Disclaimer: I still don't own anything.

A/N: Okay next chapter will finish it up. I already got a few new ideas for my next story, the question is which one to us. So, you people want a happy or sad ending. Cause I have a way to end this where it could go either way.

The words of the former an Eva pilot opening up a new restaurant quickly became front page material for the newspapers. Each newspaper claimed to have it's own inside source about the current condition of all the pilots. Shinji's phone never stopped ringing anymore. They had to take it off the hook when they went to sleep. Shinji, himself, had made some very huge steps to being on his own again. He had finally ditched the chair for a cane and was back to work the next day.

Asuka, having nothing to do now that Shinji was back on his feet, took it upon herself to take care of all the details of the new restaurant's grand opening. Shinji's current place was packed from open to close. They often had to turn people away at night telling them to come back the next day. Soko was more than happy to hand the reigns of the kitchen back to Shinji. He had been on several newspapers front pages with a picture of him in the kitchen barking orders. It seemed that everyone had suddenly remembered the three "children" who had saved the world 10 years ago.

Gossip columnists started to make accusations about Shinji and Asuka having a more "personal" relationship. Of course Asuka was always answer any question with "Get that Mic out of my face before I make you eat it" or something along that lines. Shinji would always divert any questions to Asuka. It was their system.

Asuka growled as she was once again asked about her "relationship" with Shinji Ikari. Suddenly, she got a brilliant idea, "You want a story." She held up one finger, "One week. That's when the grand opening is. You and any other press that wishes to be there are more than invited. You'll get you answers then."

The report scowled, "But what kind of scoop is that? Please Ms. Soryu, I-"

Asuka held up a hand stopping him, "Not another word from me or Shinji till next week, and remember don't be late." She then ushered the man out and went back to Shinji's small office in the corner of the kitchen. She smiled as she watched Shinji walk around the kitchen. He stopped and tasted some soup before adding a little extra spice and walking off. He then organized his kitchen staff tell them who would work where during that day. She smiled. In the kitchen, Shinji was the great leader that he always had the potential to be. She sat down behind Shinji's desk and leaned back to relax. She looked up when she heard a chuckle. Shinji stood at the door with his arms crossed, "Comfortable?"

"Yeah, this is a great chair."

Shinji walked to the opposite side of the desk and leaned over the desk resting one of his fists on the desk and leaning on his cane with the other, "It should be; it's my chair."

Asuka gave him a challenging smirk, "Oh is it now?"

Shinji nodded, "Yeah, this is my office after all."

"Not while I'm planning this opening. You should be glad I stepped in."

"I don't recall asking you. It was more like 'Baka, just get out of my way before you screw this up too'."

"Let's face it Baka, you can't do anything without me," stated Asuka as he smirk turned to one of pride.

Shinji sighed and started out the door, "You know, I figured since we're together now, you would hold off on the 'Baka'."

Asuka flashed a flirtatious smile, "It's called a pet name Baka." She then stood up and walked towards him and faced him with a confident smile, "You're a Baka, but you're my Baka. Got that?" She then walked past him, "See you at home." She walked through the kitchen and out the door.

Shinji walked out to whistles and catcalls as his kitchen staff teased him. He blushed slightly, but then cleared his throat, "Okay everyone. Show's over."

---One week later---

Shinji grumbled as he tried his best to fix his bow tie. He stood in the bathroom of their new apartment above the new restaurant. Asuka had insisted that all owners of new restaurants wore tuxes at such a grand opening. "Stupid thing, why couldn't I just get one of those that is already fixed?"

Asuka sighed as she walked into the room and walked up spinning Shinji around. She silently started to tie the tie. When she was finished, she took a step back and looked him up and down. He was wearing a basic tux except the usual white shirt had been replaced by a red one. She smirked to herself, "You clean up pretty nice there Baka."

Shinji stood in shook. When had Asuka had the chance to go get that dress? Asuka had her hair loose. A little bit crossed over his shoulder from her back. Her dress was an almost modern version tighter version of a traditional kimono. It was a basic black with red flowers on the front.

Asuka stood still for a few minutes before frowning, "This is the part where you say you too."

Shinji nodded dumbly, "You're beautiful."

Asuka smirked. Just the reaction she wanted. She then looked at her watch, "It's almost time! We have to get downstairs." She then grabbed him by the ear dragging him along. They got downstairs and looked around. The kitchen was busy at work getting ready for when the doors opened. The serving staff was running around getting every little detail ready. Shinji smiled as he looked around. This is what he had always wanted. To be a owner of a grand restaurant in the middle of Tokyo 3. He started for the door. Misato stood their waiting for them. She hugged them both, "I am so proud of you two. It's about time you two stopped being so stubborn about your feelings for each other." They both blushed.

Rei stood there as well dressed in her usual business attire, "There is a great deal of reporters here. My security is having a hard time controlling them."

Shinji took a deep breathe, "Better not leave the waiting then."

Asuka chuckled, "Hold up Baka, I said all the pilots would be here. Now where is that other Stooge at."

Shinji's eyebrow raised, "Stooge…you mean-"

The sound of another cane crossing the floor became evident, 'Well excuse me for being a little late Red Devil. As I recall, even the great Asuka Langley Soryu was late to class every once and a while when we were in Junior High."

Shinji looked up and saw Touji standing there with a smirk, "Hey Shin-man, you got a nice place here. So let's get this over with and get to the eating part, I'm starved."