A/N: Well I got lots of good reviews. And now I'll respond to the reviewers.
King Alar- Thanks for telling me about me not being the only one not using Canadian people. The fact that I'm not the only goes to show that Canada is not disregarded and left out.
Incognito Girl- Thanks for all your reviews. I won't let you down!
Gemini Dreams- Thanks for your reviews too. As for how Asuka acts now, it's up in the air.
The Blind Ikari- The 3 original pilots had led shit lives thanks to the events that surrounded them. So I figured it'd be neat to have more pilots who've led pretty good lives. If you thought Zack was efficient, you should read my other pilot profile.
Animefan88- Thanks for your reviews as well. Reviews are what people need to keep going.
On another note, Tabris will not be making any appearances in this fanfic, cuz I don't like him one bit! He'll be lucky to get a reference.
Now I'm going to pull away from the drama and move into some more comedy. The original series had its laughs. But heck, I think it needed more laughs and not a spineless 14-year old boy wallowing in self-pity 24-7. Now on with the story!
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Zack had noticed a lot had happened in the past week. But he noticed something was different about Asuka. She seemed to be more docile than she was before. She would only get mad if someone else pissed her off and not get mad for no reason. Ivana had come over for some more sparring. 9 times out of 10, she would get the better of him. But then again, there were those 1 other times. Heck, she would spar with Zack because he could put up a better fight than everyone else she had come up against.
Asuka came out of her room. She looked very cheery today. Ivana took notice of this too.
"Misato. I'm going to the library," called Asuka into the kitchen.
"Okay. Be back before dark."
Zack was dumbfounded. Asuka never just went to the library. "Hey Ivana, why would Asuka want to go to the library?"
"I have no idea."
Zack got an idea. "Let's follow her and see what she's up to."
"But isn't that spying?"
"Meh. I was trained by the RCMP and you by the KGB. No one would ever know we were spies if we disguised well enough."
Ivana decided to go along with this. "All right. It will not cause harm to practice my covert operation skills. We must prepare the appropriate disguises quickly."
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Streets of Tokyo-3 (Look both ways before crossing the street)
Asuka was walking on her way to the library. Hopefully, she could find the information she was looking for there. She had considered advice columns, but there was no way she would ask for help. This was her problem, so she wanted to do it herself.
Ivana and Zack followed at a close distance behind. Their disguises were so flawless; you couldn't tell it was them. So flawless, in fact that they walked by Toji and he didn't notice it was them. They both looked like secret agents topped off with black suits, sunglasses and their issued 9mm handguns.
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Tokyo-3 Library (Quiet please)
Finally, Asuka arrived at the library. Her spies followed close behind her. Asuka set herself down at a desk. Ivana and Zack took different places. Ivana pretended to be reading a newspaper, while Zack pretended to be on a computer. Asuka appeared to go up to the librarian, ask for where something is. The librarian pointed in a direction. Asuka appeared to thank the librarian, and go off in that direction.
Zack and Ivana even had walkie-talkies. They began to communicate in English.
Zack: What did she ask for?
Ivana: Couldn't tell. She spoke too softly.
Zack: What direction did she go off in?
Ivana: Apparently, that's the department of Social Sciences.
Zack: Well Asuka does have lots of social problems. One minute she's a bitch, next she's a crybaby, and the odd time she's an angel.
Ivana: She's coming back. And she's holding two books. An orange one and a yellow one. Both have lots of pages.
Asuka takes her two books that she picked out and sat down. She chose to read the orange book first. She takes out some reading glasses, looks for a certain page, and begins to read it.
Zack: Okay, she's taken out the orange book. What the hell!
Ivana: What book is it?
Zack: You will not believe this! She has The Complete Idiot's Guide to Romance!
Zack could only hear the sounds of someone choking on their breath. He watched as Asuka continued to read. Sometimes, she'd look surprised. Other moments, she would cringe, sigh with a look of bliss on her face, or just downright blush at what she read. Above all, Zack was surprised Asuka used glasses when she wanted to read.
Ivana was very surprised too. 'Why would Asuka read a book on romance? I heard that she had a crush on Mr. Ryouji, but that was a long time ago. Could it be Ikari?'
After about 15 minutes of read the Idiot's guide, Zack and Ivana watched as Asuka picked up the yellow book. It was titled "Love for Dummies".
Ivana then smiled. "Well, well Asuka. Despite your high I.Q. and your college diploma, you're still but a learner when it comes to love."
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Misato's Apartment (Take off your shoes before entering)
Shinji decided to make lunch for himself and Rei. Misato had obviously gone out to Kaji's again. Now he knew why Asuka thought it was such an indecent relationship.
But then again, Zack, Asuka, and maybe Ivana who was with Zack when she left, wouldn't mind having lunch. He proceeded over to the phone to call Asuka. Hopefully, she would have her NERV issued cell phone with her. After two rings, he got an answer.
Asuka: Hello.
Shinji: Uh, hey Asuka.
Asuka: Oh hey Shinji. Whacha doin?
Shinji: Uhh, uhh I was err… doing a barbecue lunch. Burgers and Hot Dogs. And… I was… wondering if you'd… like to come back!
Asuka: You had better wait until I get back before you start. I want my food fresh! Bye bye!
Click!
"Well that was weird," said Shinji.
Rei enters the kitchen. "What was weird?"
"Oh just the way Asuka has been acting lately."
"Yes. Her tone and her outlook on many things have changed drastically."
"I wonder what could cause that?"
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Library
Zack and Ivana watched as Asuka checked out her books. And took off for home.
"Well, I guess she's heading home now," said Zack. "Mission Accomplished."
"No. More like compromised."
Zack was confused. "Why?"
Ivana had to explain. "We left our clothes at Shinji's place. Asuka will notice we left our clothes there. And she saw us in our agent getups. If she sees our clothes and then us in these suits, she'll know we were spying on her."
"And if she finds out, we're dead!"
"Yes. So we must get moving and get home before she does!"
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Streets of Tokyo-3
"Shit! Of all the times she could run, she chooses now!" Zack and Ivana had to run back to Misato's place. Apparently, Asuka seemed very excited about something that was going to happen at home. So excited, she was running.
"If Asuka sees us running after her, she will get suspicious!" said Ivana as the two pilots continued pursuit.
"No problem. I know a detour."
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NERV HQ
"That many complaints?" Misato and Ritsuko appeared to be having a conversation. "So now what's going to happen?"
"Simple. Relocation."
"To where?" Misato asked.
"Commander Ikari has decided the relocation will be to your place."
"What the fuck! My apartment is NOT a daycare center!"
Ritsuko sighed. "Well your place was by far the best choice. Each of the kids enjoys hanging at your place. They say you make such a great guardian, well despite your… habits."
A smirk came on Misato's face. "Now that makes me want to do this."
Ritsuko now smiled. "You look after those kids like a mother almost."
"Yeah. Those kids are kind of like my kids. Almost makes me feel like a mother."
Misato had fallen in Ritsuko's trap. "And with a little help from Kaji, you could probably be a real mother!"
"WHAT? SHUT YOUR FACE!"
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Streets of Tokyo-3
"Nice detour idiot," said Ivana as the "agents" continued to chase after Asuka. "Way to crash through that crowd of elderly people."
"The ends justify the needs," replied Zack. "Besides, I didn't crash into them. I cut them off as they passed by."
"Whatever. There's the apartment."
They ran inside. They saw Asuka going up the elevator. That meant only one thing. They had to take the stairs. They desperately raced up the stairs, taking three steps at a time. They quickly made it to the seventh floor. As they raced back to Misato's apartment, they noticed Asuka was just coming up to the fifth floor. They had did it. They got to their apartment, and opened the door.
There wasn't even time for a hello to Shinji. Zack ran into his room, and Ivana ran into the bathroom.
Just then, Asuka came in the door. "I'm home!"
"Wow. That was fast."
"Yup. I ran all the way from the library. Did you wait for me like I asked you to?"
Shinji sighed. "Yes. I waited just for you."
Just then, Zack and Ivana came out of their respective rooms that they were in. Now they were dressed in their normal clothes.
"Ah, there you two are," said Shinji. "You're just in time. I was about to barbecue. Either one of you prefer veggie burgers?"
"No, I don't," replied Ivana.
"Nope. Pure meat for me," was Zack's reply. "And by the way, what's with the weird getup?"
"Oh, Misato bought this for me," said Shinji. Shinji was wearing a chef's hat and an apron that said, "Kiss the Cook".
So Shinji did burgers and hot dogs out on the balcony. It seemed Shinji could do anything when it came to cooking. He grilled the burgers and dogs to perfection. Everyone enjoyed Shinji's cooking. He could make anything taste good.
Later, as the five were all talking about EVA and other things inlifein the TV room, Misato came home. "I'm hoooooommmme!"
"Welcome back Misato," said Shinji.
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"And that's how things are Ivana," said Misato. "You've beaten up everyone in that complex and beaten up the landlord three times already. So you're going to have to be relocated."
Ivana couldn't help but chuckle. "Those morons had it coming. That's what happens when a girl gives them a no for an answer. They try to take advantage of me, and learn painfully that they can't."
"So now, Ivana, by the will of Commander Ikari, you are to live here from now on," said Misato.
"So where will she sleep?" asked Asuka.
Misato gave her an odd look. "Where else? With you and Rei."
Asuka had another outburst. "WHAT? THREE TO A ROOM? IT'LL BE TOO CROWDED!"
Just like when Rei was moving in, Misato had the better hand. "Well Asuka, if you don't like it, I can always move Zack onto the couch and Ivana can move in with Shinji. Or Zack can go on the couch and you can move in with Shinji."
Ivana stood up. "I will move in with Shinji."
Asuka stood up now too. "NO WAY! IF ANYONE IS GOING TO KEEP SHINJI IN CHECK, THAN IT'S ME!"
Misato smiled. "Then it's settled. Asuka will move in with Shinji. And Zack will be moving onto the couch."
Zack was flustered. "Hey, how come I get sacrificed?"
"Well, you get easy access to the TV."
Zack lightened up a little. "Well, that's good then. I get the TV, and Shinji gets to sleep with a girl. Now Asuka can cuddle with Shinji instead of a doll!"
Another Asuka styled outburst. "JUST WHAT ARE YOU IMPLYING?"
"Exactly what I said."
"Speaking of Shinji," said Misato. "Hey Shinji, remember that Asuka doll I bought you?"
Shinji was surprised to hear anything about the Asuka doll. "What about it?"
"Well when I bought that doll, I entered your name in a draw. And you won the plush doll that came with it. Here you go."
Shinji took the SEELE-shaped box from Misato. He opened it up. Everyone gasped with shock and horror.
It was a plush doll of Gendo Ikari.
Misato was now laughing her face off. "Oh that was rich! The look on your face! I'll show you something else that's funny." They went into Shinji's room. Misato then took a doll's chair and table and sat the Gendo look-alike in the chair. It looked like the way Gendo usually sat, with his hands folded just below his nose.
"Scary," said Zack.
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Bedtime 12:00am
It was time to go to bed. Shinji had his stakeout over by the far wall, while Asuka slept closer to the door. Shinji already knew what was implied if he dared get close to Asuka while she slept. However, he noticed Asuka had a mini lamp on and appeared to be reading something.
Shinji was curious. "Hey Asuka, what are you reading?"
"Oh it's nothing really."
"Can I see?"
Asuka's tone quickly changed. "No! It's a girl's book. Not for boys to read!"
Shinji sighed. "If you say so. Good night Asuka."
Asuka watched as Shinji quickly fell asleep. A tear came down her cheek. 'If only you knew Shinji.' She put the book Love for Dummies away where no one could see it. She then had an idea. 'Maybe if I go sleep next to him, he'll get an idea of how I feel.'
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Next Day
Misato woke up early. She was out of beer, and was too lazy to go get more. She had considered sending Zack in a disguise that would make him look like Kaji, but it didn't work. So she had to get up early, and go to the variety store to get her beer.
She arrived back at 6:00am with a 24-pack in hand. She decided to check on Asuka and Shinji. Not that she was worried they may do something, but she figured it never hurt to be a little curious.
Misato opened Shinji's door just enough to see inside. She saw Asuka sleeping rather close to Shinji. But Shinji was sleeping with his back turned to her. She assumed Shinji still felt like he was under a gun. Misato decided to see what Asuka's point of view was on this.
5 minutes later and one outburst, Asuka was sitting in the kitchen with Misato. Misato had already opened up a can of beer, Asuka had a cup of mint tea.
"So why did you drag me out here?" Asuka was curious to know why she was abruptly woken up.
"Just a simple question. How do you feel about Shinji?"
Asuka was shocked. "What? What makes you think about that?"
Misato had a big grin on her face. "This is why." She took out an orange book. "You left it under the couch last night." It was The Complete Idiot's Guide to Finding Romance! "Are you trying to learn how to make a move on Shinji?" she said in a slightly teasing tone.
"Hey! I'm not disgusting like you at least! At least I'm trying to do it without looking bad or inappropriate!"
Misato sipped more beer. "So. When did this first begin? I thought you couldn't stand Shinji."
Asuka bowed her head down in shame. "I've loved him for the longest time. Ever since the 7th Angel. But my selfish pride and my arrogance always stopped me. Believe me, I always wanted to make a move on Shinji, but when I think about all the truly terrible things I have done…"
Misato kept her face straight. "You think he will reject you."
"Yes, that's exactly it." Tears began to form in Asuka's eyes. "Just recently, I finally saw the evil of the things I have done. What I have done is unforgivable. He has every fucking reason in the world and beyond to tell me to get the hell out of his life." She began to cry.
Misato came over to her side of the table and wrapped her arms around the sobbing German girl. Asuka cried for a good ten minutes before Misato decided to speak again. "You know what Asuka? I bet Shinji has feelings for you too. The best time to tell him how you feel is for you to put him in an atmosphere where he feels comfortable."
"R-r-really?"
Misato gave her an assuring smile. "You betcha. And I know just how to do it."
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Later that day
"What the hell is a kimono?"
"What are you, stupid?" Asuka was trying to tell Zack about Japanese festival wear. From the looks of it, Zack probably never left Canada that often.
"In Japan, a kimono is a type of clothing," said Rei.
"Yup. We're going to the Tokyo-3 fair today. And on the opening day, everyone is required to wear a kimono," said Misato. "I bought you and Shinji kimonos too."
Misato laid out everyone's kimono. Rei had a purple and yellow one. Asuka's was blue. Shinji's was red. Ivana's was red, blue, and white. And Zack's was green.
After everyone got into their respective kimonos, Misato had them take a group picture. And then they took off for the fair. They ran into Toji too along the way. Somehow, Hikari had convinced Toji into going with her. Without further hesitation, the kids entered the fair and prepared to have an awesome time!
A/N: Well I finally got it done! Sorry it took so long. I've been really tied up the last few days! The next chapter will be all about the time at the fair. Expect all sorts of things to happen! Please read and review! Until the next chapter, be cool!