The True Confessions of Ayanami Rei Chapter 5: The Long Dark Night, an evangelion fanfic

Okay folks here it is. Chapter 3. After Porlouge and Chaper One I was told that Rei got OOC in several places so I tried to make Chapter 2 sound more Rei like. However I think I made it a little to dry. SO this time I went back to more Porlouge and Chapter One style while still trying to make Rei sound like Rei. Let me know how I did.

So, Read and Review!

And Finally Eva belongs to Gainax not me.'Nuf said.

The Girl in White Bandages: The True Confessions of Ayanami Rei

Ch. 3 The Long Dark Night

The next day I reported to Nerv early for the preliminary test that preceded the reactivation experiment tomorrow. I knew Ikari-kun was there somewhere as well but by late in the day I hadn't seen him at all. I was checking some of the configurations on Unit Zero for Dr. Akagi when the Commander found me. "Rei, are you ready for tomorrow's reactivation test?"

I got to my feet and went to stand in front of him. "Yes, sir."

"You're not afraid, are you?"

"No sir. I have faith that everything will go fine."

"Very good. I will expect to hear a good report."

"Yes, sir."

As the Commander was walking away I turned to look at Unit One behind me. Somehow I felt like it was staring right trough me. I felt suddenly naked and bare before her gaze. In actuality it was logically, Ikari-kun who was in there and looking at me. So that's were he was. Still that did not remove the discomfort I felt.

When the test were completed Dr. Akagi dismissed me and I made to return home to rest up. As I was passing Captain Katsuragi's office I heard Dr. Akagi's voice. "So how do you like playing mom to Shinji?"

"Ritsu, you're cruel. In case you forgot that if it weren't for me he'd be living on his own."

"True. So how do you like living with Shinji anyway? The two of you getting along okay?"

"Yeah, he's a great kid. He's really shy and has a lot of hurt feelings he can't express. Still he's trying. You know it's hard to think of him as part of my job, I can't help forgetting he's just another lonely, scared kid like the rest of us, you know?"

"No, not really . . . I'll just believe you on that." She said slowly. "What about Rei? Do you think it might be good for her to move in too?"

"I don't know. It might . . . Rei is just so cold and distant. It's hard to figure her out. It seems like she's only close to The Commander and God knows he wants nothing to do with taking care of her. But what's even scarier is that I find it hard to remember that she's still just a little girl. She's just like part of my job. I don't think anyone would cry if she died tomorrow."

"Is that a no?"

"What, trying to be all analytical now?"

I turned slowly feeling numbed as I made my way out of Nerv. I was cold, distant and forgettable? For some reason the shock of that thought seemed to shake my world to the core. "I don't think anyone would cry if she died tomorrow . . ." No one would care. That single thought rang through my head until I got home.

Once I was safely alone behind my closed door I lay on my bed starring at the ceiling. The tears didn't come at first but after a long a few silent ones rolled down my face. Was I crying? Were these tears coming down my face? Yes, it was I, Rei Ayanami crying tears full of silent bitterness and regret. I couldn't believe it that I was so unremarkable. I found that despite everything I wanted someone to care. I wanted someone to put value in me for something other then what I did. I didn't want to be a "machine" anymore. I was scared there'd be no one there for me at the end if things continued the way they were. . . I rolled over and buried my face in my pillow. Slowly the shaking subsided and I lay calmly.

The next morning I got up early so that I could shower and be at Nerv on time. I felt much calmer after my outburst yesterday. I took out my clean clothes for the day from my drawers and left them on my bed. Then I went into my bathroom to shower.

When I was done I wrapped myself in a towel and went to put on my clothes. As I stepped out into the open room I noticed Ikari-kun was standing in front of my dresser. He turned to look at me with shock on his face. He was wearing his father's glasses, the ones I rescued from the LCL over a month ago. I had left him on the counter in an old glasses case. "Rei, . . .I . . .I . . ."

I stepped forward and tried to take them from him. They were fragile and should be well cared for not being worn by him. Ikari-kun got scared and backed up against my dresser causing him to slip. He took me down with him and the two of us ended up in a heap on the floor. I seized the glasses from his face and got back on my feet. I set them back in their case and snapped it shut. Thankfully they were undamaged. They meant a lot to me. "Yes, Ikari-kun?" I asked as I began to dress.

"Rei, . . .I. .Uhm . . ."

I turned and looked at him. He blushed crimson and turned to look away. Ikari-kun was upset about something, I noted. "What do you want Ikari-kun?" I asked again.

I straightened my shirt and began to put on my skirt. Ikari-kun was still stuttering and wasn't making any sense. After a few minuets I was dressed and ready to go. I went to leave, "Good bye."

I slid the door shut behind me and made my way for the train station along my usual rout with Ikari-kun behind me. I arrived just in time to catch the train and got on board. We rode all the way to Nerv in silence. Ikari-kun kept looking at me from his seat across the aisle but neither of us spoke. I was still waiting for him to answer my question but he was unwilling to. When I made it to the gates I tried to slide my card through the lock but it wouldn't accept it. I glanced down confused. I knew I had been given a temporary card to use until the activation experiment today but I thought it was supposed to last through today. I starred at it wonder; why it wouldn't work? I didn't think it would expire until I'd been given a new one. Ikari-kun appeared beside me and handed me a new card. "I was supposed to give you this." He said sheepishly.

I grabbed it and slid it though the lock. A green dash appeared and the doors slid open. I went forward leaving Ikari-kun behind me but he quickly caught up to me. He went with me to the escalators and got on. "You have a reactivation test with Unit Zero today, right Ayanami?"

"Yes."

"Well, aren't you scared Ayanami?"

"No. Why should I be?"

"Well, because last time you got really hurt. It's only natural . . ."

"Don't you have faith in your own father's work?" I interrupted him.

"No! Why should I trust anything of his? Especially after what he's done . . ." He demanded loudly.

A wave of intense anger rose up with in me. I had never felt anything like this. I was absolutely furious with him. His father was a great person, how dare he not trust him. I couldn't even begin to articulate how mad I was. I did the only thing I could come up with; I turned around and smacked him with all my strength. Ikari-kun yelped in surprise and placed his hand on his cheek. I turned and resumed my facing forward position. Behind me I heard Ikari-kun mutter, "How can you trust him with your life?"

I chose to ignore his comment. I kept glancing down at my hand as it began to sink in that I had slapped him. I had never done anything like that before. I was normally calm and controlled; such a rash action was unheard of. We reach the changing rooms in silence. Ikari-kun seemed unwilling to talk and I had no desire to engage in further conversation. I changed quickly into my plugsuit and made my way upstairs to Unit Zero. I nodded up at the bright orange cycloptic face while I waited for the okay to get inside. It had been over a month now since I had looked at its face with my own two eyes. Unit Zero was impressive as ever I noted. I was struck by the fact that it's orange coloring continued to remind me of the bright LCL it floated in. The orders to get inside came momentarily and I made my way up to the loading platform. I stepped inside and took the pilot's seat. LCL rushed in and I took several deep breaths of it as it passed over my head. It smelled like blood and I didn't like it. I never had but I forced myself to ignore it. After a brief pause I felt the familiar comforting sensation of merging with the Eva's soul. In the background was the system countdown. I heard Lt. Ibuki's voice announce the clearance of the boarder line. "How does it feel to be in Unit Zero again?" Asked Dr. Akagi over the com system.

"No problems."

"Good then we shall resume with the reactivation test momentarily."

"Understood."

I glanced out of the screen and saw Ikari-kun standing on the bridge watching me. Why was he there? Wasn't he upset that I had struck him? It appeared not. His cheek was still red I noticed. I must have hit him harder then I thought.

Beep! Beep! Beep! The blare of the alarms going off hurt my ears. I glanced up in the direction of the sky. The enemy was here. "Rei we're aborting the test."

"Understood."

The screen went out and the lights dimmed. I sat back and sighed. Bubbles of oxygen floated from my mouth and dissipated into the LCL around me. A short time later I was standing on the bridge; watching patiently as Unit One was being prepared to launch. I wished him luck silently. Unit One disappeared upward in a flash. I watched its rapid ascent on the monitor. No, my senses warned me. He should turn around. The enemy was waiting. It was going to attack him. "Ikari-kun!" I screamed involuntarily.

The next thing I knew I found my self-hanging over the railing, arm outstretched at Unit One. I caught myself before I lost my balance and fell. I quickly resumed my former position and looked around to see if anyone had noticed my outburst. It looked like no one had.

What had provoked that eruption of emotion? I wasn't feeling odd at all yet twice now I had done things uncharacteristic of me. I wondered if I was beginning to lose it. With in moments my fears were confirmed when I heard reports of a high-energy reaction building up with in the angel. "Shinji get out of the way!" Captain Katsuragi screamed.

I knew it was too late, he wouldn't be able to dodge. Ear piercing screams flooded Nerv as the Angel's particle beam hit Unit One. I cringed as the horrible high-pitched sound offended my ears. In less then a minute it was all over and Unit One was being pulled back into Nerv. I followed Captain Katsuragi to the medical wing to learn if Ikari-kun was okay.

When I reached the hospital wing Ikari-kun was asleep in one of the hospital beds. Captain Katsuragi was already there checking on him. His face looked pale and thin. I got the distinct impression he would be out of sorts when he first woke up. "Right. He'll wake up in about seven hours." I heard a nurse say.

"Okay then."

She turned to speak to me. "Oh, Rei. I want you to stay; we may need your help here."

"Understood." I replied.

She went to leave but I stopped her. "What should I do until I am needed?" I asked her.

"You've got good eyes, right? I want you to observe some tests I'm thinking of running. Maybe you'll spot something."

"Yes, ma'am."

I followed her upstairs to the observation room to see what Captain Katsuragi had planned. For the next two hours I along with Major Katsuragi and several other upper level Nerv personnel viewed footage of several test that were run. I watched as several fake Unit One and Zero's were destroyed along with other miscellaneous military gear. "It has no weaknesses." I commented when we were done.

I saw a general murmur of agreement go around the room. "Right. It seems to be pretty impenetrable. Almost perfect defense and offense."

"It seems to annihilate anything that comes within a certain distance." Lt. Ibuki stated.

"Exactly. However we have a chance. We need to penetrate it barrier with a single hi-powered shot. Do we have any gun powerful enough to do this?"

Everyone looked around nervously at each other. I sensed that it was a negative. "We don't have anything with that kind of firepower." Was Hyuga's response.

"They're making an experimental riffle at the Shinjuku facility might that work?"

After some hesitant moment a general murmur of agreement rippled through the room. "Right. Aoba, how long until the Angel penetrates the final barrier. It will penetrate Nerv's final defense layer in approximately 10 hours a little after zero hundred."

"Then let's get to work people!"

The first task was formulating a plan. It came down to a very simplistic set up. One of the Eva's would be the sniper and the other would be the shield. That was of course assuming Ikari-kun agreed. If he did not I would go out alone with no cover. However that would have to wait until he woke up. Until then there was the matter of acquiring the gun and making it work. That was my job. I went with the Captain to Shinjuku to get the gun. We were airlifted there by one of the specialty planes made for carrying the Eva's. I rode in Unit Zero the whole way. The restraints around her shoulders felt very restrictive but it gave me time to become accustomed to being in Unit Zero again. I was able to practice using my hands, feet and lower arms. We were left outside a massive building in the outskirts of Shinjuku. I remained outside in Unit Zero while she went inside to talk to the people there. I watched the clouds while I waited for orders to remove the gun. The clouds were light and fluffy today I noted. "Okay, Rei take it away!" Captain Katsuragi's voice crackled over the radio.

I lifted the roof and grasped the gun in Unit Zero's hands. It was huge but it felt like nothing to the massive strength of Unit Zero. I rose to my feet and let the roof fall carefully back into place. From there I was airlifted back to Nerv where I turned the gun over to the Nerv technicians. Once the gun was secured I changed and then was sent to see Captain Katsuragi and Dr. Akagi to be briefed on the specifics of the plan, now being called Operation Yushima. They briefed me on the timetables for the operation. We were to activate our Eva's in three hours and would be launched to the temporary base. I would be acting as shield and Ikari-kun as sniper. The theory was that Ikari-kun would terminate the Angel in one shot and I was just there as a precaution. I was the shield because my sync ratio was lower and this was the first time I had officially piloted before today. I didn't mind, in fact I had never cared about my orders. Still part of my felt . . . less tense knowing I would be protecting him. "We just received the bottom half of one of the old space shuttles. The heat resistant tiles should provide a sufficient barrier however it will only hold for an estimated 17 seconds but the gun takes 21 seconds to cool and two seconds to fire once cooled. An unacceptable total of six seconds difference."

"If something goes wrong you'll have six seconds of being unguarded."

"I see."

Despite the risk I wasn't afraid. I trusted the plan to run smoothly. Once I had been properly informed I was given a copy of the timetable. I was then told to get something to eat and then get something for Ikari-kun. I was to brief him once he woke up and see that he ate.

With that I left for the commissary. I scanned the list of options to see if there were any changes. I had no idea why I did this every time I came here; there were never any alterations in the choices. However this time there was a new item added; a vegetable ramen. To my own shock I ordered it, just like that. I couldn't believe that I had done that. I had never ordered anything but the one vegetarian dish that was traditionally the only one there. I accepted it quietly and took it to my seat. I ate my meal alone as I had done every other evening of my life. I was so used to it that I didn't even notice the silence. I did enjoy my meal though. This new soup was . . . good. I don't know why I made that observation. Maybe the thought of death forced me to acknowledge things. When I was done I went to order for Ikari-kun. I looked over the list for a long time unsure of what he would like. I eventually settled on something that I hoped he would find appealing.

I went into his room and assumed my position on the single folding chair. I watched him silently, waiting until he awakened. Unintentionally my eyes began to wander to the window and the deepening colors of the sunset. It was a vivid red tonight, the color of fresh blood. I hated it. Ikari-kun began to stir and mutter in his sleep behind me, I glanced at him but he still asleep. "Mom . . .mother, wait . . ."

Suddenly his eyes snapped open. "Mom!" He exclaimed.

I looked over and met his eyes. He sighed and lay back. I recalled saying something earlier about him being out of sorts and it would appear correct. "Hi, Ayanami."

I took the write up of the operation plan from my bag and opened it up. "I am to brief you on the Operation Yushima timetables . . ." I began.

I heard Ikari-kun groan and he covered his face dramatically. The thought occurred to me that he might not do it this time. Part of me hoped he would. I didn't want to do this alone. I emotionlessly read off the timetable to him and showed the food to him. He seemed uninterested in any of it. "I don't want to eat." He grumbled.

"We will be leaving in sixty minutes, Ikari-kun." I reminded him.

"I'm not going. How do they expect me to get back in after what I just went through?"

"If you will not then I will inform Dr. Akagi to reprogram Unit One for me."

I left the food there, feeling he might want it and then went to leave. "Rei!"

I glanced back at him. "Yes?"

"They're sending you out alone if I say no?"

"Yes."

He sat silently for several long moments before he replied. "I'll do it." He whispered hoarsely.

"I'll see you in briefing room 201A when you're done then." I replied.

With that I left the room and made my way for the changing rooms. I put on my plug suit for the third time that day and made my way upstairs to the briefing room for the final briefing. Dr. Akagi and Major Katsuragi were waiting for us. Shortly Ikari-kun showed up, dressed and ready; trying to gulp down the last of his food and drink as he entered. He took the seat beside me and listened as the specifics were explained. It ended with Dr. Akagi saying, "As I told Rei earlier I affixed the bottom of one of the shuttles to Unit Zero so Rei can carry it like a shield. However it will only hold for 17 seconds and the gun takes 23 seconds to cool and fire again. So there will be no second shot."

"Do you understand this Shinji?" Captain Katsuragi asked.

Ikari-kun nodded. "Get it the first time." He muttered out loud.

"Alright, get to your Eva's. We'll be launching in fifteen minutes."

"Right!" We said in unison.

I glanced over at Ikari-kun to see he looked determined and unafraid. He glanced back at me as if to say I'll make that shot Rei. I nodded in acknowledgment and we left for the launching area. I made a final check of Unit Zero and got in.

A short time later we were standing on the top of Mt. Yushima. As we were being positioned I noticed the Suzahara-san and Aida-san were watching us and I wondered how they knew where to be. I asked Ikari-kun but he had no answers. We climbed out and sat on the support structure for the temporary restraints. The night around us was cool and dark. I sat back and relaxed letting my mind meditate on what I had to do. "Rei?"

"Yes, Ikari-kun?"

"Aren't you ever scared of anything?"

"No. I have faith."

"How can you be so strong? I'm always so scared at times likes these."

"I . . ."

I didn't know what to say. Why was I so unafraid that I might end up hurt or dead? I didn't know . . . "You know that this could be it? We might not be here in a couple hours."

"No. You will be here tomorrow. I will protect you."

I wasn't afraid to die, I realized. No part of me actually secretly desired it. Yet there was the other half that wanted to fight to the end. Why? What was I trying to hang onto? I had nothing. If I died I would be able to rest. Yet I knew I wouldn't be allowed that until he was done with me. I would live till the very end. Maybe that was it . . .

"Rei . . .I . . .um . . ."

The alarm in my plug suit wrist went off and I looked up. "It's time Ikari-kun. Goodbye."

I climbed into Unit Zero and assumed my position behind the shield while I heard Ikari-kun do the same with the gun behind me. "All right guys everyone ready?" Asked Captain Katsuragi.

"Affirmative."

"All set here." Ikari-kun replied.

I sat back and counted off the seconds until the operation began as I listened to the voices of the people below making final checks. It sounded like everything would run smoothly. So it would all come down to Ikari-kun's aim. Then the final count down began, "This operation will commence in, "10, 9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1,0"

"Okay Shinji stay calm and wait until the guides line up in the middle of the Angel."

"Right."

I was waiting; watching the target to see what it would do. I sensed it moments before the sensors did. The Angel was going to counter strike. "Hurry, Ikari-kun." I whispered.

They fired at the same time and the blasts knocked each other off coarse; they crashed harmlessly into the ground. Behind me I heard Ikari-kun changing the fuse and shell casing while he waited for it to cool. In the cockpit the timer began that told me how long until Ikari-kun could fire again. It also had a second purpose, to tell me how long I had to hold on for. I looked back at the Angel when I sensed it preparing for a second strike. "No way. It's going to attack again!" Maya cried.

I gripped Unit Zero's hand tightly around the handle and watched as it barreled towards me. The blast collided head on with the shield creating a blinding wall of light. I dug Unit Zero's legs deep to avoid be pushed back by the force. "Rei. Get out of there dammit!" Ikari-kun screamed.

No. I promised him he would not die. I looked at the clock 17.5 seconds to go. "It's as we feared the shield isn't going to hold up, the Angel's blast is too powerful."

14 seconds and counting. Dr. Akagi was correct; it would not last. I could feel it growing weaker already. As the counter approached six seconds I knew I had two options, get out of the way or use myself and unit Zero to ensure Ikari-kun got the second shot in. I chose the latter with out any hesitation. The defeat of the enemy was worth putting myself at risk. As the last of the shield disappeared I spread Unit Zero's arms wide. The blast hit me hard. I could feel Unit Zero's skin like it was my own warping melting. I focused all my energy on ignoring the pain and staying where I was. I couldn't afford to move; I might block Ikari-kun or leave him unprotected in one area. "Rei, you idiot." I heard him yell at me.

I wasn't moving until it was over. I glanced at the clock 5 seconds. I fully believed my skin was going to melt off my body. I gritted my teeth and counted down to the end. 4.5, 4, 3.5, 3, 2.5, 2, 1.5, 1, 0.5, 0 . . . For some reason I clearly remember thinking at the time that this was the longest 5 seconds of my entire existence.

Suddenly it was over. I blinked and the ground began to spin. I felt sick and then everything went black.

Shinji watched in horror as the orange giant tottered and fell to the ground with an earth-shaking rumble. Its single red eye had gone dim. Unit Zero was incapacitated. Oh, no. Ayanami! Was she okay? God he had to get to her!

The first thing I remember was a voice shouting and the creak of the hatch being turned. I groaned but had no strength to move right now. Then the moonlighted flooded in. I was able to make out a form near the opening. The Commander? "Rei!"

No it was Ikari-kun. He had come for me. "Rei are you okay?"

"I am uninjured," I said slowly.

To my amazement he began to laugh and cry all at once. "You're okay! You're okay!" He shouted excitedly.

I didn't understand, how could he be both laughing and crying all at once. Wasn't one an expression of joy, the other sorrow? "Why do you cry? Are you not happy?" I asked hoping for some clarification.

Ikari-kun looked at me as if try to tell if I was lying or not. "Sometimes people cry when they're really happy too." He explained when he saw that I truly did not understand.

"I see. I'm sorry but I'm not sure what to do at a time like this."

"Then why don't you try smiling."

I thought about it for a second. Smile? I guess I could do that . . .Slowly I worked my lips into a smile. Ikari-kun looked surprised for a moment then smiled back. It felt good; I hadn't felt this way since . . . I had first met the commander . . .

Ikari-kun climbed inside and held out his hand. "Come on, let's go. Can you walk?"

I tried to stand but when I put weight on my right leg it erupted in pain and I was forced to sit. I looked back up at Ikari-kun and shook my head slowly. "I'm sorry but I am unable to stand."

"Then I'll help you." He declared.

Ikari-kun stepped foreword but slipped in the LCL. He came down on top of me our lips meeting. I was forced back against the seat unable to move. I was . . .stunned. Ikari-kun was kissing me. Let me repeat that, kissing me. It felt . . .nice . . .? This wasn't a dream, a guy was kissing me. It didn't last long though; the minute Ikari-kun realized what he was doing he freaked out and tried to stand. However in the process he pressed against my breast with his hand which only upset him more. He stumbled backward too quickly and tripped, ending up sitting in the LCL. The splash he had made covered him with even more LCL and he was now dripping with it. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry Rei." He stammered as he attempted to get back on his feet.

"It's okay." I told him, "The LCL makes the entry plug slick. It was an accident."

"But, I . . . then you . . . and I . . . "

"I was an accident." I stated firmly.

"Right." He mumbled.

Ikari-kun blushed and came towards me slowly. He gently put his arm around my waist and I put my arm around my neck. Using this I was able to hobble out of the entry plug. We made our way slowly across the ground hoping to meet the Nerv personnel soon.

"Don't ever use those words again." He said as we walked.

"What words, Ikari-kun?"

"Goodbye. Don't ever say that again when you go out on a mission, it's just to sad."

He was serious. He did not wish me to use the word, good bye. "What should I say instead?" I asked.

"I'll see you later, or I'll be back soon, something like that just promise me you'll never say good by again."

"Yes Ikari-kun. I will." I promised him.

A large group of flashlight beams appeared followed by the forms of Captain Katsuragi and several other Nerv technicians. "Rei, Shinji are you guys okay?"

"We're fine, Misato don't worry." Shinji told her.

Captain Katsuragi smiled and wiped her eyes. "Good, good." I heard her say.

Captain Katsuragi suddenly stopped smiling and starred at me like I had done something frightening. "Is something wrong?" I asked.

"Rei, you're smiling."

I touched my mouth to discover that I was indeed smiling. Me smiling.

It turned out that my leg would be fine but I had to wear a wrap around it for the week to protect if from further injury while it healed up. Unit Zero was another matter entirely. Ninety percent of her outer covering was completely destroyed and it would all have to be replaced according to Dr. Akagi. So I wouldn't be able to pilot for a month once again.

The next day I met Ikari-kun on my way to school. We'd both been given permission to come in late so that we could sleep. He seemed to be in a good mood today. He smiled at me as we fell into step. "I hear Unit Zero will be inactive for a month."

"True. The outer covering was badly ruined. It will take a month for Dr. Akagi to get a new one and replace it." I said.

"I'm sure you'll miss being in the Eva, right?"

"No. I will not miss it. However it will affect my ability to practice and improve my sync ratio."

"I don't know how you can't miss it." He said quietly. "Whenever I get in Unit One I always feel safe, like there's someone there, protecting me."

I knew of what he spoke. According to Dr. Akagi each Eva had a soul in its core and from what I understood Ikari-kun's late mother was in Unit One. So his reaction was logical. I however had no parents so I didn't feel the same response. I kept my mouth closed on this and focused on walking. I didn't want to think about what his words meant. Thankfully any opportunity for further discussion was ended by our arrival at school. Looking around it was clearly lunchtime. As we entered our classroom Ikari-kun's friends Aida and Suzuhara-san cornered us carrying a video camera. "You guys were awesome yesterday!"

"Yeah, Kensuke got some great footage of you in action!"

Aida-san held the camera out to us so we could see the screen. On it, the image of the two Eva's came into focus. Unit One was harder to see with it's darker coloration but both were easily seen. As we watched Unit Zero raised a large dark shape and Unit One got behind the gun. It was like watching the battle in hyper speed. From start to finish it took barely more than thirty seconds. It had seemed much longer last night. I watched it a couple of times before I realized why it had lasted so long. I had been . . .nervous? Me? I looked over to see Suzuhara and Aida were looking at us. "We owe you out thanks Ayanami-san for returning Shinji safely to us."

I shook my head, feeling unworthy of the praise; "I was only following orders."

"Nonsense." Suzuhara-san insisted "You put yourself at risk to keep him safe. Any sane person would have hi-tailed it out of there . . . but you; you stayed.

He seemed in awe that I had done something as simple as standing between Ikari-kun and the Angel's blast. I didn't think it was such a big deal but it appeared he thought that this made me this great person. "You were so cool." Aida insisted.

"Yeah, we're really proud of both of you!" Said class Rep. Horaki-san.

"Our Eva pilots are crazy but they rock!" Shouted another boy.

I looked around to see the entire class had formed a tight knot around us. Had Suzuhara and Aida shown everyone the video? Apparently, yes? "We didn't realize how tough you guys were." Said a girl from one side.

I looked around reading awe and gratitude on their faces. Our classmates respected us for what we did. I liked this feeling, knowing someone cared. The next thing I knew everyone was applauding and cheering for us. I glanced at Ikari-kun to see his face was deep red in shame. He gestured back, something about a curve and I realized that I was smiling again. I could feel the blood rush to my face and my cheeks felt warm. Abruptly the applause ended when Class Rep. Horaki shouted, "The Sensei is coming! Everyone take your seat!"

The room fell silent as all twenty students of class 2-A shuffled to their seats and sat down. I was half in a daze, shell shocked by my classmate's reaction, half-pleased by it. I wondered what had prompted this display of support. Had Aida and Suzuhara got the class worked up? It seemed logical. They had been our only classmates that had cared until today. When I turned on my computer I saw that I had received messages from several of my classmates. This was also completely unexpected as this I had never happened before. No one had had ever sent anything to me. As I watched more began to appear until I had one from almost everyone in the class. I ran my eyes over the list unsure of where to begin. Then I spotted one from Ikari-kun. I moved the mouse to click on it. "Ayanami are you okay? I didn't know they were going to do that and I know you don't like that kind of attention. I would have stopped them if I could. Sorry."

I considered his words for a moment before I began to type. "I'm fine Ikari-kun. Neither of us had any power over that."

"Agreed." He typed back "I'm just a bit surprised at being celebrities."

"I believe our status is because of what we are. They realized how much danger we go through every time we get into the Eva. Speak to Suzuhara and Aida. I think they did something."

"Okay."

I focused my attention back on my list of messages. Most were offers to be friends or spend time together. A few were amazingly offers to go out on dates. I was unsure of where to begin or how to respond to all these offers. A single thought stuck in my mind. No one would care if she died. I resolved right then and there to change that.

So the question is, What will Rei do about the offers of friendship from her classmates? And what will become of Shinji and Rei's relationship? You have to wait and see.

Yes, I know that one sceen was forced but so was the one in the anime. I actually didn't really care for it so I went and wrote one of my own I like better.