A/N: Okay, here it is. The very last chapter.

The Cameras flashed as the four pilots made their way onto the other side of the curtain that had been placed in front of the restaurant. They four stood still until finally Asuka stepped up to the microphone, "We would like to thank you all for coming for the grand opening of this new restaurant. We will take a few brief questions and then we would like to invite everyone inside for a marvelous meal that has been prepared by the owner of this restaurant, Shinji Ikari himself. So, let's get started. First question please." Several hands shot up, Asuka pointed to one.

"Ms. Soryu, are the rumors true about you and Mr. Ikari having a more…intimate relationship?"

Asuka smirked, "It matters what you mean by 'intimate'."

"Are two involved in a relationship?"

Asuka looked behind her at Shinji who was blushing slightly, "Then yes, we are seeing one another. Though I probably just broke a few young girls' hearts by saying that."

A few chuckles were heard from the crowd as hands once again were risen. Asuka pointed one out.

"Yes, this question is for Mr. Ikari. I have here the records of patients of One Dr. Natsume-"

Shinji stiffened.

Asuka clenched here fist, "That's none of your concern. Next question please."

"But I want to know why Mr. Ikari was treated for-"

"I SAID NEXT QUESTION!"

Shinji took a deep breathe before walking forward. He gently placed his hand on Asuka's Shoulder. She whirled around with anger and hatred in her eyes. When she saw Shinji's somber look, she knew what he was going to do "Shinji-" He shook his head. He then walked up and cleared his throat.

"A few months ago, was walking home when I saw a young lady being assaulted. While saving her, I was shot. While I was undergoing treatment, they discovered the physical manifestation of my psychological state. So yes, I did used to cut myself; no, I do not do it anymore. Anything more than that I simply ask to be left alone since it is personal."

The crowd was silent as they started at Shinji.

"Anymore questions?"

They looked at one another.

"Actually," came a voice in the back, "I was curious to see if you could survive my gun a second time."

The crowd quickly parted in shock to reveal the same man that had shot Shinji a few weeks ago. The man drew his gun and pointed it to Shinji.

Asuka burst towards the man, "You son of a bitch don't you even think you will get a second shot on a pilot."

The man smiled and then pointed his gun at Asuka, "Okay then you'll do just fine. He took something from me, I take something from him, it seems far."

Shinji jumped off the stage and ran to move Asuka aside, 'Damn it, she's too far ahead. I can't let this happen.'

The next thing he saw as a blur and then a gunshot.

---Epilogue---

A little girl ran up to a gravestone, "I found it daddy!"

Shinji struggled to keep up with his daughter . He smiled as he saw the gravestone he had been looking for, "So you did."

"Who is she?"

Shinji kneeled down and grunted as his once injured leg bent, "Well a long time ago, your mom and dad didn't get along so well-"

"Mom said that was because you were a stubborn baka."

Shinji chuckled, "Well, we have different opinions who was the stubborn one. Anyways, well daddy did something he wasn't proud of, but it made mommy come back to Japan. Anyway, his bad man tried to shoot mommy and this nice lady saved her."

The little girl nodded, "Mommy said she was your sister."

Shinji looked over the tombstone:

Suki Hatsori

Hero even amongst heroes

"Closest thing to family I ever had." He stood up, "Now come on, you know how angry mom gets when we don't have dinner done on time."

"Okay daddy."