Disclaimer: I don't own NGE, Gainax do and that other American company.
Title: Temptation Island
Author: Scarabeye 3000
Co-author: Scarab Eye
Chapter One: The Bet is Set
Author's note: This fic is set to be within no particular timeline or any episode of NGE. Ok that's enough talk from a newbie like me… on with the fic.
Katsuragi Apartment
"Really!?!"
"Of course, Commander Ikari approved it."
"My father, he allowed this?"
Misato took another slug out of her beer, "Yeah, but on one condition."
Asuka frowned realizing there's a deal, "I have to come too."
"What? There's a condition?" asked Asuka in her almost volatile state.
"Asuka please calm down," Shinji said to pacify.
SLAP
"Umm yes I was expecting that," Shinji said as he rubbed his sore cheek.
"So Misato where is our vacation spot?" asked Asuka now slightly calming down.
"Oh… a beautiful island near here… near ancient Philippines. One of the last floating islands in that small country after Second Impact."
"So where is it?!?!"
"It's a small island, east of the Archipelago… Puerto Prinsesa, Palawan."
"So it's nice there?"
"Not just nice… very nice… you can do anything fun in the sea there. Snorkeling, Swimming, Scuba Diving, and the Night Life."
Asuka's eyes shone as Shinji again became suspicious, "If it's so much fun there is another 'glitch' to it right?"
Misato nodded.
"And?…. "
"Not only I your guardian and superior officer will come, but also some of your friends…. And the entire Commanding staff."
"No… " Shinji said in disbelief.
"Yeah, you're right. The Commander will also come."
"I can't believe this! But is Kaji going with us?"
Misato nodded as she looks on Shinji's darkening mood.
'Father's coming too, I can't believe this. Maybe I shouldn't come… '
"That's right," he whispered, "Misato-san… ?"
"Oh I almost forgot everyone must come, it's a NERV holiday and the Commander thought that an emergency wouldn't come for one whole week so he sets this. Since it's a NERV vacation the Commander strictly ordered everyone to come."
Shinji sighed, "Oh crud… "
Tokyo-03 High School
The Three Stooges are now in a pack as Asuka and Hikari were chatting away.
"Is it true Asuka?"
"Yes, I mean I used to think the Commander as a cold-hearted bastard but then if I think about it, he's not that bad."
The Class Rep looked at her friend indecorously, "Are you sure?"
The German red-head nodded, "Of course, I can't imagine why the Commander can be Shinji's father. I mean the Baka doesn't even have a backbone."
"Sure," the Class Rep said.
"Why are you siding with him now Hikari? Or is it Suzuhara your siding with?"
Hikari's eyes widened, "Asuka, come on stop this."
"Ok, ok but honestly what did you see in that Suzuhara anyway?"
"He's nice… and… sensitive," the Class rep blushes and smiles a little.
"Sensitive?" Asuka took a disgusted look at Toji, "The jock is sensitive?"
Hikari nodded, "He is, he just doesn't show it. And he's really sweet and caring."
"Hikari," Asuka waved her hand in front of Hikari's face, "You ok? You look like your flipping."
"No Asuka," she took one quick glance at Toji before smiling again, "Just plain happy."
"Your weird."
"I know," Hikari looked down, 'Weirdly in love.'
Meanwhile at the pack of Stooges
"Really Shinji?!?"
"Oww, let go Toji!"
Shinji is now on a headlock with Toji holding him down while Kensuke is filming every contort of his face.
"It's true, NERV officially approved including civilians with this holiday."
"So Shinji tell me," Toji said after releasing him, "Who will come?"
"Oh the entire Commanding staff, with the pilots."
"And who are also included?" asked Kensuke.
"Let see… me, Rei, Asuka… umm the Bridge tech., Doctor Akagi, Misato… "
"Misato's coming too," Kensuke and Toji said cutting him off.
Shinji only nodded, ".. also Vice-Commander Fuyutsuki and… my father."
"Your father?" Toji said slowly.
"Your father's coming too Shinji? Come to think of it I haven't met your father before Shinji," Kensuke said as he changed the tape on his camcorder.
"Really? I forgot my father really keeps a very low profile."
"Well it's a good thing he'll include us on the trip, and it's free!"
"Yeah, think of the free food!" Toji said excitedly.
"Food? Is that all you think about?" Shinji asked.
"What about Hikari? Eh stud?" Kensuke teased.
Toji blushed, "Well… if she's coming then… what I mean is… oh cut it out you two!"
"Hikari and Toji sitting in a tree," Shinji sang.
"K.I.S.S.I.N.G." Kensuke finished.
A vein in Toji's forehead bulged, "That's it!"
As he taught the two other stooges a lesson Rei looks outside oblivious to the world. But stealthily and surely took a quick glance at her precious 'Ikari-kun'.
'Being with Ikari-kun for one week is very.. agreeable indeed.'
'But 'He' will also be there.'
'I must not fear him any longer. I had already paid my debts to him by giving my loyalty, but… he can never have everything that I truly want.'
'But what do we want.'
Rei then closes her mind's eye.
'There is only one we both want… Ikari-kun.'
The sensei arrived shortly after and started droning on about History… of Second Impact of course. After the morning classes is done the lunch bell rang and Asuka quickly strode towards Shinji.
"Shinji!" the 2nd Child called out, "Where's my lunch?"
The Baka… err… I mean Shinji opened his bag and took out two lunch boxes. He hands one to Asuka and reserved one for him. After getting her share she immediately left and headed out for Hikari on the roof. Meanwhile Toji and Kensuke already said to Shinji to catch up with them.
However when he stood up and was heading out side he was suddenly halted by the 1st Child Rei Ayanami. The enigmatic entity known as Ayanami stared deeply into his eyes as Shinji was once again caught by the deep stare of those red blood irises of her eyes.
Shinji growing uncomfortable to her staring he broke the silence, "Umm… do you need something Ayanami?"
"Please follow me Ikari-kun."
She didn't say more as she led the way and ended up in front of the large oak tree planted on the hill overlooking the school ground.
A/N I don't know what's the deal with trees in schools but I managed to read ten fics depicting an OAK tree or a CHERRY BLOSSOM TREE. What is it with trees anyway?!?! ARRRGGHHHHH!?!?!?!
They sat down and Rei spoke first.
"Ikari-kun?"
Shinji responded uneasily, "Yes, Ayanami."
"Would you like to join me in eating?"
'She just wants to eat Shinji… what am I so afraid about?' he replied, "I will be glad to join you Ayanami."
"Good," she sat down and patted the space next to her, "Sit down near me Ikari-kun."
Shinji sweats as he slowly nears Ayanami, when he finally settled down Rei opened her bento and began to eat. Shinji just observed and soon followed suit.
Meanwhile"Crap, I knew we shouldn't let Shinji alone with her Royal Bitchiness," Toji said turning a corner towards their classroom.
Kensuke frowned, "Hey! You're the one who insisted to go to the girls locker room first?"
Toji gave him a devilish look, "Ok that's not good to say. Well… maybe… but still…"
"Oh stop it Toji and let's just find Shinji before… "
"What? Why did you stop all of a sud… Oh, OH!"
Both grinned as they made their way to a good vantage point near the big oak tree.
Asuka and Hikari were now chatting on the roof of the school.
"Asuka what do you feel about Ikari-kun?"
The red-head looks at Hikari through slit eyes and said, "Well he is a Baka, I mean… "
"No Asuka," Hikari interrupted, "I mean what does he really mean to you personally?"
"Nothing! Why?"
"You wouldn't care if he notices some other girl except you?"
"Oh please, Hikari… Baka-Shinji wouldn't even dare to put the moves even on Rei."
"Really?"
"Yup! He can't even stand up for himself. Why the sudden interest in the subject?"
"Nothing really… except that I think you really like Shinji-kun but you just don't want to admit it," Hikari said rather bluntly.
"Really now? And what else do you think I would possibly do?"
"You wouldn't even do nothing if you knew that Shinji's attention is directed somewhere rather than you?"
"Hikari what's the deal with the questions?" Asuka was really beginning to dislike the outcome of the leisurely chat.
"Just answer me! What would you do when Shinji noticed someone else?"
Asuka looked down and answered simply, "Nothing, I wouldn't do nothing."
"Is that the truth Miss Asuka Langley Soryu?"
Asuka nodded slowly unsure of what's next.
"Then that means you wouldn't be mad when Shinji probably and finally replaces you with Rei Ayanami."
It hit Asuka like a major league homerun, "What do you mean Hikari!?!"
"Because Shinji's right there and Rei's sitting with him eating their lunches together."
Asuka immediately got on her feet and joined Hikari in the hand rail. There in the distance is the unmistakable blue mop of hair known as Rei Ayanami, and the distant yet all too familiar of Shinji's small frame.
"What that Shinji!?! The nerve of him!" Asuka screamed.
'I say this conversation is getting even better, that's Class rep payback for you Asuka,' Hikari thought as Asuka's mood darkened more, "Asuka, will you let her take you precious Ikari, Shinji away?"
Still looking in Shinji's direction with a vindictive stare she shook her head.
"Will you let some competition win Shinji, your personal partner and part-time savior take him away from you?"
Asuka's head held high but she still had that vindictive stare. Once again she shook her head.
"Will you let the Ice Queen Ayanami Rei, take what is rightfully yours?"
The red-head frowned and closed her eyes as she also gritted her teeth.
"Then what are you waiting for? Go and get your man Asuka Langley Soryu!"
Asuka's eyes snapped open and in a whiz was out of the door down to the school grounds.
"Oh my… I think I pushed her too much," she looks into Shinji's direction and sees Shinji sharing his bento with Rei, "Nah! I don't think so… "
With that done she left the school rooftop and followed Asuka.
Now let's get to Shinji and Rei's scene shall we?
"Ikari-kun, may I inquire a question?"
"Shoot," he said not looking up from his food.
Rei cocked her head, "Am I also required to carry a gun when I ask a question from you?"
"No, no… you don't understand. 'Shoot' also means go ahead and ask."
Rei frowned a little and tried to understand, "I think I already understand, but what I want to know is… "
"SHINJI!!!"
Shinji's head swiveled to the source of the voice, "Who the hell was that…? Oh no… "
What he saw were a mad, raging and fuming Asuka racing towards him.
"Shinji!" Asuka shouted again, "What the hell are you doing with Wondergirl here?"
"Were just having a nice conversation Asuka, nothing else," he raised his hands in defense.
"We were having a good conversation when suddenly we were rudely interrupted by you Pilot Soryu," Rei said too much for Asuka's liking.
Asuka smugly strode towards Rei and looked down on her.
A/N I really think Asuka is taller than Rei because mainly she is German while Rei is a Japanese girl, do I make sense? No? Ok
"What were you doing with him Wondergirl?"
"If I may add, I have a name Pilot Soryu. And I am merely asking a question to Ikari-kun."
"Ikari-kun? Is that only limited to professionalism."
Rei stared deeper into Asuka's blue eyes, "No."
Asuka frowned at the question, "What? You mean.. he means something to you?"
"I do not have any problems in giving my opinion, but… this new feeling I have for him I seem to have difficulty expressing it."
Asuka raised an eyebrow at this, "You like him don't you?"
"If that is your perception, yes."
"What?"
Shinji also stared, "Alright, anyone please tell me what's going on?"
From their hiding place Toji and Kensuke can't even believe it, "Kensuke did you get it on tape?"
"Uh-huh," Kensuke blindly nodded.
"Good," Toji said, "Keep on rolling, I won't believe this happening if you don't have it on tape."
"What? You like the Baka?"
Rei only nodded.
"But… he's spineless, he can't even stand up for himself. He always runs away!"
Asuka's already growing uncomfortable as Rei answered her question, "He does stand up for himself when he needs to. He is not spineless, he runs away to grab better ground to retaliate."
"But… " Asuka was in a dead end.
"Admit it Soryu, you also feel it. But I know your pride will never let your heart rule."
The 2nd Child looked at Rei as competition now. True he liked Shinji, saving her more than once already. Also proving his superior piloting ability by surpassing her.
Heck, she was the number one pilot in Germany, but this scrawny little kid from Japan. Humbled her number 1 position. She is Asuka Langley Soryu, she won't give up on any challenge, especially from Rei.
"Fine," she turns to Shinji, "Shinji, come here right now!"
The 3rd Child whimpered and immediately came in front of Asuka. She then took hold of Shinji's neck and began to draw close.
"Oh shit… The Devil's gonna get Shinji in the first base," hissed Toji.
Their lips were mere inches apart when suddenly something or rather someone pulled Asuka from Shinji.
"I cannot allow this," Rei's voice floated through the air, "I will not allow you to take him."
"Why you little… " said Asuka as she prepared a punch for Rei.
Suddenly Hikari got in front of the fighting girls, "Stop it both of you."
Asuka stopped her advance but didn't calm down. Rei however still hadn't put down her guard.
"Why are you fighting over Shinji?"
"Wondergirl here started it!"
"You lie Pilot Soryu."
"You Bitch!"
"Then why do you lie?"
"STOP IT!!!" Hikari screeched.
"Now, who really wants who?"
That was the cue Kensuke all too well, "I have the evidence right here!"
Toji smiled triumphantly as they played the video clip they managed to capture.
"Well, since both of you are staking claim," Hikari said calmly, "Then let's decide since the NERV holiday will be one week. Then we will use that time for the two of to 'get' Shinji."
The 3rd Child foolishly raised his hand, "But… I don't want to be used as a prize."
"SHUT UP!!!" the three girls said, the other two Stooges merely tapped his back and shook their heads.
"I envy you my friend, you have two females who really like you and now they will completely fall over you."
"But its Asuka and Rei were talking about, when hot meets cold. There's always a Storm."
"That's not good," Shinji whispered, "Really not good."
After the meeting the group then crowded in a small patch of shade under the oak tree.
"Ok," Hikari started, "For one week duration during our vacation in the Philippines Asuka and Rei will compete to win Shinji's heart. If by any chance that Shinji finds another woman both of them lose."
"One week?" Toji asked.
Hikari nodded as Rei and Asuka shot daggers at each other's. Well Asuka was doing most of the shooting, Rei's more like sniping.
"Oh there's another glitch, if by chance anyone of you fail you will surrender Shinji to the benefit of the student female body."
"WHAT?!?" the other five said, except Rei.
"Yes," Hikari nodded again, "It's not only you two who wants a shot at Shinji here. Anyway, lunch is over let's head back."
As their little group made it's way back to their classroom. Toji pats Shinji in the back, again.
"Shin-man, there comes a time when a man must face the world alone."
"What are you saying Toji?"
"Kensuke and I agreed to this… you're on your own."
The two hurriedly jogged to catch up to Hikari as Rei and Asuka both grabbed either side of him.
"Oh boy… " Shinji sighed.
Later at afternoon classes and after the Bet is Set, Asuka has already started her move. She occasionally gave Shinji a wink or two, or sometimes bats her eyes at him and smiles sweetly at him.
"What the hell… ?" puzzled Shinji asked over the school's chat room.
Asuka are you ok? –Shinji.
Asuka smiles as she got Shinji's attention, Nothing, I just want to smile at you.
Shinji sweats drop at this and deleted the message. However another message popped up on his laptop. It was Rei.
Ikari-kun, may you assist me about something when we finish our classes today?
Very well, I shall help you on whatever you need.
Rei grinned softly but didn't escape Toji's eyes. He quickly grabbed his chest and felt a pulse.
After classes Shinji immediately took off as he wanted to avoid Asuka and also to immediately keep his promise to Rei.
"Hey Shinji! Want to… ? Where is he?" Asuka asked.
Hikari shook her head, "Too fast for you Asuka, he already left."
The 2nd Child looked down, disappointment etched on her face, "oh, he already did… ok.. see you then Hikari."
Asuka walked slowly towards Misato's apartment feeling rather… regretful.
Meanwhile Rei got a call on her cell phone.
Ayanami?
Rei immediately answers, Ikari-kun? Where are you? I believe we both had an engagement?
Yes, I know but can you meet me. I don't want Asuka to interfere, I also want to make sure no one is following.
Rei nods in understanding, Very well Ikari-kun, where shall we meet?
After knowing she shuts off her cellphone and heads to her destination.
Meeting Shinji at the Tokyo-03 mall Shinji and Rei now heads for the ladies department.
'Oh no… what have I gotten myself into?'
"Umm Rei maybe, I'll just wait outside. If it's ok with you?"
"No," Rei said flatly, "I am new at this competition challenges and I want to perform to the fullest. Since I am at ease with you and only you, I have chosen you to teach me on what I should do.", 'I must agree with Commander Ikari, Lying is a good manipulation tool.'
"Umm, very well what do you… want to umm.. know exactly?"
Rei faced Shinji and pointed to a rack of bikinis, "I would like to know my appearance when I try one of those."
Shinji's eyes bugged out and stuttered a response, "Aya… Ayana… Rei, I can't.. I mean… do I… I mean… why me of all people?"
Rei just stares deeply into him in response, "Because you are honest, and I know you won't say no to me, would you Ikari-kun."
If Shinji wasn't thinking about the bet he should have noticed the slight alluring sound in it. Instead he stuttered his response again.
"Well… of course… I will do it Rei, I mean… aya… Ayanami."
"Please Shinji, call me Rei from now on, please," dropping her cold stare she puts a 'Can't say no eyes' for Shinji.
Shinji sighed and nodded, "Very well."
'Commander Ikari is right, male persuasion works effectively when saying the 'lines' and softening of the eyes.'
To be Continued
Author's note:
Ok, now I really need a pre-reader for this fic also another pre-reader for my other fic THE MAFIA. Also pardon Chaospip for his delayed posting of 'COLD HEART'. He won't answer my e-mails, I wonder why?
Anyway looking for a fast pre-reader, just give your classification when you write a review. Also include your e-mail so I can answer you.
JA NE!!!
Scarab Eye / Scarabeye 3000