With Nothing Else

by Zentrodie

When people have little in their lives they cling to the small things that bring joy. Sometimes that is good while others it can lead to their downfall. For those working for Nerv, very few have much in their lives.

2. Chapter 2

Standard Disclaimer

Well work went to scary then back to awesome in a few days. Epic. Got a strange idea for a humor fic. Eva/Sailor moon wait wait! It gets better…Pen-Pen is a creature like the cats and since Misato lost her childhood he needs a new magical girl…queue Shinji as a Starlight. One of the freaks that goes from male to female and back…odd idea. Think it'd be hilarious

X-X

With Nothing Else

Chapter – 2

She hated turtle necks with a dull passion of constant irritation, but Ritsuko had to wear one today. The turtle neck added with her lab coat was just too much to wear and not be overheating in the small confines of her lab. But that was the price she paid for her love life, as the bruises along her neck and shoulder were fresh and would pose to many questions. Did somebody hit you, you have an accident, what happened? She didn't want to answer those, and with Misato about she had to be extra careful. That woman always put her nose where it didn't belong and wouldn't understand.

"Hold out your arm, Ikari-kun, going to take your blood pressure," Ritsuko unfurled the armband. Rei had been earlier in the morning for her physical, and now it was time for the second half of the pilot corp. His timid expression, shyness to the extreme hidden behind the veneer disinterest, Ritsuko recognized it every time she looked in the mirror. The pink cloth wrapped box next to the door caught her eye, "Have to thank you again for the lunch. After that last one I'm tempted to pay you to keep making them for me."

Fidgeting as Ritsuko gently grasped his wrist to hold him steady, Shinji let his eyes wander around the room for anything not human. "It's not a big deal really. I want to make sure Misato-san eats well and I don't eat much myself so we've always have extra," he didn't sound convincing at all. Gasping just a bit as the cuff tightened around his bicep, he relaxed as the human element pulled away. Eyes met, Shinji blinked rapidly with a slight pink ting, "And since I've started making food for Ayanami-san I make even more to make sure we have enough. You-you might not know but she can really eat a lot."

He was smiling at her, well not at her but smiling in her direction and Ritsuko realized a smile really suited him. Gendo never smiled, Ritsuko bitterly accepted that fact. Pumping the cuff full, stethoscope at the ready, Ritsuko also could tell why Misato teased Shinji so often. He was just so responsive to it, it was cute. "Sorry for making you two show up on your one day off of school, but we don't want to impact your learning to much. As for Ayanami," Ritsuko jotted down the reading and released the cuff. He was going to be high strung, judging by her readings now. "She's had a sheltered life due to her connection with Nerv," a massive understatement, "so she's likely making up for lost time."

Rubbing at the red mark along his bicep, Shinji nodded and reached for his shirt. Sliding the button up plain clothing back on, he kicked his feet. "That's what I thought. She doesn't request any food when we cook and just seems to enjoy it all. But I have to ask, why is she a vegetarian?" he sounded conspiratorial as if he was ashamed to ask. Buttoning up his top, he shimmed off the examination table, but stopped once Ritsuko put a hand on his shoulder. "I-isn't the test over? All the other times after that you just had me give you a cup to…" he wasn't keen on saying 'blue' words to adults.

"It has to due with her health. We're just concerned, but it might be us being overly cautious," Ritsuko lied. Now this was where Ritsuko had to pause, no more running from this test. It was unlikely, but there was a chance that the LCL exposure had a negative impact on him that she had to check. "H-how about we talk for a bit, Ikari-kun," she had to build up to this, nobody could say she was brave. Sensing his unease, his eyes went wide and his jaw firmed up. "You're not in trouble or anything," he relaxed a smidge, "I just want to confirm a few things I've heard from Misato is all. We know you know about the reports, but Misato is just…inept at those."

Scratching at the side of his cheek, Shinji had just nodded in agreement. "If you don't keep an eye on her she won't do much will she," he brightened up after Ritsuko didn't get angry at the slight. Checking the wall clock, Shinji rolled on the balls of his feet. They still had roughly an hour before the sync test, but he was just so animated. His voice cracked and stuttered, "So what did you want to know?" He asked a condemned man ready for the teasing squad to begin.

Laughing at how dower Shinji seemed over a few questions, Ritsuko lightly pawed at him. "Nothing bad, Ikari-kun. Mostly how things are going with your friends, things with Ayanami, and school. Your mental health is important to us. If you're having any issues, bullies, troubles sleeping, or…becoming sexually active we want to know," she jotted down his reactions. Nothing unexpected there, Shinji was a virgin and just the word got another rise out of him. So different than Gendo, but so like she had been at that age. Grabbing two containers, one for each sample, she handed them over, "Misato said Ayanami's been over twice in the last four days. She hasn't been trying to force you two into anything has she?"

"Things at school are fine, I've a few friends now," Shinji had an air of pride in that, a timid smile. Taking both cups, he raised an eyebrow at the shift from the norm. "School itself is boring, and hard at times. Knowing the truth about Second Impact, it's hard to listen to the old lies. As for Ayanami-san, it's a little confusing. She's even more social inept as I am. So at times she says or does something odd, but I just try to explain it to her. Misato though…if she's drank anything she keeps teasing us about…you know…making out," he petered out running out of courage. Quickly waving his hands after he realized what he said, "We-we haven't though! We just talk…well mostly I talk and she listens. Today is the first time she'll be over when we didn't have school."

How would Gendo like that, his prized Ayanami was getting closer to his son. Summing up what remained of her courage, and swallowing her pride, Ritsuko put both hands on Shinji's shoulders. He reacted as she expected and quickly put his arms to his sides.

"That's what I'd expect from a girl raised on a military base. Give her time and make your intents known to her. Friends or more, we won't stop you," Ritsuko didn't know what she wanted more. Slowly, Shinji resisted the whole way, Ritsuko gently lead him to the small bathroom in the lab. "Now for those cups…I'm going to need a semen sample today, Ikari-kun," he nearly leapt out of her grip. In soothing tones, "Just to make sure you're not suffering from something. I'll leave the lab to give you some privacy, alright? Best if you do that first then the urine sample. It'll help clear out your urethra." When in doubt, Ritsuko let science save her.

Looking over his shoulder at the woman, Shinji had such shame and a sense of betrayal it was sad. "D-do I have to? Misato-san didn't put you up to this did she? L-last night she was a little drunker than normal and said something about-about if I did anything like this," he turned back to the cups and the open door.

Ok, that upset Ritsuko to no end! This was a sensitive thing for a budding teenager, especially for a kid like Shinji. So how does Misato handle it? Same way she did everything else, in a drunken haze. Oh Ritsuko was going to have words for that woman. "I do mean it Shinji-kun," she wanted to put him at ease. Unrelenting though she pushed him into the room and flipped the light on. "How about this, I'll keep Misato here after the tests so Ayanami-kun and you can have a nice little date without her making things awkward for you?" he offered no response. Closing the door on him, that crushing humiliation on his face…it made her feel sick so she left the lab completely to give him more privacy.

Leaning against the lab door, other members of Nerv walked by giving her plenty of space less she 'lash out' on them. She saw them talk behind her back, calling her horrid things just because she was a little different than them. Just because she didn't talk about clothing, girl issues, or other social topics the other women sans Misato and Maya avoided her. Men found her to intelligent, to aloof to be worth the effort with again the exception of Gendo. God she wanted a smoke right now, maybe even some of her private stock back at her apartment. After that look on Shinji's face, she'd need that or some alcohol tonight to block it out. It was just so similar.

Tapping her foot against the door, the metallic tink of her high heel against it was therapeutic. He was just so innocent right now, and it reminded Ritsuko of her own teen years. Living under the shadow of her great mother, the illustrious Naoko Akagi, had made her neigh unapproachable. No friends, but never ending work to make herself live up to the expectations. Of course the first boy that asked her out, she had been sixteen at the time, had been a delinquent. It didn't take long for him to introduce her to one of her favorite vices, pot, and then the later sex. He hadn't been gentle or caring, had taken what he wanted and she had come to like it. That relationship ended when she thought she was pregnant. She confessed her fear to Akito and she never saw him again. He quit school and fled, two days after she learned she had her period. Then was college and she met Misato…her best friend. Was that Shinji's future too?

Checking her watch after wiping at her eyes, thankfully her trip down memory lane hadn't smeared her eye shadow, she saw ten minutes had passed. "Stupid emotions. Akito taught me a valuable lesson. People almost always just want to take from you, so value those that don't," she opened the door and went back in. After so long Shinji HAD to have been done. Never seen a man last longer than five minutes without making a mess. Misato didn't take from her, well not much as Misato was lazy and oft to turn to others for help. And Gendo cared about her in his own way, so she'd let him bite hard and bruise her…it was a give and take world. Finding the door to the bathroom still shut, she knocked on it lightly, "Ikari-kun are you alright in there. You don't have to worry about the cap's seal."

"I-uh-I'm…" he said in obvious distress, "C-could you please g-get out I'm almost done." The sounds of labored breathing, he was panting hard and distressed.

He hadn't finished yet, but was almost time for the sync tests and he still had to get suited up. "Ikari-kun, are you sure you're alright. I've heard some kids think it's a bad thing," lord knows her mother said it was a horrible thing. Tempted to open the door, see if he was indeed alright or hiding some problem, Ritsuko's hand grabbed the handle. "Do you need help or anything? I could ask the guys on the command deck, bet they have something stashed around," she was tempted to check her wallet for a picture of Misato. Though with how Shinji and Misato interacted it would likely make matters worse.

More frantic sounds, the boy was frazzled and ashamed, "No-no I'm…I'm good…please just a few more minutes." He was nearly in tears by the sound of his voice.

Knowing she was making things worse, Ritsuko just relented. "Come out when you're done then, I'll be in the hallway," she left him to finish. Well that likely was going to make Shinji unable to look at her for the next few weeks. But was this a result of the LCL or some previously existing condition. If it took him so long to finish, no wonder Misato never saw or heard him do it. He'd never have enough private time with her in the apartment to risk it. Her time in college, she had read about men with that condition, the other girls in the class joked that they wanted their boyfriends to have it.

Five minutes later, a sullen and defeated Shinji tapped on the door and let his head hang low. "S-sorry about that, Akagi-san. I didn't mean to waste your time," he listlessly handed Ritsuko the two sealed containers. He couldn't have been any more mortified if he had been caught red handed. Circling around Ritsuko, he made a move for the door, "Did you need anything else, or can I go get ready for the next test?"

She had to do something, or Shinji's test would be useless, at least that's what she told herself. Grabbing Shinji from behind, she hugged him lightly with her arms around his chest. "Don't feel like that, Ikari-kun. What you did is natural and nothing is wrong with it. And if it normally takes you that long…well when you DO get a girlfriend she'll be really happy with that," she joked a little. When the body tensed rather than relaxed, she released him, maybe it was a mistake. Calling out as he started walking again, "Thank you Shinji-kun, that must have been a hard for you. If Misato doesn't say it, I will, we're thankful for you helping us as you do."

He didn't run, but Shinji walked fast and in uneven strides as he made his escape. At the corner leading to the changing rooms he did stop to look back at Ritsuko. Shinji smiled softly, a mournful yet grateful upturn of his lips and then he vanished.

"Well I ruined his mood for the day and likely made this sync test pointless," she clapped her hands and laughed. But she got her samples, she'd insure he wasn't sick or worse. Sealing the containers she put them alongside of Rei's in her little fridge. Getting her samples was always so easy, she didn't respond to the tests and Gendo said tests like the ones with Shinji weren't necessary. Since she didn't have a full uterus Ritsuko was fine to go along with that. Picking up her lunch, likely the last one he'd make for her, she headed to the test chamber and found Misato chatting with Shigeru. "Misato, what did you say to Ikari-kun the other day?" start off easy, small hints and let Misato dig herself deeper.

Watching the plugsuit clad teenagers walking into the chamber side by side, Misato flipped the switch on. "You two are a little late. Not doing anything we wouldn't like to know about were you?" that teasing tone flirted with mirth. Oh Misato was enjoying this so much, an older sister doting on her favorite littler brother in his progress into adulthood. Leaning in close to the mic, Shigeru coyly watched her, "Looking a little red in the face there Shinji-kun. Thinking of your date this afternoon, or…hey!" Misato yelped. Letting go of the 'speak' button, Misato rubbed the back of her head.

"Leave off of him right now Misato, he's that way because I finally got my sample," Ritsuko enacted a little repayment. Having knocked her friend with Shinji's lunch, Ritsuko waggled a finger. What she expected was Misato to realize and back down, not smile even wider. Maybe Misato really did tease far too hard with this boy. Sitting down and opening her lunch, she watched Shinji help Rei into her plug. Maybe there was something between them that transcended simple friendship. Authoritarian, she tried to get Misato behave, "It took him over fifteen minutes so I walked into the lab to check on him before he finished. So go easy on him, he's embarrassed enough."

Letting out a long whistle, Misato nudged Shigeru in the side with her elbow, "Wow my little roommate can last a long time. What is your max time, Shigeru?" Misato knew what she was doing to the sole male in the room, and she got off on it! He was squirming and blushing, mouth latched shut and all business. Picking at Ritsuko's lunch with her dirty fingers, "I'll go easy on him. I've been trying to think of something I could do for him. I went a little far last night, never mix rum and brandy. Joke too far and he couldn't even look me in the face. Thinking of ordering food for us tonight so he doesn't have to cook for his little date."

"No, Misato, you're not," Ritsuko started the test off. Both pilots' faces were composed and somber as they sat in the test chambers. Setting the max depth at their previous max readings, she let the system calibrate. "You and I are going out drinking and then going to my apartment for takeout. I promised Ikari-kun I'd keep you away as payment for the little accident," she confided. Shifting away from Misato, protecting her under assault lunch, she savored the taste of homemade food. So much better than the instant food she was able to eat, but time never gave her the time. Maybe Gendo and she could go out for supper some night! He hardly got out as well.

Lying on the console, watching Shigeru work and causing him to squirm more, Misato pouted. "Fine I won't get to see their first real date, even if they don't call it that. But if I find dirty sheets when I get home I'm making you pay for child support. And you're paying for the meal then for spoiling my fun," she rolled her head back towards Ritsuko. Smiling softly, "So you think they do have anything going on, or are we looking too deeply?"

If Shinji was really like her, Ritsuko was unsure. Shinji would not make the first step, he'd be content to just have somebody around that didn't mock or judge him. Rei was a real unknown lately, her reaction to thinks shifted in the last two tests she had. If for whatever reason Rei did act, well Shinji would be ever the dutiful boyfriends. He'd dote on Rei, doing whatever he thought she wanted (not that Ritsuko suspected Rei would ask for much). Shrugging as she continued eating, "With those two it's hard to tell. Maybe yes or maybe no. Time will tell."

"They're both improving," Ritsuko was stunned. Even with all the issues of the last few days Shinji was making wonderful progress and even Rei was marked improvement. It wouldn't take long for Shinji to be on par with the Second Child. "Just don't push him to do something he's not ready for, Misato, that would be a bad move," she knew that as fact. Akito pushed fast, nearly demanded it or he'd have left her. As starved for affection as she had been back then, Ritsuko relented and regretted. But this time with Gendo she had no regrets, none at all. Damn her collar was itchy.

X-X

Opening the door so his guest could enter the apartment, Shinji prayed his nervousness wasn't so obvious. He blamed Misato again for this, Ritsuko to a small degree as well. While Ritsuko had a reason for causing the problems she had instilled, he couldn't overlook it either. Asking for him to provide a sample, why had it been today! Then she had the gall to knock on the door while he was doing it, at least it wasn't like the time the teacher's wife walked in on him. Added to it Rei and his little evening together on his mind, Shinji felt he wronged the girl in his mental fodder. But put on the spot, and knowing so few women, Shinji slipped. It wasn't cheesy or anything, more wish fulfillment and he hated himself for that too. Just two teenagers expression themselves physically, not the thing they made movies about.

"Well since we don't have to cook today, we can…talk or watch the movie Misato-san suggested," Shinji shut the door behind him. The money she gave him for supper felt like it was bulging in his pocket. Hardly enough for three peoples meals, it was just his mind calling attention to it. No escaping this, no excuse, it was just a girl and him together for an evening. Watching Rei lifting her leg up into the air to free her foot, he shuddered. That long and fine calf shown through as the skirt rode up high, she was trying in one manner and failing in another. Trying to forget what he saw, "So how was your day yesterday, you weren't in school."

Just dropping her shoes atop a pair of Misato's 'walking shoes', Rei's head shimmed back and forth as a metronome would. Considering the question she walked into the apartment and found the couch her first stopping point. "The tests with Akagi-san yesterday were not intrusive or of annoyance. Not attending school was unfortunate," she eyed Shinji as she said the last. Crossing her legs, that skirt playing its maddening game again, she tapped her knee with a finger. Questioningly the girl waited for Shinji to sit in a chair before asking, "Why is this evening being referred to as a date by so many? We have performed this act on several occasions and it was not considered such."

Yeah Misato had slipped and called it that a few times in Rei's presence, especially when they were leaving. When she had given Shinji the money for supper, she had turned to Rei and clamped onto the girl's arms. 'Go easy on my little Shin-chan, this is his first date without a chaperon,' she said it with such a straight face it was disturbing.

Suddenly wanting to go make something to drink, Shinji twisted in the chair and resisted the urge to run. "Well normally when a man and a woman make it a point to spend time together, it's considered a date. Our normal evenings are debatable as you're on your way home and not making a point of it. You shouldn't let them upset you with their opinions of it," he hoped she understood. Was it a date, well he'd not mind if it was but Shinji wouldn't expect it. Dates were for those seeking a relationship, he doubted Rei thought of their little evening as the gateway to such.

A minute head nod was all Shinji got at the moment from Rei. She kicked her foot in a steady interval, once every five seconds and to the same degree. Once the air, think in its silence, was nearly too oppressive she set her feet on the ground. "Then this is a date. It fits the criteria as stated. Neither yourself or I have any other reason for meeting than to enjoy one another's company. You could have given me captain Katsuragi's money to order my meal," she watched her prey with a calculating eye.

Swallowing hard, he felt uneasy as she just sat watching him. What was she expecting, what did she want? Turning the stereo on, one of his classic cd's was still in from the last time Rei was over, he let the music fill the room. It helped him think, to not sit in that stillness. His tongue felt thick and heavy, "Well Ayanami-san, there is also the emotional element to it. People have dates to see if they're compatible to be a couple. Or if they are a couple to…to…" he trailed off without knowing. Movies had couples go on dates to have a nice romantic evening often ending in a state he tried his best to avoid thinking of.

"My reading states couples have evenings out to build their lusts to pitch to better enjoy relations," Rei had no such issues speaking. Eyes closing she swayed with the music playing, a content expression on her face as the tension lines relaxed. Her hand on the open cushion on her side ran in small circles almost temptingly or unknowingly. Without opening her eyes, "Do you consider this a date, Ikari-kun?"

That was it, he had to move, get his mind to relax enough for him to think straight! "I…I'll get some menus so we can order. No reason to wait on that, they tend to be slow delivering here if Misato-san doesn't call it in," Shinji rushed off to the kitchen. She knew what she was taking about, she said she considered this a date even after what he said. Did that mean she was interested in him? Nobody had ever been interested in him before! Grabbing a wide variety of the tiny paper pamphlets, he was light headed from breathing so fast. Calling out loud, "Would you like anything to drink?"

Standing right beside him, Rei had approached silently. "I would enjoy anything you would provide," she didn't react when he yelped. Picking up a few of the menus out of Shinji's hand she flipped through them with rapid succession. "A lot of these have meat, are you upset with being inconvenienced as such?" she held a pizza menu in her hand. It was as close choice Rei ever made when it wasn't a matter of import. She'd take whatever was given, but she had small tells. Holding onto things she liked, eyes lingering on things she wanted, and the incredibly rare leading question.

He blamed his panic for not noticing her, he was hardly aware of anything other than his own confusion. Pen-Pen warked at them, took a beer from the fridge, and retired to his own for the evening…lucky bird. Gingerly taking the pizza menu from her hand, not his favorite but she never had it before, he smiled. If it made her happy he'd never mind a strange meal. "I like cheese pizza, Ayanami-san, so it's not a problem at all," she nodded which he saw as a good sign. Reading her tells was getting easier with the more time they spent, and as such he was getting better at tending to her. Grabbing some juice out of the fridge he poured two glasses, "Why don't you grab that movie Misato-san mentioned while I order this?"

Taking the glasses, she kept her gaze fixed on the image of food in Shinji's hands. "If you are not bothered than that is acceptable," she lingered those few inches from him. Drawing in a large breath, she spun around and left him just as silently as she appeared.

It only took a few minutes to order, and as he expected the man who took the order was depressed when the phone number wasn't matched with Misato's playful voice. Women really did have it easy, well the attractive ones he ventured. Men would do stupid things for the attractive girls, but then again they could do bad things in a fit of passion. Maybe it wasn't so clear cut. What if somebody tried that with Rei? That caused him to pause, and took the feelings he was feeling home. He…liked Rei, a small thing, a tiny risk for a battered heart, but to him it was a dangerous thing.

"It should take about half an hour for it to get here, so we can watch a bit if you want," Shinji said as he entered the living room. Finding his chair now had the empty DVD case in it, he took the hint and sat on the couch. With Rei in the middle and he next to the armrest, he could feel ever moment she made. Hitting play on the remote, he just prayed Misato's idea for a 'date-night' movie wasn't something he wasn't old enough to watch. Grabbing his juice he held it and the condensation wet his palm, "Ayanami-san, can I ask you a personal question?" He was growing more afraid as he felt that heart rate increase…she was so pretty.

Half her glass was already gone, a dribble of apple juice ran down her chin, she didn't try to clean herself. "As long as it is not related to sensitive Nerv information I will answer," she shifted her position to face him better. The movie's previews played, films that had come out years ago but were programmed to play regardless. With her hands covering one another on her lap, "And may I ask one as well?"

Tempting to ask if she might possibly consider liking him, Shinji found his nerve gone. Those eyes of hers sapped his resolve every time, he'd loath to scare her away. Better to have this odd friendship than risk losing it with something foolish. Finding another question quickly he blurted out, "Aren't you afraid of living in your apartment Ayanami-san? It's in such a bad part of town, and who knows what criminals and vagrants could be there? What if somebody tries something with you, if Section-2 doesn't notice they could do…do anything to you." A sensible question any friend would ask another, something they'd want to know. 'Are you at risk, can you save yourself from it?'

"The commander chose my living conditions, until I hear from him or other command staff it will suffice," Rei dodged the question effortlessly. Fear didn't seem to be in the girl's vocabulary, but the top hand moved in a rubbing motion. Gripping her lower hand hard, her fingers audibly popping, "As for my question. Would it be inappropriate for us to be less formal with one another? The documentations say using formal names indicates a level of distance that is not suitable to those in our circumstances."

Just what was she reading that would lead her to believe any of this? While they did spend a good degree of time together, it wasn't always in a friendly atmosphere. Making a plan to trick Misato to Rei's in upcoming days, Shinji walked in thin ice. To push Rei's literary options and learn she was being misled, or trust she was smart enough to know what she was reading. As for her question, Shinji turned to the television just in time to see a machete fly into a young man's back…great a horror movie. He HATED horror movies, he got to into them, he cringed into Rei who didn't force him off. "I-uh…well I didn't want to offend you Ayanami-san. I didn't want to be to forward. People get upset if others get to personal to fast," she likely saw him as a coward now.

Quite to the contrary, when Rei saw the same scene she did the equivalent in her actions. She went ridged, a hand grabbed Shinji's wrist painfully as her eyes went wide and her lips so thin her face looked mouthless. "That was unexpected," she then looked down at her hand and to Shinji's face and didn't let him go. Ever so slowly she went back to watching the movie as it went back to plot, "You are very warm…Shinji-kun." Well, she made the decision for them.

There he went going light headed again, but this time Shinji didn't fight it. Her fingers and palm were so soft that he didn't mind at all. "I guess we have known each other for several months…Rei-san," it felt odd on his tongue. He wasn't sure if he felt comfortable with that, something so simple seemed almost to fast. But he had known her for some time and they have been spending a lot of time together, was it so wrong? Settling into the movie, his stomach uneasy but his heart warm, he just went with it. During the intense gore and odd scenes, he would cringe into Rei's shoulder as she gave his wrist a tight squeeze.

When the doorbell rang at the same time as the lead heroin was being attacked, both teens actually let out shrieks only Shinji's drown Rei's out. They shared a look, she almost smiled as he laughed at there silliness. They fought giant monsters, faced death and here they were being frightened by a silly movie. Getting off the couch, "I'll go get that, should be the pizza." Rei didn't let go of him, she only shifted her hold and got up with him. Gazing at her hand, Shinji patted it, maybe this was the start of something. "I guess we can both go get it," he'd try to learn what she meant as long as they didn't go to fast. Opening the door with his free hand, Rei at his side, Shinji found the delivery boy's head bobbing to the music he was listening to.

"Yo man, that uh…your mom here?" the guy asked peeking his head into the apartment. Clad in torn jeans with bits of metal chain linking bits from one part to another, his hair was dirty and picked about and dyed blond and red. "Oh hey you got a girl with you, bud, fine looking one too," he gave Rei a good once over and flashed Shinji a thumb's up.

As this guy had been the same as the last three times Misato ordered pizza, normally on nights she didn't have to work the next day and wanted a lot of drink and food, they recognized one another. "Misato-san is out with a friend of hers right now," he didn't want to comment on the other half of the guy's statement. Yes Rei was 'fine looking' but that wasn't what made the girl worth knowing. Handing the money over, "A lot of orders today?" He felt Rei's grip leaving his wrist as she stayed in the apartment.

"Yeah, Sunday evenings are crazy busy. Hey you think you could get Katsuragi-san's phone number for me, she's not seeing anybody is she?" the older teen, some eighteen or nineteen, sounded very enthusiastic. Juggling the wad of bills Shinji gave him and his wallet, he tried to make change, hold the pizza, and continue to watch Rei closely. When his knee caught his dangling headphone, "OH Shit dude!" He pitched forward and the pizza went flying as he caught himself on the door frame.

Watching in dull shock as the food went flying towards Rei, Shinji reacted as best he could. Catching the box he kept half the dish from spilling out. His skin burnt from the cheese and sauce, wincing out loud, "Rei-san, are you alright?" Finding the pizza guy had already fled, the wad of money on the ground, Shinji kicked it back inside and shut the door. "We have to wash this off you or you'll burn," he grabbed one of Misato's rain slickers. Wiping off as much as he could without touching questionable places, he just let the mess fall to the ground.

Quick but controlled actions, Rei got most of the potentially damaging food off her but she was covered in muck. "I am dirty. I should return home to change," she stood up and looked at herself. Dripping with red sauce and cheese, she took the slicker from Shinji's hands to finish getting the bulk off. But her school uniform was sullied and clung to her skin. "Shinji-kun, what…where are you taking me?" she asked as he led her through the apartment.

Unable to leave her like that, Shinji took the confused girl to the bathroom and started the faucet. "Nonsense Rei-san, you need to clean that off now or it might hurt. Take a bath and I'll run your cloths through the wash. You can use one of Misato-san's bathrobes until there done. J-just…" he realized what he was saying. He had just drug a girl off into a bathroom and told her to disrobe…and she was doing it. Staring at alabaster skin, small bits of her chest were flared red from the sauce, he was mollified. "I…I…sorry, I'll see to your cloths," he took her dirty cloths and fled the room. She'd have to stop the faucet herself.

"Thank you," she called out after his retreating form, and could be heard sliding into the water.

Rei needed to read up on proper times for disrobing! Shinji would have to see to that…maybe have the class rep talk to her, Hikari was the only girl in his class he felt comfortable approaching. Throwing Rei's clothing into the wash, Shinji busied himself in cleaning the doorway. Pen-Pen had helped himself to the pizza on the floor, but the half Shinji saved was quickly put on the table and put on plates. So pink…they stood out so brilliantly from her skin. Why hadn't she waited for him to leave! Friends, they had seemed to be moving close to becoming good friends, and now she had shown herself to him and was bathing in his bathroom.

Twenty minutes later Shinji put her uniform into the drier. He realized he had become too desensitized to undergarments when he realized he had handled Rei's just as easily as Misato's. Just fabric needing cleaning. That was when Rei rejoined him, the cloud of mist that trailed her, and the overly relaxed condition she was in left Shinji mystified. "Have a good bath, Rei-san?" she looked odd dwarfed in Misato's large purple bathrobe. It swallowed her and trailed behind her, but was adorable to a point. Well adorable if one didn't remember she had nothing on under it.

"I have not had a…hot bath before. My apartment does not have hot water, and I was told to avoid the baths at Nerv," she picked up her plate of food and looked at it questioningly. She shifted the plate from side to side, "This is eaten with hands correct?"

He couldn't look at her, couldn't even let her fill his peripheral vision. This was too much too fast for him, so he watched the movie instead. "Yeah, I see some people using knives and forks, but I don't know where Misato-san keeps hers. Y-your clothing should be ready in about an hour. W-when Misato-san gets home, I'll ask her to give you a ride home," it was getting dark after all. So they ate in peace, and watched the movie. Shinji found Rei's hand found his again, he relaxed again and sat next to her.

She smelt different, felt different after the bath, but it was enjoyable. What it meant, Shinji wasn't going to guess, he'd just take whatever it was. Friend or girlfriend, that issue was not approached so he took her hand holding as a sign of fear or just camaraderie. When the time got late, Shinji offered her his bed and made up the couch for himself. Damn Misato…where was she? She arrived after midnight holding onto the equally drunk Ritsuko. Both adults fell asleep in Misato's bedroom. It was an interesting morning but at least Rei had a clean uniform for school.

X-X

Setting her comb down, Misato eyed what little make-up she still felt driven to own then left the bathroom. She was working second shift, what need for dolling herself up did she have. Last time she put that stuff on with any real intent had been before joining Nerv anyway. Relying on her natural beauty had become the norm, why emphasize things you didn't want noticed. Men would just come sniffing, and a sniffing dog was something you had to train. Finding her supper on the table, complete with Yebisu, she plopped down. "Thought you weren't going to let me drink before work anymore," she didn't look at her ward.

"You'd do it anyway, and at least this way I know you're not drinking harder stuff," Shinji's tone was just that little bit irritated. It was the way he got when he dared show is annoyance or disdain with her, but still wasn't upset enough to do anything. Pointing his chopsticks at the fridge, "You're lunch is in there if you want it. You said Akagi-san wasn't working your shift right?" Sipping his tea with one hand, he slipped Pen-Pen some fish with the other. Shinji had long since bribed the bird to his side.

He knew her well enough, Misato popped her top and took a small sip. It was cold, delicious and cold, no repeat of yesterday's hot mess. Shinji had found an evil little trick, leave a can of her beloved brew outside in the sun all day. Well she had gone a little too hard on him yesterday morning, but she had a wicked hang over and jumped to conclusions. Finding Rei walking in an open robe without a stitch of clothing on underneath, what was Misato supposed to suspect. So she went hard and heavy on him. You're not old enough, what if she's pregnant, and I'm disappointed in you. Hah, what right did she have to say such things? And when Rei confirmed what Shinji had said…she felt like an ass.

"Look, I'm sorry about yesterday Shinji-kun. I had a real bad hangover from the night before, saw Rei's odd sense of dress and just…" she twirled her utensils around. The cold beer was proof he was already forgiving her, but she had to be adult too. Eating quickly, she was going to be running late as it was, she took out some pent up frustration in the shower. Odd how Shinji and Rei's little fear trip got her imagination working. Maybe a trip out for a one-night stand. Somebody that wouldn't want a relationship the next day. Reaching across the table she extended her olive branch, "Still friends Shin-chan?" He never could resist when she called him chan.

Of course he took it and even giggled when Misato tickled his palm with her middle finger. "Just trust me next time alright? It was hard enough dealing with Aya-Rei-san on her own. But when you started yelling at me about things I didn't do, that we didn't do," Shinji returned to his food. He had said his fill, a rarity for him, so he returned to his mental fugue. The rest of the meal was eaten in relative silence, only the sound of chewing and ceramic clinking together. As he gathered up the empty plates, the boy's courage built up again enough for him to add, "Sorry about your beer yesterday. I was upset and it was wrong of me."

Waiting for him to put the dishes in the sink, Misato pounced on him and got him in a headlock. Administering her version of punishment, a noogie, she felt his hands flail against her back and side. "You should be sorry! Never mess with a woman's beverage young man, it will only end in heart break," she laughed as she lead him about the apartment towards the door. While she knew he wasn't doing it on purpose, but Shinji's hand was doing quite the nice job messaging her rump. Letting him go before she started to like it too much, "Now I don't have to worry about you bringing your girlfriend over do I?"

Face flush and hair all frazzled, Shinji took a quick step back and away from his punisher. "Misato-san! I told you already we're…we're not really going out. Friends, I think it best to consider us that. I have Touji and Kensuke and y-who does Rei-san have?" Shinji bashfully looked away. Holding up a finger, Shinji ran off back to the kitchen. Opening the fridge and rushing back, "You almost forgot this."

Taking her lunch, her face betrayed her. She had wanted to appear the fierce and angry parent figure, striking the fear into the teen. But that small plastic box, his insistence she take it, well this felt to good. Never in her life did she have anybody dote over her, care for her, and she liked it. "Well I don't know about you, but as for Rei? Girls don't just walk around with their robes open for boys they don't like. Even Rei knows that, or she'd be walking around the base nude. Bet she has the hots for ya," she pinched Shinji's nose.

Crossing his arms, a sign he didn't want to continue Misato knew, Shinji tapped his foot. "You're going to be late, Misato-san, and I have homework to do. And if you're worried about Rei-san," now it was Shinji's turn to lose his poker face. Eying the coat rack, Shinji just flustered about and caved in on himself. "Rei-san is at Nerv right now so she won't be over. That's why I didn't cook anything for her," he was just terrible at lying at trait Misato enjoyed.

"So if she wasn't at Nerv right now I might have been right huh," Misato put her shoes on. Oh she was loving this, this whole dating thing was precious. It was good for him, he was happier even if he tried hiding it, and that was what Misato wanted for him Sliding into her jacket, she put her hat on and fixed it in the mirror Shinji hung up for her. Leaning over, she had left the top two buttons of her dress shirt open just for this, "Do I get my kiss goodbye honey?" Tapping her cheek where she wanted it, she could swear she heard Shinji heating the air. She even closed her eyes egging him on further.

Rolling his eyes, Shinji recovered quick enough to see the tiny slit in Misato's eyelids. Of course she was watching, wasn't fun to not see the panic. "Just get going Misato-san. If you see Rei-san or Akagi-san, say hi for me," he waved impatiently at her.

Pouting, Misato stood back up straight and fixed her shifted hat. "You're no fun, Shinji-kun. But it could be a sign of a gentleman. Now be good while I'm gone, and stay away from my Yebisu. And I'll tell your mistress if I see her you'll have food for her tomorrow," she gave him one last wave and shut the door. Oh she wondered what he did while she was away at work. He didn't have elicit materials in his room, she had checked on occasion. Nothing, aside from his cello and SDAT player Shinji had nothing but his little clothing and school things.

"Maybe I'll get him a picture frame or something. Anything to show he lives here," Misato got an idea! She'd get him a plaque for his room and some frames! Show she cared, which she did, and try to get him to show some attachment to something. Unlocking her doors, she got in with practiced ease and gunned the accelerator. Zipping through lanes, cutting off cars, the blaring horns were a sign she was doing her best as usual. Through all the madness of her driving, she was planning her little gift. Maya had a digital camera, she could borrow that! Take a few pictures of Shinji with his friends and maybe even herself. She wanted him in her life, and judged he wanted her in his…so why not take a picture.

Sadly her normal parking spot was taken, it tended to be when she worked this shift, so she found another a few spots further up the lane. Some of the first shifters greeted her as she headed to the elevators, she acted her part as their superior and saluted as they did. Seeing Shigeru heading home lanced Misato with a moment of dread. If Shigeru was leaving it meant Makoto was likely working the second shift with her. Now normally she was alright with the man, but when she was feeling a little lonely or depressed he was an extra bitter pill.

"Evening Katsuragi-san," Maya welcomed the woman to the command bridge. Coffee cup in hand, Maya waved goodbye to one of the other female techs she had been talking too. Gathering a few folders from her station, the low level tech handed over the reports to Misato. "Akagi-san got called in to see the commander so she wanted me to give these to you. Unit-01 is fully repaired as of today, so Ikari-kun will have a full test tomorrow with it. We'll begin on Unit-00 once our supplies in," she stood at attention. Nerv might not be a military organization fully, but they tried from time to time.

Taking the papers, Misato bit the inside of her cheek. She had hoped Shinji would have a few more days outside the beast. "At ease Ibuki-kun," Misato flipped through the folders. Cost analysis of Unit-01, psychological reports on Asuka…that was going to be a nightmare, and the projected repair times for Unit-00. Nothing standout about these, Ritsuko had told her just about the same while they had been drinking the other day. Leaving the report on the planned transfer of Unit-02 open, "So what is on the agenda for today, and please tell me somebody is having a birthday today and brought in sweets."

"No sweets today Katsuragi-san," Makoto announced his arrival and sat down. A small stack of manga at his side, man was expecting and planning for a dull evening. But he kicked them under his station and out of sight. "We've calibrations for the automated defenses tonight, and prepping the hanger for Unit-02," he always started off business. But he would shift to his ulterior motive soon enough. Favoring himself a bottle of water, "Did you have a good evening last night Katsuragi-san, you're looking good today."

Smooth, Makoto, very smooth. Misato wanted to give the man credit, but knew it would only end poorly for her if she did. Give a man a foot, he tried to climb up it all the way up and burrow inside. "Sounds like another night of protests complaints from people we keep awake. But getting Unit-02 would make us all feel safer," Misato would need a lot of caffeine to stay awake. Signing off on the reports of Rei and Shinji's monitoring reports, she handed them to the waiting Maya. Something of how the woman stood eying the commander's office, "Something wrong Ibuki-kun? I'm sure Ritsuko is fine, she's been having meetings with the Commander for the last few days. New project with the simulated bodies is going slowly or something." That part of the conversation had been dulled by far too many drinks.

"No, nothing I guess. Just she's been in there for over an hour. I was going to ask if she wanted to do something in a few days. Nothing major, exorcise or shopping, something," Maya shrugged. Gathering up the papers, she couldn't stay her curiosity and took a peek. Gasping aloud she went wide eyed and found Misato staring at her with a smirking nod, "You mean Akagi-san wasn't joking about that? From her story I thought it was just a drunk dream or something. I can't picture Ayanami-kun in a bathrobe let alone wearing one at your apartment."

Proving Misato's theory correct, Makoto invited himself to the conversation. His water bottle in hand, he took a swig and braved the waters. "I heard a rumor about that. Heard those two were going at one another in the changing rooms. Don't believe that though, neither of those two seem the type," he stood close to Misato.

Ah yeah, that rumor, Misato was offhandedly responsible for that. She had been talking to Ritsuko about what would happen IF that happened, but she hadn't been as quiet as she should have been. Somebody overheard and spread the word. When Shinji heard that rumor he'd hide in his room for days. "Just a rumor and a misunderstanding is all. Yes she stayed the night, but only because I wasn't keen on driving her home and Ritsuko stayed over too," best not to let them know she had blacked out. Nobody would trust a drunk with the big decisions.

"I can see that," Makoto leaned his back against the console in the inner ring of terminals. They were in the shadow of the Commander's platform, power radiated outward of dwindling importance. "On a lighter note, I won some tickets to an upper class onsen opening in town. Four of them to be precise. Shigeru is out, something to do with his girlfriend, how about you?" he asked both women but his focus was easily discernible.

So it was a bathhouse this time, last time it was movie tickets, the time before an opening restaurant. Misato had to give Makoto an A for effort, but an F for originality. Either he was the luckiest man alive for lotteries, or he was a bold face liar. Waving her hand dismissively, "I would but I don't have the time. With this whole Ayanami and Shinji thing I need to keep an eye on them, and with my normal work I'm lucky if I get a few hours a day to myself." If he could lie so could she. He masked his depression well, she noticed. Getting a wicked idea though, "But if you don't need them I'll buy them off you. Give them to the kids." How would he play that one?

"That's a great idea!" Maya gushed. She tapped Misato's foot in understanding, Makoto couldn't see her feet. They had talked of the rather odd stock of men on the command staff, but the women weren't much more stable. Still lingering on the door, "They could have a nice reward for what they've done. And if they don't have friends you could take the extra ticket."

He sputtered a little, then fixed his glasses and smiled. "I guess they do have it a bit hard. If you think they'd like it, I could give them to you to hand over," Makoto took his rebuff in stride. Hands in his pockets, "Well those diagnostics won't run themselves." Tail tucked between his legs, Makoto went back to work leaving Misato alone as Maya joined him in actually working.

Opening a few reports, mostly dealing with complaints, Misato did feel a little bad for her abuse of the man. He wasn't ugly, had a good work ethic, and could be funny at times, but she just wasn't interested. What she wanted was what she already had. A nice life, her aim to get revenge against the angels was her life now. The friends she had were great, home life was ideal, and she could focus on what she wanted to. Only issue was the rare occasions where her plastic or motorized companions failed to knock the itch out. If Misato let Makoto tend to that it wouldn't end with just one night. Either he'd to use it as a manner of getting a promotion via blackmail or expectation, or he'd want a relationship.

Her relationship history was a nightmare of betrayals one after another, and Misato was done with that. Closest thing to marriage she had gotten was Kaji back in college, and that exploded in a ball of anger and debasement. A week in bed with a man that never once told her that he loved her, yeah Misato could live without that. After Kaji, she had a few boyfriends that lasted a week or at max a month. But they saw her as a conquest or trophy. Once they saw that she wasn't going to just sit at home in her bra and panties waiting for them to bring home the bacon they left, if they stayed after the post session shower. She'd not invite that trouble into her life again. She'd get her fill on her own terms or just deal with it.

A good hour or so into her shift, Misato got the idea to call the apartment to see what he was up to. Resisting the temptation, if he was doing anything naughty she didn't want to bother. He was so closed up and hard on himself, it would only do harm. Give him the night to himself to relax. Sending the email to the contact in the UN asking about setting up meetings with the pilots with a solid 'No, and if you ask you'll regret it', she noticed Maya looking at the commander's door again. Ritsuko was still in there? Nah, couldn't be, Ritsuko was supposed to leave ages ago.

The night went on, Makoto played his role as lapdog well and got both Maya and Misato coffee when even hinted at it. The lunch was good as always, Shinji had even left a small note again apologizing for being upset with her. Funny, he had every right to be upset with how she treated him but he apologized faster. Irony of ironies was her fourteen year old ward was the most mature man she knew at present. She had been livid and hurtful towards him for no reason, and he was the bigger man and the only thing he did for revenge was a warm beer.

When the door to the Commander's office opened just as Misato was finishing her mid-shift meal and Ritsuko walked out, Misato balked. However when she went to ask the woman what was up, all Ritsuko did was raise her hand up, "New projects. Tell you later. I need some sleep." And with that Ritsuko left, and both Maya and Misato were left puzzled and a little worried.

X-X

Shutting down his laptop, Kensuke let out a powerful yawn and rubbed his eye. Another day of school that left him wondering why he continued going. Computers were going to be his life and this campus didn't teach anything outside of typing. But it gave him something to do and people to talk to. He wouldn't know Touji or Shinji if he didn't come to school on occasion. Chidori would always be there, but she was basically family so it wasn't a big deal. Sliding his school work along with his computer into his satchel, he jumped up. "So what are we doing today?" he asked the approaching Touji.

"Track practice for me today followed by some basketball with the others. You're free to come with me," Touji had that grin of his. It was a condescending, I'm better than you, type of expression. Touji knew he was bigger and stronger than the other two boys he hung out with, and he reminded them. Slapping Shinji on the back lightly as he walked up to the duo he joked, "Now if Ayanami-san was here Shin-man would be busy too. But since his girlfriend isn't here, maybe you two could hang out."

Rotating his shoulder, Touji could hit hard without trying, Shinji joined the others in heading for the door. "I keep tell you Touji, we're not dating. Just friends is all. Yesterday was just her being confused is all, you all saw it," Shinji wasn't resisting to hard though. A slight twinge of his lips, a quarter smile, was proof that maybe he was thinking Rei wasn't mistaken. The incident had been something they all did put off as a larf at first. Rei wrapped an arm around Shinji's waist as they walked and simple asked 'isn't this how male and female friends interact.'

"Whatever Shinji," Kensuke fixed his glasses and waggled a finger, "you can fight as much as you want. But that girl is eying you. Never seen that before." And Kensuke did like to people watch, trying to predict what they were going to do. After watching his classmates for the last few years, he considered himself pretty good at it. Rei, Kensuke loved watching people talk to her. Nobody reacted the same way to that wall of emptiness. Girls hated her for not joining the click, boys had their pride torn to shreds as she didn't flush or react. So to see her act this way with Shinji, oh Kensuke was digging this scene. But now Shinji was the new unique entity who didn't react the way he expected. More to himself he asked, "But why are you so against it? She not attractive enough or social enough for you?"

Since Rei wasn't present at school that day, which meant either illness or Nerv, Shinji was more open to talk about it. "I just don't want to get my hopes up. You guys got me good with Tachibana-san. And since I know Ayanami-san is a little different, I don't want to jump to conclusions," he held his bag with both hands. Stopping at the door as a trio of girls walked by, one noticed Shinji and waved to which he returned it weakly. Moving aside so Touji could get past, "Did you want to do anything? I didn't get a call about tests so I should be free."

"Keep up on him, Ken. We'll get Shin-man to confess his love for the girl and then we can live vicariously through him," Touji joked. Waving at the two and exchanging small pleasantries he ran off to join a small group of similarly dressed boys.

Peeking at another reason why he came to school rather than just drop, Kensuke saw a flock of attractive girls. Cheerleaders for the American Football team were chatting and clad in their uniforms. Getting a few pictures of them would be great sellers, but he left his camera at home by mistake. "Don't let Touji get to you. You were right about Tachibana, you know her better than us, so maybe you're right about this too. Have to admit though, its making a stir in the class," Kensuke lead the way towards the exit. Best to get going before Chidori saw him, she'd demand he introduce Shinji to her. Thinking of something to do he went to his standard, "Arcade?"

Chidori, for whatever reason Kensuke couldn't fathom, just had it in her head that Sakura Tachibana had it bad for Shinji. His childhood friend, that annoying quasi-sister, was part of the cheerleading squad and claimed she heard all the juicy gossip. So when Chidori said Sakura liked Shinji, Kensuke was quick to believe her. While she was selfish and annoying, Chidori never lied to him before. After the fallout of Shinji's preemptive confession, Chidori wanted to know what Shinji did or said to the girl.

Checking his wallet, Shinji counted a few bills and put it away. "I've enough to play a few games, and it's on the way to the grocery store. I can just pick up some carry out for Misato-san. So sounds good to me," he held the door open for a few girls behind them. Shinji just had that casual gentlemen quality that if he had tried to get girls, Kensuke bet he'd have them in droves. Earnestly he confessed, "Thanks for not pushing it like Touji wants to. I'm confused about what to make of Ayanami-san."

"Kensuke hold up a minute I need to talk to you!" Chidori was using her high pitched tone. She knew it annoyed him, and only used it to make sure he heard and listened. The din of the other students died down as yet again Nagato was 'pulling the chain on her pet'. Another order, "And don't let him leave either. I want to talk to him."

Hunching over, hands on his sides, Kensuke felt his glasses slip a little. "Ah damn it. Was hoping to avoid having this happen today. She's been wanting to talk to you about that Tachibana thing, she still thinks the girl likes you," he headed to the side of the door. He knew what people thought of Chidori and his relationship, and he didn't care. If it was easier for the others to think he was waiting on her hand and foot, let them, he knew the truth. They grew up from diapers together, constant companions since their fathers worked together and were friends. They saw her as the attractive and indigent student council member and cheerleader, far outside the range of the military otaku. They didn't see the dirty underside that made her human, made her worth knowing.

Joining Kensuke by the wall, Shinji instantly shrunk in on himself when he heard why this girl wanted to talk to him. Following the students walking out the door with envious eyes, "I told you already though. When I mentioned rumor to her she shut me down fast." Shoulders going slack, Shinji was ready to bolt and Kensuke knew it. The Rei issue was enough to keep him flustered, add to it the old wound he had been thrown in, yeah Shinji was a bastion of peace. Weakly he muttered, "Not like we even interacted with each other much."

Kensuke pondered that, Shinji's reaction and shift in emotion. "Don't let her get to ya man. Chidori is just used to everybody doing what she says. People fall for the act that she's some princess or queen. She's better than what she shows, but not for what she does," he hoped Chidori grew up. While she was physically older, she just was so immature that it made Kensuke worry. Juggling boyfriends, staying out late, and the pictures she had on her camera made Kensuke worry. "She's somewhat friends with Tachibana, so maybe she just wants to make sure you're doing alright," Kensuke offered a weak possibility.

"A-alright. So how do you know her? Touji said a few things, but we know how he can get," Shinji asked. It was as close to calling Touji out for exaggerating as both teens got.

Propping one foot flat against the wall, his knee jut out from his spindly body. "We grew up together. She's more family than friend at this point. And Touji, I think he likes her, most guys do. So like all the others he just assumes I'm letting her treat me like crap so I can be in her life. Easier for them to accept than maybe some geek has a shot with their dream girl. But enough about her. How far HAVE you got with Ayanami? You are thinking of asking her out, what could it hurt?" he set his bag down. Damn thing got heavy if he wasn't moving.

Crossing his arms across his chest, Shinji shrugged and fixed his gaze on the shoeboxes. A girl stood by his for a moment, opened the one under it and put a note in. After a sigh of relief, "I…I won't lie to you, as long as you don't tell Touji." Shinji refused to speak again until Kensuke shook his hand. "I think I might like her. She's, well if you can get past her façade, she's cute…her personality," he was quick to amend. "I don't know if it's just I wanting to be her friend like you guys are for me, but I won't deny when she makes me short of breathe and I just want to make her happy."

Scrunching his lips to the side, Kensuke puzzled that one too. "Not a resounding declaration of love or lust," Shinji never spoke in definites Kensuke learned. But with a life like his, Kensuke could see why he would. Pushing too hard though would get Shinji to clam up, and he wanted to know more. Helping his few friends was important to the geek. "Why not give it a try though? If it works out great, if not at least you know. Or you could ask her what she wants. Maybe she can make the choice for you," always easier to push the buck along.

"You!" Chidori stood defiantly in front of Shinji, arms crossed and legs in a defensive stance. "What did you say to Sakura to upset her so much, Ikari-kun?" she put a hand against the wall. Separating Kensuke and Shinji with her arm, she leaned over the shorter boy. "One day she's going on and on about how cute you are and how she's going to ask you out. For that girl to say anything is extraordinary! She's so docile and peaceful, and yet she was actually possessive of you. And now…what did you say to her?" she grabbed Shinji's collar and pulled him closer.

Knowing Shinji's touch issues, Kensuke was on the move instantly. "Chidori maybe you should relax. You said Tachibana was just an acquaintance of yours, why are you acting like this?" he held his hands out worried. Touji and he had a small pass on small touches, acts of friendship, but they saw him do his emotional clam routine whenever anybody else got close. "Just calm down, you'll draw a crowd," play to her vanity to get actions.

Pulling Shinji towards her, Chidori moved her free hand to point at Kensuke. "Well she's more than just that, didn't want you sniffing around her though," Chidori fought Kensuke back. But she did release Shinji and put her hands on her hips, her long brown hair billowed in the wind when the door opened to let kids out. "Sorry for jumping on you," she apologized, "but she is my friend and I've seen the change. She's so depressed now, I assume you turned her down. But did you…Ken said you were a good guy. You didn't push her towards anything dirty did you?"

"She-she turned me down!" Shinji yelped and pushed back against the wall with a thump. Standing up tall, he alternated between Chidori and the door. "All I did was ask her about the rumor of her liking me. She said I was mistaken, that she meant Ikuraki Shinji from the football team. She was really nice in letting me down. So I'm…I'm not the reason she's upset," Shinji's voice gained confidence. Some well of bravery that he seldom tapped into was opened. Walking around the girl and heading to the door, "She's seems like a very nice girl, Nagato-san, I wouldn't have upset her. So maybe you should talk to Ikuraki-san?"

Back stepping and knocking into Kensuke, Chidori went shrill, "Ikuraki! That perv? Why the hell would she want to…but if you said…" The girl went silent and spun around. Winking at Kensuke she blew him a kiss and shrugged. "I feel like an idiot. I've been so sure it was you, Ikari-kun, that I never suspected. Well guess I owe you both an apology. Ken I'll call you when I get home, after I call her to get this straightened out," a quick hand wave at the boys she rejoined her troupe.

And there went hurricane Chidori, girl was truly a force of nature. Scratching the back of his head, "See told you not to worry. She just acts to fast and without thinking sometimes. And was that a bit of aggression I saw there at the end?" Kensuke could needle when he thought it mattered. It helped him to learn, to understand. Heading out into the early afternoon sun, it felt glorious on his skin, "Was afraid you'd go all Forth Angel on her and I'd have to witness barbarian Ikari again." Kensuke pumped his arms in emphasis.

"I just felt upset that she blamed me for hurting Tachibana-san. I hardly know the girl, but I wouldn't wish bad on her, and I especially wouldn't try to get her to-to you know," Shinji walked with a little pride in his step. Glancing at his watch, he slung his bag over his shoulder, "Still glad it wasn't worse than it was though. That girl is odd."

Laughing, Kensuke rubbed his nose with his finger, "Understatement of the year my friend, understatement of the year." Shinji had called him friend, and that was something Touji and he speculated on occasion. Whether Shinji actually considered them friends or acquaintances, but hearing him say the word, Kensuke wouldn't let him forget it. "Still good for the arcade?" after that outburst though, maybe the pilot was done.

Making a positive sound and nodding, Shinji fell in step with Kensuke and the pair headed off to the arcade. It was a good hour and a half of gaming, Shinji 'lent' a few yen to Kensuke after he had spent all his money. It hadn't been asked for, but it was accepted. Kensuke kept to the FPS while Shinji the prize games, but they watched the other play before heading to the others new machine. They chatted about inane things, teen things, but all things came to an end. With one last pestering question about putting in a good word to Misato to make him a back-up pilot, Kensuke headed home.

Being a pilot, it had to be awesome, controlling that giant behemoth. The surge of power and authority that came with it, yeah Kensuke would still dream about that. Computers gave him power over others at a distance, but the military and an Eva would give it up front. His low self-esteem gave want his wanting some sense of worth over his meager status in life.

The house was empty when he got home, a message on the phone from his dad said the elder Aida would be working late. Nothing out of the ordinary. Frozen dinner in the freezer was his supper, and the news his conversation. His homework helped pass the evening until Chidori came over, she had a key so she just let herself in. She had leftovers from her mother's meal, so Kensuke ate again so she'd not get upset. Chidori hated when he ate 'junk food'. They played a game, he let her win, and listened to her rant about the other cheerleaders and her problems, he was her sounding board as normal. But he enjoyed it, that was until the girl got a call. Sakura was calling her and livid about something, the girl left soon after.

X-X

Putting her school uniform back on, Rei just dropped the soiled towel on the ground. She was due to speak to the commander and that trumped simple cleanliness. Let the janitorial staff complain, they just had to tell Gendo why Rei was late. What did he want to say to her, had she failed him somehow? Just today she had performed her standard tests, let Akagi take yet another physical, and synchronized with the Dummy Plug. Never once did she do anything to contradict an order or violate a rule she had been given.

Kicking her shoes one, her toes hurt due to the prolonged submersion in LCL and then the abuse. No matter, pain was transitory and faded. With her hair dripping the noxious smelling fluid as she moved, Rei made a beeline for the command bridge and Gendo's office. Maybe she'd go to visit Shinji after this meeting, she had missed school today and felt compelled to see him. Spending time with Shinji was becoming the sole blessing in her life. He provided delicious food, how he referred to her caused her to warm in strange ways, and being around him was filled with wonders. Warm water, good food, positive words, and oh how his skin felt against hers. Simple truly was best.

"Oh Rei, you still here? I'm heading out in an hour or so, want a ride?" Misato asked as Rei entered the bridge. The captain was overseeing some work her subordinates were doing, with how she was standing lazily the woman had been working all morning. Patting Makoto's shoulder reassuringly, "Good job, Aoba-kun you got it."

Watching the interaction, Rei wondered if that touch meant anything more than at face value. Misato Katsuragi, she lived with Shinji, maybe she could provide details that would ease Rei's disquiet. Her acquisition of 'dating magazines' from the bookstore, the girl behind the counter had insisted they were the best source for Rei to use, left much to be desired. "If you so wish," she called out to the exasperated captain. When Misato just waved dismissively at her, Rei took that as an agreement and ventured into Gendo's office. As she entered the dimly lit room, both commander and sub-commander looked up from whatever work they were doing. Standing at rest before Gendo's desk, "You requested to see me Sir?"

A sidelong glance at Kozo, Gendo adjusted his glasses and crossed his hands before his face. Masking all his easy tells, "Yes Rei, we had a report confirmed from captain Katsuragi yesterday. What we want is your account of the events in question." Gendo never spoke above a casual if not bored tone, but the atmosphere in the room was thick. The girl was on trial for crimes possibly committed. "What occurred between yourself and the Third Child at the Katsuragi apartment three days ago?"

Showing no fear, Rei was far to disciplined to let something as simple as a question rattle her. "As per Akagi-san's orders, I have been allowing Pilot Ikari to provide my meals while keeping with the sanction of no meat," Rei started off simple. The commander was a busy man, it was possible he was unaware of the change of decorum that Ritsuko had set into motion. He made no motion, so Rei continued. "The night in question, Captain Katsuragi provided us with funding to acquire our evenings repast from outside sources. Pilot Ikari selected a cheese pizza. Upon its delivery the courier tripped and threw it on me," Rei stopped when Kozo held his hand up.

"So you were only over at Katsuragi's due to Akagi telling you to have him cook for you? I find that odd, why would she tell you to do that?" the older man stood tall. His age did not intone weakness or senility. Close at Gendo's side, the tall man did have a softness to his face, one Rei knew was only partially true. Rolling his hand over, "So you had a pizza thrown on you, go on."

Her head bobbed quick and birdlike, "At that point I attempted to leave to tend to the scalding and my state of cleanliness." They had always insisted she stay within the norms of society as to not stand out, sanitation being top of the priority. The pizza had been painful on her skin, but she had been willing at the time to take care of issues herself. After the heaven that was a hot bath however, she was glad Shinji contended. Not opting to show any loyalty other than to them, "Pilot Ikari was insistent he tend to my clothing while I bathed there. He claimed worries of skin burning. Then he provided one of captain Katsuragi's robes for me to done while I waited my clothing cleaned."

Picking up the report on his desk, Gendo slapped it lightly with his fingers. "So why did you stay after your clothing was laundered? Katsuragi stated she woke up and you were still present," his glasses shifted but he did not correct them. Passing the single sheet of paper over to his subordinate, the man's hands slid under the lip of the desk and into dangerous unknowns.

Why were they acting as if she had betrayed them, Rei was growing slightly alarmed. All she wanted was just that small enjoyment, that absence of pain! Was she truly meant to have nothing of the sort, were those simple joys that horrible? Everybody else got to enjoy them, she knew that even the men talking to her did! But she would not withhold any pertinent information, "Ikari claimed captain Katsuragi would provide a ride to my apartment. But when she arrived she was to inebriated to perform the task, neither was Akagi-san. At the time they arrived it was beyond curfew, so I took the offered room for the night. I slept in Ikari-kun's room while he slept in the living room." Oh his bed had been so soft, the sheet so warm. She slept late, wanted to sleep in that bed again.

Standing up, Gendo rounded his desk and approached the young woman. Putting his gloved hand on her upper arm. "That confirms what Katsuragi has stated. But what we want to know is why did you do it? What goal do you have in mind? Nothing is done without a purpose, we know you know this," his grip tightened. It was a painful hold, kept her in from moving and brought a small grin to the man's face.

"Think before you speak Ayanami. We play a dangerous game that cannot have unattended variables. We have given you some allowances lately, but we can take them away if we fear it is doing our goals issue," Kozo joined Gendo at the girl's side. He was further away, leaning against the desk, but he was just as imposing a sight.

How could she think in a situation like this? The man that held her life in his hand was displeased, and his subordinate was threatening to take away the second connection to anything she'd ever made in her life! "I was not thinking," she confessed truthfully. She had gone along with it as it filled her miserable life with something beyond emptiness. "I was ordered to protect Ikari-kun and I felt it necessary to know him on beyond a report level to gauge his reactions to events. I have only followed orders that you have set out to me," she wanted that pain to leave. Gendo, the commander, the man that had given her a purpose was causing her pain now. She slumped down to her knees after his arm wrenching squeeze relented.

That slick and smooth almost vile smile was on both men's faces. They had power over her still and they knew it, had nothing to fear. Taking his seat again, Gendo fixed his glasses again. "Acceptable. For now we will allow this to continue, but remember if it interferes with your duties you will be punished," replaced was the word they all truly heard. For the next thirty minutes Gendo and Kozo filled Rei in on other matters. The coming of the Second Child, changes to Rei's medication, status of her recovery, and plans for the reactivation test of Unit-00 following its repairs. As Rei saluted, Gendo's head slipped ever so slightly, "You may go. But remember if the matter with the Third escalates to the point we question your loyalty to us…"

"It will not come to that Sir," Rei knew what that pause meant. But it wasn't an issue, loyalty to Nerv was first and everything else was second. Twirling on her heels she headed out of the office with her bicep still throbbing in pain. Whatever he had done to her had lasting effects, a reminder that she was not to slip to far on her leash. Rei found Misato lounging in her chair, a magazine over her face and legs up on the counsel. Clearing her throat to get the woman's attention, Rei stated, "My meeting has ended. If you are prepared?"

Lurching forward, the magazine (one on fashion) went flying forward, Misato nearly tumbled from her chair. "Oh yeah, hey, Rei, sorry about that," Misato rubbed at her eyes and got up. Cracking her back, she hunted for anybody that might have seen her lapse of consciousness. "Good to go if you are. So where am I taking you, home or your apartment?" she winked at the girl as she put her jacket on.

After that meeting, Rei felt an odd need in her. "My apartment," she felt she was being tested. With the lingering threat made by the commanders, Rei would not have doubted they'd be watching her for a while. But she wanted to go to Shinji, some how she felt being with him would make the unease go away. It was a growing realization, that when with Shinji things were good when she was alone or away from him there was suffering. So she wanted to be with him…just thinking of it made her fell light.

Deflating a bit, Misato pouted, "And here I was hoping to see want to come over. Shinji-kun is easier to tease when you're around. You should try it, teasing him, bet you'd enjoy that." Misato bade good evening to the others, and chatted endlessly to Rei as they headed to her car. Nothing of it was of any real import. Gossip about people Rei didn't know, juicy stories of things Rei didn't understand, and just confusing things. Taking Rei's directions to get to the apartment where she stayed, Misato started laughing once she parked outside the building, "Oh that's a good one Rei. Having me drive to this hovel. Now where do you really live, I'm getting hungry and Shinji should be having supper done soon."

"This is not an attempt at humor, it is my residence. You may inquire Shinji-kun of this if you do not believe me," Rei unstrapped her belt and opened her door. This building, full of garbage, vermin, and vagrants. It was her home, and she was becoming to hate it. After suffering all the vanities and wonders of the Katsuragi/Ikari apartment, she longed for even a fraction of them. But she was not allowed, so she would just suffer in silence as she had before. When she went to shut the door, she found Misato's hand on it and her face ashen, "Is something wrong?"

Grabbing Rei's hand, Misato pulled her back in. "You're not staying here, if you're joking I'm going to be pissed at you, if you're not I'm going to be pissed at somebody at Nerv. You're coming with me to my apartment until this gets sorted out," once the door was shut Misato sped off. The radio blared out a pop tune that thankfully filled the silence only broken by Misato's labored breathing. "Oh god you're telling the truth about that place. A girl your age shouldn't even be walking in that neighborhood let along live there! What if some creep saw you, he'd be all over you like Shin-chan probably wants to!"

As the buildings changed from desolate and crumbling to clean, Rei chest seemed to untie. The knot that had tied in her insides since the meeting with Gendo had slackened. Images of Shinji and her in ways Misato was suggesting filled her mind and her fingers twitched and a fire filled her belly. "You believe Shinji-kun wishes to engage in acts of copulation with me?" she asked softly almost fearfully. Such had occurred to her, going beyond such small touches. The magazines did speak of going that far, Rei knew it was part of a relationship, but she never thought about herself doing so. "That he wishes to…be in a relationship with me," she wondered at that. He showed the signs, based on her reading, but had not acted on it. Did she want that? Well, based on what she had felt so far to have it escalate would be outside her feasible imagination.

Swerving and nearly hitting a parked car, Misato gripped the wheel tightly and paled. "Wasn't expecting that question from you," she said with an uneven laugh. Turning down the music, Misato slowed down to legal limits and drummed her fingers over the wheel. With as much reluctance as could be believed she addressed the question, "I was joking when I said that, but I think he might have feelings for you, Rei. He seems happy when you're over, just like you do. As for if he wants to take things further, well that's for the two of you to decide. I'd say you were too young for such things, but both of you have had the bad parts of adulthood thrown on you, why not the good too. So, I'll ask you this…do you want something more than what you two have going on?" Misato spared a moment to look at the girl before pulling into the apartment parking garage.

"I believe I do," Rei found herself speaking without taking a moment to think. It shocked her after she heard herself say it. He made her feel happy and safe, judging from his reactions she thought maybe she was doing the same for him. Taking that sensation she got from Shinji even further? Well it was a fascinating idea, almost a fearful need for it. Fumbling her hands on her lap, Rei shifted uncomfortably in her seat, "But I do not know to what degree. What I know of relations is not direct or complete. I am unsure what I want. When I feel him, he speaks to me, I warm, I want more." Needed more to be precise, needed to know that little light wouldn't go away, she coveted it.

Getting out of the car, Misato locked the doors after Rei shut her door. "F-feel him? Rei…how far have you two gone? I thought you just ate and watched a movie or two together. You two haven't…you know?" Misato's tone lost its humor and was flat. Leading the way up the stairs she kept herself in front of Rei and set the pace for their advancement. Standing outside her apartment, the keys in hand, she held a hand to stop the teen. Slowly and deliberately, "If you have it's not a bad thing. But you need to be careful, use protection. So tell the truth Rei, are you two sleeping with each other?"

"No, we have not had any sort of sexual interactions. By feel I mean I have held his wrist or touched his shoulder in small manners. Much the way you have with Aoba earlier today," Rei pinked at the thought. Up until recently she had given her body no consideration, it was just a vessel. Her body had brought her pain and troubles, while her mind had been the escape from it all. Now, it was blossoming in her mind as something other than a burden, it was something to explore and enjoy. And she had somebody to do so with. The documents had been very concise on that idea, girls were not to go after many guys, just the one they loved. She didn't know love truly, but it could be what she felt. Just maybe. Finding Misato smiling at her, a test passed maybe, "How would I know if I do, we do wish to proceed?"

Bumping her head against the door, it thumped loudly, Misato let out a single bark of a laugh. "Oh God Rei you just scared a year or more off my life. I thought whenever I left Shinji-kun and you were going at it like rabbits," she wiped a single tear of laughter from her eye. Unlocking the door, she pushed it open for her visitor. Offhandedly, "Well you'll know if you like each other if when you kiss each other you feel that spark. If you feel nothing but flesh, well that's friendship not love." Taking her coat off she hung it on the hanger and tossed her hat on it.

So a kiss would prove if they liked each other beyond what she kept hearing was the friendship barrier. Well that was easy enough to solve. Walking with a purpose through the apartment, Rei found Shinji sitting on the couch watching a game show. Her mind halted as she watched the back of his head. What if she didn't feel the 'spark' Misato spoke of, if it was just another lie? Would he leave her then, stop talking, stop everything…it was almost reason enough to not proceed. But fear didn't suit her, and if what she felt before was just a small thing compared to greater glories?

"Shin-chan we have company tonight," Misato sang as she found Rei silently watching the boy. Sniffing the air like a dog, "You ordered take-out? What is the occasion?" But Misato didn't get an answer. She turned to find Rei with her arms around Shinji's body holding him against her. Judging from the clumsy embrace not much more than pressed faces, Misato snorted out a laugh. But when it didn't end after five seconds, she tapped Rei's shoulder and pulled her away. "So…what did you feel?" she continued to pull Rei from the stunned boy who had closed his eyes.

"I believe it was a spark," Rei whispered. It was more than that, it was contentment. Something she couldn't describe fully, but wanted more of. But Misato had forced the trio to eat and set the record straight. Rei was going to be staying with them until alternate housing could be found. She'd be using the small extra room the apartment had. All through it, Rei just sat and listened. A change, she was going to be staying with him. That night, after Misato fell asleep on the couch with her fourth drink half finished, she approached Shinji in his room. Unable to meet his gaze, an odd sense of worry overtook her, "D-did you enjoy what I did when I first arrived…Katsuragi said if we enjoyed it…we like one another."

Sitting on his bed, Shinji's face split open with a bright grin. He had been equally quiet that evening, Rei's kiss had set him off his stride. "I…I really enjoyed it, Rei-san. W-what do we do now though? A-are we a couple?" he asked with equal measure fear and hope.

"Yes, we are," she answered for him, and she smiled at him. It wasn't as large as the one when he saved her, but it was remarkable. Rather than push her luck and understanding of things, Rei shut the door and went to the room she was provided. A spare futon had been laid out for her. Softer than her own bed, Rei fell asleep in her cloths, mind plagued with doubts, fears, and hopes.

X-X

Authors Notes

Trying to keep the pacing good and not be to overly cheesy with this. Hope you're all still enjoying this. I had to write fast this time, lots of stuff going on, so a bit more missed words than normal. I'd say I'd go over it and fix it but we all know I'm bad at that.

Hope its not to much of a detraction

Ja Mata

Zentrodie