True Love Waits Chapter 9
Adam Kadmon
Disclaimer: I do not own Evangelion or Radiohead… and I can't believe no one has commented on how utterly pretentious my pen name is. It is, you know.
Well, anonymous reviewer "cockmongler", here is the next CHAPPY. Hope you enjoy.
"Misato."
"Huh?"
"For the third time, pass the soy sauce," Rei said.
"Oh, sorry." She gave it to Shinji, who gave it to Rei. "I wasn't paying attention."
"That is obvious," Rei grumbled.
The three were seated around Misato's kitchen table eating supper. Though in her house, Misato refrained from cooking: they were currently enjoying one of Shinji's dishes, a collection of steamed vegetables with a series of sauces. It was, like most of his works, good. In Rei's quest to discover a redeeming factor to him, meal preparation was emerging as the only finding. She reasoned she could keep him for food, while Misato kept him for whatever it was adults did.
She could not see, but could clearly hear the game of footsy going on under the table. Every so often it would stop in some unseen position, and Shinji would blush, and Misato would grin.
They are acting like teenagers, Rei thought.
With the unpleasantness now referred to only as "the Forge incident" behind them, life returned to some semblance of normal. Rei held only the slightest inkling that the dinner had gone badly, and wisely abstained from questioning them about it.
Instead she ignored it completely, as was her wont in Misato's affairs, and concentrated on more important things. Like school. She sighed, and admitted to herself there wasn't anything of greater importance right now. School was an exercise in futility, and her friends were in the midst of discovering puberty. And Rei? Well, there was always her viola.
Misato laughed as she acquired some invisible reaction from Shinji. He blushed and smiled back, and soon she was crimson, too.
They have been together, she realized. And she was surprised. The usual sentiment of disgust was missing from her discovery. In its place was an empty feeling of apathy. She held no emotions or opinions on the subject of Shinji and Misato sleeping together.
As long as it does not wake me up, she thought, I do not care.
But as she returned to her dinner, she found she could not eat. Her carefully disciplined mind kept capturing her guardian and her lover in some intimate pose. Rei pushed her food from her and stood. She ignored Shinji's question to her well being. She ignored Misato's glib response. She ignored it all until she was in her room, where she did not turn on the light, and did not care to change before flopping on the bed, intent to dream of anything but what she dreamt of.
True Love Waits
Chapter 9
Rei woke up before her alarm, before Misato.
And Ikari-san.
They'd been quiet last night. They had not woken her up with their coupling. This was bold for Misato. Usually she'd spend the night at her man's home, or rent a motel room. Letting men stay in the apartment was a kind of taboo that had developed between Rei and Misato. It was unspoken, for obvious reasons, but both knew it. Besides, almost every man she brought home formed a negative opinion of Rei, and vice versa. Rei never bothered to wonder why; she only knew it was how it had always been, and as far as she could tell, always would be.
Rei reached the bathroom and knocked. A naked Misato or Ikari Shinji, or both, was the last thing she ever wanted to see. Especially not first thing in the morning. Receiving no response, she entered and drew a bath. She allowed herself to luxuriate in it for a time, content that it was Sunday, and that no school was held. She would not have to deal with Asuka and Hikari, teachers, or people in general.
Only Misato and Ikari.
She sighed as the bath was ruined. She drained the tub and dressed in her school uniform, not creative or rebellious enough for anything else. It was functional and allowed others to see her status in society. Nothing more was needed. She wore it despite the closet full of dresses Misato bought for her, though not out of spite.
Well, perhaps a little spite.
She walked into the kitchen and found Misato in her pajamas, eating a piece of toast and looking over the paper.
"Morning," she said.
"Morning," Rei said.
Misato swallowed and glanced up. She titled her head.
"What's that look for?"
"Is Ikari-san up, or is he unable to walk?"
"Huh? Shinji?" Misato laughed. "You thought he stayed over last night? No, no. He went home after you oh so politely left the table." She chuckled.
"Oh."
"He did say goodnight to you, though. I guess you were already out."
The idea of Ikari Shinji speaking to her while she was sleeping made her feel strange. Rei hid her discomfort and prepared her breakfast.
"You really thought he was going to stay over?" Misato smiled. "You know I wouldn't allow it." Even if it was Shinji.
"Do not hold back on my account. Do what you please."
Misato frowned.
"I know you don't… approve of Shinji-kun…" Or me. Or my life. Or anything in general. "But I want you to be, I don't know, comfortable with it, okay? I don't want to make you feel weird."
"That is admirable."
"I mean it, Rei. You know that… you know you come first, right?"
Rei looked at her, her hands poised in mid-creation of her meal. She stared at her for a long time without speaking, or moving, or giving any indication that she understood. Finally Misato stood up.
"I got to get to work," she said.
Rei abandoned her meal and watched her get ready. She waited while she was in the bath, and waited while she dressed. When she emerged from her room, she kept her eyes on her. Misato put her shoes on quickly, not wanting to meet Rei's gaze. She left without another word.
The apartment was stifling.
That was the conclusion Rei reached after trying to do absolutely everything she could within its walls, and still she found no solace. She was, surprisingly, in want of some sort of human contact. She recalled Hikari saying something yesterday in school about shopping on Sunday. Rei had ignored her as usual. Now she was glad she hadn't zoned out completely.
Rei took a handful of yen from Misato's dresser and left the apartment. She did not think to leave a note.
The day was clear and bright, no clouds to obscure the blue of the sky, or the shine from the sun. It was busy downtown, which she regretted, but no one seemed to mind the presence of a blue-haired albino, and she passed through unbothered. Rei knew she was different from the mass of people she weaved through, but she had accepted this fact. It had long ago ceased to bother her. She no longer vainly struggled for others' acceptance or understanding. She did not need it.
It took her almost an hour of searching her friends' usual hangouts before she finally located them in a small boutique. A bell above the door rang as she entered, alerting Asuka and Hikari to her presence. She saw the redhead's face constrict for a moment, as if she was deciding whether to frown or smile.
"Rei!" Hikari literally dropped the dress she was holding on the floor and rushed over. "I'm so glad you decided to come out today. I didn't think you heard me yesterday."
"I heard."
"Great! Well, come on in. We're trying on dresses for the Culture Fest."
Asuka nodded a greeting. Rei blinked in response.
"I still can't believe our class voted on doing the dumb idea of a café. It's so overused."
"I thought you liked to dress up, Asuka."
"Yeah, but not for school. It's a waste."
Rei was glad they weren't talking about Ikari for once.
"What job did you get stuck with, Second?"
"I am cashier," Rei said.
"Pfft. Lucky you. At least you don't have to parade around like a piece of meat. I can't believe I have to be a waitress. It's so demeaning."
"Hey," Hikari said, "my sister is a waitress."
"Is she proud of it?"
"Well… no, but—"
"I rest my case."
Rei was focused on a white sundress. She could easily buy it with the wad she'd stolen from Misato, but something stayed her hand. An innate, instinctual voice that made her stop and question why she wanted it. Did she need it? No. Would she wear it? Probably not. Did she deserve it?
The voice made itself known.
This isn't for you.
"Thinking of buying it, Ayanami? It's pretty."
She turned from the dress.
"No."
"Well I give up," Asuka said. "None of the dresses here are right. If I want to wear baby dresses I can play dress up at home. The stuff here for adults is too big for me."
"Maybe it's a message," Hikari mumbled.
"I'm hungry," the redhead announced. "Let's eat."
The girls exited the shop, but Rei was not paying attention. She followed with a highly tuned sense of peripheral vision: her eyes remained on the white sundress. She sighed as they rounded a street corner and it was lost from sight.
The girls found a quaint sidewalk bistro to lunch at. They sat on cast-iron chairs around a small round table, selecting their meals from laminated cards.
"What a dump," Asuka said. "Who eats outside?"
"I think it's cute. It's a nice day out, so why wouldn't you eat outside?"
"Oh, I don't know. Bugs, pollution, noise, goobers staring at you while you eat…"
"Well, when you put it that way…"
"Forget it. I'm tired of walking and this was the closest place. It'll have to do." Asuka took a menu. "Gah! Look at these prices! They certainly can't be charging for atmosphere."
Rei idly looked the menu over, not bothering to really read it.
"And such small portions! This is hardly five star cuisine. Where do they get off charging the way they—"
Asuka stopped in mid-sentence. Her mouth hung open, and she looked as if lightning had struck her.
"Asuka, what's wrong?"
"It must be fate," she murmured, standing up. "Ikari-san!" she called out.
Shinji jumped in surprise. He was across the street looking in a window full of dresses. Rei quickly disavowed the idea of him cross-dressing.
He waved to them, an unsure smile on his face. Asuka signaled with her hands that he should join them. Hikari silently thanked Asuka for doing what she could not.
Shinji crossed the street, slightly embarrassed that he was about to converse with grade school girls. He hoped no one would get the wrong idea. He reminded himself that although Rei was still in school, she was far more mature than most grown women he met. He also reminded himself that her friends were not.
"Hello," he said, not taking a seat.
"Good afternoon, Ikari-san," Asuka gushed. She patted the chair next to her. "Please, join us. We were just about to order."
"Oh, um, I already ate. Thank you."
Asuka pouted, working her lower lip.
"You don't like us anymore, Ikari-san? What did we do?"
Shinji relented, unable to say no to a teary female. His worries about appearance did not desist, though. He needn't have fretted: he could easily pass as a teenager. He sat.
"Ah, what are all of you doing today?" he directed to Rei.
"Shopping," Asuka said. "How about you?"
"The same."
Asuka looked to the store he had been in front of.
"Dress shopping, Ikari-san?" She gave him a once over. "You might have the build for a gown, but I don't know…"
Hikari blushed hard. The idea of Shinji in a dress made her feel peculiar.
"Oh, um, no. Not for me." He glanced to Rei. "Actually, Ayanami-san, I was wondering if I could ask you a question, but it's kind of personal."
Asuka frowned.
"Ask away," Rei said.
"Do you know Misato-san's size? For dresses, I mean."
Double XL extra slutty.
"No."
"Oh, well, thanks anyway."
A waiter appeared to take orders. Shinji shrank in his seat. Asuka bit her tongue, nearly ordering hot chocolate. She asked for coffee instead, hoping to seem mature. Hikari had to be rapped lightly to speak. Rei handed the menu back without talking.
"And you, young man?"
"Oh, uh, nothing for me, thank you."
The waiter left and Asuka grinned.
"I would have treated you, Ikari-san." See? I'm mature. Way more than Misato.
"That's quite generous of you, Soryu-san," he said.
"Please, call me Asuka."
Shinji gritted his teeth as he smiled.
"Okay, Asuka-san." She waited for him to return the favor. She was still waiting when Rei spoke.
"Why were you buying her a dress?"
"Hmm? Oh, well, she's been such a help to me that I wanted to repay her. I know a dress is hardly anything, but I thought she might like it." Girls like dresses, right?
"Something black."
"What?"
"Buy her something black. She said she needed something in black."
"Oh," Shinji said, blinking. "Thank you."
"We were looking for dresses too," Asuka said. "Ikari-san? What color do you think would look good on me?" She struck a modelesque pose.
"Blue," he responded without thinking.
"Really? How come?"
"Oh, ah, well, your eyes are blue, so something with that color would bring them out. But I don't really know about fashion, or anything."
Shinji decided her blush was the signal to leave. He made a small performance of checking his watch.
"Oh, geez. Look at the time. I really have to get going." He stood before the girls could object.
"Oh, you're mean, Ikari-san. Can't you stay a little longer?"
"I wish I could, but I have a previous engagement."
Hearing him say the wordengagement made Hikari flutter.
He turned as Asuka's mouth moved again, but stopped and looked at Rei.
"Oh, I'll be over on Tuesday." He waited until she glanced up. "Misato-san invited me over, um, for my birthday."
Aware of the coming date, Rei gave no indication that she cared.
"Your birthday? Why, happy early birthday, Ikari-san!" Asuka smiled.
"Oh, thank you."
"How old are you going to be?"
"Twenty-two," Shinji said, feeling old.
"You don't look a day over eighteen. Nineteen, tops."
Asuka waited patiently for him to remark on how old she looked. She mentally observed that her patience was getting a workout ever since she met him. Shinji missed her silent pleas.
"I'll see you then, Ayanami-san." He glanced at the two other girls. "Good day."
Asuka sighed happily as he left. She watched the way his clothes hung off his lean body and did bad things to him in her mind.
"I envy you, wondergirl," she said. "You get to see him like, everyday."
"And?"
"Oh no. We are not having this conversation again. Ikari-san is hot, end of story." She formed a plan. "Say, could we—"
"No."
"Oh, come on! You didn't even let me finish!"
"No, you cannot come over Tuesday night." Rei sighed. "And no, not even if you bring a present."
"It isn't like you could stop us."
"Misato could."
Asuka cringed. Hikari snapped back to reality. An angry Misato was not to be trifled with.
"Fine," Asuka conceded. "But you have to make it up to us." She thought for a moment. "You can start by picking up the tab."
Rei brought forth her fistful of money and dropped it on the table.
"Geez, Second! Where'd you get all that?"
"Misato."
"Is she secretly loaded or something?"
"No." Rei counted the bills. Perhaps she had taken from her private stash and not the community fund. Oh well.
Rei paid the bill and gave the waiter a healthy tip.
"Happy birthday, Shinji-kun!"
"Thank you."
Misato's apartment was alive Tuesday night, the sixth of June. She had taken the initiative to invite Ritsuko and Maya to his birthday party, while purposely choosing to disregard the males at work. She could start another drunken fiasco without any help from a man, thank you very much.
Shinji had cooked again, despite it being his birthday, and Misato's feeble protests. Honestly, she was hard pressed to come up with a reason for him not to. This was probably the healthiest she'd ever eaten in her life. The five pounds she'd lost over the last month were most likely thanks to him as well.
Gee, how ever will I thank him?
She watched as he doled out his meal to the guests and Rei, who, like most dinners with Shinji, served as little more than a decoration. She looked up briefly as he passed, then dug in.
"How did he get wrangled into preparing his own birthday dinner?" Ritsuko asked. "Shouldn't you be doing that, Misato?"
"Like I'm going to force instant ramen on him today. Geez, Ritsu."
"That wasn't really what I meant…"
"I don't mind, Akagi-san, really." Shinji smiled. "I'd feel a little guilty if everyone waited on me."
Her meaning having gone over their heads, Ritsuko tried one more time.
"But… it's your birthday…"
Shinji shrugged.
"I guess I'm just not used to it."
They ate with light conversation, Misato directing the flow. Ritsuko and Maya followed along, turning a question on Shinji every so often, both curious about him for different reasons. He answered as best he could. Rei abstained from speaking, content to spend time with her food.
Dinner drew to a close and Shinji took orders for coffee and tea. As he came back with the boiling water, Misato almost tackled him.
"Time for presents!" she announced.
Maya handed him a slim package. He opened it slowly, carefully lifting the tape to avoid ripping the paper.
"Oh!" He uncovered Ichiban Industries' newest dating sim, Pioneering Heart. "Thank you, Ibuki-san." Shinji watched as she smiled happily. He swallowed the fact that he could have gotten it for free if he so chose.
"Gee, Ibuki-kun," Misato said, hanging on Shinji, "I don't know how I feel about my boyfriend playing these types of games anymore."
Maya gave an impressive flop-sweat.
"Oh, s-sorry, Katsuragi-san!"
"I really haven't had much time to play anyway," Shinji said with a playful glance to Misato.
"Short leash, Ikari-kun?"
Misato had a sudden, unpleasant image of Kaji. She kept her frown inside, determined to give Shinji a happy day. Her boyfriend scratched at his neck.
"No, not really. Misato-san is surprisingly non-possessive." He reflected on Mana and her control. He missed it sometimes.
"I trust him," Misato said. "Although sometimes I think I should keep better tabs on him. He could be a real lady-killer if I don't watch out."
"I don't think so…" Shinji said, blushing.
"And that would be too familiar for you, eh?" Ritsuko asked her friend.
"Watch it," Misato coughed.
Shinji flustered, desperate to ask for another present to avoid conflict, but not wanting to seem greedy, either. He sat and sweated.
"Well, here you go, Ikari-kun."
Ritsuko gave Shinji a movie, and the hint that he should watch it with Misato.
"Thank you, Akagi-san."
The night froze a degree or two, and everyone waited as Rei finished her meal.
"Rei," Misato said, straining, "do you have anything for Shinji?"
The albino blinked, and looked up from her food. She passed him a small box without wrapping, or words.
"Thank you, Ayanami-san."
"You have not opened it yet," she stated.
"Oh, right."
He found several old SDAT tapes, seemingly picked at random from the classical section.
"Wow! Thank you, Ayanami-san. How did you know I had an SDAT?"
"I simply deduced what device you were most likely to have based upon your age."
"Wow," he said again. "That's impressive."
"Not really." She glanced at him. "The food is good, again." She cleared her place and left for her room without further conversation.
"But Rei, what about cake?"
The sound of her door closing was all the answer Misato received.
"Well," Ritsuko said, "that was festive."
Misato didn't know what it was about those two. Rei and Ritsuko had never gotten along. Like their animosity towards each other was ingrained. She sighed, putting it out of her mind. She adapted to her worries by overcompensating.
"Open mine! Open mine!"
Shinji tried to lift the heavy box and failed.
"Guess I'll open it here," he said, blushing a little. "Wow," he gasped as he finally disrobed the gift. "A television?"
"You didn't have one, so now you do."
"Misato-san, I don't know if I can accept this…"
"Why not? Did you want something bigger? That's all I could afford…"
"No! No, that's not it. This… this is a lot. You really shouldn't have."
Misato grinned.
"Well, if you feel so bad about it, you can pay me the difference. I'm sure we can come to an amicable agreement."
Her tone and demeanor made Shinji blush.
"Thank you," he squeaked. He paused a breath, then leaned over and pecked her on the lips.
"That's a good start," Misato said.
Maya bit her tongue from declaring how cute they still were. Ritsuko just smiled.
"Hey, uh, go home, would you? I want my boyfriend alone for awhile."
"Misato-san…"
She giggled.
"You're so fun to tease." She kissed his cheek, and slid up to his ear. "I'm not kidding," she whispered. "I really want to—"
"Okay!" Shinji said, standing up. "Who wants more tea or coffee? Anyone?" He escaped to the kitchen with his orders.
Misato watched him go, her eyes hanging on his backside. Ritsuko saw and sighed.
"Should we leave? I don't want you to overload or anything."
"Nah, stick around. Not much we could do with Rei here, anyways." She sighed.
Shinji returned with cake and more hot water. He passed them out. Everyone ate, momentarily suspending diets and good intentions. Misato rose to help him clear the dishes from dinner, and made a subtle play on his backside. He almost dropped the plates in his hands.
What is her fascination with my behind? He told himself it wasn't anything special. He glanced at Misato's departing form. Not like hers. He bit his cheek, chastising himself for thinking dirty thoughts. He blushed as he thought of that one heated night in his apartment when things had gotten out of hand.
It's not like I hated it, he thought. I just felt like she, I don't know, deserved something. She's waited an awful long time, I suppose. For him, things felt like they were moving too fast. But I made a decision. I made it, and I have to abide by it. He smiled. I do care for her. I shouldn't make it sound like a prison sentence.
"I think I could…" he said to himself.
Shinji stared at his new SDAT tapes, as if hidden messages would appear. Misato wondered aloud what he was doing between mouthfuls of cake. He glanced up, frowning.
"Are you sure she isn't angry with me? She seemed annoyed at something."
"Oh, Rei always acts like that. Don't take it personal."
"I see."
"She just needs a boyfriend," Misato said. "But at her rate she'll be old and grey before she notices any boy."
"Maybe she's just shy," Maya offered, speaking from experience.
"Nah. It's like she just doesn't care. It's weird."
"Maybe she just needs to find the right guy," the doctor said. Ritsuko wasn't blind. She noticed all the quick glances Rei had given Shinji tonight. She'd worn a puzzled expression, as if trying to decipher some great mystery.
"Have someone in mind, Ritsu? Didn't know you hung out with grade schoolers."
Ritsuko coughed.
"Just stating an opinion."
Misato chuckled.
"I think she should do something with her hair, you know? It's a cool color but she never combs it. Guys care about hair, right? I don't know."
Maya clapped her hands together.
"We could go to a salon! And buy her a dress or something."
"Good luck with that. I'm afraid you'll be disappointed."
"Her complexion is awfully pale," Ritsuko remarked. "And that school uniform isn't doing anything for her, either."
"I know!" Misato said. "I'm glad work is lenient about that kind of thing."
"Clean her up a bit and she's sure to catch someone's eye."
"Actually, I think she's quite pretty."
Everyone stared at Shinji. His color rose under their steady gaze.
"Really?" Ritsuko said, sounding very much like she was dissecting a math problem.
"You really think so?" Misato waited for an answer.
"Well… yeah. I do. She's very unique."
Misato kept her stern face on a moment longer, then it buckled and she laughed.
"Oh! You're so sweet!" She hugged him.
"What? You don't think so?"
"Well of course I do. I'm like her parent."
Maya and Ritsuko discreetly looked elsewhere.
"Well, um, I'm surprised she doesn't already have a boyfriend. I mean, she's smart, pretty, and very mature. I'd think she could have her pick."
"H-hey," Misato said. "Take it easy, there."
"Ikari-kun," Ritsuko said, leveling her gaze at him, "I don't really know what you were like in school, but boys her age don't usually go for the mature and unique. Hell, most men don't either." She stopped herself from saying something derogatory about Misato. You're proof of that.
"Then perhaps you're right, Akagi-san. She just hasn't met the right one."
"I suppose. I hope she does one day. Girl could use a little happiness."
Shinji fell quiet, though he wanted to ask more. The conversation died.
The four adults were blessed with a small bout of stupidity, as they seemed to forget how thin Japanese walls were. Rei lay on her bed, staring at the ceiling, believing she had dreamt their words. Sleep did not claim her for some time.
Ritsuko and Maya left, citing the time, and tomorrow's work load. They wished Shinji a happy birthday again, and he thanked them for their gifts. He sighed as the door slid shut after them, glad the night was almost over. Misato had other ideas.
"Do you feel any older, birthday boy?" she asked, hugging him from behind. He smiled.
"Thank you," Shinji said. "This has honestly been the best birthday I've ever had."
It really doesn't take much to make him happy, does it?
He took her hands and raised them to his lips, delicately kissing each finger. The act never failed to turn Misato on. She rubbed against his back, placing her lips on the ridges of his spine below his hair. This went on until she couldn't stand it anymore and turned him around. She kissed him greedily, her hands raking through his hair. His finger tips touched upon her shoulders. Air soon became a necessity.
"It's getting late," he said.
"It sure is," she said.
As she moved in for round two, he told her he had something for her.
"What?"
"Close your eyes. It's a surprise."
"Close my eyes?"
Shinji smiled a yes, then placed her hands over her face. She heard him rustling around near her, but maintained her blindness.
Oh, damn, this is hot.
"Okay, you can look."
Misato forgot she had a child in the next room, and that Shinji wasn't aggressive. Her imagination sparked to life as she opened her eyes.
"Huh?"
He held out a wrapped box for her, complete with ribbon and bow.
"What's this?"
"It's for you."
"Wh-why?"
He blushed.
"I didn't want to be the only one getting gifts today." Seeing she was about to object, he pushed the box into her hands. "Just think of it as a thank you, for all you've done. Please, open it."
She sighed through her teeth.
"Shinji, it's your birthday, and I—"
He kissed her.
That's one way to shut me up.
He helped her unwrap the box, giving her quick, light kisses. Soon the present was uncovered.
"Shinji… it's beautiful." She held up a long black dress with delicate lace at the throat and ends. This must have cost a fortune.
"Would you try it on for me?"
Hell yes!
She began stripping in front of him. He turned red and looked behind him. Misato smiled at his courtesy. She frowned as she worked the dress up her legs.
"It's… a little tight."
Shinji slumped.
"Oh, no. I didn't know your size, so I had to guess." He turned back around. "How small is it?"
Misato grinned at him, trying to laugh, as she spilled out of the small dress.
"It isn't that bad. Really."
"Good lord! You can't wear that!"
Misato let out her breath which threatened to tear the fabric.
"Oh thank God." She slid out of it. "Whew. You really thought I was that skinny? I thought you'd know by now."
"Sorry. I told you I had to guess."
Misato considered leaving her clothes off, but relented to his persistent blushing.
They went back to the living room, and sat at the table. Night was fast approaching. Below them the street lights flickered into existence. The apartment was still, and calm, and good. The two reclined in their seats, a pleasant, silent exchange spreading between them making both feel warm. They finished the last of the cake, or were going to, had Shinji not stopped himself. He packed his piece up and put it in the refrigerator with Rei's name on it.
As he closed the door, he was struck with how comfortable he was with them. Like he was meant to be here his entire life. For the first time in his life, he felt like he really belonged somewhere. He almost cried.
"Shinji-kun?"
He turned and gazed at her for the longest of times. He smiled.
"I love you, Katsuragi Misato."
She stared at him, mouth open a sliver, tears forming in her eyes. She stood on shaking legs.
"Shinji…"
She kissed him, almost angrily, forcing her tongue inside him. His surprised moan only spurred her on. Needless to say, this wasn't the reaction he was expecting. Or hoping for. He tried to extract himself from her embrace and was pushed back in place.
"Misato-san," he gasped as she came up for breath.
"I love you, Shinji," she cried. "I love you."
End of Chapter 9
Author's notes: Almost to chapter 10, which will up the cheese factor significantly. Thanks to everyone who read and reviewed up to this point, and thanks for being patient with Rei. Next chapter will hopefully clear up a few things regarding her attitude.
On the subject of stuttering. Medically, I once heard it can be caused by sexual repression. Although how that would relate to Shinji is beyond me. Yes, he stutters a lot, and yes, he barely does it in the series, and yes, it was a very conscious decision on my part. But as this went on, I just felt that losing both his parents, being betrayed by the woman he was going to marry, and nearly getting killed would sort of fuck him up. It was either a speech impediment or a psychotic break. Plus, I think it's kind of cute.
Okay. Even I'm getting tired of Shinji calling those damn teens "san". Sorry about the whole girls meeting up with Shinji bit. I needed a space filler.
Shinji saying "I love you". Seems he did most of the gift giving on his own birthday. Hmm. I'll admit that's a little unbelievable, but cut me some slack. I wanted to end on a happy note. It'll also make the beginning of chapter 10 less jarring. But just for clarification: no, they haven't slept together yet. Not that they haven't messed around. As for that "one night that got out of hand", I like to call it chapter 8.5. Though I doubt it'll ever see the light of the internet.
Reviewer rongten. Yeah, this is actually a point I've wanted to talk about for awhile. I agree that though Misato sometimes presents a flirty, happy-go-lucky attitude towards dating in the series, there isn't actually a lot of proof to back the claim up. There were more important things to deal with. In TLW, there aren't more important things to deal with. Not that I think she's "easy" or anything, but just like in episode 25… or 26, I forget… Hyuuga says something to the effect of 'you don't care who you sleep with, as long as you're not alone'. I put some stock in that. Not a lot, but she does admit how much she hates to be alone. I believe that Misato is, fundamentally, a person who hates being by herself. This isn't a slap to her character. I think she's one of the more, if not most, admirable people in the series. But you're right: this is an AU. I just imagined her as someone who enjoys the company of men. I wanted to make her experienced, worldly, in contrast to Shinji's naiveté and (technical) virginity. Thanks for the review.
Chapter 1 of Witness, my Asuka fic, should be up on mediaminer. And believe me, it's there for a reason. Yeah, due to the rating system over there I had to make it "X" and label it as hentai, but don't get too excited. If you're expecting a waffy, romantic, TLW-style lemon, you're going to be disappointed. If you do decide to check it out, it is at your own risk. It isn't for kiddies, and it's over ten thousand words long. Sorry. A lot happens in chapter 1. Also, if you're looking for an original plot, go elsewhere. It's something I'm sure you're all well acquainted with by now. Chapter 3 might grab your interest. It's only seven chapters long, so don't worry about me dragging it out, either. It's kind of a double threat for me, being my first attempt at writing Asuka seriously and taking a stab at darkfiction. Later chapters even showcase my horrific action writing. Reviews and criticisms are always welcomed, even if you just want to tell me how messed up I am. Which I am. And if you're mean to me, I'll post chapter 8.5 of True Love Waits to punish you.
This chapter is officially dedicated to my sister and new brother, who are to be wed over Labor Day weekend. Congratulations, Kat and Mike D.!
Big thanks to the Vision of Escaflowne soundtracks. Yoko Kanno is a musical goddess. I worship at her altar daily. She helps me write good.