This is a fanfiction of the anime Neon Genesis Evangelion. The fic is focussed on characters Rei and Shinji, but touch on the entire crew. The story takes place after third impact.
Disclaimer: The characters, locations, names and original story belong to Gainax.
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Chapter 3 is here! Hurrah! Cough……………….. Sorry about the delay. There were many reasons, the biggest one probably due to my brain apparently deciding to take a vacation.
Anyway, hope you enjoy it!
"Speech"
'Thought'
Just Him & Her
Chapter 3
Shinji followed Rei as they both made their way up the stairs into the apartment block. It was very dark and the only light available was from the streetlights shining outside, which wasn't nearly enough for the third child but it was sufficient to light their way.
He took a glance at the girl infront of him, he felt awkward but at the same time relaxed, which was strange considering the day he had had. When Rei first approached him outside, his immediate thought was that his little game of 'hide-and-seek' had come to an end and that he'd be marched back to Nerv. Which is what happened at first, but to think she would allow him to spend the night in her apartment…? 'Doesn't she think I'm pathetic?'
As they continued further up the stairs he noticed it was getting darker because the streetlights where no longer level with the floor they where on, and so it created huge dark shadowy areas.
Shinji felt a shiver run up his spine 'Why does she live here alone?' he thought to himself as they finally reached the desired floor and began making their way to her apartment.
He stopped a few feet behind the girl as she opened her unlocked door and made her way inside. Stepping forward he walked over to the entrance but stopped as he glanced inside. It was pretty much the same as his last visit, but there seemed to be more 'stuff' randomly scattered around.
Noticing that the girl seemed to disappear into the cloud of darkness that was her apartment, he started to wonder if he should come in or not without a more…proper invitation. After all he was a good well-mannered young man and standards had to be kept.
"Umm…. Ayanami?" he said leaning sideways trying to get a better view inside. A few moments passed until she appeared from around the corner.
"Yes Ikari-kun?" she answered in her usual stoic expressionless fashion.
Being able to see her calmed him down a bit, as this whole building was freaking him out. He swore he saw something move and heard a noise down the shadowy end of the corridor. He wanted in… manners or not, he was scared. "I…umm…don't want to intrude" he said edging his way in very slightly.
Rei stood and starred at him for a moment "…you want to sleep outside?" she said moving her head to the side questioningly making her hair droop over to one side.
Shinji had grown to love that small expression; he thought it was the cutest thing he'd ever seen "…no" he said shaking his head for emphasis "I mean… I don't want to cause you any trouble" he said nervously, already practically inside the apartment.
"You are not trouble Ikari-kun" she stated absolutely while looking him in the eyes. She then turned and made her way over to the lamp near her bed and switched it on - dimly lighting the room.
The boy who was now fully inside, slipped off his shoes and placed them by the door along with his school bag. He then put his hand on the door and gave it a push-shut only for it to spring back and hit his foot. "Aah!" he let out a small cry and hopped on one foot while trying to sooth his other.
A short while after the pain had subsided he turned back towards the still open door and tried to manually close it, 'Damn door! Something's jammed!' He had his shoulder pushing against it with his two hands on the knob trying to force it shut with all his strength.
"Ikari-kun?"
Startled, the boy quickly released the door and swivelled around towards the girl only for it to swing open again and hit him full force in the back knocking him forward towards the girl. With reflexes gained through many years worth of pilot training, the first child reached out her arms in an attempt to stop the boy falling. Unfortunately Shinji had also done the same causing their arms to hit and lock awkwardly. He fell forward with his head over her shoulder and his left arm holding up her body and his right hand further down holding her lower back. They would have been awarded a straight 10 points if it where a Flamenco dancing competition.
They stayed like that for a good minute, both alarmed and gradually adjusting to the very close proximity they both now shared. After a short while, a heavy breathing Shinji pulled his head back and looked at the girl. Her hair was flustered over her face and the shallow light of the lamp reflected over the curves of her neck and collarbone with her mouth slightly ajar.
"be…beautiful" the boy muttered unconsciously in appreciation to the sight before him. He noticed a blush appear on the girls face then suddenly realised what he had just said. He quickly stood up and released himself from her and turned to the side blushing.
A still heavily breathing and flustered Ayanami fixed her uniform, which had been twisted from the entanglement and steadied herself '…beautiful...' she replayed his words over and over 'he thinks I'm…beautiful?' Rei held her hands up to her cheeks to investigate the abnormal heat that was radiating from them. Almost shyly she turned her red orbs sideways and focussed on the boy who was facing away from her holding his back.
'….?'
"Are you hurt? Ikari-kun?" she said looking him up and down, noticing a red stain on his white school shirt
The boy who was still blushing only realised the pain after the two had separated, he was glad the light was so dim or she would see how flustered and red he was. 'she probably thinks I'm perverted…'
He turned his head towards her still holding his back "I...i'm ok... I think the door knob stuck in my back" he said with a small nervous laugh scratching the back of his head.
Rei was looking at him very intensely; similarly to the way she did during clean-up duty. Shinji stood and watched as she made her way around him and bent down before lifting his shirt up, causing him to change yet another colour of the rainbow.
"You are bleeding" she stated as she observed the wound.
Shinji was going crazy inside by the touch of her soft hands on his lower back. He felt her fingers move up his spine, almost tickling him causing him to close his eyes from the pleasant sensation.
Snapping out of his 'pleasurable daze,' the boy afraid of getting too carried away turned around and sheepishly took her hands and stood her up, blushing like a beetroot.
"I...I'm ok" he said trying to put a brave face on "It doesn't really hurt" but in truth… the more he stood there, the more intense the pain grew. 'Damn door!' he thought smiling on the outside.
Rei was unsure because the wound seemed very bad in her opinion. She walked over to the door and looked at the handle. It was broken and rusted with a very sharp metal edge. After a quick observation she closed the door with apparent ease, causing Shinji to sweat then turned around to face him. She was not satisfied with his answer.
"………………."
"………………."
Shinji triple blinked under the gaze he was receiving then watched as she walked into the small kitchen. She bent down and stuck her head inside the cupboard. Moments later she walked over with what appeared to be an old, dusty tin case.
"We cannot leave the wound without cleaning it" she turned and pointed towards the door "…the handle is broken and rusted, there is a good chance of infection" she then walked over to the bed and turned towards him.
"Please lay down here…"
As soon as Shinji heard those words he could have sworn he heard someone call him a pervert. An image of Asuka glaring death at him immediately popped into his mind, followed by a grinning Touji and Aida with an embarrassed class rep behind them.
"Rei…really it… its ok" the boy said holding up his hands trying to avoid the situation. He knew from experience that any situation involving himself, a bed and a female needed to be avoided at all costs, no matter what!
"Lay down"
"Yes ma'am" - Sweat
Like the obedient young man he was, he made his way towards the bed, still a little flustered. He watched her blow dust off of the old first aid box.
"Umm... re… Ayanami?" She looked up from the box letting him know he had her attention. "I thought you said you where going to clean my wound?" he said as he observed the dirty old, dust-covered box.
She blinked at him then answered, "I did"
Sweat
"Oh... umm.. ok" he dismissed his worries and carefully laid down on the bed being careful not to move awkwardly and avoid any unnecessary pain. He raised his shirt from underneath him to uncover his back.
As he lay down, he could smell the girl's scent on her bed covers. He found himself breathing it in, as it seemed to help him relax. He moved his head sideways and watched as she prepared the medical contents of the box. She unwrapped some sealed, sterilized wipes and moved closer to him. Then started to carefully clean his wound.
Shinji had his eyes closed as she wiped up the blood on and around the wound. She then took a small plastic can and sprayed the wound, which made the boy flinch from the stinging sensation. After a short while of careful attention she applied a pad over the wound "please hold it in place" she said as she guided his hand to the area.
She then turned and rolled out a large bandage "Can you sit up?" she asked.
"Oh sure" he said lifting himself up to the side of the bed.
She took the bandage and moved her arms around his waist, intent on wrapping the bandage around him. This made Shinji go rigid once again "Sorry did I hurt you?" she asked as she moved back slightly to see his face. "Oh...umm.. n-no" he said turning his blushing face to the side.
Rei then finished securing the bandage making sure it wasn't too tight or too slack. She stepped back and looked at the boy.
Shinji took this as a sign she was finished and slowly stood. 'wow… this is good!' he thought to himself as he observed her work. He looked up at her "This is great… thanks Ayanami!" he said with a smile. She nodded to him and then placed the items back into the box and returned to the kitchen.
Shinji watched her as she placed the box back into the cupboard. He thought about the care and attention she had just given him and couldn't help but wonder why she lived in this very repressed apartment. He turned around and observed the room, it was filthy and he doubted it had ever been cleaned. He saw randomly scattered pieces of paper, boxes, clothes and towels all around him 'why does she live like this?' he wondered.
"Umm…Ayanami?" He turned towards her.
She stood-up from the cupboard and turned towards him "Yes Ikari-kun?"
"I was just…umm …wondering…" he paused for a moment "…why do you... live in this abandoned building alone?" he asked gingerly.
Rei looked at the boy for a moment as she thought about his question… the more she played the question through her mind the harder it seemed to find an answer. A moment later she recalled a memory of being with the commander and him arranging this place for her. There wasn't really a reason she did, she was just ordered too.
"Commander Ikari arranged for me to stay here" she said still trying to remember the event.
"Ohh" the boy looked down at his feet. 'Father wanted Rei to live here alone?' the mentioning of his father always brought him down. He always thought his father liked Rei… well enough for him to be her guardian. So why would he make her live in such a lifeless, dull place?
"…do you still…dislike you father?" Rei asked, she noticed his change of expression when she mentioned the commander.
Shinji looked up at the girl "I…I don't know" he said as he thought about it "their was a time I thought so. And I know I don't 'like' him as a father" he paused "but…ever since I was little…all he's ever done is manipulated me" he stopped, lost in his own memories.
'Manipulate…' Rei thought to herself for a moment before looking up at the boy. She observed him, as he appeared to live out the memories of his past. Painful memories.
Stepping forward, and with a conviction she had only ever used one time before with a certain commander of Nerv, she spoke up "But…" She watched him look up towards her.
"You can change" She finished, capturing him with her gaze.
"Ch…change?" He was surprised to see such conviction in the girl.
She nodded "If you want to… you can change your life whenever you want"
Shinji took a moment to consider her words 'Change my life? Does she mean… start new? Move away from Eva…from my father?'
He smiled at the girl and nodded. "What about you Rei?" he asked, forgetting about the name formalities for a moment.
"Me…I…" Rei looked down slightly and thought about her future and her predicament 'I'm the one for whom nothing will change'
She looked up at the boy, "My future is set…along with Eva" she stated quietly.
Shinji just stood and looked at the girl. He wasn't sure what she meant, but he got the feeling that she was also a piece in a larger game that was being governed by his own father.
He frowned at that thought, he felt like apologising for his father's behaviour but he knew how stupid that was.
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Katsuragi Residence
Misato stepped into her apartment closing the door behind her. She was tired and depressed. She walked through the kitchen area throwing her keys onto the table and placed her jacket over the chair. She then made her way to the fridge where she immediately reached for a beer.
'!'
She moved her hand away from the freezing can, taken back by her pre-programmed, unconscious command. "What am I thinking?" she told herself while grabbing a soda instead. She had been planning to cutback on the amount she consumed, and now it seemed she was a little too late.
She made her way over to the sitting area to find the second child sprawled out on the floor surrounded by mountains of magazines, junk food and soda bottles. The buzz from the static TV screen adding the final piece to the picture scene that lay before her.
Sighing the Major made her way over to the girl and started picking up the rubbish, all the while mumbling something about being a bad role model. She continued to clear up while thinking back over her meeting with the commander.
'So… I'm no longer his guardian…' she thought as she placed the bin-bag into the trashcan. She then made her way over to the girl on the floor and bent down next to her.
"Asuka?" She wanted to wake her seeing as how awkward she looked on the floor. From past experience she knew this always led to a bad back the next day.
"……………"
"…Asuka?" This time giving her a little push.
"Urgh…not now mama…" the girl mumbled as she turned away from the Major smacking her lips and curling into a ball.
The Major looked at the peaceful looking girl for a moment before standing up. She walked into another room and grabbed a pillow and spare bed sheet and returned to the girl carefully placing the pillow under her head and let the sheet fall over her. She then made her way to her room. She was tired and needed time to think about the events of the day.
15 minutes later the Major had climbed into bed after finishing her nightly requirements and switched off the light. She was lying on her back starring up at the ceiling.
'…he'll probably be living at Nerv alone…' She thought as she placed her hands over her face.
'Why was I so careless?' She took a moment to think about the boy's future. 'There goes his one and only family…' She turned her head to the side and reached up grabbing a picture frame next to her alarm clock 'I doubt he'll ever want to live this way again' she thought as she took the frame into her hands and ran her fingers over the image.
"Kaji…"
"Where are you?"
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Apartment 402
Rei was standing looking up at the large wardrobe in her apartment. It was filled with clothes, mostly school or Nerv issued, but at the top ledge was a large quilt. That was her target. She reached up stretching her arms out, but was only able to scissor cut it with her fingers. She tried to pull it down but it seemed to be stuck.
Catching on Shinji hopped over to her and reached up beside her, as he was taller and had a longer reach. Rei stepped back to allow him more room.
"Its…huff…stuck…huff… on something" he said, pulling on the item.
After a short while he tried feeling around for what was catching, but couldn't reach very far. He stepped onto the edge of the wardrobe and gazed over finally able to see. He lifted the quilt over the obstacle then reached up with his other hand to get a better hold of the large cover. He stopped suddenly as a jolt of pain came surging up his injured back "Aaagh!" Trying his best to hold onto the wardrobe he reached out for a better grip of the ledge but the large covers came crashing onto him, sending him falling back down to the floor with the quilt on top of him "Umph!"
Rei who had stepped back to allow Shinji more room stood starring at the huge heap infront of her. She watched him after a few moments of groaning, slowly sit up with the covers still over his head. He took his free hand and pulled the quilt off his head then looked up at the girl, who was standing with slightly wide eyes looking at him.
A moment passed between the two as they exchanged surprised and amused expressions, a second later Shinji started to laugh at what happened, and to his surprise Rei started to giggle too.
Taken back Shinji's laughing stopped, replaced by amazement. 'She's laughing!' He watched, as her shoulders would softly shake and her giggle would escape her mouth even though she tried to restrain herself. The sound of her laugh seemed angelic to him, he never thought he would ever hear it. It was so special to him; he would never forget it as long as he lived.
15 minutes later they finally finished making Shinji's bed. They had doubled over the quilt and laid it out on the floor then placed a bed sheet over it. Rei had placed one of her pillows on the bed even though Shinji protested at first, he told her he would use his school bag but she insisted.
Shinji was now sitting on his makeshift bed waiting for Rei to come out of the bathroom. He briefly thought over how his day had gone and the extremities between his depression and now his happiness.
He looked up towards the bathroom as he could hear Rei moving around. He smiled to himself, just the thought that she was close by like this brought him so much comfort 'I…wish it could always be like this' he thought as his eyes moved downwards. His smile slowly fading with a sigh. Shaking his head rid of the bad feelings, he let it all go and stretched his arms out and yawned. He was exhausted. He had been awake since yesterday and was unable to sleep, for obvious reasons. His legs felt like jelly because he had been walking up and down the hills surrounding Tokyo-3 all day, only coming into the city for food and water.
He took one more look towards the bathroom then laid back and got as comfortable as possible being careful not to hurt his back.
Meanwhile Rei had just finished her nighttime necessaries and was ready to finally sleep. However before she left the bathroom she stopped and looked at herself in the mirror. She was searching for something, something that she found each night, something that had never left her… however tonight it was proving difficult to find. She steadied herself and tried again. Her face blurred out as she fell deeper into her own gaze.
'Why can't I find it…?' She felt confused, but at the same time… content. Where was the emptiness? The emptiness that had been with her ever since she could remember? She lowered her head slightly in confusion.
A moment later her searching was interrupted as an image of a smiling third child flashed through her mind.
'Shinji…'
Her head shot back to the mirror as she looked once again into her eyes. She found it! But this time the empty void that had once consumed her was no longer empty.
Rei felt the muscles in her face tighten causing her to focus back onto her reflection.
"I'm……. smiling" she said under her breath as she witnessed the incredible event unfold before her eyes. She moved her head downwards and slowly brought her hands up towards her chest. She wanted this feeling to last as much as possible. "to…live" she whispered closing her eyes contently.
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Outside Apartment 402
"Move out" said a man dressed in an all black body suite. Two other men, dressed identically to himself immediately moved on forward.
Moving with swift and silent efficiency, they snuck up against the wall and approached their target. As they neared the door entrance they split-up and each took a side.
"We are in position sir" One of the men said quietly into his earpiece as he waited for his commanding officers orders.
"Affirmative, await further instruction" the man in charge replied. He then turned his attention to a small laptop and swiftly typed in a few commands. A few seconds later a live connection was made, and a static Nerv screen followed.
"Sir we've located the third child"
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The commander of Nerv turned his attention away from his "work" and towards a screen showing one of his highest-ranking personal agents.
"Very good captain, what is his location" he asked coolly as he gazed into the screen.
"Sir, target was found in company of the first child, they where both last seen entering the firsts residence" he answered swiftly.
Gendo moved he gaze downwards as he took a moment to think. His thoughts where interrupted as another person came up besides him.
"Its as expected" the female voice added. She turned her attention from the screen towards the man standing silently next to her.
"What are you going to do?" the doctor asked.
"Everything is proceeding as planned" He stated before turning towards her "This was expected and any interruption in development could cause difficulties further on"
Ritsuko turned her head slightly "So you're just going to leave them alone?" She had always been curious to how Gendo would handle this part of the scheme. She was one of the few who knew about the new purpose of Nerv… well… most of it.
"Yes" He answered and then looked up towards the screen to see the agent waiting patiently.
"Withdraw your men and continue to monitor the two" He commanded.
"Yes sir" Finally getting his orders the agent shut down the video link, relaying the orders over to his team.
Gendo turned away from the now static screen and back to a wall mounted computer screen where he began taking notes from the data the machine was putting out.
Ritsuko who was still looking at him, took a moment to contemplate his latest decision. 'So he's leaving the two alone…' Just the thought of the two children being alone together… uneased her. Even though she and the commander had come to the conclusion that this was a highly possible scenario, and that the attraction was purely a side effect, it still didn't stop her from feeling… disgusted.
She made her way across the dark room filled with obscure biological and mechanical machinery. She stopped at a large machine that was rotating rapidly, containing many test tubes. She pressed a few buttons causing the machine to gradually decrease its speed until it came to a complete stop. She then took one of the test tubes and sealed it before walking back over to him.
"Its ready" she said holding the tube up and looking at the yellow liquid.
"I see… so we're on schedule" he replied not moving from his screen.
Still looking at the tube she continued "…it should increase the growth rate by 20 percent. However it depends on how his body reacts to the formula…" she paused for a moment and looked at the man before continuing, "We will likely find out how he reacts during the first 24 hours"
"Very well, have the third child start the new formula tomorrow and keep him in overnight"
"To-tomorrow? Isn't that a little soon?" She asked surprised, referring to the third child's recent behaviour.
"It is the perfect time" He stated flatly as he turned to look at the glamorous woman.
"But… surely we should wait to monitor his condition before continuing? Even though he has grown physically since… then" she trailed off, but quickly regained her composure "He is very fragile, this is clearly a side-effect of his condition. It is stopping him growing in other ways. I believe he will continue to get worse, and I think going too fast may end in disaster…" she was cut off.
"Then you will use his condition to your advantage doctor. The main importance is increasing his potency to the necessary level." He stopped and handed her one of his many notes.
"The third child is being relocated to Nerv from tomorrow onwards. If you are foreseeing problems with his health then we will have him placed under your care as his new guardian"
Surprised Ritsuko held out her hand but was stopped before she could say anything.
"The Major has already been relieved of the responsibility and has been dismissed for one week so you will have plenty of time to implement what is needed without distraction" He turned then looked at her over his shoulder. "The time is close doctor…you are dismissed"
Ritsuko who was taken back by this new load of responsibility slowly calmed down and let out a sigh. She lowered her gaze to her feet. 'Damnit Gendo! Its your son, you take responsibility!' She looked back up at him before slowly turning around making her way to the exit.
As she reached the exit she slowed down and slowly brought her hand up and held the doorframe. Slightly blushing she turned her head over her shoulder and looked at the man through her side view. Her gaze full of nervous lust and desire.
A minute passed before Gendo noticed she hadn't left. He turned and looked at her over his shoulder, the dim flickering light bouncing off of his glasses. He knew what she wanted; he could see it in her eyes.
Another minute passed between the two before Ritsuko smiled slightly, taking his silence as the green light she had wanted. She then turned around to face him completely, and gradually stalked over to him.
"…………"
"…………"
"…you are dismissed… doctor"
Ritsuko froze mid-stride. It wasn't just because of his answer, but also how cold his voice was. He never spoke to her that way!
Unsure of herself, she looked around confused as tears began brewing up inside. She bowed her head and turned quickly to avoid letting him see her weakness and ran through the exit holding her face as tears began falling freely.
'…that bastard!
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Apartment 402
Rei stepped out of the bathroom wearing only a loose school shirt revealing her slender shaped legs and top half of her chest. Shinji who had heard the girl walk in lifted himself up and leant on his elbows to see her. '!' He quickly sat-up straight and turned his head to the side.
Rei who was oblivious to the boy's hormone driven plight, innocently made her way over to her bed and sat on the end.
"Do you want to bath Ikari-kun?" she asked looking across at him.
"Umm… no its ok..." he said as he turned his view towards her again overcome with relief and also disappointment that she was now sitting 'At least its not like the first time I was here' he told himself as the memory invaded his not so innocent mind for the umpteenth time.
"I'll get a shower at Nerv tomorrow" he said as he looked down towards his feet.
"So you have decided to go back?" she asked curiously.
He looked up at her and nodded slightly "…I…I know its stupid of me… to run away from my problems…" he said as he turned his gaze to his side "but I…I feel like I can face them now" turning back towards her "Spending time with you has shown me this" he said as he looked her in the eyes, but immediately blushed after realising what he had just said.
Rei felt her cheeks heat up by his comment, however for Rei, his words just placed the emphasis on the wonderful night she had had. These new experiences filled her with life.
"I…see" she said looking down at her knees.
A comfortable silence fell between the two for a few moments before it was finally interrupted "Ikari-kun?"
Shinji looked up at her letting her know she had his attention "…why did you run away?" she asked tilting her head to the side.
'There's that expression again' he smiled inwardly "Umm…I…" he took a moment to recall what had happened and how he felt "….I was betrayed…" he looked down and frowned slightly "by Misato…she…she just goes too far and…" He paused for a moment. Finding it hard to explain himself "I… I just couldn't take it anymore…" he pulled his legs up towards his chest "…I can't go back living that way anymore!" he said feeling tears build up inside "…I…. cant…" he fought to keep the tears from escaping his eyes, but was losing terribly.
Rei sat looking at the boy, she didn't know what to do or how to react. She felt strange inside watching him this way… similar to the way she felt when she found him outside, but this was more… intense.
"I…I'm sorry" she said unsure of herself.
Shinji lifted his head up and smiled through a pained face, "No, its not your fault Rei" He said stifling a new set of tears back with his arm.
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10 minutes later the two had climbed into their separate beds and had switched the light off, while trying their best to dismiss the awkward atmosphere that had developed.
Shinji was lying on his back looking up at the ceiling. He wanted to bring back the pleasant mood from earlier. Before he messed it up with his crying 'I'm such an idiot…' he told himself before he decided to break the silence.
"Re…umm...Ayanami?"
Rei who was also lying on her back flickered her eyes open. She wasn't sleeping, quite the opposite. She was having a small battle with her mind trying to shut out all these new crazy thoughts and feelings. It certainly was different from her usual nights.
"Yes Ikari-kun?"
Glad that she wasn't asleep he continued, "I…I just want to… to thank you"
"Why?"
"Umm… for letting me stay here…" he stopped for a moment and gave out a small nervous laugh "When you found me, I actually thought you would march me back to Nerv"
Rei took a moment before answering him "I see"
A small silence fell between the two, but it didn't bother either of them. They both took this moment to think. It was during this time that Shinji remembered something that had been on his mind for the past year or so. And to him… Rei was the perfect person to speak too.
"Umm Ayanami? Can I ask you something?"
"Of course, Ikari-kun" Rei answered, after opening her eyes again.
Smiling at her politeness he continued, "I was wondering… what do you think happened to the angels? Will they come back?" he asked curiously. He had tried this conversation with Asuka only to be returned with something along the lines of, 'Moron. Who cares? Idiot. It's good that they don't come back! Baka. Don't jinx a good thing!' He sighed to himself at that memory, but concentrated on his current situation.
Rei took a moment before answering the boy, "The angels will not return" she stated softly.
Surprised by her answer he perked up a little "They wont? How do you know?" he was intrigued.
Rei moved her eyes downwards in confusion "…I…I'm not sure" she paused "I just know"
"Ohh" Shinji replied as he lowered his eyes. If it were someone else who said this, then he would have doubted, but being Rei… for some reason… he knew she was telling the truth.
A moment later he looked back up towards the ceiling "Then… why do we keep training to fight the angels? Is it only Nerv who knows this?" he was confused. Over the last 6 months he began to find certain holes in his memories. Some things just didn't add-up to him. However he never really though much of it… he was too preoccupied with his own emotions and change that he felt within himself.
Rei turned her head to the side and looked out of her window at the night sky. She recalled what the commander had prepared her for, and what her new purpose was. Frowning slightly she answered, "The commander feels it necessary to keep this information private"
Deflated slightly, the boy sighed at the thought of his father. He quickly shook his head and concentrated on another issue that had been bothering him. "…Sometimes I have visions… of events that I don't know about" he frowned and turned his head towards her bed. His eyes gradually adjusting to the darkness. "I think… something big happened…"
Rei turned her gaze towards the boy's direction "I too have… visions"
"You do?" he asked, almost glad that she did. He knew he wasn't the only person who did. He recalled the many times he would have to fend off the bombardment of questions his friends attacked him with… well mostly Aida. He was positive that something had happened at Nerv. However Shinji brushed him off as being paranoid.
He sighed to himself and closed his eyes "Do… do you think an angel did this?"
Rei was now lying sideways comfortably; her eyes closed as she began to slowly lose consciousness "I… don't know… Shinji" she murmured softly.
Shinji smiled to himself. Content and peaceful, he allowed himself to slip-away from the real world.
"Goodnight Rei…"
"…Goodnight Shinji"
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Shinji found himself walking through the Geofront. The huge underground dome-shaped human fort was open, revealing the sky. He continued to walk barefoot through the grass while letting the sunlight hit his face.
His peaceful stroll was interrupted as he felt something come between him and his view of the sun. Slowly opening his eyes he looked up, holding his hand above his eyes. He could make out huge white, Eva like flying giants. Their heftily wings flapping, keeping themselves airborne as they parted from each other and began to circle the space between himself and the sun.
As he continued to watch the spectacle, he felt the sun getting warmer. He squinted his eyes and saw an object that seemed to come out of the sun. As it grew closer, he could make out its outline. It was Unit-01, held out in the crucifix position.
He stood in awed silence at the display before him. He felt a luring… something calling him, pulling him almost towards Unit-01. He slowly walked over and watched as the huge giant stood on the floor. As it straightened out, its shoulders humped over and its hands slowly came up beside him. Surrounding him protectively.
As the sun set around him he looked up at the sky and watched as the white Eva units seemed to melt into eachother, leaving one behind. He watched it land and lower its gaze down at him. Its face gradually changed as it came closer to him, stopping before its sinister expression changed into a face-wide grin, immediately striking terror into the boy.
Quickly, he turned and ran towards Unit-01. The harder he ran, the further away his protector was. He looked over his shoulder to see the grinning white Eva change. He gradually slowed down and watched as its body twisted and turned into a more human shape. Still scared he made it to Unit-01 and jumped between its hands, turning to face the white giant. The white giant bent forward on its knees and straightened itself out, before falling forward towards him.
"Shinji…"
Shinji closed his eyes and held his arms out over his head, bracing for impact.
"Shinji…"
A moment passed until he realised the impact didn't happen. He slowly opened his eyes and lowered his arm to see what looked like a Unit-01, but made out of light. Shinji found himself unable to turn away from the giant of light. He felt drawn to it, but the more he looked, the less he could take. He felt his heart beating faster and his head slowly beginning to spin.
"No….no…NOOOOOO!" Too much for the third child to handle, he turned around quickly towards Unit-01, only to see it starring back at him in its true form, without restraints.
"…Shinji…"
Freaking out the third child jammed his eyes shut and curled up into a ball "Shinji…". He felt someone walk-up and stop besides him. As he slowly opened his eyes he saw Rei. The girl he had been constantly thinking about for the past year, standing next to him…completely naked, yet also glowing white. Her hair fell over her features; Shinji was unable to make out any expression. However, even though it was Rei Ayanami... he could tell it was not the Rei he knew. This was a different Rei, the one from his visions.
"Shinji wake up".
Feeling a push, Shinji began to grasp control of his real body as his consciousness slowly took control.
"Ugh" he flickered his eyes open to see Rei, the real Rei kneeling down looking at him, with what seemed like a worried expression on her face.
Still not fully back to reality he slowly sat-up and starred at the blue-haired girl. A moment passed until he took note of where he was and of what she was wearing… well NOT wearing.
"Aaah!" His nose on the verge of bursting, he quickly turned around, away from the completely naked first child.
Taken back by his odd behaviour Rei bent over to try to see the boys face.
"Shinji?" She asked as she continued her struggle with the covers.
"Y—yes?" he squeaked from under the covers not releasing his death-grip on them.
"Are you OK? You have been talking and shouting out in your sleep…I have been unsure whether to wake you or not" She asked oblivious to the boys current blood-rushed plight. "It is now morning"
"A..a…a…" the boy took a moment to remember how to speak. "Ohh…gulp… sorry Ayanami… I was just... h-having a bad dream" His breathing slowly began to regulate as he felt the girl ease off and back up slightly.
"Oh… a dream?" she half asked.
This got the boys attention. "Yes a dream…. You don't have dreams Rei?" he asked as he gradually lowered the covers from obstructing his view to being able to see only her face.
By the look on her face he could tell she needed an explanation "You know… at night, when you're sleeping. Sometimes strange thoughts play out through your mind" .
"Like a memory?" She asked moving her head to the side.
"Umm…" he stopped to think, "Yes sometimes dreams can be memories…"
She nodded too him and stood up.
'!' Shinji's eyes bulged out of their sockets at the sight given to him. It took a few seconds for the brains command to take effect. He quickly buried his face into the covers again… 'This is too much first thing in the morning!'
Rei stepped over the buried boy towards the bathroom. Before she entered she turned around to face him "I shall bath before we leave…"
"…O..o..o.ok…" the boy replied with his hand waving her into the bathroom.
Rei looked at the boy for a few moments and tilted her head to the side before entering the shower. 'He is acting strange'
A minute later Shinji heard the shower running and took it as a safe sign to look up. He quickly surveyed the small apartment and stood up. 'Whew… Asuka would kill me if she saw that' he thought to himself as he began to stretch his tired muscles. He quickly stopped as he remembered his back, but was surprised he never hurt himself. He twisted himself around to try and see the wound, but it was in such an awkward position to see. He took his hand and gently pocked it, which to his surprise didn't hurt at all and there appeared to be no bleeding.
'Strange…' he thought.
He shrugged his shoulders and looked down at the mess he had made throughout the night. He took her pillow and breathed in her scent one last time before placing it on her bed. He then took her bed sheet and folded it, placing it next to the pillow.
He turned around and looked down at the huge quilt. He carefully folded it before taking it over to the large wardrobe in the corner of the small apartment. With a little push and shove, he managed to get it onto the shelf without any problems. 'Heh…now you decide to do as your told' He thought to himself as he turned to see Rei standing at the bathroom door drying her hair, wearing only a shirt to cover herself. To his relief and disappointment.
"Good morning Rei" he said happily. Waking up with the girl really lifted his spirits.
She stopped drying her hair and lowered the towel. "You are OK now?" she asked, tilting her head sideways.
Smiling, he nodded and sheepishly scratched the back of his head "Yeah… sorry if I was acting weird earlier… heheh" He didn't want to say WHY he was acting weird because he didn't want to taint her with his lusty, male desires.
She nodded to him and made her way over to her dresser, half way dumping the towel on the floor. She then took out underwear from her dresser and dropped the shirt. Causing Shinji to swivel around on the spot… he was starting to get used to it.
"Tea…"
"Huh?"
"I have some here, but I've never made Tea" She said as she finished dressing herself into her school uniform and made her way over to the small kitchen.
"Oh… umm its OK… you don't have to" the boy said walking over to her.
Rei looked at him over her shoulder for a second before turning back to the kitchen. She turned on the electric hob and filled up the kettle and placed it on top. She then reached into one of the cupboards and pulled out a small box of Tealeaves. She quickly read over the vague instructions on the back of the box then grabbed a near by spoon. She took a huge scoop out of the box, taking half of its contents.
She turned towards the boy holding up the spoon "Its this enough?"
Sweat"…I think that's too much" Shinji said as he returned to restraining himself from taking command of the task. Anytime he was witness to someone in the kitchen, that didn't know their way around… he became edgy. Which is most probably due to living with the two most incapable kitchen-able females in Tokyo-3… heck maybe even the world!
She placed half of the spoons carry load into a pot, before turning her attention to the now boiling kettle. She reached forward and grabbed the kettle but immediately dropped it and drew her hand back from the burning pain.
She let out a small noise in recognition to the pain while looking at her hand, which she had held out infront of her.
Shinji's restraining mode came crashing down after witnessing what just happened "Rei! Are you OK?" he said as he moved closer to her and observed her hands.
"I just got burnt a little…" she said blankly.
"Just a little?" He didn't accept her answer. He grabbed her hand and led her to the sink and held it under the cold tap, to Rei's surprise.
"Put cold water on it" he commanded softly.
They stood there for a minute; all the while Shinji was holding her hand under the water. A moment passed before Shinji looked down at the girl and noticed a blush on her face.
"Oh…umm…you stay there. I'll make the tea" He said turning around blushing.
"…th-thank you" she said softly, still blushing slightly from his apparent concern.
Shinji went through the motions of making the tea with a master's grace. A couple of minutes later he poured the tea into two separate cups that he retrieved from the cupboard.
"Is…is your hand OK?" he asked as he watched her pull her hand out of the water.
"Yes… thank you" she said as she eyed the two cups of hot tea.
"What a pretty colour…" she said still looking at the tea.
"Hmm?" he followed her gaze.
"You're good at making tea"
"Oh…umm… thank you" he said with a soft smile before picking up the cups and handing one to the girl.
She took it in her hands and starred at the hot liquid. Letting the warmth hit her face. A moment later she looked up away from the tea towards the boy, who had been watching her.
"Can I drink it?" She asked looking him in the eyes, almost excited.
The young man who was taken back by her interest in his tea snapped out of his own thoughts and answered the girl "Oh, yes"
"It's a little bitter though…" he said meekly.
"Yes... but its warm"
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Katsuragi Residence
Asuka was readying herself for school. She was pissed… for many reasons. One was because she hadn't eaten anything worthwhile for a good few days now. Two was because she had been alone, and was unable to leave the apartment or even TALK over the phone. Three she had a really, really bad back. 'Stupid floor' she thought as she glared death towards the floor.
All of her problems today stemmed down to one thing… the third child.
"Shinji no baka!" She shouted as she tried to straighten out her back. She turned as she heard a noise come across from the other side of the apartment.
"Ugh… what's wrong Asuka?" the Major said as she groggily made her way over to her. It looked like she hadn't had a great night aswell.
Asuka glared at the woman for a moment "Shouldn't you be in Nerv looking for 'you-know-who'?"
The Major walked over to the kitchen table and plonked herself down, letting out a large yawn. "They gave me the week off" she stated flatly.
"What?" the young girl was confused. "Why the hell do you get a week off just because Baka decides to throw a little tantrum and run away?" Steadily growing angrier, she continued "Anyway! It doesn't make sense… why would they give you time off when you're in-charge of the idiot?" Something didn't sit right with the second child.
'That's what I'd like to know' "Well they told me it was stress leave…"
"S…s….s…s-stress…leave…" Asuka found it hard to repeat those words.
The Major nodded her head slightly then sat up straight and looked at the girl. "Asuka I have something to tell you"
Seeing the older woman's serious face the girl calmed down a bit and looked at her. A feeling of dread washing over her. "What's up?" She said as she took a seat opposite the older woman.
"Its about Shinji…he's.." the woman was cut-off.
"He's not dead is he?" the red headed girl asked alarmed.
"Wha…Huh?… No!" The Major was getting annoyed. "Of course not!… Look just shut up and listen!"
"Alright jeeez! You just make it seem like someone's died!" the girl said getting angry herself.
Seeing as she could now speak without interruption the Major continued, "I was informed yesterday that I am no longer his guardian" She stated with a pained streaked face.
Asuka looked at her for a moment. "Well… what's up? Its not like he's a little kid or anything"
"Asuka don't you see? If I'm no longer his guardian then he wont be staying here any longer!" She finished explaining to the girl 'That's if he'd ever want to stay here again anyway'.
"Ohh" Asuka's gaze immediately lowered and her expression changed to sadness. This relieved the Major as she could see the girl finally knew the importance of her words.
A moment later Asuka caught glimpse of the look the older woman was giving her. She stood up immediately "So what! Its not like I care what that idiot does!" She said spinning around and heading for the door. "I'm going to school to get away from all this stupidness! I wont be back until later because I have a synch test" She half shouted, half spoke. She picked up her school bag and self-made lunch, placing it into the bag before opening the door.
"Asuka, the tests have been cancelled" the Major informed the flustered girl.
Spinning around to face the woman the second child let out an annoyed cry "Arrgh! Jeeez!" She threw her arms up in an exasperated sigh before turning to leave in a huff.
The Major sat looking at the now closed door and sighed. "I should have Section 2 keep a close eye on her" she said to herself as she retrieved her Nerv phone and pressed a speed-dial number and prepared her most commanding of voices.
Cough-CoughAs soon as the ringing stopped the Major spoke up "Section 2 this is…" she stopped talking and pulled the phone away from her ear slightly.
"We are sorry, but this line has been temporarily shut down"
The Major looked at the phone as if it were diseased "What the…"
Looking up she frowned deeply.
"Why the hell would they cancel my security line?"
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Streets of Tokyo-3
"Really, Rei, you don't have to walk me to Nerv… you'll be late for school" Shinji said to the young girl walking beside him.
"I know" Rei replied not changing from her usual stoic expression as they made their way through the city to the nearest Nerv entrance.
Shinji looked at her through the corner of his eye and smiled. Last night was just what he needed. He felt as if he could handle his return and all the lecturing he'll no doubt receive from the higher ups.
"I think…" he faced forward again and looked up towards the sky. "I think everything will be alright now" he said smiling to the clear blue sky.
Rei turned her head to see him. He looked serene, as if his worries where no longer holding him back. Seeing him this way, full of life and spirit made the girl feel…happy. She found herself smiling as she watched him, before turning her gaze forward again. He had started to take a liking to these newfound emotions, and last night was just what she needed.
10 minutes later the two had reached one of many guarded Nerv entrances. As they approached they where stopped, as one of the guards spotted them.
"Hey you two!" The tough looking man shouted, recognising the two pilots and running over to them.
He stopped infront of them causing them to stop also. "Pilot Ikari, you are coming with me" The man put a hand on the boys shoulder and led him over to a small gatepost near the gate entrance. "Stay there" He ordered the boy as he turned his attention to a radio device.
Shinji done what he was told and stood waiting patiently with Rei at his side. He was used to the ways of the guards and Nerv agents due to… past experience.
"Sir I have the third chid at gate 034" The man informed through his earpiece radio.
"Yes sir right away" his orders received, he switched off the radio and faced the pilots.
"You are required at Dr. Akagi's office" he said aimed at the boy. "I will take you their directly"
He placed a hand on Shinji's shoulder again and led the boy out of the small gatepost.
"Wait…"
The guard turned to face the girl, as did Shinji. "What is it?"
Rei stepped over to the boy and placed a hand on his other shoulder "I will take him to Dr.Akagi's office"
The guard looked at the girl through tired eyes and considered her proposal. He had been up all night on the look out for the pilot of Unit-01 by orders of Section 2. In his opinion Section 2 had a very cushy job and he hated taking orders from them. If they lost the boy, it was their responsibility.
He let go of the boys shoulder and faced the girl "Well personal escort wasn't a direct order…but" he contemplated a few more seconds before nodding "Alright… but make sure you go DIRECTLY to doctor Akagi's office. Don't cause me anymore problems!" he said with added intimidation, making sure he let the pilots know he meant business. Which clearly worked for the boy but he wasn't sure about the girl… who was still starring passively at him. Which kinda freaked him out.
A moment later Rei nodded and then, like the guard earlier, led the boy forward with her hand on his shoulder. Shinji all the while stayed quiet and confused…as per usual.
They made their way to the escalators and headed further down to the depths of Nerv HQ. Shinji turned towards the girl "Umm… Rei. Why are you taking me to Ritsuko's office? Won't you be late for school?" he asked curiously. Not that he minded of course, every minute he spent with her was time well spent for Shinji. He was just curious, as he could have sworn he saw a glimpse of disapproval when the guard mentioned the doctor's name.
Rei who was still facing forward answered the boy "I… do not trust that woman" she said frowning, bringing proof to Shinji's earlier assumption.
"Oo…oh" that's all he could say. He wondered why but felt it better to leave it.
After more escalator rides and navigating the mazes that are the innards of Nerv, they finally reached the good doctors office.
Shinji stepped forward infront of the door, watching as the busy Nerv employees walked up and down the corridor going about their work. He gently knocked on the door and waited patiently with Rei beside him. A few moments later the door opened revealing one Doctor Ritsuko Akagi.
"Ahh Shinji I'm glad to see your OK! I heard from the guards, I've been waiting for you" She said surprised to see Rei standing next to him. "Please come in" She said standing aside. She watched as the boy timidly nodded and stepped in with Rei following close behind to the woman's dislike.
"Err…Rei. I need to speak with Shinji alone…" She said to the girl with a hint of annoyance.
Rei was standing directly beside the now blushing boy, looking as if they where joined by the hip. She turned her head towards the boy with what the doctor could have sworn was a worried expression. Shinji remembering her earlier concerns about the doctor figured this was the reason for the girl's odd behaviour.
"I-its OK…Rei...err... Ayanami" he gulped "..I...I will be alright on my own" he finished with a sheepish smile, still blushing at the close proximity the two shared.
Rei starred at the boy for a few moments then glanced at the doctor before unwillingly leaving the boys side. She then made her way out of the room but stopped and turned towards the boy.
"I...I will see you later...Ayanami…?" the boy asked hopefully. He felt sad that they had to part.
Looking at the boy directly she nodded "Of course Ikari-kun" She was glad that he had asked.
Ritsuko being an unwilling witness to the communication shuddered before quickly closing the door with a heavy slam. Taking a deep breath she collected herself before turning around to face a nervous looking third child.
"Well, well… Shinji-kun. We have a lot to talk about"
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End of Chapter 3:
I wrote more of chapter 3 within the last 3 days than I did the previous 2 weeks. I was also the unwilling victim of a flu virus… Sniff-Cry-Winge
This chapter was originally longer. I removed some scenes and had the ending scene with Shinji and Ritsuko all wrote out on 4 pages. However the more I read over it, the more it just didn't seem to work. So I've decided to go about it a different way in chapter 04… what? No I'm not cheating! …..Sweat
Due to the recent discovery of my brains spontaneous independence, I have decided not to give an estimated date of publish for Chapter 04… yes I'm a chicken. However! For those interested enough (as if), I'll update the progress in my profile page.
Anyway thanks for all the reviews! I really enjoy reading them!
Hope you enjoyed it and thanks for reading!
Cheers-Keshin