Disclaimer: Still don't own it.
Shinji growled in frustration as the van drove down the road. It had become obvious that Asuka had taken some of her driving skills from Misato. "Did you see that little sign back their that said 'Do Not Enter'? That means that we're on a one way road and we're going the wrong way."
"It's a short cut trust me." Stated Asuka as she pushed the gas pedal even more. Several cars up the road had already moved to the side to keep out of the way. "See, they're making room for greatness."
"Or maybe they just don't want to get hit head on."
They came out the other end of the alley skidding sideways and stopping perfectly in a parking spot. "See, we're here."
Shinji's eyes narrowed, "And in one piece imagine that." Shinji wheeled backwards and down the ramp that opened in the back. He then went onto the side walk and through the door. Asuka walked behind him with a confident smirk on her face. He wheeled the elevator. Asuka pushed the button to the top level. When they got there they were at what appeared to be a waiting room at a doctor's office. Shinji wheeled up to the reception.
The woman looked up from her book, "Oh, you must be Mr. Ikari."
"How did you guess?"
"We have been expecting you. The Doctor has been looking forward to meeting you."
Shinji sighed, "Oh great another Eva fan."
"No sir, he has other reasons, but you will find out those soon enough."
The woman stood and knocked on the door, "Dr. Natsume, Mr. Ikari has arrived for his first session."
"Excellent, show him in."
Shinji wheeled into the room as Asuka sat down in the waiting room. Shinji looked around the room as diplomas hung on the wall. Against the far wall was a desk with a middle aged man behind it. He stood and walked forward, "Mr. Ikari, I hope that you are having a pleasant day."
"Would be better if I wasn't here."
Natsume nodded with a smile, "Yes, not many people like coming to my office, especially in cases like yours."
"The old lady said you were looking forward to meeting me, why?"
Natsume chuckled, "Don't let her hear you calling her that. Anyway, to answer your question just looked at this picture on my desk." Natsume took a frame off of his desk and handed it to Shinji.
Shinji's eyes grazed over the picture until her came across a young lady with blazing red hair. 'The girl from the alley.'
"You know that philosophy teaches that no good deed goes unrewarded. You saved my daughter, now I am going to help you."
Shinji wheeled forward placing the picture back on the desk. He then turned and sat staring at the doctor, "Look, I'm not some hero. I acted on instinct, so you don't owe me anything."
"Hmmm, but if you acted on instinct then does that not mean that you are a hero by instinct?"
Shinji scowled, "Is this what we are going to do during these sessions? Keep asking questions about good deeds and origins of heroism?"
Natsume pulled a chair up so that he was facing Shinji, "If you want to we can. We can talk about anything."
"I'm not buying this whole let's be friends crap. So, let's just get this over with."
Natsume sat back and folded his hands in front of his face, "Okay, if that is what would make this time helpful for you. So, why did you do it?"
"I have already told people, I cut myself like that-"
"Oh, I'm sorry I must have been a little too vague. Why did you pilot EVA? I have looked over your files and it seems that it would be a good place to start."
"I don't know. My dad said he needed me, so I came."
"I see. Someone just needed you, so you put yourself through endless danger and pain?"
"I guess."
"You guess huh. That doesn't seems like such a solid answer. Hmmm, tell me about your relationship with your father."
"I didn't have one. He left me with my teacher after my mom died. He went off to his work. No calls, no visits, no nothing. He contacted me when I was 14 saying he needed me-"
"So you came."
"Yeah, guess it seems stupid looking back on it."
"Really why is that?"
"You said it yourself; I put myself through endless pain and danger for this. I wouldn't even be in this situation if I had just stayed."
"Where would you be?"
"I don't know."
"Well, were are you now?"
"Huh."
"What do you do?"
"I own my own restaurant."
"Really? Wow, that must be fun."
"It is, I've loved the cook ever since I had to started making he meals."
"And when was that?"
"When I moved in with Misato."
"Really? And when was that?"
"When I came…." Shinji sat still for a second, "to Tokyo 3. If I had never moved here-"
Dr. Natsume nodded, "You may have never become a chef and own your own restaurant."
"I never thought of it that way."
"Try to do that till our next session, try to focus on the positive things. Also, I would like you to think about what I asked earlier. Where would you be if you had never came to Tokyo 3."
"What is this homework?"
"More like just trying to get you in the right frame of mind. For me to help you, we have to be on the same wave pattern. Understand?"
"I guess. Can I go now?"
Dr. Natsume nodded.
Shinji wheeled out of the room. Asuka stood and walked ahead of him, "So, did they find out why you used you body to check your knives for sharpness?"
"No, did they ever find out why you are a egotistical self-centered bitch?"
Asuka froze in place. She spun around and stared at Shinji, "What was that?"
"Oh should I add hard of hearing to that as well?"
Asuka clenched her fist. She reared back to punch Shinji.
"How are you doing Pilot Soryu?"
Asuka growled, "Please for the love of God, don't be her."
Asuka spun around and stared, "Hello Wondergirl."
"I came to see how Shinji-kun's first session went."
"It was fine, thanks Rei," stated Shinji. At least one of hem would keep their promise this time.
"There is no thanks required Shinji-kun. The major wished for me to 'check on the lovebirds'. I am unfamiliar with this phrase. Have you acquired pets for your apartment?"
Asuka growled again clenching her fist even more.
Shinji smiled that this made Asuka uncomfortable, "No Rei, she was referring to Asuka and me."
"Why did you not say so?"
Shinji started for the door, "I'll explain it over lunch. I need to check on my restaurant."