Standard Disclaimer
Well the year is ending soon and X-mass is right around the corner. Hope all of you got your stuff finished and can celebrate to your hearts content, if you celebrate either. Work has a big new project for me coming up so…expect a little delay as I adjust my writing schedule to accommodate.
X-X
With Nothing Else
Chapter – 6
For the first time in two weeks, Misato finally was able to relax in her apartment. Lounging in the bath, drink to her side, she stretched her arms above her head and sighed languidly. No work tomorrow, no Asuka tonight, and her favorite little roommate all to herself, yes today was a good day. Sipping on the Bloody Mary Shinji surprised her with, she hadn't been expecting a drink when she planned her bath nor had she told Shinji of her plans either, she shivered pleasantly. "It's the small things in life that make it worth living," she cooed over the phone to her captive audience.
"Well, no offense, but when it comes to living that's all you know, Misato," Ritsuko said with her peculiar sense of irritation. Oh it was a tone Misato knew well enough, it said Ritsuko was more interested than actually bothered. A few unheard words softly muttered away from the phone was followed with, "So how are you living it up tonight? Last few days you've been looking more haggard than anything."
Stretching her leg out of the steaming water, letting the rivulets cascade down, Misato was tipsy already. "I don't need much to be happy is all. Not everybody is so needy as you. Got a nice drink on, you've got Ayanami in for tests tonight, and Asuka is off sleeping at a friend's house," she took another drink. How had she never had this drink before?! It was tart and sweet with just a hint of spicy! Shinji had her pegged with this one! Setting the drink down, she stirred it with the celery set in it, Misato felt a spike of annoyance at the memory of one Asuka Langley Soryu. "That girl is just so…" she rubbed at her calf with both palms.
The phone could be heard shuffling around and papers being jostled while Ritsuko laughed. "So I take it there is trouble in paradise? Maybe you shouldn't have given Ayanami the choice in the matter and just forced them to live together. You know she'd never disobey orders. Would you Ayanami-kun?" Ritsuko's voice got weak as she spoke away from the phone.
"Trouble is calling it light! Girl is bipolar! She's either happy and chipper to the point of nausea, she reserves these times for when Kaji forces himself over. OR, and most of the time, she's an unpleasable she-demon that complains about everything! She doesn't even bother with the chores, says she's above them and makes Shinji-kun do them," Misato slapped the water with her hand. Taking the phone with her dry hand, she sat up in the bath a little higher. A slight tingling reminded Misato of another little plan she'd had, been awhile since she had 'privacy'.
The echoed sounds of the phone being set down graced Misato's ear. A few moments later, "Sorry about that," Ritsuko stated, "Had to get Ayanami-kun into the tank. As for Soryu-kun, she's just used to living alone is all. Give her a little more time to get used to things. Though who are you to complain about pushing chores off to Ikari-kun? Isn't that what you've been doing for months now? And did I hear a splash? You're not in the bath are you? I hate it when you call me from there!"
Well Misato did forget that little bit, but this was a special occasion! The four beers and the potent drink at her side left Misato's brain a little fuzzy. Sipping and savoring the flavor again Misato continued, "I don't push ALL the chores onto him. And I do admit Shinji-kun and Asuka do get along good, when Ayanami-kun isn't around. Like a brother and sister, if the sister had a stick shoved up her vag!" Her face scrunched up as she tried not to laugh over the phone as that image entered her head…oh and she splashed again.
"Damn it Misato, you ARE in the bath aren't you! How do I know you're not doing something sick and twisted over there? For all I know you have Ikari-kun in there and you're forcing him to…do things to you, lush," Ritsuko didn't even sound annoyed, more trickster. More half heard conversations of Ritsuko and whoever was her assistant for the day crackled over the line before, "Speaking of Ikari-kun, have you spoken to him about your little fears? Or is that your plan for the day?"
Having Shinji between her legs, hands or tongue...Misato's face colored at the involuntary image popping into her head. Now that sobered the woman up a little, so she chased it down with more drink. She was lonely at times, but Misato was content with her plastic friend. "No, I'm sure you'd be the one to sample young men than me. You HAVE been happier lately, ever going to introduce me to that hidden boyfriend you have? And I do plan on teasing a few details out of Shinji over a game of GO after I dry off," no reason trying to hide the fact she was in the bath now.
Now that got a rise out of Ritsuko as she hollered, "You're the one that I'm worried about! You talk about Ikari-kun a lot, Misato, doubly so since he started dating Ayanami. And how-how did you know I've been seeing somebody? Have people been talking around the base?" Misato knew Ritsuko was frazzled with how fast she was speaking . Going even faster with her sputtering, "I thought the only rumor was the one about Ikari-kun and Ayanami-kun in the changing rooms. Please tell me it's nothing to bad."
Bingo! Misato had suspected but didn't know for sure, well Ritsuko at times was easy to peg and others impossible. "Calm down spaz," Misato so rarely got to use that term for her friend, "I was just making an assumption based on your attitude lately. I do say you should drop the turtlenecks though. Hate to say it, but you have that swan-like neck that drive men crazy, and you should stop covering it up. Well I'm starting to prune so, talk to you later," Misato giggled as Ritsuko just fumed and shut off her phone.
Now her little fib to Ritsuko about being ready to get out had been to mask her own little need. Misato polished off her drink, her cheeks burning with intoxicant and head buzzing contently. With only Shinji at the apartment, Misato felt reasonably safe for what she needed to do. He never came in without knocking and likely would use Rei's bathroom rather than barge in on her. So, Misato let her fingers drift under the water and to her flower. It had been a good month since she got one off, and well she was that special level of frustrated. Still, it was better to take care of herself than expect a new boyfriend to tend to her…she knew what she liked and they just didn't or didn't care.
It didn't take long, though Misato did tease herself as best she could. Who knew when Asuka would give her the chance at some freedom? Last two times she took a bath, Asuka forced her way in for some reason or another. Asuka wasn't wholly bad, just Misato thought the girl was to opinionated and full of herself. As Misato saw it, Asuka was a girl who thought she could do no wrong. Adding a second finger to her little dance, Misato's head rolled back on the edge of the bath. Watching Asuka and Shinji interact though had been a little cute. It was rare to see Shinji get riled up over anything, but Asuka worked his buttons and vice versa.
That fire in her belly was working up to a fevered pitch, so Misato took a third finger to rub against her bud and spread her legs open as much as the bath would allow. After that electric bliss lanced through her, Misato cleaned her hands off and climbed out. "Girl isn't all bad, just need to get her over herself and Kaji," that was a fear Misato had. Kaji wasn't the type Misato would think to stray to young girls, but what did she really know about him now? Guy hit on everything without shame. Driving herself off, being careful to avoid her sensitive lower bits, Misato put on her relaxing wear.
"Shinji-kun, I'm thinking about ordering out for supper. You alright with that?" Misato asked as she got out of the bathroom. She'd let her hair dry naturally, without work in the morning she didn't mind if it was frumpy. Shinji sure didn't judge her by her hair, and it was a hassle to get dolled up for no reason. Finding the mixings for the drink Shinji made her, Misato made a real drinkers mistake and tried to replicate it without knowing how. Pouring what she thought was the proper amount in, she took a drink and wow did she taste it. Forgetting how alcohol dulled the senses, "Now that is a tasty drink."
Calling out from the living room, a bored sounding Third Child responded with, "Are you sure, Misato-san? With just us tonight I thought I could make something you like rather than Asuka. She's been dictating the menu a lot lately."
Pulling out one of the cans of soda she'd seen Shinji drink before, Misato made a choice. Making Shinji a drink with a little vodka in it, she stirred it up and took a little sip. While not a great idea and arguably even a good idea, Misato was going to help her high strung little butler relax. It was weak, but she'd watch over him anyway. After making the food order she went to the living room. Handing Shinji her offering, "And you are being too accommodating to her, Shinji-kun. Makes me wonder what your darling Ayanami thinks about that." Oh, see something you weren't expecting Shinji? Misato wiggled a little as she sat on the couch. Her top exposed all the flesh under her bust down to her extreme cut offs. Made Misato feel good to know she was still attractive.
"M-Misato-san, you're staying in tonight? I thought you were going out, with how long you were in the bath," Shinji tried to mask his fluster. He had been the gentleman, had kept his eyes away from the more 'red' bits of Misato's body. Sniffing the drink, Shinji's face took on a hard edge, "You put something in this didn't you?" He held out the large plastic up with disdain.
How the hell could he tell just by smell?! Misato shook her head slowly and suffered only a little disorientation. "Just a little to help you relax, Shin-chan, that's all. And no, why would I go out to drink when you make me such tasty drinks! Or did you want some alone time? Is being with me so terrible a thing?" she teased and leaned over the boy sitting on the ground. He had his homework open on the table, it looked mostly finished already.
"No-no not at all Misato-san! I just though, you'd be bored staying around the apartment. Not like I'm much fun to have around, according to Asuka anyway," Shinji shut his books and scooted away from Misato. Just darling was the way he was still so nervous around women, did Misato's heart proud. Looking at the fizzing drink, Shinji resigned himself to his fate and drank a little, "It's not bad," he responded to the looming Misato. Once she smiled and pulled back on the reins, "All I planned on doing is relax around the apartment. It's rare to have nothing to do."
Nothing or nobody, Misato was tempted to ask but wasn't drunk enough for that. "Rather stay in here with you and watch TV or play a game of GO than go to the bars anymore," Misato laid on the tummy on the couch. With a lazy yawn, Misato ruffled Shinji's hair as he drank a little more. He was such a nice boy, "Guys I meet there are all the same. Either wanting a trophy wife that spreads her legs and shuts her mouth, or sits at home waiting for him to bring home the bacon. Envious of your little Rei-chan, you're not like them."
Blushing a little or maybe just the effects of the booze, Shinji balked. "But you're such a smart woman, w-why would somebody w-want you just to keep you locked up? Touji and Kensuke don't seem to think about that…they're just focused on…" Shinji blinked a few times and shut up. With Misato smiling her Cheshire grin on her face, Shinji stuffed his face into his cup. Softly, hiding his face, "You tricked me into saying that."
Well maybe Misato did trick him a little, but it was part of Shinji's charm. He just knew what to say to make Misato feel special…better than how most men made her feel. They lapsed into silence watching a game show until the doorbell chimed. "You want to get it or should I tease that poor boy?" Misato said as she was already climbing over the couch's back. It was nice to know she was appreciated for her mind, so few men did, but free food for showing her stomach and spandex short clad rump was also good. Holding her hand up to Shinji as he wiggled to free himself from the coffee table, "I'll not break him. Won't do us good to have stalkers."
"So yeah, I-uh have a large sausage and…p-p-pepperoni for a K-Katsuragi M-Mis" the delivery boy, who looked like a college student, just boggled when the door opened. Holding the box of food over, it was shaking in his hands as he drank in Misato hugging the door. Using the door edge as a tool, Misato rubbed her leg against it showing a lot of skin and batted her chocolate brown eyes at the man, he nearly fell. Almost swallowing his tongue, "That will be…uh…"
Like what you see? Well that was all she would give the guy, and it was mostly the booze acting right now. Normally Misato would have just leaned over a little, show a little cleavage and get a little discount, today she was going the full seduction act. Taking the box, she set it on the floor inside, showing her behind before standing back up. "That will be what?" Misato saw the guys gaze on her chest and felt a little sick. Holding out the money, "Hun, how much is it?" Yes she made him a pile of drivel, could he wake up yet?
"Oh uh, yeah, it's on the house today because I'm so late," he rubbed the back of his head. Using the warming bag to hid his slacks, the man just smiled insipidly at Misato until she shut the door.
Looking down at herself, Misato wondered if it was worth it. It felt good to know she could make men into piles of mush, but was it worth the deeming activity? Grabbing the box of food, Misato gathered her GO board and pieces and found Shinji still at the table his drink half gone. Sitting them both down, Misato felt again a spike of jealousy at Ayanami. It wasn't that Misato wanted to take the girl's place, more Misato wanted a man like Shinji who was her age! Somebody that treated her like a woman and not just bits. "So you ready to get your scrawny butt…well tight butt handed to you?" Misato teased.
Listing just a little back and forth, Shinji actually smiled widely at his guardian and nodded. "I might surprise you this time. Rei-chan and I've been playing a few games. She's really good at it, taught me a few things," Shinji sounded just a little more open. Helping Misato to set the board and open the box up, he didn't even notice the rare times he bumped his hands against hers.
Misato noticed, and for the first time in a while was glad Shinji and Rei were getting along so well. He was opening up, letting down walls, and that was what Misato worried Shinji wouldn't be able to do. "Well glad to know you two aren't just knocking boots. We haven't had a chance to talk about you two's activities. What with the angel attack and hurricane Asuka descending on the apartment. Was worried…you don't talk about yourself much. Just glad you're happy…you ARE happy right? Not letting your 'Rei-chan' lord over you? I'd hate to walk in and see you tied up and lapping at her…" Misato shut her babbling up with her drink.
"M-Misato-san that's not something I should talk about! W-what Rei-chan and I do is…private," Shinji started setting his pieces down. Helping himself to a slice he took a nice bite as Misato started counting him. After they each put down two pieces and more drinks, the board half full, "And we are happy. Being in a relationship is different than I thought it would be. And while we do…things…I don't mind them. It makes her happy and that's all I really want. As for…that…I actually like that. D-doing that for her." Oh Shinji's face was flush, eyes half laden as Misato had gotten both a second drink during the game.
When was the last time a man had gone down on her, Misato couldn't remember but it was likely Kaji in college. Setting her master plan into place, Misato destroyed Shinji's improved but still inferior play. With most of the pizza gone, her brain frazzled and muddy from far too much drink, Misato felt she deserved a prize for winning. "Well, much improved young man, but I'm not the Strategic Commander for nothing," Misato pounded her chest and made herself jiggle. Crawling over to the couch, Misato laid down on it again and waved at Shinji, "As my victory prize I think a nice shoulder and back massage from my trained masseuse."
"I can do that I guess. I do owe you so much Misato-san, I really do," Shinji slurred a little as he scooted over. Kneeling on the ground, Shinji plied his well-honed craft against the tense back of his guardian. "You took me in when nobody else did, treat me like a person and not…weapons components, and make me feel like family," he did his best to please Misato.
For all Shinji's efforts he excelled at all of them. Purring and moaning in more than just suggestive tones, Misato was on cloud-nine. After she felt herself nearly climax, "You've gotten so much better at-at this…Shin-chan. And we are family. I love you my little man. Like the brother I've never had, and I'm worried about you. I've had…a not to clean past and worried you're being lead that way…lower…lower…oh that's the spot. Bet you make that little Ayanami scream with fingers like…ooh." And Misato did let go, the emotional high of hearing Shinji affirm her own feelings and his magic fingers…Misato relaxed and blacked out.
In the morning, Misato woke to an unfriendly foot of one Ayanami Rei. "Huh…wha? Why am I on the floor? Ayanami-kun what is it?" Misato felt warm and very comfortable. Odd how she was in the living room. Last thing she remembered was Shinji giving her a back massage, best in her life and then…Rei. Girl looked almost like she had an emotion on her face, and it wasn't a good one. Sitting up, Misato felt something she hadn't felt in months brush up against her lower flower. Looking down, she saw the prone and fearful face of one Ikari Shinji, "I passed out on you didn't I?"
"Explain, both of you," Rei sat down casually on the couch before the two flatmates. They separated in one rapid motion, Misato noticing her top had rolled up in the night. Well they both saw her scar now. Over the next hour the pair went over the events they remembered from the night. Rei either forgave Shinji or was going to force punishment on him, as she took him by the hand and lead him out after they finished. Misato just cleaned up the mess and worried…worried about that expression on Rei's face.
X-X
"Sure I'll meet you at the mall. Just wanted to get some fresh cloths on and a little lunch first," Asuka cradled her phone between her ear and shoulder. Moving about the apartment with ease, she poured herself some orange juice and grabbed an apple. Taking a savage bite, she chewed as she talked as Hikari didn't care about decorum, "So who is all going? Just us or anybody else?" She pulled out some of the lunch meat she had made Shinji buy and some artisan bread.
Her voice crackled due to the lesser quality of her phone, but Hikari was audible, "Well Chidori wanted to go to. Her class is going to Okinawa as well so she wants a new suit as well. And since she's been worried about Tachibana…" The girl trailed of knowingly, Asuka didn't get along well with the more submissive girls.
Making herself a nice sandwich, Asuka had to give Shinji credit again. Boy knew what made for good food, even if he was a wet rat half the time. While Asuka did like Nagato quite a bit, not as much as Hikari but a nice second, she could do without Sakura. What as with Japan and the doormat personalities? Sakura was also annoyingly attractive, and Asuka didn't like worrying about her superiority. "I guess we can make it a foursome, maybe Tachibana will have more eye for swimsuits than she has for men," why Sakura was fixated on Shinji was odd.
"Well we'll meet you there unless something comes up, if it does I'll call," Hikari exchanged pleasantries and hung up her side of the conversation.
Slipping her phone back in her pocket, Asuka paid her culinary creation more attention. Not as good as what her little flatmate could make, but Asuka was satisfied with it. Sadly her personal chef wasn't home at the moment, nobody was. Heading to her room, food in hand, Asuka ate lazily as she perused her clothing. The night at Hikari's had been fun, Kodama joined them for a little movie and game night, but Asuka just couldn't go out shopping in the same clothing she wore yesterday. It was her duty as a superior woman to show off for the commoners, she tittered at that idea. Her walking in ritzy and stylish clothing making Kaji drool with anticipation of taking it off, now what would be great.
"Bet Shinji would freak out if I showed him any of my better clothing," Asuka tittered as she went through more and more clothing. For what it was worth, her time in Japan wasn't nearly as bad as she was worried about. Misato could be too stubborn for Asuka's liking, didn't help that both Misato and Shinji sided with one another more than her. But if she applied the right leverage on Shinji he would fold and do what she wanted anyway. Hands like hers weren't made for doing menial things. And while he was to spineless for her real attention, he could be goaded into doing fun things. Let Ayanami waste her time with him as a boyfriend, as a friend though Asuka could do far worse.
Nothing was standing out as being good enough to wear! Nothing in her room fit the climate for the day, Asuka had to remind Chidori of her position as top girl. Finishing her sandwich, Asuka headed back to the kitchen. Washing her mouth clean with the juice, "I guess I'll have to check my others over at Ayanami's…bet those two are over there doing homework or something else boring." Wasn't fair that Misato forced Asuka to store half her clothing over at Rei's, but Japanese apartments were so damn small!
Brazenly going into Shinji's room, just as boring and empty as he was when Asuka didn't spice things up for him, Asuka found Rei's door key on his desk. Only thing in the room that hinted at the resident were two photos on the desk and a cello in the corner. "Never knew he played, maybe he isn't as boring as I thought," though just barely. Picking up one picture and then the other, Asuka felt a smidge of jealousy. The first picture was Misato and Shinji, the evilly beautiful Misato was hugging the flustered boy, and the other was a more timid Shinji holding Rei's hand on the couch. Turning the picture of Misato down, "Kaji-san was just young and didn't know me yet. He'll see me for the woman I really am soon."
Checking her wallet for her current stash of cash, Asuka grimaced. "He'll give me a loan," Asuka helped herself to a few bills from Shinji's grocery stash. Why he had told her about it, Asuka didn't know, but he had to have done it to butter her up. "Likely expects me to take some of it," at least Asuka knew he wasn't on the make for her. Putting her shoes back on, she gave Pen-Pen a wide berth, stupid perverted bird just kept sneaking in on her in the bath. Lightly rapping on Rei's door, just in case the pair were up to anything beyond hand holding. That book Rei was reading had to be a farce, Ayanami was just a neutered little girl from all Asuka could see. Hearing nothing, she ran Shinji's key through the lock, "Coming in you two…if you're even here."
Nobody was home by the look of things. School books were opened on the small coffee table with completed assignments. "Those two are made for each other, boring. Though at least Shinji can be fun when forced," and Asuka did like doing that. Something about getting somebody to bend to her will was empowering. Lights were off, television dark, and the A/C running hard and cold, Rei had Asuka's attitude towards the temperature. Going to her 'room' at Rei's, Asuka found a nice sundress to wear and quickly changed. As she stood in just her undergarments, Asuka considered upgrading from her plain cotton to something special. Could she call Kaji and ask him to join them? Well if she did Chidori would fall for him and make a play…best not to add conflict where it wasn't needed.
"R-Rei-chan you don't need to do that! It's…demeaning to you," Shinji's voice sounded through the wall. He was breathing hard, near rasping, as he spoke quickly and frantically. "I…if you want to g-go again I'm fine. Really, it's not necessary," he was near pleading.
It was hard to hear her, but Rei could barely be registered, "I enjoy it though. And you promised to do what I wanted as punishment for this morning." A wet sloppy sound quickly overshadowed Rei's own voice, a desperate and frantic sound echoed.
"Are they…that little piglet!" Asuka fixed her hair as she strained to perceive more. Having not cared to take her shoes off, Asuka wasn't caring to much about Rei to inconvenience herself, Asuka stalked slowly towards the unknowing two. Surely Shinji was forcing his girlfriend to do something, Rei was just covering for his perverseness or something! "To think I thought he wasn't that bad a guy," Asuka saw Rei's door ajar. She had to cover her mouth lest she be heard gasping at what she saw though, maybe they weren't faking it after all.
Kneeling on the ground between Shinji's legs, Rei's head bobbed with a zest the girl seemed impossible of performing. They were parallel to the door, Shinji's hand lovingly cupping Rei's cheek as he gazed down pensively at her. While he was moaning softly as Rei depravingly performed, his face wasn't one of stupid bliss as expected. It was a face Asuka recognized from her few weeks of interacting with him, it was one of submission. Whenever she tried to get Shinji to do her chores or play a game with her, Asuka would bore down on him until that face, the softening of his eyes yet furrowed brow signaled Asuka's victory.
Hiding behind the door, Asuka knew she should leave but found herself oddly spellbound. It wasn't like the video's she was tricked into watching in college. Her roommate had been an odd sort of girl, and had a small collection of DVD's of the adult nature. Twice before moving on base for final training before her transfer to Japan the girl, Anna, had used Asuka's pride to get her to watch them with her. 'You're just a little girl if you're not interested in this,' had been the argument. And as a teenager, Asuka had been naturally curious so folded. Those movies were just fake emotions on screen and animalistic lust. This was…this was something different.
Gently pushing Rei away, she desperately tried to keep at her task, Shinji put her fingers to her chin. Pulling her in for a kiss, their faces covered in Rei's saliva, he smiled at her after the separated. "Are you sure this is all you want to do today? We could go out for supper, a walk, see a movie, or anything else you might want to," he asked with full sincerity. Despite how he normally looked to Asuka, at present his face was full of adoration and affection.
"This is what I wish to do. But the book said I shouldn't have kissed you until I washed my mouth," Rei pushed Shinji back and over. Crawling over him, Rei positioned herself on his waist but just wrapped her arms around him. Softly, barely audible, "I have missed this. Since Soryu arrived we have not had time. She is…difficult."
The hand over her mouth traced her lip unconsciously, Asuka was stunned! So it was Rei that was the freak! Shinji couldn't be more wanting to do anything else right now, but Rei was adamant. And quite despite herself, Asuka found herself mystified by the first real manhood she'd seen in her life. Kaji had one of those, likely a lot bigger too! Judging Shinji to be small in all things in life, Asuka assumed that went the same for his little friend as well. "But that's…how would it…" it was intimidating! To think something that large went into…Asuka's other hand went south.
"I've missed being with you too, Rei-chan, but Asuka-san isn't so bad. You two just got off on the wrong…they don't understand us," Shinji cooed into Rei's ear. His hands roamed her back before wafting downward. "Are you sure you want to keep going Rei-chan? This is going to be the fifth time, and you know how you get if we keep…" Shinji didn't get a chance to answer. Rei did it for him by raising herself up, gripping him, and settling down with him lodged inside. At first she just sat there, soft moaning and holding Shinji down by the arms against the bed.
The question so many people had about Rei, Asuka learned the answer to then. Yes Rei could be vocal when in private, girl was positively a screamer. So that was lovemaking, Asuka was a little jealous of the pair, they were 'adults' while she was still just a child in the eyes of society. And judging by Rei's passionate mewling and yowling, it must feel amazing or she had low standards. When she felt the spike of pleasure in herself, Asuka was astonished to realize she had actually snuck a finger against herself. "Stupid…I'm not that bad," she did touch herself from time to time, but it was Kaji as her mental fodder, not her rivals!
Regardless of her wants to the contrary, Asuka continued to watch the pair coupling, transfixed on it. Forcing her hand away from her body, she gripped the carpet as the pair increased in pitch. In and out, Asuka watched Rei sink deeply in from her place atop Shinji until she was savagely moving. Then in one loud scream, Rei collapsed atop Shinji. He spun over, pulled himself out while still quite vigorous and just cuddled against the now pliant and malleable girl. "You alright Rei-chan," he whispered to her, "didn't hurt your throat again did you?"
Have to leave, have to leave now! Asuka gave Shinji's rigid member one last look before crawling away. Weren't men supposed to be the ones that ended first, that's what her old roommate complained about all the time. No matter, she had to flee less they spot her, and she had to stop thinking about what she just saw. Shutting the door to the apartment just as she heard Rei's bedroom door open, Asuka sighed heavily. "Maybe he isn't so boring after all, but Wondergirl really is a freak," Asuka tried to calm herself down. Damn itch was growing, and she did not like what caused it. Maybe she would call Kaji after all.
By the time she met up with Hikari, Chidori, and Sakura, Asuka had been able to get herself under control. She'd have to talk to Shinji about his submissiveness again though, wasn't healthy. Giving to your partner was good, but what she had seen was a little worrisome. But if that was what they did, who was Asuka to interfere. "Sorry for being late, I had to go to Ayanami's for some of my nicer clothing," did she tell them what she saw? Not likely the best idea.
"Not a big deal, Sakura was running late herself. Still can't get her to dress up for our little outings," Chidori draped an arm around the timid girl. Propelling the classically dressed beauty like a shield, Chidori gave Asuka a good once over that ended with a thumbs up.
Joining the others in appraising Asuka's choice in garb, Hikari agreed with them. "Wish I had half the options you have. But my figure wouldn't do that dress justice. Now let's get shopping, I can't stay out to late. Nozumi will be home at five and dad doesn't want her left alone for long," Hikari fixed her bag after checking the time.
Just as she wanted, her friends realized she was their superior and unchallenged leader. Pulling her phone out, Asuka found Kaji's number and pondered. After she had her suit she'd call him, maybe model it for her. Relaying what she saw not two hours ago with the roles changed, Kaji and her, Asuka hated feeling a little intimidated. Could she do that, could she really? "Well let's get going! I want to really wow them on the Okinawa trip," it was two weeks away but best to get started on hunting. The perfect swimsuit was needed, it was expected of her to knockout the girls and knock the boys down. It was a pain to be on top of the popularity charts, but Asuka was up to the challenge.
For the next hour the quartet of girls wandered through shop after shop looking for just the right piece of tiny fabric. Stupid guys got it easy, trunks all looked the same, yet women's suits were complex and expensive. Chidori got hers first, with her larger cup size she had less options than the others, and she lorded it over them like a diva. Sakura was next, going with a boring white one piece, Asuka wouldn't admit but it worked wonders with her complexion. On the third shop they entered, Asuka and Sakura went off to the bikini section as Hikari went to Chidori to the one pieces.
"Um, S-Soryu-san, c-can I ask you something?" Sakura asked in her typical shyness. As Asuka held up a rather fetching red and white striped suit against her, the rich girl shuffled about anxiously. When Asuka didn't say anything, Sakura took it as good to go, "You live with Ikari-san. What is he really like? I've been watching him since he moved to town. And the other girls say a few things about him, but since the matter with Ayanami-kun came up I've…"
Holding a hand up less Sakura go on and on about silly topics, Asuka knew she had her choice. The lines would really make her bust look bigger, and she loved the color red. "Shinji's a boring kid," Asuka started but the back of her mind reminded her of other things. Shinji was boring at times, but not always and could be tricked into being entertaining. Why such a higher grade girl was fixated on a 'taken less male', Asuka wouldn't bother guessing. But she'd not lie about him, "But he's not all bad. Good cook, knows how to clean, isn't to bad at Super Blaze Girls: Arena 5, and if you can get under his skin he can be fun to have around. But let me ask you this, why do you care about him anyway? Girl like you could get any boring boy you want."
Blushing as she took Asuka's choice and held it to herself, Sakura shook her mighty tresses and handed it back. "Just like I thought he'd be. He's wasted on a girl like…" Sakura covered her mouth and gazed down. Wafting through the aisles looking for their missing two members, "If you must know. I think he's really cute, kind to others, doesn't act like the other boys, and I could just look into those eyes for hours. C-could you…if it's not too hard…get me a picture of him?" Sakura held her hands clasped together before her chest in pseudo-prayer.
What would Sakura think of Asuka told her of what she stumbled upon earlier? Judging by Sakura's little request though, maybe the rich doormat was a closet pervert too. "See what I can do, but he's pretty guarded about things like that. And if you want to waste your time on a guy like him. Maybe I can put in a good word. Things with Ayanami seem…forced at times," or maybe Asuka just didn't understand. Grabbing the other two girls, they made their purchases and headed to a small café. Asuka called Kaji but got his voice mail. After a rather dangerous call, faking an attack, she hung up.
Sadly the man never contacted her later, and they only windowed shopped for a little while longer before Hikari had to go. Once she left, it was Asuka feeling like an extra wheel for the Chidori and Sakura set. Splitting up after that, Asuka returned to the apartment where her own homework waited for her. Not a big deal though, when Shinji came back later, Asuka just took it and copied it. However she couldn't meet his gaze, it would be a little longer before she could shake that image from her mind. Shinji and manliness didn't mesh well in Asuka's mind, but that show…well Asuka did find her panty's had a small stain in them when she went to take a shower. A nice fantasy of Kaji fixed that right up.
X-X
Now Shinji knew he wasn't much of a brave person, but fearing a twelve year old in a hospital bed was a new high in his life. With Rei off having one of her meetings with Ritsuko, Shinji had no excuse for not going with Touji and Kensuke to visit Mari. Oh how Shinji wished he had something to do, but his sync test had been yesterday so he'd nothing. So two days into the school week, and two days after his rather taxing day with Rei and her growing appetite for exploration he was approaching the hospital.
"Really glad you could make it with us today, Shin-man. Mari-chan has been asking about you for the last month or so," Kensuke opened the door to the entrance hall. His laptop uncharacteristically in his bag and synched shut, the geek was all smiles. Not doing a good job of ignoring a rather attractive nurse tending to an old man, Kensuke nearly stumbled.
Slapping Kensuke with the hat Mari had picked for him, Touji offered the nurse an apologetic look. The woman didn't seem to accept it as she stood up right and fixed her gown. Whispering hotly and loudly, "Ken! Are you trying to make troubles for us? I have to see these people at least once a week! If they think I'm a freak or something I'll skin you!" The towering jock glowered and rapped Kensuke a few more times with his hat. Getting to the reception desk, which was vacant at the time, "And I do agree with Kensuke though. Mari really does want to see you, so be on your best behavior or we'll tell your owner you hit on her. Bet Ayanami would skin you alive."
"She would not. Rei-san isn't the girl you're making her out to be," Shinji defended his girlfriend. Rei was a little possessive yes, the issue with Misato being the latest example. It hadn't been by choice, and it wasn't even anything deserving of punishment, but Rei had been hard to accept that. One evening of Misato and he bonding, airing the growing emotions they had for one another. So Misato thought of him as a brother, made sense as he saw her as an elder sister. A slovenly and dirty sister, but it was true. Though he'd never drink with that woman again, not if it resulted in another day trying to make Rei realize he wasn't fixated on Misato.
Waving softly at the old man taking his seat at the reception counter, Shinji felt his spike of fear growing again. What if he didn't live up to Mari's expectations, what if she was angry at him after all, what if so many things? "Uh, hello. A-are visiting hours still going on?" Shinji could hope the day was an off one. That if for some reason they had to cancel the hours, he'd have been seen as making the chance and been denied.
"Sure are kids, Suzuhara you're good to go, just sign in for yourself and your friends here," the old man's yellowy teeth showed his good nature. Sliding a clipboard under the glass divide he dropped the pen afterward. Leaning over on his spotted hand he added, "If only more family members came to visit their loved ones as much as you did. Be a lot happier of place."
Writing the names down, Touji tried not to show his embarrassment for the comment. "Just doing what any big brother should do for his sister," Touji's scrawl was quick and almost illegible. All but throwing the papers back over, "Come on guys, we don't have a lot of time. I still have to get home and get my homework done." Stuffing his hands into his pockets, Touji hustled down the linoleum floor at a pace threatening a fall.
Leaning in close to Shinji, Kensuke couldn't resist, "He's here at least once a week. Bet they're worried he's got something strange going on with Mari-chan." Now being the intelligent idiot Kensuke was, he was loud enough for Touji to hear and swallowed hard once the jock glared back. Whistling disconcertedly, Kensuke avoided eye contact.
Taking the stairs up, Shinji didn't want to look like he was procrastinating, but he was. His heart rate had spiked, his palms sweating, and all he could do to not hyperventilate was remember some of Akagi's relaxation techniques. He needed them from time to time in the entry-plug and they were helping now. "You sure you guys want me to meet her? I don't want to disappoint her. I mean, I'm not that great a guy, and judging by what you've been saying she thinks I'm a hero or something," he noticed oddly that he had stayed on this floor before.
"Not getting out of it now that you're here Shin-man. It would be better for Mari to see you as a person and not what the news says about you," Touji held the door open for them to pass through. As Kensuke passed him, Touji just had to kick the smaller boy in the ass as payment for previous comments. Adding insult to injury, Touji shoved the geek, "Now you be on your best behavior Ken, and no more odd questions for her or letting her use your laptop. Gods only know what junk you have hidden on there."
Shinji suspected Touji knew exactly what Kensuke had on his laptop, but unlike Kensuke he knew how to keep his mouth shut. Despite his fear of the upcoming little girl, Shinji had to admit he was having fun with his two buddies. Time with Rei was always enjoyable and looked forward to, but Touji and Kensuke were great to hang out with too. Hell even Asuka was growing on him like an annoying tumor that was fun to scratch. Girl could be shit on toast most of the time, but it was a fun type of annoying. Gaming and movies when she was in a good mood were great…a bad day and he wanted to hide for it to pass.
Putting his hand on the door handle to a room that was only three down from the last room Shinji had used, Touji took a deep breath. Acting before Shinji could stop him, Touji threw it open and boldly proclaimed, "Guess who brought his favorite little sister a present today! The one the only Third Child, Ikari Shinji as promised!" Touji rolled his hand at the door in a grand gesture as Kensuke shoved Shinji into the room.
"Kensuke!" Shinji yelped as he tumbled into the room and fell against Mari's bed. His hands bunched up on the thin sheet, gods he hated the itchy feel of those things, but he couldn't look up. Mari's knee rocketed up, making a tent under the blanket with one leg, a shrill girly yell escaped her throat, cute really. And despite all his body's resistance and fear, Shinji forced his neck to shift. "H-hello Mari-chan, sorry I haven't visited b-before," boy she was a cutie!
Likely taking after their mother, Mari looked vastly different from her brother. Sharing his height and hair color, Mari was quite the pale beauty with long shoulder length hair and the same brown eyes. "T-Touji! You should have told me before now, I…I look terrible! I'm so sorry Ikari-san I must look terribly!" she pulled her hospital gown to her body which while being only twelve was showing the onset of early puberty.
His hands relaxed, and the breath returned to him, as Shinji didn't see a mutilated and haggard body. "You look fine Mari-chan, and just call me Shinji. I-Ikari-san makes me feel old," made him feel to important in reality. He had harmed this girl, his failures as a pilot had resulted in this girl being here, for what he didn't know though. Now that he wasn't pulsating with anxiety, Shinji wondered just how silly he had been. Spotting her blushing at his comment, he hoped he hadn't stepped into something dangerous. Shifting uncomfortably under her bashful gaze, "S-so how are you doing today?"
Snickering loudly, Touji forced Shinji into a chair as he fixed Mari's pillow. "Sit down there playboy and stop macking on my sister. But how HAVE you been Mari? Any feeling in the leg today?" Touji patted the girl's left leg that had remained stationary.
So it was a paralyzed leg that kept her in the hospital? Shinji felt even worse for that. An injury was one thing, but a permanent disability was far far worse! The trio of boys played servants and entertainers for the bedridden girl for little over an hour. Jokes, stories, and light hearted conversation to ease her apprehension and fears for the future. Mari had claimed she thought she felt some sensation in the leg, but still couldn't move her toes more than a fraction. For the duration of the visit, Mari had been harsh with Touji but polite and kind to Kensuke and Shinji. She, despite Shinji's attempt to remove his super-human qualities, still was quite smitten with him at the end of visit.
"Well the doctor will be here with my supper and medicine soon. And I don't want you to see me under the effect, Shinji-san," Mari refused to be any less formal. She held her hand out for Touji who took it and embraced her warmly. "Now you be good until I see you next, brother, and tell Hikari-san I said hello. You'd best make your move on her soon or she'll get snatched up. Kensuke, try to spend less time on your computer, and…Shinji-san will you visit me again sometime?" she couldn't meet his eyes.
It was a bad idea, getting the girl's hope up when he was with Rei already but Shinji wanted to see the energetic girl again. "Sure thing, Mari-chan. When my schedule will allow for it I'll be sure to come back. You do your best with your recovery too," Shinji's sense of guilt exploded. This was all his fault, despite Mari saying otherwise. Touji and Mari separated from their light embrace, the girl waved softly at them and they left her alone in that room. He stayed silent for the whole walk out of the hospital, they all did. Once they had signed out and were out in the late afternoon sun, "I'm sorry, Touji, sorry for causing this."
What Shinji expected wasn't what he received, Touji gave the smaller boy a heavy punch to the shoulder. "Get over it Shinji. Mari said it wasn't your fault, and even I realize it now. I had been wrong back when I accused you of it. Mari would have deed if it wasn't for you. And I should be thanking you for coming. She's never smiled so much as she did today, even if you don't mean it when you said you'd come back. It gives her something to hope for," Touji sniffed loudly and rubbed his arm under his nose. Either the sun was playing with his eyes, or Touji's were red.
"Yeah man, Mari-chan's never been so happy as she was today. She was positively glowing, and I think I saw you actually relax a bit up there. The stick you had up your ass vanished after you saw her. But Mari-chan does have that effect on guys. In a few years Touji's going to go to jail for killing the first guy to ask her out," Kensuke joked as he held his bag behind his head. Walking away from the group a ways, "Well I have to make a trip to the store for supper. So I'll see you guys tomorrow. And thanks again Shin-man."
Rubbing his sore arm, Shinji didn't know what to say his confusion was far to high. They didn't blame him, yet he thought he owned some part of the blame. Walking with Touji for a few blocks towards their homes, Shinji ignored Touji's sniffling. It wasn't fair to Touji to judge him for a moment of weakness, Shinji had far more of them than he liked to admit. Getting the literal split in the road, "Thanks for letting me meet her, Touji. I think I know why you wanted me to see her." It did Shinji good to see she wasn't vengeful, and Mari had just been so happy to see him it was impossible for even Shinji to miss.
"You've changed, Shin-man, and for the better," Touji patted his buddy's back kindly. Standing awkwardly for a few moments, the boy who was more emotional that most gave him credit for, just stood looking at his buddy. "When I first met you I thought you were a totally waste. The type of guy to push things off to anybody and everybody you could. But you came today, I owe Kensuke some money. Bet him you wouldn't go unless we forced you. But you did, made Mari's day, and proved me wrong. Now I don't know if it's Ayanami's doing or just you, but you're braver than you know. Now I need to go before I get even sappier. But know I will hold you to that promise you made," flashing Shinji a thumbs up, Touji went off running.
Had he changed? Shinji didn't know for sure if he had or not, but he liked the idea that he had. "Rei-san really is part of it too," Shinji stuffed his hands in his pockets and headed home. She made him happier, even if she was demanding when nobody was around. His time with Rei made Shinji more patient with Misato and now Asuka. If only he could get Rei out more, get her more socially involved or some more hobbies it would be perfect. He didn't mind the time he spent with her, just Rei was very expectant of his time. If they didn't have school or tests, Rei wanted to take all his time. It wasn't bad though, just exerting.
"You are late," Rei was standing outside of the Katsuragi apartment startling the boy who wasn't paying enough attention. Briskly approaching the stunned boy, Rei sniffed at Shinji's neck and a small scowl crested her brow, "Flowers and medicine? Where have you been? Akagi-san was sick today so my meeting was cancelled, we could have shared a meal or partook in a game." Arms crossed and frame ridged, Rei was now readably to Shinji as being agitated.
She was angry at him for not calling or stopping home first when he had no reason to? Shinji wanted to be fair, give Rei the lion's share of his time, but that was a little much. "Sorry Rei-chan," she wilted a little at the moniker, "But I went with Touji to see his sister in the hospital. You told me this morning that you had your physical so I didn't think…why are you so angry?" Was it wrong of him to want a little more private time or time with other friends? The jokes Touji made about his time with Rei being all encompassing was becoming less joke and more reality.
"I am not angry," Rei didn't sound to be very truthful. Walking past Shinji to her apartment, she opened the door and left it stay that way, "I would have liked to know where you were is all. Did we not have plans for after my appointment? I had studied a new tactic for GO and read a new chapter in my book. Now we will not have time for all of them and our studies. Come, we have much to do and little time." She left no room for debate, her orders were absolute.
Closing his eyes, Shinji rubbed his nose as he felt the urge to just head to his apartment and have a sit down instead. She was being unreasonable! It wasn't his fault her meeting had been changed! She could have called him or something, but no she stayed here to accuse him of things the moment he got back! This was why he thought she needed a bit more in her life and not just him! If she had other friends or something to do, she'd not have been waiting, not be angry at him for spending time with his other friends! But he'd again spoil Rei, and hope Asuka and Misato could wait a little longer for him to get home and cook for them. It was that or risk Rei getting more upset with him, and he wasn't wanting that. Not now…but a small seed of frustration had been planted.
He joined Rei and shut the door. Homework came first, then a small meal, he left enough cooking to take back over to his apartment. Asuka was oddly silent when the tired boy returned home with food, Rei being called in as her tests were rescheduled with Maya as the officiator. She'd been that way for the last few days, but Shinji was glad for the silence for a change.
X-X
"You feeling alright, Ikari-kun, you're not looking to hot this morning," Ritsuko asked. His scores were still up a little so it wasn't a big concern, but better to address it before Misato noticed. Heaven's knew what would happen if Shinji actually got sick or hurt, Misato would flip her shit. For her own right, Ritsuko was feeling horrible. Her mind tried to put it off as food poisoning or flu, but her scientific training told her otherwise. Morning sickness, constant need to urinate, fluctuating emotions all pointed to something a bit more permanent. When the two female pilots looked at her, "You're both fine, and no Ayanami I'm sorry about missing yesterday."
It was almost cute to see Shinji bashfully look at Rei before addressing Ritsuko, but her queasiness stole what enjoyment his actions would have had. "I just didn't get much sleep last night, a lot on my mind. A friend of mine introduced me to his sister, she was hurt in my first sortie," somberness was prevalent but not all encompassing. Shifting in his seat as Asuka scoffed over the link but said nothing. He did relax enough for his premature wrinkles to vanish, "It did give me time to make Misato-san and your lunches a little larger today though."
Funny that, even though her stomach felt ready to tear out of her abdomen and run the idea of food was marvelous! Both wrapped lunch boxes were on the counter, Shinji had asked if she'd take Misato hers. Her tongue felt larger in her mouth as she envisioned just what the caring lad made for her. Why couldn't the father be more like the son? "That was nice of you, Ikari-kun," damn her emotional shifts! Why the hell did she feel like crying! It was just a simple lunch, but nobody had done anything like that for her in so long.
"It's just the same stuff he made for Ayanami with some extra meat thrown in for us carnivores," Asuka snidely added. Compared to the other two pilots, Asuka appeared to be the only one not really wanting to be there. Her score was up, not as high an improvement as the others, but still progress. Mumbling in her oh so irritable fashion, "He's gone all day yesterday, Misato cooked some horrible goop, and yet everybody fawns."
Damaged ego already, Ritsuko could already tell Asuka was going to be a problem before to long. Purging the tanks of their LCL, Ritsuko was starting to understand Misato's view of the girl. "You're all done now so you should get back to school just after lunch. Ikari-kun if you could stop in my office before you leave I've some details for you regarding your last physical. Ayanami it's a private meeting so you'll have to wait for him," Ritsuko ordered. With Gendo's fixation on Rei, Ritsuko was glad Shinji was with the girl. Made her less worried her lover was using her as only a smokescreen. Rei was fixated on Shinji, and that suited Ritsuko fine.
Forwarding the results to her office computer, Ritsuko patted her unruly tummy as she watched Shinji help Rei out of her tube. Tempted to ask Asuka what her problem was, Ritsuko saw her keep a healthy distance from the couple. But before her head stopped spinning the pilots had already left the room. It was for the better. With how she was feeling, a mixture of happy that swiftly jumped to massive anger she'd likely take Asuka's head off. Confronting that girl would only exacerbate things. Leave it to Misato to peg the girl head on. "Glad I don't have to live with her," now that would be a nightmare.
Leaving for her office, the lunches under her arm, Ritsuko gave herself a good twenty minutes before Shinji arrived. "That is if those rumors are wrong," otherwise it would take ages judging on Shinji's delivery time. She'd heard the rumor a few days ago, some of the guys on the bridge we talking about it. Grown men commenting on a fourteen year old girl being a 'fine lay' was disgusting, no matter what new laws existed. Her office was just as vacant and sterile as she left it, though she thought she shut her laptop. No matter, what was of importance now as taking a little snack. Unpacking her lunch, her mouth watered, but before she could partake a knock on her door. Couldn't be Shinji already, "It's open, come in."
Lighting rapping on the door as he opened it, Makoto gave the woman a joking salute, "Morning Akagi-san. These reports came in for you from the hospital. More odd reports about the pilots?" The heavy duty envelope had Ritsuko's name inscribed on it as he waved it about. Quite against his normal attitude, Makoto was all smiles as he approached and handed his parcel over to Ritsuko. Rubbing at his cheek, "Hungry this morning, Akagi-san?"
"What do you mean?" Ritsuko asked mid bite and looked down. Holy hell she'd already eaten half of the contents! Snatching her personal reports from Makoto, Ritsuko felt the need to pee again, and the desire to burn before reading. Covering the open box with the papers, Ritsuko felt her cheeks warm, "And yeah I am a little hungry, no supper last night." A lie, she'd eaten a full frozen pizza and a bag of chips. Last two weeks, just after the last angel attack, it all started yet her denial was all in place. Not liking that smug look on the guy that eye-humped her best friend all the time, "So why you smiling so much? Misato forget to button her top two again?"
Just as Ritsuko wanted, Makoto quickly lost his good disposition and fell into proper military decorum. "Sorry Akagi-san, just having a good morning. Shigeru, Maya, and I are going out tonight for a few drinks. Things have been boring for me lately, so maybe this will turn things around. Would you like to come with us?" the obligatory question was asked.
"Asking me to having another woman you can drunkenly hit on or because you think I'll ask Misato to come with me?" Ritsuko barked out hotly. Was that all she was good for, Being Misato's accessory? She had a PhD in bioengineering, physics, and chemistry and yet people only thought of her as an annoying biddy in a lab! Gendo was different though, he saw her for what she really was. A beautiful and intelligent woman that could advance his aims, and receive his affections! Pulling on her turtleneck, Gendo's last session had been three days ago so they were a little fresh. Seeing Makoto's pale face and wide eyed stare, Ritsuko rubbed her forehead, "I have a headache, Makoto-kun, sorry for snapping. I'll have to pass tonight, doubt I'd be much fun."
Nodding empathically Makoto headed for the door, "Don't mention it, Akagi-san. If you change your mind call Maya. She said she had your number." With a small wave, and without looking back, Makoto left.
With nothing left to distract her, Ritsuko just looked at her news and held it in her hand. Was she pregnant or just sick, oh how she wanted it to just be sickness. Would Gendo support their child, or would she be a single mother? It didn't take a genius to see Gendo wasn't a good parent, Shinji wasn't even mentioned by name when they spoke of the boy. It could be the catalyst to open him up to her more though. Tearing open the top, she pulled the papers out and started picking at her food again. First few pages were just hospital insurance information. They took no legal stance on anything, it's not their fault if wrong, blah-blah-blah everybody just passed the blame around.
"Akagi-san, are you alright? You've been staring at the paper for about five minutes now," Shinji interjected softly. When Ritsuko yelped and tossed the papers at him, he stumbled back and knocked one of the chairs over. Quickly gathering up the thrown pages, "Sorry Akagi-san, I didn't mean to startle you. Just you were eating and blanking out." Setting up the chair he upended, the lad sat on it and shuffled the pages back together then gasped, "You're pregnant Akagi-san?"
Snatching the reports out of Shinji's hand, Ritsuko could only rifle through the medical terms, then collapse into her seat. "It…seams so, Shinji-kun. I'm…I'm…p-p-pregnant," her hand went to her belly and rubbed it. The pack of smokes in her pocket seemed to grow in mass at her side, the soft corner of the pack cut into her thigh. She needed an outlet, her emotions were threatening to overwhelm her. One of the biggest shocks in her life, and was the father there to share in it, no. Letting the papers slip to the ground, Ritsuko saw Shinji timidly looking back at her. Shambling over to him, he didn't resist, and in fact when she wrapped her arms around him he reciprocated. Then she started bawling like an infant.
How long did she cry in the arms of the man she loved son, Ritsuko didn't know. It seemed that whenever she was about dry, something new would come to mind and she'd start over. Loneliness was a big part of it, as despite their relationship they didn't spend much time together outside his office. The change in attitude he had after they officially started. Seeing other people's happiness and how they looked at her. Why did she feel such a failure, that she should be greater than she was now. In love with a man that wasn't even at her side when she learned she was with his child. Did Gendo love her?
As her tears started to finally dry without starting again, "Are you doing better, Akagi-san?" Shinji's calming voice asked. He was doing his best to support the larger woman, and was doing a good job at it. His hand made small circles against her back, soft muttering and soothing sounds with no hint of condescending overtures. A little laugh left him as he asked, "Must be a shock for you. Glad somebody could be here with you for it. But I doubt that's why you asked me here."
"Now that is the understatement of the day, Shinji-kun. But you're right, I am glad you're here," Ritsuko dried her eyes on her sleeve. Of all the people she knew, Shinji was fourth on her list of people she would have wanted at her side. Misato and Gendo were first, Gendo only if he could let himself care. Maya was next as the girl was infinitely supportive and kind to her, and then Shinji. That odd boy she had come to appreciate more and more for all he did for her. Little things nobody else did, no wonder Rei was so fixated on the boy. It was rare to meet a selfless person in this horrid and selfish world. Kissing Shinji lightly on the cheek, "You're a darling for putting up with that." She let go of him and retook her chair.
Waving off the comment, Shinji absently rubbed the spot Ritsuko and touched. "It wasn't that big of deal. Misato gets emotional when she gets really drunk sometimes so I'm used to it. Just she doesn't remember it in the morning. Worried what will happen now that Asuka is around," he shrugged a little and couldn't sit still.
"Well, she's not grateful enough for all you do for her. Misato is a slob and an emotional leech at times," Ritsuko saw what Shinji was doing and agreed. Best to forget what happened and pass her emotional breakdown as if it didn't happen. Her cry had done her loads of good, but her pride in tatters. Stashing her papers in her desk, she'd deal with them later, "Would you be a dear and not tell anybody about this little bit of info? With things as they are, it might make them worry." Big understatement, the world was in constant jeopardy and she was with child, they'd question her motives. "Now for why I actually asked you here," she grinned as he squirmed more, "that little problem of sterilization isn't permanent. The tests I ran hint that a few months free of LCL and you should return to normal."
Suddenly on the defensive of the emotional game, Shinji's fist clenched and unclenched wildly. "Oh…that's good to know. Though I don't think I want to be a parent. You don't…need another sample do you?" Shinji continued to fidget in his seat under Ritsuko's recovering presence.
Waving her hand, Ritsuko assured the boy, "Not today. But it will be part of your physical from now on. Have to make sure we're not causing you any prolonged or critical conditions. LCL contamination isn't something we know about. You three pilots are the only humans with such prolonged exposure. That's all I had planned to tell you." How much more dangerous could an angel's blood prove to be in the long run. Forever the scientist, nobody could take that from her! "Now…if you don't mind, Shinji-kun, I think I have somebody I need to call," she'd have to tell Gendo.
"Oh, um-sure, Akagi-san, and if you want some larger lunches in the future just ask," he tittered lightly as he pointed at her, "You did eat all of yours and started Misato-san's." With a hasty retreat the boy paused at the door for a moment in deliberation. After his mind came to whatever endpoint it had inevitably reached, "For what it's worth, congratulations." A head bob latter and he'd ventured to parts unknown and a very late lunch.
Already owning up to needing to apologize to Misato for eating half of her lunch, Ritsuko rationalized why bother with just half and proceeded to eat all of it. Rolling the phone over in her hand, she set it in her pocket and got up. This was something best told in person, not over the phone. Wafting through the base, the comments from others just over her head without concern. No more smoking, no more drinking, weight gain, emotional shifting, and so many other problems just to nurse a life to existence. How had her pills failed her?! No form of control was permanent, but did she forget a pill or was a defective one?
Thankfully finding Kozo absent from Gendo's office, Ritsuko saw the irritated tick he had when she approached. "Gendo, we have something to talk about," Ritsuko would start off somewhat coy and judge. Maybe he was to busy to bother with this right now. He had the fate of the world and his own aims to deal with, maybe she should just keep silent about it. And when she ballooned up and couldn't accommodate his whims she'd have to come clean. Better sooner than later.
"What is this in regards to? I didn't request you to visit, and we've no reports due at the moment," Gendo had a small stack of concerns at his side. She had told him how she hated him hiding his mouth behind his hands, yet he was doing it now.
Checking the door, in case a freakish breeze pushed the heavy entrance open, she had not witnessed a miracle. "I've got my personal tests in, and I'm pregnant. It's yours," she held her breath. Legs becoming watery, her chest was tight and her head throbbed as time came to a halt. Despite the news, Gendo just sat there looking at her with that bored if not apathetic expression. Maybe she hadn't heard him or understood her, "Did you hear me, Gendo, I'm…"
"I heard you, and I still waiting for the problem," Gendo sat his hands down and fixed his gloves. Oh yes, Ritsuko knew why he had those on, it had been disturbing to see the embryo melded to his hand. Fixing his glasses next, "You'll have it terminated. I cannot have you unable to perform your duties here." What duties he meant, he didn't let go. It was up to Ritsuko to apply whatever reasoning she wanted to hear.
Crushing reality came in, her subconscious thoughts of what her child would be like vanished. "Y-you're sure? I mean the laws state that…it's illegal," Ritsuko's hand went back to her stomach protectively. With humanity being so endangered due to Second Impact, human life was at a premium. Outside of health reasons, abortion was no longer an easy thing to get done. But, as a scientist, she knew how to take care of things herself if she had to. He took his glasses off and Ritsuko thought she saw concern there…he didn't WANT her to do it but it was for the greater good. The tree of life ironically stared up at her as she dropped her gaze, "If you're sure…I'll take care of it immediately."
"I know that you will. I can trust you to do what is required," Gendo had the gall to smile. Sliding his mirrored glasses back in place as Ritsuko made to leave, he told her exactly what she needed to hear.
By the end of the day, Ritsuko had dealt with her problem. He was suffering to ask her to do it, Ritsuko was sure of it! And she did have more important things to do than raise a child. The world depended on her, and pregnancy would only limit her abilities. So when she went to sleep, no longer afflicted, she let that fact comfort her as the coldness wafted in. She had took efforts to avoid everybody that might have seen or cared. The call on her phone was from Misato asked about where her lunch was, and if she wanted to go out on their next day off.
X-X
Watching the connection bar moving slowly across his specialized laptop, Ryouji felt the hair on the back of his neck rising. Unused corridors of Nerv leading to office spaces of unwatched middle support, had to love those pencil pushers. They spent most of their day running about like chickens with their heads cut off, and gave Ryouji access to the network. But all it took was one balding man to come back from his late afternoon coffee break to find him. Now Kaji didn't want to hurt or kill people if he didn't have to, but if push came to shove humanity won over somebody cheating on his wife with the office temp.
"Come on baby just a little bit more," he licked his lips as the connection finalized. The man whose office he was using had the audacity to use '12345' as his password! Well small favors will always be appreciated. He could feel his sidearm though pressing against his back, just in case. Gendo trusted him as much as Ryouji trusted the crazy bastard. Hell, Kaji had provided an angel embryo incased in Bakelite. What was that man doing with that other than wanting to destroy it, go figure the UN tasked him with this.
Using some of the commands and access paths he gleamed from Ritsuko's computer, the spy found a glut of information for download. Popping his external hard drive in, he started to copy as much as he could. "To think Ritsuko was pregnant," Kaji couldn't help himself as he lit up a cigarette. Sick one day allowing him access to her lap, back one day, and sick the next had Kaji in her lap again an hour before he was in this small office. As he snuck into her computer, she still used the same password as she did back in college, he found her little secret. Taking a deep drag, twin plumbs of smoke left his nose, "But that chemical cocktail…no wonder she's out today. Just who is the father?"
Now that bothered him, Ritsuko didn't get out much or at all judging by how far he was able to press his advances on her. Did she have somebody on base, or was she sneaking around? "Not my business," Ryouji made that his practices. Opening a few files randomly as his download slowly inched towards complete. If he didn't keep his mind on something he would dwell on his shaky position. He only had a window of an hour, the man (he didn't want to know names as it made potential removals more painful) was off meeting with city planners, and the timing of the security cameras was razor fine. One mistake though and it was all over.
"So they're planning a recon at a volcano soon? Misato has odd ideas but that's strange even for her," Ryouji couldn't help but smile. Well it would be something to occupy the beauty for awhile, maybe get him more access to files. Maybe he'd hit on her a little, but Kaji wasn't looking for a relationship right now. Leaving somebody behind when he had to do more dangerous runs, he'd not wish that on anybody. If Misato made the first move, well he wouldn't say he wasn't tempted but she had to make the move. Details about the workings of Terminal Dogma, Kaji knew he had to get down there. "Wonder what Misato is up to anymore…she seems ready to toss me under Unit-02," he unclipped his drive and pocketed it.
Five minutes to spare, and a lot of data to go over and transmit when he got home, Kaji pressed his ear to the door and listened. Nobody coming, excellent, he eased out of the room and shut the door leaving no trace of his entrance. He hoped at least. "Thank god that man's a smoker too," Kaji did flitter his ash on the ground before pocketing the remainder of his smoke. Pulling out his phone, Kaji caressed the small picture behind the clock readout. It was of Misato, Ritsuko, and him back in college. Simpler times, better times, but he had ruined them. All he had to do was tell Misato he loved her and then maybe his life would have been different. Kaji felt himself in the clear as he walked down the halls until he heard his name yelled.
"Kaji," Shigeru yelled out loudly and ran down the hallway his footfalls echoing thunderously, "Hey Kaji hold up!" His hand held outstretched, the long haired man chugged along as good as he could. Out of shape though and likely suffering a hangover from the previous night out drinking.
Feeling his heart pounding in his chest, Kaji was reminded of the few cartoons he saw in his youth. A cartoon cat's heart would jerk into and out of his body whenever scared. Ryouji couldn't remember the cats name, he'd only saw the thing once or twice as his band of vagrants hardly had a TV or the time to watch it. "Hey Shigeru, something on your mind? You're not normally on this side of the base," Kaji felt a slight rise of worry. Were they sending Shigeru to offset him? Just yesterday Kaji invited himself out to drink with the bridge bunnies.
Doubling over and breathing hard, Shigeru held his hand up momentarily to ward off conversation. Once he got his breathing almost under control, "So-sorry about that, out of shape. Was on my way to the mess for some early lunch…saw you. Remembered I owe you for the last round last night." The long haired musician had his wallet in hand and a grin on his face. Grabbing a few bills he held them out, "You should come out with us more often. Makoto and Maya agree."
The type to always expect a con, Kaji took the money but kept his eyes peeled for any movement behind the panting man. Seeing none, he stopped tensing his muscles and put the few bills into his pocket. "I think I could do that from time to time. Get Katsuragi and Akagi to come with us we'll have a big party. Maybe have a party at one of their houses, get the pilots involved. Those kids need to relax more than we do," he meant that.
"Well not at my place. Don't want to have Ikari and Ayanami using my bedroom in their debauchery, if those rumors are true. But I'd not be against getting them some fun to. We owe our lives to those kids. It true you used to live with the Second Child? She always so…opinionated?" Shigeru leaned back and breathed in deep. He coughed with each haggard intake.
Asuka, girl was something Ryouji didn't know fully how to take. "She's just used to be treated as an equal…or superior. Back in Germany she was staying in a college dorm or on base where she was seen as a point of pride. Here…well different culture," Kaji got an idea. The message he got from Asuka today was to meet up for lunch! He could use that as an excuse to escape here and as a cover. But that did mean he'd be lead her on some. Girl was so overt with her wanting, it unnerved the man. It was fine if she was older or him A LOT younger…but he couldn't do what she wanted.
Shrugging, Shigeru got that look about him, one that just yelled he didn't believe it. Likely thinking some not fully incorrect idea that Kaji thought of himself as Asuka's father or something. "Well girl can be a handful at times, but you would know that more than us. Well Katsuragi-san and Ikari-kun more than the rest of us. Those two kids have an odd chemistry going on, wonder what Ayanami thinks of that," Shigeru waved and spun, "Talk to you later."
Thanking fate for not making him say anything, Kaji just waved and escaped Nerv as fast as possible. Once he got to his car he put the hard drive in a small hallow in his car seat only he and one of his contacts knew of. Pulling out of the parking lot, he felt that cold sweat again as the gate took just that extra bit longer to open. Were they holding him up, that prick Gendo debating letting him go or keep him in? But it opened and he rolled out feeling the perspiration rolling down his arms, Asuka would say he smelt musky. Girl just had hero worship or thought he was something he wasn't.
Re-listening to her last voicemail, not the one of her faking an attack but her pleading for a lunch date, he headed to the location. She'd be thrilled, and prance about him like he was something out of a movie. Yes he cared about her, more than he should, but he couldn't help it. Girl wormed her way into his affection much like Misato did. Only Kaji didn't like way Asuka threw herself at him. It was a real shame that Shinji boy was with the oddity that was Ayanami. Boy like that could knock some of the bitch out of her and do her some good. Ayanami, well Ryouji was trying to learn about her, but she was a locked box of secrets.
Asuka was just as thrilled as he expected her to be when he showed up, but she wasn't alone. She had two friends with her, an older girl and one in her glass. He could see Asuka told them stories about him, hyped him up into something of a godly man among men. They blushed and averted their eyes, wiggled and danced, tempted…and right now that wasn't what Kaji wanted. No, he'd have to hit a bar or one of the base ladies to get his post mission urges out. He'd never forgive himself if he lapsed. Maybe he would break his vow and give Misato a call, she was still single. And from her actions around him, Kaji thought she'd either accept or smack him. One was just as good as another after that lunch.
Oh Asuka asked for a ride home after the meal, he denied her citing going back to Nerv, because it wasn't just a ride she was wanting. Young girl didn't know what she was asking for, likely confused that her roommates were both seeming experts. Asuka, as Kaji knew her, hated being at a disadvantage and was quick to take to whims. Finding a nice high end restaurant and bar, Kaji worked his magic on his serving girl. She slipped him her phone number and her shift times, woke up on his bed. He played it off as if it wasn't a onetime thing, they both knew it a lie. She had a story to tell her friends, and he wasn't tempted to complicate his life. But when he saw Misato that next morning, heard her plan for the volcano…damned if he wasn't loving the smell over her perfume.
X-X
Authors Notes
Adding development to our little cast here and a level to Ritsuko…I don't know why I still have a big love for that character. She doesn't get the attention she deserved as a fairly tortured character. Oh well, maybe its just me.
Ja Mata
Zentrodie