Shinji wake up! – Chapter 4

Disclaimer: Same as first, I don't own Neon Genesis Evangelion, but just so you know if asked by those who own any of the copyrighted material, I will voluntarily remove it from the story/internet.

A/N: I don't know what I was thinking…Sorry for all the spelling and grammar problems in the last chapter….Yeah I had my pre-reader and editor go over my story and the then they e-mailed me it back…but both were some how corrupted and would only open as read-only files so I had to try and merge both of them into a new document so I could upload…in the process some/most of the then non-edited stuff got through….Sorry…If the meaning was lost due to some of these errors please P.M. me and I will try to help you understand what I MEANT to say….

A/O/N: I just want you to know, There is now a forum just for this fic…so if you have ANY ideas(non-perverted: NO LEMONS/LIMES/Citrus ideas) please let me know and if I like them I will incorporate them into the story.

Also

Special Thanks to L33t N1nj4 Boris and Draknal for the proofreading, editing and helping to fill me in on some of my mistakes.

Thanks to everyone (L33t N1nj4 Boris) who let me bounce ideas off them. (I know it hurt but over time your wounds shall heal… I hope) (And no, I will NOT pay for your medical bill but I will give you meat…Yeah a meat basket at Christmas... Lorane make sure he gets a meat basket at Christmas.(If you get this last part of the joke… then you're as sad as I am! Here is a hint, Stan Lee created the concept for the movie which I am semi-quoting.))



Chapter 4: Let me ride on that long black plane

Gendo quickly ran up to the priest and tapped him one the shoulder. The man, dressed in the normal garbs of a priest, which would be black with a white collar, turned around. To the old man's horror, there was that sad and pitiful man again with a sly grin on his face. "Hello father!" said an ecstatic Gendo.

"Welcome my son…" said the exasperated man. 'Why is this man always here…doesn't he have ANYTHING better to do? He is either the most devoted soul in this realm or he is just crazy…and from what I can gather, he's nuts…' thought the priest. "So what brings you here my son? I already heard your sins at morning mass." 'Which I wish I hadn't…'

"Oh but father I already sinned again and I want to make sure Kami-sama knows ALL of my problems..."

'And if that baka isn't lying in this book he will give me anything I want when it is time… the fool… only an idiot would make such a proposal,' was Gendo's thought.

He continued on, "But I also have more wonderful news! That heathen girl I told you about, the one who tempted my son, wishes to convert and repent for her actions!"

"Oh that is wonderful news!" said the priest. 'Maybe this guy is a blessing in disguise! He scares more people into converting than the rapture and the black plague combined…I wonder who the poor sap is this time…'

"Who is the young girl in question?" he asked.

Gendo's face lit up with happiness from the praise he had received. "Oh! That German girl over there!" He pointed to the young red head that stood fuming next to his son.

"Oh that is wonderful news!" said the priest. The priest quickly walked over to Asuka and put his hand on her shoulder. "Now that man over there said you wanted to convert."

"Wha-? Oh yes…converting…um…what do I have to do?" She asked quickly as she was pulled from her confusion. "Well, I will spare you the details but you should go back with the nuns and they shall prepare you for the light of god. In the meantime I will hear the sins of Shinji here," said the priest kindly. Asuka looked at him nervously. "Don't worry everything will be fine. The tiger hasn't eaten anyone lately…" he said and began to laugh at the fright in the girl's face.

"A joke…there aren't any tigers. All you have to do is the baptism. Which is done with water and then you're given…um …I mean sold a bible to study the lord's teachings." He smiled warmly at the newly relaxed, Asuka. She just nodded and followed the nun into the back…

"Alright Shinji go into the confessional while I have a little talk to your father about the amount of times required to repent…" said the aggravated priest. "Yes father" mumbled Shinji. He headed over to the confessionals trying to remember why he came here.

He then opened the curtain and sat himself on bench and began to wait for the window to open so he could repent.



Meanwhile in the bat cave…uh…I mean the cathedral -

The kind old priest walked over to Gendo. "So you got yourself another convert, eh?" he said.

"Oh yes my father," said Gendo in an overly sweet manner.

"Well since you have been such a faithful person I am going to offer you something we hardly do anymore," said the priest.

Gendo's face lit up. "What's that father?" he asked excitedly.

"It's called an indulgence and for $800 I will give an indulgence…"he began

"And just what does this indulgence do?" asked Gendo skeptically.

"Well, it will clear you of ALL sins from now until you set foot inside a church again," explained the priest

"So… If I never come to church I'll be clear forever?"

The priest smiled, 'Ah he catches on fast.' "That's right."

"Done!" screamed Gendo as he whipped out his wallet.

'Easy mon- I mean, he is definitely helping the lord…' thought the priest with a smirk.



Inside the confessional- (Where Boris confessed his love of cheese and was excommunicated)

Shinji sat nervously waiting for the priest. He hated sitting here. The room was way too small and was extremely stuffy. But then he heard a little pop and a voice was heard, "I see you're here…good, good!"

'Like I had a choice….'

"Don't get snippy…at least you lilum know how to keep time... right then, very well…"

Several moments passed and nothing was said.

'Ummm….so why I am I here…' he sarcastically thought.

"Huh? Oh right that…well old chap the boss has taken some….um….special interest in you…yes that is the best way to put it…" said the voice as if being jogged out of a day dream.

'What do you mean "special interest" in me?'

"Hmmmm… Have you ever heard of the Holy Grail?"

'Yeah… the cup right?'

"No…" he was cut off by Shinji's next thought, 'Oh you mean the movie with that British dude! Yeah that is good stuff but I really like "the life…"'

"No!" the voice sighed. "No, it's the idea of how the son of our lord had taken a wife and started a holy blood line."

Shinji was shocked he was trying to contemplate this… 'You mean to tell me that …I am the H-Holy Grail?'

The voice began laughing, "Heavens No! IT is a complete and utter lie….I just wanted to clear that up…."

'WHAT THE HELL! I DIDN'T EVEN MENTION IT! YOU BROUGHT IT UP!' thought an outraged Shinji.

"What…I did, did I? Oh well….whatever. The thing I need to explain to you is how you are supposed to use divine intervention…."

'World domination?' commented Shinji slyly.

"Stop acting like Gendo. No…you know what, I don't have time for this… here I am going to implant the memory of this heart wrenching and inspiring conversation in your head... give me a sec…"

Just then Shinji felt a warm glow take over his form for a minute and he closed his eyes. When he re-opened his eyes, they were glazed over with an awed look and a tear came rolling down from his eye. "There now you understand lilum…"

'Yes' was the only thing he could get out.

"Well very good…Pip pip and cheerio!"

'WAIT!' Shouted Shinji in his mind.

"What is it now?"

'Why do you have a stereotypical British accent?"

"Um… well… the time will come when all will be revealed… um yeeeeeeeah…. bye."

There was another pop and Shinji was left to reflect on his "conversation."



In the chapel-

Gendo was giddy with excitement and was just waiting for Shinji and that…girl to finish up so he could finally use his loophole to get to where he wanted.

Suddenly two men dressed in the garb of Vikings walked up to Gendo.

"Hey, your son is in my class! Gendo Ikari, your son is Shinji, right?" asked the younger one.

In his famously cold voice, he turned to the two men, "Yes, that is my son. What were your names? Mr. uh..."

"Fool, we are all friends' right?" the older one said and gave a toothy grin. Well it would have been toothy if the fact many of the man's teeth were replaced with gold teeth.

"I am Fimbulhrim, the one whose bass drum has struck fear into the kraken himself and that is my father Flóki, the one who can slay a thousand enemies in one swift axe blow and gain the affection a thousand women with a single smile!"

Upon the younger one finishing this statement they both struck their "nice guy pose."

"Um…o…kay" Even the Super bastard shell hadn't pre-pared him for this. Gendo just didn't know what to say and sweat dropped. He had never seen anything so ridiculous as this.

'They MUST be insane…who do they allow to wander the streets in this country?'(This coming from the guy who calls mediums to buy potato chips)

"So… Flóki… You and your son are here to repent, I suppose…" stated Gendo.

This got a hardy laugh from both the Vikings…

"Hell no…silly little religion, Thor shall smite thine heathens…we came to pillage." Upon finishing his sentence he held up the collection plate and Fimbulhrim grabbed a bible from one of the pews and threw it on the ground…

"There I think our pillaging is done!" stated Fimbulhrim

"Yes we must get back before Nidhogg spots us…." finished his father.

This piqued Gendo's curiosity, "Who is Nidhogg?"

Both the Vikings looked at each other with shock and then began to do some sort of ritual which required them to give a war cry and spin in a circle.

"You mean…you've never heard…" Fimbulhrim spoke in hushed tones.

"N-n-n-no…I haven't," Gendo said rather flustered. He hated being out of the loop.

"Oh it is terrible… Nidhogg does horrible things and has never been caught…he is a dragon that can do almost anything," Flóki said in awed reverence.

Gendo gave quick laugh. "I don't fall for ghost stories…." said the 'new' Gendo we all know and love…

"Really now?" inquired Flóki.

"You know hurricane Katrina?" asked Fimbulhrim. Gendo nodded. "Nidhogg did it. Terrorists? Nidhogg! Earthquakes? Nidhogg! Black Death? Nidhogg ! The Crusades? Nidhogg! Hanson? Nidhogg! N'sync? Nidhogg! My ex-wife? Nidhogg! Paris Hilton ACTING? Nidhogg!"

"Oh my god!" Whispered Gendo. Then Gendo asked a question, "What about politicians?"

"Nah! That's Cthulhu …" said Flóki.

"Oh…I see," mumbled Gendo.

"Well, were not supposed to do this for people outside our kin…" stated Fimbulhrim.

"Oh you don't mean that! Do you son?" Said a shocked Flóki.

"WHAT?" begged Gendo.

"We could give Ikari protection from…him," stated Fimbulhrim.

"Really?" Gendo glowed with relief.

"Yeah, but it will cost you!" grumbled Flóki.

"Like what?" Gendo looked between them.

"Well first off you would have to take my son to the place of renewal…" he sighed, "I am far too old to go to the Promised Land…"

"Where is that?"

"The pointy thing that poked Odin in his eye otherwise known as…um…Florida." said Fimbulhrim.

"Wow what a coincidence! We are going there tomorrow! Funny, eh?" Gendo smiled

"Really who woulda thunk…" said Flóki and they both grinned. "Well along with that you have to pay a small fee…of –cough- $1500 –cough-."

"You two would really do that for me?" said Gendo as though emotionally touched.

"Sure, pal!" said the pair and slapped him on the back.

"You guys are real friends!"

And with that he whipped out his wallet again. Once the exchange was made the Viking pulled out crumpled piece of paper with red crayon that said "Drgaon In-shure-antz" with a smile the father said, "my son will see you at the airport tomorrow…good luck with the 'religion' thing…"

And they left… and Gendo couldn't help but think, 'Everything is going my way today. I got an indulgence and "Drgaon In-shure-antz" what else could he get?'…so he sat and waited impatiently for his son to come back from confession and the girl to be baptized.



-Inside the confessional-

Shinji sat in wait for the priest to show up. Soon he heard the small click of the priest's door and heard the ruffling of cloth. Soon the door built into the wall opened and the voice of the priest permeated in to Shinji's head. (I never said that this is going to be a normal confession so…um…what this priest says isn't what a priest usually says…but this sounds cooler.) "Oh the wayward sheep of the great lord and our Shepherd have you lost your way and wish the lord to guide you back into the light?"

"Hai…I mean yes," said Shinji getting nervous and accidentally answering in Japanese.

If you could see the preacher's face you could see the small smile he had because he knew boy was nervous.

"Well then tell your sins and then the punishment and redemption will be given."

"Um…well father…I don't really know what I did wrong…"

"Oh you're the boy who came here with your father correct?"

"Yes."

"Oh, well I heard that you have gotten to "know" (In the church getting to "know" someone is to have a very intimate relationship with someone, which Shinji doesn't know) the girl who came with you."

"Of course, she is one of my many friends; in fact she probably is my best friend. I have gotten to know many people though…"

The preacher's face fell but Shinji kept digging himself into a larger hole.

"…But she probably is the best, she sometimes comes to get me up in the morning…"

The preacher frowned and said with disappointment in his voice, "You know your sister would never do something like this she is a very good girl…."

"I know my sister…she isn't as good as you think…" Shinji mumbled.

The preacher looked like he was going puke, "SON!" he yelled. "That is incest! Which is a horrible offense! Did you read the story of Sodom! To commit sins of the flesh with many women is horrible as it is, but with your SISTER?" he just couldn't hold in his rage and disgust any longer.

"What are you talking about! I have never done anything like that in my life! Let alone even thought about THAT with my SISTER! You HENTAI! Where did you even get that idea?" Shinji couldn't believe what the Priest had just accused him of.

"You said you 'knew' them," said the priest, still upset but a little confused.

Shinji was really confused now, "Of course I know them, they're my friends and family. I talk to them and sometimes we go places but I have never done anything like that…I am not like Misato…"

Then came boisterous laughter from the other side of the confessional, "Son you don't understand what the phrase 'to know someone' means biblically, do you?" he asked kindly and with a little of a chuckle.

Shinji blushed, "Um…not really…"

"Well then it means to have very intimate relationship and from what you said…" he said seriously.

Shinji's blush tripled as he thought back to what he had said, 'Oh my god what did I say!' "N-n-n-n-no I n-never meant a-an-anything l-like that…"

The preacher chuckled at this boy's antics, "Then we don't have a problem… I'll just forget you said those things…Now let's try this again…Why are you here?"

"My father forced me…"

The priest sighed. "Why would that be?"

"He…he…found out…that I kissed…Asuka," he answered in a barely audible tone.

"Oh…the girl that came with you today?"

"Yes," he whispered

"And did anything happen afterward?" he asked solemnly

'What is wrong with this guy…all he wants to know is if…I…and…Asuka…uh…' He blushed harder at where his thoughts were going. He quickly shook the thoughts out of his head, 'Hentai! This is the LAST time I go to church.'

After the moment in which he collected his thoughts, he said in the strongest voice he had left after this ordeal, "No! I have never done anything like that ever! The kiss just kind of…happened…and we stopped right after but…the son of a…"

"LANGUAGE!"

"Sorry…the boy named Nagisa took a picture of us and sold them and that is how my parents found out…so we are now trying to make some of the humiliation go away by going out…but it still feels like we're just friends…" He didn't know why but for some reason he felt better by telling him all this…

"I see…" said the priest in a fatherly like way. "Don't let others deicide things for you…You are you and they are they, sometimes the best way is the hardest. Just place your faith in the Lord and things will work out…Do you understand?"

"Yes…yes I think I do…"

"Good, as for your sin just say a Hail Mary and wait for me to baptize your friend, then you can go."

"Yes father."

Shinji was getting up to leave exhausted from what he had be put through when the priest spoke up once more. "And Shinji"

"Yes father?"

"If you ever want to talk about anything you can come and talk to me…" he said in an assuring way.

"T-Thanks." Shinji then gave a little bow and turned to leave.

"Oh, father?" he asked, half turning around.

"Yes Shinji?"

"What is the answer to life, the universe, and everything?" Shinji inquired.

"'Six times nine' is the only answer I can give you now." The priest said wisely with a smirk before watching Shinji leave.



-Outside the church

"What the HELL was THAT FOR! What was the point of the water anyway?" Asuka was yelling at the semi-scared boy. He just shook his head. She had been like this ever since they set foot outside of the chapel. His father literally ran to the car which was three blocks away, which just left him with her. She had been angry because she said that the water had ruined her hair, but it really didn't matter, it was only just a sprinkle. As we all know though, this wouldn't stop Asuka from complaining.

"You don't have to worry, we'll be on our way to Florida tomorrow anyway, who cares what your hair looks like…" Shinji tried to stop her in exasperation.

"Is THAT supposed to make me feel better…That makes it worse, I don't want wonder girl or anyone else to show me up! You bet…" she replied angrily

"Don't worry about it, you always look the best…" He cut her off composedly but he seemed aloof by staring off into space.

Caught off guard by the comment she stopped talking. She looked over at him and saw something was wrong with him. Softly in a voice she hardly ever used she addressed him caringly, "Shinji what's wrong?"

He let go of a long sigh, and nearly whispered, "I don't want things to change."

"What are you talking about?" She asked softly.

He turned his head and looked her in the eyes. She could tell there was something flickering in his, sorrow, regret or was it completely different? "I don't was us to change…"

She was a little surprised by this but continued to look in his eyes.

"…Just because we're going out…I don't want to lose the friendship we had…"

She cut him off before he finished.

"What do you mean had?"

He blinked and stuttered, "I thought s-since well…"

She let out a sweet chuckle. "Baka, nothing has changed! We are still the same but now we have some extra benefits…" She smiled slyly.

"Really?" he looked at her hopefully.

"You bet your ass! You're still the same naive Shinji that I have to pick up for school sometimes…and I'm still the most perfect girl who demeans herself to be in your presence."

Shinji began to laugh. 'Everything is alright, we are still the same…' but another thought came across his mind. "Hey, what do you mean benefits?"

She smiled, 'He is catching on quicker than I expected.' "Well I get free stuff 'cause you pay for it."

"How is that any different?" asked Shinji.

She glowered at him and he quickly returned to a submissive position. She smiled and continued, "And you can help me with a favor."

"What is this favor…?"

"I made a bet with wonder girl…anyway I kinda have to get Kensuke to go out with her…" she said in a sickly sweet voice.

"Don't worry, I already got that taken care of due to the deal I had made with her…" he said lowly

"Really! How did you get the stooge to agree?" she was impressed

"I told him that Rei is an alien and if he went with her on this vacation she might not perform experiments on him…" he said slyly.

Asuka tried to hold a straight face and then she just couldn't help herself and burst out laughing. Shinji couldn't help himself either and followed suit.

"Well then it looks like that is taken care of…" she said between laughs.

After regaining their composure, Shinji looked over at her curiously. He then gathered all the courage he had to ask the question, "So what kind of benefits are these…they seem to be all negative to me…"

She smirked, "I wasn't finished yet, and you get this…" She stepped in front of him and put her hands on each side of his face. She proceeded to kiss him. She pulled back slightly and looked him in the eye. "…from time to time," she whispered. He stood stock still from the unexpectedness of this. She winked at him and began to walk to the car at a faster pace while he continued to stand there and watch her retreating form.

He raised his hand to his face and first felt the hot blush he had. Then with trembling fingers he touched his lips where Asuka's were seconds before and he could still feel the tingling sensation they had left. He slowly broke out into a smile and thought, 'All right, maybe not EVERYTHING is the same…But I think I like it better this way.' With that he began chasing after the red head.



-Shinji's Room of Doom™

The sound of the radio began to stir the young man who was slumbering on the bed shaped as a race car. Soon his eyes snapped open and his blue walls began to come into focus. He looked and saw his suitcase sitting in the corner. 'Oh yeah we're leaving today…'

He quickly got up and began to change into his proper attire and headed off towards the bathroom, luckily for him it was open and he began to get ready for a new day…(We will leave him here because he deserves his privacy.)



In the Ikari kitchen-

Mrs. Ikari, excited about their trip, was busy making the family's breakfast. Yui was still planning her vacation when Rei came walking down the stairs, wearing the most ridiculous uniform ever. It was a black skirt with a sliver star imprinted on it and as Yui's eyes moved up the outfit, the more outrageous it was. Along with the skirt, Rei was forced to wear a black t-shirt with a silver vest with the camp monogram. The monogram was the solar system with music notes for stars.

Yui stifled a laugh upon seeing her disgruntled daughter. In her right hand was her suitcase while in the other was the weird instrument her father had picked up for her.

"You look…well," said her mother

"Yeah if I was in a 1950's sci-fi freak show!" retorted Rei.

"Don't be like that. Your father really has the best intentions in his heart…besides you might find something of value by going there."

Rei smirked a little and sat down at the table.

Just then there was a knock on the door. Yui, looking a little flustered mumbled, "I told them to be here in two more hours…" She walked over to the door and opened it. Standing in the door way were two girls one of which had been the focus of all Yui ranting for the past couple of days.

"Sorry Mrs. Ikari, I know you are busy with packing and all but I just came to apologize for my actions." Asuka's remarks had been unexpected to the woman. In all her time she had never and I mean NEVER heard a Sohryu say sorry let alone in the tone of voice the girl was using. It actually sounded remorseful. But just before Yui was going to chastise her, the girl continued,

"In the future I will try to hold back my affections toward your son, for more appropriate situations…So, I hope you accept this gift as my apology."

The girl produced a small package. It was wrapped it a wonderful yellow colored wrapping paper with a red bow. "I hope you like it…and again, gomen" and she made a small bow.

"A-Arigato" Yui began to unwrap the present. Inside was a box of dark chocolate and two gift cards. One was for the coffee shop she frequently visited and the other was for Office Depot…Yui couldn't help but smile. She sighed and looked at the girl, "My son helped you didn't he?"

Asuka blushed, "Well just a little…"

Yui's hard eyes softened and the next thing she thought was that maybe she underestimated the girl. It was obvious her son liked the girl in some way, and she liked her until that infernal picture… "Well, why don't you two come in…"

"But we…don't want bother you Mrs. Ikari…" said the other girl

"I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name…"

The girl seemed to blush due to her loss of manners, "Hikari, Hikari Horaki…"

"Well then come on in Hikari and Asuka…I am sure Rei and Shinji wouldn't mind company during breakfast."

Both girls slowly walked in.

Sitting at the table was Rei in her ridiculous outfit just as her two other friends walked in.

"Rei…what are you wearing?" asked Hikari in disbelief. Rei hung her head, "This is the uniform…of the band camp I was FORCED to go to…" the bitterness in her voice was quite obvious.

"That's terrible…" whispered Hikari

"Tell me about it…" Rei stated with a sigh.

"Well at least Kensuke will find it… irresistible." input Asuka seriously.

"Stop it! Don't make it worse!" cried Rei with tears in her eyes.

"No I actually mean it…considering the way we convinced him to go with y'all to Florida." winked Asuka.

"H-How did you convince him?" got out Rei.

"That is for me and Shinji to know and for you to find out…" said Asuka

The conversation began to sink and the Rei let out a gasp… "That means…HE'LL BE HERE!" she let out a little "Eep!" and ran upstairs to fix her hair.

Then Yui walked up to Asuka grinning, "You two, I have a surprise for you both!"

"What is it?" asked Hikari with a grin.

"I called both of your parents and they will be over with your suitcases because you both are coming to Florida with us!" Yui's smile widened.

Hikari's eyes grew wide and Asuka just smiled. Together they answered, "Thank you!" enthusiastically.

"Oh but there is a condition for you Asuka!" she warned

Asuka's face fell but looked up and asked, "What would that be?"

"Would you mind waking up Shinji like you used to…I am a little busy getting ready for guests," Yui smiled again.

Asuka smiled, "Sure thing" and Asuka turned and went upstairs while Hikari began helping Yui with breakfast.



Inside Shinji's room-

He looked down at himself and realized he was wearing clothes that were not appropriate for Florida. He was wearing long sweatpants and a sweater that had a Kanji printed on it. Seeing this and the weather outside, along the predicted weather for Orlando he decided to make a minor adjustment. He went to he drawers and pulled out bright colored tee-shirt along with a pair of tan dress shorts.

He placed the new clothing on his bed and disrobed to his skivvies. He sighed as he picked up the shirt as was about to place it over his head when he heard for the second time, a pair of feet coming up the stairs. 'Rei must have forgotten something again…I hope she has some fun in band camp…' but just then the door slammed open, interrupting his thoughts.

"Shinji! Get up! Your mo-…" the red head became silent at seeing Shinji standing in his current state of disrobe. The both were in shock, Shinji for having a girl…much less this one, coming into his room while changing, and Asuka for walking in on what she thought was a sleeping Shinji.

They stared at each other for a long time, or at least what felt like a long time to them. After the moment, Shinji was the first to come out of shock. "Asuka?" He asked in disbelieving voice.

She nodded her head in response. Shinji raised his voice and yelled, "Get OUT!" She blushed, let out a little "Eep!" and ran out of the room and leaned up against the closed door.

Shinji then flushed, quickly got dressed, and left the room.

By this point however, Asuka was waiting for him outside the door.

"Shinji, I-I am soooo sorry… I thought you were…were…were sleeping and…when…I...saw," Asuka was trying to get past her embarrassment to apologize.

But then Shinji cut her off in a stone cold voice, "We don't talk about that," he waited a moment then said, "agreed?"

She took a moment the stuttered, "A-Agreed."

"Good" and with that he walked down the stairs with Asuka following after him.



Inside the kitchen-

Shinji arrived and there were already many people there: Toji, Hikari, Fuyutsuki, Kaji, Misato, his mother, his father, and Rei, who at the moment was making advances on the last of the stooges. Kensuke at the moment looked like the rabbit in the sights of a snake. He had paled, his eyes widened, and had begun sweating profusely. He made sure not to say anything. Shinji smiled at seeing this… 'Alright sis I'll fix this up. I always keep my word.'

He took a deep breath and took something from his suitcase. Asuka smirked and watched as Shinji walked over to the stooge in need and the albino girl who was WAY too desperate.

"Why don't you and I…" Rei was saying to Kensuke as her brother walked over. She quickly stopped and looked at him as Kensuke breathed a sigh of relief.

"Sis do you mind if I talk to him for a minute?" ask Shinji

His sister gave a monotone answer, "He was boring right now anyway. She walked over to talk to Asuka, Hikari, and Toji who were in a conversation.

"Thanks Shinji! She was trying to lure me into one of her alien traps!" gasped Kensuke.

"Well then I have surprise for you!" smiled Shinji. He handed him a bundle. Kensuke took it and looked at Shinji questioningly when it turned out to be the male version of Rei's uniform and a pair of drum sticks.

"What is this!" shrieked Kensuke. Shinji wracked his brain to find something that might make sense for the military otaku.

"It is similar to camouflage! If you wear it and you are able to get on her good side. She might accept you as one of her own…" smiled Shinji.

"Why do I need drum sticks?" asked the boy

"To keep her company! She is being forced to go to the band camp so if you go and keep her company she will most likely be more susceptible to liking you and not wanting to put you through experiments. But remember she still is my sister and if you hurt her in any way, will have to deal with ME!" said Shinji sternly.

Kensuke gulped and nodded his head.



-inside the airport

The group was approaching the counter and all were chatting amongst themselves. Just then Fimbulhrim approached the group still in his garb. "Oy friends!" The group stared at him and then Gendo pointed at the boy and screamed, "TERRORIST!"

"Wha-?" gasped Fimbulhrim.

'Never try to outwit an Ikari,' thought Gendo.

Then a bunch of Security Guards began marching toward the Viking, who was making grunting sounds. They then grabbed him and began to drag him away.

"Damn you! You traitorous fool! May the allies and foes of our clan come down upon you Ikari!"

Muttering took place between the people of the airport after the event.

Yui scowled at her husband, "Did you know him?"

"He was…uh…the IRS!" lied Gendo.

Yui's face lightened and she said, "Good job then!" and gave him a little squeeze. The rest of the group shook their heads and continued to the counter.

"Welcome to Jet Alone! How may we help you?" asked the ticket agent.

"We are group Ikari here to go to Orlando," said Yui in an arrogant tone.

"I am sorry but I can't give you the tickets," said the man gloomily.

"What? Why is that?" asked a flustered Yui.

"None of your party is wearing smiley face shirts…"

The group surveyed themselves and noticed none of them were wearing smiley face shirts. But they began to laugh. Yui said, "Funny joke! But come on give us the tickets!"

"Sorry, I was serious."

Yui's eyes turned devilish and she said in a demonic voice, "This is the first vacation I have had in 16 years! You aren't going to spoil it! Give me the tickets!"

The boy paled, looked really scared, and said, "I can give you the tickets but you won't get farther then the boarding agent."

Yui took the tickets and the group headed to the terminal.



Yes I had the urge to do it so I did …That's right I made song-fic section of this chapter! I know they can get annoying but I wanted to do one at least once. So without further ado - Shinji and Asuka the musical: With the song Buddy Holly by Weezer (DISCLAIMER: I don't own nor have the rights to Weezer or any of their works)

(Editor's note: Boris hates songfics. 'nuff said)

-inside the airport terminal E-
Shinji and the newly made catholic girl were standing near the terminal, waiting for Yui to 'Straighten out' their plane tickets, while Gendo was 'consulting' a higher power to find out what type of potato chip to bring along (We all know this is a VERY important decision) and the others were off to their own devices.

"You do realize how lucky you are to have someone as hot as me as your girlfriend," she smiled and stifled a laugh every time she said this, it would cause him to dart his eyes around to see if his mom was listening and for extra mirth she began to stress the last word in a semi sing-song voice.

Shinji began to realize that Asuka was starting to enjoy this a little too much and that she was teasing. So with this new found attitude toward things he began to act like any other normal teenager in a playful fight. "Oh really…yeah I am so lucky…I mention Florida and even my best friend is all over me just to get to get there." He murmured playfully.

At first she was shocked by this as an act of a fight but soon realized he was getting her back. 'Oh you brought it 'The Invincible Shinji.' No has ever beaten me in a game of wits and you're not about to…' she thought. "Oh really I didn't know Kensuke swung that way. I must go have a talk with that boy…I don't share my boyfriend with anyone." She said acting as if serious and had a pensive voice all the while trying to stop herself from laughing and ruining the shot.

Shinji who still needed practice at this game of wit had fallen for the bait. He became red with embarrassment and began to stutter his reply. "Wha-? That is not what I meant and you know it!" he hissed.

Asuka continued as if she didn't hear him. "Ah poor Rei, I wonder how she is gonna handle this…Her brother stealing the only man insane enough to actually go out with her…"

"Hey don't say that! You know that wasn't what I meant. I meant you… and you call yourself a genius…" said Shinji in a scoffing manner.

Asuka let out a fake gasp (which fooled Shinji) and said, "How could you say such a thing. After all I did for you I even converted my faith for you!" she said in a melodramatic voice.

"We both know you only did that for the trip to Florida," he said softly but not unkindly.

"How would you know? Besides, think of this trip as only a tribute you must give me once and a while."

"A tribute for what?" inquired a semi-outraged Shinji.

"For being able to see and touch…" At this point Asuka put her hand on Shinji's chest and winked. And by now his ears could no longer gain any more shades of red. Asuka giggled and seductively finished her statement, "…the wondrous beauty that is me."

Shinji let out a gulp and was afraid that he might have a nosebleed at any moment.

Just then a group of guys walked past and the pair was able to hear the group's conversation from where the other group had taken residence in the seats a few meters away.

"Dude, did you see that bombshell back there?" asked one.

"You mean the red head standing over there?"

"Yeah that's the one. Did you SEE the loser she is with?"

Asuka made the I told you so face and whispered in Shinji's ear, "I win."

"I guess so," said Shinji and smiled as Asuka pulled back they were standing a normal distance apart.

But then the seemingly good encounter turned bad.

They heard the man's reply, "Oh yeah. You mean the dork? She is a slut."

When Shinji heard this his mind began to release the controls that held in his common sense. 'How dare they say something like about Asuka!' he thought.

"Yeah I mean look at her! All of that make-up, the short skirt, the way she is using the dweeb," said the first.

"Yep, I wouldn't do her if you paid me…she's probably got diseases," a third said. The group began to chuckle.

At hearing this Shinji was about to go over and throttle the group. But before he could, he saw Asuka's eyes. He could see her fury but hidden below this he could see a glimmer of her pain. This sated his rage for the moment, and his sense of caring came into play. He extend his hand and took the German's in his and gave her a reassuring smile. This seemed to lighten her sprits for the moment.

"I dunno, she may be worth the work. I mean look at her, I wouldn't mind a free ride. You know what I bet y'all I can get her in five minutes," said the first as he stood up and began to head toward Shinji and Asuka.

Whats with these homies dissing my girl?
Why do they gotta front?
What did we ever do to these guys that made them so violent?

The man began to approach and Shinji could feel his gut begin to twist and Asuka tighten up next to him. He was a tall man whom obviously worked out at the gym far too long for a sane person. He wore an AC-DC shirt and black cargo pants. And behind him walked his "crew".

He walked over to Asuka and put on a sly grin. "Hey babe what cha doin' around here without a real man?"

For once Asuka decided NOT to pay any attention to these guys, lest she risk a confrontation in the middle of an airport to start off a vacation. Instead she looked toward the board that was labeled departures and displayed on-time for all the flights except the ones to Baltimore, since there was large snow storm occurring there.

"Hey hun I was talkin' to ya," he said a little more aggravated. Asuka blinked at him and then said, "Was haben Sie Arschloch gesagt?" Which in translation means "What did you say asshole?" Shinji successfully stifled a giggle but mentally gave Asuka a high-five.

At first the man was a little taken aback but the looked toward Shinji. He smiled then looked back at Asuka. "Don't take me for an idiot. You can speak and understand me otherwise this faggot wouldn't understand you." and pointed to Shinji.

Asuka began to think of an answer but Shinji had one of his rare thinking moments and said in faked broken English, "I speak little English. She speak Japanese with me. No is problem?" Asuka beamed at how Shinji actually sometimes used a brain.

"Oh really? Then tell her to speak to you in Japanese." He said smugly.

But Asuka jumped the gun and before Shinji could say anything she said all she knew of Japanese, "Shinji no baka" and she smiled. But Shinji groaned.

"HA! CAUGHT YOU! He never said anything to you so you MUST understand what I am saying. And I don't take kindly to those who try to trick Doc the Clock Zimmerman. And they don't either. Do you boys?" and he cracked his knuckles.

The group behind him smiled and began to murmur their agreement.

"Well I think there is only one thing that could calm me down." Quickly he reached out and grabbed the surprised Asuka and began to try to kiss her.

"Get your filthy hands off me!" screamed Asuka as she slapped the man and was able to struggle out of his grip.

Oooo Oooo!
But ya know I'm yours,
Oooo Oooo!
And I know your mine.
Oooo Oooo!
And that's why-i-i-i!

"Aww, looks like she's shy…" said the man in an annoying tone of voice that one used towards a baby. "Maybe a real man can bring her out of her shell." And he began to make kissing faces.

"Stuff a sock in it!" said a heated Asuka.

"All I am askin' ya ta do is to dump that zero and pick yourself up a hero. You deserve a better man that…" he put on a Snape like voice for the last part " thing."

"That 'thing', as you put it, is my boyfriend and is twice the man you are! Let's get out of here Shinji." She grabbed his hand and she turned on her heel to walk away.

"Oh you're not getting away that easily" said Doc the Clock Zimmerman. He snapped his fingers and the group circled them.

Asuka became distressed at seeing this and turned back to the leader. "Just let us go!"

"I am afraid I can't do that…maybe a kiss could change my mind" he said in a fake pensive voice and he smirked after it.

Worry and other emotions showed themselves on her face. She chose to remain quiet. Mistaking her silence for a yes one of the henchmen whispered to another, "I told you she was a whore."

Ooo wee ooo, I look just like Buddy Holly,
Oh oh, and you're Mary Tyler Moore.
I don't care what they say about us anyway.
I don't care about that.

"That's it! I have had enough!" said Shinji in low but raising voice a voice that was not his own. This voice was one deeper and seemed that it should have belonged to a demon rather than a person. When Asuka looked at his eyes she let out a quiet gasp. They had glassed over and had dilated to twice their normal size with rage and passion. She had only once before seen his eyes like this and that was back on the day he ripped the teacher a new one.

Shaken a bit but not allowing it to show the man laughed a bit. "So it speaks!" he looked around to his posse for approval. They let out a strained chuckle. "Well what's a little mama's boy like you gonna do? Whine at me? Oooo…or maybe you'll give me speech on why my actions are bad." This got a snicker from the group.

Shinji was about to speak when Asuka cut him off in a low voice meant for only him to hear. "You don't have to do this Shinji! I'll….I'll find another way. You don't need to get yourself hurt on my account."

"I'd listen to your bitch on this one little man…" said the man.

Don't you ever fear, I'm always there,
I know that you need help.
Your tongue is twisted, your eyes are slit,
You need a Guardian.

Shinji looked at the man with the eyes of a man preparing for European style warfare. "No, I am no longer going to sit back and watch things spiral out-of-control. I am tired of jerks like you pushing people around. I have recently learned that you must choose a path and decide what is precious to you. Once you have you should protect it no matter what the cost. While some things I can let pass, you have just crossed the line. Asuka is one of the most important people I know and I am going to make sure nothing happens to her. No one is going to stop me from accomplishing my goal not my mother, not my friends, not Kaworu Nagisa and definitely not you."

Asuka had never heard anything like this from Shinji before. She couldn't help but smile knowing how he felt but now was not the time for thinking about feelings. She was worried he might get himself killed. "But Shinji…" she almost pleaded.

"But nothing Asuka. He is not going to lay a finger on you ever again as long as I have a say in the matter. Besides think of it as me paying off a bit of the debt I owe you," said Shinji coolly.

"Well now that nerd-angst-theater is over I have something to say. You never answered my question. What are you gonna do to stop me?" sneered Doc the Clock.

"Kick your ass from here all the way back to Kyoto and back." said Shinji nonchalantly.

Asuka was shocked at Shinji's sudden change in demeanor. 'What happened to him?' she thought.

The other boy scoffed at him. "If that's what you think but I think you'll regret you ever said that. Now I am going to have beat you down."

"I highly doubt that," Shinji replied.

Oooo Oooo!
And you know I'm yours,
Oooo Oooo!
And I know your mine.
Oooo Oooo!
And that's why-i-i-i!

Rei and Kensuke had just finished walking out from the airport bookstore. As before, Kensuke fearing Rei's alien wrath, was carrying all of her carry-ons and now the books from the bookstore. But 'luckily' for him the newly added weight was offset by the significantly lighter wallet.

"I told you Kensuke, you would enjoy yourself with me. And look at all fun you had in that store," commented Rei as she was flipping through the newest issue of People. The 'fun' she was referring to was how he and two other men had sat in row of chairs outside of the store. All of them were forced to hold their female 'friends' bags and gave each other a look that spoke volumes. What is this look you ask? Oh all men know the look, it is the one of pity and understanding that each were in the same boat. They might not be in this position for the same reason but they all had the same consequences if they objected to this treatment in any way, although Kensuke's reasons were not normal. They had sat there and made small talk while they waited for their female counterparts to return.

"Oh yes. You were right." 'Please don't probe me.' were Kensuke's thoughts and spoken words when Rei had commented.

Rei just smiled and kept walking while her male friend was struggling to keep up. Just then they rounded the corner to where the others were supposed to be when they both saw the situation Shinji and Asuka were in. From where they stood it looked as if a group of men were talking to their two friends.

"What are they up to?" ask Rei quietly.

"I…I don't know." replied Kensuke.

Just then the man grabbed Asuka and seemed to try to kiss her, and she seemed to escape. "Maybe I should…"started Rei.

"Don't get involved. I am sure the red devil can figure her way out of it." Cut in Kensuke's long lost voice. Rei smirked at this and nodded. To her surprise Asuka took a different course of action than she had expected. Asuka grabbed Shinji's arm and tried to flee. 'So, she knows when to run…she is smarter than I thought…' Rei thought. But the man made some sort of motion and the others circled around Shinji and Asuka. "Oh great looks like I am gonna have to bail out my dunce brother and the succubus," said Rei loud enough for only Kensuke to hear.

"I don't know about that, give Shinji a chance first," replied the boy.

"No, I don't think he can fix this…" mumbled the blue haired girl. She began toward the group again a little faster this time but stopped when she heard a voice she never heard before and saw Shinji take a defensive stance. 'The idiot he will get himself killed' and she began to hurry faster to ground zero. The voice began to become more distinct and she was beginning to catch the conversation.

She could hear the man beginning to make fun of her brother and she knew she had to step in now but then Shinji said something to stop her. His voice rose and she could hear the power and meaning put behind it.

"No, I am no longer going to sit back and watch things spiral out-of-control. I am tired of jerks like you pushing people around. I have recently learned that you must choose a path and decide what is precious to you. Once you have you should protect it no matter what the cost. While some things I can let pass, you have just crossed the line. Asuka is one of the most important people I know and I am going to make sure nothing happens to her. No one is going to stop me from accomplishing my goal, not my mother, not my friends, not Kaworu Nagisa, and definitely not you," is what she heard. 'He no longer fears…' Rei thought and she began to slow her pace toward the fight. "but he still needs help."

But when she heard Asuka trying to stop him and his reply, her feet stopped moving and she just began to watch.

Kensuke finally caught up to her and by this point Shinji had taken his fighting stance. "Aren't you going to stop this?" questioned Kensuke. "No, this is his fight and he must fight it alone…But I will be there to help once it is over." She replied. "I see…"said Kensuke watching his changed friend standing there, who just shrugged off the other man's threats.

Ooo wee ooo, I look just like Buddy Holly,
Oh oh, and you're Mary Tyler Moore.
I don't care what they say about us anyway.
I don't care about that.
I don't care about that.

"God I can't believe they took my car!" said Misato. "Why was that again?" questioned Kaji still in disbelief about how Misato lost her car. "They took the thing because they said it was old enough to be a historical artifact and I was mistreating it. A few dings and couple of open beer cans and the government is all over my back," she finished angrily.

"So why did you let them take it?" asked Kaji. Misato blushed, "Well they said well uh… they will ignore my DUI and numerous speeding tickets if I would 'donate' the car to the historical society. And I might have had a tiny hangover when this happened."

Kaji just couldn't help but laugh, which he was swiftly rewarded for with a jab in the stomach from Misato's elbow. "Don't laugh," growled Misato.

"Fine I guess I will chuckle then," replied Kaji.

"Don't push it," Misato said after finishing the beer she had ordered from the airport bar. "I wonder if Yui finished straightening out the tickets yet?" she pondered aloud. "Maybe we should find out," said Kaji after downing a shot of tequila and he stood up and offered a hand to Misato. She took it and they both started toward the terminal. When they got there they spotted Yui talking with the gate agent or more like bickering. "What a stupid rule! Green Shirts come on!" said Misato spying the two fighting adults. "Hey, we have at least twenty minutes so what do you want to do?" inquired Kaji slyly.

Misato giggled and looked at the man. "Oh, I don't know…do you think we would get caught?" she finished with a wink.

Just before Kaji could say something that would lead to me having to raise the rating of this fic something caught his eye. A group of men surrounding two other people.

"Hey what going on over there?" pointed out Kaji.

Misato squinted her eyes to see who was in the center. "Oh God! Is that Shinji?" She looked over at Kaji. "Yeah, I think that it is." said Kaji with a hint of amusement in his voice.

"Well don't you think you should do something to help?" Just then over the intercom a voice interrupted their conversation. "Security 59-K. Security is needed in Terminal E with code 59-K." Even though the message was garbled the main point got through to Kaji and Misato. "I don't think that is necessary anymore. Besides it is his fight." said Kaji.

Just then the three beers Misato had downed in the bar had taken their effect. "Hey! I have an idea to make this more interesting." She began spying around trying to find out where the voice was broadcasting the request for security was coming from.

"And that would be?" asked a skeptical Kaji knowing this voice only lead to trouble. But Misato finally spotted the counter a couple of feet behind them. She quickly walked up to the counter and waited for the man to finish his call for help. He then looked up and put on a smile and asked, "How may I help you miss?"

Misato began to bat her eyes at him and asked sweetly, "Does that allow you to play CDs over the intercom system?" she asked while pointing to a black blinking machine which also had the phone the man had used attached to it. Falling for the bait the man said, "I guess it could."

"Great!" shouted Misato. She then proceeded to produce a CD from her purse and jumped over the counter.

"MISS! ONLY EMPLOYEES ARE ALLOWED BEHIND THE COUNTER!" said the panicked man.

At seeing this Kaji just shook his head and began to head over to stop his girlfriend from being put behind bars for too long this time.

"Oh keep your panties on twinkle-toes," said Misato as she accomplished her goal. Quickly over the intercom came the anthem of "Hit me with your best shot!" and Misato smiled. The man just looked at her for a second then began to try to pry her away from the intercom system.

When Kaji got there he took pity on the boarding agent and began to help try to peel the intoxicated Misato away from the system. And the scuffle began.

Bang Bang! Knocking on the door. Another bang bang get down on the floor.
Oh no, what do we do? Don't look now, but I lost my shoe.
I can't run and I can't kick. Wussa matta babe? Are you feeling sick?
Wussa matta wussa matta wussa matta you?
Wussa matta babe? Are you feeling blue! Oh-ohhhh.

The man turned around to face his posse and prepared to speak to them as well as Shinji at the same time. But he was rudely interrupted by what Shinji and the other could hear, it was some sort of struggle behind them and what seemed to be Misato's voice and then "Hit me with your best shot!" began to play. He smiled but this was not the time to investigate the sounds.

The man coughed and went back into his little talk. "Well, we can't have upstarts like you just getting away with comments like that. But I think…" In the middle of the sentence he spun quickly around before Shinji had time to prepare. He used his fist to hit Shinji below the jaw and sent him to the ground.

Shinji sat up and blood trickled out of his mouth from when he had bit his tongue. "…that will shut him up." finished the man. In the distance a struggling voice could be heard, "That…ugh…was a cheap shot!" the voice definitely belonged to Misato.

Shinji stood up and wiped the blood from his chin off on his sleeve and smiled. "You shouldn't have done that. I fear you just woke a sleeping dragon." Upon finishing this sentence he performed a Chuck Norris style round house kick to Doc the Clock Zimmerman's stomach. This sent the man to the ground and the sound of the man breath leaving him was audible. Just as the man struggled to get to his feet and was about to say something Shinji felt a strong hand on his shoulder.

A deep voice was heard behind him, "Alright break it up! What is the problem here?"

Shinji turn around to see the owner of the hand on his shoulder. He was a tall man with large muscles that were bulging inside of his blue shirt. On his chest was the insignia of airport security. Behind him were six other men with the same insignia.

Asuka was quick to speak, "That man was trying to force himself on me! Shinji just stopped them."

The man eye narrowed, "Is this true?" he asked the man who had just got himself off the floor.

"No sir. It was just a misunderstanding. I had just politely asked if she would like to join my friends and me for a drink. It won't happen again." He put on a polite smile and began to rejoin his pose and leave.

"It better not." said the security guard. As the group left Shinji could definitely hear one the men stupidly telling the leader, "I told you not fight him! He was one of them foreigners and we all know what happens when you piss one of them off, they go all Jackie Chan on your ass!" (So you know that is purposely bad grammar to show how stupid someone has to be to fall for stereotypes, so please don't e-mail me about it.) The leader just sneered and said, "Just shut up you stupid oaf." And they were finally out of sight.

Ooo wee ooo, I look just like Buddy Holly,
Oh oh, and you're Mary Tyler Moore.
I don't care what they say about us anyway.
I don't care about that.
I don't care about that.
I don't care about that.
I don't care about that.

"Are you two alright?" asked the security guard.

"Yeah, I'm alright." Shinji replied. Asuka nodded her head in agreement.

"Well then I am gonna have to…" He stopped after hearing the struggle hoots of a certain woman. Looking over they saw Misato being pulled back over a counter by Kaji and pushed over by the gate agent. "Great Job kid! Get your hands off me!" she slapped the gate agent. "Misato please stop making a scene," the pleas of Kaji would come between her outbursts.

"Just stay out of trouble you two…" stated the security guard as he and his friends rushed off to go 'talk' to Misato. About five minutes later the song was finally removed from the intercom and Misato and the security guards were in a conversation in the back room and Kaji was mysteriously absent when the security guards arrived.

Asuka and Shinji just looked on until Misato was pulled into the back. "I bet she had four beers before she went over there," Shinji remarked.

"No, more like five," rebutted Asuka.

Then a voice came from behind them, "It was at least three, she will jump on anything after three."

Shinji looked behind himself and found the owner of the voice. It was Rei with a smug look on her face and Kensuke behind her with a bunch of bags.

"Yeah, you're right. Do you remember the time she tried to ride the vacuum down our stairs after she had a couple and we double dog dared her?" Shinji finished with a smirk. This got a laugh from all around.

"But I am not here to talk about Misato. I am here to talk about your stupidity brother," Rei said in that famous monotone voice she used when she wanted to drive a point home.

'Oh god this is it! She is going to use her alien powers to kill us all!' thought Kensuke.

"W-wha-what are you talking about?" said an exasperated Shinji.

"Taking on 6-1 odds in a fight. You could have gotten yourself killed!"

"It was worth the risk," he flatly returned.

"No it wasn't! You should have…"

He interjected, "I didn't think, but so what!"

"What? You would have made many people who care about you, extremely worried and cause problems for Mom at work and…"

Seeing Rei's point and his blood finally cooling off, he returned back to his old self, "I didn't think…sorry." He turned and began to leave.

"Where are you going?" yelled Rei and Asuka at the same time. They looked angrily at each other for a moment and waited for Shinji's response.

"I need time to think…" mumbled Shinji and he continued walking to nowhere in particular. Asuka looked after him for a few moments and there seemed to be battle showing on her face.

'Does he really want to be alone?' she kept thinking to herself. Finally she reached a decision and called after him. "I'll come with you!"

He turned and looked at the girl and seemed to think about it for a moment. Then he nodded his head and waited for her to catch up.

Rei gave him an inquisitive look and he just shook his head. When Asuka was next to him he took her hand and they began to walk.

"Be back in 20 minutes. Mom should have the ticket problem fixed by then!" shouted Rei. With his back turned he nodded his agreement.

He and Asuka walked in silence for what seemed like a long time in Asuka's mind, until Shinji saw a pretzel stand. He walked over to a nearby empty bench. He smiled at Asuka and said in a melancholy voice, "Wait here I'll get us a pretzel or somethin'."

Trying to keep up appearances Asuka said, "It better have…"

He cut her off in kind voice but still depressed, "Extra salt with a side of hot mustard. Just because were dating doesn't mean I changed, I know you Asuka."

She just stared at him for a moment and then said in a low voice, "Shinji?"

"Wait! I don't mean it in the perverted priest's way…aww...never mind, I'll just go get the pretzel." He said in a flustered voice and blushed. Then he left to go get the pretzels.

'What is up with him? He's acting really strange.' The German pondered. 'But the easily flushed and embarrassed part is still the same thought.' She got a small smile from this. She sat and watched Shinji stand in line with a glazed face as if deep in thought. He got to the counter and ordered the food and carried the pretzels and Asuka's mustard back to the bench. He handed her the pretzel and mustard and he gave a quick grin which went right back to the solemn face.

She looked at and said to him in a cheerful way, "Vielen Dank!" She knew he liked listening to her speak in German. It always brought a smile and maybe a laugh and this time was no different. He broken into a smile and after a moment he asked in a light hearted manner, "That doesn't mean "stupid moron" or something does it?"

She almost choked on the pretzel she was in the process of chewing. "If I was going to do that why would I use the pure German language? (Such a hypocrite ain't she?) I would use that barbaric one you call Japanese." She said with mock arrogance.

"Then what does it mean?" asked Shinji.

Asuka let out a 'hmph' at this point and said, "I have told you this for years! It means "thank you very much"…jeez sometimes you are such a dimwit."

The cheerfulness that Shinji had just gained drained in a moment, "Yep" said quietly.

They sat in silence eat their pretzels. Asuka's mind had gone back to the fight that it had just been in. The more she thought about it the more she kept stealing glances at the boy next to her. He looked so beat…'maybe I could…NO! I would never…but it would make him feel better…but' Asuka fought within her own mind. Finally her ego finally lost.

"Shinji…"

"What is it Asuka?"

"I am only going to say this once!"

"Al...Alright, what is it?"

"Than…Thank you…There I said it!"

He just blankly stared at her for a moment. "Thank you for what? A pretzel? Is something wrong? You normally…"

Her anger boiled over, "No you dimwit! Not for a pretzel!" Shinji had crawled in the fetal position on the bench. She took a deep breath and calmed herself down. She said the next part in a barely audible whisper, "for protecting me."

"You mean that fight?" Shinji asked in an indifferent voice.

"Of course you nimrod!" she said a little louder than she wanted.

"You don't have to thank me for that," he smiled. "I told you before I was just part of what I owe you…"

"What do you owe me for?" Asuka demanded.

Shinji, with steel eyes and one word with resentment that could have reached -23 degrees Kelvin. (For all of you non-nerds out there…negative Kelvin is impossible)

"Nagisa."

End song portion Thank you for reading this junk!



This is the end of this chapter. The reason I took so long to publish this is due to many reasons. The majority of it was due to me being lazy, the second was I had written a whole chapter…didn't like it and restarted from scratch, the third was that this was supposed to be a much longer chapter containing many more plot elements but then I had the idea of a song-fic so by the time I finished that, it was almost the end of summer so I decided to cut my losses and just publish now. Fourth reason was due to the fact of vacations and my inaccessibility to a computer. So again I am sorry for the lateness…besides this IS the longest chapter yet.

Special Thanks to Draknal and L33t N1nj4 Boris for help with editing this…Otherwise it would be unreadable LOL! Reviews are appreciated but Flames are not…thanks for reading!

Until next time could you bring peace to the Middle East…I can't afford gas.

Ich werde Sie später sehen!

