Shinji Ikari yawned loudly, the jarring motion of the train keeping him from falling back to sleep. He groaned a little, it wasn't that early. However as it was eight o'clock on a Saturday morning, he was normally asleep and his body knew this, and it protested. Another yawn came forth and he barely covered it, the train jolted again indicating that he was at his stop, and he left the train, and station, heading towards Reis' apartment.
Changes are inevitable.
Rei Ayanami had woken much earlier than she used to in anticipation of Shinji's arrival. She didn't set her alarm so, she simply woke before it. She had showered and dressed in her school uniform, as she really didn't have anything else. She arranged the various medical items she was required to use into a bag along with the three other sets of uniform, underwear, socks, and a second pair of shoes. She took a pair of slippers, two towels, and some toiletries adding them also to her bag. She then arranged her school books and writing tools into her school bag, this completed all her packing. This was the entirety of her possessions. Up until now, they were all she needed, anything else was frivolous, and still was, logically, but she felt... embarrassment? To be embarrassed over how little one owned was illogical, but after having now only catalogued her entire existence into a bag and a half could not help but make her feel self-conscious over the matter. She tried to dispel these thoughts, as Shinji would be here soon. However, thoughts of the Third Child only prompted again that self conscious feeling.
Changes are inevitable.
Hikari Horaki woke much later than she had intended, it was well past eight already and she was still in bed. She had been awake far too late last night organising her stuff to for when she was going to move in with Shinji. She blushed as she realised she only though of the move with Shinji and not the other girls, she blamed her sisters for the errant thoughts. Sighing she got out of bed and changed, then double checked her list of things to make sure she took with her. Several changes of clothes, matching shoes, school clothes, undergarments, sleepwear, toiletries, a few of her favoured stuffed animals, her video game system, along with games, and of course her school books and study gear. She headed downstairs to get some breakfast, the prospect of lugging three bags, and a suitcase down the stairs on an empty stomach was not appealing.
Changes are inevitable.
Mana Kirishima sat in the back of the non-descript sedan, both excited and somewhat nervous about what was to come. It would be an interesting experience to live with others that weren't militant wannabes, however that's not what was making her nervous. Sitting inside one of her suitcases was a small set of surveillance devices, all very cleverly hidden as household items, and if she didn't know better, she wouldn't have even known they were. However, unlike the others that were training in the Trident Program, she didn't like this espionage stuff, at least not the idea of putting surveillance on her friends. What made it worse was that if she didn't set them up like she was instructed; she could get into serious trouble. This didn't sit well with her at all.
Changes are inevitable.
Asuka Langley Sohryu was still sleeping when Shinji left the apartment, and remained that way for a good while afterwards. She woke slowly taking her time rising from her bed and shuffling quietly into the kitchen. It was quiet enough for her to hear something going on outside the apartment. She made her way to the door to find Misato directing several men to move furniture into their new place, obviously the rental stuff Shinji was talking about. Turning back into the apartment and into the kitchen she opened the fridge to get some breakfast to find a wrapped plate with a note on it simply saying 'Asuka'. It appeared that Shinji had taken the time to make breakfast for her before he left the house, Again. She smiled for a moment, and put the plate, sans note, into the microwave to heat. Her face lit up as she had an idea and went back to the door, asking Misato to direct the movers to get her stuff into the new place. She didn't really want Shinji to do it by himself, it wouldn't be fair.
Changes are inevitable.
Now while Misato was plain infuriating, and Asuka a mystery wrapped in a hornets nest, Rei was at the opposite end of the spectrum in almost every way. Quiet and reserved, not to mention supportive at times, and she often kept Asuka at bay with a quiet and calm quip which shot the German fire-brand down like an AA gun. Yet she did so little to improve her own life, as he approached her building the same monotonous pounding of construction, or perhaps demolition, was an ever-constant reminder of Reis' isolation from others. He sighed a little and hefted the empty back-pack he brought with him, in case they needed a spare, onto his shoulder and knocked on the apartment door. He was about to simply let himself in, but before he could, the door opened and Rei was waiting in her school uniform. he was surprised to say the least.
Shinji's reaction wasn't expected and Rei blushed slightly, as some small part of her found the bewildered expression... cute?
"G-Good morning Rei." Shinji said coming out of his stupor.
"I am packed, we may leave now." She said simply.
She took both of her bags and headed out the door closing it behind her.
"I can carry the heavier one for you Rei."
Rei paused for a moment and said, "That is not necessary."
Shinji frowned a little and nodded, giving an un-steady reply of, "O-Kay..."
Rei realised that she had made him feel uncomfortable again, and part of her did not like this. She thought for a moment and said, "But you may take it if you truly want to."
Rei noted that Shinji was again caught off guard, but recovered quickly and relived Rei of her heavy book bag, giving her a smile. Rei returned the smile as a warm feeling formed in her chest. They headed towards the train station together the next destination being Hikari's home.
At the Horaki Residence it was Kodama's turn to cook today and everything was laid out nicely. Hikari's father and younger sister Nozomi were already eating. Hikari made her way to the table and took her seat while thanking Kodama for the meal and began eating. Of course Kodama was waiting for Hikari to start eating before she asked,
"Should I set a place for your husband as well?"
This had the desired effect of a very embarrassed Hikari nearly choking on her food. Hikari was about to start an argument, but with a very simple declaration from their father of, "Not at the Table." quelled it immediately. Soon everything was back to normal around the kitchen table, save for Nozomi's giggles. Hikari sighed defeated and finished her breakfast as quickly as she could. Not long after there was a knock at the front door, unfortunately before Hikari could even stand Nozomi dashed from the table to get it. Horrified Hikari took off after her to find a fairly nervous looking Shinji being scrutinised by the smallest Horaki family member. Hikari was about to speak out when saw Shinji's nervous demeanour become more pallid, and the reason was behind her. Hikari turned to see both her father and Kodama looking Shinji over. Of course both looks determined different things. Hikari was more than certain that Kodama was assessing Shinji's appearance and build, while her father was trying to gauge his character.
Hikari thought quickly and said, "I'm ready to go Shinji, my bags are packed in my room."
Shinji looked at Hikari and nodded, "Oh, okay, I'll get your bags down." He put Rei's bag and the empty one he was carrying down.
Before anyone else could say anything Hikari's father spoke up, "I'll show him to your room sweetie; it'll give us a chance to talk."
"Daddy..." Hikari said with a slight amount of exasperation.
"Now now dear, it's alright, come with me Shinji." The older man said softly. Too softly.
Shinji nodded uneasily and followed the older man up leaving the girls at the door. Kodama and Hikari watched as Shinji disappeared upstairs with their father, but their attention turned to the door when Nozomi said, "I like your hair, it's pretty!"
Hikari was surprised that she over-looked rei standing there quietly with a bag in her hands, now looking at Nozomi with some curiosity before saying, "Thank you." Softly.
Hikari smiled a little, "Come in Rei, you don't need to stand out there."
Rei entered and bowed slightly to the occupants of the house semi formally.
"Why is she here Hikari?" Kodama asked.
"She's part of our group." Hikari said simply.
"Oh, who's her husband?" Kodama said with a grin, which made Nozomi laugh.
"Shinji." Rei said simply.
This left the other girls speechless with her cool monotone cutting the humour in half, the shock that they were both Shinji's wives for this assignment made their eyes bulge.
"Both of you!" Kodama asked.
Hikari nodded slightly, "Yes." was all she stated, not wanting to elaborate any more.
"There is Mana and Asuka as well." Rei added.
Nozomi was still quietly shocked, but Kodama grinned devilishly, "So, Hikari think he's man enough for all four of you"
Hikari blushed while Kodama kept on." So, do you draw straws, or take turns at nights? Or maybe you have a schedule"
Nozomi spoke up, "Take tuns doing what Hikari?"
"Inter-" Rei started to say, before being cut off by Hikari.
"NOTHING!" She cried franticly giving Rei an exasperated look; if she didn't know better she would have sworn the cerulean haired girl was smiling. "Nothing Nozomi, Kodama's just being silly."
Meanwhile upstairs Shinji took a moment to look about Hikari's room; it was pretty much how he expected a girl's room to be, neat, some posters of some bands, stuffed animals even. He smiled a little and immediately moved to get Hikari's suit case.
"Well Shinji, you seem like a responsible sort." Hikari's father finally spoke.
Shinji jumped a little, "Uh... how do you mean Mr. Horaki?" He managed to utter.
"Well, you went straight for the largest case, and you were carrying the bags of the other young lady as well, not the largest, but I assume the heaviest?" Mr. Horkari asked quietly.
Shinji nodded uncertainly, "Yes sir. Uh, if I may ask, why aren't you... um, threatening me or something?"
The older man smiled and nodded as well, "I work with the science division with Nerv, and I've seen you pilot Eva, you're a responsible young man, and we trust you with our lives. I think I can trust you with my daughters' well being, this is only a class assignment after all."
Shinji let out a relieved sigh and said, "Thank you Mr. Horaki."
"You're welcome Shinji. Now let me help with those bags." Said the older gentleman.
"No no, I got them." Shinji said grabbing the lightest bag and putting it around his neck, taking the other two in one hand and the suitcase in his other he headed out the room as best he could.
Shinji was lugging his cargo downstairs to see Hikari blushing furiously, Nozomi with a curious look, and Kodama laughing so hard she had to brace herself against the door frame to stop from falling over, and was Rei smiling?
Hikari saw Shinji and gasped, "Daddy! You shouldn't have made him carry all those by himself!"
Her father chuckled, "He insisted dear."
Shinji put the bags down and smiled a little uneasily.
"You're strong!" Nozomi Claimed.
"Oh, not as scrawny as I thought! You'll like guys with strong hands; you're a lucky girl Hikari. You too Rei!" Kodama added.
Now while not describing anything there was more than enough implication to make both the other girls blush while Nozomi was asking why strong hands were so good.
Shinji used his moment to sling one of Hikari's bags around his neck, and put his spare on his back again before taking up Reis' book bag, and Hikari's' Suitcase.
"Shinji, put those down, you don't need to carry so much!" Hikari admonished
"No, really, I'm okay, it's not so bad." Shinji claimed, while shifting his weight a little to carry the load a little easier, he was otherwise fine.
Hikari was about to protest but Shinji just smiled and Hikari smiled back and nodded. She took up her two remaining bags and kissed her dad good-bye.
"Kodama make sure you remember the lunches, and you behave Nozomi!" Hikari added.
"Yes mother, now get a move on, your husband is getting impatient." Kodama retorted pushing Hikari out the door.
"I love you guys, see you later, I'll call." Hikari said as they left.
At the train station the trio stood waiting on the platform for the train that would take them towards their new apartment. Hikari noted that Shinji was carrying two other bags, and assumed they were Rei's. It made her feel a little better, part of her was feeling over-packed taking so much, but Rei had three of her own and while not having a suitcase like Hikari did, was more than enough to quell the brown haired girls worry.
On the opposite end of the Spectrum, Rei couldn't help but feel more self conscious of the lack of personal belongings. Her two bags compared to Hikari's three, along with sizeable suitcase served a painful reminder of how different she was from others. More so she felt apprehensive about potential ridicule on the subject, especially from the Second child. Her thoughts were cut short by the arrival of their train at their destination.
A short walk and quiet elevator ride later they were standing in front of their new apartment. Shinji swiped his pass card and the door slid open, placing the load of cargo down in the hall and letting out a slight breath before kicking his shoes off he said simply, "We're home"
"Welcome home." Came the unexpected reply.
Shinji was a little surprised to see Asuka Standing in the hall dressed in her usual house clothes, consisting of shorts and tank top. Asuka went straight for Hikari pulling her into the apartment barely giving the class rep enough time to remove her shoes before letting herself be led on by the bubbly red-head. Shinji sighed a little and took off his shoes while commenting, "I wonder when Mana will be here"
"You're worried about me? So cute!" Exclaimed a voice from behind him.
Shinji jumped a little and turned, "Mana? I-", his next words died in his throat as he saw her wearing a pretty ivory sun-dress that seemed to show off her curves.
"Hello Mana." Greeted Rei, "Shinji, would you show us to our room?" She asked.
Shinji nodded, and grabbed Rei's bags, "Sure, just follow me. Mana, I'll bring your stuff in just a sec.", and he lead on.
Mana and Rei followed Shinji into the apartment passing the first, room, a second room filled with giggles, and the final room of the hall, he slid the door open. Inside the modest room were two beds, one placed against each wall, and a small dresser at the foot of each, with the Wardrobe built into the wall adjacent to the door in a near mirror of the room which Asuka and Hikari were now in.
"Sorry for the lack of study space, but I figured since we were all in the same class we could do it all together in the living room or Kitchen." Shinji explained placing Reis bags on the floor.
"I'll get your stuff now Mana, you guys can settle in." He explained as he exited.
Mana watched as Shinji left the two girls alone in the room, and she looked at Rei smiling, "So, Asuka and Hikari are already here?"
Rei nodded in response.
"So which bed would you like Rei?" Mana asked trying to gauge Reis reaction to moving.
"Either will be sufficient." Rei replied in her usual monotone.
Mana grinned, "Then if either is okay, then make a choice."
Rei frowned slightly at Mana's mannerisms, and selected the bed on the right by placing her bags onto it.
"Oh, so you want that one do you?" Mana asked a little too interestedly.
Rei paused, "Are you objecting my decision?" She asked feeling a little confused.
"No, no. If you're so sure you want that one so much, I guess I won't stop you." Mana said with a small smirk on her face.
Rei realised that Mana was toying with her. Rei didn't appreciate this, so she retaliated, "Of course I am certain. As opposed to the other bed, this one is highly satisfactory."
Now it was Mana's turn to balk, "What do you mean?"
Rei kept her same placid expression, "Nothing, this bed is wholly adequate. Yours, however, is still open to debate..."
Mana was really disturbed by this, did Rei see something about the other bed that she didn't? "C'mon Rei, what are you saying?"
The corners of Rei's lips curved upwards a little, "I am saying that this bed is satisfactory as I have just tested it, yours has not been, thus open for debate."
Mana let out an exasperated sigh, "Jeeze, you're a mean little thing!" She laughed, "We're going to get along great!"
Meanwhile Shinji arrived at the door in time to find Hikari getting her suitcase from where he left it in the hall.
"Hey, I'll get that Hikari." Shinji called out to her.
Hikari smiled at Shinji's behaviour, he was so polite. "Thanks Shinji."
Shinji nodded and took hold of Hikari's suitcase. Hikari noted the discarded bag by the shoes, "Rei forgot one of her bags?"
"Huh? Oh, no that's mine." Shinji said hefting the suitcase down the hall.
Hikari followed, "Yours Shinji?" she asked in confusion.
"Yeah, I brought it in case a spare was needed, guess it wasn't." He stated simply, placing the large bag down by the door to her room. "Well, now I need to get Mana's stuff in here, and then get Asuka's stuff"
"That won't be necessary Third; I had my things carried in by the movers who brought the rental furniture." Asuka Stated from the doorway.
"R-really? How come Asuka?" Shinji asked bewilderedly.
"Because, I didn't want you anywhere near my clothes lest you did something perverted to them." Asuka stated simply.
Shinji grimaced a little and left the two girls alone.
"That was mean Asuka." Hikari stated.
"No, being mean would be letting him drag a dresser full of clothes by himself, he should be glad that I let him off of that hook." Asuka dismissed.
Hikari sighed and pulled her suitcase into the room to unpack, "Still, you upset him with that last comment Asuka, doing nice things for him and then doing something mean after must confuse him a lot."
Shinji spent the next few minutes pulling all five boxes of Mana's belongings into the apartment; they were moderately sized, and all labelled. Part of him wanted to peak into the box that labelled 'Underwear', but he banished the thought not long after it appeared as he was not a pervert, despite Asuka's beliefs. He toted the boxes to Rei and Mana's Room, piling them by the door. When arrived with the last box Mana was making a small exclamation.
"Only three sets of uniform?" She asked amazedly.
"It is adequate." Rei said her face slightly pink.
The noise had drawn the attention of the other Residents of the Apartment, "What's that I heard about uniforms?" Asuka queried poking her head from the doorway.
"It's all that Rei has." Mana explained.
Hikari interrupted, "Well we can always go back to Rei's place and get some of her other clothes."
Rei clarified the situation, albeit a tad shakily, "I do not have any other clothes. What I have is sufficient"
Silence filled the area as the other girls looked at Rei in shock. Shinji of course didn't see a problem overly much, he knew from earlier... experience, that Rei more than likely slept naked. He himself had little than his own sets of uniforms and meagre casual wear, but he followed the laws of man, where a five-day vacation requires only one suitcase.
"You know what this means don't you?" Mana asked seriously.
Rei sighed slightly and resigned herself to the taunting.
"A trip to the mall, we need to get this girl some cute outfits!" Exclaimed the Red-head in a white dress.
An excited squeal from Asuka and Hikari were obvious concurrence on the matter, and Shinji was pushed aside while the three girls discussed the trip excitedly over a somewhat daunted Rei.
Shinji Managed to interrupt, "Who exactly is going to pay for this trip? It wasn't planned on the budget."
"You mean there's nothing?" Asuka asked, feeling annoyed.
"Well, there's the emergency savings I arranged for-" Shinji began to explain, but was cut off.
"A girl with less outfits than fingers on one hand is an emergency Shinji." Asuka exclaimed.
Shinji sighed in defeat, "Fine, but leave it for another day, get everyone unpacked and settled first."
With that Shinji turned to leave.
"Where are you going Shinji?" Hikari asked.
"I need to get my stuff." Was his response.
Hikari had an idea, "Since Shinji was so kind to help us with our stuff we should help him now."
Shinji was caught off guard with that one, "N-no! It's okay, really!"
Mana grinned, "How come Shinji? Have you got something to hide?"
Shinji paled a little, "O-of course not."
Asuka smirked, "Oh I love this idea. Follow me!"
Asuka and Mana led the way with Hikari pulling Rei in tow leaving Shinji Stunned and in the hall. The race to the next apartment was short, and Shinji caught up, but was blocked off by Asuka at the door.
"Hey!" Shinji exclaimed, "Let me in!"
"Not a chance Shinji." Asuka Said deviously.
Mana made an awed noise, "Wow, it's so neat for a boys room."
"I know, I always expected them to be messy." Hikari agreed.
"Being male does not demand that his living area be unkempt." Rei said coolly, looking around the room indifferently, pausing a moment to look over the cello case.
"Now if I were a boy, where would I hide my personal things?" Hikari thought out loud, obviously as a means to taunt Shinji.
"Under his bed!" Mana stated before practically diving under.
"No, there's nothing under there!" Shinji exclaimed worriedly.
"Aha! Pay dirt, something there alright!" Asuka said triumphantly.
Mana came out from under the bed, "Dirty is right"
Hikari gasped, "W-what do you mean"
Asuka wore a shark's grin, "Magazines? Videos or maybe those H-games?"
Shinji paled at the mention of such things and tried to say otherwise. If not for the fact he was choking on his own tongue, it would have been a valid argument.
"No, just dirty, it's dusty under there." Mana said simply.
"I keep this whole place clean, give me a break!" Shinji managed to whine.
"Disappointing." Asuka said dejectedly, however a great part of her was actually glad that there wasn't anything there.
"I did find this though." Mana pointed out, holding a plain folder of some sort in her hands.
"Hey!" Shinji managed to call out before being cut off.
"What is it?" Rei asked.
Opening the folder revealed hand written sheet music.
"Oh, that's not so bad Shinji, its just sheet music." Hikari said with a slight smile, which did little to appease Shinji's apprehension.
An excited gasp from Mana got everyone's attention, "Shinji's name is signed! He wrote these!"
Shinji flushed red and managed to slip past Asuka, who in her surprise did nothing to stop him from getting into the room, and taking the folder from Mana and closing it quickly.
"It's nothing, just some ideas!" Shinji said quickly, trying to brush it all over.
Hikari however was just as enthused as Mana, "Will you play for us Shinji? I'd love to hear it."
Before Shinji could respond Asuka added her own comment, "Yeah Shinji, you had those headphones practically glued to your ears lets see if it actually paid off."
"I don't-" Shinji began.
"I would also like to hear your music, Shinji." Rei said quietly.
Shinji looked at all four of the girls, Mana and Hikari's eager excitement contrasting to Asuka and Rei's piqued curiosity, leaving him no real option. "Alright... just not now, some other time okay?"
"We'll hold it to you Third child." Asuka stated.
Shinji nodded and put the folder under his arm after slinging on his back pack and taking up his carry bag, then taking his Cello in the other hand carried them out of the room.
Afterwards Shinji laid his stuff down in his new room, the master bedroom of the apartment which Misato so kindly furnished from her own tastes, a traditional, seemingly large, futon in the centre of the floor, a small table and his wardrobe. There was also a desk and chair with a small television on it, as Misato claimed that Shinji would need a place to escape from the girls from time to time, and this room would be it. Certainly a Spartan affair, but his old room was no different, other than the increase in over-all size. Shinji let out a long breath and began to un-pack
Asuka had no unpacking to speak of, her clothes were already in the dresser that she had moved from other room, and all her outfits were put away long before Shinji arrived with the others, so Asuka helped Hikari unpack her clothes.
Rei was of course done quickly putting her belongings where they were required, and she began to allocate her medication on top of the dresser when she noted that Mana was looking. She shifted a little in her place as the Red head watched her a moment. Mana smiled back and took a small bag from a box and she too started to place medication onto her dresser. "Allergies." Mana said simply, giving Rei a reassuring nod. Rei nodded in return and smiled back a little, then resigned herself to her bed to watch Mana finish unpacking.
By the time everyone was finished it was ten thirty, Mana and Rei were the final two to join the others on the large couch set in front of the television where Shinji watched Asuka and Hikari playing a video game. Mana plopped down on the couch next to Shinji, and Rei took place on his other side.
Mana took a moment to stretch her arms over head and yawn, "I'm tired already!" her stomach growled, "Heh, hungry too. I shouldn't have skipped breakfast."
Shinji looked at Mana in surprise, "You haven't eaten?"
Mana shook her head and gave a slight grin, "It's been a busy morning Shinji."
Shinji smiled sheepishly and nodded, "Yeah I guess. I'll go make you something."
Mana was surprised, "Don't go to any trouble for me!" She exclaimed.
"No, its okay, would you like anything Rei?" Shinji politely asked.
"I have not eaten either, I would like something please." Rei responded.
"How about you two?" Shinji directed his question to the red and brown haired girls currently absorbed in their computer game battle. Their responses in two dismissive grunts as they were too focused to turn away.
Shinji nodded and headed for the kitchen. He pulled out a large bowl, flour, sugar, baking powder, eggs and milk. He began to mix the ingredients and paused a moment going back to the refrigerator to pull out some strawberries and chopping them up, adding them to the mixture. After heating up the pan he added the batter and began to quickly cook the pancakes he whipped up in nearly no time flat.
"Here you go..." Shinji said handing the plate to Mana with three large pancakes, "And for you..." Handing another plate soon after to Rei. Shinji paused a moment and headed back to the cupboards. He returned with a bottle of maple syrup. "Almost forgot that, Enjoy."
Mana was amazed, "Wow, thanks Shinji!"
Rei was also impressed, "Thank you."
Mana began to drizzle the syrup over her pancakes and devoured them with gusto. Rei added only a little syrup by comparison and ate the pancakes in small nibbles savouring nearly every bite.
Shinji added a little more butter to the pan and started to cook more of the batter.
"Who's that for Shinji?" Mana queried.
Shinji smirked and held out three fingers on one hand, silently counting down to one, and as soon as his last finger was pulled into his fist Asuka entered the kitchen.
"Why didn't you tell me you were making pancakes dumbkoff?" She demanded.
"I asked if you wanted Asuka, you didn't say." Shinji said, seemingly innocently enough.
"You know I love pancakes!" She shouted.
"I know. That's why these are yours." Shinji said simply sliding the freshly cooked treats onto the plate and handing it to Asuka.
Asuka's face lit up in a delighted smile and she reached for the syrup to pour over her pancakes, which she practically inhaled.
"Can I have some too please Shinji?" Came Hikari's polite request.
"Sure." Shinji said adding more batter to the pan.
Soon after, the girls were filled up with sugary goodness, as well as Shinji who managed to slip a few into his own mouth as he went.
"That was great Shinji! Thanks a lot." Mana said.
"You're welcome." Responded Shinji feeling happy that he was able to please the others.
Hikari nodded, "Yeah, you're a great cook Shinji!"
"That's why I never want to cook." Asuka said with a grin.
"Then it is fortunate we married him." Rei said with a small smirk.
The joke took its obvious effect, making Shinji blushing bright red, and leaving the other girls in a fit of giggles.
"So how come we have so much food?" Mana asked after she recovered from her amusement.
"A 'wedding gift' from Misato, along with the utensils, plates, bowls, cups and silver wear." Shinji said simply.
"That was very generous of her." Hikari said.
Shinji nodded, "Under the condition I still cooked meals for her."
Asuka let out a huff, "Typical Misato, that can't help our budget."
"Actually," Shinji said, smirking, "I already took that into account."
"Oh?" Asuka was curious.
"Well, seeing as she doesn't live in the apartment, and all we do is feed her, I classed her as a pet." Shinji said trying not to smirk any wider than he was, "But she still needs to pay for her own 'medication'."
At the last quip everyone in the room broke into fits of laughter.
"Did... heh... did you actually tell Misato she was a pet?" Asuka asked still trying to contain her laughter.
"Not yet." Shinji said, "I'm waiting for the right moment. Preferably something with a camera..."
"You're evil Shinji Ikari!" Hikari exclaimed with a smile on her own face.
"Thanks, I get that from my Father." Shinji said with a smirk still on his face.
In the Geo-Front Gendo sneezed.
The rest of the day was spent making the minor adjustments to the apartment to make things more like home. By early evening Shinji was cooking Dinner with Hikari's help. Mana hovered nearby watching the pair cook a meal fit for a king, while Rei sat at the table doing some homework. Asuka was sitting in the living room watching TV when there was a knock at the door, rising from her seat she opened the door to give entry to their lavender haired guardian who was demanding, albeit politely so, her dinner. Following their noses into the kitchen Rei began to clear away her books and Mana began to set the table, Rei joining her soon after to help. Shinji and Hikari began to serve every ones plates, and they were all politely waiting for everyone to be seated before eating. They all paused a moment to have a silent grace over their meal, which was called to an end by the sound of a can of beer being popped open by Misato, likely one she had brought over. After taking a long pull and slamming it onto the table with a long content sigh, it was every ones cue to begin to eat.
Some things never change.
To be Continued
- In other words -
- Baby kiss me -
Authors Note: Many apologies for the delayed update, things have been a little hectic for me, plus my muse likes to abandon me. Fear not, I will not let this story die untill it has an epilogue, I promise. Thanks to you all for the motivators, please to keep the reviews coming, I'd be lying if I said I don't love the attention. You all rock. Please remember the disclaimer I put in the intro page, as I dont like to clutter the start of fics too much. Remember, I don't own Evangelion, because if I did, Shinji would have hit that from the back.