Chapter 2
Rising for Air
Light. Light filtering through closed windows. That is the strongest light of all. That is the light that shined through the closed curtain of the First Child's apartment, illuminating the sleeping girl's face beautifully. Almost undetectably, the ends of her lips turned slightly upwards. "Shinji..." she whispered. As soon as those words escaped her lips, Rei's eyes snapped open, and the tiny smile disappeared as she rejoined the world of the conscious.
"I am awake." she said to herself as she sat up from her bed, as if asserting the fact. Slowly turning her head from side to side, she hugged her legs close to her. There was only one thought on her mind as she tried vainly to grasp the fading wisps of her reverie.
'What do I feel...'
***
Shinji Ikari lived a very predictable lifestyle.
1.Get up. 2.Make breakfast. 3.Go to school. 4.Fight Angel. 5.Suffer irreversible psychological damage. 6.Go home. 7.Listen to SDAT. 8.More mental impairment. 9.Repeat process.
Yes, Shinji knew what constituted his everyday habits. After all, our rituals are what make up most of our existence. As of now, he was going through the movements between 2 and 3.
"Hurry up, Shinji, we're gonna be late for class!" the piercing voice of one Asuka Langley Souryu cried, making the Third Child slacken his slow pace. "Slow down Asuka. We're already at the door." Shinji said lamely, even though he was speeding up to match Asuka's stride. "And that's why I'm always going to be better than you, Shinji. It's all in the eye of the tiger." Asuka said, ribbing Shinji lightly as they both entered the classroom.
"Well if it isn't the newlyweds." a familiar voice called.
"Shove it, Stooge." Asuka replied, simply waving off Touji's comment as she started in Hikari's direction. "She's in a good mood today." the stooge in question replied, narrowing his eyes. "Well good morning to you too, Touji." Shinji stated as he took his seat. "Hey Shinji." "Wassup, Shin- man." and the usual banter of the boys began. "How come Mephistopheles over there didn't bite Touji's head off today?" Kensuke asked, his glasses reflecting the screen of his laptop as he once again was doing something far from legal. "Ah, you know. Shinji over here must have done something right last night, eh Shinji?" Touji joked, smirking at his friend.
"Yeah Touji. We had wild, unbridled sex last night. It was so amazing that Misato woke up and decided to make it a threesome. Then my dad came to the door and said he was sorry for all the years he neglected me. It was one hell of a night." Shinji replied sarcastically, burying his head in his arms. "Heh, right! You and Misato. Now that's a good one!" Touji laughed. "If you have to make up stories, at least make them remotely believable, Shinji." Kensuke said, closing his laptop. Shinji only sighed as he buried his head farther.
"For real though, what's up with Red? She on somethin'?" Touji said, restoring some semblance of seriousness to the conversation. "Oh, she just heard that she's on top again. Something about Kaji coming over. Blah... blah... blah. The usual." Shinji said, his voice muffled. "And as usual, she probably gave you an earful, didn't she." Kensuke said sagely, nodding his head in a knowing manner. "Bingo." Shinji replied. "The 'Oh Kaji's the only man for me' and 'You're unworthy to even kiss my feet' crap again." Touji said, leaning back on his chair. "You guys know me too well." Shinji said , raising his head as the bell rang and the teacher entered the room.
"Rise. Bow. Sit."
So Shinji Ikari successfully made the transition from #2 to #3, another day of boredom for the hapless pilot.
***
One thing that people seem to forget about glass is that, to some extent, it is reflective. So while it appears as if Rei Ayanami was just an antisocial teenager, which she is, that does not mean she isn't observant. So while she did watch the outside world for most of the school day, she occasionally examined the reflections of her classmates, noting their everyday interactions yet not bothering to understand them. All except for one.
"Ikari..."
Again, the brown-haired pilot was the subject of Rei's musings. As the teacher began his pre-meditated jumble of malarkey, Rei couldn't help but direct her reflected gaze on Shinji, who had his laptop open and seemed to be concentrating on the monitor of his computer. 'To know what you think, Third Child.' She thought as she broke her focus on Shinji and fixed her eyes upwards to the sky.
***
'So to make a perfect omelet, you only need to use two eggs instead of three...' The Third Child thought as he looked over his Martha Stewart recipe site. Suddenly, a message box popped up on his screen.
Ken: Catering Sites? You are one pathetic example of a man, Shinji.
Annoyed by the interruption of his search for the golden omelet, Shinji replied hastily.
Shinji: I'm not even going to ask about how you know about the eggs. Just be thankful I'm the one keeping your beloved Misato supplied with real food, or else all those instants would go straight to her hips by now.
Shinji pressed the send button, and looked over his shoulder. The military otaku read the message, shook his head, and typed in response.
Ken: Bad mental picture! Go find your recipes, cookie.- : (
Shinji smirked at the final note and closed the instant messenger, continuing his culinary expeditions in cyberspace.
***
'Exchange of glances by Ikari and Aida. Aida initiating by seemingly sending a message to Ikari. Ikari appears to have been disturbed by interruptions, but reacted with his own statement. Statement apparently perturbs Aida, rectifying a response. Ikari receives response, and ascertains humor from statement.'
This and that took form in Rei's mind as she continued her silent vigil of her classroom. Even though these small activities formed no real purpose other than the staving off of boredom, Rei nonetheless took note of Shinji's reactions.
Resting her head on her palm, Rei once again blocked out the world and focused on her window. It was a beautiful day outside, the sun openly shining and a couple of birds flying past. A car would pass by every now and then. It was all compiled into a relaxing setting. This coupled with the soft drone of the teacher's lecture, and the rhythmic tapping of her classmate's laptops, Rei soon found her eyelids slowly sliding over her tired gaze.
***
"Hey, didn't expect you to be here so soon." a familiar voice interrupted Rei's thoughts, and she turned to see a smiling Shinji looking over her shoulder and out her window. "Shinji?" Rei said. As soon as she realized what words had come out of her mouth, she looked around her. The classroom was still there. The teacher was still reading out of his textbook. The students were still not paying any attention. The only real difference was that Shinji was out of his seat and standing over her.
"You look surprised." Shinji said after the First Child finished her quick scan of the room, yet not looking away from Rei's window at any time. "You are out of your seat, yet it seems that our classmates are taking of no notice of you." Rei coolly, looking up towards Shinji. "Hmm, not much space for explanation, huh Rei?" Shinji said, turning from the window and regarding the First Child. "It is improbable that this is another dream, Shinji, for as I can see, I am neither sleeping and this is a very plausible setting which we are in." Rei said, her logic once again speaking for her.
"Probably, but you're missing a few things." the Third Child responded, taking a seat on the floor between the aisles. "And what would I have missed?" Rei said. "For one, you're not a regular person." Shinji said, laying down on the floor. Rei took no offense in this fact and asked for the young Ikari to continue. "Secondly, even though we're in a natural setting, the people around us are acting strangely, don't you think?" Shinji said. Rei nodded in approval, seeing as this was true. "And lastly, if this was real life, you would have just ignored me anyway." Shinji stated with finality, closing his eyes, an expression of hurt on his features.
"I would not have..." Rei started weakly, yet was unable to finish her statement as the truth sank in. "Nope. If this were real life, you would have just left me talking and went on looking out your window." Shinji said, his eyes still closed. "I..." Rei whispered. "Don't worry about it though." Shinji's voice said in a gentler tone. "..." Rei only stared at her lap, like a child that had done something wrong. "Rei, don't be so hard on yourself. You're talking to me now, right?" Shinji said, sitting up on his shoulders. "But I..." Rei started, but she felt a finger being placed softly on her lips. "Don't sweat it." Shinji said, smiling. Rei nodded gently, forming a small smile of her own. "Atta girl." Shinji replied, playfully punching the First Child. "Well, see ya'." Shinji said. And with that, Rei Ayanami's world exploded in a burst of sound.
***
The lunch bell rang and whatever the teacher was talking about was gone with the wind. As the scuffling of feet and scratching of tables issued forth and the exodus for the cafeteria began, Shinji Ikari found himself alone in the room with a certain blue haired girl as he put away his laptop. Seeing as the First Child had apparently ignored the lunch bell, he found that it would be a nice thing to go and see if his fellow pilot needed a reminder that this was the allotted time students to go and find nourishment for their growing teenage bodies.
"Um, excuse me, Ayanami. The lunch bell rang." Shinji said gingerly, as if walking on a tightrope. He never really knew how to act around Rei, but he tried his best not upset their fragile relationship whenever possible. However, he was in for a surprise.
"Oh, thank you, Shinji."
Rei stood from her seat and proceeded out the door, leaving Shinji standing confused at her chair. "What just happened?" the Third Child said to himself as the fleeting figure of the blue haired pilot turned the corner of the stairs.
Fin
Notes: This is pretty much a straightforward chapter. I just wanted to see how accurately I could describe an ordinary day with Shinji and his friends. So far, the only relationship is between Rei and Rei's Shinji, but at least how they act towards each other is well defined. In all actuality, Rei's Shinji is only there to guide the First Child into better understanding her emotions and subconscious. The real clue that Rei has love for Shinji (that's right, I said the "L" word) is that she chose him as her guide, if any, to her innermost being, the things that make up Rei Ayanami. That and my overwhelming need to write a romance for the both of them assures that things will work out for them in the end. And for those who don't get Shinji's final statement, he's surprised that Rei thanked him and that she called him by his first name. Now it's up to me to see what Shinji will do when he has time to think about what just happened today. Let's hope I don't screw up so badly.
To the reviewers: Normally I only reply to the reviews of the first few chapters of my stories, but since you have been kind enough not to shoot me down, I'll try to reply as much as possible. I also tend to reply more to people who stick with a story, but I'm going to see if I can take all of your suggestions to heart. Since I've already written about five chapters of the story in advance, some things might surprise you. I've already got most of the story planned out, but I'll see if I can squeeze in any of your comments in. With that being said, onward to the reviews.
jennyjennai: Yes, it is quite different now that parts of the show are more elaborated. I hope the interactions of the boys stayed within rational limits. Yeah, she does show a lot of emotion in that episode. I just wish that there could have been more interaction between her and Shinji right before then. I would love to see how she would act if she was closer to Shinji then.
Hououza: I can't remember, but doesn't Rei also play violin? Or was it viola? In any case, for now the question of whose grave it is still open to suggestion. It can be just about anyone for now. Hououza, I thank you for your kind words. You're reviews are some of the more insightful of the comments I've received, and I thank you for your correspondence. Yes, the Director's cut has been released stateside. Hope you get it soon. It really is good.
D14852001 Thanks for agreeing with me, D. I'm just happy that the Asuka fans haven't crucified me yet. As to your first question, however, I can't really say who died since you didn't specify anybody. As always, your comment leads to the betterment of the overall picture.
avian304 Well that's good to know. Now if I can only keep the steam going. I hope this chapter is to your liking. As for Shinji dead, who knows. For all you guys know, this might be just one huge flashback. Thank you for your views on my little project.
Xardion I'm glad you like the notes. Yeah, I do tend to go overboard on the Author's notes sometimes, but that's just part of my writing style. Besides, it gives the reader more insight on what I actually think when I write these stories. The only problem is, sometimes the notes make up more than half a story. Being introspective hurts sometimes...
Vanimal Don't worry, there's more to come. For now, I hope this chapter satiated your appetite, Vanimal. As for the rose and orchid, the idea is actually pretty widespread. I was kind of surprised when I saw that many Asuka fics also compared the firebrand German to a rose and more predominantly when I read So Happy Together, at first I was kind of angry. I went like "Hey, she ripped off my idea." then I saw that it was actually at about the same time as I began to consider Rei as an orchid, so I got over that. Anticipate you review again.
Rei-a.k.a.-Ayanami-chan Well, I never thought that I would actually get a review from the famous Ms. Ayanami-chan. Way back when, I had to trawl through the morass of yaoi fanfics and hentai websites, and some A/S fics that really bashed Rei before I could get a good story. Sometimes it's hard to get into the mood of writing, being disillusioned by the great number of A/S and nonsensical neo-stories that try to hard to please everyone at the same time. Your site cuts through all of that. I'm thinking of joining it myself. That's why I thank you and Ryan for giving me a place to go for comprehensible R/S. I hope your site grows and prospers.
Optimus Magnus I take the accolades of the crossover king. I love your work with the Transformers. I agree that the 80's shows are the bomb. I still shed a tear when Optimus Prime dies. Well, thank you again for your response, and I hope you check back again soon.
Light. Light filtering through closed windows. That is the strongest light of all. That is the light that shined through the closed curtain of the First Child's apartment, illuminating the sleeping girl's face beautifully. Almost undetectably, the ends of her lips turned slightly upwards. "Shinji..." she whispered. As soon as those words escaped her lips, Rei's eyes snapped open, and the tiny smile disappeared as she rejoined the world of the conscious.
"I am awake." she said to herself as she sat up from her bed, as if asserting the fact. Slowly turning her head from side to side, she hugged her legs close to her. There was only one thought on her mind as she tried vainly to grasp the fading wisps of her reverie.
'What do I feel...'
***
Shinji Ikari lived a very predictable lifestyle.
1.Get up. 2.Make breakfast. 3.Go to school. 4.Fight Angel. 5.Suffer irreversible psychological damage. 6.Go home. 7.Listen to SDAT. 8.More mental impairment. 9.Repeat process.
Yes, Shinji knew what constituted his everyday habits. After all, our rituals are what make up most of our existence. As of now, he was going through the movements between 2 and 3.
"Hurry up, Shinji, we're gonna be late for class!" the piercing voice of one Asuka Langley Souryu cried, making the Third Child slacken his slow pace. "Slow down Asuka. We're already at the door." Shinji said lamely, even though he was speeding up to match Asuka's stride. "And that's why I'm always going to be better than you, Shinji. It's all in the eye of the tiger." Asuka said, ribbing Shinji lightly as they both entered the classroom.
"Well if it isn't the newlyweds." a familiar voice called.
"Shove it, Stooge." Asuka replied, simply waving off Touji's comment as she started in Hikari's direction. "She's in a good mood today." the stooge in question replied, narrowing his eyes. "Well good morning to you too, Touji." Shinji stated as he took his seat. "Hey Shinji." "Wassup, Shin- man." and the usual banter of the boys began. "How come Mephistopheles over there didn't bite Touji's head off today?" Kensuke asked, his glasses reflecting the screen of his laptop as he once again was doing something far from legal. "Ah, you know. Shinji over here must have done something right last night, eh Shinji?" Touji joked, smirking at his friend.
"Yeah Touji. We had wild, unbridled sex last night. It was so amazing that Misato woke up and decided to make it a threesome. Then my dad came to the door and said he was sorry for all the years he neglected me. It was one hell of a night." Shinji replied sarcastically, burying his head in his arms. "Heh, right! You and Misato. Now that's a good one!" Touji laughed. "If you have to make up stories, at least make them remotely believable, Shinji." Kensuke said, closing his laptop. Shinji only sighed as he buried his head farther.
"For real though, what's up with Red? She on somethin'?" Touji said, restoring some semblance of seriousness to the conversation. "Oh, she just heard that she's on top again. Something about Kaji coming over. Blah... blah... blah. The usual." Shinji said, his voice muffled. "And as usual, she probably gave you an earful, didn't she." Kensuke said sagely, nodding his head in a knowing manner. "Bingo." Shinji replied. "The 'Oh Kaji's the only man for me' and 'You're unworthy to even kiss my feet' crap again." Touji said, leaning back on his chair. "You guys know me too well." Shinji said , raising his head as the bell rang and the teacher entered the room.
"Rise. Bow. Sit."
So Shinji Ikari successfully made the transition from #2 to #3, another day of boredom for the hapless pilot.
***
One thing that people seem to forget about glass is that, to some extent, it is reflective. So while it appears as if Rei Ayanami was just an antisocial teenager, which she is, that does not mean she isn't observant. So while she did watch the outside world for most of the school day, she occasionally examined the reflections of her classmates, noting their everyday interactions yet not bothering to understand them. All except for one.
"Ikari..."
Again, the brown-haired pilot was the subject of Rei's musings. As the teacher began his pre-meditated jumble of malarkey, Rei couldn't help but direct her reflected gaze on Shinji, who had his laptop open and seemed to be concentrating on the monitor of his computer. 'To know what you think, Third Child.' She thought as she broke her focus on Shinji and fixed her eyes upwards to the sky.
***
'So to make a perfect omelet, you only need to use two eggs instead of three...' The Third Child thought as he looked over his Martha Stewart recipe site. Suddenly, a message box popped up on his screen.
Ken: Catering Sites? You are one pathetic example of a man, Shinji.
Annoyed by the interruption of his search for the golden omelet, Shinji replied hastily.
Shinji: I'm not even going to ask about how you know about the eggs. Just be thankful I'm the one keeping your beloved Misato supplied with real food, or else all those instants would go straight to her hips by now.
Shinji pressed the send button, and looked over his shoulder. The military otaku read the message, shook his head, and typed in response.
Ken: Bad mental picture! Go find your recipes, cookie.- : (
Shinji smirked at the final note and closed the instant messenger, continuing his culinary expeditions in cyberspace.
***
'Exchange of glances by Ikari and Aida. Aida initiating by seemingly sending a message to Ikari. Ikari appears to have been disturbed by interruptions, but reacted with his own statement. Statement apparently perturbs Aida, rectifying a response. Ikari receives response, and ascertains humor from statement.'
This and that took form in Rei's mind as she continued her silent vigil of her classroom. Even though these small activities formed no real purpose other than the staving off of boredom, Rei nonetheless took note of Shinji's reactions.
Resting her head on her palm, Rei once again blocked out the world and focused on her window. It was a beautiful day outside, the sun openly shining and a couple of birds flying past. A car would pass by every now and then. It was all compiled into a relaxing setting. This coupled with the soft drone of the teacher's lecture, and the rhythmic tapping of her classmate's laptops, Rei soon found her eyelids slowly sliding over her tired gaze.
***
"Hey, didn't expect you to be here so soon." a familiar voice interrupted Rei's thoughts, and she turned to see a smiling Shinji looking over her shoulder and out her window. "Shinji?" Rei said. As soon as she realized what words had come out of her mouth, she looked around her. The classroom was still there. The teacher was still reading out of his textbook. The students were still not paying any attention. The only real difference was that Shinji was out of his seat and standing over her.
"You look surprised." Shinji said after the First Child finished her quick scan of the room, yet not looking away from Rei's window at any time. "You are out of your seat, yet it seems that our classmates are taking of no notice of you." Rei coolly, looking up towards Shinji. "Hmm, not much space for explanation, huh Rei?" Shinji said, turning from the window and regarding the First Child. "It is improbable that this is another dream, Shinji, for as I can see, I am neither sleeping and this is a very plausible setting which we are in." Rei said, her logic once again speaking for her.
"Probably, but you're missing a few things." the Third Child responded, taking a seat on the floor between the aisles. "And what would I have missed?" Rei said. "For one, you're not a regular person." Shinji said, laying down on the floor. Rei took no offense in this fact and asked for the young Ikari to continue. "Secondly, even though we're in a natural setting, the people around us are acting strangely, don't you think?" Shinji said. Rei nodded in approval, seeing as this was true. "And lastly, if this was real life, you would have just ignored me anyway." Shinji stated with finality, closing his eyes, an expression of hurt on his features.
"I would not have..." Rei started weakly, yet was unable to finish her statement as the truth sank in. "Nope. If this were real life, you would have just left me talking and went on looking out your window." Shinji said, his eyes still closed. "I..." Rei whispered. "Don't worry about it though." Shinji's voice said in a gentler tone. "..." Rei only stared at her lap, like a child that had done something wrong. "Rei, don't be so hard on yourself. You're talking to me now, right?" Shinji said, sitting up on his shoulders. "But I..." Rei started, but she felt a finger being placed softly on her lips. "Don't sweat it." Shinji said, smiling. Rei nodded gently, forming a small smile of her own. "Atta girl." Shinji replied, playfully punching the First Child. "Well, see ya'." Shinji said. And with that, Rei Ayanami's world exploded in a burst of sound.
***
The lunch bell rang and whatever the teacher was talking about was gone with the wind. As the scuffling of feet and scratching of tables issued forth and the exodus for the cafeteria began, Shinji Ikari found himself alone in the room with a certain blue haired girl as he put away his laptop. Seeing as the First Child had apparently ignored the lunch bell, he found that it would be a nice thing to go and see if his fellow pilot needed a reminder that this was the allotted time students to go and find nourishment for their growing teenage bodies.
"Um, excuse me, Ayanami. The lunch bell rang." Shinji said gingerly, as if walking on a tightrope. He never really knew how to act around Rei, but he tried his best not upset their fragile relationship whenever possible. However, he was in for a surprise.
"Oh, thank you, Shinji."
Rei stood from her seat and proceeded out the door, leaving Shinji standing confused at her chair. "What just happened?" the Third Child said to himself as the fleeting figure of the blue haired pilot turned the corner of the stairs.
Fin
Notes: This is pretty much a straightforward chapter. I just wanted to see how accurately I could describe an ordinary day with Shinji and his friends. So far, the only relationship is between Rei and Rei's Shinji, but at least how they act towards each other is well defined. In all actuality, Rei's Shinji is only there to guide the First Child into better understanding her emotions and subconscious. The real clue that Rei has love for Shinji (that's right, I said the "L" word) is that she chose him as her guide, if any, to her innermost being, the things that make up Rei Ayanami. That and my overwhelming need to write a romance for the both of them assures that things will work out for them in the end. And for those who don't get Shinji's final statement, he's surprised that Rei thanked him and that she called him by his first name. Now it's up to me to see what Shinji will do when he has time to think about what just happened today. Let's hope I don't screw up so badly.
To the reviewers: Normally I only reply to the reviews of the first few chapters of my stories, but since you have been kind enough not to shoot me down, I'll try to reply as much as possible. I also tend to reply more to people who stick with a story, but I'm going to see if I can take all of your suggestions to heart. Since I've already written about five chapters of the story in advance, some things might surprise you. I've already got most of the story planned out, but I'll see if I can squeeze in any of your comments in. With that being said, onward to the reviews.
jennyjennai: Yes, it is quite different now that parts of the show are more elaborated. I hope the interactions of the boys stayed within rational limits. Yeah, she does show a lot of emotion in that episode. I just wish that there could have been more interaction between her and Shinji right before then. I would love to see how she would act if she was closer to Shinji then.
Hououza: I can't remember, but doesn't Rei also play violin? Or was it viola? In any case, for now the question of whose grave it is still open to suggestion. It can be just about anyone for now. Hououza, I thank you for your kind words. You're reviews are some of the more insightful of the comments I've received, and I thank you for your correspondence. Yes, the Director's cut has been released stateside. Hope you get it soon. It really is good.
D14852001 Thanks for agreeing with me, D. I'm just happy that the Asuka fans haven't crucified me yet. As to your first question, however, I can't really say who died since you didn't specify anybody. As always, your comment leads to the betterment of the overall picture.
avian304 Well that's good to know. Now if I can only keep the steam going. I hope this chapter is to your liking. As for Shinji dead, who knows. For all you guys know, this might be just one huge flashback. Thank you for your views on my little project.
Xardion I'm glad you like the notes. Yeah, I do tend to go overboard on the Author's notes sometimes, but that's just part of my writing style. Besides, it gives the reader more insight on what I actually think when I write these stories. The only problem is, sometimes the notes make up more than half a story. Being introspective hurts sometimes...
Vanimal Don't worry, there's more to come. For now, I hope this chapter satiated your appetite, Vanimal. As for the rose and orchid, the idea is actually pretty widespread. I was kind of surprised when I saw that many Asuka fics also compared the firebrand German to a rose and more predominantly when I read So Happy Together, at first I was kind of angry. I went like "Hey, she ripped off my idea." then I saw that it was actually at about the same time as I began to consider Rei as an orchid, so I got over that. Anticipate you review again.
Rei-a.k.a.-Ayanami-chan Well, I never thought that I would actually get a review from the famous Ms. Ayanami-chan. Way back when, I had to trawl through the morass of yaoi fanfics and hentai websites, and some A/S fics that really bashed Rei before I could get a good story. Sometimes it's hard to get into the mood of writing, being disillusioned by the great number of A/S and nonsensical neo-stories that try to hard to please everyone at the same time. Your site cuts through all of that. I'm thinking of joining it myself. That's why I thank you and Ryan for giving me a place to go for comprehensible R/S. I hope your site grows and prospers.
Optimus Magnus I take the accolades of the crossover king. I love your work with the Transformers. I agree that the 80's shows are the bomb. I still shed a tear when Optimus Prime dies. Well, thank you again for your response, and I hope you check back again soon.