True Love Waits Chapter 8
Adam Kadmon
Disclaimer: did you see Newtype is starting to publish the Girlfriend of Steel 2 official manga? I've read the first few issues online, and well… don't get too excited. I'm especially wary due to the fact that someone decided to rename it "Angelic Days". I personally think "Shinji's Pimping Machine" would be a better title. Oh well. I'll still buy it.
I don't own Eva or Radiohead. But I do own the ridiculously long author notes at the end of this chapter.
"Do you want some more?"
"Huh?"
Shinji stood by Misato's chair, his wok full of stir fried vegetables poised to serve.
"Oh, uh, sure."
He refilled her plate and she thanked him. Shinji looked over at Rei, still working on her first serving. She noticed, and glanced up in his general direction.
"It is good," she said.
He colored lightly at the compliment.
"Oh, thanks." He smiled and returned to the stove.
Rei peered at him carefully, trying to make out why her friends were so enraptured with him. She finally decided he was not unattractive.
"See something you like?" Misato asked, grinning. "Or are you just shopping around?"
"Just wondering how he keeps his place so clean."
"Oh."
Rei was impressed with how neat Shinji's apartment was. It was a kind of novelty for her, living the way she did.
Misato looked around at the humble dwelling, and found it spotless. She wondered if she could hire him for her own home. Her eyes drifted to Shinji, then to his behind. She sighed. How much longer did he need? Misato was getting antsy, and there was only so much she could do by herself. A month or so had passed since he kissed her hand, and that seemed to be the extent of his affections. He would hold hands, and last night he'd hugged her, but that was it. It was driving her crazy. She felt like she was in grade school. Maybe Shinji thought she had cooties.
She'd never waited this long before. It was a change, but then again, so was Shinji. A year ago even, she never would have given him a second look. He was young, naïve, cute, gentle, didn't ooze sexuality, and lacked confidence in himself. He was the furthest thing from what she considered her type.
Misato frowned.
So what, then? Had she really changed so much?
She looked at Shinji's smiling face, and decided she had.
True Love Waits
Chapter 8
"Thanks again for dinner," Misato said, heading out the door with Rei. "I never knew vegetables could taste good."
He smiled.
"I'm glad you enjoyed it. Come over any time."
Rei gave a modest bow.
"The meal was good, Ikari-san."
"Thank you, Ayanami-san."
Misato chuckled at his use of the honorific.
"Well, we'd better be going. Shinji-kun, a pleasure as always." She gave him a smile, hoping for at least another hug. He didn't smile back. Instead, he adopted a serious air, knitting his brow together. He glanced at Rei. "Hey, what's with the scary face?"
He gently folded his arms around her, brushing her cheek with his own. Her hands automatically went up his back. There was probably some obscure universal rule that dry-humping your boyfriend in front of your teenage charge was wrong, but Misato heeded it anyway. Even so, she stepped into the hug, maximizing contact.
He closed his eyes, and she felt his soft breath on her ear. He smelled wonderful. Like a rainy afternoon. That couldn't be natural, she thought. It wasn't quite as nice as Kaji's brand, but it would do.
This is an awful long hug.
She wondered what he was waiting for. Not that she was complaining, just curious. She liked the way he held her: he used only his finger tips. It was a pleasant change from the end-of-date grope she was used to. In fact, everything about him was a pleasant change. He could cook, he was clean and courteous, he even held doors and chairs for her. And he was thoughtful. He made sure his apartment was stocked with her favorite beer, despite the fact he didn't drink. For the moment, in his arms, she was awash in relaxed contentment, happy to be where she was.
Misato did not hear Rei's sigh of impatience.
She peeked over his shoulder.
And what a sweet ass. She was only semi-conscious of her hands drifting lower. Shinji seemed to use that as his signal. His mouth moved, whispering quiet words into her ear. Misato smiled.
"You mean it?" she whispered back. She felt him hesitate, then nod. Misato decided to take a risk. She eased out of the embrace, and tenderly cupped his face. As blue as I can imagine, she thought, holding his gaze. She leaned forward and kissed his chastely, a light peck. She could feel his face heat up.
It lasted only a moment, but it was enough. She stepped back and observed him. He stared at his feet, crimson.
If this is how he reacts to a little peck… Misato refrained from laughing. He's going to be so much fun.
"Good night, Shinji-kun."
"G-good night, Misato-san." He caught Rei's bored glare. "Oh, um, good night, Ayanami-san."
Misato suddenly remembered she had a child with her.
"Oh, right. Well, uh, let's get going, Rei."
"Finally."
Shinji watched them leave. He stayed long enough to see Misato turn around and indicate she'd call him. He waved. After they were out of sight, after he heard her car roar away, he stayed. He closed his eyes, leaning on the door frame.
I made the right decision, he thought. He continued to tell himself that for the rest of the night.
The blue alpine Renault sped home.
"What is your rush?"
"Oh, nothing," Misato said, still wearing her smile. "Just beer, bath and bed."
"What did he say to you?"
"That is between consenting adults."
Rei sighed.
"You like him a lot, do you not?"
"It's kind of obvious, isn't it?" Misato laughed. "Yes, I do."
"More so than that scruffy man?" Rei had unwittingly stumbled onto Misato's current fears.
"In time, yeah. I think so." I hope so.
Rei knew enough about her and Kaji's past to almost be impressed.
"He is a change for you," she stated.
"Yeah, he is. I like it." Misato leaned back in her seat as she waited for a red light. "He treats me right. I could get used to it."
"So I suppose I will have to get used to it, as well."
Misato frowned.
"What's that supposed to mean? Listen here, young lady. Shinji-kun's been nothing but nice to both of us since the get-go, and you've been snooty towards him without any reason. He hasn't offended you, has he?"
"No."
"Then what?"
What is the point?
"I need a reason to dislike someone?"
"You need a reason to like them," Misato countered.
"Perhaps you do."
"Oh, come on!" Misato gunned the engine. "What have you got against him? He's sweet, and considerate…" She smirked. "And he's easy on the eyes. What more could you want?"
"Culture, intelligence…"
"Shinji-kun's smart. Smarter than me, I'm pretty sure. He might not be in your league, oh great and powerful genius, but he's got brains." She thought. "And he's cultured. He listens to classical music just like you do. And he plays the cello."
Rei was unmoved.
"Dating someone above you? That is not like you at all."
"Watch it, or I'll make you walk home."
Rei looked out the window.
"Do you not feel badly that he is so much younger than you?"
"He's old enough. Trust me." Misato sighed. "Really now, what do you have against him?"
Rei closed her eyes.
"I just do not see what all the fuss is about."
"If you don't see it, you're going to be very lonely, Rei."
That shut her up.
They drove in silence the rest of the trip home. They rode in silence up the elevator to their apartment. They walked in silence to their respective rooms. Misato sighed. She stripped and put on a bathrobe, making her way to the tub. She grabbed a beer from a strategically placed six-pack in the laundry room, then ran a bath.
The water ran hot and steam filled the room. Misato wiped the condensation from the mirror over the sink and washed her face. Wearing a lot of makeup wasn't a practice she normally indulged in, but she found lipstick and a little eyeliner could go a long way with prospective mates. Somehow, though, she didn't think it mattered to Shinji.
"He already called me beautiful."
She remembered that dinner, the one he blushed his way through, fidgeting and biting his lip. At the end of the night he stopped her from leaving, placing a shy hand on hers. He told her how stunning she was.
"I wasn't even wearing anything special."
Her thoughts drifted to the night she just passed with him, and the gentle embrace he gave her. She replayed the words he breathed into her again and again.
"I think I'm ready now."
"So you're finally going to introduce me to the famous Ikari Shinji, hmm?"
Ritsuko put down her clipboard and grinned.
"Yeah," Misato said, the night of Shinji's confession still fresh in her mind. "We'll go out, have a couple drinks. It'll be fun." She cleared her throat. "Besides, don't you want to meet him? You already know enough about him, you dirty spy."
Ritsuko sighed at Misato's humor. It was more or less behind them now, but she'd call it up every so often when she felt punchy. Or bitchy.
"Yes, yes. You're never going to really forgive me, are you?"
"Not unless me and Shinji-kun break up."
Ritsuko hoped they would.
"So where are we going?"
"Hmm… I was thinking the Forge. How 'bout it?"
"Gee, a bar and grill. How economical of you."
"Well, Shinji-kun's treating me. I can't go five star on him and his poor bank account. What's with that look? He isn't treating you. Get your own man."
Ritsuko shook her head.
"I would have thought you would take him to the cleaners. You did with all the others who tried to be chivalrous."
"What kind of a person do you take me for? And it isn't an act with him. Shinji-kun's really just a nice guy."
"I didn't think you went for the nice guy."
"Neither did I." Misato smiled. "But, well, here we are."
"Indeed. Say, mind if I invite someone?"
Misato's reminiscent smile turned amazed.
"You! You've been seeing someone and you didn't tell me?"
"No," Ritsuko said, holding up a weary hand. "Nothing like that. It's just Maya-kun. I thought I'd treat her to something nice since she's been so busy around here lately."
"There's an easier way," Misato said. "Just swallow your pride and work with Dr. Evil."
"Like I said, I wanted to treat her to something nice." The doctor waved her hand. "I won't be working with that woman if I can help it."
"Alright, I concede defeat. Go ahead. The more the merrier."
"You aren't worried?"
"About what?"
Ritsuko laughed.
"Well, it's just that Maya-kun is a wee bit closer to Ikari-kun's age than you."
"I knew it was just a matter of time before you brought that up." She crossed her arms and frowned. "Why does everyone bring that up? He's an adult. It isn't like he's in Rei's grade or anything."
Ritsuko did some quick math.
"Isn't he closer to age with Rei than you?"
"You're not helping this whole 'friends' thing, Ritsu."
"Sorry. I promise to behave."
"Good." She checked her watch. "Let's meet up at around… seven, okay? Invite Ibuki and we'll see you there."
"Invite Ibuki" must have somehow translated into "invite the rest of work" to Ritsuko. That was the only explanation Misato could come up with as she and Shinji stepped into the Forge and found the entire main bridge crew waiting at a table, waving them over.
Shinji began to sweat.
"Wow. You sure have a lot of friends."
"Sorry, Shinji-kun. I swear I didn't invite all of them. Ritsuko must be hard of hearing in her old age."
They approached the table with caution, neither one wanting a full-blown party tonight. Or in Shinji's case, ever. Misato took his hand and offered a small smile. She made a round of names on his behalf, then pushed him forward, keeping a hand on his back.
"Everyone, this is Ikari Shinji."
"No introductions needed," Kaji said over his drink.
One cross look and silent swear later, Misato and Shinji were seated at the table. Aoba flagged a waiter over.
"What'll you have?"
"I'll take whatever you got on tap," Misato said.
The others followed likewise. Only one abstained. Shinji ordered a soda. Kaji snorted.
"Hey there," Aoba said as the waiter left. He extended a hand to Shinji. "Nice to meet you. The captain's been real quiet about you. Doesn't want you to get away, I guess."
Shinji blushed. Maya instantly thought he was adorable.
"Sorry," Aoba said, chuckling. He ran a hand through his long hair. "Didn't mean to embarrass you."
"It's okay."
"I heard you work with computers, Ikari… san?" Hyuuga said, fumbling over the honorific. "Where do you work?"
"Oh, uh, Ichiban Industries."
"Really?" Maya squealed. "I love their games!"
Hyuuga kept quiet about his love of Shinji's employers.
"R-really? Um, which ones?"
Kaji rolled his eyes.
"Let's see," Maya said, counting on her fingers. "Abysmal Fantasy, Zero Heaven, Border Cross 1 and 2, Blue Moon Eclipse…"
Hyuuga was amazed. Her list of favorites read like a who's who of dating sims.
"Oh, really? I uh, I worked on most of those," Shinji said, blushing again.
"No way!"
"Technophiles," Aoba said, grinning.
"How do you get Maria in Blue Moon? I've tried everything."
Hyuuga listened closely, though appeared not to.
Shinji pulled on his collar.
"Gee, ah, actually you can't. She was designed that way. Sorry."
Maya didn't seem disappointed in the least. Hyuuga deflated.
"That's so interesting. Do you know why?"
Shinji smiled sadly.
"I designed her that way because she was modeled on someone I knew. I didn't want anyone to have her except me."
Maya, sensing she crossed into bad territory, backpedaled, apologizing.
"It's alright," he said.
"Can we talk about games some other time?" Kaji asked, wearing a false grin. "It's a fascinating discussion and all, but I only get to go out with my friends so often."
"Oh, sorry, sir," Shinji said, beating Maya to the apology.
Sir?
Misato laughed. Despite Kaji's presence and continual good health, the night was off to a good start.
The waiter returned and was thanked. Drinks were distributed and drained. Misato, feeling warm and fuzzy with a beer in her stomach, leaned into Shinji who was talking to his neighbor, Ritsuko.
"Misato-san," he said, "you never told me you were best friends with Dr. Akagi."
Ritsuko blinked. She thinks I'm her best friend? She felt warmed by the knowledge.
"Why? Is she famous or something?"
"Oh, yes. Dr. Akagi has written several fascinating papers dealing with artificial evolution theory."
Ritsuko smiled without humor.
"You must mean my mother. She dealt with that."
Before Misato could stop him, Shinji went on.
"But you are Dr. Akagi Ritsuko, aren't you?"
"Yes."
He smiled.
"The Dr. Akagi Ritsuko that wrote Evolutionary Standards in Applied Sciences?"
"Y-yes. How did you know about that?"
"I stumbled onto it when I was researching universities a few years ago." He scratched the back of his neck. "I'll admit there was a lot I didn't understand, but it impressed me."
Ritsuko blinked again.
"That… I'm surprised that saw the light of day. I wrote it as a thesis in college." She preferred not to think about how long ago that was. "Um, thank you."
"Wow, Ritsu, you're a celebrity." Misato drained her second glass.
"Could I see it, sempai?"
"Sure, Maya-kun," she said, not taking her eyes off Shinji. A chill ran through her, remembering his father. She was glad he didn't understand all of it.
Kaji made a mental note. Or he tried to. The four bourbons he'd ingested prior to Misato's arrival was making it difficult to focus.
"Keep an eye on this one, captain," Aoba said, grinning.
"I plan to," she said, draping a sloppy arm around his neck.
"Mi-Misato-san…"
"It's okay, Shin-chan. They know we're a couple." She kissed his cheek. He lit up and stared at the table. Maya bit her tongue to keep from saying how cute they looked. Kaji emptied his drink into his stomach.
"They do look sweet, don't they?" Kaji mused. "Kind of like mother and son." He soon received a vicious kick to the shin that sent him into his chair, gasping in pain.
"Excuse me," Misato said, standing up. "I need to hit the restroom." She cast a meaningful look to Ritsuko.
"Oh," she said, "I should go, too." She nudged Maya.
"Y-yeah. Me, too."
The three left and the men were alone in the bar.
"Women," Aoba said.
"Y-yeah," Hyuuga agreed, though to what he knew not.
"You've landed yourself a doozy of one, kid," Kaji said to Shinji. "Hope you know what you're in for."
"What do you mean?"
Kaji scratched at his jaw, chuckling.
"I, how shall I put it, had the pleasure of Katsuragi's company before you." His chuckling became more pronounced. "Me and about half of Tokyo."
Despite himself, Aoba snorted a laugh. Hyuuga smiled nervously, afraid of where this was going. Shinji did not smile.
"That's a foul thing to say," he said.
Kaji balked. Was the kid getting angry?
"Well it's the truth. Katsuragi's a fast operator. You'd be wise to protect your purity, kid."
I'm hardly pure.
"You speak familiarly about her."
"Well, I should. I was her first." Kaji snorted. "And most recent. I think it was about the same time you came to the big city."
Alarms blared in Shinji's mind.
"Kind of like fate, or something." The scruffy man waved it away. "We had a good tumble, but then she threw me away. Just like that. After she got what she wanted, she just…" He made a strange sound with his mouth. "… threw me away."
By now, even Aoba had gone quiet.
"I'm a bit surprised she'd go out with someone like you," Shinji said.
"Hell! I'm surprised she went out with you!" Kaji laughed. "Some wet-behind-the-ears kid. Didn't see that one coming."
"We were all children at one point in our lives."
"And some of us still are."
Shinji decided he couldn't have put it any better. He tended to his drink.
Did Misato-san really date him? And the impression they were giving. She wasn't… she wasn't a… slut. Even in his mind he whispered the word. No. Misato was a beautiful, vibrant, honest woman. And it wasn't a crime to enjoy sex. Shinji sighed. Even that sounded hollow to him.
Kaji broke his introspection.
"Kid, I'll level with you. Katsuragi is a great lay, but beyond that… eh." He shrugged. "It's a good thing you're so young. She's a slave driver in bed."
Shinji did not color.
"I hope you know a thing or two," the spy went on, "for your own sake. She is one unforgiving woman. Hell, ask these two, they work with her. And they've never even slept with her! At least, I don't think so."
"I think I would have remembered that," Aoba said.
"But do you think she would?"
Kaji laughed. Aoba, well into his third beer, joined him. He elbowed Hyuuga in the ribs to spur him on, albeit at a less enthusiastic pace. Shinji clenched his fists under the table.
"Keep laughing," Shinji said, "and you'll find out why your little JSSDF is so afraid of me."
They did not keep laughing.
In the ladies' restroom, Misato failed to capture Shinji's quiet anger.
"What the hell is Kaji doing here? And those other two idiots, too!"
Ritsuko and Maya cringed. An anonymous woman quickly hurried out of their way.
"Uh, sorry. I wasn't thinking. I asked Maya-kun in front of Hyuuga-kun and Aoba-kun. They sort of invited themselves."
"And Kaji?"
"Umm… your guess is as good as mine," she lied.
Misato pulled on her hair.
"Unbelievable! I was going to gradually introduce him to my work life, not have it thrown up in his lap!"
"He seems to be doing okay," Maya offered. A wrathful Misato turned on her and she eeped into silence.
"He isn't the kind to bitch and moan about this kind of stuff."
"Like you're doing now?" Ritsuko asked.
"Like I'm doing now, agent Akagi. Shut it."
Misato slouched in front of the mirror, trying to reapply lipstick and chew out her friends at the same time.
"And if I ever say the more the merrier again, you can shoot me. You have my permission."
Tired of yelling at Maya and Ritsuko, Misato made her way back to the table.
"Geez, guys," she said, seeing the somber mood. "Somebody die while I was gone?"
Shinji smiled at her return.
"Of course not. We just missed you three, that's all. Right, guys?"
Aoba and Hyuuga gave downcast nods. Kaji drew circles on the table with the condensation from his glass. He couldn't wait for this night to end.
Shinji stayed in the bar to pay the bill while Misato headed to the parking lot to start her car. It was an unusually cold night out, and she was looking forward to cranking the Renault's heater.
Or we could just keep each other warm.
Misato missed the keyhole on the first try, and wondered if Shinji should drive. She remembered that he didn't know how.
"I guess Mana wanted to limit my mobility," he had told her in a rare show of anger.
She finally managed the car door and turned the engine on. The Renault purred to life. Misato closed the door and stood outside, waiting for Shinji in the cold air while the car heated up.
Maybe he'll be up to a make out session, she hoped. She hadn't pressed her luck too much with him yet, but damn it, she had needs and his playing hard to get wasn't meeting them. Being the aggressor wasn't foreign to Misato, but having an unwilling prey was. She understood his position, but his heart still remained alien to her. He was so quiet with his emotions. She doubted he'd know lust if it hit him in the face.
She chuckled softly. Hoping for some action at the end of a date had never been a problem before. If she wanted it, she would just take it. But this waiting…
He better be a damn good lay.
She shook her head. Sex wasn't the end all and be all of a relationship. It was just the part she enjoyed the most. Not that there was anything wrong with that, she told herself. And it wasn't like he was a virgin. But he acted so damn nervous around her advances. She was sorely tempted to hack into the system again and read some of agent Kirishima's reports on the matter.
A small voice inside her told her not to. Aside from the obvious reasons why it was wrong, aside from her concept of relationships, aside from her libido, the voice told her he was worth it. He was worth the wait.
"I can wait," she said softly, gazing up into the deep night sky. "If it's for him, I think I can wait."
"You can 'wait for him'? What, do you actually think you love him?"
Misato groaned. Kaji was the last person she wanted to see right now.
"Hey. Answer me."
She turned around, leaning on the car. She regarded him coolly.
"Fuck off, Kaji. Or can't you get it up? After all the alcohol you pounded back in there I'm surprised you can walk straight."
"A penis joke. How mature of you. Has the kid seen this side of you?"
"For the last time, he isn't a kid. He's been through more than either of us. I'm sure you know the specifics, at least."
"The specifics," Kaji spat. "Yeah, I know the specifics."
"Good. Then you know he's been through hell. That forces kids to grow up fast. He's stronger than he looks."
"You're not around to see how often he cries. Or what a whiner he was with Kirishima."
Misato peered at him.
"So you do know. What, have you been spying on him, too?" She grinned. "Then you should know how happy I am with him." She left her car and tried to walk past him back to the bar.
He grabbed her arm and spun her to face him.
"He's nothing!" His breath was hot, forced in her face. "You hear me? He's a pathetic little boy with a sick father and no sense. You think you can make a man out of him?"
"You're hurting me, Kaji."
They didn't notice they were not alone. In the cold parking lot, the others gathered around them. Maya held a hand over her mouth. Ritsuko rubbed her temples. Aoba and Hyuuga looked decidedly uncomfortable. Shinji frowned.
"That's enough, Kaji-san," he said.
Kaji barked a harsh laugh.
"Two shows of backbone in one night? This isn't like you kid. What happened to the whiny little bitch I know and adore?"
"Kaji," Ritsuko said, sighing. "That really is enough." She willed him to shut up.
He let Misato go and frowned.
"Sure, don't want to say anything I'll regret later." He watched Misato step away from him, rubbing her arm. Shinji met her with a gentle touch.
"Should I call him a cab?"
"Cocky little brat," Kaji grumbled. He lurched forward and collected the front of Shinji's shirt in his fist. He lifted him to his tip-toes. "You honestly think you can compete with me? Go home to your little jerk-off fantasies about Mana."
Ritsuko groaned. Misato stared in disbelief. Shinji's eyes flashed in rage. He laid a soft hand on Kaji's wrist.
"Please let me go, Kaji-san."
Misato reached to her side, regretting she didn't bring her gun.
"Let him go, Kaji," she said. Her voice was low, dangerous. "Don't make me hurt you."
He whirled on her.
"What's so great about him!"
"Kaji-san!" Shinji yelled, louder than they thought he could. The spy sobered a drink or two.
"Why don't you take Maya home, kid? She seems a bit more in your league."
"I don't want Maya-san," Shinji said. "I want the woman you're yelling at."
Kaji stared at him, his mouth parted slightly. After a breath he let him go, and Shinji tumbled to the ground. He clutched his back. Misato was at his side in an instant.
"Sure," Kaji said. "You can have her." He stalked off, disgusted, forgetting his car. The cold night enveloped him and he was lost from sight.
End of Chapter 8
Author's notes: the Forge is an actual bar where I live. I hear it's pretty cool.
The game list. I just pulled that out of my behind. Maria is Mana, in case you missed it. And I swear on my life I won't make such a big deal out of Shinji's age from now on. Even I'm sick of it. That and Misato saying "he's stronger than he looks." Sick of it.
Shinji having an in with all the ladies. I swear I didn't plan it. It just happened. I know its lame, I know it is, but I put it in anyway. The thing with Maya? Just fluff. But Shinji knowing about Ritsuko's papers… I added that because until then we really didn't know about Shinji the intellectual. We have Misato's word earlier this chapter, but I wanted to add a little more. Still sucks, though.
Kaji the drunk. Now that I've further alienated all of the Kaji fans out there, let me explain. I apologize. I wanted a reason for Kaji to pick a fight with Shinji without him being responsible. Since there's almost no way Shinji would knowingly act like a dick, I needed Kaji to start the altercation (I held brief images of a parking lot brawl between the two). It's a poor excuse, and I apologize again, but I wanted it done. And for the record, I think it would take a lot to get Kaji that drunk.
Poor Kaji. That whole scene in the parking lot really escalated beyond my control. I apologize again.
Oh, points to Phoenix for pointing out that, yeah, chapter 7 is more of an interlude than anything else. Personally, I felt that 7 is the weakest one I've written so far, but thanks to everyone for still reading. It's sort of a necessary bridge between 6 and 8.
Hey, Konous the grey. I was wondering when someone would pick up on that. Actually, I was hoping no one would, at least not until I get closer to the end of this fic. Yes, those two lines, as well as a few others, really give off an odd impression. Sorry. I don't want to go into great depth regarding this, but I'm pretty sure the last two chapters (12 and 13) will make it clearer, at least to a satisfactory degree. That… and I lied in some of my author notes for previous installments (hint hint). I'm sorry I can't comment on it further. All I can say is try to be patient. I have the rest of the story sketched out, and all I'm doing now is proof reading and tinkering with the dialogue. The last section of chapter 13 has a kind of "ah, I see" moment. At least, I hope it does. The only reason I haven't posted it all is because I'm a slut for reviews. Thanks for the feedback, Konous, and I hope you keep reading. Oh, and you were my fiftieth reviewer. I give you a cookie. And My Lovely scared the meat out of me, too. For those of you who don't know it, it's akin to pure terror manifested and stepping on your crotch. Hard.
Okay, boys and girls. I'm poised to release the first chappy of my Asuka fic… but I'm really hesitating. For one thing, I'll have to post it on mediaminer.Yeah. It… it has a few "blue" moments. Alright, alright. It has sex in it, okay? But it isn't, how can I put this gently, meant for you to bust a nut over. No. It's contextual, and advances the story. Plus it's all pretty dark. That and I use the F word like it's going out of style. Seriously. More than anything, I feel the plot is overused, and that things don't really get interesting (at least for me) until chapter 3. On top of all that, chapter 1 is set up like a one-shot, and is just shy of ten thousand words. Sigh. I guess I will post it in a couple weeks. This is just me being a fucking pansy. I do not expect nice reviews for it like I get for TLW.
Last note, I swear. I just discovered I've been spelling Fuyutsuki wrong. Mother fucker. See? See that U after the S? I sure didn't when I was writing this. Sorry.
Big thanks to (surprise!) the Evangelion soundtracks, of which I own many. Including S2 Works. Which I highly recommend. Despite the disturbing insert cover. You know what I'm talking about. Yuck. That doesn't help me write good.