DISCLAIMER, YO
I do not own Neon Genesis Evangelion; Gainax and Hideaki Anno do. I'm just a 16-year-old fanboy from Alaska.
WERD: This is NOT a Shinji/Ritsuko pairing story! You can stop panicking; I'm not that strange. Shinji/Ritsuko even gives me the creeps. Please read and review. Thanks. – C.o.W.
Chapter 3 – No Place Like Home
Shinji Ikari rested in his wheelchair, dozing off in front of a television. He wouldn't have to go back to the hospital until tomorrow for a check-up; what a relief! For the first time in an incredibly short four years, he almost felt like he was home. He reflected on his busy day with Ritsuko Akagi.
She had graciously given him the ultimate tour of the hospital, even though he had been in a number of hospital facilities before was pretty confident he knew how they worked. He had had a very nice lunch in the staff cafeteria. Being fed through a tube for four years had left Shinji especially hungry. On their way out, Shinji had told the doctor that he could have given the chefs some hints to improve the flavor of their food. Ritsuko had chuckled nervously but agreed.
It turned out that she was one of the directors of the institution. She also trained doctors in what had become known as "evology": AT fields, LCL, and all of the fascinating things she had uncovered through Angel attacks and synchronization tests. Ritsuko had told him that she was one of those people who always wanted to be on the cutting edge of everything. "I suppose I got that from Mother," she had postulated.
The kind doctor had taken off much of her day to acquaint the boy with Tokyo-2. It was not nearly as advanced as Tokyo-3 had been. For example, the buildings certainly couldn't shrink into the ground. Unfortunately, Shinji couldn't keep his mind off of Misato and Rei. There had been so much he had never been able to tell either of them, and it really depressed him. He just hoped that it wouldn't be the same way with Asuka. She might be the only key to a stable future.
However, he tried to enjoy himself. Ritsuko, a naturally perceptive person, understood his preoccupation with the people he missed so much. Therefore, she was not one to push him into having a good time. She reminded him that it was alright for him to express his feelings and ask questions, provided that they were legal and appropriate.
So, Shinji did his best to have a good time…
The doctor had changed into a white turtleneck and khakis. They left the hospital for the parking lot and made their way to her car. Shinji had never seen anything like it. It was rather geometric. That is, it lacked the smooth curves of the car Misato had driven. It had an unpainted stainless steel surface. He went to open the passenger's side door, but found out that it wouldn't swing open on a hinge. He struggled, pulling at the side of the door. Ritsuko looked on with some amusement before going to assist the confused boy. She artfully took hold of the bottom of the door and pulled it up, to Shinji's shock.
"What kind of car is this?" he asked incredulously.
"It's a De Lorean DMC-12. They're pretty expensive these days, but I was saving up for it. These doors here are called 'gull-wing' doors."
"Weird," Shinji mumbled as he pulled himself out of his wheelchair and into the passenger's seat. Ritsuko hefted his wheelchair into the back seat of the car, and climbed in behind the steering wheel. When Asuka awakes, she considered, I will have to get used to lugging those chairs around.
They left the hospital property and entered the city. Shinji looked at the skyscrapers, which were neatly tucked into surrounding mountains. He was somewhere in between slight boredom and severe boredom. Ritsuko rattled off tidbits of information as she drove.
"Before the Second Impact, this city was called Nagano. In 1998, the Winter Olympics were held here. I wanted to go, but Mother said no." Just remembering the fight she'd had about it at the age of thirteen made her feel… bitter again.
"I've heard of the Olympics."
They stopped outside a coffee shop.
"I'm rather thirsty," Ritsuko said somewhat distantly. "Do you need anything?"
"I dunno. I guess I'll have a bagel," Shinji replied. He followed the doctor into the building. I guess I'll humor her. I just feel… strange and emotional. I have a feeling of some kind of sadness. He found a small table out in front of the store and parked his wheelchair in front of it. The cool wind felt good on his legs. He had changed into his old clothes, which were tragically small. It was nice to have some air circulating around his "vital parts". He blushed at the thought.
Dr. Akagi walked up to the cash register and purchased a large black coffee (an acceptable substitute for nicotine, she had decided long ago). She also bought a plain bagel. Considering that she had the day off, she chatted with the young woman behind the cash register.
Meanwhile, Shinji had dozed off. He had been unable to fall back to sleep so early this morning. Suddenly, he heard a strange sound among the wind. It seemed to whisper his name. His eyes snapped open. He looked around to the doctor… the shop… the customers… the car. The car! For a split second, he saw something in the car, where he had been sitting. All he had been able to make out was a flash of sky-blue. Shinji, unnerved, reasoned that it was probably a reflection of the Tokyo-2 afternoon sky. He still had his doubts, though, and he was staring at the car when Ritsuko sat down across from him. Following his line of sight, she looked at him with a smirk.
"I am not going to let you drive it."
Snapping out of his misty thoughts, he looked as his feet and then at the doctor.
"Oh! Oh no! That's not it. I just thought I saw something. I guess I'm just tired."
"You're probably right, Shinji-kun," she teased. "Now eat your bagel. You can take a nap when you get home."
She sipped. He ate. There was palpable silence between them.
He finally brought himself to ask the nagging question.
"Um, Ritsuko-san, where is home?" To himself, he hoped that he would not have to move in with her like he had with Misato. The two were vastly different people. Also, it bothered Shinji that at one time, Akagi would have sacrificed him to save his EVA.
"Well, I've bought another room at the apartment complex where the rest of the former NERV staff and I live, except for Kouzou. He works at one of the universities, and he lives on-campus. He visits us every weekend," she replied. I was wondering when he'd ask. "I'm afraid you and Asuka will share the apartment."
This would have disappointed Shinji, except for two things. First, he was used to Asuka's abuse, slacking off on chores, and general dependence on him. Second, this would give him a chance to befriend the redhead.
"Okay," he said, nonplussed. Ritsuko thought as much. She knew of his secret love, and of his secret love's warlike tendencies.
By the time he had gotten back into the doctor's car, Shinji was feeling less leery about whatever he'd seen. Sitting in the car, he certainly felt normal. Maybe it was a bird, he considered. My nerves are probably acting on high alert.
"Where to next, Shinji?" Dr. Akagi asked.
"Um, could I get a haircut? I don't like my hair this long," he whined, indicating his extensive brown-black locks. The blonde doctor laughed lightly and agreed.
"You look better without them," she commented, knowing it would make him blush and look away. "It's alright, Shinji. You really should get used to compliments."
Shinji nodded, trying very hard to smile. They pulled up in front of a barbershop and Shinji got his hair cut. He had it done in the exact same style he had always worn it, brushed to the right a bit. He sat in a chair, examining his face in a hand mirror. This is me, he thought, I'm really an adult now. Shinji paid the barber and returned to the De Lorean, where Dr. Akagi was talking on a cellular phone. When she saw Shinji coming, she hurriedly ended her conversation and greeted him. He doesn't need to know right now.
"Much better," she told him about his hair.
"Yeah, it's okay. The barber looked at me funny. I think my clothes are too small," he said as he shuffled out of his wheelchair and into the passenger seat. Ritsuko said nothing as she pushed the chair into the back seat.
"Shinji," she said panting, "I'm young, but I can't keep this up. Tomorrow you're going to start walking."
"Okay," Shinji sighed. "My legs are feeling stronger anyway."
"That's good. That is, they should be."
Their ride to the mall was silent. Once out of the car, Shinji felt a lot better. He hadn't been in such a large, open space yet. It was refreshing. The bright displays and various sights and smells lifted his spirits until he didn't have to force himself to smile anymore. He eagerly looked for a clothing shop that sold things he would actually wear. He trundled past a swimwear store as something caught his eye in the shop's window. He backed up to get a closer look. Could it be? he wondered.
Indeed it was. A mannequin was modeling a red-and-white striped two-piece bikini, the exact same product that Asuka had loved and worn, much to Ikari's embarrassment. His eyes glazed over, thinking of those memories. I don't think I'd respond any differently, he thought. Suddenly, Ritsuko put her hand on Shinji's shoulder. It was enough to bring his mind back to the present.
"Let's not get caught up in every little thing, Shinji," she warned. She'd recognized the bikini, too. "You go ahead and get some clothes. I think I'll just sit here."
Shinji solemnly nodded and proceeded to the menswear store he was originally headed for.
As soon as he left, Ritsuko pulled out her cellular phone and dialed the person she had been talking to outside the barbershop. When the other party answered, she whispered into the phone.
"We're at the mall."
"Where is he?" It was the voice of a nurse at the hospital.
"He's in a clothes store. How is Asuka?"
"Fine."
"Have you told her how long it's been?"
"Yes, but she passed it off. She is desperately trying to get out of here as soon as possible. I haven't given her any stimulants yet, but she's already trying to drag herself out of bed."
"I see," Ritsuko said, amused. "I will speak to her later. Take care of her, Kodama."
"Yes, Sempai, I will. Good-bye."
"Good-bye." With that, the doctor pressed a button on her phone and ended the conversation.
Shinji had his waist and inseam measurements taken so he could buy pants that fit. Shinji hadn't had a need for these before. The clerk at the store, to measure Shinji's inseam, asked him to straighten his leg, since he was still in his wheelchair. It was easier than he expected. The strength was in his legs, certainly.
Shinji had an idea as he looked for a nice-looking pair of pants. He brought himself to the edge of his scooter and slowly began to lift himself. He gritted his teeth as he brought himself to stand while gripping a shelf of pants. He breathed heavily as he stood with one hand on the shelf. He could feel his body weight push down on his legs, but he stayed standing. If I stop, I'll get lazy. I would never live that down if Asuka found out I had failed at trying to walk. He shuffled his right foot forward, and shifted his weight. Then, he brought his left foot forward. Finally, he moved his hand on the shelf of clothing forward to keep his balance. He was proud. He took a few more assisted steps, and slowly made his way back to his wheelchair, sitting down heavily and panting.
He found some clothes and made his way to the dressing room. After changing into them, he looked at himself in the full-length mirror. A tall, thin young man with spiky, dark brown hair looked back at him. Shinji was appreciative of his appearance. I think I am… handsome. For once, he did not blush.
Shinji was wearing a pair of loose blue jeans and a gray long-sleeve shirt. He didn't know how to match colors, but he liked this new look. Leaving the dressing room, he paid for his clothes. He left the store when the doctor wasn't looking, and scooted to the restroom, where he changed for good. He wheeled right in front of Ritsuko, who was a little shocked that he had not bought his usual attire, dark slacks and white t-shirt. She also realized that he was a very good-looking young man. She hadn't considered him anything but a kid until she saw the way he had stroked Asuka's chin. It was the mark of a real gentleman. While she was not attracted to Shinji himself, twinges of loneliness settled in the back of her mind.
"That's a good outfit," she declared, avoiding saying something about how he looked in it.
"Domo arigato," he replied courteously.
"You're welcome, Shinji-kun. Let's take you home," she said with finality. Shinji nodded happily.
They reached the apartment complex as the sun started to set. Shinji sat and Ritsuko stood in front of the door to his apartment, number 501.
"Thank you again, Ritsuko-san."
"Of course, Shinji. I understand that you probably feel very different from four years ago."
"Yes, but I think I'm ready to live now," he said. Ritsuko nodded and smiled.
"I've got to wrap up some work at the hospital. Here is your key," she explained, handing Shinji a plastic card.
"Have a good night, get some rest, and I will drop by tomorrow morning to bring you in for your checkup."
"I sure will. Goodnight, doctor." He offered her his hand, and they shook. Then, he let himself into Apartment 501. The door closed in front of Ritsuko, but she stood there a moment, contemplating the new Shinji. She smiled to herself. He's going to make a fine adult someday. Without further ado, she walked away. She was on her way to the De Lorean when an apartment door opened behind her. She turned to see Maya Ibuki standing in the entrance to her apartment, number 502.
"How is he?" the younger woman asked, speaking of Shinji.
"He's going to be just fine," Ritsuko responded reassuringly. "How are you this evening, Maya-chan?"
"I'm great!" Maya whispered excitedly. "Did you want to meet me after you get off work?"
"Sure, but I'll be tired."
"I'll make coffee," Maya teased.
"I'll be there."
Maya laughed, and the two good friends parted.
Shinji's apartment was very clean and well-lit. He parked himself in front of the television, flipped to a cable news channel, and relaxed. He reflected on his day out, until he fell fast asleep.