in the living room with Kaji. She had her arms around his neck, and he had his around her waist. Their lips were connected. I didn't want to disturb them, and I didn't want to leave Rei alone, so I walked hastily to the washroom. I prepared a pail of warm water and took a piece of clean towel back to my bedroom.

She was still lying there with her blue hair covering half of her face. Putting down the pail beside the bed, I wet the towel. Rei heard me and turned over. She still had the gentle smile on her face. It warmed my heart. Slowly and as careful as I could, I applied the towel to her face and wiped away the dried blood and sweat.

As I was cleaning the towel, Rei sat up and peeled off the white shirt I had wrapped around her. It was then I realised what I was doing. She must now think I did all this purposely to see her naked!

"Rei! I'm sorry! I don't mean to-" My words stopped when I noticed the confused look on her face.

"What is wrong?"

"N-nothing…"

Despite what I said, my hands started to tremble. My forehead felt wet with sweat forming everywhere on my body. Rei was sitting on my bed, without clothes on. My fingers were losing their strength as I struggled to hold the towel. Still feeling nervous, I pressed the wet cloth on her back and circled it around. She had her eyes closed, but the smile was still there. It gave me reassurance, though I couldn't explain why. I wanted to get this over with as soon as possible to avoid further embarrassment, but on the other hand, I wished this moment would never end.

Once her back was done, I moved on to her hands. They were thin, but nice to touch. The pale skin made Rei look very fragile, and maybe she was. It raised an urge within me, an urge to hold her and protect her. It gave me confidence, though once again, I couldn't explain why. I then moved on to her legs. They were long and silky, and her appearance was stirring up a desire from deep inside me. I felt hunger and lust. My head was getting light as I tried to calm myself by taking deep breaths.

Rei opened her eyes and looked at me questioningly as I stopped at her front. I dared not touch her there without her permission, though I had no doubt that she would let me if I asked her. Rei was willing to do anything I asked of her, which I felt a little guilty for, but at the same time I felt blessed.

"You have not cleaned my front," she said.

"You don't mind?" I asked.

"No." Her answer was simple. Being as gentle as I could, I pressed the towel onto her chest. Everything was silent as I drew the piece of cloth back and forth on her chest, over her breasts and down her stomach. My heart was beating uncomfortably. Nonetheless, it was a very pleasant experience, and I felt guilty.

Rei, however, didn't seem to care as much as I did. Once I finished, she mouthed a quiet thank you and lay back down to sleep. I pulled the blanket over her body. Rei looked so beautiful like this. My heart ached as I was reminded of how she had suffered. I wanted to promise her something. I felt like reassuring her that I would not let other people harm her again, but too many times I had let her down. Too many times I had broken my promises. I didn't think I had the right to make more promises, nor did I think I had the ability to keep them. Not knowing what else to do, I left Rei in my bedroom and walked into the living room.

"Shinji, sit down. We need to talk." Misato said solemnly with Kaji sitting beside her. His right shoulder was already covered in bandages. The spy's face was pale and sweaty, but cheerful and lively.

I did as I was told, "What is it?"

"I want you to explain what you did."

"What did I do?"

"Stealing my weapon and attacking the commander."

For a moment, I didn't know what to say. When I took her weapon and made the decision, it had seemed to be the right thing to do. And perhaps it was, for I wouldn't have seen Rei again if I didn't do what I did. But now, I understood what Misato was trying to say. It was very irresponsible of me.

"I'm sorry, Misato. I was reckless…" She seemed surprised by my reply. Her eyes were wide. Did I do something wrong again?

"Do you know how worried I was? You just…you just disappeared! And how would I know what you were up to? No note, not sign, no nothing!" Her voice cracked slightly.

"I'm sorry Misato," My voice was starting to crack too. I didn't realise she cared about me this much. "I promise it won't happen again…"

With that, she came over and embraced me in a hug. "Don't you ever pull a stunt like that again, you hear me?"

Returning the hug, I sobbed onto her shoulder, "I won't…Misato I promise I won't…" Suddenly, everything seemed right again. It felt good to cry, to cry out the gloom if the past few days, and knowing that Rei was alright and I had been forgiven. Everything seemed right again…

"My, you've grown up, Shinji."

"What do you mean?"

"I wasn't expecting you to take responsibility for your action…so willingly…" Misato said with a smile.

"Oh that." Her words made me feel hot inside. Perhaps she was right, and I hoped she was. I should really let Asuka know that Rei and I were safe too. "Where's Asuka?"

Misato's face darkened. "She hasn't been feeling well for the past few days. As you know, she thought she failed to save Rei…"

How I wish I could tell Asuka right now that Rei was safe and all was fine again. I didn't understand why I felt so optimistic about everything. Perhaps it was Rei…yes…Ritsuko said she didn't need the pills anymore…

"I was investigating NERV's plan, something called human instrumentality. I wanted to avenge Kaji's…death…" Misato shot Kaji an accusing look as she added, "And I didn't have time to look after Asuka, but I understand she hasn't been at home much recently…I think she's gone to Hikari's place."

"That can't be," I replied, "The class rep has already moved out of the city."

"What? Oh…then I guess she's at some other friend's house. Don't worry, she always comes back at night."

Misato's answer made me worry. Where could Asuka be? It was already ten and the sky was very dark outside. I wanted to go find her, but I knew that would be stupid. NERV agents were probably already out searching for me. Even this apartment wouldn't be safe for long. But the most important reason was, I didn't want to leave Rei alone again. I would just have to wait until tonight and hope that Asuka would be back by then.

"I see…anyway, what have you found out about NERV?"

"Ok, it gets a little complicated. I was able to realise their intention with the bit of information Kaji left. Basically, this is what human instrumentality mean. It requires four components-" Misato started to explain enthusiastically before Kaji cut her off.

"He knows. I explained it to him when we were chit-chatting down in the prison." He laughed.

Misato seemed surprised at first. "You knew?"

"Yeah, Kaji and Ritsuko told me."

"All of them? Wait…what? Ritsuko was with you too?"

"Well, I think I understand most of them. And yes, Ritsuko was down there with us, but she…she chose to stay behind." I replied.

"W-why?!"

Kaji decided to add in, "She wanted to…have a personal talk with the commander. He was down there with us too, for a short period of time…"

"What are you talking about?"

"Gendo wanted to do something…sinister to Rei, but she was able to save herself…The commander was severely injured, so Ritsuko decided to stay with him."

"For what? Why didn't she escape with you?"

"She said she had something personal that she wanted to settle with Gendo."

This was followed by a dead silence. Misato looked bitter and gloomy. I wanted to sympathize with her friend too, but couldn't bring myself to. She was involved in my father's abuse of Rei. If anyone deserved sympathy, it would be Rei, not Ritsuko. As for my father…I didn't think I could call him my father anymore…but what else should I call him? The commander? Mr. Ikari?

The silence was broken when Rei came in to sit by my side. There was a confused look on her face as she looked from Kaji to Misato and then finally to me. Her hair was still messy and a little filthy, but her skin was clean. I liked it this way. The changes on her face were still subtle, especially in other people's presence, but they were getting more obvious. Soon, she would be able to behave normally, just like everybody else.

"Anyway, what should we do with Rei and Shinji?" Misato asked finally.

"At the moment, I can't think of anywhere else, but this place is not safe anymore. We'd have to move them away soon." Kaji replied. Rei and I just listened. I didn't want her to worry, so I picked up her hand and gave it a squeeze, to which she squeezed back.

"What about you?"

"I'd have to contact our Interpol friends…"

"How?"

"I'll be leaving before dawn tomorrow."

"How are you going to do that?"

"I still have contacts in the city," Kaji replied quietly, "Let's just hope they're not as unfortunate as I was."

"But what about the children? Can't you get them out with you?" My grip on Rei's hand tightened as Misato asked the question. I wanted to leave the city as soon as I could, but before I could say anything, Kaji replied.

"I could, but the risk is too high. SEELE have agents everywhere in Japan, it would be too dangerous."

"Oh really?" Misato folded her arms, "I don't see much difference here in Tokyo-3."

"Listen to me, NERV still pretty much owns the city, and for the moment SEELE is too careful to act aggressively here." Kaji explained, "However, as you told me just now, NERV is breaking down. People are getting restless, more and more are resigning. They're running out of resources."

My hope died a little after listening to Kaji. Rei didn't seem to care much, but her hand was sweating, and her heartbeat was getting faster. I didn't want anything to do with NERV anymore, but without the adults' guidance, I didn't know what to do or where to go. Misato had her eyebrows drawn closely together.

"So you're saying…"

"Your apartment's not safe, but Tokyo-3 is still the safest place to be. We just need to relocate the children." Kaji added, "Besides, I don't want Rei to fall into anyone, or any organisation's hands, and that includes the UN and Interpol. My experience has taught me not to trust any authorities, at least not completely."

"In that case, are you sure they'll help you?" I found myself cutting in before I realised it. Rei tightened her grip on my hand. Misato nodded her head, seemingly agreeing with me.

"They will. I've got the evidence needed to bust NERV." He said proudly, although I wasn't sure if he was pleased.

"But you do not have the evidence against SEELE." Rei said quietly, to my surprise.

"Yes, smarty," Kaji smiled, "you're very right."

"That is why you wanted to go to the commander's office while we were escaping, correct?" Rei asked, to my surprise again. Why didn't I think of that?

"Yes again!" Kaji laughed, "But it's all right, we'll just have to deal with SEELE later. Don't worry, once NERV is down, SEELE won't survive for long."

I half-expected Rei to say something again, but she kept quiet this time. In a way, I guess I liked seeing her interact with other people. It made me feel happy for her. Not knowing what to say myself, I looked to Misato. It was then I noticed the look on her face. My heart ached at the sight, for she looked so sad. I didn't know what to do. Kaji was just sitting there with his eyes closed. I took another glance at Misato. Her eyes were starting to look watery.

"Shinji, can you leave us for a moment?"

They wanted to be alone, as did Rei and I. We stood up and left silently. I understood how Misato was feeling perfectly, even though it was hard to put it into words. To have someone you thought was dead, someone you love intensely suddenly returning to your side…that feeling was just so unbelievable. At least, Rei would still be with me in the near future, though there was no guarantee. But Misato and Kaji would be apart again before tomorrow morning. She must be feeling so painful…

Once we were in my bedroom, I let Rei lay down on my bed. After that, I proceeded to pull out my mattress, but was reminded of the one time when Rei insisted that I slept with her. I still wasn't sure whether or not to climb in the bed with Rei. The bigger part of me wanted to hold her tightly as I slept, but there was also the smaller part which kept telling me to act more decent.

"Shinji, are you not coming to sleep?"

"I…I was just…er…pulling out the mattress…" I stuttered after a while.

She turned around to face me, her eyes seemingly piercing right through me. Rei seemed to be waiting for something, but I didn't know what. The mattress in my hands was starting to get heavy. My breaths were getting faster and my legs were becoming numb. Sweat was beginning to form. What should I do? Get in the bed with her?

Maybe Rei was telling me to join her?

Hands still shaking, I got onto the bed and lay down beside her. As expected, she didn't push me down. Instead, I felt a thin arm gliding across my chest and wrapped itself around me; her other hand was resting on my shoulder, and her head was so close to mine that I felt it every time she let out a breath. Letting out a sigh of relief, I pulled the blanket over both our bodies. I wrapped my left arm over her shoulder and hugged her.

"I want you to stay close to me." She said firmly.

"Me too," I replied, feeling very happy.

We stayed like that for a while. The gentle wind she blew on my neck each time she breathed was so arousing, but relaxing at the same time. It made me feel hot on the inside, and there was the special desire building up quickly. I tried hard to fight it down but was unsuccessful. Rei smelt intoxicating. My hand was starting to itch more with each second. I felt an immense urge to touch her more intimate parts, but was reminded of what happened when I had tried to do it a few nights ago.

"Shinji, am I a burden?" Rei said suddenly. It caught me off guard and I couldn't find the words to answer. I didn't even know why she was asking that.

"Shinji? Do you think I am a burden?" She asked again.

"Of course not! What makes you think that?!" I almost yelled. Much as I hated it, I felt quite angry at her for asking such question.

"I am endangering everyone." She replied quietly. For some reason, my anger died instantly. Was she…was she suggesting that she was endangering me? Rei was thinking about me…I wanted to feel happy…to feel glad, but I couldn't. Rei needed to know how much she meant to me.

"No, Rei, you're not. Misato and Kaji are happy to help you. They have other reasons too…of course…but we all care about you, greatly, and you know I can't live on without you by my side…You understand, don't you?"

"Yes, I do."

Even though she said so, I had the feeling that she still thought she was putting all of us in danger. I couldn't help but get worried. What if she suddenly decided to leave us and wandered off herself? I wanted to ask her to promise me, that she would never do something like that, but I was afraid that it would give her the idea.

"Would you promise me something, Rei?"

"What is it?"

"Promise me you'll never leave me, again." I paused for a while before continuing, "no matter the circumstances."

"I promise."

"Promise what?"

Rei shifted in my arms so that she was facing upwards. Our eyes met and her lips curved into a small smile.

"I promise I will never leave you again, no matter the circumstances."

I smiled back. It was a peaceful moment, as I let her snuggle closer to my chest. Neither of us spoke another word after that. Slowly, my eyelids began to feel heavy, and finally I fell asleep with her in my arms.

It was a dreamless sleep. Perhaps I was feeling too tired to even dream. When I woke up, Rei was no longer in my arms. Where could she be? Oh no…Panic started to kick in again, for the last time she left me alone in my bed, Rei had gone to commit suicide. My heart started to beat uncomfortably even before I started to search for her.

"Rei?! Rei where are you?!" I flipped off the blanket and looked under the bed. Rei was nowhere in my bedroom. Getting to my feet as quickly as I could, I ran out of the door to the living room.

"Rei?! Rei?!" I kept calling for her. Her words from last night came back to haunt me. Why was I so foolish?! I should've told Misato and made sure that Rei couldn't leave the apartment without us knowing! Oh no…I must inform Misato now!

I ran towards Misato's room, but was stopped when I saw a thin girl kneeling just outside her door. Her ear was plastered to the door. She had blue hair. It made me feel very, very stupid…Rei was there all along…Slowly, I walked over and crouched down beside her.

"What are you doing Rei?" I asked.

She motioned for me to keep quiet. "Listen."

Like Rei, I pushed my ear closer to the door. It seemed that Misato and Kaji were talking on the other side. At first, I felt guilty for eavesdropping, but since it was Rei asking me, I complied. I was just glad she was still here. Perhaps I had been over-reacting just now…

"Kaji-chan…how do you feel…"

"Great, just great Misato-chan…sorry that I have to go so soon…"

"Shh…it's all right…just promise you'll come back…"

"I will…I promise…"

There was a long pause. Rei took this chance to move closer to me, and whispered in my ear, "They just finished having sex."

What?! I had to fight hard to push down the overwhelming urge to cough, for I didn't want us to be discovered. Tears formed in my eyes. What surprised me more was that Rei had been spying on them all this while? What was she thinking? I tried to say something but was stopped when she put her hand over my mouth.

Rei pointed a finger to the door. "Shh…listen."

Once again, I pressed my ear on the door. With the tone she was using, it was hard to believe that was Misato…

"Kaji-chan…would you like to do it again?"

"What? Again? Don't you get tired?"

"Come on Kaji-chan…we hardly get the chance anymore…"

There was another long pause.

"You're right, Misato-chan…I promise the future will be better…I promise…Misato-chan…"

And then the words stopped. They were replaced by loud moans. I started to feel hot inside. It wasn't arousal, however, I was simply embarrassed. If only they knew we were just outside their door. Rei, on the other hand, didn't seem to mind. She stood up and walked away quietly. I quickly followed her.

"Do you understand?" She asked.

"Understand what?"

"Why they were talking that way."

"Oh…yeah…They love each other." I replied, and immediately regretted it.

"I see." Rei answered simply, with a warm smile on her face. There was also a faint blush. Was she aroused? Or was she just embarrassed? Tonight would be a long night…a very long night…