A/n: ok, here comes the beef. =) If its too long say something to me. Cause
if you don't it may just get longer every chapter. "Talking" =Thinking=
Chapter 8: a bond.
When nothing of great significance happens, Shinji can't help but feel in high spirits. He hasn't gone to school for three days. Most of his time has been just sitting at home taking advantage of what ever peace he could get, visiting Rei and bringing her some remedies for a cold, and waiting for when his simple times would end. He was always thinking of how his simple times would be coming to a screeching halt ever since Rei had told him of their new mission in securing a special package for Gendo. =Bad times indeed. = Shinji thought as he laid in his bed contemplating on how he would face it all again.
Now it was time to stop feeling normal. Even Rei didn't want anything to change. She and Shinji still haven't had a chance to talk on the level that they both really wanted, but that was still ok with them. The company was enough. So, with Rei feeling better and Shinji controlling his emotions to his liking, they decided it was time to start school again.
Early in the morning they were both already awake an hour before they should be. Shinji let out a sigh. "Here we go again." He began to remember his first day of school and how it was most unpleasant. He was beaten up for something that he couldn't help, and an angel attacked. Shinji then laughed, "Rei stood up for me, and I never even thanked her properly. Haha... I have to remember... to return the favor." Shinji then got up and decided he would have a shower to wake himself up.
Rei was sitting on the edge of her bed playing with the SDAT player Shinji had let her borrow. It had done what Shinji said it would do. But now she thought that she did not need its aid anymore. "I wonder how Shinji has been without this for these past three days. He seems to be happier than usual with his thoughts. Only in times of hardship does he rely on this... I shall be returning this soon then." Rei also knew that the peaceful times would end as well. She then placed the SDAT player on her nightstand and stood up, deciding to take a shower.
Finally it was seven on the dot. Rei was already standing outside her apartment when Shinji came out. "Good morning Shinji." Rei said. "Morning Rei." Shinji said as he was locking his door. "I hope this'll be better than my first day at school. Here lemme take that for you." Shinji then took Rei's book bag from her. Rei was almost startled at what Shinji was doing but held back her surprise. " I wonder if anyone even noticed us missing," Shinji jokingly said, but Rei took these words into consideration. =It is of no concern to our class if we are there or not, yet I feel that such thoughts are hurtful to Shinji and myself. We only have each other it seems. =
"Lets get going Rei."
+++++At school+++++
Shinji and Rei got to school twenty minutes early. They didn't need the extra time anymore cause all their injuries were practically healed. Both of them just walked to their desks next to each other. Shinji took out his books and Rei turned her head towards the window. Shinji saw that she was doing it again. She always stared out that window. It must be a way for her to escape this boredom. Shinji in turn looked in the direction Rei was to see if there was anything in particular she was staring at.
"Shinji Ikari. Rei Ayanami. Looks like you're finally back." Both Rei and Shinji turned to see that it was Hikari talking. "I'll get your work you missed for you both. I don't want anyone to fall behind." She then went to a file cabinet in the back of the class and started rummaging through papers. Rei and Shinji then looked as if nothing had happened and turned back to what they were doing. Shinji was now staring at his desktop instead though.
Soon after a pile of work was in their bags courtesy of Hikari the class begun. It was a lecture on the second impact. That was always the first and last subject of the day. Every student in class zoned out until lunchtime.
When the saving bell rang, Rei stood up silently and walked outside under a tree as she usually does in replacement of the bench farthest from people. The rest of the class dispersed into their usual rituals. Shinji sat for a moment in his desk. "Well... the only person I know is Rei." With that decided he went to where Rei was sitting. "Mind if I eat lunch with you Rei." Shinji asked innocently. "Do you mind sitting with me?" Rei responded almost sadly. "What? Of course not Rei. I wanted to sit with you. I...uhh...mean..."
"Please sit then Shinji" Shinji then moved over and sat next to Rei. Since the tree wasn't very large Shinji and Rei were sitting nearly shoulder to shoulder. Rei bit into her apple staring along side of the school to the trees off in the distance. Shinji took out his sandwich looking around the schoolyard. He saw Rei staring at something again. "Hey Rei, what're you always looking at?"
"I am looking at nothing in particular...it is just easier to look at nothing when one thinks." Shinji was confused a bit. He didn't know what Rei meant but was hesitant to ask. He didn't want to embarrass himself in front of Rei. He then thought, what the hell, "what do you...mean Rei?"
"I am just thinking of daily occurrences when it appears I am staring at something." Rei said as a fact. "Oh." Shinji wanted to kick himself. That's why most people stare off into nothing anyway. He thought that Rei was, maybe, a little different. Nothing that was insulting. But different in a good way.
Before the silence got uncomfortable Toji and Kensuke came walking over. Rei met Toji's eyes with a frown. This meeting obviously made Toji very uncomfortable but Kensuke kept poking Toji in the back. Shinji made no effort to meet Toji's eyes or move for that matter.
Rei was the first one to speak, "what is it that you require of us?" with a stern tone. "Toji then stumbled on his words, "I came...to apologize...to both of yous. I was just upset that day. And I didn't know the truth...sorry."
Rei then stood up defiantly, " I do not accept your apology."
"Wait a sec Rei he seems like he's really sorry. He didn't hit me that hard. Really." Shinji said as he stood up to face Rei. "If I forgive him. I know that you can too."
Rei thought that Shinji was being irrational. "He purposely hurt you though..." She said looking deep into Shinji's eyes to try and pick up on any hidden thoughts. She saw nothing but compassion in his eyes. =I am being illogical? I have had my judgment clouded by my feelings for Shinji. = Shinji then put his hand on her shoulder gently, "It's ok Rei, he seems like a nice enough guy."
"No problem...Toji...right?" Toji then bowed to Shinji and Rei, "It'll never happen again. You know what, we should be friends. Not everyone would forgive me for something like that right away." Toji jokingly said. He then walked over to Shinji and patted him on the back. Then he smiled to Rei.
"Oh man, this guy's really embarrassing." Kensuke said aloud to himself.
=After such an ordeal between them, they can still forgive each other as if nothing unpleasant has happened. Shinji feels happy with this decision...I am glad for him. However, I will still watch Toji to see if he is just trying to get close enough to have Shinji drop his guard. I do not trust him completely. I will try though... for Shinji. =
All of the sudden Hikari came running up behind them, " you better have made up with everyone Toji." She said with one hand on her hip and the other pointing at Toji's face. "Don't worry, I cleared it all up." Toji explained.
"Well...good then." Hikari then walked over and kissed Toji on the cheek, "I'll see you later, and I'm coming with you to visit your sister again." She then went back inside the school building.
"Gee Toji, she doesn't spend as much time with you now that all her responsibilities for the absent students are catching up with her." Kensuke said.
"Well what's a class rep for then? She likes the extra responsibilities and stuff." Toji said with a hidden meaning in his words. Hikari always kept herself busy with school and extra curricular activities. She was living with her two sisters because her parents were killed. She never told Toji how it happened but he knew it was hard on her. Toji was the only one that she would talk to about her problems. He never said anything to anyone because he promised he wouldn't. Sometimes he would try and have her get some help to deal with all her problem. She always kept insisting that they weren't as bad as they seemed.
Toji had always liked Hikari for everything that she was. She felt the same way about him after she got through his rough exterior. They were definitely made for each other. With all the support Toji gave Hikari, they became very close. Only revealing their true thoughts and feelings to each other. Had Rei known of this bond between Hikari and Toji, she would have trusted him right away. They had kept it a secret until earlier in the year where they started to acknowledge to the class their boyfriend girlfriend relationship.
Shinji and Rei sat back down in their original spots, next to the tree. Toji and Kensuke looked at each other and smiled. "So Shinji, how long have you and Rei been a item?" this makes Shinji turn nearly beat red. It even brought a slight blush over Rei. "I...uhh...what do you mean... Rei and I... we're... I mean..."
"No need to freak out on us Shinji-man. We're just asking that's all. You don't have to tell us how deep you two are... yet." Kensuke said with a huge grin on his face. Before Toji could throw in his comment the bell rang. Lunch was over. "Whew, saved by the bell." Shinji thought. He and Rei quickly got up and walked to the classroom. Both of them were embarrassed at the obvious fact that they were attracted to each other. As they went to their seats Shinji felt very flushed and put his head down on the desk. Once the teacher started talking he took a glance at Rei. She was looking back at him appearing to be in deep thought. Once she noticed Shinji was looking at her she started to blush again and turned her head to the window.
=My feelings for Shinji have become less controllable. They have already clouded my judgment in its most common sense. Perhaps the time is coming for me to talk to Shinji about my feelings. I will act upon them soon enough...=
School ended with a better sense then it did the last time for Shinji. He had made new friends and his feelings for Rei were more in perspective. He could tell that by the way that she was acting, that she had some sort of feelings for him.
Things like this went on for a week's time. Everyone was getting along very well. A true pact had been formed between them. Shinji would talk and hang out with Toji and Kensuke sometimes during school. Rei would even be pulled into their conversations and antics sometimes. Hikari would run in with a few words to everyone and smile at Toji before she started up with her class duties. The best times were when they would all have a chance to just sit in the schoolyard together and talk about everything and nothing all at once.
Rei still had trouble adapting to everyone because she still had trouble with even expressing herself to Shinji. The one person she thought could possibly understand what she was going through. When the mood became too uncomfortable for her she excused herself and left. Every time she left all eyes would turn to Shinji. Finally the group spoke up about it.
"Hey Shinji, why don't you go and talk to Rei. You can tell she feels out of place with us sometimes." Hikari said.
"Yeah Shinji man. I bet she'd really like it if you went after her just once." Toji said to help strengthen Hikari's argument.
Shinji opened his mouth to respond but was interrupted by Kensuke, " just go talk to her. You'll feel better once you do it. We can all see that you have it in for her."
A blushing Shinji said, "okay okay, you don't have to tell me twice."
Shinji knew that Rei was always coming to the point where she was going to open up to her and then there was always her usual self that kicked in, the self that didn't want anyone to know about. The self that didn't express her feelings. A simple nod was all the response that was issued. Shinji didn't like when she resorted to that. She didn't like it either. "It's time for you to open yourself up." Shinji whispered under his breath when Rei came into his sight.
She was sitting under the tree that she always did. She saw Shinji and closed the book the she was reading. She met his presence with a warm gaze of her crimson eyes. Shinji almost forgot what he was going to say. He stood for a second looking into her eyes and... did forget.
Rei was happy that Shinji had come to talk to her. All the times that she goes to be by herself, she always wanted someone to come and talk to her. It was somewhat of a dream of hers to have someone care for her enough to come and provide her comfort. And there was Shinji. Doing what she had always wanted someone to do. =I'm glad he is here. =
"Please sit down Shinji." Rei said because he was standing there with a lost look on his face. As soon as he complied and sat down next to her, both of their small black pagers went off at the same time. [An angel has been confirmed. Report at once.]
+++++
In no time the town had gone into panic. Rei and Shinji had arrived at NERV in a moments notice. Shinji was going to take on the angel himself by order of Misato. The commander wasn't present and now was not the time to worry about that.
Shinji was in his plug suit and ushered into unit 01. He was determined to have this finish quickly. He felt that his time with Rei was more important to him at the moment. But he didn't want to disappoint anyone. He still wanted to protect her.
All that was left was the launch to the surface. His ascent had begun. "Energy is gathering in the core of the angel." Ritsuko shouted from her station. As soon as Shinji was exposed to line of sight of the angel it opened fire on him before any reactions could be made.
Only screaming could be heard from his COM link.
+++++In the hospital wing+++++
"I don't like this ceiling..." Shinji said as soon as he was able to open his eyes and realize where he was. He sat up to help gather his bearings quicker. He didn't want to stay in this room for too long.
All of a sudden Shinji felt panic. He realized that he was there because the angel had done this to him. The angel was still running about the city doing what it wanted. He didn't know what was happening on the surface.
"Conserve your energy Shinji. We will soon need to pilot the Evangelion again." Rei said as she placed her hand on Shinji's. Her words were soothing him. But the feeling didn't last. "Both of us?" Shinji asked with a soft whisper.
"That is correct. We will proceed according to plan in one hour. I must go check in with command on the details." Rei then got up and walked to the door and turned back to Shinji. "I am relieved that you are uninjured... I will return shortly." She quietly said.
"I must have worried everyone. I hope that no one's been hurt because of my mistakes."
+++++Control room+++++
"So Shinji's awake huh? Okay...so...what's the damage report in unit 01" Misato said aloud to everyone in the control room.
"It's not as bad as it looked. Only the armor was damaged. It's almost repaired." Ritsuko said. "Good thing that we were able to get him back when we did." Maya chimed in.
"What's the damage on the city?" Misato then asked in a fearful tone. She knew that the angel had gone into a shooting spree after it had seen unit 01. She could only think the worst...and she wasn't too far off.
"It...hit a shelter directly. We're doing all we can right now. Death tolls are in the hundreds right now. We don't know how much they will rise." Ritsuko said unwillingly. "We have to take this angel down. When are we going to start the operation captain?"
"In an hour. That's when we'll kick into action. I'll brief Rei on it right now, then I'll have her relay it to Shinji." Misato said with a sigh.
Right on cue Rei came in.
"Ok Rei, here's where we stand..."
+++++5 minute's later in the hospital wing+++++
Shinji was sitting in the bed already in his new plug suit. =What are the angels? Why is it that we have to fight them? I don't even know what I'm up against here. =
Rei came in also wearing her plug suit and holding a mission card. She handed it to Shinji; "you are to use a high powered riffle at long distance while I am to shield you from any attacks."
"Rei...I..."
"We must go to the rendezvous point and await for the city's power down in order to charge the riffle...we will talk there." Shinji nodded in a dazed and confused look. A lot was happening in a short amount of time. This angel attack was already threatening the lives of many people, and Rei was supposed to protect Shinji. He knew there was nothing that he could do about it. But he wanted too.
Shinji and Rei left to what was feeling like a death march. Unbeknownst to Shinji, many had already died. If he had known that the angel had killed so many he would have blamed himself and given up all hope. The only thing now was preventing it from killing everyone. +++++Outskirts of the city+++++
Unit 01 and unit 00 were placed in a ready position. Shinji and Rei had twenty minutes to kill before all power was converted to their point. Now is their chance to talk.
A silence stretches across the land, as everyone is underground. A cool breeze reminds them they are still among the living. You wouldn't be able to tell anyone has been in the city from there anyway.
Shinji steps down from unit 01 and sits between the two enormous Eva's, a few paces away from the gate at the cliffs end. Rei emerges from her Eva and comes to sit next to Shinji. She sits closer to him then both of them realize because they are shoulder to shoulder. Even closer than they were at school under Rei's tree. The feelings they had at school returned to both of them. This time they were better prepared.
Shinji was staring of into the vastness of the mountains adjacent to the city. "Rei..." Shinji said with a hesitation that pointed to him thinking harder about something than he had ever done before. "Why do we do this? Why are we the ones that have to save the world from the angels?"
Rei thought about this for a moment. "We are bonded Shinji."
"What do you mean Rei? What are we bonded to?"
"Do you not feel this bond between all things?"
"I don't know Rei. I can't feel the bond between everything. I feel that I am cut off from the world. Maybe different enough to not be a part of the bond. Because I've known nothing besides being alone."
Rei widened her eyes at Shinji's answer. Maybe he was right. Maybe being an outcast cut certain ties to one's self. How is it that one that is alone by choice can be bonded to something unwillingly?
Then there was a revelation. Rei knew that Shinji still did have some bonds. Perhaps one of the bonds was with her. She looked over to him trying to read his body language. What he said is what he meant. He was completely honest in all respects.
"Shinji...I also know nothing but being alone. Yet I still feel that you and I share something that no one else does. Our bond is greater than most."
Shinji was beginning to understand. From the start of their relationship he protected her. She feels the same way. Only wanting his safety.
"What if this is our last mission Rei? What if we don't make it?"
"Why would you say such a thing?" Rei said as she slightly turned her head. Shinji's emotions were almost overpowering him. Rei could sense it. He was frightened at what the outcome of this battle could be. She wanted Shinji to tell her what brought about such things.
"Maybe cause we haven't had enough time...I know I haven't."
She knew what he was talking about and could relate to it by every word. The odds are if anyone were killed in this mission, it would be her. For the first time ever, she valued her life. She did not want to be replaceable. She wanted her time to count.
Rei couldn't help it. It was almost an instinctive reaction that she had no objections with. She scooted as close as she could get to Shinji and put her head on his shoulder.
"I wish my last moments to be pleasant as well Shinji." Rei said as she closed her eyes and put her hand in Shinji's.
Rei's closeness made Shinji tense up briefly, but then he submitted to it. Her words were more than frightening but he didn't want to spoil the moment, which he had to also admit, may be their last together.
The silence was nothing but comforting. Both were wishing that nothing would take this moment from them. When the lights of the city started to go out Rei stood up and faced away from Shinji, "goodbye Shinji." She then hurried into unit 00 before a response could be made.
Shinji stared blankly at unit 00 for a moment. He thought, = I could really lose her tonight... and I don't have anything I can do about it. = He then came back to the real world and ran to unit 01.
+++++
Shinji and Rei were in position. With darkness surrounding the angel it was an easy target. =I've got a clear shot. I can't miss. = Thought Shinji as unit 01 brought the angel into view of the riffle.
As Shinji pulled the trigger the angel shot an energy beam of its own causing the two to flay violently off course. Shinji quickly reloaded but the chamber still had to cool. Not enough time...
The angel got off a shot before Shinji could react. He froze with fear. Right before it hit, Rei in unit 00 jumped in front of Shinji. Rei's strain could be heard over the COM link. Shinji knew he had to act fast. His next shot went through without a hitch, dropping the massive angel.
Unit 00 then relieved of the strain fell limply to the ground. Shinji made a quick move to turn the unit 00 on its back and remove the entry plug. As soon as he could, he placed it on the ground and got out of his Eva.
"Rei!! Rei!!" Shinji shouted as he ran over to the entry plug. Wincing in pain as he opened the super heated hatch he then broke down into tears when he saw Rei.
She appeared to be unconscious but Shinji didn't know what to think anymore. He pulled her out of the entry plug and sat her up slightly. "Rei...please..." he couldn't do anything but sit there and cry silently.
Once he felt her stir, relief washed over him. Now his tears were tears of joy. Rei opened her eyes and the first thing she saw was Shinji crying. "Why are you crying?" Rei said tiredly. Shinji looked at her and smiled. " I thought that I had lost you. Please never say goodbye when we go on missions Rei. I don't want to think about what could have happened."
Rei smiled at the thought of someone caring for her enough to cry. She brought her hand up to Shinji's check and gently touched it. "I almost gave up on life. I am sorry Shinji." Shinji brought Rei closer and hugged her. He was at a loss for words.
Off in the distance a NERV medical team could be heard coming. Everything was going to be all right.
+++++Next day: Rei and Shinji's apartment building. +++++
The phone rang in Rei's apartment. It could only be Gendo.
"Hello." Rei said answering the phone
"You and Shinji are to be picked up in thirty minutes by jet. They will take you to the navy fleet carrying unit 02 and a suitcase of special interest. Your main concern is the contents of the suitcase. Kaji Ryoji has been instructed to hand it over promptly but if he is to resist, any action to get it may be deemed appropriate."
"Understood."
There was a click, and then the dial tone was heard.
+++++
A NERV company jet arrived right on time for Shinji and Rei. Misato was sitting inside it waiting for them.
"Hey Rei, hey Shinji." Misato said with a warm smile. "You two did great yesterday. Sorry I couldn't say that yesterday to you, but I had a ton of paper work. Disposing of those angels is pricey." She said with an embarrassed grin.
As Shinji and Rei sat down opposite of Misato, Shinji said, "I'm just glad that no one was hurt."
Misato tensed at his word. She thought that he had known by now. =I guess it would be best if he heard it from me instead of someone like his father. Looks like I've got to prepare myself for an uncomfortable ride again...here goes. =
"Shinji...I guess I'm the best person to tell you this. One of the angel's random shots hit a shelter directly."
Shinji could only lower his head in shame. He already knew by Misato's tone that there were a lot dead. He was blaming himself again. He felt that he was the only one to blame. "How bad...was it Misato?"
"Bad Shinji...the death toll came to...two hundred and thirty-seven. Not one survivor. The residents of D block home at the time were the victims."
Shinji clenched his fist. He wanted it all to end. He couldn't think of a way out.
Rei sat there looking at Misato as if she had offended Shinji. She thought that this was a bad time to tell Shinji of dire events. She gripped Shinji's hand and leaned over to him as to keep what she was telling him inaudible from Misato, "do not contemplate too long on past events. They are not your doing Shinji." Shinji raised his head to meet Rei's eyes. Her look said that she was serious about what she had said. Shinji then gave out a little laugh, "thanks a lot Rei." he then put his hand over hers.
Misato sat there in awe at how both the two quietest people she had ever encountered came to be so close and responsive to each other. =Whoever said opposites attract was dead wrong. =
Everyone was caught up in a flurry of thoughts that no one had noticed that they had already landed. Then a voice caught everyone by surprise.
"Well. Looks like the first and third child are acquainted already." The arrogant tone brought all eyes on her just as was expected.
"Allow me to interrupt and introduce myself. Asuka Langley Soryu. Second child chosen by the Mar Duke report, and pilot of Evangelion unit 02."
Rei stared inertly at Asuka and thought. =Red...the color I hate. =
A/N: ok, there be it. That was a chapter for the hopeless romantics in a way. I wanted this chapter to show how close Rei and Shinji have become. Now I can move on to how much I can mess with everyone's minds again. It's gonna be fun. Gendo will be back from his trip. And has Rei already made up her mind on Asuka? Coming up on our next endeavor, depression will take its toll on us all So get ready for next time cause here comes the hurt. See you space cowboy... oh wait wrong anime.
Much thanks to one of my pre readers VengefulPirate. He can spell and all that stuff way better than I.
Chapter 8: a bond.
When nothing of great significance happens, Shinji can't help but feel in high spirits. He hasn't gone to school for three days. Most of his time has been just sitting at home taking advantage of what ever peace he could get, visiting Rei and bringing her some remedies for a cold, and waiting for when his simple times would end. He was always thinking of how his simple times would be coming to a screeching halt ever since Rei had told him of their new mission in securing a special package for Gendo. =Bad times indeed. = Shinji thought as he laid in his bed contemplating on how he would face it all again.
Now it was time to stop feeling normal. Even Rei didn't want anything to change. She and Shinji still haven't had a chance to talk on the level that they both really wanted, but that was still ok with them. The company was enough. So, with Rei feeling better and Shinji controlling his emotions to his liking, they decided it was time to start school again.
Early in the morning they were both already awake an hour before they should be. Shinji let out a sigh. "Here we go again." He began to remember his first day of school and how it was most unpleasant. He was beaten up for something that he couldn't help, and an angel attacked. Shinji then laughed, "Rei stood up for me, and I never even thanked her properly. Haha... I have to remember... to return the favor." Shinji then got up and decided he would have a shower to wake himself up.
Rei was sitting on the edge of her bed playing with the SDAT player Shinji had let her borrow. It had done what Shinji said it would do. But now she thought that she did not need its aid anymore. "I wonder how Shinji has been without this for these past three days. He seems to be happier than usual with his thoughts. Only in times of hardship does he rely on this... I shall be returning this soon then." Rei also knew that the peaceful times would end as well. She then placed the SDAT player on her nightstand and stood up, deciding to take a shower.
Finally it was seven on the dot. Rei was already standing outside her apartment when Shinji came out. "Good morning Shinji." Rei said. "Morning Rei." Shinji said as he was locking his door. "I hope this'll be better than my first day at school. Here lemme take that for you." Shinji then took Rei's book bag from her. Rei was almost startled at what Shinji was doing but held back her surprise. " I wonder if anyone even noticed us missing," Shinji jokingly said, but Rei took these words into consideration. =It is of no concern to our class if we are there or not, yet I feel that such thoughts are hurtful to Shinji and myself. We only have each other it seems. =
"Lets get going Rei."
+++++At school+++++
Shinji and Rei got to school twenty minutes early. They didn't need the extra time anymore cause all their injuries were practically healed. Both of them just walked to their desks next to each other. Shinji took out his books and Rei turned her head towards the window. Shinji saw that she was doing it again. She always stared out that window. It must be a way for her to escape this boredom. Shinji in turn looked in the direction Rei was to see if there was anything in particular she was staring at.
"Shinji Ikari. Rei Ayanami. Looks like you're finally back." Both Rei and Shinji turned to see that it was Hikari talking. "I'll get your work you missed for you both. I don't want anyone to fall behind." She then went to a file cabinet in the back of the class and started rummaging through papers. Rei and Shinji then looked as if nothing had happened and turned back to what they were doing. Shinji was now staring at his desktop instead though.
Soon after a pile of work was in their bags courtesy of Hikari the class begun. It was a lecture on the second impact. That was always the first and last subject of the day. Every student in class zoned out until lunchtime.
When the saving bell rang, Rei stood up silently and walked outside under a tree as she usually does in replacement of the bench farthest from people. The rest of the class dispersed into their usual rituals. Shinji sat for a moment in his desk. "Well... the only person I know is Rei." With that decided he went to where Rei was sitting. "Mind if I eat lunch with you Rei." Shinji asked innocently. "Do you mind sitting with me?" Rei responded almost sadly. "What? Of course not Rei. I wanted to sit with you. I...uhh...mean..."
"Please sit then Shinji" Shinji then moved over and sat next to Rei. Since the tree wasn't very large Shinji and Rei were sitting nearly shoulder to shoulder. Rei bit into her apple staring along side of the school to the trees off in the distance. Shinji took out his sandwich looking around the schoolyard. He saw Rei staring at something again. "Hey Rei, what're you always looking at?"
"I am looking at nothing in particular...it is just easier to look at nothing when one thinks." Shinji was confused a bit. He didn't know what Rei meant but was hesitant to ask. He didn't want to embarrass himself in front of Rei. He then thought, what the hell, "what do you...mean Rei?"
"I am just thinking of daily occurrences when it appears I am staring at something." Rei said as a fact. "Oh." Shinji wanted to kick himself. That's why most people stare off into nothing anyway. He thought that Rei was, maybe, a little different. Nothing that was insulting. But different in a good way.
Before the silence got uncomfortable Toji and Kensuke came walking over. Rei met Toji's eyes with a frown. This meeting obviously made Toji very uncomfortable but Kensuke kept poking Toji in the back. Shinji made no effort to meet Toji's eyes or move for that matter.
Rei was the first one to speak, "what is it that you require of us?" with a stern tone. "Toji then stumbled on his words, "I came...to apologize...to both of yous. I was just upset that day. And I didn't know the truth...sorry."
Rei then stood up defiantly, " I do not accept your apology."
"Wait a sec Rei he seems like he's really sorry. He didn't hit me that hard. Really." Shinji said as he stood up to face Rei. "If I forgive him. I know that you can too."
Rei thought that Shinji was being irrational. "He purposely hurt you though..." She said looking deep into Shinji's eyes to try and pick up on any hidden thoughts. She saw nothing but compassion in his eyes. =I am being illogical? I have had my judgment clouded by my feelings for Shinji. = Shinji then put his hand on her shoulder gently, "It's ok Rei, he seems like a nice enough guy."
"No problem...Toji...right?" Toji then bowed to Shinji and Rei, "It'll never happen again. You know what, we should be friends. Not everyone would forgive me for something like that right away." Toji jokingly said. He then walked over to Shinji and patted him on the back. Then he smiled to Rei.
"Oh man, this guy's really embarrassing." Kensuke said aloud to himself.
=After such an ordeal between them, they can still forgive each other as if nothing unpleasant has happened. Shinji feels happy with this decision...I am glad for him. However, I will still watch Toji to see if he is just trying to get close enough to have Shinji drop his guard. I do not trust him completely. I will try though... for Shinji. =
All of the sudden Hikari came running up behind them, " you better have made up with everyone Toji." She said with one hand on her hip and the other pointing at Toji's face. "Don't worry, I cleared it all up." Toji explained.
"Well...good then." Hikari then walked over and kissed Toji on the cheek, "I'll see you later, and I'm coming with you to visit your sister again." She then went back inside the school building.
"Gee Toji, she doesn't spend as much time with you now that all her responsibilities for the absent students are catching up with her." Kensuke said.
"Well what's a class rep for then? She likes the extra responsibilities and stuff." Toji said with a hidden meaning in his words. Hikari always kept herself busy with school and extra curricular activities. She was living with her two sisters because her parents were killed. She never told Toji how it happened but he knew it was hard on her. Toji was the only one that she would talk to about her problems. He never said anything to anyone because he promised he wouldn't. Sometimes he would try and have her get some help to deal with all her problem. She always kept insisting that they weren't as bad as they seemed.
Toji had always liked Hikari for everything that she was. She felt the same way about him after she got through his rough exterior. They were definitely made for each other. With all the support Toji gave Hikari, they became very close. Only revealing their true thoughts and feelings to each other. Had Rei known of this bond between Hikari and Toji, she would have trusted him right away. They had kept it a secret until earlier in the year where they started to acknowledge to the class their boyfriend girlfriend relationship.
Shinji and Rei sat back down in their original spots, next to the tree. Toji and Kensuke looked at each other and smiled. "So Shinji, how long have you and Rei been a item?" this makes Shinji turn nearly beat red. It even brought a slight blush over Rei. "I...uhh...what do you mean... Rei and I... we're... I mean..."
"No need to freak out on us Shinji-man. We're just asking that's all. You don't have to tell us how deep you two are... yet." Kensuke said with a huge grin on his face. Before Toji could throw in his comment the bell rang. Lunch was over. "Whew, saved by the bell." Shinji thought. He and Rei quickly got up and walked to the classroom. Both of them were embarrassed at the obvious fact that they were attracted to each other. As they went to their seats Shinji felt very flushed and put his head down on the desk. Once the teacher started talking he took a glance at Rei. She was looking back at him appearing to be in deep thought. Once she noticed Shinji was looking at her she started to blush again and turned her head to the window.
=My feelings for Shinji have become less controllable. They have already clouded my judgment in its most common sense. Perhaps the time is coming for me to talk to Shinji about my feelings. I will act upon them soon enough...=
School ended with a better sense then it did the last time for Shinji. He had made new friends and his feelings for Rei were more in perspective. He could tell that by the way that she was acting, that she had some sort of feelings for him.
Things like this went on for a week's time. Everyone was getting along very well. A true pact had been formed between them. Shinji would talk and hang out with Toji and Kensuke sometimes during school. Rei would even be pulled into their conversations and antics sometimes. Hikari would run in with a few words to everyone and smile at Toji before she started up with her class duties. The best times were when they would all have a chance to just sit in the schoolyard together and talk about everything and nothing all at once.
Rei still had trouble adapting to everyone because she still had trouble with even expressing herself to Shinji. The one person she thought could possibly understand what she was going through. When the mood became too uncomfortable for her she excused herself and left. Every time she left all eyes would turn to Shinji. Finally the group spoke up about it.
"Hey Shinji, why don't you go and talk to Rei. You can tell she feels out of place with us sometimes." Hikari said.
"Yeah Shinji man. I bet she'd really like it if you went after her just once." Toji said to help strengthen Hikari's argument.
Shinji opened his mouth to respond but was interrupted by Kensuke, " just go talk to her. You'll feel better once you do it. We can all see that you have it in for her."
A blushing Shinji said, "okay okay, you don't have to tell me twice."
Shinji knew that Rei was always coming to the point where she was going to open up to her and then there was always her usual self that kicked in, the self that didn't want anyone to know about. The self that didn't express her feelings. A simple nod was all the response that was issued. Shinji didn't like when she resorted to that. She didn't like it either. "It's time for you to open yourself up." Shinji whispered under his breath when Rei came into his sight.
She was sitting under the tree that she always did. She saw Shinji and closed the book the she was reading. She met his presence with a warm gaze of her crimson eyes. Shinji almost forgot what he was going to say. He stood for a second looking into her eyes and... did forget.
Rei was happy that Shinji had come to talk to her. All the times that she goes to be by herself, she always wanted someone to come and talk to her. It was somewhat of a dream of hers to have someone care for her enough to come and provide her comfort. And there was Shinji. Doing what she had always wanted someone to do. =I'm glad he is here. =
"Please sit down Shinji." Rei said because he was standing there with a lost look on his face. As soon as he complied and sat down next to her, both of their small black pagers went off at the same time. [An angel has been confirmed. Report at once.]
+++++
In no time the town had gone into panic. Rei and Shinji had arrived at NERV in a moments notice. Shinji was going to take on the angel himself by order of Misato. The commander wasn't present and now was not the time to worry about that.
Shinji was in his plug suit and ushered into unit 01. He was determined to have this finish quickly. He felt that his time with Rei was more important to him at the moment. But he didn't want to disappoint anyone. He still wanted to protect her.
All that was left was the launch to the surface. His ascent had begun. "Energy is gathering in the core of the angel." Ritsuko shouted from her station. As soon as Shinji was exposed to line of sight of the angel it opened fire on him before any reactions could be made.
Only screaming could be heard from his COM link.
+++++In the hospital wing+++++
"I don't like this ceiling..." Shinji said as soon as he was able to open his eyes and realize where he was. He sat up to help gather his bearings quicker. He didn't want to stay in this room for too long.
All of a sudden Shinji felt panic. He realized that he was there because the angel had done this to him. The angel was still running about the city doing what it wanted. He didn't know what was happening on the surface.
"Conserve your energy Shinji. We will soon need to pilot the Evangelion again." Rei said as she placed her hand on Shinji's. Her words were soothing him. But the feeling didn't last. "Both of us?" Shinji asked with a soft whisper.
"That is correct. We will proceed according to plan in one hour. I must go check in with command on the details." Rei then got up and walked to the door and turned back to Shinji. "I am relieved that you are uninjured... I will return shortly." She quietly said.
"I must have worried everyone. I hope that no one's been hurt because of my mistakes."
+++++Control room+++++
"So Shinji's awake huh? Okay...so...what's the damage report in unit 01" Misato said aloud to everyone in the control room.
"It's not as bad as it looked. Only the armor was damaged. It's almost repaired." Ritsuko said. "Good thing that we were able to get him back when we did." Maya chimed in.
"What's the damage on the city?" Misato then asked in a fearful tone. She knew that the angel had gone into a shooting spree after it had seen unit 01. She could only think the worst...and she wasn't too far off.
"It...hit a shelter directly. We're doing all we can right now. Death tolls are in the hundreds right now. We don't know how much they will rise." Ritsuko said unwillingly. "We have to take this angel down. When are we going to start the operation captain?"
"In an hour. That's when we'll kick into action. I'll brief Rei on it right now, then I'll have her relay it to Shinji." Misato said with a sigh.
Right on cue Rei came in.
"Ok Rei, here's where we stand..."
+++++5 minute's later in the hospital wing+++++
Shinji was sitting in the bed already in his new plug suit. =What are the angels? Why is it that we have to fight them? I don't even know what I'm up against here. =
Rei came in also wearing her plug suit and holding a mission card. She handed it to Shinji; "you are to use a high powered riffle at long distance while I am to shield you from any attacks."
"Rei...I..."
"We must go to the rendezvous point and await for the city's power down in order to charge the riffle...we will talk there." Shinji nodded in a dazed and confused look. A lot was happening in a short amount of time. This angel attack was already threatening the lives of many people, and Rei was supposed to protect Shinji. He knew there was nothing that he could do about it. But he wanted too.
Shinji and Rei left to what was feeling like a death march. Unbeknownst to Shinji, many had already died. If he had known that the angel had killed so many he would have blamed himself and given up all hope. The only thing now was preventing it from killing everyone. +++++Outskirts of the city+++++
Unit 01 and unit 00 were placed in a ready position. Shinji and Rei had twenty minutes to kill before all power was converted to their point. Now is their chance to talk.
A silence stretches across the land, as everyone is underground. A cool breeze reminds them they are still among the living. You wouldn't be able to tell anyone has been in the city from there anyway.
Shinji steps down from unit 01 and sits between the two enormous Eva's, a few paces away from the gate at the cliffs end. Rei emerges from her Eva and comes to sit next to Shinji. She sits closer to him then both of them realize because they are shoulder to shoulder. Even closer than they were at school under Rei's tree. The feelings they had at school returned to both of them. This time they were better prepared.
Shinji was staring of into the vastness of the mountains adjacent to the city. "Rei..." Shinji said with a hesitation that pointed to him thinking harder about something than he had ever done before. "Why do we do this? Why are we the ones that have to save the world from the angels?"
Rei thought about this for a moment. "We are bonded Shinji."
"What do you mean Rei? What are we bonded to?"
"Do you not feel this bond between all things?"
"I don't know Rei. I can't feel the bond between everything. I feel that I am cut off from the world. Maybe different enough to not be a part of the bond. Because I've known nothing besides being alone."
Rei widened her eyes at Shinji's answer. Maybe he was right. Maybe being an outcast cut certain ties to one's self. How is it that one that is alone by choice can be bonded to something unwillingly?
Then there was a revelation. Rei knew that Shinji still did have some bonds. Perhaps one of the bonds was with her. She looked over to him trying to read his body language. What he said is what he meant. He was completely honest in all respects.
"Shinji...I also know nothing but being alone. Yet I still feel that you and I share something that no one else does. Our bond is greater than most."
Shinji was beginning to understand. From the start of their relationship he protected her. She feels the same way. Only wanting his safety.
"What if this is our last mission Rei? What if we don't make it?"
"Why would you say such a thing?" Rei said as she slightly turned her head. Shinji's emotions were almost overpowering him. Rei could sense it. He was frightened at what the outcome of this battle could be. She wanted Shinji to tell her what brought about such things.
"Maybe cause we haven't had enough time...I know I haven't."
She knew what he was talking about and could relate to it by every word. The odds are if anyone were killed in this mission, it would be her. For the first time ever, she valued her life. She did not want to be replaceable. She wanted her time to count.
Rei couldn't help it. It was almost an instinctive reaction that she had no objections with. She scooted as close as she could get to Shinji and put her head on his shoulder.
"I wish my last moments to be pleasant as well Shinji." Rei said as she closed her eyes and put her hand in Shinji's.
Rei's closeness made Shinji tense up briefly, but then he submitted to it. Her words were more than frightening but he didn't want to spoil the moment, which he had to also admit, may be their last together.
The silence was nothing but comforting. Both were wishing that nothing would take this moment from them. When the lights of the city started to go out Rei stood up and faced away from Shinji, "goodbye Shinji." She then hurried into unit 00 before a response could be made.
Shinji stared blankly at unit 00 for a moment. He thought, = I could really lose her tonight... and I don't have anything I can do about it. = He then came back to the real world and ran to unit 01.
+++++
Shinji and Rei were in position. With darkness surrounding the angel it was an easy target. =I've got a clear shot. I can't miss. = Thought Shinji as unit 01 brought the angel into view of the riffle.
As Shinji pulled the trigger the angel shot an energy beam of its own causing the two to flay violently off course. Shinji quickly reloaded but the chamber still had to cool. Not enough time...
The angel got off a shot before Shinji could react. He froze with fear. Right before it hit, Rei in unit 00 jumped in front of Shinji. Rei's strain could be heard over the COM link. Shinji knew he had to act fast. His next shot went through without a hitch, dropping the massive angel.
Unit 00 then relieved of the strain fell limply to the ground. Shinji made a quick move to turn the unit 00 on its back and remove the entry plug. As soon as he could, he placed it on the ground and got out of his Eva.
"Rei!! Rei!!" Shinji shouted as he ran over to the entry plug. Wincing in pain as he opened the super heated hatch he then broke down into tears when he saw Rei.
She appeared to be unconscious but Shinji didn't know what to think anymore. He pulled her out of the entry plug and sat her up slightly. "Rei...please..." he couldn't do anything but sit there and cry silently.
Once he felt her stir, relief washed over him. Now his tears were tears of joy. Rei opened her eyes and the first thing she saw was Shinji crying. "Why are you crying?" Rei said tiredly. Shinji looked at her and smiled. " I thought that I had lost you. Please never say goodbye when we go on missions Rei. I don't want to think about what could have happened."
Rei smiled at the thought of someone caring for her enough to cry. She brought her hand up to Shinji's check and gently touched it. "I almost gave up on life. I am sorry Shinji." Shinji brought Rei closer and hugged her. He was at a loss for words.
Off in the distance a NERV medical team could be heard coming. Everything was going to be all right.
+++++Next day: Rei and Shinji's apartment building. +++++
The phone rang in Rei's apartment. It could only be Gendo.
"Hello." Rei said answering the phone
"You and Shinji are to be picked up in thirty minutes by jet. They will take you to the navy fleet carrying unit 02 and a suitcase of special interest. Your main concern is the contents of the suitcase. Kaji Ryoji has been instructed to hand it over promptly but if he is to resist, any action to get it may be deemed appropriate."
"Understood."
There was a click, and then the dial tone was heard.
+++++
A NERV company jet arrived right on time for Shinji and Rei. Misato was sitting inside it waiting for them.
"Hey Rei, hey Shinji." Misato said with a warm smile. "You two did great yesterday. Sorry I couldn't say that yesterday to you, but I had a ton of paper work. Disposing of those angels is pricey." She said with an embarrassed grin.
As Shinji and Rei sat down opposite of Misato, Shinji said, "I'm just glad that no one was hurt."
Misato tensed at his word. She thought that he had known by now. =I guess it would be best if he heard it from me instead of someone like his father. Looks like I've got to prepare myself for an uncomfortable ride again...here goes. =
"Shinji...I guess I'm the best person to tell you this. One of the angel's random shots hit a shelter directly."
Shinji could only lower his head in shame. He already knew by Misato's tone that there were a lot dead. He was blaming himself again. He felt that he was the only one to blame. "How bad...was it Misato?"
"Bad Shinji...the death toll came to...two hundred and thirty-seven. Not one survivor. The residents of D block home at the time were the victims."
Shinji clenched his fist. He wanted it all to end. He couldn't think of a way out.
Rei sat there looking at Misato as if she had offended Shinji. She thought that this was a bad time to tell Shinji of dire events. She gripped Shinji's hand and leaned over to him as to keep what she was telling him inaudible from Misato, "do not contemplate too long on past events. They are not your doing Shinji." Shinji raised his head to meet Rei's eyes. Her look said that she was serious about what she had said. Shinji then gave out a little laugh, "thanks a lot Rei." he then put his hand over hers.
Misato sat there in awe at how both the two quietest people she had ever encountered came to be so close and responsive to each other. =Whoever said opposites attract was dead wrong. =
Everyone was caught up in a flurry of thoughts that no one had noticed that they had already landed. Then a voice caught everyone by surprise.
"Well. Looks like the first and third child are acquainted already." The arrogant tone brought all eyes on her just as was expected.
"Allow me to interrupt and introduce myself. Asuka Langley Soryu. Second child chosen by the Mar Duke report, and pilot of Evangelion unit 02."
Rei stared inertly at Asuka and thought. =Red...the color I hate. =
A/N: ok, there be it. That was a chapter for the hopeless romantics in a way. I wanted this chapter to show how close Rei and Shinji have become. Now I can move on to how much I can mess with everyone's minds again. It's gonna be fun. Gendo will be back from his trip. And has Rei already made up her mind on Asuka? Coming up on our next endeavor, depression will take its toll on us all So get ready for next time cause here comes the hurt. See you space cowboy... oh wait wrong anime.
Much thanks to one of my pre readers VengefulPirate. He can spell and all that stuff way better than I.