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A Weird Little Love Story

Ch. 24 Adam Comes Out

By Sesshy's Girl 00

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I ate as fast as I could, until I couldn't take another bite. I felt better once the soup was gone. The giant hole in my stomach and weakness in my limbs ceased. Sesshomaru helped me up and we walked quietly all the way back to the room. It was warm and quiet there; nothing bad to bother or harm me here. Sesshomaru let me curl up in his lap and rest my head against his chest. One by one the others started to drift in and settle down in their seats around the room.

Hikari was quite possibly the one person who looked as tired as I was if not more so. Touji was caring for her as tenderly as he knew how. It was nice to know that everyone was here around me. I felt their presence surrounding me. Asuka appeared, last of all, carrying a cup of hot cider for each of us. I was surprised but glad she was able to bring us such a rare treat. I took my cup carefully from her and sipped at the liquid inside. It was good.

"Rei. I was wondering when you were interested in having this operation. There is no hurry other then when you want it to occur." Ritsuko pointed out.

I thought this over carefully before I gave her an answer. I didn't want to rush anyone or cause anyone problems. So I had to be careful with how I answered. "I would like to have it whenever you're able to handle it. As you pointed out there is no rush but I'd like Adam out as soon as possible."

Ritsuko smiled and I caught the hint of a twinkle in her eyes. I had the feeling that there was something hiding up her sleeve, so to speak. I narrowed my eyes and watched her suspiciously. What are you thinking Ritsuko, I wondered? "Rei you came at the right time. I now have the ability to conduct a surgery for you as long as the angels can help with their part. If you're ready we can do it the day after tomorrow at the earliest."

I was thrilled and amazed by what Ritsuko had said. I had expected to be forced to wait for weeks or months for Ritsuko to find time to perform the surgery I required to have Adam removed from my body. This was positively amazing. It was the best thing that could happen. I nodded enthusiastically to her with a smile on my face. "Are you sure there won't be a problem with doing it so soon?"

"None at all."

"Thank you so much. I want it done on the earliest possible day."

Ritsuko smiled wryly at my response as if she had expected it. "Very well then Rei."

I looked around to see that everyone was excited for me, including Sesshomaru. I wrapped my arms around Sesshomaru's waist and rest my head against his side. He kissed the side of my neck. I could feel his warm breath tickling the side of my neck. I turned my head so that I could see his face. He smiled down at me. I reached up and stroked the side of his face.

Sesshomaru smiled and rubbed my back gently. I relaxed feeling that everything would be all right. Sesshomaru was going to be there for me, no matter what. It made feel good to know that I had his complete love and support. It gave me the confidence to do just about anything right now. If only I wasn't so worn out from my day.

Sesshomaru helped me pull off my boots. Then he massaged my slightly swollen feet and ankles. I relaxed enjoying the pleasant feel of his gentle touch. It made me so much better. Sesshomaru snickered at me while he massaged. "Your feet smell." He accused me.

I crossed my arms in mock anger and glared at him. I couldn't believe he would insult my feet like that. "So what if they do? Got a problem with that?"

"Nope. You missed the part that I never said they smelled bad. I just said they had an odor."

"I believe the term you used, implies that they stink."

"Oh, really?"

Sesshomaru and I glared daggers at several minutes. Just when it seemed that war was inevitable, I hick-upped unexpectedly and the two of us began to laugh hysterically. Our voices rang through the room and the others began to join in. It was several minutes before the room fell silent once more. From across the room Asuka called out loudly, "Look at you Ayanami. Since when did you become the life of the party? This is a nice change for you."

I blushed slightly and smiled back at her. "Thank-you Asuka for the compliment. I would have thought you realized that I've changed while I was away for the last two years."

Asuka shook her head in a way that indicated that she couldn't believe what she was seeing. The changes in me must be a surprise and change for her to accept. The others probably had similar responses to me as well. I should have anticipated this but I knew that it wouldn't be too bad to cope with. After all, there was one person who knew me quite well and loved what he saw, Sesshomaru. It meant a lot that I could count on him to watch my back.

I dozed off a short while later and slept peacefully through the night, curled up in Sesshomaru arms.

I awoke to the scent of frying potatoes. I yawned sleepily and raised my head to look around. After a minute I saw the source of the smell. Shinji had made a fire and was frying sliced potatoes in a large frying pan. A small smile crossed my face as I inhaled the smell once more. Shinji's cooking smelled wonderful.

I rose to my feet and walked over to where he was. He was busy cooking and didn't notice my presence. "Good morning Shinji. Making breakfast?"

Shinji turned to face me with a smile on his face. "Good morning Ayanami. Did you sleep well?"

I nodded and stretched in an effort to relieve the stiffness in my body. My legs and throat were both sore after yesterday's explanation to the public. I imagined that it would take several days for my body to be completely back to normal but I didn't mind. The pain was worth it if it was in the name of regaining respect for Rei and myself. Rei and I deserved to be valued as human beings, even though we were not real human's.

Sesshomaru appeared behind me and placed his hands on my shoulders. I turned and smiled at him. "Good morning."

Sesshomaru kissed me on the forehead. "It's nice to see you so cheerful this morning, my angel."

I turned and wrapped my arms around him. Sesshomaru felt warm and comfortable in my presence. He was made me feel so much better. Once I was with him I knew that everything was going to be okay. He rubbed my back with his hands and all the pain I felt disappeared.

Shinji finished cooking breakfast and he handed out bowls of potatoes to everyone. We sat down and ate quickly. Once we were done eating it was time to get started with the day. When I spoke to Ritsuko, she told me that I needed an empty stomach and I shouldn't eat after dinner today. I didn't like the restriction but I agreed reluctantly with her. There was also a restriction on water as well, none after nightfall this evening. She promised that I could eat and drink once I woke up after the surgery.

After Ritsuko told me of my diet restrictions, I decided that I would need something to keep me distracted and busy for today. So I chose to go help out in the world outside. Sesshomaru was supportive but the others weren't as enthusiastic. They said I should rest and prepare myself for tomorrow. I explained to them that I needed the direction to keep myself from worrying about the operation and what could go wrong. Besides I didn't mind helping out since I had the time. It would feel good to put my skills to use.

I followed the others upstairs to the surface entrance and went outside. I looked around at the sun-drenched world. I could see all of the crude home structures scattered around the area. It was sad to see how many people had been affected by instrumentality. On the other hand it gave me hope that the world would go on despite all the destruction and pain that had been inflicted upon the world.

I went to the hospital and helped out the doctors and nurses who worked there with the patients. There were quite a few who had been badly wounded by collapsing debris. Others had been wounded in different types of accidents or had become ill. Everyone there looked so worried and sad. I noted with despair that many of those who were in the hospital were young children, who were hurt while playing. I wished there was more I could do to make their lives better.

As I looked around at the faces of the people there I spotted someone familiar to me. It was the sixteenth angel, Armisael. I approached her warily because I wasn't sure what she would think of seeing me. Before I had gone more then ten steps she turned and looked right at me. For a second she seemed slightly confused but then I saw understanding combined with recognition flash across her face. "Cousin, I am glad to see you again. You look well."

I smiled back at her. "Thank-you. You are looking good too. How have you been?"

Armisael sighed and sat down in one of the folding chairs. "Busy. I've taken to spending my time in the hospital, treating the injured and ill."

I gave her an encouraging smile. "If it makes you happy you shouldn't be ashamed of what you do. It sounds to me like you're put your abilities to good use."

Armisael nodded. "That is true. The powers I gain through my angel's blood are able to help the lilium make up for all the medical technology that was lost. Our work has also helped convince the lilium that we have no desire to harm them and they in turn are more accepting of our presence."

"So you're doing two things at once?"

"Pretty much. Now, tell me, what are you doing here?"

"I came to help out for the day." I explained, "I hope you don't mind."

Armisael laughed loudly. It was an odd sound coming from someone who was normally so prim and proper. "Not at all Ayanami. I would be glad to have you around." She insisted.

Armisael showed me around the hospital tents and introduced me to everyone there. Then she set about assigning me things to do. I spent the rest of my day running around doing what she had asked me to. By the end of the day I was tired but I felt good about what I had been able to accomplish. It made me feel better to know that I helped out so many people.

Sesshomaru, who had spent his days out with the people who were searching through the ruins, met me at the doorway to NERV. I ran to him and he embraced me tightly. I wrapped my arms around Sesshomaru and held him tightly in my arms. It felt so good to have him with me once more. Sesshomaru titled my head back and kissed me one the lips. I could feel him place his hands on the side of my face. In response I place my hands around the back on the back of his neck. Using my hands I massaged the sore muscles in his shoulders and neck. Sesshomaru groaned happily. "I love it when you do that."

"I know you do. I think it's because you like taking advantage of me."

Sesshomaru nipped at my ear. "I do not."

Using his grip on me Sesshomaru steered me inside NERV and down the hallway. I went happily with him because I was enjoying it too much. When we reached the room where the other one was many of the other's were already there. Shinji was struggling to make dinner while Asuka was attempting to help him. Touji was looking after Hikari. Kensuke trying to film Rei, she attempted to hide in a dark corner where he couldn't see her. Misato and Kaji were babysitting the kids. Maya, Ritsuko and a few of the angels were the only ones I didn't see.

Sesshomaru and I took seats and made ourselves comfortable. Sesshomaru waited until I made myself relaxed and then he scoped scooped me up in his arms. I cried out in surprise and wrapped my arms around Sesshomaru's neck. He placed me in his lap and wrapped his arms around my waist. I glared at him in mock anger wondering what he thought he was doing.

I tested Sesshomaru's will to keep me in place by trying to squirm out of it. Sesshomaru strengthen his hold, refusing to let me leave. He smirked and kissed me on the side of my face. "I'm not going to let you leave, beautiful." He whispered in my ear.

I turned and kissed him on the forehead. "How do you plan to do that?"

"By keeping you interesting in my beautiful face, Rei."

I chuckled lightly and kissed Sesshomaru on the lips.

Before we could do anything else we were interrupted by Shinji's call of food. Sesshomaru and I joined the others in the food line. It took ten minutes for everyone to find something to eat and return to his or her seats.

I started eating as soon as I sat down but Sesshomaru was staring suspiciously at his food like he didn't trust it. "Is something wrong, Sesshomaru?"

"Remind me what I am eating, please?"

I looked over to see what was in Sesshomaru's bowl. "It's called sauerkraut and sausage. It's a traditional German dish."

Sesshomaru sniffed suspiciously at his food. "If you say so. I can not believe you talked me into this."

I shrugged helplessly. I was feeling helpless now. How was I to know that Sesshomaru would object to eating sausage and sauerkraut? "If you don't like it you may take it back. I just thought you might like that."

Sesshomaru took his fork in hand and used it to take a big scoop of sauerkraut. His raised it to his mouth and then turned back to me. "If I die from this, it's all your fault, okay?"

I chuckled a?nd nodded in agreement. "Sure. No problem."

Sesshomaru took a bite of the sauerkraut and chewed at it carefully. I watched his expression to see how he would react to his meal. After several minutes of unsure thought a small smile finally crossed Sesshomaru's face. "You're right, it's delicious."

I smiled in relief and gave Sesshomaru a look that said, 'I told you so.' Sesshomaru pretended to ignore me and ate his dinner. Feeling satisfied by my victory I turned back to my own dinner; fresh fried catfish and French Fries. It was fairly bland because it was a frozen instant meal but I found it good nonetheless.

While we were eating dinner Maya and Ritsuko arrived looking slightly weary but satisfied. They got food to eat and sat down with hardly a word spoken. It was until after they had eaten over half of their meals that they spoke. "Rei," Ritsuko informed me, "We are now ready to operate on you tomorrow. Are you prepared as well?"

"Yes, I am. Thank-you Ritsuko. I appreciate what you're doing for me."

Ritsuko smiled and waived her hand dismissively. I turned back to Sesshomaru and placed my hand on top of his in an effort to reassure him. At the mention of tomorrows surgery Sesshomaru had become tense and quite. I wondered if he was worried about what could go wrong or other such risks. I felt calm about the whole thing. I knew Ritsuko was skilled and knew what she needed to do. There was little chance that anything could go wrong and if it did Ritsuko and my cousin's would be there to handle it.

"It will be okay, Sesshomaru." I whispered to him.

Sesshomaru nodded slowly. From the look in his eyes I could tell that he wanted things to be okay but feared they would not be. Other then words I had no way to calm his fear, other then my words. I could only hope that they would be enough.

That night we stayed awake late, talking about random topics that drifted between us. When at last we did fall asleep it was to a comforting safe bliss.

The next morning Ritsuko woke me early, so that she could prep me for surgery. I followed her sleepily into the next room where she had me changed into a green hospital gown. Once I was changed she told me that she needed to know exactly where Adam was located within my body. However she had no imaging device.

I gave it a minute of thought and then told her that I could make my body see through so that she could see Adam. Ritsuko agreed with that idea and told me that I would need to strip. I took off my clothes and set them aside. I straightened up and focused my body inward. I summoned the power of my core and used it to make my body translucent. I could hear Ritsuko making noises at what she was seeing but I tried to ignore her.

I waited for several minutes, while Ritsuko made the necessary observations. Then I let the transformation go. I knew that I probably shouldn't have used my angel's core. My blood was already moving stronger in my veins. It would be even harder to suppress it now that it had been in use. I had no other option but to make it go away. Maybe my cousin's could help me with this one. I decided to go and ask them.

Once I was redressed Ritsuko said that she would need a little more time before she could start the operation. I thanked her and went off to speak to my cousin's while I waited. The first one I was able to find was Kaworu/ Tabris. He was sitting out in front of NERV, whistling happily to the sunrise. I recognized the tune he hummed almost instantly, Ode to Joy.

I hummed the last few bars along with him in happiness. He turned to me with a cheerful smile on his face. "Good morning Rei. I see that you are already dressed and ready for today."

I nodded. "I am afraid there is one minor problem. My angel's blood must be weakened if this surgery is to be successful. However I cannot suppress it completely on my own. I was wondering if you or one of my other cousin's might be able to help me do that."

Kaworu smiled and nodded calmly. "Of course. Armisael and I were already going to be there to assist Ritsuko so I imagine that we can do that. So don't worry and have faith. I will pass on the message to Armisael for you. I imagine you'll want to go back inside to say good morning to the others."

I nodded and thanked him in relief. I was glad that my problem had been taken care of so easily. It was more then I could hope to expect. I hurried back inside and went back to the room where Sesshomaru was sleeping. When I stepped inside I found Sesshomaru was stirring. I went over and sat down next to him. "Hi." He whispered.

I smiled back at him. "Good morning, Sesshomaru. How are you?"

"I am tired and nervous. The shakes will probably kick in soon and then I will be wide-awake."

I snickered slightly and kissed Sesshomaru on the forehead. It was impossible not to melt when I knew that he was worrying about me. It was so sweet. Sesshomaru pulled me into his lap and began to massage my back. I relaxed happily I let Sesshomaru's hands do their work and let the slackening of my body take hold. Things would go better if I was at ease rather then tense. Sesshomaru kept massaging my body until it nearly lulled me into sleep.

Then Ritsuko showed and told me that it was time. I rose to my feet and then helped Sesshomaru to stand. We followed her down the hallway. She led us into a room where Maya and the rest of the people who would be operating on me were waiting. I lay down on the hospital table and an IV was inserted into my arm. Looking up from where I lay I could see the faces of Sesshomaru, Maya, Ritsuko, Armisael and Kaworu staring down at me. I smiled up at them in an effort to assure everyone that I was okay. "Rei I want to explain to you how this is going to work. I'm going to make two incisions into your body, one through your stomach and the other through your back." More might possibly be required if Adam proves difficult. I suspect you'll be out of it the rest of today so I want you to take it easy, okay."

I smiled cheerfully at her. "Yes, ma'am."

"I imagine that you should be able to figure out the rest."

I nodded to show that I understood her meaning. Ritsuko asked me to close my eyes and count backward from ten to zero. I closed my eyes and started to count. Before I could identify what it was my mind had already begun to slip away from me. "Ten, Nine, Eight, Seven, Five…"

Ritsuko straightened after tying the bandages over Rei's eyes. She turned to the angels and nodded to indicate that it was time to perform the next step. Then she turned to Sesshomaru. "You can wait here or go back and wait with the other's until this is over. This will take a while so make yourself comfortable whatever you choose."

Sesshomaru nodded and made his way over to the chair and sat down. After he found a comfortable position he closed his eyes to wait. Ritsuko waited until she was sure Sesshomaru was okay before she wheeled Rei into the next room where the operation would be taking place.

Once Rei was in palace under the bright light, Ritsuko turned Rei over on her back. Maya handed her a scalpel and Ritsuko pressed it against Rei's skin, creating the first incision. With that action the surgery had begun.

Hours later Ritsuko placed the last stitch in Rei's body. She nodded and thanked the nurses who had helped her. She instructed them to move Rei out into the next room where she could rest and wake up slowly. Then Ritsuko turned and left to wash off the blood and get something to eat. It was after noon and she had breakfast quite early this morning and hadn't had lunch yet.

Sesshomaru watched as the nurses wheeled Rei into the recovery room where he waited. She was pale and almost lifeless looking but Ritsuko assured him it was a side effect of the anesthesia and she was fine. Her eyes were also bandaged so as to keep her from using them because it would help keep her sedated. Sesshomaru put her hand in his and the liquid pouch she was connected to shook for a moment. He glared hard at it in suspicion for a second, and then returned to looking at Rei.

Sesshomaru wondered silently to himself how long she would be out. He hoped it wasn't long. The quicker she was awake the faster he would be calm again. Seeing her like this was making him feel on edge. Ritsuko suddenly appeared, clipboard in hand. She stared at both members of the couple before she spoke. "Well, I've done about all I can for her. You should keep an eye on her until she wakes up in about an hour or so." Said Ritsuko briskly, "I've got other people to attend to so I won't be back by then but I'll make sure to send some one by."

With a swift move she secured some papers to her clipboard and turned to leave the room. "You're not coming back?" Sesshomaru inquired.

"I'm afraid not. I'll be busy."

"I can tell you're worried about her too. So I highly doubt you won't be here."

"What if I am?"

"I know about your connection to her. Rei told me about your relationship. I imagine that makes her like the daughter you don't have to you. Yet you seem scared and spiteful of her at the same time though."

Ritsuko twitched slightly at being read so easily. She turned slowly and starred at Sesshomaru. "What would you know?"

Sesshomaru shrugged innocently. "Does it matter?"

"If you must know, you're right. Part of me wants to be the mother she's never had to her but I'm scared of her, of what she is, of what she's become. I know you were told about what she did and maybe it all still unsettles me just a bit. As for the spitefulness, it's my own jealousy getting the better of me because she got what I always wanted. First she won the Commander's attention then, and then she found true love."

"She's just a scared, tired little girl under all that though. I'm sure she'd welcome your support."

"What could I give her? She has everything I do not."

"Rei is shy and struggles to make friends. She has no family to support her either. If anything you could be that to her. Rei's not that different from everyone else you know. Don't count yourself out yet. You can still find what you want."

"What are you, my therapist?"

Sesshomaru shrugged and Ritsuko walked out of the room once more. Sesshomaru watched her go with curiosity. 'She was an interesting person,' He decided 'This Doctor Ritsuko Akagi was. He had to thank her though because with out her there would have been no Rei for him to meet.' Sesshomaru leaned over and brushed a strand of hair out of Rei's face with his fingers. She mumbled something inaudible in response but then lapsed into silence again.

A few minutes later the door open almost silently and the form of a pale faced young man entered. Sesshomaru recognized him as the young man he had spoken to before. He was one of Rei's cousin's and had been keeping in contact with her for some time now. "Keeping watch?" Kaworu – Tabris inquired of Sesshomaru.

"Yes. I just want to make sure she's going to be okay." Sesshomaru replied after a moment.

"You shouldn't worry about her. She's a strong one and a fighter."

"I know, she's proven that to me on multiple occasions but I just can't help thinking she won't be okay this time."

"As I said she won't go down easily. I think she'll be one to give death hell before she's finally taken for good."

They both chuckled lightly and Sesshomaru nodded. "I wouldn't doubt it. She's has this almost single-minded kamikaze type craziness when she fights. It's like she's not afraid of death or anyone anymore. Yet I've seen her fear at the thought of death when she was poisoned." – I dunno if I would consider the reference kamikaze to a sucide attack to be a valid reference to anything prior to wwii. The act is there, but the title and reference would not be.

"It's because of her life when she used to live here. On one hand she knew she could take risks and be aggressive in battle because she knew there were replacements for her should she die. On the other hand Rei hated those replacements because they kept her bound to the Commander's will. I imagine that left her with a strange paradox of emotions towards death and after becoming in a sense death herself; she was left even confused."

"I know. She's told me her story and what it was like for her. After all she's seen and been through I'm glad she'll finally be able to get the rest and comfort she needs."

Kaworu nodded. "I believe you're right. She's earned it. We all have."

Kaworu pulled a small green box from his pocket and handed it slyly to Sesshomaru. Sesshomaru quirked and eyebrow; took it in his hand and then gently opened it up. Inside was a beautiful wedding ring. The band was silver with a large ruby paced in the center and beside it rested two smaller diamonds. They glimmered and sparkled, even it the bad light from the fluorescent light bulbs above. It was stunningly beautiful. Sesshomaru looked up at Kaworu in surprise. "It's for you to give her on your wedding day. I thought it would please you both." Kaworu explained softly.

Sesshomaru nodded to amazed to have the perfect ring for Rei in his possession, "It's wonderful. Thank-you."

Kaworu smiled and left as quietly as he had come. He had no doubts now that Rei had chosen well. Kaworu had been afraid they wouldn't be able to hold it together with such differences in their origins. Sesshomaru and Rei seemed utterly devoted to each other and Kaworu knew without a doubt that they would make it. Kaworu smiled to himself and wished them luck, not that they really needed it. They seemed to be able to create enough of it on their own.

As Kaworu made his way down the hall he passed Shinji on his way to visit Rei. "So it would seem Rei's become a quite a popular person today." Kaworu remarked with amusement.

Shinji blushed sleepily at being so easily seen through by his angelic friend. "Well, we're all worried about her." He explained helplessly.

"True. Well, good luck. I'll see you later."

"Same to you."

Shinji hurried on his way and soon found himself at the door the room where Rei was. He slid it open to see Sesshomaru was inside, sitting in a chair next to her. The demon lord turned and looked up at him as he entered. "So you came to check up on Rei too?" He inquired.

Shinji nodded in the affirmative. "Yeah. I wanted to see how she was doing."

Sesshomaru nodded in understanding. "Do not worry, she is doing well." He assured Shinji.

Shinji smiled slightly at the news. "That's good to hear. I was so socked when she came back as she did. Yet, I'm so happy for her because I can tell she won. She's been freed from all the pain and all the demons from her past. She's free to be her self with no constraints or restrictions. "

"She is happy now."

While they had been talking Sesshomaru had been observing the visitor. He hadn't had much time to interact with Rei's family and friends from this world since his arrival. Still he was able to recognize whom he was speaking to. "So you're her brother; the great Shinji Ikari as she likes to call you. It is an honor to talk to you alone at last."

Shinji blushed slightly and scratched the back of his head. "Does she really? I'm surprised. I didn't think she would be so fond of me after everything."

"She's doesn't hold any resentment or blame you at all."

"That's good to know. I was scared she might."

Sesshomaru starred suspiciously at Shinji with narrowed yellow eyes. "So, why are you here? Do you want something?"

"No. I've just got one warning for you. Don't you ever, ever, make her sad. I'm not talking about fighting or getting angry at each other. Asuka and I do that all the time, it's unavoidable. I mean really sad and hurt like she used to be. Don't ever give her a reason to feel like that again." Shinji explained seriously.

Sesshomaru shook his head. Rei's brother had no reason to fear that any harm would come to her from him. Sesshomaru liked to think that he knew enough to do better then to cause Rei unnecessary pain. "I do not intend to. For the rest of our lives I will do my best to make her feel beloved and lucky or I will die trying."

"Bit lofty, don't you think?"

Sesshomaru shook his head quickly. "No, I do not. I…I know change can happen unexpectedly and I don't want to keep anything from her."

Shinji smiled, "You're okay. I like you, Sesshomaru. I know you'll make her happy."

Sesshomaru smiled back, "Thank you for your approval. I appreciate it." -- I am grateful

"So why are you sitting here anyway? Do you enjoy interrogating people or something?"

Sesshomaru shrugged helplessly. "No. I'm watching over my beloved angel. The people come anyway." Sesshomaru replied.

Shinji gave Sesshomaru a suspicious glace, "Really?"

Sesshomaru smiled, looking almost scary. Shinji shuttered, nodded and hurried out of the room. Sesshomaru smiled as he watched the boy leave. This had been quite and interesting experience. Sesshomaru made a mental note to talk along with these people more often and see what happened.

Slowly my conscience began to come back to me. I could feel someone holding my hand but when I opened my eyes to look at him or her; I discovered I couldn't. I heard someone next to me move and Sesshomaru's voice whispered in my ear. "You've returned to me. Feel alright?"

I slowly turned towards the sound of his voice and replied, "Like crap."

My abdomen felt bruised and sore. Thankfully the pain from the incisions had not reached me yet. I figured that Kaworu and Armisael had done an excellent job disconnecting my nerves after I was out. Sesshomaru laughed softly. "Well, I'd say you're feeling a lot better already myself."

"Okay so maybe crap is a little strong but I'm not going anywhere fast for now."

"That's good because it just gives me more time to have you all to myself. Rest and relax, you don't have to worry about anything. Enjoy the pampering for a couple of days. I'm not letting you go anywhere."

I laughed and nodded in reply. "Yes, sir. I will obey you my Lord. I will be your doll."

Sesshomaru laughed again and squeezed my hand. "It's wonderful to have you back Rei. It took you forever to wake up and I was getting worried."

"Silly. I told you I would always come back and I don't intend to ever break that promise."

Sesshomaru leaned over and kissed me. I raised my arms cautiously and let them wrap themselves around his neck. Carefully Sesshomaru climbed into the bed beside me.

For the next several days I pretty much did nothing but loaf around and relax with in the confines of NERV. As Sesshomaru had said, he and all my old friends and acquaintances from Nerv did practically everything for me. It felt good to have nothing to do after running around for so long, dealing with Naraku and all the other problems.

I had ended up with three incisions in my abdomen, one in front, one in back and the other on the side. Apparently Adam had been difficult to remove for Ritsuko and company because he had spread through my body like a cancer. Thankfully I was spared the pain because my cousins kept my nerves disconnected. I was only allowed enough to be able to have a little feeling and pain, to keep me from aggravating them while they healed. So I didn't need any painkillers.

However in return I lived with little sensation. It almost felt like my innards had been removed or liquefied. I felt weak and strange all of the time. It was difficult for me to move the lower half of my body and walking was impossible. So I was wheeled around NERV in a wheelchair to prevent me from injuring myself.

Then on the fourth day after my surgery Ritsuko came in and told me that Adam wanted to see me, if I felt up to it. I had been feeling much better so I figured it wouldn't hurt to honor his request. Sesshomaru placed me in my wheelchair and the two of them took me to see Adam. It was a long ride and with my eyes still covered I wasn't sure at first where I was being taken.

When we entered the final door the smell of LCL met my nose and I knew where I was instantly. The former home for the Rei Ayanami clones in central dogma. I could sense Adam was sitting on something ahead of me. He was in the form of a toddler, very cute and chubby. His short white hair danced freely about his face. His eyes were the only give away to his great age for they held the wisdom of the many eons he had lived within them. He smiled and extended his small pudgy hand towards me. I took it in my own and we shook hands. "Hello, it is nice to meet you in at last person Ayanami Rei." – …it is nice to meet you in person at last…

"Likewise. I was curious what the father of the angels would look like."

"Well, now you may see what I have become, a fragile child."

"I think you look perfect. You're adorable."

Adam screwed up his face in anger but I laughed, causing him to slowly relax. "I guess it's not so horrible. I won't be like this for long, soon I'll be able to return to my full adult state."

"And what will you do then?"

"The first thing I'll do is to find Lilith and beg her forgiveness for all the wrongs I committed against her. After all it's because of me that all this happened."

I nodded approval. "Why not go see her now?"

Adam looked horrified and scandalized. "Like this? I can't do that."

I giggled. "Yes, like that. I'm sure she'll find you hopelessly adorable."

"Really?" Adam grumbled skeptically.

"Really. I think you should and the sooner you do the better."

Adam looked reluctant but unhappy. I had at gotten the thought into his mind though and that was the important part to me. I left Adam sitting alone on the table with a frown on his face. I thought the pout on his face was quite cute. Lilith would surely find it irresistible when she saw him. Hopefully that would be enough to start them talking again. It might be too much for me to be hoping for peace, but I couldn't help it. I wanted things to turn out for the best.

Sesshomaru wrapped his arms around me as he pushed me down the hallway. I smiled happily and my toes curled in my shoes. "Sesshomaru do you want me to mess around and injure myself further?"

Sesshomaru blew in my ear, then whispered, "Only if you want to."

I smiled and wrapped my arm around Sesshomaru's. "Sesshomaru, you know I can't say no to you."

"That's why I'm doing it for the both of us."

We both laughed at the same time. "Aren't you so kind?" I jeered jokingly.

Sesshomaru leaned down next to me so that his lips were right next to my ear. "You know I am." He whispered in a silky purr.

I seized Sesshomaru by the neck and kissed him on the lips for that. We were both laughing breathlessly as we broke apart. Sesshomaru kissed me lightly on the forehead. I felt blissfully happy and tired. None of that mattered to me; the only thing I cared for was to keep my eyes on him.

Sesshomaru wheeled me back to my room once we were both breathing normally once more. When we reached it, he parked my chair next to my bed and lifted me into his arms. Sesshomaru placed me in my bed and wrapped the sheets around my shoulders. "Get some rest now. You look exhausted."

"Please Sesshomaru don't go. Stay with me."

Sesshomaru smiled down at me. It was almost scary with the sharp fangs that could be seen in his mouth but I thought that it was a wonderful sight. "I was hoping you would ask, but sleep right now, got it?"

I gave him a slightly confused look and smiled innocently back up. "Is that an order or an request?"

Sesshomaru kissed the ends of my fingers and lay down on the bed beside me. "I think you know the answer to that one."

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Author's Notes:

Please Review, they are highly appriciated.

I don't own Eva or Inu Yasha!!! Nuf said.

much better. Couple of spots, but its great.