Disclaimer Expansion: In addition to the normal disclaimers in the Prologue, I don't own, pretend to own, or intend to use for profit any of the movies or other trademarked products I reference in this FUN story (repeat – for FUN not for profit).
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x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x- WAFF WARNING! BEWARE! -x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x
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"We're The Band"
Chapter 6: The Bride, the Money, and the Blues
The Apartment
Shinji stood at the stove just finishing off the caramel covered popcorn. He had the buttered stuff ready to go and had decided to do this as a special treat. He had drinks in the refrigerator having displaced the some of Misato's beer to a temporary spot in a cupboard. He'd also stashed a special snack for Asuka and Rei in the refrigerator behind some of the beer. Shinji actually didn't expect the girls to arrive until the popcorn was done having watched the movie selection process the last time they had movie night. It was more like a shopping expedition and, in Shinji's opinion, took about three times as long as it should have.
The caramel popcorn was just hitting the bowl as Asuka and Rei came through the door and announced their arrival with a loud, "We're home!"
Shinji could be heard over the running water as he washed out the pots, "So, what did you guys pick up?"
Asuka and Rei made their way to the kitchen where they inhaled the competing aromas of caramel covered popcorn and hot, buttered popcorn. Blissful little smiles covered their faces as they basked in the delicious aura of their favorite movie snacks. As Shinji took off his new, blue apron (his frilly green one being the victim of a suspicious flambé problem), the girls responded.
"Well, we didn't get there in time to get anything recent, so we had to go look at some of the older movies," Asuka said. With a little nod from Asuka, Rei held up the first of two movies mimicking a spokes model they had seen on television the previous night. Shinji didn't know whether to be more surprised by Rei's actions or by the movie itself, "So, the first of two movies we got is 'The Princess Bride'. The guy at the store said it's funny and cute, so we just had to have it."
Rei put the first movie down and readied the second. Shinji didn't really remember 'The Princess Bride' but with a name like that . . . he just resolved to himself that he could endure anything. "And the second movie," continued Asuka as Rei raised the second case, "is 'The Blues Brothers'. The video store guy said it's old, but the music is pretty good and it has its funny moments." Shinji was actually surprised at the last movie. It sounded pretty good to him, but didn't seem like the kind of movie either Asuka or Rei would really want to watch.
"That's good with me. I've got popcorn and drinks ready, and I have a special dessert for 'intermission' between the movies," replied Shinji as he wiped his hands on a dish towel. "But, I need to clean up still from the dance."
"We do, too," responded Asuka. "Whose turn is it to get the bathroom first?"
"I went first this morning, so that puts me last on the rotation," was Shinji's contribution.
"Rei and I will figure it out and let you know when we're done," commanded Asuka.
Shinji merely nodded and headed to his room. As he heard the voices of the girls fading as they went to their rooms, he sat and opened up his laptop. He lost himself in some music searches looking for interesting things to either play on guitar or cello.
A knock at his door brought Shinji out of his searching. "Yes?"
"Your turn, Shinji-kun," came Rei's voice through the door. "And Asuka says to be quick because she's setting up the movies and snacks."
Shinji grabbed his things and rushed through a quick shower. Pulling on sweat pants and a Black Flys t-shirt Asuka had gotten him as part of her efforts to get him to wear something other than his school uniform. As he walked into the living room, he noticed the DVD menu up on the screen and the big bowls of popcorn already on the table along with the drinks. Finding Rei having already claimed the pillows in front of the TV and Asuka having claimed the couch, Shinji stood confused for a moment before realizing that Asuka expected him to share the couch with her. A small smile crept onto his face as he realized that he was starting to get the hang of this couple-thing.
"So, we debated what we would watch first, and figured we'd watch 'The Princess Bride' first. Then, as a reward for being a good boy during the movie, we can watch 'The Blues Brothers'. By the way, did Misato say when she'd be home when she called?" asked Asuka.
"That's fine with me, and no, she didn't say. But, I would guess that she'll be home in a couple of hours. They've already had a long day. If she's not too tired, she may watch the second movie with us," replied Shinji as he sat down on the end of the couch so he could stretch his legs.
Snuggling up to him and making herself comfortable, Asuka pulled his arms around her as she leaned back into him like he was a lounge chair. She luxuriated in his warmth as Rei kicked off the movie.
As the movie ground on, Shinji found himself identifying with both the sick grandson and Wesley. Just like the grandson, he had started off not too sure about the whole kissing thing, but was now an ardent convert. Shinji started seeing himself in Wesley from the beginning of the movie – doing what his true love wanted, having faith in love, and, ultimately, defying death to rescue his love. To top it off, just like every other teenage boy, he had memorized some of the more memorable lines of the movie for his own entertainment.
Rei just lay there enjoying the story. She had always been sheltered away from popular culture and she was reveling in the chance to experience it. Some of the movie didn't make much sense to her, but she always had Asuka to ask for clarification.
Asuka thoroughly enjoyed the movie. For her, it was funny; it was touching; and it had some action. She especially liked Inigo. But, she spent the movie never really getting into it. Instead, she had snuggled up to Shinji and enjoyed being close to the boy. After having denied her feelings and pushed so many people away, she had vowed to make up for lost time. She had also covertly studied both Rei's and Shinji's reactions to the movie. She was pleasantly surprised that Shinji seemed to be enjoying the movie and that Rei seemed to understand at least some of the jokes.
As the movie wound to a close, Shinji leaned forward to nibble Asuka's ear. He got a little giggle and playful slap for his efforts until he whispered, "I have a surprise for you . . . I can make one of your favorite desserts."
The follow up slap halted in mid-air as Asuka sat up and turned to face Shinji. "Then, what are we doing sitting on the couch like bumps on a log?"
Shinji smiled and said, "As you wish," to the great amusement of both Rei and Asuka.
As they adjourned to the kitchen, Rei and Asuka sat down at the table as Shinji began to retrieve items from the refrigerator including, much to their consternation, a stainless steel mixing bowl and a whisk. He began whipping the cream as the girls watched the magic of cream becoming fluffy, sweet topping. When the cream had reached medium peak stage, Shinji began the assembly process. On the two plates for the girls, he placed a generous slice of pound cake that he had bought. Next, he made a thin layer of whipped cream. He then brought out a bowl of strawberries covered in a sugar syrup glaze that he had made earlier while doing the popcorn. He then placed a large serving onto each slice of pound cake. Asuka's lips parted slightly as she stared at the dessert taking shape in front of her. She had fixated on the glistening fruit resting in the bed of white, whipped cream completely unaware of Rei practically drooling on the table next to her. With a final flourish, Shinji dropped a heaping spoonful of cream onto the shiny fruit and placed a single strawberry as garnish on top. Placing a spoon on each plate, he slid them forward to the girls, "Enjoy!"
Rei attacked her dessert with a ferocity that had previously only been unleashed on Angels. She had developed a powerful sweet tooth after having moved in and experienced a wider range of foods than the bland fare of the NERV cafeteria.
Asuka, on the other hand, was overjoyed at the dessert but had other plans. She loved the tartness of strawberries and didn't get them often in Japan. They were expensive and the small family's budget didn't always allow for such extravagance. Asuka took a spoon and scooped the strawberry garnish and some whipped cream and slowly, sensuously took that first bite into her mouth. As she savored each and every bite, she knew exactly what effect this was having on Shinji. He merely sat watching them enjoy the dessert but upon noticing the rather different eating habits from Asuka had followed her movements closely. The more he watched the closer his blush came to matching the strawberry glaze, but he couldn't tear his eyes away. Asuka licked the spoon clean after finishing her dessert while staring at Shinji. His blushing face was immobile as if he were paralyzed. She leaned across the corner of the table to place her face directly in front of his, noticing that his breath had quickened and shallowed.
"That, was the best dessert ever, my Shinji," she whispered. She leaned in and kissed him softly at first but with increasing passion. As the taste of strawberries invaded Shinji's consciousness, he began to return the kiss and was rewarded with Asuka's hand caressing the back of his head. Breaking the kiss, Asuka made sure his eyes had opened and were looking at her before saying, "Were you thinking hentai thoughts, Shinji?"
Shinji blushed again and began to stutter, much to Asuka's amusement. He was saved from further embarrassment from Misato's timely, "I'm home!" announcement from the door.
As planned all three children turned and announced in unison, "Hi Mom!" to a stunned Misato who dropped the briefcase in her left hand in a loud clatter.
"She must not be left-handed either," deadpanned Rei much to the amusement of Asuka and Shinji. The three shared a look and began to laugh uncontrollably as Misato stared at the children in confusion. As Misato sat down at the table, Shinji filled her in on the little joke. Misato relaxed and noticing the remnants of the desserts looked at Shinji with some questions in her eyes.
With a little smile, Shinji responded to the unspoken inquiry, "Yes, Misato, there's more than enough left for you to have some. And, no, I didn't spend too much on the strawberries. I handle most of the food shopping and had saved a little over the last couple of weeks for a splurge tonight." Shinji whipped up a dessert for both he and Misato as she filled them in on most of the day at NERV, but before she dug into her dessert, Misato got a serious look on her face.
"I have some very important things to tell you. So, Shinji, why don't you sit down with your dessert?"
As Shinji sat down and picked at his dessert, Misato had the attention of all three children. Not necessarily undivided as Asuka helped herself to some of Shinji's dessert, but she was paying attention.
"The UN debriefing was actually about some decisions that have been made about us, as a family."
With that simple statement, she now had the complete attention of all three children. The rise in tension couldn't have been higher if she had said that another Angel had appeared.
"Calm down, it's not bad news – I hope. First, they've agreed to let us stay together as a family. For Shinji and Rei, that wasn't such a stretch. Legally, I'm their guardian and their parents are listed as casualties of Third Impact. But for you Asuka, your parents in Germany didn't think it was such a good idea at first and needed some convincing. They've agreed to let you stay."
With that Asuka, while still more than a little angry at the implications, did relax at that she would be able to stay and realized that she had Shinji's hand in a death grip. With the relaxing her grip on his hand, he gave hers a gentle squeeze.
"So, that brings me to the three of you, specifically. Because who your identities are not as secure as I would prefer, the UN is ready to grant each of you a military rank of captain, place you on semi-active duty, and place you as test pilots under my command." Holding up a hand to stop the inevitable comments, Misato continued, "Hear me out. There are some positives to this even though I know none of you are terribly pleased with that option. You'll each get a military salary that will be put in trust for you until you're of age. You'll get a monthly stipend for spending money out of that until then. Because of your military status, you'll be able to continue to receive Section 2 surveillance and protection. I don't need to tell you how important that is with everything that's going on right now. Now, regardless of your choice on accepting military rank, I was able to secure some additional things for you. You'll each receive an additional lump sum placed in your trust. It's not enough to set you for life, but you'll be comfortable. You'll each also receive guaranteed admission into the college of your choice. We as a family will also receive a monthly allowance for food and expenses such as uniforms, etc."
Asuka wanted to argue and scream, but the logical part of her and the stability that she'd found with Shinji held much of that in check. A small part of her found it amazing what a warm hand in hers could really accomplish. Rei's look was thoughtful, but it was clear with her gazing at her brother, that she had decided to follow his lead. Shinji leaned back into his chair as he tried to absorb this. He was aware of Rei's look and decision and of the internal struggle within Asuka as her hand had clenched his during Misato's monologue.
"Misato, why didn't you talk to us about this before making some of these requests?" was Shinji's first comment, much to Asuka's surprise and delight. She was pleased both that Shinji was willing to stand up for them but also that he had asked the primary question in her head. Not a bad accomplishment for a baka, even if he was her baka.
"Well, the part about setting up your futures wasn't really my doing. That was Commander Fuyutsuki's prior to his retirement. He felt it was the start of a repayment to you Shinji for everything that had been done to you and to each of you for having sacrificed so much for mankind. But, getting permission for us to stay together as a family pretty much happened this afternoon after you concert. I spent a lot of time on the phone to Germany and had to talk pretty fast to convince Asuka's father and step-mother to allow her to stay. So, there really wasn't much to talk to you about. After the concert, I knew what your feelings were and had the opportunity to 'close the deal', as the cliché goes."
"But, why the military rank?" queried Asuka in a moderately calm voice – for her.
"Well, you just can't be civilians running around a top secret research facility. Plus, this gives you some authority to make sure no one messes with you. It does give you some responsibilities, and you won't be able to completely enjoy a normal teenage life, but if we're honest with each other, you wouldn't have been able to in any event."
While the children sat in silent thought, half of Misato's dessert disappeared as if sucked into a black hole, which, in a way, it had been.
Asuka turned to Shinji. "I think we should probably take the military rank and the deal."
"I don't know. I'm not all that keen on being under the military thumb for the rest of my life."
"You get to re-address the situation when you turn eighteen when you would be put on the normal enlistment and re-up schedule," mumbled Misato around a mouthful of strawberries and cream.
"I still think we should do it," said Asuka in a voice a little more firm than she had intended. In truth, she thought it would probably be for the best.
"All right," agreed Shinji. Unknown to him, he had stumbled onto an arcane truth about lasting relationships - do the thing that was best for us instead of what is best for yourself. You'll be rewarded with people doing what is best for you, especially by your significant other.
Asuka's only response was to sit in his lap and give him a big hug. Of course, Shinji, being a relatively normal teenage boy, had a predictable, physiological response to her attentions, much to his embarrassment. Asuka gave him a wicked little look and leaned forward to whisper, "Feels like 'Little Shinji' is having perverted thoughts."
"Asuka!" was the shocked response.
"It's ok, I can forgive you. I know you can't resist my charms," smirked Asuka who gave Shinji a little wiggle in his lap before returning to her chair.
This entire exchange was ignored by Rei as she went hunting in the bowl for left over whipped cream and strawberries, and by Misato, who had dived into her first beer.
"Hey, we still have a second movie to watch and popcorn left over!" announced Asuka as she dragged a still blushing Shinji back to the couch.
As the small family adjourned to watch the next movie, they assumed their original positions with Misato now chaperoning on the opposite end of the couch from Asuka and Shinji. The movie progressed through the opening scenes at the prison without much commentary from the family except for a small snort from Misato at the "one soiled" display by Frank Oz. (A/N – you can go watch the movie to find out what I'm referring to. Until then, it's just an inside joke.)
There were some giggles from Asuka at the scene with "the Penguin" given some stories about Catholic school from associates back in Europe and a few indignant squawks from Pen-Pen at the characterization. But, during the scene at the church with James Brown, Asuka stiffened as Jake was bathed in the weird bluish light. Guessing at what was happening, Shinji tightened his arms around the trembling girl and leaned his mouth close to her ear.
"It's ok," he whispered. "I'm right here with you like I said I would be. We're together."
The trembling stopped but Asuka's hands gripped Shinji's forearms where they crossed in front of her. As the light faded and the scene moved on, the tension within Asuka subsided and she began to enjoy the movie again. In fact, Sam and Dave's "Soothe Me" did just that. Her grip on Shinji's arms relaxed and she noticed the red handprints on them. She began to lightly rub his arms to help the blood start circulating again and was rewarded with a small kiss on the head as Shinji nuzzled her hair in unspoken forgiveness.
"Murph and the Magictones? Look at you in those . . . monkey suits."
Rei's turned back to the rest of the family, "Murph and the Magictones. That's like the command center – Misato and the Misfits."
Shinji and Asuka burst out in howls of laughter both at Rei making an attempt at humor and at the fact that it was funny in a corny sort of way. Misato's response was much less refined – beer nearly came out her nose and, as she tried to set the can down, she stared in shock at Rei. Rei merely giggled at Misato and went back to the movie.
It was the diner scene that got Asuka's interest. While she noticed that Shinji like's John Lee Hooker's "Boom Boom Boom", she was a little surprised at the power and presence of Aretha Franklin singing "Think".
Think (think) think (think) think (think) think (think)
You think (think) think (think) think about it
You better think (think) think about what you're trying to do to me
Yeah, think (think, think), let your mind go, let yourself be free
Let's go back, let's go back, let's go way on back when
I didn't even know you, you couldn't have been too much more than ten
I ain't no psychiatrist, I ain't no doctor with a degree
It don't take too much high IQs to see w hat you're doing to me
You better think (think) think about what you're trying to do to me
Yeah, think (think, think), let your mind go, let yourself be free
Oh freedom (freedom), freedom (freedom), freedom, yeah freedom
Freedom (freedom), freedom (freedom), freedom, oh freedom
Hey, think about it
You, think about it
There ain't nothing you could ask I could answer you but I won't (I won't)
I was gonna change, but I'm not, to keep doing things I don't
Hey think about w hat you're trying to do to me
Baby, think, let your mind go, let yourself be free
People walking around everyday, playing games that they can score
Trying to make other people lose their minds, be careful you don't lose yours
Yeah think (think) think about what you're trying to do to me
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah (think, think), let your mind go, let yourself be free
You need me (need me) and I need you (don't you know )
Without each other there ain't nothing people can do
Yeah yeah, think about me (w hat you're trying to do to me)
till the fall of the night, think about it right now
Oh freedom (freedom), freedom (freedom), freedom, yeah freedom
Freedom (freedom), freedom (freedom), freedom, freedom
Hey, you, think about it
There ain't nothing you could ask I could answer you but I won't (I won't)
I was gonna change, but I'm not, if you keep doing things I don't
Yeah (think) think about w hat you're trying to do to me
Baby, think (think, think), let your mind go, let yourself be free
You need me (need me) and I need you (don't you know )
Without each other there ain't nothing people can do
Yeah yeah, think about me (w hat you're trying to do to me)
till the fall of the night, think about it baby
(think about - ah me, think about - ah me, think about - ah me, think about it)
(think about - ah me, think about - ah me, think about - ah me, think about it)
(think about - ah me, think about - ah me, think about - ah me, think about it)
(think about - ah me, think about - ah me, think about - ah me, think about it)
You had better stop and think before you think
Think!
Aretha's character was strong, opinionated, and successful but yet still seeing that being together was better than not. Asuka giggled at Aretha pushing her husband around and his reaction to her voice. As Aretha's husband took off his apron on the screen and walked out of the diner on the screen, Asuka leaned back into Shinji and whispered, "Don't get any ideas, Third. I like you being more assertive, but don't forget who's the boss."
Shinji stiffened a moment and stammered, "W-w-what? I-I didn't' get any ideas." Then, he realized what she was really saying. "I love you too," he whispered with a little hug.
The rest of the movie went by without too much additional commentary, except for the "Ya see, ma'am, we're the band comment" by Jake. Asuka poked Shinji and said, "We should have had Hikari say something like that to introduce you."
But, there was one number that did trigger some reflection in the family. "Everybody Needs Somebody to Love."
Everybody needs somebody
Everybody needs somebody to love (someone to love)
Sweetheart to miss (sweetheart to miss)
Sugar to kiss (sugar to kiss)
I need you you you
I need you you you
I need you you you in the morning
I need you you you when my souls on fire
Misato got a kind of far away looked fueled by the music and the beer. It was painfully obvious who she was thinking about, especially considering that Kaji was not one of the souls to come back. It was like a scab on her heart that she couldn't stop picking at . . .
Sometimes I feel
I feel a little sad inside
When my baby mistreats me
I never never never have a place to hide
I need you
A little chuckle escaped Rei as she thought about Shinji and Asuka's relationship. But, it did trigger a curiosity about whether she would ever be able to find someone.
Sometimes I feel
I feel a little sad inside
When my baby mistreats me
I never never never have a place to hide
I need you you you
I need you you you
I need you you you
I need you you you
I need you
You know people when you do find that somebody
Hold that woman, hold that man
Love him, hold him, squeeze her, please her, hold her
Squeeze and please that person, give 'em all your love
Signify your feelings with every gentle caress
Because it's so important to have that special somebody
To hold, kiss, miss, squeeze and please
Everybody needs somebody
Everybody needs somebody to love
Someone to love
Sweetheart to miss
Sugar to kiss
Shinji and Asuka had similar thoughts about having finally found that someone who understood - understood the gnawing insecurities of broken homes; understood the pain and heartache of being Eva pilots; understood pain of lost parents but seeing parents everywhere around you; understood what it was like to be alone and desperately wanting to not be; understood living with deep fears about so many things, especially about admitting those fears and feelings.
They were both old beyond their years and terribly immature. It was this understanding that they truly only found in each other and could never find in anyone else. This strange combination manifested in Asuka's giggle as Shinji kissed her ear and tightened his embrace.
I need you you you
I need you you you
I need you you you
Misato stretched and yawned, "I'm going to bed. It's been a long day." With that she made a staggering exit to her room and slid the door shut. The three teens heard a muffled thump and relatively loud snoring.
With a knowing glance, Rei also announced that she was going to bed.
As Shinji carried the empty popcorn bowls to the kitchen, Asuka scooped the empty beer cans into the recycling bin. Sliding up behind Shinji as he washed the bowls, she caught him in a hug.
"Shinji, thank you for the strawberries."
Shinji put down the now clean bowls and spun on his heel to return the embrace.
"Anytime, sweetheart," replied Shinji in a passable Humphrey Bogart before kissing her soundly.
"I'm ready for bed. Carry me?" demanded Asuka like a little girl.
With a small laugh, Shinji carried Asuka to her room and received a good night kiss in payment before practically passing out on his bed – a happy smile on his face.
Author's Parting Shots: Well, I snuck a couple of old school, blues tunes in on you along with some movie quotes. I may quote the movies a little more if the situation arises. We'll get back to the band next chapter. Hope you enjoyed it.