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, some violence, and mild sexually suggestive content)

A/N: Welcome to chapter three of my ongoing mini saga. Normally when I write I start on paper with small notes on how I want events in a chapter to play out. Oddly enough the defining moment in this chapter started as a simple scene of what is now going to be chapter four. It's funny how three or four sentences of notes could wind up becoming a whole chapter.
You will notice that this chapter has an IM (Instant message) scene. I've seen those in a couple of fan fics and they always made for some good stuff. My original plan was to have Hikari ask Shinji during gym, but this works out so much better. Most of the time in IM scenes the sign on names always looked like they were made by a fan. I gave them these names by looking at the personality of the characters. I wanted it to look like something they would pick. I even put the thought into how they would type. I pictured Shinji and Hikari paying close attention to grammar, Rei being a simple as possible, and Asuka typing as fast as she can throwing proper grammar to the wind.
Anyone who is a fan of the manga and anime should recognize a few moments.

Chapter 3: A Tender Misdeed

"Sooo cold." he thought shivering in bed. "Why is it so cold in here? I thought it was summer." Shinji clung to his covers in a fetal position on his bed. Peaking out from under his covers he looks to his clock. "It's time to get up." Time to get ready for school and he was surprised how he was actually looking forward to it. Crowds of people usually made him feel a little uncomfortable, but yesterday was nice. Hikari just glowed about the lunch he prepared for them. She insisted he sit with her and Asuka so she could pick his brain about recipes. Asuka seemed a little put out that Shinji was there with them, but even she seemed to listen as he talked about some of his ingredients and preparations. Hikari appeared to be very impressed by many of Shinji's personal touches.

After lunch Touji and Kensuke asked about the night before. Mostly all they seemed to care about was what the girls were wearing as sleep wear. Asuka must of heard them ask, because before Shinji could say anything he felt a wad of paper hit him in the back of the head. Looking to it's origin he saw Asuka giving him a very evil glare that seemed to say, "Tell them and I'll make you suffer.". He simply answered his friends with, "Nothing special.". Shinji told them a rough over view of the movie and Touji seemed to pity Shinji. Almost looked like he wanted to hug him to console him through such a trauma. He didn't though, thankfully.

Touji and Kensuke did ask for a couple details. "So just how bad was it?" Touji asked out of morbid curiosity. "I did hear there was some decent nudity."

"Yeah some." Shinji answered. "Most of the movie was really sappy. Lot of the girls cried. I think Hikari was crying the most."

"Girls are weird about those movies" says Kensuke. "Give me anything created by Raimi and I'm happy."

"Yeah, it's was strange." chuckled Shinji.

"Women are just crazy that's all." says Touji. "Still Ikari you are one poor bastard to have to suffer through that." Shinji just nodded his agreement.

Hikari walked all the way back to Misato's place with Asuka and Shinji so she could collect the things she left. Asuka insisted that they help Hikari carry all her stuff home. Which really meant Shinji was to carry everything while the girls led the way and gossiped. When they got to Hikari's home her parents were very grateful they took such care of their daughter. They invited both Shinji and Asuka in for tea.

"Thank you," Shinji said politely. "but I think we should be getting home."

Asuka shot him a nasty look and whispered, "Don't be so rude. It's not sociable to turn down a polite offer like that." She turned to Hikari's mother, bowed, said, "Thank you very much, Mrs. Horaki.", and yanks Shinji in by the ear. "You'll have to forgive this idiot. He's not well versed in diplomatic matters." Hikari's mom was very understanding and just laughed it off.

Inside Shinji finally got to meet Hikari's older sisters, Kodama and Nozomi. They seemed to find Shinji's natural innocence as adorable as Misato. They sat close to him and teased him about if he had a girlfriend. Asuka was usually very polite around mixed company like this, but she seemed to glare at Hikari's sisters and cursed them under her breath.

Shinji and Asuka shared the small bag peanut butter and chocolate chip nano-cookies Hikari's mom gave them as they left. A gesture of thanks for escorting their daughter safely home. Shinji ate a couple, but gave the rest to Asuka. He really didn't like peanut butter that much and knew Asuka liked it a lot. She hadn't talked much on the walk home until then. She thanked him and a few minutes later asked what he thought about Hikari's sisters. "They were nice." he said. "I just don't know why they kept asking me all those personal questions."

"What kind of questions?" Asuka asked.

"Do I have a girlfriend, If I LIKE Hikari, and Kodama kept tickling my neck." he replied. "It made me a little uncomfortable." Asuka just shook her head and slugged him in the arm. "Don't be an idiot, Stupid. They thought you were dating Hikari. Gott knows you would be an improvement over that dork Suzuhara. Anyone would." she said but mumbled that last sentence. "But Hikari has her heart set on that particular Stooge. Seriously, Shinji you shouldn't let a little touching upset you." Asuka caught Shinji off guard when she slipped her arm over his shoulder. "See this isn't so bad is it?"

"No…. I guess not." Shinji said and smiled. They stayed like that during the whole walk home. Shinji hadn't felt this relaxed in a very long time. When he went to bed it was very easy for him to drift to sleep. He even had another lovely dream that he wouldn't remember the next morning with the exception of the end where he was trapped in a mountain cave with some wild girl during a snow storm. Upon waking up and feeling how cold it was in the house the end of the dream started to make more sense.

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Shinji climbed out of bed still covered in his blanket. He slides open his door and sees Misato standing at the stove in sweat pants and shirt. Pen-pen was waddling around the place looking rather comfortable. "Misato, what's with the apartment? It's freezing." he asks. Misato turns around to give an apologetic smile. "Morning. I'm sorry." Misato says. "The humidity is suppose to skyrocket today. I turned on the Central AC, but it seems to be busted through the entire apartment complex. I can't even close the vents. I called the land lord, and she said she should have someone to look at it this afternoon."

About this time Asuka's door came sliding open. She was wearing the same kind of small outfit she was wearing the night of the movie and seemed to be regretting it. She walked out rubbing her arms to try and keep herself warm. "Verdammt noch mal!" the red head hollers. "It's like a freezer in here!" Misato gave Asuka the rundown about the problems with the ventilation. Shinji had the bad luck to choose this time to glance down and notice the biological effect the cold was having on Asuka's body. She took notice of what he was staring at and quickly covered her breasts with her hands. "YOU PERVERT!" she screams. "Can't you pigs think with something above the belt!"

"S-s-sorry." Shinji sputters quickly looking off to spaces. "I mean I… I didn't mean to-"

"What's going on?" asks Misato looking away from her cooking.

"It's Shinji! He was staring at me." Asuka says glaring at him. Misato glances back to the frying pan and says in response, "Then go put on something warmer."

"I can't." Asuka says. "All my winter and fall clothes are in storage."

"Uh, can I grab a shower first so-" Shinji started to say.

"No." snapped Asuka as she turned on him. "It's called 'chivalry', Idiot. Ladies go first." Still covering herself she stormed into the bathroom slamming the door. "It might help if you would acted like a lady more often." thought Misato as she sipped at her beer. "Uh, Shinji." Misato says embarrassed and looking to the boy. "Could you help me with breakfast? I think I burned the eggs." Shinji helped Misato and he was able to help salvage the botched cooking. He even put some green onions in the pan with some sliced ham. Warming up some tortilla shells he made breakfast burritos. Asuka walked out much calmer then she did going in, and saying that she saved him some warm water. Shinji washed up. By the time he was out Asuka was just exiting of her room, dressed for school, covered by her blanket. He went to his room and was surprised that Asuka and Misato had waited for him before they started to eat. Misato and Pen-pen saw them to the door and said, "Have a nice day kids.". They all waved their good-byes as they left.

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The day was just as humid and muggy as Misato had warned. The weather guy was right. There's a new one. Rei was in class today. She looked a little tired and had a bandage on her right arm. All the windows were open in school to tempt a non existent breeze. Shinji was tapping his pen on his desk during the lecture when a familiar chime rang from his laptop. On his screen he saw he was sent an instant message.

ClassRep2-A: Ikari-kun?

Shin-chan03: Yeah?

ClassRep2-A: Do you have any plans for this weekend? Sat 11:00am?

Shin-chan03: No. Why? Btw-Thank your mother for those cookies. They were good.

ClassRep2-A: I'll be sure to tell her.

ClassRep2-A: Do you want to go to that new arcade in the middle of town this weekend?

Shin-chan03: Sure. Who else will be coming?

ClassRep2-A: ...

ClassRep2-A: I already talked to Asuka. She'll be coming.

Shin-chan03: Is that all?

ClassRep2-A: No...

ClassRep2-A: I'll be inviting more. Just don't say anything to Asuka or anyone else. PLEASE!

Shin-chan03: Uh, sure. I promise.

Shin-chan03: Is anything wrong?

ClassRep2-A: No. Sorry, Asuka is inviting me to IM. See you this weekend. )

Shin-chan03: Later.

ClassRep2-A has left the room.

Shinji sits looking to his empty screen. He thinks, "Why doesn't she want me to tell anyone?". He looks toward the head of the class and he sees she is typing away as she talks with Asuka via the chat network. He looks over to Rei and her bandaged arm. He types on his computer to send Rei and instant message.

Shin-chan03: Rei are you there?

ARei01 has entered the room

ARei01: Yes Ikari.

Shin-chan03: Are you all right? I saw the bandage.

ARei01: I'm fine. There was an accident. No one was harmed.

Shin-chan03: But your arm.

ARei01: A hatch closed on my arm. It's not serious.

Shin-chan03: I'm glad you're all right.

ARei01: Okay.

ARei01 has left the room.

Shin-chan03: ...

ARei has entered the room

ARei01: Ikari?

Shin-chan03: Yes?

ARei01: Thank you.

ARei01 has left the room.

Shinji looks up from his laptop to Rei. She sits at her desk looking forward, but this time he can see a small smile. He was about to turn off his PC when he saw another message.

RED-Hot02: trying to peak at WonderGirls breasts too perv? Lol

Shin-chan03: No…

RED-Hot02: Whatever ;P

RED-Hot02: hey shinji. Tell Misato that I'll be home later tonight.

Shin-chan03: ……

Shin-chan03: It's your turn to cook dinner tonight. Guess this means you want me to do it. :-(

RED-Hot02: Think again idiot. I'm walking home with Hikari but I should be home in time to cook dinner.

Shin-chan03: What are you making?

RED-Hot02: it's a trade secret. Lol.

RED-Hot02 has left the room.

Shinji turned his computer off and took notes for his class. Shinji lived up to his promise to Hikari and didn't talk about the arcade to anyone. It made him feel a little uncomfortable to not talk about it with his friends. Hikari said she would invite them so he didn't see the big deal. Asuka waved good-bye as they parted ways on the walk home. She seemed really excited today.

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Misato wasn't home when he got back. He found Pen-pen laying in the beanbag chair taking a nap. The house was still freezing. The maintenance guy must not of showed up yet. Shinji sat alone in the house only for a few minutes when Misato came walking in. She apologized to Shinji for not being there when he got home. Ritsuko called and they had a late lunch with drinks.

Much later in the day Asuka was as good as her word. She walked in with some groceries and nearly bit Shinji's head off when she found him in the kitchen getting ready to cook. Asuka was heard cooking and chopping in the kitchen. Not as much clamored as the last time she tried to cook, but nearly as many curses.

They all sat down and to everyone's amazement Asuka prepared a very good BLT salad with breadsticks. Like the name it was a salad with the usual lettuce, shredded cheese, and tomatoes, but also had many hunks of bacon. She had finished it up with a creamy garlic dressing. Misato and Shinji addressed her with much praise over the meal. She just went on and feigned modesty as she glowed in the approval. After this meal Shinji had a good idea what Hikari and Asuka were doing at her place. After dinner Asuka changed for bed in her usual shorts and baggy yellow shirt. She was still covering herself in a blanket, because of the cold.

There was a phone call that Misato answered later in the evening. She seemed reluctant to talk to whoever it was. A few minutes later she was saying the call was from Ritsuko. Ritsuko and Maya were going out for drinks and she was joining them. Shinji already knew Misato had gone out for drinks with Ritsuko that afternoon. Judging by the way she was blushing and looking to see Asuka's reaction as she walked out the door he was sure the real person on the other side of the line was Kaji. Shinji at times really did envy the way Kaji could always say just the right thing.

It was a little past nine when Asuka called to Shinji asking him what was on the television. "Nothing really special." he said as he sat in the small couch. He flicked through the channels finding nothing of much interest. "Just some crime dramas, and some of those stupid pre-second impact reality shows." Asuka walked into the TV part of the room and sat next to Shinji on the couch still covered by her blanket. She had brought with her a soda and a bag of her favorite chips. She snatched the remote from Shinji's hand and started to mess with the buttons. "If we can't find anything on these crappy 'parental approved' channels lets try the others." she says with a wicked grin.

"But... Misato is the only one with the code." say Shinji.

"Not any more. I saw her put the code in the other day." Asuka brought up some of the adult comedies from the movie library. She looked through to find one with the highest parental warning. "I'm not sure about this Asuka. What if Misato comes back?" Shinji says meekly.

Asuka looks to him with a disappointed look and says, "Mein Gott. Don't you ever get tired of being the good little boy. No way she will be home for at least 3 more hours.".

"How did you come to that?" he asks.

"Cause that's when the bars close in Tokyo-3." She says as if she was addressing a child.

Shinji just bowed to her reasoning and was starting to get tired of always being the 'good boy'. Asuka giggled in joy and found a suitable movie. The title was, "Eurotrip". A comedy about a boy just getting out of high school who falls in love with a girl in Germany via e-mail. He accidentally sends her a flaming email. The boy really thinks he has fallen in love with this girl and joins his three friends on a whirlwind trip to tour Europe to meet her. There was plenty of nudity, underage drinking, and very funny, gross moments. Much to Shinji's surprise about ten minutes into the movie Asuka slid closer to him, cuddled up, and rested her head on his shoulder. He was nervous and he could hear the ice in his glass rattle as his hand shook. Keeping his eye on the movie Shinji was thinking, "That's some orange juice." and "Ewww, with his sister.".

At the end of the movie Asuka was even shocked. "Mein Gott! In das Vatikan!" she thought blushing.

It was a little hard to concentrate on the movie as she rubbed up against him. "Her hair smells like lavender." Shinji thinks. The fragrance and warmth nearly puts him into a trance. It was hard to miss Asuka's laugh when this little German boy in the background painted himself with a small mustache and started goose-stepping. They remained close and laughed through the entire film. "If you don't rat me out to Misato we might do this again some time." Asuka says.

Shinji says, "I wont. This was nice.". She smiles, gets up, and says, "Now off to bed, Dork." She slaps the back of his head. Much lighter then she usually hits him.

It was just then Shinji noticed Pen-pen was giving them a nasty stare. He seemed to know they had been misbehaving. He really didn't care at that moment. They spent some time together and actually enjoyed it. "Maybe she doesn't really hate me."

Shinji got up, put his glass away, and gathered another blanket from the linen closet. Misato still wasn't home. "She must be really having fun with Kaji tonight." he thinks as he turns out the lights and climbs into bed. He rests his head on the pillow with a smile on his face. His arm and shoulder still felt warm from where Asuka was resting against him. The scent of lavender was still fresh on his memory and his eyelids droop...

It was that sweet aroma that caused him to open his eyes. It felt like they were only shut for a second. The room was pitch black, but he felt like someone was in the room. "Who's there?" Shinji says into the dim. His eyes adjusting better to the dark. He can make out a slim female figure. "It's me Shinji." the girl says.

"Asuka?" replies Shinji in calm surprise. "Is something wrong?"

"It's too cold in my room." Asuka pouts as she walks to the side of his bed. "I thought I could come in here and we could keep each other... warm." Asuka lifts the covers and slips into his bed.

"A-Asuka." he stutters.

"Shut up and just relax." she says in a sweet tone. She slides up against Shinji under the covers. He feels her arm wrap around his chest. "You should appreciate your good fortune. You know. I've never slept in the same bed with a boy before, and I chose you."

Shinji's breathing becomes shallow. He can feel her soft skin move along his arm and it hits him like a bolt of lighting. "ASUKA, are you naked?"

Asuka giggles. He feels her nuzzle at his neck. "We can keep each other warm this way. Flesh... to... flesh. It could be really awesome." Her hand slowly slides up inside his shirt and fingernails caress over his bare chest."

Only sounds coming out of Shinji's mouth sound more like a whispering, sputtering car. "W-w-what about Misato? If - if she find us… we… might get in trou-" Asuka cuts Shinji off by placing her finger gently on his lips and says, "Sh shh shhh shhhh. Relax idiot." He sees her lean in smiling. Their lips are barely an inch apart. He starts to shake all over. "Oh, Don't shiver, mein Liebchen. I'll keep you... warm... There's just one thing I really need to tell you… before." She bats her eyes and smiles.

"W-w-hat is it?" he asks...

Pushing roughly on his shoulders she leans up and with an angry scream she says, "WAKE UP, DUMMKOPF!"

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The sun is bright as Shinji's eyes burst open suddenly only to see Asuka standing by his bed rather then inside it. She looks angry. She's wearing sweat clothes that appear too big for her. He can only guess they are Misato's. "It's about time." she says coldly. "Misato asked me to come wake you up. I come in here and find you with that stupid grin on your face and-" Asuka's eyes glance further down and something catches her eye.

Misato has just pressed down on the toaster when she suddenly hears a high pitched scream. "That came from Shinji's room." Misato thinks.

"Mein Gott! Is that all you males can think about!" Misato hears Asuka yells from Shinji's room.

"What!" She hears Shinji's scream. "I-I-I can't help that! J-just get out of my room!"

"Yeah, like I want to stay." Asuka says as she storms out and slams the door shut behind her. Misato sees Asuka walk into the kitchen, pour herself some orange juice, and takes a seat at the table. Cursing in German under her breath. "I take it you woke Shin-chan up." Misato says looking to the agitated hot head.

"Oh, he's UP alright." Asuka says in a bitter tone, looking out the window.

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To Be Continued...
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