TRUE WAR
CHAPTER 11
BY WONGA316
COPYRIGHT AND DISCLAIMER
I don't own Neon Genesis or any of its characters. If you want to use any ideas in the fiction just drop me an email –
AUTHOR'S NOTES
This is my first attempt at a Neon Genesis fan fiction, so please be gentle. This scenario doesn't take into account the final 2 movies / episodes and Touji never lost his limbs during this activation test. Some of the guys may seem OC to the die-hard fans. Sorry about this but I hope my ideas will make it worthwhile. Big thank you and applause to NateGold who proofread
"..." Normal speech
(...) Thoughts
-...- Computer / phone / other chat. You will know what I mean
(This is awkward.) Shinji stood, scratching the back of his head wondering what to do and say (How else did you think they were going to react?) Misato was sinking in a molten heap of embarrassment under the table. Yui calmly smiled at her son and daughter. The others just stared, the silence deafening.
"You kids must hungry." Yui scooted along the bench seat to allow room for Shinji and Rei. "I have plenty here, so help yourself." She pointed to the tray full of breakfast items.
While Rei seated herself, Shinji remained standing. He was never comfortable being the centre of attention, and the stares he was getting did nothing to ease his discomfiture. Kaji, with his seemingly instinctive sense for when things were getting thick, abruptly changed the mood.
"Well, Isn't this a nice family reunion." Kaji said, clapping his hands and taking a seat across the table. "C'mon, everyone, group hug..." adopting a thoroughly unctuous tone, resulting in a flurry of laughter and groans. This seemed to jar Kensuke out of his stupor.
"...Shinji?" He asked.
"Hey, Ken, It's been a while, hasn't it?" Shinji smiled warmly. He couldn't help noticing the lab coat with the NERV emblem his friend was wearing. (When did HE join NERV...and Why?) After hearing his name, Kensuke quickly got up, greeting Shinji with a friendly hug.
"It's good to see you again!"
Kensuke's actions had a ripple effect, with Touji following up with a playful headlock and messing his hair. "Yeah! The Shin-Man is back!" His noogie attack was interrupted by a sharp swat to the back of his head and firm grip on his ear.
"ACK! Hey, easy on the ear! And what's the whack for, anyway?"
"TOUJI SUZUHARA!" Hikari yelled. "Let him go! Don't you ever use that alleged brain of yours? He's got a head injury and I can guarantee you're not helping it!"
"Oh shit! Sorry man." Touji released his hold, allowing Shinji to get vertical again. "You o.k.?" Shinji nodded affirmatively, while trying to stop his grey matter from rattling in his skull.
"You really should know better!" Hikari scolded. "Come here Shinji. Let me have another look at your wound." Before he could reply, she spun him around and planted him firmly on the bench. Standing behind him, she gently pushed his head forward. "Where's the bandage I applied?" she asked, almost scolded.
"I took a shower to get all that LCL out of my hair...it was beginning to stink. The bandage would have come off me anyway." Shinji explained, feeling very much like a child trying to explain why he hadn't eaten all his vegetables.
"It hasn't fully healed yet. Come by the sick bay after breakfast; it's got to be redone."
Shinji started to protest, but the look on Hikari's face brooked no argument, and reminded him of just why she was so effective as the class representative. Instead, he simply nodded his acquiescence. Her eyes softened, and a little smile lit her features. "It's good to see you again, Shinji."
"Good move man... You don't ever want to tic her off...YOUCH!" Touji found himself cut off by another crack on his cranium.
Asuka and Mana watched the "Stooge" reunion, both hesitant and excited about making contact with the young man. Kaji noticed this. "You two can stop drooling now," his comment snapping both girls from their thoughts.
"Huh?" Asuka's slow response was noticed and taken advantage by Mana. She was the first to approach.
"Hello, you must be Shinji Ikari. My name is Mana Kirishima." Mana offered a formal bow. "It a great honour to finally have met you." Shinji returned the bow.
"Nice to meet you Kirishima-san." Shinji replied politely. He was very curious though.
"I'm sorry Kirishima-san, but why are you here? I mean at NERV? I don't want to be rude but..."
"Oh, sorry. I'm the new pilot for Unit Five. I was originally based in China but since the Angels have reappeared... well you can work out the rest." She explained. "Actually, my Eva is due to arrive later this afternoon... why don't you come along and check it out?" (Meanwhile, I can check him out...)
In the meantime, Shinji was a bit concerned. (Another EVA? Why? What could possibly be gained by creating more of the monstrosities that had caused so much pain?) He then noticed that Mana had moved quite a bit closer. It was just a little off-putting, since he wasn't used to such forwardness.
"Major Katsuragi was right with her observations about you Ikari-san..." Mana winked at the young man. Her action brought about a slight flush from him.
"Oh, really?" He shot a sharp look at the already badly flustered Major. "Just what HAS she been saying about me?"
"Oh... you know Shin-Chan. I've always had your best interest at heart." Misato replied trying to act normal.
"That's what I was afraid of".
At that moment, he made eye contact with Asuka, who was fuming over Mana's advances. "Asuka. It's great to see you again..." She was frozen to the spot, afraid that if she moved, he'd somehow disappear.
(Is that him? Is that really him?)
If it weren't for Kaji pretending to cough, Asuka would have remained in that position all day. She slowly approached Shinji. Everyone at the table stopped what they were doing. She stopped a short distance from him, not saying a word.
Shinji was bewildered by Asuka's actions. He had braced himself for a barrage of insults and verbal abuse but it never came. She just stood there, staring.
(He looks exactly the same... How can this be?! Am I dreaming again?) Asuka slowly reached out brushed Shinji's face with her fingertips (Is he real? My God he is!)
"Asuka...? (What is it about this touching of my face?)
"You've changed..." She whispered only loud enough for Shinji to hear.
Her face then twisted into a mask of anger and long suppressed sorrow. The formerly gentle hand that she had been using to caress his face came up in a thunderous slap, sending him reeling to the ground.
"DAMN YOU, SHINJI IKARI!"
"Shinji!" Rei immediately knelt by her brother's side, flanked by Yui. She pulled a handkerchief out, blotting the small trickle of blood from the corner of his mouth. His mother was asking him to open up so she could take a look.
Kaji winced as he witnessed the exchange of "greetings" between the two, and shook his head. "It seems they're picking up right where they left off" he sighed regretfully.
Shinji in the meantime rubbed his jaw, ensuring that it was still attached, and probed with his tongue at the cut on the inside of his cheek. Finding nothing else amiss, he waved off the ministrations of both Yui and Rei. "Hey, I'm fine; really, it's just a cut for crying out loud! It's not like I'm going to break apart or anything!" He even managed a chuckle, surprising both himself and the small cluster around him. "Just like old times..." he observed wryly.
He quickly scanned the room, just catching a glimpse of the German girls' retreating form as she left the Cafeteria. "Asuka, Wait! Damn it!" He swore as he lost sight of her and sprinted after. This had to be settled, and fast!
NERV HEADQUARTERS – EVA REPAIR BAY
Asuka didn't know where she was going. By the time she stopped to look at her surroundings, she was in the observation deck looking over the repair bay where the workmen were replacing and repairing the armour to Units Zero and Two.
She wiped the tears away with the back of hand and approached the window. The left arm of Unit Zero was currently placed on a separate platform for more delicate repairs. Additional technicians were in the process of regenerating the damaged tissue and bone.
(What am I doing? I wanted to see him. I wanted him to come back. Why am I running away?)
"Asuka?!" Shinji ran into the room, then stopped, panting and out of breath. His eyes fixed on her form by the window, and steadied himself before approaching.
"Why are you here?" she asked dead-voiced, trying to act like his presence wasn't affecting her.
"I want to know what's wrong." This prompted a harsh and bitter laugh from the redhead.
"What's wrong?! You disappear for almost five years, then return out of the blue and expect everyone to welcome you back with open arms? 5 years, Shinji without so much as a phone call, email or letter! You could've been dead for all we knew. But you just didn't care, did you? It's always been about you and the hell with everybody else, you selfish, cowardly son of a...
"Asuka-"
"That's my name, arschloch, and you're abusing it right now. You think coming back now makes everything instantly right again?" Shinji stood there, unsure of how to answer her attacks. His hand slowly began to clench and relax in response. "I don't even know why I'm getting worked up over you! What's the matter, nothing to say for yourself? I thought so! Spineless piece of shit..." She made her way towards the door, but was restrained by a strong hand on her shoulder.
"DON'T TOUCH ME!" She screamed as her hand swung close to Shinji's head. He grabbed it, forcing it down to her side, and then narrowly dodged a blow from her free hand
"LET ME GO!"
"Not until you calm down!"
"You think that you're bigger than me, that you are better than me!" (He wasn't this strong before!) "I can still kick..." Before she could finish Shinji pulled her into a tight embrace. She resisted but eventually stopped, her body moulding against his. Shinji stroked her back making little soothing sounds as her breathing returned to normal. Asuka slowly moved her arms up and around Shinji's waist, pulling him closer. Her actions took him by surprise.
"Asuka?"
"Just be quiet." She whispered, breathing in his scent. "Don't say anything... Just hold me." Shinji felt her head nestle on his shoulder, eyes closed and a look of contentment on her face. He felt the softness of her against him. (This isn't so bad...) They stood that way for a long while, not saying a word. Words were not needed.
A soft cough from behind brought them back to reality. Commander Fuyutsuki stood there, looking on with a mixture of amusement and sympathy. (These children deserved happiness instead of the pain awaiting them in EVA.) He sincerely wished things could be different, but the reality of the angel attacks denied any possibility of that happening, for now.
"I'm truly sorry to have to interrupt. Pilot Sohryu, Dr. Akagi requires your presence for a synch test." She narrowed her eyes, ready to protest vehemently. A look from Shinji stopped her.
"You better go now, Asuka. We'll catch up after your test."
"We most certainly will, Third child. Bet on it!" A flip of the hair, then a salute to the commander, and she was gone.
"Shinji, I'd like to have a word with you in private. I think you know what it's about."
"Pretty much..."
"Come, let me show you something." Fuyutsuki turned and left, Shinji in tow.
KANSAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT – VACANT LANDING STRIP
A lone car and its driver watched the jet slowly taxi to a stop. The whine of the engines gradually died down as the cabin door opened out into a set of steps. Keel stepped down, wearing his trademark visor and sporting an overcoat.
"Refuel and wait for my return." He ordered the flight attendant who bowed politely as he left the plane.
He made a beeline to the car, settling into the back seat. The driver, after closing the door assumed his place behind the steering wheel.
"Destination sir?" The driver asked looking in the rear view mirror.
"NERV Headquarters."
"Shall I inform Commander Fuyutsuki of your arrival?"
"No. I wish it to be a surprise."
NERV HEADQUARTERS – GEO FRONT
Fuyutsuki lead Shinji to a maintenance elevator, which took them down to the Geo Front. The elevator was large enough to accommodate heavy machinery for construction and repair. Neither spoke a word during the descent to the Geo Front floor, the only sound being the soft click of the elevator ticking off floors. When they reached the bottom Shinji noticed that there was little activity going on.
(They all must be working on the surface.)
Fuyutsuki walked ahead and off the platform. He saw that Shinji was hesitant. "Come along, Shinji. I need you to see something."
"If it's Kaji's watermelon patch, I've already seen it."
"I think this is something a little more interesting than Agent Ryouji's efforts at gardening." They walked for sometime, Shinji noting an abundance of silent storefronts and shops.
"They're all empty."
"Not for long I hope. The Japanese Government has given financial and tax concessions to people who relocate to Tokyo 3 and the Geo Front."
"Why would anyone want to live and work here?"
"Before the Angels and NERV, Tokyo 3 was actually the fourth largest city in Japan. Being close to the coast and having the mountain range behind us made it a popular tourist destination. But all this was before your time."
"But having forty story monsters rampaging through the city every now and then must have a helluva bad effect on the property values, I'd say. "
"You may be right but it still doesn't change anything."
"Change what?"
"Tokyo 3 was the home to many people before the Angels and it still is." Fuyutsuki stopped as he reached destination. "Here we are."
They had walked to the top of a small cliff side. On the other side lay a beautiful lake. Trees and shrubs were scattered along its shoreline. The artificial lights from the Geo Fronts reflected off the side of surrounding buildings and glistened on the lake's glass like surface giving off a rainbow of colours. A small waterfall exited the cliffside below them, shattering into a misty spray on contact with the lake.
"There is an underground spring close by. The water started seep through after your battle with the fourteenth."
"It's beautiful." Shinji wondered aloud. He was struck by a sense of Deja vu, remembering Misato showing him the city rising to the surface against a setting sun following his battle with the third Angel.
"At first it was just a flood plain then soon the greenery appeared. It's amazing that something this beautiful could survive and grow during times like this. Tokyo 3 had a lot of areas like this before the Angels arrived."
"Yeah... it's nice but why did you really show me this?" Fuyutsuki smiled at Shinji's directness.
"Consider it a metaphor, Shinji. Just like nature, man finds a way. But he won't if the Angels aren't stopped." He paused, and then decided to use Shinji's approach, asking directly.
"What happened out there Shinji? The bridge crew have reported some... interesting findings."
"What do you mean 'interesting findings'?"
"Since you left we've installed data loggers in all entry plugs, test plugs included. The technology is similar to the black box on commercial aircrafts."
"Then why ask me? Can't you just look at the log?"
"It was actually what your log didn't tell us. Your log showed nothing."
"Nothing?"
"It was like the start up sequence didn't occur and we both know that had to happen for you to do what you did to the second series."
"May be your data logger failed?" Shinji nervously tried to provide a possible excuse. "And what's the second series?"
"I had the technicians' double check that possibility. Both times the device functioned without fail." Fuyutsuki placed his hands into his pockets and walked closer to the cliff edge. "The second series are what we are calling the new Angels."
"New Angels?! That can't be!"
"We thought that as well but sections of the dead seas scrolls have only been just translated and verified which tell us otherwise."
"Why didn't you get it done the first time?" Shinji demanded.
"You have to understand that the scrolls are thousands of years old; much of the text is unreadable and requires the latest image enhancement."
"Sounds like your classic B.S NERV excuse to me."
"Believe me Shinji if we had had the information then we would have used it. I don't want to fight the Angels any more than you do."
"Yeah, but you're not the one getting into the Eva's and facing them head on."
"No one wants to see young people like you carry the burden of saving mankind but unfortunately we don't have a choice." A strange voice spoke from behind the Commander and former pilot. Shinji turned to see a mature man with grey-streaked hair. He had a larger build than Fuyutsuki and wore a dark visor that hid his eyes.
"Keel? What are you doing here?" Fuyutsuki was surprised by the appearance of the Seele chairman.
"I heard that the great Shinji Ikari had returned to Nerv and I wanted to meet the man myself."
(How did he know that Shinji was back? Does he have someone on the inside? Better have a word with Kaji when I'm done here) "I never said that I was coming back to Nerv." Shinji interrupted, turning towards Keel. "And how do you know my name?"
"I'm sorry, I haven't introduced myself. My name is Lorentz Keel. I head the Seele organization." He bowed formally. Shinji followed suit with a bow of his own.
"Seele? Who are they?"
"That has become a grey area over the years since we have evolved and became caught up in other matters but we originally began as a research body for the Dead Sea Scrolls."
"Oh, so you're the guys who started this mess." (Just what I need, another NERV...)
"Actually Shinji, Seele is also responsible for the formation of Nerv" Fuyutsuki added.
"So you're the one that I should blame for making my life a living hell." Shinji growled.
"If you like but that still doesn't change the fact." (According to his profile he should be timid and withdrawn)
"What fact?"
"That the Angels are back." Fuyutsuki nodded in agreement with Keel.
"More NERV bullshit." Shinji pointed to Keel. "In any case what does that have to do with me?"
"As the only person able to pilot Unit One I think you don't have a choice." Keel failed see Fuyutsuki try to signal him that the subject of piloting still had to be clarified with Shinji.
"I haven't agreed to anything and you can't force me to pilot! If you bastards think you know everything then fix the problem yourselves" He spat and started to walk back towards elevator. Shocked by Shinji's response Keel watched him brush past ignoring his look.
"Shinji, please wait." Fuyutsuki chased after him. "It's true that we need you to pilot but things are different than before."
"DIFFERENT! How?! Every time I'm around those things myself or others get hurt. Can you guarantee that it won't happen this time?" he glared.
"No... I can't..."
"Then don't tell me that things are going to be different!" Keel analysed the situation and saw that Fuyutsuki's attempts were not working. He decided to try something different.
"So you are going to run away again?" He shouted as Shinji continued walking away from the pair. His voice carried a note of disgust. Shinji stopped in his tracks again.
"What did you say?" He demanded without turning around. Fuyutsuki looked on bewildered at the chairman's actions (I thought he wanted Shinji to pilot) His eyes then turned to Shinji who had instinctively started relaxing and closing his fists when he was nervous or upset.
"You know what I said. Why should I need to repeat myself?" Keel's tone had changed to his usual abrupt and formal manner.
The two observed Shinji's shoulders starting to shake. Keel began to congratulate himself on breaking down the young man's resistance until he heard a shocking sound.
Shinji was laughing. It was a soft laugh, but one that thrummed with anger and contempt. To be an EVA pilot required a greater degree of empathy than usual. This, coupled with years of tending bar had given Shinji a unique ability to read people. Also, for the better part of a year he had been manipulated by a master puppeteer by the name of Gendo. He knew all too well what Keel was trying to do.
"You know, one shouldn't open one's mouth unless one knows all the facts. You could wind up in some serious trouble."
Despite his attempts to remain cool and in control, Keel felt his ire rising rapidly. "Are you threatening me?"
"Why, do you feel threatened?"
"Do you know who I am?!" Keel had forgotten about convincing Shinji to pilot, letting his anger get the better of him. That this young puppy should defy him, a man who could cause the disappearance of governments with a word...!
"I don't need to threaten you. From what Fuyutsuki told me about the recent Angel attack the current Eva's couldn't stand toe to toe with it. It was only when I got into Unit One that the Angel was defeated. To my knowledge, I'm the only one able to activate Unit One. The way I see it, you need me far more than I need you!" Shinji turned his head to the side, impaling both men with an icy glare. "So, it's my turn to ask, do you know who YOU are talking to?"
Rendered speechless by Shinji's comeback, Keel had to concede that the former pilot had a point. Despite his anger, he began to feel a sense of grudging respect towards the former pilot. He decided to pull his final trump card. "You do realize that you will condemn the rest of mankind to death by doing nothing."
"What has mankind done for me besides trying to destroy my life? I owe you nothing." Shinji stated and continued walking away. Fuyutsuki walked up to the chairman as they watched Shinji make his way towards the elevator. They notice elevator descend and two figures came out to greet him.
"Was that wise?" Fuyutsuki asked. "We can get Yui or the Major to have a word to him. At this stage, if we even get him into Unit One, I'm afraid of what he may do to us as well as the Angel. A piloted berserker Unit One is something that we can not afford."
Keel rubbed his chin "His profile requires updating. Can you make sure that happens?" He ordered before setting off in the other direction. Fuyutsuki looked at him and sighed.
"You're up to something again. I just hope it doesn't end like it did with Gendo."
TOKYO 3 – DOWNTOWN RESTURANT
It was Touji and Kensuke who greeted him at the base of the elevator. It was nearly lunchtime and he had not eaten anything since chasing after Asuka and talking to the commander. Shinji needed little persuasion to have lunch at one of the western restaurants downtown.
"Are you sure you want to eat here?" Kensuke asked as he surveyed the restaurant interior. Western food didn't sit well with the young technician.
"I have to agree with Kensuke. I never really had a taste for western food." Shinji added.
"Come on guys! My sister works here and she can get us a discount. It's always packed. I figured that since most of the people are still moving back it would fairly empty." Touji pointed out the only customers, a single businessman and a young couple who occupied only two tables. "I'll be my treat" He pulled out his wallet and flashed his Nerv issue credit card.
"Hey! Where was that this morning?!" Kensuke shouted pointing to the piece of plastic between Touji's fingers. He had not forgotten about paying for Touji's third breakfast at the Nerv cafeteria.
"Oh... Ah... They were in my other pants. Come on, I'll get a table." He quickly made his way to the reception stand.
"Let it go." Shinji said calmly as he held Kensuke back from launching an attack. "You can rack it up on his card here." An evil smile appeared on his face as his mind calculated the revenge. Touji was already standing by a window booth that the host had shown him. Kensuke was first to cross the restaurant, eager for some payback. Shinji took his time and noticed that the host was looking at him in a funny way. The young hostess quickly brushed past him and returned to her position at the front desk. If he had bothered to turn around he would had seen some of the wait staff rush over to her and start gossiping.
Kensuke had taken the aisle seat, leaving Shinji the full bench on the opposite side. Touji quickly placed a menu in front of him "Hey man, pick anything you want. They are all really good." He pointed to the pictures of the meals in the menu.
"Thanks, Touji. I'm not really good with western food. Why don't you pick for me?"
"No probs Shin-man." Touji opened his menu and started browsing through. Kensuke was beginning to smirk and snicker from behind menu.
"Welcome, I'll be you waitress for today. My name is ... what do you want Touji?!" Mari was beginning her customary introduction but stopped abruptly when she saw her brother, the bottomless pit of Tokyo-3.
"Is that anyway to greet your older brother who happens to be one of the heroic Eva pilots that saves the world from the Angels?"
"You may be an Eva pilot but you are still a baka." She pointed her pen at him. "Hey Kensuke"
"Hi ya Mari. Working hard?" Kensuke replied, sticking his head above his menu.
"Yeah. This place sucks. I can't believe my career advisor thought it would be a good idea for me to do this."
"You know you could have done some work experience with Nerv."
"And work under you? No thanks. So have you decided yet? Do you want any drinks to start?" Her eyes darted to Shinji who had remained silent for the whole time. He had only looked at her when she arrived and then turned his sights out the window (He looks familiar... I know him from somewhere. I have to admit he is cute)
"Yeah drinks are good. What do you want to drink Shinji?"
(Shinji? Could it be?)
"Huh? Sorry Touji I missed that?"
"Drink. What you do want?" he motion a drinking with his hand.
"Oh, just a coke is fine."
"I'll have a coke as well and Ken?"
"Lemonade thanks."
"Two cokes and lemonade." She scribbled into her pad and then turning towards Shinji. She suddenly remembered her injuries, and the young pilot who always sent her toys and flowers while recovering. Her eyes widened in recognition. "Uncle Shinji!?"
Shinji faced Mari but was interrupted "You better believe it! Shin-man is back!" Touji shouted. It was followed by a small squeal from Mari as she scrabbled into the booth next to Shinji and grabbed him in a tight hug.
"Oh my God! It's really you! You've come back!" She shrilled excitedly. Touji's outburst and Mari's reaction caused the rest of the wait staff to surround the table, consisting of all young girls about Mari's age.
"Ah..." Shinji tried to formulate a response but was confused from all the attention.
"How do you do it, Shinji? What do you have that I don't?" Kensuke asked a little disappointed that all the attention was focused on his friend.
"What do you mean? I didn't do anything?"
"Uncle Shinji, this may sound kind of weird, but...can I have your autograph?" came the shy question.
"Sure, but why? I'm no one special." Kensuke's head fell to the table in disbelief and Touji slapped his forehead.
"Shinji, you're a hero around here. You don't beat the crap out of fifteen Angels and not get noticed." Touji explained.
"You think that I'm a hero?" He asked Mari. She nodded sweetly and presented her pen and pad again. Not wanting to disappoint her Shinji took her ballpoint and quickly scribbled his signature. When he was done Mari looked at the sheet and smiled further. She hugged Shinji again and whispered something in his ear.
"You're actually a lot better looking than I remember." But it didn't go unnoticed from her brother who groaned.
"Cut it out Mari. He doesn't want you all over him. Why don't you make yourself useful and take our order."
"Fine." She pouted and released a confused Shinji. The audience reluctantly dispersed and returned to their work. "What do you want?"
"I'll have the steak special." The former school jock motioned to Shinji.
"Ah... I haven't decided yet. I'm not really sure." He answered. This prompted Mari to jump back into the booth with Shinji.
"Here let me help." She said getting closer than Shinji would expect a waitress would. "If you can't really stomach western food then I suggest the chicken pasta."
"It looks...WHOAH!" (Her hand shouldn't be there!)
"If you don't like chicken then maybe there's something else that catches your eye." Mari gave Shinji a suggestive wink sending a rush of blood to the young man's face.
"No! The chicken is fine!" He replied quickly trying to ignore Mari's advances. Getting tired of his sister's behaviour, Touji gently kicked his sister under the table.
"Do you mind?! I'm helping Shinji choose this meal!" She returned the kick and none too gently.
"Didn't you hear? He wants the chicken. So why don't you just write it down in your pad and go get our drinks."
"But I still have to order."
"I'm a bit busy here Ken. Just wait a minute." Touji said without facing his friend.
"You're a dope! Kensuke has to order. Do you think he just comes into a restaurant for the view?" She snapped back. "I'm sorry Kensuke. What would you like?" Changing into a sweet and sincere mood.
"I'll have the seafood platter."
"The platter? Are you sure? It's a lot and quite..."
"He wants the platter so give him the platter!" A large grin appeared on the Nerv technician's face as Mari shrugged her shoulders and wrote it down in her pad. She got out of the booth and went into the kitchen to relay the order but blew Shinji a kiss as she was leaving.
"I'm sorry Shinji. My sister goes all silly when you're mentioned."
"I still don't understand how all these people know who I am? When I was piloting I couldn't tell anyone that I was a pilot or anything about what we did at Nerv." Kensuke and Touji explained how Nerv lifted the media blackout after Gendo was removed as Commander. Nerv still hid certain things from the public such as the true cause of the second impact.
"Sounds like they're using me to spiff up their image."
"All you every do is talk about NERV, Ken. Let's talk about something else." Touji interrupted. "What I want to know is what happened to you. Don't you know how to write an email or use a phone?"
"Sorry Touji. I wanted to let you guys know but I was afraid that NERV would find me." Shinji found the table surface particularly interesting.
"I can't blame you wanting to get away from NERV but things weren't the same after you left."
"What do you mean?"
"It's not really our place to say." Kensuke added. "Some people took your leaving really hard. I think you should have a word with them yourself."
"It was Misato, wasn't it?" Kensuke only nodded. "She was the only one back then to really care for me."
"I was surprised to see the devil and Ayanami acting weird as well. And don't forget about your mom." Touji said. His friend's admissions were starting to make Shinji tremendously guilty. An uneasy silence fell between the former classmates as Shinji contemplated his past actions and what to do to try and make amends. Touji could see his friend retreating into his shell and tried to help. "Hey Shinji... I might not be the smartest guy around but I know when someone is upset. When everyone saw that you were back the morale shot up hundred percentage. So try not to think about it too much."
"Your problem is that you don't think at all." Kensuke hassled.
"Thanks guys." Shinji offered a weak smile.
AUTHOR'S NOTES
Massive apologies for the delay in update. Thanks to NateGold for his proofreading and patience. No real notes this time.
