True Love Waits Chapter 6
Adam Kadmon
Disclaimer: I once owned Evangelion and Radiohead, but gave them up for the price of one of Rei's smiles. I stand by my decision.
Rei flew through the air, soaring over the earth on giant wings of light, all of humanity staring up at her with awe and wonder. Their amazement then seemed to turn inward and they collapsed in upon themselves, and their souls took flight around her, amassing in a swirling sphere. She opened her mouth to speak, to address the human race… and all that came out was a harsh electric blare.
"Huh?"
Rei's alarm continued to beep. She sighed as she turned it off, rolling out of bed. She scratched her sleep-ruffled blue hair and yawned as she made her way to the door, intent on a hot bath, one of the few pleasures she had in the world. Her palm rested on the handle when she heard someone else in the apartment.
She was immediately awake. The sounds of rummaging and clattering emanated from beyond the door, seemingly at a frenzied pace. The cacophony plowed towards her room, and stopped. Rei drew back.
"Rei-chan? Are you awake yet?" Misato called out.
The albino cringed. She only called her chan when she wanted something. Rei opened the door to find Misato in her nightgown, arms filled with the former trash heap that carpeted their floors.
"Why are you cleaning?" Misato had made several past attempts to sanitize their living quarters, but her resolve to keep it that way always dissolved. She and Rei had come to the quiet understanding that they were simply meant to be messy.
"Shinji-kun's coming over for dinner tonight," Misato said, dumping her arm load into a garbage can. "I don't want him to see how filthy we are. At least not so soon."
Rei arched an eyebrow.
"You gave him your keys when you asked him to escort me home. He would have seen then."
Misato stopped as she scooped up more old mail and thought.
"Huh. I guess you're right. I hadn't really thought about that. Oh well. Roll up your sleeves and get cleaning."
"I have school."
"And I have work. So we'll be a little late." She looked at her young charge. "No sighing, young lady. This place will be spotless by tonight."
Rei sighed as she bent down to retrieve an empty beer can. It was not going to be a good day.
True Love Waits
Chapter 6
"You are late, Ayanami-kun," the teacher said, frowning. "This is an unpleasant change. See to it that it won't happen again."
Rei apologized without meaning it and sat. No sooner had she assumed her window staring position than her instant message icon bleeped at her. She ignored it. It continued to sound and she finally deigned to view who was calling her.
H-chan953: Are you okay? You look real tired.
Rei wished she was still in bed.
H-chan953: And you were late. You're never late. You usually beat me here.
A. Rei: Shouldn't you be listening to the lecture, class representative?
A quick eep from across the classroom was the response Rei was hoping for. She received no further messages from Hikari that day.
As the teacher droned on, Rei felt her eyelids become heavy, and she made no effort to resist their pull. She had almost recaptured her flight dream when the lunch bell rang.
At least I can be alone now.
She kept her eyes closed as the students filed out, happy for a break. She overheard a boy say it was the greatest time of the day. Rei agreed it had its merits.
Today those merits were to be forgotten.
Asuka scraped a chair up to her desk and sat, a frighteningly intense look on her face.
"So?"
Rei blinked.
"What?"
"So," Asuka said, angry to repeat herself, "is Katsuragi seeing him or not?"
Rei's normally sharp mind worked slowly.
"Who?"
"That babe Ikari!"
Hikari perked up at the shout and scuttled over to them.
"Talking about Ikari-san?" she asked, already blushing.
"Well, we would be if wondergirl wakes up." Asuka waved a hand in front of her face. "Hello, earth to Second, come in, Second."
"They seem quite close," Rei said.
"I don't care how they seem, I care if they're together or not."
"They have not slept together yet, if that is what you mean."
Hikari blushed harder at Rei's frankness.
"Really?" Asuka asked. "Good. Gives me more time." She scratched her chin. "When's the next time you see him?"
"I do not know," Rei lied.
"Well, Misato must have told you something. Nothing? Okay, fine. Has she talked about him, you know, what he likes and stuff?"
Rei shook her head.
"Damn it girl, drag it out of her. Get her liquored up. That should loosen her tongue."
Rei shivered. A drunken Misato was not an occurrence she wished to willingly bring about. Her tongue was loose enough when sober. As it was, Rei's education in certain subjects was considerably more advanced than her peers.
"I think he is special to her," she said, trying to throw Asuka off. "More so than previous men. Ikari-san seems quite smitten with her."
"He just doesn't know any better. Sorry, Second, but your guardian is kinda skanky."
"Then why would you want someone who is attracted to her?"
Hikari, sensing a fight, tried to intervene.
"Guys…"
Asuka held up a hand to quiet her.
"It isn't my fault she got to him first. You know how men are. They follow around any female that shows even the slightest interest. And Katsuragi isn't the coy and demure type. Ikari-san is just fooled, that's all."
Rei thought of several come backs. Why do so many boys follow you? You are hardly the coy and demure type yourself. Shut up.
Despite her quick mind, she was not up to speaking with Soryu, or anyone else.
"Perhaps you are right."
Asuka blinked, stunned.
"You… you agree with me? Wow. Uh, I mean, of course I'm right. Our poor Ikari-san has been led astray and it's up to me to show him the light." She clapped her hands together. "I'm sure he'll be thankful."
"Still," Hikari said. "Isn't he a little too old for you?"
"Oh pish-posh. What are a few years when love is involved? We can wait four measly years to get married."
"Married?" Rei said, closing her eyes.
"Soryu Ikari Asuka Langely. It has a nice ring to it. Of course I'd keep my real name," she said. Asuka turned around. "Sorry, Hikari. Ikari Hikari sounds dumb." She turned back before the brunette deflated. "And Ikari Rei? Even worse. Besides, he's sure to pick me anyway. Two gorgeous people like us deserve to be together."
The conversation turned to how attractive Shinji was. How blue his eyes were, how strong he was, the boyish way he colored at contact, debates on how experienced he was, and so forth. The talk was lost on Rei. She was within her own head, flying over the surface of the earth, giant angelic wings spreading from her back.
She shouldn't be doing this. She knew for a fact she shouldn't be doing this. It was against regulations she knew, and had almost gotten her fired before. She didn't want to think about the punishment for getting caught doing the same thing twice.
And yet Misato sat at her desk, carefully downloading the surveillance reports on Ikari Shinji, using the backdoor Hyuuga had shown her. Using her own terminal was probably the dumbest thing she could do in this situation, but not being well versed in computer hacking, she had little alternative.
I can't ask Makoto-kun again, she thought. I already got him in enough trouble. I have to rely on myself this time.
She heard footsteps outside her office and cut the connection. A bead of sweat worked its way down her face as she waited to be found out. The steps went by her door without stopping.
Misato collapsed in her chair, exhaling hard. How Hyuuga did this was beyond her.
"That's enough for now," she reasoned, forcing her heart rate down. "Let's see what we've got."
She could have done more; as the JSSDF integrated the MAGI into their computer system, it was unguarded and vulnerable. Not that anyone outside the organization knew that.
Misato opened the first file, an observation report from agent Kirishima. It was uniquely disturbing to her, a military brat, to find out the JSSDF recruited so young. And for this type of mission.
"I don't want to think about how warped her childhood was," she muttered.
She read through it, a summary of one of their initial meetings. The report was very in depth. From the way he spoke and moved, to his preferences in food and music, to a brief history of his childhood.
"His mom's dead, too."
The report didn't specify how she died, or when. The files on his father were likewise classified. Misato considered diving back into the system, but her internal fear of being caught stayed her hand. She read on instead.
Mana was placed in Shinji's school shortly after he transferred, and was assigned to keep close contact with him. As per her instructions, she adopted an aggressive attitude to match his passive one, and they hit it off.
She really was tailored for him, Misato thought.
Considering Shinji would never make the first move, Mana's strategy was almost foolproof. Starved for affection his entire childhood, Shinji was easy pickings. Misato was repulsed with how much the reports read like a field mission. Like Shinji was merely an objective to be accomplished. She closed the file in disgust.
Misato leaned back in her chair and closed her eyes.
Is what I'm doing right now any different?
She frowned.
It isn't like I want to do this, but he never opens up. I can never tell what he's thinking.
Misato sighed as she opened another file. It was a report by Kirishima again, this one almost two years later. It seemed Shinji at sixteen was still terribly introverted, but grateful to have one friend. Mana remarked how amazed she was that he never tried a pass at her, content with her platonic companionship. She wrote further that she worried he might be gay, thus ruining the entire plan. Her fears were quelled when, after a lot of weighted hinting on her part, he admitted he was attracted to her. She responded by giving him his first kiss.
Almost two years? It took him two years to admit that? Misato struggled to comprehend it. I can't wait two years. I don't know if I can wait two more days. She groaned.
Her mind was made up. She wanted Ikari Shinji. She suddenly pictured Kaji's smirking face.
'I thought you said no more flings, Katsuragi.'
"I did say that, didn't I?" She smiled without humor.
Misato skipped down the list of files and found one different than the rest. She opened it up and found it dated one month ago. She froze.
One month ago he was in the city. With me.
She skimmed through it, finding an accurate retelling of one of their dinners, detailed down to what they ate, wore, and the quick hug she'd given him at the end of the night. Misato felt sick.
She closed the file and stared past the screen. It took her only a moment to erase the files from her computer.
Agent Kaji sat on the edge of Fuyutski's desk, his terminal blinking as Misato accessed the restricted files on Shinji.
"So you're really just going to let her do what she wants?"
The aged commander sighed.
"I've explained this before, agent. As long as it helps us, she can look up whatever she wants."
"So let's give her free access to all our secrets, huh? Let's just give them to everybody while we're at it."
Fuyutski raised an eyebrow and grinned.
"Don't let personal feelings cloud your judgment. Or are you afraid she'll find out what you really do?"
"I'm afraid she'll get angry enough to do what Ikari wouldn't. You haven't seen her angry." Kaji sighed. "This could come back to bite you on the ass."
"It's a calculated risk, but one I feel confident in. The captain's motivations for joining the JSSDF far outweigh any passing attraction she might have for a man. Especially one like Ikari's son."
Kaji stewed on the fact that she might indeed be attracted to Shinji, then shrugged.
"Don't say I didn't warn you."
"I won't." Fuyutski glanced at his computer screen. "I appreciate you bringing this to my attention, but is there anything else you want?"
Kaji looked away. The world seemed to be going topsy-turvy. Misato, not chasing after him? And instead lusting after a meek child with possible mental instabilities? It wasn't fair, but it just didn't seem right, either. Yes, mistakes had been made, but they were meant for each other. They were destined for each other. Kaji honestly believed that. It didn't help matters that every time Kaji spoke to his brother he asked how Misato was doing. He could be a real idiot sometimes.
"Agent Kaji?"
"Huh? Oh, sorry. Just thinking."
"Well, kindly think someplace else. I have real work to do."
"How is the MAGI integration going?" Kaji asked, glad for a change in conversation.
"You're not fooling me," the old man said. He sighed. "Far be it from me to meddle in my employees' affairs, but if you love her, fight for her. Don't sneak around behind her back and complain to every sympathetic ear."
"I didn't ask your opinion."
"Then don't bother me with every little detail. Use your discretion." Fuyutski leveled his gaze on him. "Your professional discretion. Hopefully you haven't lost all of it."
"I just think it's a bad idea to let her run around without restraints."
The commander was about to respond, but a blink from his terminal stayed his tongue.
"There, see?" Fuyutski said, pointing at the screen. "The captain has erased all the files she downloaded. No need to worry."
"She could have just copied them to disc."
"And do what with them? Show them to Ikari's son? I doubt it."
"Fine," Kaji said. "Believe what you want. I'll do my job, you do yours." He stood to leave. The commander watched with tired humor. "I'll keep my eye on her, since no one else will." Kaji left, the door sliding shut behind him.
There's no way Katsuragi could ever be happy with him.
Shinji arrived at the apartment at 5:57, punctual to a fault, as Misato desperately tried to finish cleaning.
"Damn Rei," she muttered, flinging a pair of pants into her room. "She just had to go to school today, didn't she? She knows this is important, damn it." She straightened herself, checking in a mirror how she looked. Her eyes only saw the imperfections, the crow's feet starting at her eyes, the slight sag of her breast, the subtle widening of her hips.
It isn't my fault. I don't have time to hit the gym. Damn. All the beer and junk food is killing me.
"He is here," Rei said.
"I know, I know, just hold on. Get the door, will you?"
"I did."
Misato saw Shinji staring at her in her reflection, mouth open a little, the color rising in his cheeks.
Great! He saw me checking myself out!
"Misato-san. Wow. You look… you look great."
She smiled.
"Oh, this old thing?" she said, flippantly disavowing the hours she'd spent getting ready. "I just threw it on before you got here."
"Still…" He scuffed his feet. "I feel a little underdressed."
She went over him, a button-up and slacks.
"Nonsense," she said, grinning. "You look great, too." Good enough to eat.
Shinji, not used to such candid approval of his appearance, blushed.
"I, uh, brought a gift." He held out a small package of teas.
Misato almost laughed at his formality.
"You didn't have to," she said, reaching for it with the intent to stroke his hand.
Rei beat her to it, snatching the tea and sniffing at it, nodding her approval.
"Damn Rei," she mumbled.
"Excuse me?"
"Oh, oh, nothing. Come on, dinner's almost ready. Hope you don't mind vegetarian. Rei's a vegan."
Shinji nodded, unsure how to respond.
"Sorry," Misato went on, "the place is a little messy."
He took a real look around.
This is a little messy?
"I hope you didn't go to any trouble for me."
"No trouble at all." She turned to the kitchen. "Hey, Rei-chan, what's cooking?"
"Instant ramen."
Misato clenched her jaw. She flashed a smile at Shinji.
"Just a moment, please?"
He nodded.
Misato cornered Rei by the microwave, hands on her hips.
"What the hell do you mean instant ramen?" she hissed. "You told me you were going to cook. That was the deal, remember? I clean, you cook tonight."
"I do not know how to prepare anything else," Rei stated. She held up two bags. "Do you want spicy or regular?"
"Damn it! Don't they teach you kids anything useful in school? What happened to home ec?"
"I find it sexist and demeaning. Besides, you do not cook, either."
"Now is not the time."
"Boy," Shinji said from the living room in a loud voice, "you know what I haven't had in ages? Instant ramen. I was just thinking how good some would taste right now."
Misato frowned. She should have known he'd acquiesce to anything she served. Still, he had a right to make a little fuss.
"Sorry," she said, coming out of the kitchen. "We could go out and eat…"
Shinji glanced at Rei and saw her face. He smiled.
"But you promised me a home cooked meal. Instant is fine. Really."
Rei held up two packages.
"Regular or spicy?"
The noodles were served, Rei dropping a cup before each of them. She sat next to Misato and began eating immediately. She received an elbow from her guardian.
"Why don't we say grace before we eat?"
"Why?"
"Just… because. Shinji-kun, will you do the honors?"
He tensed.
"Um… thank you for the food?"
Misato touched chopsticks with him.
"Thank you for the food!" she chimed.
Rei started eating again.
Shinji shifted, missing the support of a chair. He tried to touch his back without drawing any notice to himself.
"You know," Misato said over a mouthful, "nothing draws attention to itself like stealthy actions." She smiled sadly. "How is it today?"
He chuckled self-consciously.
"Oh, it's been worse. Don't worry."
Rei raised a brow but remained silent.
His injury was that serious? she thought. She mentally tucked the information away. Rei listened with little interest as Misato and Shinji made light conversation, carefully designed for her ears. She learned of his new apartment, Misato's help in filling it up, his job at a computer manufacturing plant, and a few humorous stories from the JSSDF's staff. Depth and seriousness were strictly avoided.
"So then Hyuuga said to me, 'it would be an honor to die next to you'!" Misato laughed. "What a weirdo!"
Shinji smiled without knowing why, but was happy to do so. Rei made no motion.
"Is Hyuuga-san a good friend of yours?"
Misato laughed again.
"I guess. He's also a friend of yours."
"What?"
She glanced at Rei.
"Ah, I'll tell you some other time."
"Oh, okay."
Misato didn't know if she was glad or angry that he was so easily pacified. She tried to tell herself it didn't matter.
"You've been rather quiet tonight, Rei-chan," she said.
"No more than usual."
Shinji glanced at Rei and fidgeted. Misato knew their first impression wasn't as favorable as she wanted, but it was better than some guy sauntering in owning the place, or outright ignoring her.
I wish this was easier on her. But damn it, I have needs too.
"So," Misato said, trying to start a conversation they could all share in, "how are Hikari and Asuka doing?" She glanced at Shinji. "The two you met on the train."
"Oh, yes. They seemed… like nice girls."
"They are very much the same as they were then," Rei said, still focused on her meal.
"Ah… how did you all meet?" Shinji asked.
Good for you, Misato thought. At least you're trying to make a connection.
"School."
"Oh. Well, that's convenient. You can see each other almost every day." Shinji looked to Misato to jump in, but she simply smiled. "Uh… how do you like school?"
"It is acceptable for this stage of my life." Rei looked at him. "How did you like school?" she asked, lacking his good natured curiosity.
Shinji bit his lip. Misato was about to rescue him when he spoke.
"I'll be honest. I'm glad it's over. It was difficult for me." He wore a gentle smile.
Rei went back to her food.
"I should not have brought it up."
"N-no. It's okay," Shinji said, desperate to avoid conflict. "I don't mind."
Liar, Misato and Rei both thought.
"I can totally relate," Misato said. "School was a pain. Especially officer training. There was this old fossil of a dinosaur who rode me hard just because I was a girl."
Rei observed Shinji gradually deflate as she talked. Had she known him better, or permitted herself to like him, she might have spoken up. As things stood, she watched and remained silent.
"But I showed him," Misato went on. "I graduated top of my class. Got a cushy job and everything. Plus, I think he died or something." She gulped her beer. "Showed him."
"That's good for you," Shinji offered. "I'm impressed. I suspected you were talented, Misato-san."
She scratched her nose, soaking in contentment.
"Heh. Thanks. I don't mean to brag. It just kind of slipped out."
"It isn't bragging if it's the truth," Shinji said. He made a silent plea she stop talking about the JSSDF. "You have a right to be proud."
"You're right. I do. Thanks."
Rei stood and collected her dishes.
"Where are you going?" Misato asked.
"You two probably want to be alone," she said, looking at Shinji. "I will retire for the night."
"You don't have to leave, Ayanami-san."
Rei gave him a slightly disgusted glare.
"Yes, I do."
She left for her room, not looking back once.
"I don't think she likes me," Shinji said after a moment.
"She doesn't like anyone I bring home. Don't take it personal."
"Oh."
She scooted next to him. Shinji noticed her beer was almost empty.
"I was, ah, going to bring wine, but I didn't know if it was appropriate." He nodded towards Rei's room.
"Hmm? Oh, don't worry. She never touches the stuff. Though I think that little redheaded friend of hers steals my beer."
"That's… that's awful!" He thought for a moment. "Soryu-san, right?"
Bored, Misato nodded.
"Let's not talk about them, okay?"
"Oh, okay. Sorry."
She waved his apology away and moved closer. Their thighs touched.
"Uh, um, sh-should I help clear the table?"
"You're cute, you know that, right?"
Shinji blushed.
"Wh-what?"
"You're especially cute when you stutter and blush like that."
Misato eyed him as she drained her drink. He did not look comfortable or pleased. He swallowed hard.
"Thank you, I suppose." He stared at his hands. They both waited in pregnant silence. "Oh, I think you're very attractive too, Misato-san."
Of course he'd say that, she thought.
"You do?" She decided to try and be coy. "You really think so?"
"Oh, yes." He was quick to affirm her beauty. "I really think so." He bit his tongue to keep from saying how much.
"I like you, Shinji-kun." She leaned over, brushing her shoulder against his, subtly forcing him to face her. Coyness be damned.
"I, uh, like you too, Misato-san."
"Good."
He remembered her caressing his face, then her lips on his. His voice hid and his mind released him. His body betrayed his thoughts, and he was hers to take. Even as she sucked on his bottom lip, he wished for escape, to run away. Her hands found his chest, and his stayed at his sides. Her mouth opened, forcing his as well, and her tongue entered him. She was warm and wet in his mouth, licking his tongue and roof. At one point, he felt her heart next to his, beating with mad excitement. His own seemed to slow and grow heavy. He shut his eyes tight, until they hurt from the pressure, hoping to believe this was a dream, a fantasy, and that he would get out of it by telling himself that.
Her arms slipped under his, and she cupped his face, making his head conform to her desires. She felt her dress hike up as she straddled him, but she did not care. She knew she was ready, and briefly fantasized about taking him right there in the living room with her charge only a door away. She pinned him, running her fingers down his arms until they locked around his wrists. She required his hands to touch her, and she was thrilled with how it felt.
"Shinji," she breathed.
He woke up when he felt the floor on his back.
Rei heard the front door to the apartment shut. She sighed.
She did not even bother to say goodbye this time.
Wearily, Rei got off her bed and headed to the kitchen to do the dishes. She stopped in mid-stride when she found Misato sitting at the table, staring at her empty beer can.
"Heya, Rei-chan," she said.
"Misato. Ikari-san left?"
"Yup." She flicked her finger and the can toppled over.
"You are not with him?"
"Nope." Misato sighed. "I think I really messed up, Rei."
"Are you sure?" Rei was familiar enough with her guardian by now to know her moods, and how she should react to them. She slipped into therapist mode without conscious thought. She sat beside her.
Misato buried her head in her hands.
"I came on too strong," was the muffled response.
And when has that been a problem?
"He's had a real hard past, and I wasn't thinking. I was too damn busy thinking about—" She cut herself off, remembering who she was addressing. "I messed up."
"You contracted him sexually and he reacted badly?"
Misato wondered how her life had culminated to this point; talking about her sex life with a fourteen year old albino orphan.
"Yeah."
"There is a first for all things," Rei murmured.
"What?"
"Nothing. Are you afraid you have ruined what relationship you have established already?"
Misato sighed. She laid her head sideways on her arm, free hand playing with the beer can.
"Yeah. I mean, I worked really hard not to come on too strong, and it was killing me. I really… wanted him, you know? Now I've screwed it all up."
"Things happen for a reason. You may not always know why, but they do. It may also be true that things are not as damaged as you think they are."
Misato attempted a smile.
"Are you trying to make me feel better?"
"A little."
The door buzzed. The two women looked up.
"Who the hell could that be?" Misato asked, blinking back tears. "At this hour?"
"Who do you think?" Rei muttered. At fourteen, Rei was perfectly aware of how the human male operated. They were without exception hulking, lumbering oafs, desiring only the pleasure of a woman and often times, power. In her mind, the two were inseparable. Power over the female meant pleasure, and vice versa. She had seen it often enough.
Rei answered the door. She was not surprised to find Shinji behind it, looking like a misbehaving pet.
"Ayanami-san." He blushed. "Sorry. Is… is Misato-san available?"
"Shinji-kun?"
He looked away.
"Rei? Could you give us a sec?"
"I don't want to be a bother," Shinji whispered, mostly to himself.
Rei moved aside and Misato stepped towards him. He jumped back, giving her room, but she took it the wrong way.
"I'll be in in a little," Misato said to Rei, staring at Shinji. She left the apartment and the door closed.
Rei didn't know what possessed her to stay by the front door and eavesdrop. She only knew that she did. She closed her eyes and listened, feeling the blood move in her veins.
There was a small light over her door's entrance, flickering slightly, that stood surveying over them. The apartment complex's main courtyard below them gave a faint glow of artificial light. The night air hit them in the open hallway, and far above their heads the stars watched and waited.
"I'm sorry," he whispered. His eyes were red and puffy. "I'm sorry."
Misato resisted the urge to hug him.
"You don't have to apologize. I do." She almost took his hand. "I'm sorry, Shinji-kun."
He shook his head adamantly.
"No. I was the one who ran out. I… I just couldn't. I'm sorry." He bowed, fully expecting punishment for his actions. "Please forgive me."
Misato refrained from touching him, afraid he'd dart away.
"G-give me another chance, please." He slowly straightened up. "I'll be better, I promise. I won't…" He choked on the words but managed to keep from crying. "I can't be alone," he whispered.
"You're not alone, Shinji-kun," Misato said. "I won't leave you alone. Even… even if you only want me as a friend." She smiled. "I want to be your friend, Shinji-kun."
He stared at his feet. His shoulders shook.
"Thank you."
They stayed like that for a time, until he composed himself, until the world and its concerns returned to them. Misato hugged herself to keep warm, and Shinji was reawakened by the movement.
"It must be late," he said.
"Yeah."
He couldn't leave like this. Not on such uncertain terms. He forced himself to make a choice, and bashfully held her hand.
"I do like you, Misato-san. I'm just… not quite ready yet."
Shinji took an awkward step forward and she readied herself for contact. He pursed his lips, and took a breath. He bent over and kissed her hand. She blushed at the act.
"Maybe next time you and Ayanami-san can come over to my place for dinner. I can't promise much more than instant, but I'll try."
She smiled, and felt warm, and happy. Everything seemed right with the world.
True love waits, she thought. And so can I.
End of Chapter 6
Author notes: man! Isn't that the cheesiest ending to a chapter ever?
The next chapter won't be up for a week or two. I am required at a mandatory family reunion in Jersey. Ugh. That means I won't have access to a computer for awhile. Sorry.
(Squeals) Thanks for the kind reviews. So, you guys just keep trying to bring Mana back into this, huh? Don't hold your breath. But I am writing a new story focusing on her. Expect it in… awhile. Production continues on my Asuka story (it's… dark) and I'm also whoring myself out on a R/S fic, filled with waff. At the same time I'm getting ideas about a short fantasy thing, and a long supernatural rewrite. Fuck. That and Misato keeps yelling at me to write a lemon side story for TLW. She's scary.
Hikari's message name is cute and random. But I think Rei's is funny. It's straight to the point of who it is, but it could also be read as "a Rei". Sorry. I told you to bear with my humor.
Misato reading up on Shinji. That's a little, well, bad, but her heart was in the right place. No, wait, it wasn't. Damn. Forget it.
Misato's dress. Sorry, I couldn't think of a fitting description of something stunning. Use your imaginations.
Phew. Got a little limey there for a minute. Sorry. Didn't plan on it going there, but it did. And for the record, I think hand kissing is classy. And a little cheesy. Sorta like Shinji. And the ending of this chapter.
Big thanks to the Princess Mononoke soundtrack and all the various cds from Ghost in the Shell. You help me write good.