Fist of all, I'd like to thank everyone who has left reviews thus far! I appreciate feedback a lot, both positive and critical. Even if it's just pointing out typos, I appreciate you taking the time to tell me what I can do to make my work better:)
Also, thank you everyone who is returning to read another chapter of my fic! This chapter was actually finished a while ago, but I wanted to do some touch-ups, re-writes, additions, and more proof reading before submitting it, plus I wanted get a bit of a head-start on Chapter 4 (which I'm in the process of writing).
A quick refresher: It's been 2 years since Third Impact, and Shinji (now 16) is living with Misato and Asuka in their new lakeside house near New Yokohama, the city which has become home to many people displaced by the destruction of Tokyo 3. Misato has just learned that Maya Ibuki is now married to Shigeru Aoba, and pregnant with their first child. Now, Misato has decided she's going to have a small weekend barbeque to catch up on old times with her former NERV colleagues. Also, it's finals week for Shinji and Asuka, which is giving the former a little more stress than he would like.
Now, on with the story!
Humans weren't meant to float
By GeekViking86
Chapter 3 – Finals are murder
"Ooh, this one's perfect!" Asuka squealed as she picked the red two-piece from the swimsuit rack. She always loved buying new summer clothes, and the fact that she was at the opening sale of a new boutique only made the experience more gratifying.
"It's nice, but do you think Misato would approve?" Asuka's best friend Hikari asked.
"If she doesn't, then it's probably just because she thinks I'm a threat now that my figure is catching up with hers. I mean, I've been wearing bikinis since I was thirteen!" Asuka touted proudly. "So, have you seen anything you like?"
"Eh, I'm probably going to go with that black one piece I looked at before—So, who's going to be at this little party anyway?"
"Just some of Misato's old co-workers from NERV. I guess you could almost call it an informal co-ed baby shower since this was all prompted when one of them got pregnant."
"Ooh! An expectant mother, huh? That's wonderful!" Hikari said with a glowing smile.
"Yeah, I guess so… Anyway, Shinji's stooges are coming too, so play your cards right and you might see your precious Toji shirtless." The last part got a satisfying blush out of Asuka's friend, to which she snickered.
"So, it must be nice living near a lake… You and Shinji can go swimming almost every day this summer, huh?" The freckled brunette said in a passive attempt to change the subject.
"Yeah, I guess so. But if I catch that hentai scoping me, he can make out with my fist!" the fiery redhead stated while cracking her knuckles. Hikari knew Asuka's threats were empty, but politely nodded anyway. Why are you buying that then? Sounds to me like you want-- "Ooh, Hikari! Check out these cover-ups, they're so hot!"Asuka squealed with delight, bringing the class rep's thought train back to the store.
Finals are murder.
That's the conclusion Shinji came to as he poured over his mathematics textbook. Somehow when you've survived an apocalypse, finding the value of point B didn't seem as important anymore, but nonetheless Shinji knew he had to pass. Asuka is really good at math, maybe I should summon up the courage to ask her when she gets back…Yes, when she gets back. I guess I could use a change of pace while I'm waiting…TV sounds good. And with that, he sat up and retreated to the living room.
Shinji found PenPen on the couch idly changing channels with the remote, and sat himself down next to the bird. The show he was watching was on some travel channel, showcasing exotic beaches crowded with young people playing in the water. Ugh, I don't need this right now. He thought to himself.
"Hey buddy, mind if I see what's on?"
"Wark." The penguin replied, using his flipper to slide the remote to Shinji.
"Thanks." Said the boy, who proceeded to flip through channels. "Let's see… Bay Watch? No… Jaws Marathon? No thanks… 20 Thousand Leagues Under the Sea… What is this? Does everything on today have to be about water?" Shinji growled, as he switched to the news channel. And he was met with more footage of people swimming in the ocean, this time 'Live and On Location'. Okay God, if this is a joke, I'm not laughing. He grumbled to himself. Finally, he found something he knew he'd enjoy. Ah, The Twilight Zone. Can't go wrong there. He smiled.
And thankfully, it was one of his favorite episodes—the one where that guy sees a monter on the airplane wing. Classic, he recalled. He wasn't 10 minutes into the episode when Asuka walked through the door, carrying two paper shopping bags that were probably from a clothes store.
There he was, stupid ol' Shinji sitting on the couch watching reruns. I'll bet the baka hasn't finished studying. Asuka thought as she stepped into the living room and dropped her shopping bags on the floor.
"Hey, did you study yet?" She questioned.
"Uh, sort of… I kinda got stuck." Shinji answered meekly.
"You mean you found something that you obviously need more practice with, and decided to rot your brain with this instead!"
"Oh come on! It's the one with Bill Shatner!" He pleaded. Hmm… I like that one too. I guess his homework can wait till after we watch it. Temporarily aborting her previous objective, Asuka happily sat on the couch next to Shinji and made herself comfortable.
It turned out that watching the show with Shinji was actually a lot of fun. He kept quiet during the good parts, but during the commercials he had interesting stuff to say, bringing up little bits of trivia like how the episode was inspired by a failed prank attempt by the show's creator when he was on a long flight with a friend, and that making the episode stemmed from his desire to see it done correctly. He's actually a good conversationalist once he gets going… Finally, the episode came to an end, and Asuka's priorities returned.
"Alright, now you have to study." She ordered.
"Well, I got stuck on this—"
"Whatever it is, don't worry. Just bring your books out here and I'll figure it out with you, OK?" Asuka gave with a promising smile.
"Um—Okay." Shinji got up, and headed for his room to fetch the homework he had been avoiding.
A moment later, Shinji came back a carrying his book and papers, and thumped them down on the coffee table. Asuka glanced over his work for a moment, and quickly discovered what he was doing wrong. An hour later, she had reviewed the entire chapter with him, and pointed out several other mistakes he made and how to avoid them.
"Now, as long as you keep your mind fresh and remember that stuff, you're gonna do fine on Wednesday's test." She smiled triumphantly.
"Thank you, Asuka." Shinji said as he relaxed into the couch cushion. He was a little surprised when Asuka started lean a closer into his personal space. What's she doing? His mind raced.
"So Shinji, I was wondering…" She started in an almost seductive voice, which made Shinji a little nervous. "What are you going to make for the barbeque?"
"Uh… I was thinking spare ribs, cheeseburgers, and teriyaki chicken if Misato gives me the OK." Shinji answered, trying to hide that he'd been holding his breath.
"Sounds good. We're gonna need a lot though, seeing as Ibuki—err—Aoba-san is eating for two. Plus, there will be 5 males there, yourself included."
"Hey, don't act so innocent! I know what you're like at buffet tables!" Shinji retorted to Asuka's comment. This seemed to strike a nerve with Asuka, as was evidenced by her twitching eyebrow. Suddenly, she put her foot on the coffee table and started flexing her arms, body-builder style.
"You see this? This is what a strong woman looks like!" she proudly declared. "And this here?" she drew some more attention to her bare leg with her hand. Why did she have to wear those shorts today? Shinji thought. "This is muscle. The more muscle you have, the faster you burn calories. Maybe if you would exercise for once you'd understand my needs a little better!" Shinji simply nodded in silence, still in awe of the perfectly formed leg on full display inches from his face.
"Anyway, it's my intention to make sure you get some this Saturday, so I'd better not catch you sneaking off with your SDAT player when the guests arrive!" she said.
"Yeah, I guess so…" Shinji half-agreed while trying not to let Asuka catch him staring.
"You should be more enthusiastic! You'll be thanking me when you take your shirt off one day and find a six pack!"
Just then, they heard the front door open, followed by a familiar jingle of keys.
"Hey kids, I'm home! I'd better not find you two making out!" Misato chimed in a motherly tone as she headed for the kitchen, causing both teens to blush.
"Speaking of six-packs…" Asuka mumbled.
"I heard that! And F.Y.I., I was going to get an iced tea, smart ass!" an annoyed Misato called back.
Thursday afternoon, sitting at his school desk, Shinji sat anxiously as he waited for the test results for his final math exam to come back. Kensuke Aida, Shinji's military-obsessed geek of a friend, sat confidently behind his laptop with a broad smile on his face, so it was pretty obvious that he wasn't going to have any problems. Meanwhile Shinji's other friend Toji, a star athlete of the school, wore an expression much closer to Shinji's. It was just like Shinji would have imagined. This waiting is driving me nuts. Let's see what those two are up to. The chat window opened up, and soon the room was up and running.
EvaUnit01 has initiated private chat
ArmyHax1337 has entered the room
MadSkilz2k1 has entered the roomEvaUnit01: What's up guys
ArmyHax1337: Yo dude.MadSkilz2k1: Yo.
EvaUnit01: How did you do on the test?
MadSkilz2k1: Pretty good. Hikari helped me study.
ArmyHax1337: Aced it.
EvaUnit01: I think I did OK. I got some help from Asuka.
MadSkilz2k1: She-devil? No way.
ArmyHax1337: LOL do U still have ur soul or did U have 2 sell it?MadSkilz2k1: Stop using haxx0r speech Kenny. It dum.
EvaUnit01: Anyway, you guys still on for the BBQ on Saturday?
ArmyHax1337: Yeah.
MadSkilz2k1: You betcha.
ArmyHax1337: Toji just can't wait to see Hikari in a swimsuit LOL
Shinji was pretty sure he heard a pencil flying through the air and hitting something, followed by a squeaky "Ow!" from Kensuke's direction.
EvaUnit01: I bet you're just dying to see Misato in one.
MadSkilz2k1: Owned.ArmyHax1337: Ur owned too, you like her also!
MadSkilz2k1: Well at least I've got Hikari.
ArmyHax1337: OK U win.
Shinji closed his laptop when he saw Hikari coming his way, handing out the test results. He braced himself as he looked at the paper. "A minus" Yes! Thank you, Asuka! Shinji's mind exclaimed. A second later, he had opened up his laptop again.
EvaUnit01: I got an A-! What are Ur scores?
MadSkilz2k1: B
ArmyHax1337: I got an A+. Who's p0wned now?
Shinji heard another pencil fly, followed by another squeaky "Ow!"
EvaUnit01: Well I guess I'll see U 2 after class.
ArmyHax1337: CyaMadSkilz2k1: Later dude.
ArmyHax1337 has left the roomMadSkilz2k1 has left the room
This chat room is no longer activeShinji closed the chat window and powered down his laptop. Putting his hands behind his head, he relaxed and let out a breath. Yup, finals were murder. But thanks to Asuka, Shinji was able to survive. Shinji looked over at Asuka, who showed no signs of surprise whatsoever when handed her results, whatever they were. Probably an A, if that's possible, he rolled his eyes to himself. Still, I owe her a lot of thanks. There's got to be something nice I can say that doesn't result in getting called a hentai or being punched in the face…
Just then, the class bell rang, and the students quickly began flooding out of the room, however Shinji made it his mission to catch Asuka before she reached the hall.
"Hey Asuka!" Shinji shouted, catching her attention. He approached her and showed her his test results with a proud grin.
"Thank you Asuka, I couldn't have done it without you." Shinji said gratefully, which earned him a genuinely pleased smile from Asuka, and what was quite possibly the nicest thing he had heard from her all year.
"Knew you could do it. Good job, Shinji!" After giving him a quick pat on the shoulder, followed by a ruffle of his hair with her fingers, she headed out door leaving Shinji with a happy, somewhat silly looking smile on his face.
"So you and she-devil are study buddies now, huh?" Toji teased Shinji, as they sat under a shady tree in the school courtyard with Kensuke.
"Well, I was only going to ask her to help with this one angle measurement formula, but then she insisted that we go over the whole review chapter together." Shinji shrugged, but for some reason this made Toji and Kensuke look intrigued.
"So, she wanted to help? Does she help you study often?" Kensuke inquired.
"Yeah, I guess so. Why?" Shinji looked a little confused, but Toji and Kensuke started grinning.
"Oh, nothing…" Toji smirked. There was a bit of an awkward pause for a moment, Shinji suspecting that there was something that his friends weren't telling him.
"Well, I should get going. It's my turn to cook again." Shinji said as he got up and proceeded to leave.
"Things might get pretty interesting this weekend." Kensuke said while adjusting his glasses.
"Yup. So should I bring my Volleyball net?"
"Go ahead, but don't expect me to play."
"I was thinking me and Hikari could do some two-on-two against the newlyweds."
"You're talking about Shinji and Asuka, and not Misato-san's friends from NERV, right?"
"Duh."
"Those two on a team? I'll bring my camera for that." Shinji's companions began to laugh this amusing idea, which would quite likely end with Shinji being either scolded or punched, depending on how things went. Indeed, Saturday was going to be a blast.
Author's Notes:
Well, another chapter finished! Man, I felt so weird writing that first scene. "What am I doing writing a conversation between two teenage girls about bathing suits?" LOL!
Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this chapter, even if it wasn't terribly long. Next chapter, we're going to finally be diving into the central theme of this story. Don't worry, you won't have to wait long since by the time you're reading this, I'll have already started writing chapter 4. Please remember to leave me your reviews, and God bless:)
