Standard Disclaimer
Still sad the pool is closed, it mocks me. Getting a good handle of the three story rotation, wondering about adding a fourth back in, or keeping it small to get faster round time…decisions decisions
X-X
With Nothing Else
Chapter – 4
As they neared their destination, Shinji was never more liking the sight of boats. Flying as it turned out didn't really agree with his stomach, as it did flips and jumps as the carriage moved about. The others didn't seem to be bothered, hell Kensuke was all but dancing about with his camera while Touji hadn't taken his eyes off Misato. While he hadn't tossed his cookies and doubted he would, Shinji just wanted off this darn aerial monstrosity. But at least it was a nice change of pace from the usual, and good to be with his friends as well. As much as he enjoyed his time with his girlfriend, Rei did demand nearly all his free time.
Bouncing his shoulder against Shinji's, Touji flinched his head towards the gawking Kensuke. "Think he's about to wet his pants over those old rust buckets. Hardly a lovely fleet or date I'd say. At least we have Misato-san here with us," Touji fixed his hat. Over the course of the hour long flight, Touji had mentioned his 'special hat' no less than three times.
"He's just excited is all. You know Kensuke is more into this than we are. And I've never seen that many large ships either," Shinji tried to defend the enthusiastic Kensuke. He did envy that in Kensuke though, Shinji didn't have anything that got him that excited. Well Rei did get his heart rate to spike, but he didn't think it an apt comparison. Flexing his hands again, Shinji could still feel the phantom sensation of Rei's flesh there. If it hadn't been for that phone call, they'd have… Swallowing hard, Shinji wasn't sure he was ready, but if Rei was he'd not deny her. "So did you two get your homework done already or is it going to be a late night for you two?" he had finished his after Rei had been called in.
Plopping down on Touji's free side, Kensuke's grin was from ear to ear. Fixing his glasses as they threatened to test their durability by falling, "Shin-man, thanks again for this! To see the Pacific fleet like this is something marvelous! Just imagine all that firepower down there! And we get to see Unit-02 right?" Kensuke gave the pilots seat and co-pilot seat a pleading glance, Kensuke aiming solely at the lovely Captain Katsuragi.
"Well our first stop isn't the aircraft carrier with Unit-02, but maybe we can take a ship-to-ship flight before the end of the day, Aida-kun," Misato spared the trio of boys a look. Her smile was a little forced, Shinji's friends were quite different than him and tried very hard to impress, but it wasn't all practiced theatrics. Gripping an overhead handle, Misato's eye twitched as she shifted and the pilot accidentally shouldered her bust. "So you three ready to meet the Second Child? Shin-chan you better not stray or your girlfriend might get angry. Asuka is a bit of a unique specimen," the captain winked at her roommate.
Wrapping a meaty arm around Shinji's neck, the enthusiastic jock held the boy hostage. "Think if Shin-man here strays from that girl she'd just drag him off to her apartment and tie him up. Or does she do that to you already Shin-man? Ayanami was all over you when we left this morning. You get in an early morning shag or something?" Touji rapped his knuckle against Shinji's temple lightly.
Prying Touji's arm off of him, Shinji didn't mind the slight pain from the over exuberant blows. "Rei-san is just a little nervous about this trip is all. She doesn't normally…" Shinji saw the three weren't buying it. When they were leaving that morning Rei had been there to 'say goodbye'. Her means of that was a very amorous and open display of affection. He really needed to talk to Rei about that, some things were best when alone only. How she had touched him, the desperation and effort…well Touji and Kensuke just kept teasing him about it. Now did he think Rei would do something desperate if she thought he was 'cheating'…well he never planned on it so never considered it.
"We'll be making our final descent now, so strap yourselves in back there. And you Katsuragi-san, do you need help with your buckle?" the pilot asked the woman to his side. When Misato made a point of clipping her buckle loudly he shrugged, "Take that as a no." Swing and a miss, poor man had tried a few times to strike up conversation with his co-pilot all flight. It didn't pan out.
Leaning in close to Shinji, Touji whispered, "Misato-san get hit on a lot like that? I mean that guy was all over her and she just keeps pushing him back. Guys need to know when they're out of a woman's league." Running his thumb across the bridge of his cap, the jock licked his lips, "She is still single right?"
Not wanting to tell Touji of what he knew of Misato, Shinji didn't want to have that talk. "I don't think she's really looking for a guy right now," Shinji shorthanded the answer. Over more than a few drunken nights, Misato made her thoughts of her current co-workers quite well known. No, Misato did not want a man in her life. Well a man other than him, she had gotten really drunk when she said that. 'My little butler is the only man I want.' After that little slip she passed out on the couch and Shinji had to position her so she didn't strain herself. Very odd night that had been last week. But why ruin Touji's mood, "And aren't you interested in Hokari-san?"
"Bet he's one of Chidori's secret fans or something. Would explain why he's so fixated on my friendship with her," Kensuke said offhandedly. Never taking his camera away from the window, the boy just scanned every solitary element of the military convoy. Wincing in pain as Touji slapped his back hard, Kensuke reluctantly sat back down and cradled his camera in his lap. Flicking Touji's hat angrily, "Oh and I got a call from her last night Shinji. Apparently she got into a fight with Ayanami over Tachibana. Chidori said Ayanami told Tachibana not to talk to you or something."
Why would Rei talk to Sakura? Shinji couldn't think of a reason for it, and tried not to think about his unintended refusal from the girl. "Rei-san mentioned something about it. Said Nagato-san approached her and got confrontational. But she said it wasn't a big issue," Rei had gleamed over it. During their little date last night she had mentioned Chidori in passing, claiming it was why she was late. He'd talk to her about it when he got back to the city. "I'm sure it's nothing, likely just a misunderstanding or something." Oh how he hoped he'd never have to hear about Tachibana again. It was just a mistake all around, why tease him about it?
"Maybe or maybe Ayanami is a bit obsessed with you or something. We don't see you when she's not busy. Girl practically owns you, she tattoo her name on your lil man down there?" Touji teased as he fixed his belt. "Something you need Misato-san, did you see the hat I got for our little date?" Touji said with a little too much enthusiasm, his comment got the woman's attention and she turned back to them.
Tugging on her collar, Misato then fixed her hat while looking peculiar at Shinji. A worried expression crested her chocolate eyes for a moment, "No Suzuhara-kun, but when we land Shinji-kun I have a few things to tell you before we meet the Second Child." Winking at the lad to try and ease his nerves about her little ultimatum. A small snicker as she turned back to the quickly approaching deck, "And it's a…nice hat."
Feeling his stomach rise in his chest at the sudden drop, Shinji rubbed it gently to alleviate the sensation. "S-sure thing, Misato-san," he hoped it wasn't anything bad. Misato was a little odd at times when the issue of Ayanami came up, but Shinji had no idea why. Maybe he was spending a little too much time with Rei, but they really enjoyed one another's company! And feeling the need to defend Rei and his activities, "And Rei-san isn't obsessed, Touji. We're just…well we are dating. When you get a girlfriend you'll understand." It was strange for him to be talking from a position of superiority, he didn't like it.
Conversation halted as the VTOL jerked about in halting descent towards the aircraft carrier. It jerked from side to side as it attempted center in on the landing bay. The teens bounced off one another, Kensuke nearly dropping his camera, but the sound of the engines made was deafening. With a massive jerk the massive vehicle landed and the pilot started flipping switches seemingly at random. "Thank you for your patience, and enjoy your stay with us," the man said jovially with one last baiting hope at Misato. She shrugged, patted the man's shoulder and opened the door for the escape.
Following after Touji and Kensuke got off, Shinji fought back a grin when Touji's hat was caught up in a breeze and went flying. "Don't chase it off the deck!" Shinji called out as Touji ran with Kensuke filming everything. It was embarrassing to see his friends acting less like fourteen year olds and more like five. While he didn't want to consider himself a coward, he had hoped to avoid Misato's little ultimatum. It was going to be about Rei and his relationship, Shinji just knew it. So as he tried to follow his friends, he felt his heart lurch when Misato's hand clamped down on him, "Thought it would work." He whimpered under his breath.
"We have to have a small talk about your relationship, Shin-chan," Misato held Shinji with one hand and her barrette with the other. Once the VTOL's engine died off and the wind stop assaulting them, she shifted to holding her jacket together. "Look, Shin-chan, I know you and Ayanami-kun are new at this whole relationship thing, but do you think you might be taking things a little too far or fast?" she kept herself as the sole focus of his vision.
Wanting to break free from her gentle hold, Shinji's body was tensing up. "I don't know what you mean, Misato-san. Sure we spend a lot of time together, it's just…neither of us have many friends. She has even fewer than I do…so we hang out. W-would you rather I just sit around the apartment?" he felt scalded. What was he doing that was so wrong that everybody commented on it? It wasn't something wrong, they were just having fun! Rei's fixation on touching and rushing towards that one little thing was a bit worrisome, but aside that it was great! But Misato's face was just so laden with worry, "It's not as bad as Touji and Kensuke say. I'm not…I'm not obsessed with her or anything." He did enjoy time apart from her as well.
Diverting her attention for a moment to insure Touji and Kensuke hadn't gotten into trouble, Misato's grip tightened. She smiled at him, but it was a small and sad one, "Oh I know you're not, Shin-chan. You'd have asked to have her come with us if you were. But what about Ayanami-kun? Is she…making you come over more than you want? Asking you to do things you do not want to do? I've known Ayanami-kun longer than you, and she's changed a little since you got together." Her head whipped to the other boys for a second and winced at something she saw.
When Shinji went to follow her gaze, the taller woman just grabbed his chin and forced him to look at her. "She's not…" Shinji started but stalled. Rei wasn't forcing him to do these things, he wanted to. It was just a little new and he was trying to digest it all. Clearing his throat, trying to remove all traces of doubt, "She's not making me do anything, really Misato-san. Rei-san just has nothing else, when she gets a few more friends I'm sure she'll not want me over all the time." But she wasn't trying or seeming to want it.
"You telling me the truth Shin-chan? Look I'm not trying to embarrass you or anything, and I know it's not easy to talk about, but look me in the eye and tell me you're one hundred percent on this?" Misato bent at the knees a little. Her hands rubbed his shoulders softly, trying to coax the lad into buckling and spilling the metaphorical beans. "You can tell me, Shin-chan, I won't tell anybody else. Our little secret," she tapped his nose.
Damn it! He could never refuse Misato when she talked to him like this. She took him into her home, treated him kindly, and made him feel welcome. Nobody had done that for him before. "Well…Touji and Kensuke would laugh at me, but when Rei and I am together…she really likes touching. T-that way," Shinji clarified as his embarrassment kicked in. Why did he have to be difficult! Guys were supposed to be the ones pushing the envelope in the relationship, and here he was with a beautiful and willing girlfriend and hesitating. "I-I like it, but don't think I'm ready. But she really wants to…last night we almost…but she got a call," his head hung in shame. Something was wrong with him!
"Well I…uh…that's brave of you to tell me, Shinji-kun," Misato took a step back suddenly uncertain. Turning the boy around, keeping her arms draped around his neck and dangling on his chest, she lead him towards a stripe of red hair and yellow. The confidence in her words were gone, but Misato pressed on as she bounced off the boy's back, "And they shouldn't laugh at you, and if they do tell me and I'll put them in their place. Want me to talk to Ayanami-kun about it?"
Misato's body was just so warm, Shinji felt himself relaxing into it. Normally he was opposed to such displays of affection, but right now he allowed it. Non-judgmental and strangely for her serious, Shinji took the compliment for what it was. "N-no thank you Misato-san. I'll talk to her myself about it, but thanks for not…not you know making fun of me for saying those things. I'm even more uncomfortable talking about it than…" he just shut up and walked. "T-Touji what are you?" Shinji stammered as he approached his friends.
"Stupid bitch! I didn't ask you to flash us, and if that's how you want to play it take a look at mine!" Touji bellowed out in a rage. Quickly undoing the buckle of his belt, the jock yanked his pants and boxers down. "Take a good hard look!" he challenged with a smirk on his face.
The girl, expectedly, took acceptation to the flash and put her foot right in the apex of the boy's legs. "You pig!" the girl's shrill voice was made more powerful by the humidity in the air, "Misato, please tell me that wasn't the Third Child!" Stepping over the downed boy as Kensuke filmed the whole event, the redhead stood with a miffed expression before the captain.
Resting her head atop Shinji's, Misato gave the boy's chest a small bout of tickling. "No, that would be Suzuhara Touji, one of Shinji-kun's friends. The other is Aida Kensuke," she tilted her head to the film aficionado. Trailing her hands up Shinji's chest and ending on his shoulders, she presented the lad as if a trophy, "Here is the Third Child. And she, if you boys didn't know, is Asuka Langley Soryu the Second Child" And with that introduction she gave Shinji a small push sending him before girl without protection.
"Sorry about Touji's action there," Shinji jerked his hand down at Touji. It was hard not to notice, but Shinji could see that Touji as standing hard and proud…yet smaller than his own Shinji realized. Something he never wanted to know about his friends. "I don't know what he did to upset you, but I think you put him in his place already," Shinji felt phantom pain just at seeing the act.
Tilting her head back and forth as she evaluated the boy before her, Asuka tapped her finger to the side of her jaw. "Hmm a little plainer than I was expecting, but at least you aren't as odd as these two spores," she hiked her thumb at the two other boys. Extending her hand to Misato, she gripped the older woman and gave it a solid pump, "But with me around now, not like you're going to be needed much. Oh and where is the First?"
"Shin-chan's little girlfriend had to stay back just in case of an attack," Misato announced as Asuka lead her deeper into the ship. The two chatted in broken German and heavily accented Japanese.
Helping Touji to his feet with the aid of Kensuke, Shinji didn't know what to make of the newest addition to the pilot corp. She was beautiful alright, breathtakingly so, but so was Rei. Her attitude was abrasive and she hurt Touji, but he likely did something to cause it. Well, at least he was spared the red slap marks that his friends hand. He'd have to evaluate Asuka a little more before making a solid decision.
X-X
Walking down the aisles of the bookstore, Rei brushed past various customers that gave her various odd looks. It didn't bother her that they were commenting about the school girl skipping, or that she was in the adult section of the store. There were things she needed to learn in preparation of Shinji's return. While they both knew the simple mechanics of the act, she would need to know more, and the latest issue of her magazine was due out. After she made her purchase she'd just go to Nerv and read until she had her scheduled appointment.
"I must inquire to his status once I get on base," Rei tapped the book she was reading to her chin. He had been thoughtful enough to make her a meal for breakfast and a bento for lunch after she had been called in. Sadly it wasn't an important meeting, no, Gendo just wanted an update on her status and to share a small meal. A small growl sprung in her chest, "But had I not gone it would have resulted in punishment." It wasn't an issue though, today they would pick up where they left off.
Thumbing through the book, its cover was tastefully devoid of its subject matter, Rei felt her flesh warming at what she read. Such things were possible, but she hadn't considered any of these things! Well in time they'd experiment and find out what was good and what was overblown. Setting the book down she sampled several other books, it never did to just accept the first solution. A woman, grey haired and showing signs of wrinkling, scoffed at Rei and just rushed past her to the front of the store. What was wrong in gaining knowledge in aspects of life she was getting involved in? It wouldn't do well for her to be unskilled when it was time to perform.
Finding two books she thought were just the right mix of writing and imagery, she set the others back. Next she found a book on cooking vegetarian cuisine that she'd get for Shinji, he had said he wanted to cook her better meals. "But they are already more than sufficient," to think of even better food?! If Shinji wanted to keep providing even more wonderment for her, Rei would assist in all ways. Finishing off her book hunting with a few books on tactics, she grabbed the garish magazine that helped her so much and approached the cashier. Sliding the books, her Nerv ID, and pay card over, "I require a bag."
She had not seen the woman that initially suggested the Teen-Beat magazine for her, but Rei felt it best not to stray to others. The contents of those magazines were confusing and hard for Rei to fathom, but she was growing to understand her current better. Finding the clerk, a woman with thick glasses some lip piercing and a tongue ring, holding the adult books with her thumb and forefinger offensively. Rising her eyebrow, "Is there a problem?"
"You're a little young to be reading stuff like this aren't you?" the college student dropped the book back down. Scanning the magazine and the 'acceptable' books, the woman put them in a cloth bag before tugging on her dyed blonde bangs, "Can't sell you these two. But not like you need these at your age."
Another slight irritation, why must people always cause her problems? All Rei wanted was her literature and to be on her way, not a lecture on personal preferences. "My ID should allow me to purchase my items. If you've any issue call the number on the back," Rei heard a few people in line behind her talking. They were annoyed she was slowing the line down, they wanted her to just give up and go. But no! Shinji deserved somebody willing to go to the same effort he was making, so Rei would do as such. He was learning to cook better for her, so she could learn to better make them enjoy their time together!
"Look I don't know who you're…Nerv?" the cashier picked up Rei's card. Flipping it over and reading the details, her face paled and she covered her mouth. Quickly scanning the two additional books and putting a fake birth date when the computer's shrill yell bellowed. Adding them to the other books, the woman ran Rei's pay card and handed it all over to her. "Sorry about wasting your time Ayanami-kun, its standard procedure though. I was…out of line?" she tugged on her collar and held the receipt out.
Snapping the bag and receipt from the girl's hand, Rei just pocketed what she needed and headed out into the last morning bustle. People shouldn't butt into issues that weren't theirs to be concerned with. Gendo had always been firm on that, don't question and don't interfere. Yet those she interacted with were always causing undo problems. If only Shinji and she could just stay at the base while not piloting. There was plenty to do on site, yet they were forced into these bad situations. Shouldering the bag of her new purchases, something she'd been doing more of since she became Shinji's girlfriend, she checked her watch. Several hours till her need to synchronize with the Dummy Plug. One of the other few great blessings in her life.
"M-miss d-do you have a moment?" an older man in a business suit tapped on Rei's shoulder. Fixing his tie, the man was nervous in all his actions. Head jerking around whenever somebody passed Rei or him, he kept his back to most of them. In heavily uneven tones, "I couldn't help notice you in the bookstore and what you were buying. I…well…are you, you know, one of those girls that goes on pay-dates?"
Staring the man down, his head cloying with sweat, Rei shoved his hand off her shoulder with a jerk. "These are for my b-boyfriend and my usage only," such an odd term. Shinji was more than just a friend who was male. He opened her life up to blessings and joy unfathomed. Such a simple word didn't convey her feelings her NEED for Shinji in her life. Turning back down the street she left the man puzzled, "I will be leaving now."
Rushing over to her side, the man kept pace with Rei and fumbled his hands over one another. "B-But those books and your attitude. I'm willing to pay really well, and only for a little bit of your time. W-wouldn't you like to get your boyfriend a nice gift? I'd pay you really well…for doing practically nothing at all," he all but begged, "You are very pretty."
Did she want to get Shinji a gift? Well of course she would, but she didn't have the faintest of ideas of what she could get for him. Her feet coming to a stall, she noticed she was on a crack in the sidewalk. What this man was offering was something she had heard both from Shinji and Misato. Her good will was NOT what he wanted, this man just wanted her body and that was all. Shinji offered physical sensations and the equally coveted emotional support. Feeling a wad of cash put into her hand, the man sliding around her side put a hand to her back. Gently pushing her away from her goal, Rei's eyes flared, "Do not touch me."
"B-but I thought we had a deal," he stammered as Rei spun around to face him down. Her face didn't show any hint of her rage with the exception of her eyes, they were hard and focused. "It was just an offer, no reason to get up-upset with me," the man took a step back and started picking up the money Rei dropped. Shoving the bills into his wallet, "You're just a tease. Kids these days are all show and no follo…OW! LET GO! LET GO I'M SORRY!"
Holding the man's arm at a painful angle against his back, Rei forced him to the ground. "You have crossed a line. If I was not pressed for time I would take you to the authorities," Rei grimaced at the man's mewling. If she didn't do what others wanted, they always acted like this. They acted as if she owed them something, that if she didn't do what they wanted she was wrong! But Shinji only offered, never took, oh how she wanted him back here now. It was only a little while, but she already missed him. Releasing the man, Rei left him groveling on the ground and a small number of people surrounding them. This man, the woman at the register, and that odd woman at school that brought up the Tachibana girl…they just kept causing her problems.
Making her way to Nerv thankfully ignored by everybody else. Now that was something Rei was used to and enjoyed, being ignored. Life was simpler when nobody paid her any attention, just standard emptiness. Now that she knew her life was no longer empty, it made her appreciate things all the more. Changing into her plugsuit, she took her bag with her into the bowels of Nerv and her private testing. It was a secret she had to keep from Shinji, hard to do but rather keep it than lose what mattered most. For the greater good she would lie, cheat, and deceive to keep Shinji and herself happy. Opting to start with the magazine and the books later, Rei sat and read. More confusing elements…make-up, dating tips, how to recover from 'the first time', and other oddities.
An hour later, Ritsuko walked into the room with a loud yawn and a granola bar in her hand. "Oh, Ayanami, I didn't expect you here so early. You're not due for the test for another twenty minutes or so," the doctor started booting up computers. Eating her generic food and tossing the wrapper away, the tired looking woman rubbed at her neck and shoulders. "God, wished Ikari-kun was here today. I could have done for a better meal than vending machine garbage," she said more to herself than Rei.
"Why is Shinji-kun making your food," Rei asked as she climbed into her tank. Was Ritsuko planning on something? The magazine said to be wary of others attempting to 'steal' her significant other. She jerked ever so slightly as the tank sealed itself with a loud snap. Was Akagi looking at Shinji for something other than a pilot status? Her time with the commander though lead Rei to believe they were in a relationship. Ritsuko HAD met with the commander after their meal last evening.
Waving her hand dismissively, Ritsuko opened her bottle of water and chugged what food was left in her mouth down. "Oh don't get worried Ayanami. Ikari-kun's just been making lunches for me like he does for Misato. He does it as a thank you he said. We eat such garbage here due to our schedules, and you have to admit home cooked meals beat the swill they sell here when you can get it," Ritsuko keyed up the Dummy Plug. Filling the tank up with LCL, the good doctor headed over to the lone girl with a sad smile. "Sorry about last evening. I tried to stop him calling you, but you can never tell him no," woman sounded to be speaking from experience.
Her chest relaxed, of all of Nerv Rei would trust Ritsuko just under the commanders. Nobody else knew the secrets they did, and Gendo said to follow Ritsuko's orders like his own. "I am not worried," she trusted Shinji. It was others though, could she trust them? Tachibana had attempted to instigate a relationship with Shinji, and would have had Rei not stepped in. At the time it was out of confusion, not fully knowing why she prevented the girl talking to Shinji. Now Rei planned on actively defending what was hers from would be usurpers. Feeling herself going weightless and lifting off the floor of the tank, "And it was not an issue. I come when called as is expected."
"No matter, I'll try harder next time. No reason to call you in so late for no reason other than to eat with him," Ritsuko shrugged. Going over to Rei's bag of books, Ritsuko eyed the magazine with a thin smile. "Girls dating magazines? Why are you reading such garbage, Ayanami? You already have a boyfriend, and not the type this junk is trying to set you up with," Ritsuko waggled the glossy mag and put it back in the bag. Though she did notice the other contents, pulling out the sexual aid, her eyebrow raised. "Oh…so you've got something else? Anything you want to tell me about Ayanami?" she held the book out to Rei to see.
Not understanding why Ritsuko was caring about the book, Rei went to an issue she did want to discuss. "Yesterday when I was leaving school I was approached by an upper class woman. She commented my informing a girl that attempted to court Shinji-kun to avoid doing so. She became angered and would not leave the matter. Can something be done to remove them?" Rei asked simply. Gendo made the boy that bothered her vanish, so why couldn't it be done for those girls.
"Ayanami we can't just make girls that might like Ikari-kun vanish. Nerv isn't some lawless entity, we have to abide by regulations. And it's not that big a deal for girls to talk to Ikari-kun, going to happen. He's an attractive young man with a good head on his shoulders. What matters is you trust one another," Ritsuko sat with the book. Thumbing through it she read it and flipped through it for awhile. "You're not worried he might be interested in those other girls are you? Ikari-kun seems the faithful type," Ritsuko turned the book on its side.
Gripping her fingers into fists, Rei glared angrily out of her tank. "But I don't want them to. I trust him, but not them. The…are confusing," Rei's fist trembled slightly. Yes those others just confused her with their odd mannerisms and demands. But apparently Ritsuko didn't know of Nerv's policies as well as she did. Maybe she'd talk to the commander about it, those two had caused Rei to be delayed…slight exaggeration and maybe the problem got solved. Closing her eyes she felt her mind being pulled and the chorus of voices rose up. Her voice joined the others in an angelic chorus in her mind, and an hour later the tank was drained. "Akagi-san, the synchronization is over already? It only was a fraction of the time," Rei felt odd having it cut short. Normally it goes longer and she feels the tide of memories go out then back…this time it only went outward.
"We have a problem, Ayanami. It seems the second fleet is under attack by an angel. I'm going to the command deck to see what we can learn from it. Consider the day over, go home and we'll keep you informed," Ritsuko was already leaving the room.
Leaving a trail of LCL along the floor as she headed to the locker room, Rei's mind was accosted with ideas she didn't enjoy. "He is at risk again…" she didn't like it, not at all.
X-X
"So is Katsuragi still wild in the sack, or are you and the First Child really an item?" Ryouji asked with casual ease. The roguish man had taunted and teased the flustered captain over various small issues, but this was the first time he set his sights on Shinji as his target.
Scratching his cheek, Shinji took on a very peculiar expression of not understanding, "Well she passes out on the couch a lot and I have to drag her to her room. Kicks and punches pretty hard." The lad didn't understand the question, everybody else around the table did though. Katsuragi got to her feet after slamming her fists down on the table in horrid anger, while the two losers gaped at Shinji openly. Chasing Kaji out of the room, Katsuragi huffed and postured while keeping those lesser boys tied to her by the illusionary string of fate.
Asuka watched it all and evaluated it to the best of her ability. It was one word that set Asuka's mind awash with fear and jealousy, 'still'. Now she knew Kaji was a man of the world, anybody that unruffled and manly would be. Misato though, as loath as Asuka was to admit it, was a very attractive woman and somebody that could tempt her Kaji away from her. Not something the young woman in love wanted, her beau to be tempted with memories of an old love. Staring at the boy across from her, her rival in piloting, Asuka didn't know what to think about this boy. "So, you didn't…do anything to her while she was asleep did you?" boys were perverts after all.
Pushing himself away from the table so hard and fast, Shinji nearly fell off of it. Blinking rapidly and comically, he just pointed at the departed group, "N-no! Misato-san is…well she drinks too much sometimes. I just didn't want her to wake up in pain. You know, sleeping bad and all. I'd never do something like that to her!" He was nearly hyperventilating as he spoke, his pleading was so genuine it was neigh impossible not to believe him.
Well this boy did seem the boring type, not the type to do something so risky as accost a drunken flat mate. "Well that's good to know. Wouldn't be able to work with you if I'm worried you'd try doing things to me when I'm not paying attention," her body was Kaji's alone. Scooting out of the bench, Asuka walked around the table to get a better look at this boy. He was thin, but not weak by the looks of it, not homely or anything, his eyes did make him closer to cute than plain. Maybe the First Child could see something, if she was willing to settle for normal. Asuka was to good for that, she deserved somebody like Kaji. But he had piloting at a better starting point than she had AND beat an angel on his first sortie. Hell he had three confirmed kills under his belt!
Looking away from the towering girl, shrinking in on himself, Shinji scratched at his cheek. "I couldn't do something like that to Misato-san or anybody. R-Rei-san would be upset, and it's not right of me to-to do things like that," how he said Rei was near humble. Shuffling uncomfortably in his seat as Asuka continued to stand over him, the boy looked up at her and away more than once. "I-is something wrong? You d-don't believe me?" oh how he tensed up at that.
This was the mighty warrior that slayed two angels single handedly? He wasn't what she expected, but at least he wasn't like that pig of a friend of his. "So the First Child's name is Rei is…" Asuka stumbled as the boat shook. Falling forward, and quite unexpectedly, into the Third Child's arms as a resounding boom bellowed out from outside the ship. They were under attack, it was likely an angel! What else would try and sink an entire fleet carrying and Evangelion! This was it, her chance to show Kaji just how good she was, how she was better than this boy…this boy holding her shoulders. What right did he have to touch her! Taking liberties in the confusion to…to… "Are you going to help me up or am I going to have to tell your girlfriend you're a cheater?" She was nearly off her feet, maybe look first before lashing out.
"Sorry about that, didn't think you'd want to fall ON me or the ground," Shinji gently set the proud girl back afoot. Showing his strength was quite greater than his frame depicted, the lad got to his feet as well. An apprehension overcame him as another large tremor tossed the mighty ship about. He held his hands up, ready to catch Asuka if she tottered again, but not actually grabbing her. As he spoke, the softness he had before was gone replaced with a hint of steel, "Think we should do something, you alright?"
Oh he wasn't going to look down on her, this wasn't going to be the basis of their rivalry. Time to show this boy who was top dog! Grabbing his hand, Asuka drug the initially resisting boy down the corridors to one of the ship-to-ship planes. "We're going to get in Unit-02 and get ready. This is my chance to show you how good I am," she thumped her chest in pride. This was perfect! Kaji would see her valiantly defend the ships, one-up this timid waif of a pilot, and prove to Katsuragi she was a better pilot! Kid had a good grip, firm hand, Asuka realized as she kept pulling him to the plane.
It took Asuka glaring at the pilot to get the older woman to fly the two from Unit-02's ship. Oddly enough, Asuka saw, it was a when Shinji pleaded more logically and less emotionally about ship's safety that got the woman to make the flight. Another unexpected point in Shinji's favor, he was quick enough to ask or say the right thing. Maybe he was just playing women though, had the pilot been a big rugged man…well Asuka KNEW Shinji would have wilted. Said phantom pilot would have bent over backwards to assist her though, men were oft to.
"Are you sure this is a good idea, Soryu-san?" Shinji asked as the made their way below deck. Following at a respectful distance, his footfalls almost in sync with her own, Shinji just had that penchant of a worrier. Lacking confidence, "Think we should have asked Misato-san about this first. It might just be…I don't know something else?"
Grabbing a plug suit for herself and one for Shinji, Asuka tossed it at her captive. "Oh man up. This is what we exist for, not cowering under her skirt. So put this on and watch as I show you how a real pilot and a real Eva work," she had to put him in his place. If he doubted her superiority, if he sensed weakness…he'd pounce right? That was what people did, they circled till the sensed blood in the water and then feed. Well Asuka was nobodies meal, she would not be singled out and eaten! Sadly the changing rooms were on the other end of the ship, she'd have to improvise. "I'm going down stairs to change, you will NOT come down till I say is safe. You change up here. Nobody should be up here," who would want to see him nude anyway.
Looking at the plastic wrapped red and black suit, Shinji blushed something close to cute. "B-but this is a woman's suit…YOUR suit! My body isn't…" but sagely the boy saw Asuka's glare. He owed up to being at her mercy, Shinji just tore off the plastic and pulled out the suit. Smart boy, knew his place and wasn't going to fight a losing battle. Alternating between the rubbery suit and Asuka, "Just give me a yell when it's safe to go down."
"Good boy, maybe there is some hope for you after all. Rei must be good at training you," Asuka smiled and skipped down the stairs. She'd knew she'd have to talk to this Ayanami Rei, but it was good to know she could handle her man. Had to keep them in their place or they'd take liberties, steal the freedoms from their partner, and that wasn't allowed! But could she trust he'd not peek? Disrobing quickly, Asuka nearly fell as she put her suit on. As she pressurized it another tremor hit the ship, closer than the others. Time was running out. "Let's see how faithful this boy is," Asuka wasn't one to give her trust, it had to be earned.
Slowly and quietly, Asuka stalked back up the stairs. Fully expecting to see the drooling and panting face of that boy at any moment. But she never did, what she found left her red faced and scrambling back down the stairs. While she didn't fall during the latest rocking of the ship, the same couldn't be said about Shinji. "Never saw one in real life before…" to think Kaji had one of those too! Kaji's would be bigger though, well…maybe… Looking down at herself, Asuka had to shake the image of Kaji laying splayed on the ground as she had just seen Shinji. "Hurry up! We don't have all day!" she yelled.
"Sorry, I tripped and it took me a bit longer," Shinji gingerly walked down the stairs. He shifted his weight from time to time, a noticeable bulge where Asuka's had nothing. Suits were form fitting and Shinji's form had bits that Asuka didn't. His voice a little higher pitch and pained, "S-so what next? Can we really launch ourselves without the captain's permission?" Another shake, this time accompanied with a loud explosion, "Guess we don't have a choice."
Clomping down the stairs, the thin sole of her suit did little to pad her feet from the stomping. "Now you're seeing reason. We'll just show that old coot who is important and who is an old relic," Asuka could see her victory already. Simple and elegant, a testament to her years of training and conditioning, she would prove herself superior. Then maybe Kaji wouldn't rebuff her advances, he'd see her as a legitimate and full-fledged woman. Walking into the holding area, Asuka gestured to her tool, "Now take a look at what a real Evangelion looks like!"
"Wow, I didn't know it was red," Shinji was easy to please apparently. Commenting on the color, was that all he could really see? He followed close to Asuka, not really seeing her and gaping at the prone unit half submerged in some fluid. Nearly colliding with his lead as the girl started typing into a panel on Unit-02. Clearing his throat, gently running his hand against Unit-02's arm, "What else is different about it?"
Don't touch my tool, Asuka almost yelled, but she abstained. It was just a tool, even if it was her pride given form. "Well it's the first production model, the first TRUE Eva," she felt her self worth surge. They gave HER the first of the good units. "The fact that an untrained like yourself could sync with Unit-01 is proof that it's unbalanced. They fixed all the problems of your prototype and test type when they made my baby," she smirked. Ejecting the plug, Asuka started climbing up the built in ladder, she stopped to flinch her head, "Well get a move on, Shinji, we have an angel to kill." She'd not play to that odd cultural thing. You call people your life depends on by their first name.
"You want me to go with you? I've…are we supposed to have two people in the entry plug?" Shinji was climbing regardless. He kept his eyes on Unit-02, Asuka noticed astonished, as he climbed up behind her.
Twirling herself into the plug, Asuka had a moment of doubt. Bastard did have to have a good point, she never did have another person in her plug. Thing wasn't that big after all, one seat…cramped quarters…shit. Well it was worth it to prove herself better, to not have this whipped male think he better than her. "Can't leave you here alone now can I? What if the ship sinks or something. I brought you over so I'm responsible," she got in her seat all nice and cozy. And then Shinji entered with no place really to go, "Just get behind me." He could float in the small overhang.
Scaling the seat behind her, giving Asuka a very unwanted view of how effects of a female suit on a male body, Shinji clamped onto what holds he could. "Never thought about the ships sinking. Think the others are alright?" Shinji yelped as the plug was inserted. LCL was injected and finally the boy started to float without needing to hold on tight.
"I'm sure Kaji-san is fine, and the others…well I don't know them well enough," Asuka said simply. Kaji was too great a man to just die on some ship. He would need a whole platoon of men, an elaborate trap, or some femme fetale like herself to bring him down. She'd keep him as her pet if it ever was brought down to that. "Now be quiet while I show you how this is really done!" Asuka fired up Unit-02 and willed her mighty beast to life!
And she failed miserably in her first official battle against an angel. Oh it started off like clockwork. She jumped from ship to ship, getting herself a power cord, and getting Misato's attention. Hearing that woman calling her name so joyously made her head big, and then she fell into the ocean. It took Misato's plan to use them like a damn worm to get the angel to be felled, and she didn't do it alone. She knew that, but wouldn't admit it. Shinji had been instrumental in getting Unit-02 to act in the end. So as loath as she was to admit it, she owed the kid.
"I guess you do have some skill after all. But don't let this go to your head, Shinji. You're not going to hog the limelight forever," Asuka poked Shinji's left 'breast'. It sank in comically as it was without support, but Asuka found it oddly fun to do. So maybe this kid wasn't that bad, defiantly not what he looked like at first. He wasn't as bad as his friends, but he wasn't worthy of her attention beyond maybe friendship. Kaji was the man of her life, and she'd get him! After their time together, Asuka had no reason to doubt him. The illusive man must have had an important reason for abandoning her, she'd get him to confess what it was.
As they disembarked from the ship, Shinji cringing behind Asuka as his friends came into view, "T-thank you. I've a long way to go to get to Rei-san or your skill." He still hadn't called her by her first name, seemingly afraid of her. His friends pointed at her one pointed and one concave bust and laughed, as Misato handed both of them towels. "Stop laughing guys, this isn't funny! My clothes were on the ship that sank!" Shinji's shrill voice was ever so manly.
Bumping her shoulder off of his, Asuka was smiling despite herself. "Oh get off it! You do look funny. Want a picture for your girlfriend to see it? Bet she'd get a great big laugh out of it," who wouldn't! The boy was red faced and practically a tomato! It was a little cute, kid was alright. Just as long as the boy didn't get any ideas she'd tolerate him. Asuka wasn't the type to steal another woman's man. If she could tempt them away, well why would she want a man that shallow? The group separated, Asuka taking a ride to the base and a waiting room on base until she could get her own place. Well, she'd have to get used to this new place, but at lease Kaji-san would be there with her!
X-X
Four hours after the confirmed destruction of the latest angel, and on hour after Gendo's private meeting with Kaji ended, Ritsuko found herself bent over his desk. It was a bad day for her lover, Ritsuko knew, as he was quick and brunt. He spoke little during their mating, mostly a few choice dirty words that spiced things up. She was ok with it, Ritsuko knew, that Gendo had issues being open with his emotions. So she's be there for him, help him deal with the problems in his life. And maybe next time they'd eat supper he'd smile at her, tell her he appreciated what she did. But right now…she had to fake a climax or he'd get angry. Never let him assume his speedy venture didn't please her.
Moaning out with expert theatrics, this was a song and dance Ritsuko was well versed in. Was she close, no, but it did feel good as he didn't have the time to indulge in his more painful likings. Feeling his essence seeping out of as he withdrew, Ritsuko grabbed a sanitary pad and slipped it into her pantys. It would prevent the smell from being noticed and keep her clean till she got to the showers. Pulling her skirt down and fixing herself up, "Feeling better now?" It was the lover's job to see to the others needs.
Tucking himself back in and zipping, Gendo put his glasses back on. "We are reaching the impasse. Agent Kaji has brought us the chrysalis. Are the surgeons you selected ready for the task?" Gendo was a little winded but showed no other effect. His hand trailed across Ritsuko's behind as he headed back to his seat and sat. Opening the he heavy lined case, Gendo smirked, "And are the false orders of reassignment finished? Nobody can exist outside of we three that knows of this."
"I selected unmarried and childless doctors for the procedure," Ritsuko felt that spike in her heart. Couldn't he have said anything about what they just did? No kiss on the cheek, no soft look in the eyes, just the act and back to business. Stoning up her heart, it was not his fault his duties forced this on him, she eyed the embryo. Her throat was dry as she looked at the pre-angel, "Nobody will know they've been removed after it's implanted. They're on call as well, whenever you want to have it done. Just call the number." A step beyond what he wanted, anything to get that little bit of emotion out of the man.
Pulling his phone out instantly, Gendo caressed the Bakelite encased creature. "Excellent, Ritsuko, excellent. I'll call them now then," he did spare her a small almost unnoticed head nod. Sealing the case again, he flipped his phone open and dialed the number. "I'll read your report on the First Child after the implantation. See to the damages Unit-02 took and the whereabouts of the Second Child," he waved his hand dismissively at her as he put his phone to his ear.
"Will do, G-Gendo," Ritsuko still couldn't say his name without a tremor. But hearing him use her name so casually, that acknowledgement of their pairing, it made it all worth it. They weren't a normal couple, couldn't do the normal couple things, but she was sure he loved her. With a salute that shifted her weight, she felt him seeping out of her as she did. Did she want more normal, sadly yes. But her options were nil, men just didn't respond to her, but at least Gendo wasn't a 'bad' man. The need to remove those doctors was essential! If others knew of Gendo's plan to force humanity to a better place…
Leaving his office before her uncertainty became apparent, Ritsuko heard the man talking to one of the doomed doctors. The Human Instrumentality Project, Ritsuko didn't agree with it. Humanity was evil and bad at its worst, but beautiful and strong at best. Was it needed, was this plan really necessary. "I hope not, but he's so set on it," so she'd support him. She had already provided a list of doctors to him that she knew he'd have Section-2 remove. She was a co-conspirator now…he could have her removed too if wanted. But he wouldn't, he'd try and work with her. He NEEDED her!
"You're still here? And here I thought I'd have to do all this work myself!" Misato called out as Ritsuko stepped foot on the bridge. One leg draped over the other, the woman had a ragged and taxed air about her that just screamed 'help me'. Scribbling onto whatever form she was dealing with, "Stupid transfer was supposed to have been finished before we got Unit-02, somebody is going to pay for me being here. God only knows what Ayanami and Shinji-kun are up to."
Feeling better about her relationship, if not a little worse about herself as a person, Ritsuko sat down next to Misato to help. "It's only," she checked her watch, "about seven o'clock. They're likely eating supper. Something I could go for, or watching a movie. Why, what are you thinking they're doing?" Oh Ritsuko knew what Misato feared, and found it cute. How Misato could have done the things she had done before, a few Ritsuko was part of, and be worried her ward was snuggling a little? Oh the irony.
"Well maybe I'm just worried because of Shinji-kun's friends. Those two were walking balls of hormones, thinking I got off easy with my little roommate," Misato leaned back with a serine smile. But something tugged at that smile, ended it quickly. Sniffing the air, "Huh, something smells off in here. You smell it? Thinking we'll have to put the cameras back on in here." Sliding a few forms over to Ritsuko and a spare pen, Misato fell heavily into her chair. "Just worried about…never mind," she scribbled a little then set her pen down, "You've been around Ayanami a bit right? Think she might…you know…be off?"
Leaving it to Misato to just drop a deluge of words and thoughts without giving people an option to reply, but that's the woman Ritsuko was friends with. "Well I can't say I know those two boys other than the odd looks they gave you after the incident with the Fourth Angel," the taller boy was openly drooling. Sniffing the air though, she could detect the subtle bouquet of aromas leaving her nethers. Waving her hand about, downplaying it, "And maybe you're just smelling yourself. I did hear you had a run in with Kaji. Thinking of calling him aren't you?"
"NO! Never again will that man hit me with his pig sticker! I'm done with men," Misato crumpled up her form and threw it. Leaning forward, pressing her chin to the stack of uncompleted documents, she just sighed heavily. Chewing on the cap of her pen, "He was a mistake in the past, and I'm done with mistakes. Life is easier this way. Well as long as I don't have to worry about Ayanami sneaking into our apartment, she does have a key. Maybe I should have Asuka move in with her after all."
A shocked yet not entirely upset voice called out loudly, "You want me to move in with the First? Why can't I move in with Kaji-san?" Asuka had apparently found the command deck in her wandering of the base. A small bag of chips in her hand, a bottle of water in the other, "It would be perfect if I could! We'd be like a newlywed couple!" The girl preened and danced about the room as she approached the two older women, "Ew, what smells in here? And what is this about the First?"
"Nothing really, Misato is just worried Ayanami is going to offer her pet to the infernal gods or something," Ritsuko turned to see the girl. Eyeing her food fugitively, it had been ages since that stupid granola bar and that had been her only food for the day. But something about Rei this morning struck Ritsuko as odd. Hadn't Rei asked to have a girl or girls removed for talking to Shinji? It was just the girl's odd upbringing, she wasn't serious just nervous. Taking in the girl's appearance, a yellow sundress and European features, Ritsuko felt her mouth go a little dry. This girl was, simply put, beautiful. Shaking her odd thoughts out of her mind, "You must be Soryu-kun, pleased to meet you, Ritsuko Akagi."
Drinking down her water, observing the two women, Asuka chucked the empty bottle into a can by Ritsuko's side. "Just call me Asuka, I'm not for this whole last name business. And I know you, Ritsuko, Kaji-san mentioned you from time to time," she sized up the older women as a potential rival. Waving her hand comically before her nose, the girl scrunched her dainty face up in a mess, "Is there any food around here not from a machine? The cantina closed already."
"I could kill for some of Shinji-kun's supper right now. Hope he makes something and leaves me some. I know he…both of you fought an angel today, but I could eat a horse," Misato got out of her seat and tossed her pen back down. Popping a crick out of her back, ruffling Asuka's hair as she past her, "And I'm sure I'm just over thinking this Ayanami thing, Ritsuko. But if you could have heard…no don't worry about it. I'll finish this tomorrow, to tired and hungry. And sorry Asuka, once it closes its only junk food. But in the morning you can go out and hit a restaurant or something. Night you two."
Waving at Misato as she leaved the room, Ritsuko couldn't help but notice Asuka's fixation on the departing woman. Alone with the new woman, Ritsuko had read all of Asuka's psych reports so she wasn't in the dark of the girl's problems, she clamped her legs together. Wanting a shower more than ever, "How are you feeling after your first battle, Soryu-kun?" Asuka might not feel the need, but Ritsuko would not be too friendly with this one. Proud, arrogant, boastful, and self-centered were plastered all over her profile. Not Ritsuko's ideal candidate for a pilot, but she didn't choose them.
"Would have been better without Shinji stealing the glory, but without him I admit we'd have failed," some of Asuka's glow left her. Pouring the chips down her through straight out of the bag, she added it to the garbage bin. Spinning around, her dress flaring out brilliantly, "So…Misato and Kaji were an item in the past were they? She talk about him much?" The girl stalked the door, unwilling the move until she heard more.
This was going to be interesting to watch, a fourteen year old hunting a grown man. Not that Ritsuko really cared, hell the age difference between Gendo and her was likely greater. But how WOULD Misato react? Well, she could at least alleviate Asuka's fears, "She's adamant she doesn't want to see anybody. The number of men that try is staggering, and she turns them all down. And no, she hasn't mentioned Kaji in years." And like that, Ritsuko saw the young pilot smile and prance out on wings of teenage romantic hopes. Damn she envied that…she had those hopes at that age…well hopefully Asuka wasn't rudely awakened to the world as she was.
Gathering up Misato's paperwork, Ritsuko felt the need to make some progress on the reports and details from the fight. Two pilots in one plug, never something she thought of, would be interesting to see how that worked. Overhearing the sounds of a lone man mumbling to himself in the far corner of the bridge, Ritsuko found her target. After Gendo and her little dance, she was feeling tired and damnably hungry. All she wanted was a shower, finish herself off, and get something to eat. But she felt obligated to help Misato…to ease her conscious over the doctors. "Makoto-kun you're still here?" she had overlooked him even being there.
"Oh, Akagi-san! Sorry was fixated on some of these calibrations. Nearly finished with them. Hate to leave it for Shigeru to do, he has the Unit-02 setup to deal with," Makoto sheepishly cringed as Ritsuko approached. Sure enough his screen was loaded with readings and other workings, but in his lap was a small box of food. Eating on the shift, funny thing to be worried about, wasn't really against the rules. Wiping a grain of rice off his lip, "Anything I can do for you?"
Should she feel bad for playing on Makoto's feelings for Misato? If she should, she didn't, "I've some paperwork that Misato is trying to pass off. I've been here since around five am and want to head home. Would you mind taking care of these for her? I'll put in a good word." Not that her word would matter to Misato right now. Misato was living the dream of, what mother or sister to Shinji? Well it was good enough for Misato, so Ritsuko wouldn't judge. Shinji was a very nice boy, she did hope the best for him. Finding Makoto frowning at the handouts, "I can ask somebody else if you're to busy."
Taking them from her, Makoto just shook his head, "I'll do them. Not like I had anything at home anyway. And you don't have to tell her I did it. I know…it's worthless. But some part of me just can't give up completely." Turning around, considering the transaction complete, Makoto put his own work to the side and started working on Misato's.
"Thanks, you're doing her a real service," Ritsuko felt sorry for the man. It was hopeless, even if Misato was on the market. Makoto just wasn't her type of man, but he was trying so hard. Well maybe someday he'd wake up from the dream that was Misato and find somebody. Finding the showers thankfully devoid of people, the tired woman cleaned herself out and finished what Gendo started. In her post bliss haze she drove home stopping for takeout on the way. Her cats were waiting for her when she got home, nearly tripping her.
Petting the greedy little buggers, she fed them first, set her coffee table up with her bounty of food and a nice drink. "Not the type of life I expected…but…" why did she feel like crying? What was this sudden sensation of dread and sadness? She wasn't lying to herself! Life was good for her! Nice food, good friends, and a lover! Just, something was eating at her, something she didn't like. Hiding her relationship, most of her good food coming from her friends ward, and eating alone with cats. The cats, sensing their mistress in distress, caressed and rubbed against her. After a good cry, and a lot of petting to her feline companions, Ritsuko fell against her couch, "Thanks you two. Don't know what came over me." Just a bad moment is all…everything was fine.
X-X
Kissing Rei's temple, Shinji felt her shift and nestle in closer to him on the couch. "This alright to watch?" he asked settling on the news. Rei didn't answer in words, she just draped her arm across his chest and cooed softly. She hadn't said much since she woke up, just a near constant blush and a slight twinkling in her eyes. Covering her hand with his own, Shinji just sighed softly and kicked his feet up on the coffee table, "If you want something else just ask." He tried not to knock over the dirty dishes he had there.
Making small circles with her hands, Rei laid flat out on the couch forcing Shinji against the armrest. The girl made soft murmurings as the two newscasters prattled on about the great victory in the ocean. It didn't take long for the world to know of the attack on the Pacific fleet and Nerv's triumphant victory there. Smelling of the shampoo Shinji picked out for her, and her skin still moist from the shower, Rei radiated contentment.
Stroking Rei's hair with his free hand, Shinji was content to be her pillow. He couldn't believe it, he wasn't a virgin anymore. It wasn't what he expected it would be like, he felt mostly the same. There was no magic 'now you're an adult' feeling about it, just a sense of oneness with the girl nestled against him. A little worried about Rei though, well he was always worried about Rei for various reasons, he wanted to watch over her a little more. Misato was due home soon, it was approaching ten o'clock, but Rei showed no sign of wanting to be apart from him. And he still wanted to talk to her about the events of the day and Kensuke's comment about his friend.
But the whole encounter has been at Rei's pacing and design, ever since the moment he knocked on her door. Stopping over to tell her about the day's events, Rei had just opened the door with a haunted expression. The moment she saw him though she went and embraced him, arms around his neck and pulling him close. And quite unexpectedly he responded, Shinji had to admit ever since the battle he had a small inkling of wanting. Then it just progressed from there, they headed to her room, Rei's hands clawing and desperately pulling on him. Now Shinji'd have been content to just go to a certain degree of heavy petting…Rei pushed the envelope.
"I made such a big issue over…" over something wonderful. Shinji was glad Rei had been patient with him about it, even if her patience did wear out in the end. He had been silly, making her hold off on something that wasn't that large a deal. Feeling Rei's head move, looking up at him, Shinji just waved his hand dismissively, "Nothing Rei-chan. Just sorry I was being selfish about dragging things out so long." She blinked rapidly at him and went back to softly dozing against his side. She hadn't spoken…not since she woke up. Was she really ok? Maybe he should ask Ritsuko about it next time he saw the woman.
Rei had just been so sensitive over the whole ordeal. For Shinji it had been a new experience for sure, he had thought sex was solely contained in the penis. But it had been a full body sensation that washed over him, and it took so much effort! The sweat and fluids…so messy! But it was beyond words, he had never felt so connected to a person. Rei though…such sounds that came out of her! Never before had Shinji heard her make such loud noises, it was so unexpected. Their previous sensual encounters she had been loud, but this time it sounded as if she hurt herself in her panting. And by the time he had finished himself, Rei seemed to have convulsed and went full ridged roughly five! And when he did finish inside her, her eyes rolled up, body went rail rod stiff and she…well she passed out.
"Would you like something else to eat or drink, Rei-chan. Are you sure you're alright…you haven't said anything since you woke up," Shinji gave her a small shake. Maybe he'd make her something cold, ease any agitation her throat received from straining itself. She just looked so peaceful that Shinji had a hard time thinking she was sick. But even at her most docile she spoke to him a little, it was unnerving. When Rei pressed her forehead to his, kissed his lips softly, he melted. Feeling her hand start to trail south to his slacks, she began rubbing, "N-no Rei-chan we can't do it again. Misato-san is due home any minute. It'd not do us any good for her to walk in on us. D-did you want to hear about the mission today?"
Her eyes closed for a moment of contemplation, she drew Shinji's hand to her moistened maidenhead. While she was back in her school uniform, and Shinji in his casual lounging cloths, Rei demonstrated she was sans undergarments. Softly, nearly inaudible, "I still feel so…I love you. B-but if we cannot become one again…tell me." Holding his hand to her for another moment, she released him and reclined back onto him.
"O-ok Rei-chan, you just relax and I'll let you know about it," Shinji was unnerved a little at her behavior. She was so wet, his hand drenched by the slight contact, but why? They were just relaxing in the afterglow. They had retired to their separate showers after Rei woke, and opted to eat supper. Shinji hadn't expected just how great a workout the act of lovemaking was! He had been famished and made far more than usual, and ate a lot more. Then they just…collapsed on the couch like this. "Well you remember Touji and Kensuke coming over and…" Shinji went into full detail of his day.
He spared Rei the humiliating conversation he had with Misato about his reluctance with Rei. What good would that do, make Rei feel like she had forced him just now. She'd feel bad, and he didn't want that, not over something that in hindsight caused her such joy. Talking about Touji and Kensuke's actions, Shinji noticed Rei gripped his shirt in her strong grip. When the story got to Asuka's introduction, Kaji's odd personality that Shinji found pleasing though Rei trembled a little. "Don't worry Rei-chan, she's…an odd girl but not my type…you're my type," he wasn't dumb. Talking about an attractive girl to your girlfriend, likely might cause some sensation of jealousy or worry. Going outside his comfort zone, Shinji cupped Rei's chest and felt her nipple was ridged as she relaxed.
"Then the boat started to rock, and we knew we were under attack," Shinji continued onward with his story. As he spoke he tried to continue his ministrations, and Rei started panting softly. It was only to keep her relaxed and calm, show he wasn't even tempted by the new girl.
And he wasn't, Asuka was an odd girl. Her personality was so outgoing and overbearing, that it made Shinji uncomfortable. She seemed like a nice enough girl though, just not the type he felt he'd be able to relax around. Being judged, critiqued, and likely found lesser by her, not Shinji's ideal situation. While not all bad, her smile was infectious and her confidence a blessing. Was good to know somebody with that conviction was going to be in Unit-02. "And then Misato-san dropped me off. I changed out of that torture device of a plugsuit, and went to your place," he stopped his hands motions. Rei was tensing up again in 'that' way, not good to make a mess on the couch.
"M-more," Rei said in that same almost soundless way. Pushing herself off of Shinji, hovering over him, she held herself just inches away from him. "T-touch me more?" she ran her fingers down his cheek. She frowned when Shinji shook his head with that known look of reluctance. "You wish to know of Tachibana?" Rei rolled off the couch. Positioning herself between Shinji's legs, kneeling before him, she put her arms atop his legs. Shinji had mentioned Kensuke's odd scenario, her legs fidgeted as he did. But now she just sat with her head dangerously close to Shinji's crotch which was showing her soft sounds was having an effect.
Clenching and unclenching his fist, Shinji tried not to show Rei's effect on him. He didn't want to do anything else tonight, he was a little tender and just wanting to cuddle if nothing else. "I wouldn't mind hearing about what happened with Nagato-san after school. She's Kensuke's friend and has this odd idea that Tachibana-san was interested in me. I know that's a misunderstanding. So I'm just trying to find out what happened so I can smoothing things out," Shinji's tongue flopped in his mouth. It was a mixed thrill to have Rei where she was, her eyes glowing up at him. Cupping her cheek, more to push her back just a little bit more and just to caress her, "R-Rei-chan…do you regret what we did today?" The words came out of his inner mind, his self-doubt never truly leaving. A moment of weakness and he blurted it out.
"No regret, never," Rei just rubbed against his hand much akin to a cat. Had Shinji not kept the pressure up, Rei would have collapsed against him. When it was evident she'd have to fight against him to get closer, she relented. "Misunderstanding. Tried to spare Tachibana problems," Rei spoke as little as possible. Taking Shinji's hand into hers, Rei kissed each knuckle separately, "T-today was the best day of my life. You make me…"
The door to the apartment opened with a loud slam and the bang of shoes being kicked off and hitting the wall. "Shin-chan I'm home! Please tell your Misa-chan you have food for her!" a very drunken and slurred Misato yelled out. Shambling deeper into the apartment, shedding her jacket and barrette on the ground in a messy show of uncaring, Misato flipped the lights on as she entered. Tumbling towards the couch, "And here I thought you'd be over at your little girlfriends…R-Rei you're still hear?" Misato propped herself up on the couch behind Shinji and sputtered as she saw the rather compromising position.
"M-Misato-san its…yeah…uh…food is in the microwave for you," Shinji didn't know what to really say. Hard to come up with something with Rei where she was. They weren't unclothed or anything, but it was obviously approaching something. Tensing up as Misato's hands clamped onto his shoulder, "Was just telling Rei-san about the events on the boat is all. D-did everything go over well at Nerv?" He could smell the drink on her breath from where he was sitting, and his mind went to dark places. Would she say something to Rei regarding his little fear that morning?
Supporting herself solely on Shinji's shoulder, Misato's hair hung limply over her shoulder. "Ayanami-kun, it's late and I'm tired. Both Shinji-kun and I had a long day…so why don't you call it a night? Shin-chan will be here tomorrow. Alright?" she was somber holding back on something. With a push off the lad, Misato launched herself towards the kitchen and the promised awaiting food.
Getting up almost instantly, Misato's entrance broke Rei out of her inner thought train. Following behind Misato, "I wish to stay." No longer did Rei have the lethargic and tranquil grace she had while it was just Shinji and she lounging on the couch. Her voice was strained though, as if speaking did cause her pain, but it was louder than Shinji heard in the last hour. With a longing glance at Shinji, Rei quickly beset the older woman. "There is no reason for me to leave at present," her body swished back and forth with untapped energy.
Hating conflict, especially between his two favorite people, Shinji was loath to follow into the kitchen but felt obligated. Shifting his slacks to hide his fading erection, he was nearing the kitchen with bated breath and shaky knees. "Misato-san, is it alright if she stays a little longer?" he knew Misato wanted her out but maybe he could bargain. "I could make you a nice drink, we can sit and you can tell her of your view of things. I couldn't really do it justice," get Misato happy and keep Rei from being kicked out. Just why were those two at odds lately though.
"No Shin-chan, it's late and she has school tomorrow. You have tests in the morning, something about you and Soryu reaching two-hundred plus sync. I don't know the whole of it, just Ritsuko called me while I was at the bar," Misato said sheepishly. Apparently Misato wasn't supposed to go where she had been found, so she acted the scold child. Taking her supper out of the microwave, Misato stopped when a very determined Rei stood in her path defiantly. Sniffing the air, Misato stumbled back a half step, "Damn girl you reek of…of…what did I walk in on? Shinji, its bed time for you and her! After all you've been through today, don't make it worse. Just…take her home now." Seeming to sober up a little, Misato stood confidently over the girl, "Don't make me make this an order."
Almost sensing Rei about to do something they'd both regret, Shinji acted. Grabbing his girlfriend by the bicep he pulled her gently. "We can see each other after school Rei-chan. It was a wonderful evening already…why ruin it by getting into a fight?" he had to hope she backed down. Too many things were happening today, his mind was reeling. First meeting the unique Second Child, then an angel, followed by making love for the first time, and now it appeared Misato and Rei were about to actually fight! Wrapping another arm around her waist, Shinji saw Misato's eyebrow raise at that, "Let's just get you home. We can talk later."
The hard lines around Rei's eyes vanished when she turned. "If we must," back was her softness and wispiness. With a nod and salute to Misato, Rei allowed herself to be escorted back to her apartment. It was a walk made in silence, Rei matching Shinji's hand placement and holding him close. Thankfully she had left her door unlocked after her quick shower, so Shinji had no issues pushing it open with his foot. As she was set down on her bed though she desperately reached out as Shinji backed away. "D-don't go. Today was…bad. Store…Akagi…the battle…you make it worth going through," she pleaded as she held his hands.
"I want to stay," and Shinji did after seeing and hearing that but, "if I do though Misato-san will get mad. And who knows what she'd do if that happened. We can…we will talk about it tomorrow alright?" Those eyes, he hated seeing that sorrow there, but it was apparent Rei didn't like what he was saying. Fighting the overwhelming temptation to sit back down next to her, Shinji did the best he could and repeated her little knuckle kiss. "I'll try to talk some sense into Misato-san. Maybe next time she'll listen."
With a nod, Rei just fell onto her side on the bed and reached for one of her books. It was a tactical manual and rolled to her side. Clearly unhappy with his action, Rei was showing it as only she could. "I will make efforts to improve matters as well," she intoned with a finality that spoke for itself.
Rustling her hair, god he loved how silky smooth it was, Shinji left her to her book. Whenever he could get her to talk about those things, it was so over his head it was amazing. Girl was astonishing on so many levels, it was a shock she was seeing him. His heart was full, the entirety of the evening had been great. The fears failing her, not living up to some unknown standards, were gone. Then it was just basking in quiet and peaceful time together. If he had to judge it was them on the couch he enjoyed better. He wasn't afraid of hurting her, of rushing, or doing something wrong. Just being with Rei as they enjoyed most. She was so attentive as he told the events of the day…waiting on every word. Yes being with Rei was strange, her personality was peculiar to others, but well worth all the hassle.
"Shinji-kun, can you get me beer? I forgot to grab one," Misato called out dazedly from the couch. The lights in the living room were off again, but a single blinding light illuminated the room thanks to the kitchen. "Sorry about kicking Rei out, by the way. Just not in the mood to…thinking we could both relax for one evening after all the junk we had today," she at least sounded sincere. Picking at her food, the plate on her belly and her feet up on the table, she very audibly destroyed her meal.
Grabbing the can of swill Misato considered ambrosia and one for Pen-Pen, Shinji left the birds open on the ground and meandered back to Misato. What did he say to her now, did she know what happened, would she be upset? "Here you go, Misato-san?" he touched the can to her cheek and she jumped. Glad the food didn't get overturned, Shinji considered going to his room or joining her. She patted the cushion next to her answering his question. "So how were things at Nerv, you didn't seem to want to go back?" he considered asking Misato about Kaji but chose not.
"Annoying as hell as always. Why do we need to do so much paperwork to save the bloody world?" Misato popped the can open with one hand. After a mighty drink and belch, she scratched her belly just below the plate. "Thankfully Rits took over for me and I fled. Just glad I didn't walk in on you two going at it. Last thing I need to worry about," she took a sidelong glance over at Shinji. Observing for a moment, her firm visage melted into a smile and she gave him a playful knock on the head. With a nice but sleepy laugh, "But my Shin-chan isn't like that. Better than those other guys that just think with their dicks. Don't ever change."
"I-I won't Misato-san," Shinji hoped he wasn't lying. He wouldn't fib, his first taste had been far more than he ever expected out of life. What he really liked though was how Rei seemed to respond. He was making somebody happy! Making the girl he cared for happy! That was enough for him. Listening to Misato prattle on about work and forms, Shinji started to drift off from time to time. Before he knew it, he was waking up to the morning sun streaming in the window and Misato drooling on him.
She must have shifted in her sleep and fell on him. Her head was on his chest, the rest of her…well it was best Shinji not think how his morning problem fit perfectly between her 'babies' as she so oft called them. Odd morning to say the least, but she was comfortable enough to sleep like that…it made him happy. Family…could he really consider Misato family? He prayed her could, just as he prayed things with Rei and him stayed good.
X-X
Author Notes
Well moving the story along and trying to mix in the happy/sad and keep the plot moving at a nice pace. Thinking I got a good mix moving, and not laying things on SUPER thick but good enough for ya to pick up on ideas. Well hope you enjoyed this chapter
Ja Mata
Zentrodie