02:11 – Seduction

Disclaimer: I do not own Evangelion or any of the characters they are the property of their respective creators. Please be aware that no profit is being made from this work of fan fiction.

Three days have passed now since my confrontation with Soryu at the hospital and Ikari is still yet to recover…I have considered going to visit him, to sit at his bedside and watch as he lies in the silent sleep of those caught between this world and the next yet, I have refrained. The second has been absent from school, not doubt refusing to leave his side…only a week ago she would never have made such an open display of affection but since his near death…since he was almost taken away by the angel she has changed. I could feel it when I confronted her in that brief moment, her resolve had hardened. She will not relinquish him easily; if I try and take him from her she will fight me tooth and nail…no matter, I will simply take Ikari from her by other means.

I have spent my spare time continuing my reading, studying more about ways in which a woman's charms may be used to attract a male. The art of seduction as it is called, is a highly complex art, one that operates to it's own set of rules. In many ways despite the complex and seemingly random nature of human behaviour I believe that there is an underlying logic to it, one that I believe I can exploit. According to the books, boys of around Ikari's age are undergoing a considerable change, one that causes their hormones to fluctuate often causing an increase in their sexual desires. From my prior observations it seems that Ikari is somewhat deficient in this respect, he did not show the expected reaction for a boy of his age when he fell on top of me during our brief encounter at my apartment a number of months ago. I don't recall being able to feel an erection, seeing no sign of desire in his eyes, instead he became highly embarrassed and awkward about the situation…this deviation from the prescribed reaction worries me somewhat, could it be that he is not interested in women?

No, I do not believe that to be the case. I have seen the way he looks at the second, the desire he lacked in that moment shown openly for her…I can only wonder why he does not look the same way at me. This is unacceptable, I will rectify this situation; a more direct approach is called for…however, before I can take action I must get rid of the second. I must find a time in which I can get him alone so I can put my learning into action. Once more I recall an English phrase I once heard.

Everything comes to he who waits.

Even as I now lift myself from my bed and walk to the bathroom of my apartment, shedding my clothes as I go the thought enters my mind that this all may be without reason, that Ikari will slip away from this world and be claimed by the darkness, never to wake from his coma…no, deep within me I can sense him, his being tied in someway to my own. I know he will not die; he cannot die…not even at the end. As I turn on the shower and allow the cold water to enfold my body a decision is made, I will go to the hospital today, regardless of the presence of the second child I will visit him, something tells me now is the time he will finally awake...

I departed my apartment as usual, heading down the worn and crumbling stairs to the streets below, heading in the direction of the hospital, as today is a Sunday we are for once without school, thus no record of my absence will be made, it is unlikely that the Commander will be aware of my actions. I must be careful lest he become aware of what I plan to do, I do not believe that he would approve of my actions, although he has not stated it directly he has made it clear he would wish for me to keep a distance from Ikari but so long as it is not a direct order I am not disobeying him.

Having not been paying attention to my surroundings I was almost knocked over by someone as I walked down the hospital corridors. It took only a moment for me to recover and realise just who it was that had just run past me…the second child had run down the corridor, tears running down her face. Seeing this caused doubt to enter my mind once again, could it be that Ikari had slipped away, that she had fled the place where he had descended into silence…no, still I could feel that odd bond drawing me to him, he remained amongst the living. Now eager to know what could have happened I quickened my pace, only to find him sitting up in bed, Major Katsuragi standing beside him. She seemed to be upset about something; I surmised that she must have had a fight with the second. Ikari's face did not show signs of anger, only a mixture of what I believe to be regret and sadness. I assumed that he remained unaware of the Major's actions, perhaps that was why the second had departed…watching closely I decided to remain in the shadows, not yet ready to make my presence known.

It was not long before the Major departed and soon a doctor arrived. From what I could make out he appeared to be briefing Ikari on his condition, indicating that he was to be released immediately. This would of course mean that he would return to the Major's apartment, a place in which I could get him alone. For tonight the Major would be with him but tomorrow, while she was at Nerv, would be my best chance to get him alone…decision made I departed, returning to my apartment to await the coming of tomorrow and the beginning of my seduction of Ikari.

The next morning I awoke early, intent on arriving at school before the rest of the students. I suspected Ikari would also choose to arrive early, no doubt to avoid the inevitable questions he would be bombarded with, regarding both his and pilot Soryu's absence. Many of our classmates believed that the two had eloped together, a conclusion no doubt born from the observed differences in Soryu's behaviour towards Ikari…a ridiculous notion but one that many of the students believed wholeheartedly and saw fit to share with everyone who would listen. Amongst the small group of dissenters who did not subscribe to this belief were Ikari's two friends, Suzahara and Aida. They both were adamant that Ikari would not do any such thing with the 'devil girl' as they called the second. Others shouted them down, all of whom seemed to be thrilled by the thought of love blossoming between the two pilots, a number of female students commented they thought it was 'romantic'. In reality the rumours were not too far from the truth…none the less I would do anything to prevent it from becoming a reality.

When I first arrived I found him already sitting there, his head down, cradled in his hands. If he noticed my entry he made no indication, as he simply remained motionless. Intrigued I stepped closer, considering whether I should call out to him. As I closed the distance to no more than a few feet I realised something, he was asleep. Moving a little closer, close enough to see his face, I took note of the dark circles beneath his eyes; obviously he had gained little sleep the previous night. I decided to allow him to rest; he would need all his strength this evening, should everything go to plan. I walked back to my desk and sat down, at once turning my attention to the window. As always I allowed my gaze to turn outside while focusing on the faint reflection of his sleeping form. So different from his father and yet so much the same…both men put upon a face for the world, masking what it was they felt inside. It was in that respect that the two differed, while the Commander felt empty, filled only with regret and loneliness, Ikari, while he remained withdrawn was not consumed by that same darkness. Instead hope still burned within him, a belief that things could be changed for the better. When I was with him I found myself filled with a sense of purpose, filling the emptiness within me, the hollow feeling that consumed me for as long as I could remember when my existence had served no other purpose than to further the Commander's plans.

Many times the second has referred to me as a 'doll', there was a time when she would have been correct, I was simply an empty vessel, responding only when the Commander pulled my strings….now, it is different. Ikari has granted me this, this sense of being that I had lacked, gifted me with jealousy and desire, feelings of my own at last. As my thanks to him form granting this to me I shall share myself with him, to fill the emptiness I feel within his heart, to become one with him so he will never again feel the pain of loneliness…I am pulled from my thoughts by the arrival of others, keeping my gaze upon the window I was just able to make out the class representative and behind her pilot Soryu. This development indicated to me that the second was most likely staying with the class representative at the moment, a likely occurrence following the dispute I observed between her and major Katsuragi. This means I will have no need to distract her, as Ikari will be completely alone.

I turned my attention back to him once again, my gaze lingering upon his image wavering slightly in the glass. I was surprised that she had not approached him, I simply assumed she was still upset from the previous days events. I continued to watch him silently until more students began to arrive and the bell rang signalling the start of classes. As the teacher began calling out the names of the students I had now shifted my attention to the second, awaiting her reaction when Ikari's name was called. As the teacher called it out she moved as if she were about to speak but froze suddenly when Ikari spoke. It seemed then that my initial hypothesis had been incorrect. She had not intentionally ignored Ikari; she simply had not registered his presence. I watched as she turned to glance at him briefly, constantly aware of the looks of other students who were also witness to her behaviour. Her eyes widened for a moment and then she turned away sharply. Glancing back at Ikari I noticed a flicker of sadness in his eyes before it was sucked inwards and replaced by the façade I knew all to well, the same one the Commander always wore.

At lunch he left the classroom almost immediately, hardly waiting for Suzahara and Aida who trailed along behind. They departed the classroom, moving in the direction of the canteen, only moments later the class representative and the second also left, they however heading in the direction of the roof. For a moment I was torn by indecision, wonder whether I should pursue the class representative and the second, hoping that their topic of conversation would provide me with a clearer understanding of the rift between her and Ikari and how it could be used to my advantage. In the end I decided against this, should I for any reason be uncovered it would lead to confrontation and may hamper my plans for later…no, it would be best to do avoid her for the moment. Instead I followed the example of Ikari and his companions, heading off towards the school cafeteria, on arriving I spotted them immediately, sitting at a table out beside the windows. While Suzahara and Aida seemed to be talking animatedly, Ikari was mostly silent. No doubt he had much to think about…

The remainder of lunch passed quickly, classes beginning once again. I spent the remainder of the school day gazing out the window, allow my thoughts to drift onto the subject of my plans for the evening, considering what positions would be the most suitable to try. Ikari's quiet and subdued nature would suggest ones that afforded me a dominant position would be best yet, I feel that he would benefit far more from being given a dominant role. It is stated in many places that a man who finds himself bound to the wills of others in the majority of his life will often prefer to be in control once he enters the bedroom, exercising the control over his partner that he is denied in other aspects of his life. I believe Ikari fits this description, that he will be more likely to respond if I approach him in such a way, appealing to what little of his ego that remains…at last the final bell rang, signalling the end of classes. I watched as the second and the class representative departed immediately, no doubt the two of them returning to the class representative's home. Ikari too left shortly after, waving goodbye to his friends, Suzahara and Aida, they as I were on cleanup duty.

When at last the classroom was tidy I departed, I would not forget my duty, even if it kept me from my personal goals. After all up until this point I had none, my seduction of Ikari the first time I had actually wanted something for myself. As I exited the school building I found that it was raining, rather heavily in fact, by the time I reached the major's apartment I would most likely be soaked. This too would work in my favour, it would cause the fabric of my clothing to cling to my body, hinting at what lay beneath but not revealing it completely. It is a strange fact but according to my research males often find females more attractive when they are not actually naked but their attire suggests it by revealing parts of their body that would otherwise not be exposed. An example of this I have noted is that many of the boys have been caught attempting to get a look at the girl's underwear yet in sports class our uniforms are such that in some regards more is revealed…

Pushing these thoughts aside once again as I finally approach the apartment complex where the major resides I quickly review my plans. My first priority is to gain entry to the apartment, what happens from there is mostly dependant on Ikari and his reactions to me. I hope they will be favourable but if required I have formulated a number of ways to help them along…

When at last I approached the apartment and pressed the buzzer the door was answered by a rather surprised Ikari, it was clearly evident on his face that he had not expected to see me.

"Ayanami? Why are you…"

He paused, I could see his eyes tracing over my body, and taking in the fact I was obviously soaked.

"Please, come in."

He stepped backwards to let me inside, waiting for a moment to allow me to take of my shoes before leading me into the living room.

"Ayanami…um…you should really get out of those wet clothes, you'll get sick if you don't. I'll have to lend you something of mine in the mean time because I don't think anything of Misato's will fit you and Asuka would kill me if I went in her room…"

He disappeared for a moment, heading off into his bedroom, a moment later I could hear him cursing faintly. Allowing a small smile to spread across my face I began to disrobe, unfastening my skirt and letting it fall to the ground before unbuttoning my blouse and letting it slip from my shoulders and down to the floor. Now, all that remained was my bra and panties, these two had become soaked by the rain. I reached behind my back and unfastened it, sliding the straps down my shoulders and letting it drop to the floor with my other clothes. Finally, I pulled down my panties, sliding them down each leg, at last standing completely naked. It was then that Ikari returned, his eyes cast downwards towards the shirt he held draped over one arm.

"Ayanami, all I could find was one of my shirts I hope you don't…"

He stopped mid sentence as he looked up at me, his eyes now taking in my naked body. For a moment he hesitated and I could plainly see the lust in his eyes, now I was certain he was attracted to me. To my disappointment he closed his eyes, holding out the arm with the shirt on it, offering it to me.

"P-please…c-can you p-put this on."

Smiling secretly I took the shirt from him, taking note of the fact the buttons were already fastened I unbutton the top few and pulled it over my head. For a moment I paused, inhaling his scent, it seemed that he had worn this shirt recently as the earthy fragrance of his body clung to it strongly. I finished pulling it on and looked over at him, seeing that his eyes remained closed. No doubt he would not open them until I told him, this would be a perfect opportunity for me to commence my operation…I closed the distance between us, stopping only when my chest was pressed tightly against his. His eyes snapped open and he looked down at me even as I captured his lips with my own, my arms snaking around his neck, holding him against me.

For that instant my body was on fire, I could feel the roughness of his lips against mine, the warmth of his body flowing into me, filling the frozen emptiness inside. Ikari seemed to be in shock, simply standing there unmoving, neither reciprocating nor rejecting my kiss. Soon, he would recover and I would show him even greater pleasures, ones that would truly make us both feel alive…I felt the gaze of another upon me and as I turned I found myself looking upon the second. By the look on her face she had come here to apologise to him, to try and make amends for the pain that had been caused. I could not help but feel joy at the look of betrayal in her eyes as I pushed away from him slightly, turning my head to address her.

"Good evening pilot Soryu."

I had not been counting on what happened next, when she lunged forwards suddenly, knocking us both to the floor. She straddled my waist, pinning me beneath her with her weight before trying to hit me in the face. With little effort I caught her wrist mid strike, noting with satisfaction the look of surprise that flickered briefly in her eyes. I was no mere weakling, I would not simply roll over and allow her to take him, she had a fight on her hands…

"Enough!"

I was shocked by Ikari's cry, turning to look up at him, his eyes were filled with righteous rage and for a moment I saw the commander standing there instead.

"Stop it! Both of you, now!"

He hauled the second off from on top of me before pulling me to my feet as well. I was shocked at this display of strength, I would never have expected such power from one who seemed so frail but knowing his lineage I should have known, the commander too contained great strength beneath his average frame…to my dismay he turned his attention towards the second, his back now towards me. It galled me that he had once more chosen her over me, proving that she would have to be eliminated if I were ever to win his heart. They exchanged a few brief words before the second turned to leave. He followed, grasping at her hand, refusing to let her go even as those words tumbled from his lips…

"Asuka…please, don't go…I lo…"

I watched as he began to fall forwards, hand coming up to clutch at his chest. He dropped to the floor, his legs curling upwards against his chest, blood trickling from his nose. As the second collapsed beside him sobbing I knew what must be done, locating the major's phone I called the hospital.

"Yes, pilot Ikari, he has just collapsed at Major Katsuragi's apartment, I advise you arrive quickly."

Without further comment I put down the phone, awaiting the ambulance in silence even as I observed the crying second child.

You will not hurt him again, this I promise you…

A/N: I know it's late again but I have been under so much stress this past two weeks I've had to take some days of sick just to recover enough that I can think let alone write. I don't know how well this chapter flows, I've been trying to write it for who knows how long now…regardless it's done now, I hope there aren't too many typos. Expect the next chapter when I can, hopefully to weeks but it may be more. As for Forgotten and Another Time…not in the near future, maybe when the project I am currently working on comes to a close at the end of March.

Thank you all for your ongoing support.


Till next time,


Hououza