Essence of Shinji

By: Kristoffer Remmell

Summary: Shinji is a natural even in cooking. Asuka, like in Evas, is determined to show him up. A funny story of Shinji and Asuka's relationship. Mild language and violence. A humorous story with subtle romance between Shinji and Asuka.

Category: Humor/Romance

Disclaimer: I hold no copyright over Neon Genesis Evangelion. That is held by GAINAX and Anno. I am writing this story as a fan of the series and for my own enjoyment.

Rating: T (minor coarse language and some violence)

A/N: I never really planned on continuing this story. It was just a test of my writing. It's the first story I ever wrote. I was getting some surprising feedback. People seemed to think I could continue it. They thought I had the skill. I wasn't so sure. I thought I wrote myself in a hole. I saw this as a challenge. Over coming a challenge is fun. I really want to hear your thoughts on this new chapter.

Chapter 2: Movie Night

The breeze of the day turns to a more prominent chill at night without the sun. The street lights have been on for a few hours, and families of Tokyo-3 have sat down to their dinners. The Katsuragi apartment isn't very used to anything one would define as 'normal', but we all have to eat. Misato Katsuragi sits with her beers eating from the bowel, sitting next to her is Shinji Ikari, and across the table is Asuka Soryu. Asuka is the only one who refuses to eat with chopsticks instead opting for a spork.

The meal goes by silently. Misato catches Asuka shooting Shinji short looks and just shaking her head in disbelief. Looking to Shinji he is totally unaware. Who would think that such silence could be more annoying then nails on a chalk board?

Her womanly instinct tells her something happened at school today, but no way she could get a straight answer with both of them in the same room. If you want a colorful story you ask Asuka. Want the boring truth go to Shinji. The topic of work is way off. Especially after what Kaji pulled in her office. Tapping her foot in frustration. "I hope his cheek is still red, the jerk." Misato thinks. Misato looks down to her bowl and it comes to her.

"This tastes really good. What's in this, Shinji?" asks Misato.

Shinji looks up from his bowl. He is caught off guard from this sudden break in silence, and with a shy smile he says, "It's just garlic pork ramen. Pork, green onions. I did use fresh ginger instead of the freeze dried."

Misato looks to Asuka. "What do you think, Asuka?"

Asuka glances up from her bowl having been quiet the whole meal. Still fuming from the events during the walk home. "Yeah. It tastes alright..., Jerk." she says.

"What did I do?" says Shinji.

"Oh, you KNOW." Asuka growled shooting him a scary look.

"Well at least it's not quiet." thinks Misato as she silently laughs and sipping her beer. She sits back and watches them bicker as if it was some sort of live dinner theater. Shinji is honestly confused, but Asuka's pride tells her if he's too stupid to figure it out then she wont tell him.

The room goes silent with a scared, confused Shinji and a fuming Asuka. Misato's plan to get them talking seems to of backfired and now they seem to want to talk even less.

Misato looks back on how Shinji has grown since she first met him. So shy. He'd do pretty much anything if asked. Asuka may be a bit of a headache at times, but she challenges him. He is so much fun to tease, and watch him go all red faced and nervous.

"So Asuka, tomorrow's movie night. You decided on the movie?" says Misato.

"Yeah!" Asuka perks up. "I was thinking that old romance movie Magic Number 7."

"Ohhh, I loved that movie back in college." Misato glows as she flashes back on memories of dragging a reluctant Kaji to such a sappy romance. Shinji sits in quiet worry about having to sit through something so down right 'girlie'.

Asuka looks to Shinji's face. "You better that hide disgusted look, Stupid."

"Sorry. It's just… why that movie?" he says.

"You have no right to complain. I had to sit through that retarded kung fu flick you picked last week, and I didn't complain." says Asuka. Truth is Asuka enjoyed the wild action. Part of the reason she picked such a corny movie is she knew it would make timid Shinji uncomfortable. She could enjoy the film and watch Shinji squirm all night.

"Oh Misato, I invited Hikari to join us." says Asuka.

Misato looks up from her meal. "What? Asuka, you know this is something for just the three of us." she says.

"I know, but I had to. Hikari wanted me to go with her to the arcade tomorrow. I had to turn her down, because of this. I didn't want to hurt her feelings so I invited her" replies Asuka and pouts. Misato huffs and looks to Shinji. "Well, since Asuka invited someone why don't you invite Suzuhara and Aida. I'll also see if Rei is interested."

"NO!" shouts Asuka. "Not the Stooges and Wondergirl! They'll ruin everything."

"Asuka you invited someone so it's only fair." says Misato pointing at Asuka with her chopsticks.

"I don't-" Asuka's protest is cut off by the phone. "Oh that might be Hikari." Asuka steps from the table, picks up her ramen bowl, and as she passes Shinji she flicks him across the head. Giggling she almost skips with each step. "Guten Tag." she says into the phone in a sweet tone. "Ah, Hikari! I was just talking about tomorr-" The rest of the conversation is cut as Asuka walks the phone into her room and closes the door.

Shinji rubs his temple. "Why does she do that?" he thinks.

Misato watches Asuka disappear behind her door. "For someone who thought the food was just 'alright' she sure didn't want to leave it behind." she thinks. She looks to Shinji and smiles. Now that Asuka is gone it's time to start spying. "Sooo. Anything interesting happen at school today?" she asks.

"Not much." Shinji says shrugging his shoulders. He takes a few bites of his cooking a topic does come to mind... until. "There was this thing in the courtyard during lunch. One of the baseball players was caught cheating on his girlfriend."

"Oh, what happened?" she asked.

"She chased him around throwing food at him." he says smiling. Despite the obvious reasons Shinji knew the guy was a jerk. Girls were only after him, because he was a jock and looks like a teen idol. "Touji was pretty jealous. Dating so many girls. I think it's stupid." Misato just sits quietly and lets Shinji express his thoughts. It's rare he will go on about a topic. "Why would you want to go around with some other girl if you already had a girlfriend?"

Misato rest her cheek in her hand and gives him a glowing smile. Looking at Shinji as if he was some cute puppy. "You are sooooo cute." she says. "Some girl is going to be so lucky to catch you." Misato is already a little drunk. She reaches out and rubs his head. Petting him like a good puppy. Shinji blushes and glows like a boiled lobster. "Even cuter blushing." she says.

"Stop teasing." he says with a groan.

Asuka peaks her head suddenly out the door and still holding the phone to her ear. "Misato." she says. "Hikari's parents say, because it's a school night she can't come over unless she spends the night.

"That's alright." Misato says smiling.

"Ahhh!" Asuka squeals into the phone. "Schlaf Uber!" Asuka pauses for a second. Rolling her eyes from a question she says, "Sleep over, Hikari.". The rest of the conversation can't be heard as she closes the door and walks further into her room.

Misato and Shinji chat and finish their meals. Misato had to lead most of the conversation and try to pry more then a three word answer out of him. About this time Asuka walks out of her room quietly and places the phone back on the receiver. Shinji starts to stand and reaching for the bowls, but Misato grabs for his shoulder and eases him back down. "I'll get the dishes tonight." she says.

"Can I help?" he asks. Misato stands and staggers a bit as she gathers up the dishes. She gives Shinji a playful little kiss on the cheek and a wink. Misato gathers all the dishes and takes them into the kitchen. Shinji can hear the water running in his now glowing red ears. He holds his cheek where she kissed him and looks up to see Asuka. She's just standing there. Her expression is unreadable. "Why is she just looking right at me like that? What did I do?" He feels a chill pass through his spine. Like he is in the quiet before a powerful hurricane. Asuka calm mouth turns to a wicked grin. Walking around the table toward Shinji with purpose. She grabs Shinji by the ear and starts to pull him to the TV part of the room. "Come on, lets play a video game." she says. "I need a victim."

Misato finished with her dishes for the most part. She hears yelling and cheers coming from the apartment. Walking out she holds out her arm to steady herself against the wall. She watches the kids play one of Asuka's fighting games. With ever victory over Shinji Asuka chants and takes joy in rubbing it in his face. Misato just shakes her head and walks into her room. Her head is pounding. She removes her tank top to change for bed, but just passes out over the covers in just shorts and socks. The sounds of Asuka victories are her lull-a-bye. "Family".

The games last for about an hour. Up to the round when Shinji finally defeated Asuka. Giving Shinji a nasty look she shut the game off. She said she was tired. "Better get to bed, Idiot." she said closing her bedroom door behind her. Shinji goes to his room, changes clothes, and lays down for sleep.

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The next morning was much warmer then yesterday. The warm summer day had no cooling breeze. The huge metal city of Tokyo-3 just reflected the heat and the sun. Asuka made no attempt to hide her lunch was store bought this time. Shinji and Asuka on the walk to school stopped in front of the store. She made him wait outside. A few minutes later Asuka walked out. "Here." she said shortly shoving the boxed lunch into Shinji's chest. "Thanks." he said. She then promptly tore the receipt into little shreds and dropped the remains in the trash. She refused to speak for the rest of the walk to school. Asuka's mood changed when they finally met up with Hikari a few blocks from school. Shinji walked a few steps behind as Asuka and Hikari giggled about the fun they could have tonight. Shinji looked up and down the streets as they passed. Usually by this time they would meet up with Rei. Either she was already at school or she wasn't coming. He wanted to ask her to join this impromptu party. Odds say she would refuse, but he'd like to try. He didn't feel like asking Touji and Kensuke would be that hard of a sell if Misato was involved.

Later in the school day.

"Wow! A movie night at Misato's place?" said Touji with great joy. Kensuke was too busy glowing with the possibility of spending the whole night lusting over the lovely Misato.

"Yeah Misato wanted me to invite you." said Shinji. "Judging the way Asuka was talking earlier they are going to treat it like some sort of slumber party." Shinji is suddenly drawn by his friends sudden and choking gasp.

"SLUMBER PARTY!" Touji yelled. A scary smile crosses over Touji's face and Kensuke just stands by crossing his fingers. Touji leans in to Shinji and whispers just loud enough for him and Kensuke to hear. "You mean Misato is going to be walking around the place in just some pajamas?"

Shinji is a little confused about how gung ho his friends are. "I-I don't think so. Usually when it's this hot she sleeps in tank top and shorts." Shinji says as a matter of fact.

Some of the class was in a panic when Kensuke and Touji suddenly fell to the ground tripping over their feet. Didn't seem like they were hurt. They both had matching grins that couldn't hide the vision of Misato walking about the apartment in a small top and tight, hugging shorts swimming in their minds.

Kensuke finally came back down from his silent fantasy. "What's the movie? Who's picking it?" asked Kensuke readjusting his fogged classes.

"It's Asuka's turn." answers Shinji. "She said last night it was called Magic Number 7." Kensuke and Touji loose all expression in their face and stand silent.

"You mean that crappy romance movie?" says Kensuke. Touji looks like he just ate something foul. Kensuke looked like he was almost in tears. A life long dream crushed before his eyes.

"Yeah." said a hopeless Shinji.

Upon these words Touji and Kensuke looked to each other in silent agreement. "Pass!" they say together and walk back to their desks. No guy would willingly sit through that movie if he can get out of it. Shinji isn't thrilled either with the idea about the movie. He almost wishes they would take him with them. "Maybe I could stay with one of them tonight?" he thinks. "No. Misato wouldn't like it. She really likes these get together that aren't involving life or death battles with Angels" Shinji looks over and sees Asuka smiling to herself in victory. She didn't want the other Stooges to show up and from the look on her face she heard them back out.

The group sat up again on the roof for lunch. Asuka and Hikari sat in the shade this time. Asuka was careful to place her book bag and other items so they would take up the rest of the shaded area. The boys sat together near the railing. Asuka would glare at them if she ever heard the boys chuckle. She thought they were laughing about her foiled plot with the bento boxes. They wouldn't dare though. The pain from Asuka's assault was still fresh in their minds. Most of the talking was done by Asuka and Hikari. The boys quickly finished their lunches and went back inside to get out of the heat.

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Later that Same Day

Asuka frantically ran around the apartment picking up empty beer cans and junk food wrappers. Pen-Pen was no where to be seen. If he was smart he was hiding. On the walk home Asuka even talked Shinji into cooking their lunches the next day. She reasons she would be too busy with Hikari over. "Shinji, get out here you idiot!" Asuka yelled. "Come help me clean up. Hikari will be here in another hour."

"You invited her. Why do I need to do all the work?" Shinji says.

"Listen. Do you want her to come over and think we're slobs, because Misato is?" she says. "It's embarrassing. Arrrg! Where is Misato? It's her turn to cook tonight!"

Asuka was almost a complete nightmare till Hikari knocked on the door. Shinji was told to answer the door while Asuka finished vacuuming. Hikari bowed. Her arms were filled with an overnight bag, school uniform, pillow, sleeping bag, and her bento box. Shinji made room to let her through the door. "Dummkopf!" Asuka yelled at Shinji. "Are you blind? Be a gentleman and help her with some of that stuff." He was quick to respond and took several items from Hikari's arms. He thought Asuka was walking up to help when she started to remove objects from Hikari, but she just piled it all in Shinji's arms. With Hikari's arms free she hugged her friend. "Shinji take that stuff into my room." ordered Asuka.

Shinji dropped the items by Asuka's bed. He was almost never in here. It smelled sweet and clean. Something was familiar and calming. Shinji did notice something odd as he looked around. This is a girls room, but there were no dolls or family picture. Made him think of his own family. He has no pictures of his mother. His father got rid of everything. "You're going through my drawers aren't you, pervert!" he hears Asuka shout. Upset by the accusation he shouts back, "I am not.". He laid Hikari's school uniform gently on the soft sheets and walked out.

Misato came home another hour later with two six packs and a couple bags of fast food, fries and a variety of burgers. Asuka and Hikari were playing video games. Shinji was sitting on the floor listening to his SDAT player. Pen-Pen had reappeared and was sitting next to Hikari. "Sorry guys work kept me late." Misato said. "Oh, hi Hikari." Misato put the bags down on the kitchen table and walked to the kitchen to put her beer in the fridge. "I saw Rei at HQ. She wont be coming. She has test to do with Ritsuko that should last most of the night. Probably wont be in school tomorrow either."

They all sat down to eat. Hikari did enjoy the fries and burgers. It was all girl talk and about how 'dreamy' the male lead was in the movie. It didn't take long for Misato to get cracking on that six pack. Hikari seemed genuinely interested in Misato and how she became the head tactician for NERV. Misato told her most of the story starting from joining the organization, and how she even met Asuka as a child when she worked for NERV's branch in Germany. She was skillful in telling the story without going into details like her whirlwind relationship with Kaji or the more vivid aspects of Asuka's childhood. Many of those even Shinji didn't know, and Asuka was grateful Misato avoided sharing.

"Okay." Misato said. "Let's all go change into our bed clothes and get ready for the movie." Everyone got up and the girls ran into Asuka's room. Shinji came out to see Misato standing by the TV table with her back to him. She was bending over and laying snacks and soda out over the table. A case of beer was at her side. As expected she was barely wearing anything in this heat. A loose tank top and small cut off shorts. Shinji had seen her like this many times before, but that didn't prevent him from stopping in his tracks for a second. He sat down, but couldn't draw his eyes away from Misato's matured body. He could even tell she wasn't wearing a bra. He would reach out for a soda, but missed several times. Misato was losing her patience. "Asuka, what's taking so long?"

"Coming." Asuka said irritated.

"Be right there." said Hikari.

Shinji was shocked again as Asuka came out. He had lived here with Asuka for quite some time and he had not seen her dress like that for bed. It looked as if she had taken cue from Misato. She was wearing a tight top, belly exposed, and tight fitting boxer briefs. She didn't even have her hair pulled back into her trademarked pigtails. Hikari wasn't as provocative. She was wearing a cute and modest baby doll style nightie. She looked rather shy. This might of been the first time a boy had ever seen her in her bed clothes. Asuka shot Shinji a quick look as she came out of her room. When their eyes met he was positive Asuka was going to yell at him or call him a pervert. She just smiled and went to grab a seat next to Hikari. They both draped their blankets over their shoulders. Hikari picked Pen-Pen up and rested him in her lap. The bird looked very comfortable.

"Now that we're all ready let's get the movie started." said Misato. She picked up the remote and selected the to a movie film library option. The screen loaded and Misato scrolled through the films. She scrolled through the romance movies and found the movie "Magic Number 7". A parental code option appeared. Misato imputed her code and the movie began. Shinji braced himself for the emotional torture. She set down the remote and Shinji heard Misato open her first beer.

He never saw this movie before, but it was just as insufferable as he thought it would be. Over the top romance, lot of emotion, and some brief nudity. That explained the parental code. He kept shifting his position on the floor. The girls had taken up all the seats. After the first half hour Asuka started to make demands. He would go ahead and do as asked. It was an escape from the mushy film, but a few minutes later she would have a new one. "Shinji, get the Cheesy Chips." "Get the ice cream, Idiot." "Shinji, get more tissues." "Schnell!"

"Quit ordering him around like he was a pet." scolded Misato to Asuka.

"But he's not even watching the movie. He could at least be of some use." Asuka retorted.

Before Misato could scold Asuka any further Shinji stood up. "It's alright Misato." he said. Shinji returned with their request. "Thank you Ikari-Kun." said Hikari. "Yeah thanks." said Asuka.

Things were pretty quiet for the next half hour. Shinji turned to the girls when he heard them all start to cry. The actors in the movie were making some deep heartfelt admissions of their love. They were yelling at each other, and sounded angry. It sounded more like an argument that they both agreed on. They were face to face when they suddenly attacked the other with their lips. Clothes went flying and a brief, tasteful love scene followed.

Shinji didn't know this, but all of the girls were running this fantasy through their heads. They had place themselves in the girls part and their dream man in the role of the actor. Asuka was picturing Kaji holding her with his strong arms and admitting his deep love for her. Hikari was imagining Touji would throw caution to the wind, take her in his arms, and kiss her forever. Misato during the love scene had flashed on those years she spent with Kaji. The sex and the fun they had. Shinji was more busy checking the clock as he looked past the girls and wondering how much longer this could last. He looked to the girls. They were either crying, smiling, or both.

"It's so stupid." he thought. "Why do they watch these things when it just makes them upset and cry? It's all kind of upsetting. What's so enjoyable about crying?" His eyes came to Asuka. "She's not crying. It looks like she wants to, but nothing's happening. She's smiling though. It's nice." He can't take his eyes away from her. Not her body, but her hair. "Her hair's down. It looks nice. She looks…relaxed." He notices Asuka's eyes move and skillfully looks over his shoulder as if she caught him while looking back to the clock.

The movie ended with an equally sappy ending. Hikari was crying like a fountain. Shinji got up and walked to the kitchen. Misato dried her eyes and blew her nose. "Well, it isn't very late, but I got to get up early tomorrow so I'm going to bed." she said. "Night kids. Don't stay up too late." Misato paused in front of the phone. Part of her thought about calling Kaji. Better sense got to her and she walked into her room.

"Come on Hikari let's go to my room." said Asuka grabbing Hikari's wrist, and several bags of her favorite chips and sodas.

"Shouldn't we go help Ikari-kun with making the lunches?" said Hikari pointing to Shinji working in the kitchen.

"Nah." Asuka replies. "He's fine." The two then disappeared into her room. Pen-Pen walked past Shinji and went to his bed.

Shinji was nearly finished cooking when Misato came out of her room holding her head and groaning. She brushed up against Shinji as she reached for a glass of water and drank it down quickly. Her skin almost glows from perspiration and heat. "I thought it was Asuka's turn this week to cook your lunches for school."

"Yeah." was Shinji's simple reply. "She asked me on the walk home if I would take her duty tonight. It made sense with Hikari over. She's spending time with her."

"Why do you let her boss you around like that?" she says.

"She's not really." Shinji says and Misato pours another glass of water. "She's not asking me to do anything that I don't want to."

"That's not the point." she says.

"But what's the point in refusing to do something that you really don't mind doing?" he says. "It also seems to make her happy when I cook. When she's happy she just seems more relaxed."

"It's about respect, Shinji." She says leaning against the counter. "A woman isn't going to respect you if you just do everything she tells you. She'll just end up walking all over you. Sometimes a woman wants her man to be more of a challenge." Shinji looks up to Misato. She seems to be implying something, but the point was completely lost on him. She chuckles at how oblivious this boy can be. She puts her hand on his shoulder. "Night. Don't stay up too late."

"Goodnight." he replies as she walks to her room and clothes the door.

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In Asuka's room the girls sat on the bed. Hikari sat with her back to Asuka. Asuka was helping Hikari with brushing the back of her hair.

"What were you thinking about while watching that movie?" asks Asuka.

"W-what ever do you mean?" said Hikari.

"I saw you." laughed Asuka. "When they shared breakfast after 'that night'. You were thinking about that block head weren't you."

"ASUKA!" Hikari looks scandalized, and Asuka laughs. She turns her head back blushing.

"Your almost as easy as the idiot out there." says Asuka. " I still can't say much for your taste."

"Asuka, please don't."

"Alright, I know. It's not my business."

"I - I just wished he would look at me like that." said Hikari. Asuka could feel her friends morale slip.

"Listen. Maybe we should try and do something different with your hair or something. Try a new style." Asuka grabs Hikari's hair and holds it as if she was styling her own hair in pigtails.

Hikari giggles and says, "Thanks for the offer, but I like my hair.". Hikari sits up and lays in her soft cushioned sleeping bag. "I don't think he would even notice something like that." She hugs her pillow. Kicking her feet are in the air. Asuka grabs a handful of chips and looks to her friend.

The room is quiet for a minute. Hikari hears the dishes as Shinji finishes his cooking. "Wasn't it your turn to cook this week?"

"Yeah Shinji's taking it on tonight. No big deal. He likes doing that kind of stuff. I like his food and he likes making it."

"Asuka, why don't you have a boyfriend?" asks Hikari.

"What!" says Asuka shocked.

"You're so beautiful. You could have any boy in school, but the only boy I ever see you with is Shinji."

"We work together. So what?" Asuka lays back on her bed. "What brought all this up?"

"I saw him... during the movie." Hikari still cuddling her pillow, but turning to look to Asuka. "He was watching you"

"He was probably thinking something perverted." Asuka says nodding her head.

"His eyes were soft. He was smiling. I don't think I've ever seen him look like that." Hikari thought for a moment. "Do you like Shinji?"

"Awk!" Asuka hollered. "He's a dork! Yeah he has his uses. He can be so damn dense." She starts to tap her foot in a wild pace. "He wouldn't know what do to with a woman unless he was given a map. Only one man has my heart."

"Mr. Kaji?"

Asuka moans. "Yeah. He's a real man."

"Shinji is nice. He's shy, but he has a kind heart."

"Yeah, I guess." says Asuka and the room goes quiet. Both of them lost in thought. "He's an idiot, but I guess he's alright. I want a man...not a boy." she thinks."Hey Hikari."

"What is it?" Hikari looks to Asuka and is suddenly hit in the face with a thrown soft pillow.

Shinji finishes up with the dishes and stretches his arms. He hears a sudden and loud giggling heard from Asuka's room. "Their happy." he thinks. Shinji walks to his room. He picks up his SDAT player and listens to his music. Climbing into bed he reaches for a manga book. He reads for about an hour and lays down to sleep. He can still hear them laughing and giggling. His mind drifts into sleep and some of his memories today.

That lunch.

No pictures.

The movie.

Her hair.

She wasn't crying.

Why wasn't she crying?

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Like Misato said she was gone when everyone woke up. No one heard her leave. Must have been really early. Shinji woke up slowly. The thoughts he had just before falling into sleep were gone. Like a deep dream that slips from your grasp once you have finally realized your awake. He could smell the cooking. Smelled like bacon, toast and pancakes. He stepped out of his room rubbing his eyes. They felt dry and just wouldn't focus. He saw Asuka and Hikari, still in their bed clothes, both working at the stove. Pen-Pen was busy eating up already. He could hear Hikari giving Asuka tips.

"Morning." Shinji said.

Hikari turned and said, "Good morning, Ikari-kun.".

"Hey." Asuka said simply waving her hand up and not even turning to look.

"We woke up early and thought we would make breakfast since you made our lunches."

"Uh, Thanks." Shinji says.

Asuka turns her head with a nasty look. "What's with that tone, Third?" she says.

"Nothing. I didn't mean-" Shinji says stumbling over his words. "Sorry." Asuka turns back to the pancakes and rolling her eyes with a huff.

Shinji helps Hikari set out the plates. He pours the orange juice as Asuka and Hikari set out the food. Shinji sits across from the girls. "Asuka made the pancakes." Hikari says cheerful.

"Really?" says Shinji looking to Asuka. She doesn't respond.

The first thing Shinji tries is the pancakes. Unseen by him Asuka is watching him intently. She gently bites the at the inside of her lip. She wants to see his instant reaction. He takes a bite and smiles. "It tastes great. Thanks." Shinji says to Asuka, but misses her eyes. She is looking away. "Whatever." Is her only response. "Hikari was a lot of help."

Hikari looks to the both of them. Softly humming and kicking her feet. "It's almost like the movie." she thinks.

The teens eat and get ready for school. Asuka pushed Shinji into his room and told him not to come out until ordered to. The girls were going into the bath and she wanted to be positive he wasn't going to try and peak. The girls washed up and Asuka gave him the all clear once they were in her room and changing. Shinji was hardly in bath room for ten minutes. He came out, got dressed and handed the girls their lunches.

"What did you make, Ikari-kun?" asked Hikari.

"Asuka's favorite. Eggs and sausage with noodles." answers Shinji.

"Thank you very much." says Hikari and looks to Asuka. Asuka just looks at her bento box. "Thanks." she says softly blushing. She just can't bring herself to insult him just now. Oh well, sure she'll come up with something later. It's early.

The three walk out the door. Shinji walks behind them. He's pretty sure he hears Hikari mention that new arcade again and this weekend. It's warm again today, but there's a nice breeze.

"Her hair's blowing in the wind." he thinks.

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To Be Continued...
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