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: Yet again another LONG chapter. To tell you the truth this chapter was designed to be twice as long. These scenes were just too good to let them slide by with little description. This chapter was going to have a rather shocking end, but I'm going to save that for the next chapter. How's that for a tease? There is a small bit of fan service in this chapter.

I always look forward to reviews. I like to hear questions from people. Just so you know. Just about everything is plotted out. Just because one chapter doesn't explain something doesn't mean you wont get an answer by the end.

You got to feel sorry for Shinji in that last chapter. Pour guy didn't even know he was on a date. Sounds unfair to me.

Chapter 5: The Katsuragi Scenario

By five in the morning, Misato very reluctantly dragged herself out of bed. She had a splitting headache. Grumbling as she pulled herself to her feet, and wondered what happened to her shirt. She seriously considered that her friend, Ritsuko, scheduled these sychrinization tests this early on the weekends just to torture her. It was raining outside. The clouds blocking the first signs of daylight. Misato thanked heaven for small favors. She took a deep cleansing breath as she braced herself on the dressers. When her eyes opened she saw her fathers cross. He was far from an idol father, but when it came to it he sacrificed himself to save her.

Her conflicting emotions were obruptly ended as the sounds of cooking in the kitchen caught her attention. Her thoughts now started to wonder on the events of the other night. Misato came out of her room a short time after Asuka's rather confusing outburst. Shinji was on his feet and looking to Asuka's door.

"Shin-chan," Misato said. "Who were you talking to?"

"That girl from the school paper. Asked her when she wants to do that interview."

"Shinji" she said in surprise. "Did you just ask a girl out on a date?"

"No." he replies flatly. "We're just meeting at the ice cream place to talk."

"Sounds like a date to me." Misato sang as she walked to the fridge to claim her next beer.

"Just drop it." Shinji snapped back. The anger in his tone caught Misato off guard. She helped Shinji gather up the glasses and empty pizza boxes. She thought about asking him for more details of what happened that day, but thought it probably best to let both of the teens decompress. Asuka only came out of her room a handful of times. Only to go to the bathroom, fridge, or claim the phone to take back into her room.

Last night was certainly interesting. Misato straightened herself, found her shirt, took another deep breath, and walked through her door.

"Good morning, Misato." Shinji says in a cheery morning tone.

"Mmm, Morning." she replies. Blinded for a second as her eyes adjusted to the lights. Misato made her way to the fridge and collected a beer. She sat down and took a deep chug from her can. "YEEAAAHHHH!" Misato hollers and slams down her beer. "That smells soooooo good, Shinji. What are you cooking?"

"Stuffed French toast."

"Asuka's favorite. Trying to earn some points huh?" Misato thought. "You didn't have to get up early to cook. We have some pizza left over." Shinji just gave Misato a disturbed look. "What! Cold pizza and beer make a great breakfast. I'd even let you have some beer." Misato spoke with a playful tone.

"I can't."

"Why not." She says waving her beer to tempt the boy. "Just a sip."

"I'm a minor."

"Ah, I thought teens are suppose to rebel." she says in mock disappointment.

"I am." Shinji says with a cute smile. They share a short laugh.

"I take it Asuka's not up yet."

"No." he says going back to the cooking.

"I'll get her." Misato gets up and slowly slides open the door. "Asuka, you up?" Misato says softly. Not getting a reply she walks into the lions den. She sees Asuka under the covers, feet exposed, clutching a red and white teddy bear. Misato was about to place her hand on Asuka when she suddenly started to mumble something in her sleep. "Lass mich doch… nicht,… Shinji." mumbles Asuka. Misato is confused by everything, but the last word. She had worked for NERV's German branch years ago, but was far out of practice in her German. "If you don't use it every day." Misato thinks in frustration. She stands there watching over the lovely red-head and considers letting her continue this dream. She had to get up though or they would be late.

She gently placed her hand on Asuka's shoulder and rocked the girl. "Aaaasuka." She softly says. "Asuka, it's time to get up."

Asuka's eyes slowly open and tries to adjust to the dark room. "Morgen." She says with a week smile.

"That's a really cute bear." says Misato. "Is that new?"

Asuka looks surprised by the question, but even more so as she looks to the bear in her arms. "Did you put this is my bed?" she asks.

"No. You were hugging it when I came in." Misato answers. "You need to get up. You can have the bathroom first. We need to leave before six if we want to get there in time." Misato walks out, softly closing the door, and leaving Asuka looking to her red bear.

Asuka came out of her room a minute after Misato left. Stretching her arms and yawning. Shinji greeted her as she walks past him and to the bathroom. She just gives him the same German morning greeting, she gave Misato, as she rubs her eyes.

Misato had finished her breakfast and was talking casually with Shinji by the time Asuka exited the bathroom. Misato walked to the bathroom door and watched as Asuka sat down to breakfast. She seemed very happy with the breakfast, pouring on syrup and powdered sugar. The two sat silently at the table eating and Misato just crossed her fingers hoping this ceasefire would hold by the time they left.

Wishes do come true. Shinji and Asuka may not of been overflowing with emotions to each other, but they were courteous. Misato went from hung over to all business when they left for NERV in Misato's car. Asuka sat in the back trying to get a few more moments rest, and Shinji just sat quietly looking out the window. Misato had to fill the silence with the radio.

The stoic Rei was just arriving as they did. "Morning, Rei." calls out Misato.

Rei stopped to return the greeting. "Good morning, Major Katsuragi. Pilot Ikari. Pilot Soryu." Shinji was cheerful as he talked with Rei and Asuka was closer to indifferent. Misato escorted the chosen through the halls of NERV till they reached their cross roads. "Well, you kids get ready. I need to go find Ritsuko and tell her we're here." says Misato.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

The tests were well into an hour before they were done. Ritsuko, Misato, and Maya were sitting in the test observation room. The screens showed all the children and their synch rations. Maya typed on her laptop to record the data. Ritsuko leaned over her shoulder to examine.

"How's the results?" asks Misato.

"Rei is up this week by about two points. Asuka and Shinji are both down three." says Maya.

"Is that a problem?" asks Misato.

"I don't think it's too much to be concerned about just yet." says Ritsuko. She picks up her clipboard and makes several notes. She puts down her clipboard, and groans as she rubs her neck. "Is there any coffee left?"

"Yeah." Misato says. She makes her way to the table to get her friend a cup. "Maya you want some?"

"No thanks, Major." she replies.

Misato returns with the coffee and hands it to a great full Ritsuko. "Mmmm, Thanks." she says and takes a slow sip.

"I don't see how you can drink that stuff black." says a disturbed Misato.

"I don't get how you can drink beer first thing in the morning." They both walk up to the table and Misato pours herself a cup of coffee, adding sugar and double cream. Ritsuko is surprised she didn't get any remark back on her comment. "So, how are things with your cupid impersonation."

"Things were going pretty well, but they had some argument and now… I don't know." says Misato and she sits at the edge of the table.

"Well, tampering in teenage hormones isn't easy."

"I think they just need a little time apart to cool down." Misato taps her nails on the table and comes up with a plan. "You have any plans today?"

"No. Just need to get this test done, then I'm going home." Ritsuko says. "Why?"

"I think I have an idea. Call the kids in. I need to find Kaji."

"Okay, but I'm timing you." Ritsuko says, implying something improper.

"Oh Shut Up!" yells Misato as she runs out of the room.

Ritsuko smiles as she sips her coffee. "Maya, call them in please."

Maya gives the kids the all clear and the orders to report to the observation room. All three reported and Ritsuko told them the results. Asuka was upset from the drop in her test results. Once dismissed she briskly walked from the room. "Asuka, don't be like that." Shinji called after her.

She was upset as she made her way to the lockers. She was heading back to Misato's car when someone called her from behind. "Hey, Asuka! Wait up!"

Misato was running up from behind Asuka. They met up and started walking again. "I just left Ritsuko. We're going out for some fun and then lunch. Want to join us?" asks Misato.

"Sure." says Asuka. She suddenly stops in her tracks. "Is Shinji coming?"

"Nope." Misato says with a smile. "It's more of a girl's day. In fact I need to go tell Shinji we're going out. I'll meet you back at the car." Misato started to run back into NERV HQ. "I need to go take care of that and find Rei."

Asuka walks quietly. Her mood improved by the idea of a day out with grown women. She goes to Misato's car. She climbs into the back seat to lay down and grab a few more moments rest.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

The rain had stopped. The sky was bright and clear. The only way you could tell it had rained was from the damp soil and patches of moister on the roads. Shinji walked in rather tired from the boring train ride home. The house was no longer so hot. He only guessed that the tech had finally repaired the apartments air conditioning. He walked in and was greeted by a qwarking sound. Pen-pen was sitting in a beanbag watching the TV that Misato had left on for him. Shinji grabbed a melon freezer pop and soda. He took a seat next to Pen-pen. They watched TV for about forty minutes and Shinji fell asleep.

He woke a few hours later and looked to the clock. It was nearly lunch time. He was just getting to his feet as the door bell rang. "Coming." he said. Opening the door he saw Kaji. He had his usual sly smile, but he also had a bandage wrapped twice around his head.

"Hey, Shinji." Kaji says with a cheerful wave. "Katsuragi here?"

"No. Her and Asuka left. I don't know when they'll be back."

Kaji didn't seem surprised or at all disappointed by this. "Oh well. Why don't you come join me for lunch? My treat."

He thinks, "He knows I'm a boy right?" "I don't know-"

"Come now." says Kaji cutting him off. "You can't eat by yourself. It's bad for the digestion."

Shinji thinks for a second and says, "Okay. Just let me feed Pen-pen." Kaji walks in behind Shinji. Shinji sets out some fish for Pen-pen to eat.

"So Shinji," says Kaji. "how's life living with two beautiful women?"

Shinji stands up and sees Kaji peaking into Misato's room. "Confusing." Shinji says. Shinji closes the door slowly almost catching Kaji's nose.

"I bet." says Kaji laughing. He slips his arm over Shinji shoulder and holds him like a life long friend.

"Uh, Kaji." Shinji says looking to the bandages wrapped over Kaji's brow. "What happened to your head?"

Kaji rubs his head embarrassed. He chuckles and says, "Oh, this? Well, I had my seat pulled out from under me." Shinji just knew he must of said something to Misato.

They walk out the door and Kaji asks him what he is in mood to eat. They get into Kaji's car and drive into Tokyo-3.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

People of the city were all about. The sun just seemed to improve everyone's mood. Asuka, Ritsuko, Misato and Rei traveled through the city shops. While most of the girls laughed and joked. Rei was mostly just… there. She asked a few questions, and everyone tried to be helpful. The only question none of them wanted to touch was when they went into a lingerie store and Rei asked, "Why would someone want underwear with a hole down the middle?" After a few awkward moments Asuka was the one who made a comment. She said, "Only perverts want that crap.". Misato tried to hide that her face had gone suddenly red.

Asuka probably had the most fun she had ever had with Rei. In one store she tried to put together a whole new look for Rei. The whole lot of them tried on far more then they actually bought. Asuka bought some shirts, a skirt, some hair bows, and a new bra and panty set that she thought was more grown up. At least as grown up as Misato would allow. Ritsuko bought a new skirt and watch. Misato purchased some jeans, and a couple tops. Rei bought two books, a note pad, pens, and was practically ordered to buy herself some new clothes. She picked a modest blouse and skirt. Asuka just rolled her eyes and said she looks like a teacher.

As lunch time came around, but none of them could settle on a single place to eat. The winner was picked through a game of Janken. Ritsuko was the winner. They sat down to a nice Italian style bistro. The women chatted about movies, music, and how sick they were of the news being obsessed with certain celebrities lives. Only real confrontation happened when Misato caught Asuka trying to sneak a piece of bacon into Rei's salad. Ritsuko also berated Misato for how much she was drinking in front of the children, and the fuss put up when Misato found out they had a drink limit.

They walked around to burn those calories, and enjoy the sun. Misato was lagging behind with Rei. They were on Main Street when Asuka stopped in front of a store with outdoor tables. She glanced around the street as if she was looking for something. "Hey, let's get some ice cream here." she said. Everyone agreed, but it was Rei who noticed Asuka's unusual interest in this place.

Asuka got a triple scoop of watermelon sorbet in a cup, Ritsuko bought peach ice cream, Misato chose a personal banana split with extra strawberries, and Rei selected vanilla ice cream with chopped nuts in a waffle cone. Misato had lost a bit of her composer, and was often finding herself getting glaring looks from Ritsuko as she told some stories of her past.

"So, I told Kaji." Misato says. "If you're not hitting on women when you talk. You'd be a mime." Everyone laughed, but Rei who just smiled.

"You know. I hear you go on a lot about the past, but I don't think it's as bad as you say." says Ritsuko. "In fact. I don't remember you doing a whole lot of complaining at the time." Misato just glared at her friend and then smiled

"Okay. He's alright." Misato clenches her fists in frustration and says, "Just GOD. He could be such a jerk.".

Asuka raised her hand as if she was to testify in court. "All men are pigs. Plain and simple." she says. Misato giggled.

"I don't think all men are pigs." says Rei. Everyone glanced to Rei.

Asuka says flatly, "Name one.".

"Shinji Ikari."

"Oh PLEASE." says Asuka almost laughing. "That idiot is like… King Pig. Did you know he even admitted trying to kiss me in my sleep?"

"No." says Rei, more interested in her cone.

Asuka glared at Rei. "You like him don't you."

"Yes, I do like him."

Asuka's eyes were now boring a hole into Rei. "Do you love him?"

There was a short silence as they all waited for Rei's response. "I don't know…" was all Rei said.

Misato saw the look of death in Asuka's eyes. She thought it best to step in. "Asuka, don't you think you're being a little unfair to Shin-chan?" Misato said, deflecting Asuka's attention. "Can you honestly tell me Shinji is the biggest pig you know?"

Asuka went into thought. Several names popped into mind with little effort. Suzuhara, Aida, and about twenty other boys from school. The list in her mind just seem to pile on and on until she gave up. "Okay. Maybe he isn't 'King', but he's definitely in the top five." she lies.

"I always thought he was a rather sweet child." says Ritsuko.

"Huh?" says Asuka and Misato. Rei just glances to Ritsuko.

"I met him once as a child." Ritsuko says. "I also met his mother a few times."

"Really, Ritsu?" says Misato. "I never knew that."

"What was she like? Shinji's mother." Asuka asked.

"Well, I didn't get to really 'know' her all too well before she died. I guess the only thing I could really say about her was that… she was a good mother." Ritsuko looks into Asuka eyes. She thinks, "You two share more then you know.".

"Too bad Maya couldn't join us." says Misato to Ritsuko.

"Yeah, her shift doesn't end till two." Ritsuko picks up a sealed cup of ice cream. "I'm taking her this little treat before I head home."

It was Asuka who spoke next. "Misato. I want to apologize about last night. Calling you a tramp."

Misato cut her off by resting her hand on her shoulder. "It's all forgiven. Let's just move on."

"Anyways, it's not like she was wrong." says Ritsuko.

Asuka laughs and Misato raises her banana split as if she was about to throw it. "Oh, so you want to wear this?" says Misato. The mood improved notably after that. The girls shared jokes and stupid stories. Asuka was incredibly frustrated by her inability make Rei even giggle. She was able to make Rei blush by whispering something into her ear. Both Misato and Ritsuko were not sure they even wanted to know what Asuka had said.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Not two blocks away from the women, in the deli, sat Kaji and Shinji. Kaji had expected that Shinji would want to pick a fat food restraint. He was pleasantly surprised when Shinji selected a place that made fresh hot sandwiches. He normally ate a lot like Misato did before Shinji moved in with her. Instant ramen, micro waved curry dishes, and lots of fast food. Both Shinji and Kaji ordered turkey sandwiches with bacon and cheese on some sort of fancy bread that had basil in it.

"So do you cook like this for Katsuragi?" Kaji asks.

"Not like this really, but I do try and make good meals." says Shinji.

"Well, now I'm just jealous."

"You could always come over for dinner some time. I don't mind cooking for people."

"Mr. Ikari, is that an invitation?"

"I guess."

"Well then I'll be sure to remember that." Kaji and Shinji enjoyed there meal and he asked, "How's Asuka been?"

"Why don't you ask her?"

"Because I'm asking you." Kaji says. His smile turning to concern. "Is something wrong at home?"

"Yeah." Shinji tells Kaji of the events at the arcade. The good and the bad.

"So why did you do it?" Kaji asks.

"When she wins she's happy. She got upset when I won."

"She got upset, but not angry." Kaji doesn't ask. It was more of a statement. Shinji took notice. "Shinji, Asuka is a proud girl. She may not like to lose, but when you go easy on her and let her win you show her that you don't respect her."

"But I do." says Shinji. "She's strong. I didn't mean to hurt her. I just wanted her to be happy."

"Did you tell her that?"

"No. I was too afraid. I really don't think she likes me."

"Why would you say that? She is living with you." Kaji says, pointing out the obvious.

"She only moved in to destroy the seventh Angel."

"But Shinji. She's still there. If she wasn't enjoying herself she could of easily moved somewhere else." Shinji just sat there. The thought that she could of left at any time had never really occurred to him before.

"It's all about respect, Shinji." says Kaji.

Shinji smiles to himself. "Misato told me that. She was telling me that if I did whatever a woman told me to do she wouldn't respect me."

"She's a smart woman." says Kaji. "This is what I want you to do next time Asuka tells you to do something. Just say 'No'. Don't be rude. Just tell her you don't want to. Then a few minutes later. I want YOU to suggest something you can both do together. Something you know she'll enjoy."

Shinji wasn't so sure, but he agreed to at least give it a try once. Nervously, Shinji asks Kaji a question. "How do you tell if a person likes you?"

Kaji laughs and says, "That's easy. All you need to do is smile at them." Shinji gave Kaji a skeptical gaze. "When you smile they know you care. If they smile back at you that means they care about you too."

"That seems awfully simple."

"Often times the answer to a complex question is a simple one." Kaji says in a matter of fact tone. "I do have one tip for when you find a woman you love."

Shinji is completely caught off guard by this topic, but he finds himself ready to listen to every word. "Mind you this probably wont apply in the summer, but it's still a good tip." says Kaji, and Shinji wondered why he was telling him. "On a cold day. When your girl goes into the shower. Take her bathrobe and put it in the dryer. When you hear the water stop. Take the robe out and greet her with a warm fluffy robe. I guaranty you she will melt."

Shinji asks, "Did you do that for Misato?"

Kaji sat silently with a smile that told Shinji he was lost in a memory. Kaji took a deep breath and said, "Well, since we are both done I best get you home. Don't want Katsuragi to think I'm trying to steal you away.".Shinji actually enjoyed the drive home. Kaji was a much more skilled driver then Misato. No zooming through lights or near misses. When Kaji stopped Shinji didn't feel the need to kiss the ground.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kaji got Shinji home well in time before Misato and Asuka got home. Shinji asked Kaji if he wanted to wait for Misato inside, but Kaji declined the offer. "Places to go, Mr. Ikari. No need to tell her I was even here." was all Kaji said as he left. Shinji put up Pen-pen's empty dish and found him right back on the bean bag chair in front of the TV. Shinji grabbed the seat he had earlier and enjoy the show that had the penguins attention.

Misato and Asuka walked in smiling and laughing. They greeted Shinji and took their new purchases to their rooms. Asuka walked out wearing her new hair bows. Misato apologized for getting home so late, and asked if he was bored all alone. He just said he was fine.

Misato and Asuka seemed to have some sort of silent agreement going. One of the rules that was set on their girls day out was that nothing said was to be talked about with any boy. Asuka was a lot kinder to Shinji since she got back. She got herself a glass of orange juice and sat next to him and watched TV.

About an hour later Asuka looked to Shinji and says, "Shinji, make some of those little tacos. Those were good.",

Shinji was about to sit up and get to work when Kaji's advice came back to him. "Just give it a try, and pray I don't get hurt." he thinks. He takes a breath and with little emotion says, "No."

Asuka was shocked. "Why?" she asks.

"Cause I don't want to right now." He was very polite in his tone as he flipped channels. Asuka was stuck to find her words and trying to identify the boy before her. She wanted to complain, but it wasn't like he was rude about it.

Shinji keeps glancing to the clock. He thinks, "When Kaji said wait a few minutes how many did he mean?". Shinji racked his brain to think of something they could do together. Fifteen minutes pass and Shinji asks her, "Hey Asuka. Want to help me make an apple crisp?"

Asuka just smiles. "Sure."

The two worked well together as Shinji walked her through the steps to make a delicious apple crisp. Shinji peeled and Asuka chopped. He had tips like using a variety of different apples, adding more cinnamon and nutmeg, and making twice the crisp the original recipe called for. They put it in the oven and a few minutes later Misato came out of her room.

"Oh what is that heavenly smell." moans Misato.

Asuka nearly leaped at the chance to tell Misato they had made an apple crisp. She even volunteered to run to the corner store to get some vanilla ice cream when Misato pointed out they were out. All three of them enjoyed their dessert before dinner that night.

Shinji had to test something. He looked up across the table to Asuka. He waited till she caught his gaze and he smiled. She gave him a confused look, then he looked away. If only he had just kept this connection for a second longer he would of seen Asuka smile back.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To Be Continued...
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------