Chapter 5: Truth act I
Gendo Ikari sat on his chair in his office, musing. He wondered how his son was faring. Checking his schedule, he realised that there was nothing for him to do today. How surprising. Perhaps he should visit his son. He would probably appreciate that. He had neglected him for too long. They tell him they're shipping Naoko back to Japan. At last, he thought. It has been far too long. I wonder what Ritsuko thinks. She would probably be surprised. I still cannot believe or understand your actions then, Yui.
He stood up, and hands behind him, he entered the elevator.
Shinji Ikari was inside the kitchen of Misato's home, making breakfast. He had spent the recent few days trying to adjust, finding Misato a very different person than how he expected. The sole fact that her refrigerator was filled with cans of beer says a lot about a person, though it does not necessarily show that she was a bad person.
Is Misato Katsuragi a nice person? I don't understand…
He smiled, however, as he finishes the rice roll. There seemed to be some extra, so he kept them as he places two plates on the table. Quietly, he knocked on Misato's door. "Breakfast is ready, Misato-san." She came out a minute later, yawning as she brushed away a stray strand of her hair. Walking out, they were both surprised when the doorbell rang. Shinji rushed to answer the door.
There, standing with a smile, was his father, Gendo Ikari.
"Hello, Shinji."
"Father!" He cried out, startled. "Is there something wrong?"
"No, it is fine. I just wanted to visit you. If I had disturbed you, then I shall go."
"Oh, oh of course not! Come in father!" He felt something stirring inside him. Why? "I'm sorry I didn't know you were coming. There's still some extras from the rice rolls that I was making. Would you like them?"
What am I doing? Why am I…. am I trying to please my father? Why would I want to do that?
Gendo smiled warmly, something he didn't realise was possible. Misato blinked a few times, then realised who it was there. "Oh ohayo Commander Ikari," she says. "I'm sorry I didn't expect you."
"It's fine, it's fine. Shall we eat then? I think Shinji made rice rolls." "Sure, and would you like a can of beer?"
And so easily was the tension in the air released, the three of them talking and laughing through the morning, it felt like a family. Not that the 'parents' were interested in each other, but they were truly the ones who can be a parent for Shinji. He never thought that coming to Tokyo-3 can bring such a change. Before, when he hadn't came, he was alone. But now his father accepted him. He found a mother in Misato Katsuragi. He has a family. There are those who love him. He turned toward his father, wondering what's on his mind. But inside the mysterious mind of Gendo Ikari, there was one interesting thought.
Just wait till you meet Naoko. She is such a kind person. I miss her so much, and just maybe… I love her more than your mother.
After they were done with breakfast, Misato volunteered to wash the dishes, saying to give the two some 'father son bonding time', leaving the two in the kitchen. There was a moment of silence, before Gendo spoke. "Do you remember your mother, Shinji?" He gasped, not thinking that his father would bring this up.
"No-I was too young then, I didn't really realise what happened. I don't have any photos either."
Gendo smiled with regret. From his coat pocket, he pulled out a photo, kept clean and unstained carefully throughout the years. "Here." Shinji immediately let out a cry in shock. "Isn't that… Ayanami?" Why does she look so much like mother? "That is your mother. And yet, Ayanami is something else. Do you want to know the truth? You may not like it, and instead want to hold on to the perfect image of your mother, but it is best if you know the truth. Lies can kill."
He was confused. Was mother not like how he thought? Did he really see her in Unit 01? But here was father, actually reaching out to him in a way he never thought possible. When he thought no one cared.
"I will know of the truth then." He said. "I don't want to be fed lies."
"Then come with me." Gendo smiled sincerely, proud that his son would make such a choice. That he would accept the unknown. "I'll take you to Central Dogma."
At his own apartment, the albino boy frowned slightly. "So you will be coming, along with the chairman, after Ramiel?"
"That is correct," a soft female voice said on the other end. "I look forward to seeing you, brother."
"The same goes for you, Sister." He smiled once more, remembering their plan. "I believe all will be well."
"If so, goodnight."
"Wait," He says. "Tadhiel?"
"What is it?"
"Stay safe." He did not understand why he said it, but somehow it felt right.
"Of course, Tabris." She hung up then, and he gave a slight sigh of relief. It was much easier to have someone share your burden, to not be alone. He gazed out at the stars, reminiscing the past. The secrets that he could never share. Rei's smile entered his mind. He owed her the truth. He'll tell her. One day.
(A/N): Well who is this mysterious girl on the phone with Kaworu? OC, but who do you think she is? Review if you can!