Standard Disclaimer
Man the snow just won't stop! So I stay inside and type, which is good I guess. Family issues are getting better, yet the 'friend' issues are getting odder and worse. Everything is taking time and or money sadly. Oh well this has nothing to do with money as I've never received a dime for all of my documents he he, be cool if I could.
X-X
With Nothing Else
Back in school, Touji tried his best to keep himself awake the last few fleeting minutes before Hikari let them out for lunch. Nothing, the whole great vacation came to nothing, and he had gushed to Shinji how they'd have great stories for him over the upcoming break. Just great, what did he tell, what story was worth making? Did he tell the truth that Kensuke and that bitch Nagato nearly or so nearly went all the way right next to Hikari, Sakura, and himself? Kensuke didn't remember, not clearly anyway, so Touji didn't plan on filling anybody in.
They had gotten back into town the day before, and Touji spent that in a flurry of action. A quick visit to his sister to tell her the truth of the trip, she was glad to see him but a little depressed he came alone, was first. Next came unpacking and throwing out the food his dad had neglected and went bad. And last came his homework, he blitzed through that with as little actual thought as he could. Man, his life was boring! Without his sister and his friends, what did he really have to look forward to? He was good at track and basketball, but not good enough to make a life of it. Not smart enough for a good job…his future wasn't looking to bright. Maybe he should try for Tachibana, she was loaded but…girl was smitten with Shinji.
Shinji, Touji looked over at his timid buddy with a hint of disdain and jealousy. While Touji was drowsy and fighting sleep, Shinji was awake and taking notes. Oh and sneaking fugitive looks at Ayanami who couldn't care what the teacher was saying. Touji could see a smaller book hidden in Rei's actual text book, now what was she up to? Ayanami wasn't the type read manga or light novels, so what was the deal? Kensuke was on his computer as always, Hikari dutifully watching over everything like the high flatulent rules lawyer she was, and then there was the dishrag of a girl full of beauty and head full of air. Sakura was watching Shinji, not that the boy realized it, and to Touji's shock Asuka was watching Sakura watching Shinji. What was that all about, Touji wasn't smart enough to figure this out.
A girlfriend, gods Touji wanted one of those! Maybe it would help him get his focus or something, give him something more than just his sister to care for. "Class-rep could I bet," Touji fancied himself a small fantasy. Sex, that was another thing Touji really wanted to learn more about, almost the only thing some nights. He had such high hopes for that vacation, make some 'summer memories' with a random girl or maybe start something with Hikari or Sakura. But reality came crashing back to him. Sakura wanted Shinji in a bad way, despite how she lied about it all those weeks ago. Hikari didn't show him any attention, and the only guy he knew that got any sugar was Kensuke. His pride was in tatters.
"Stand, bow!" Hikari's authoritarian voice called out. It was rich like lavender and rolled over Touji's ears and woke him up. "Ayanami I'm going to need you to stay here for a bit to go over your papers," Hikari called out over the din of students bustling to run off. It had been chaos, it always was, once she let them out for lunch. The momentary break of freedom in the day of mind numbing imprisonment.
Grabbing Shinji's elbow, Touji gave it a waggle and the boy a smile. "So looks like we can tell you our stories without Ayanami eavesdropping or disapproving on it. Not for girls ears," Touji winked. Something in Shinji's face shifted, from tense to relaxed but in a subtle way it was hard to see, Touji liked that. "You can just give your wife her lunch and let Ken and I tell you of our great trip," Touji felt Shinji tugging in Rei's direction. Maybe there was a dark side of relationships that he didn't know, and Shinji did. Rei was becoming a word he loathed hearing, it took their buddy from them.
"S-stop teasing about stuff like that Touji, we're far to young to think about marriage," Shinji fumbled his words bashfully. Shinji deposited Rei's lunch on her desk as Kensuke came over to Touji. The smaller teen spoke to his girlfriend and gave her cheek a light caress with the back of his fingers. He pointed back at Touji and Kensuke, Rei's eyes fell hard on them and what little emotion on her face vanished, he then pointed outside.
Shaking his few bags of sandwiches by the plastic, Kensuke stretched his hands over his head. "So looks like we won't have to sensor anything. We going to show him some of the pictures?" Kensuke loved his pictures.
"The classy ones, he'd get hit up by Red and she'd bring the hammer down on us," Touji tapped his foot impatiently. Rei wasn't letting Shinji go to easily, and both Hikari and the boyfriend were trying to play nice. Idly flipping Rei's book open, his curiosity peaked, Touji sucked in his breath as he read the title. The fuck were those two up to!? Touji suspected Asuka's little outburst had been an exaggeration. Asuka was nothing but one big exaggeration! But here it was, Rei's hidden reading, wow. "Yo Shin-man lets go! I'm hungry and we've a lot to talk about!" Touji saw Sakura glare at him. Sorry lady, you had your chance and used it to hurt Shinji, Touji didn't give Sakura a pass just because he'd bang her.
Joining the two at the door to the room, Shinji scratched the back of his head in a sign of penitence. "Sorry about that. Hokari-san was having trouble explaining to Rei-san why her literary work needed re-doing. I think its all taken care of now," Shinji held his own lunchbox lightly. Homemade lunches, it was supposed to be girls that made their own lunches, but Shinji was one to buck that trend. Rei's, Asuka's, and his own, mornings had to be hectic for the boy over the stove.
But if Touji could live with Misato, that beauteous woman, he'd live in the kitchen cooking for her. Well, if Misato didn't mind occasionally waking in nude. "Don't worry about it. We've got you now and not going to let you back to her until we tell you of our travels," he still needed a good lie though. Kensuke would back him up, of that Touji was sure. They passed other students, the school trip was the topic most were talking about. Touji bristled as they passed Chidori and her troupe of titillating cheerleader friends. Touji ached, his loins ached so hard at times just thinking about it. He did have that pair of Misato's panty back at home though, helped alleviate the pain.
"And we're not going to let you off the hook either, Shin-man," Kensuke pushed between Touji and Shinji. Shoulder bumping into the pilot, Kensuke fixed his glasses and leaned in conspiratorially. Hiking his thumb back at the classroom, "My sources say Nerv had an operating out at a volcano while we were off. Nerv was sighted sequestering a local onsen. And if my eyes didn't deceive me, looked like Soryu was giving you the eye, so what happened there?"
Waving his hands in dismissing and calling of quiet, Shinji frantically looked for spies, the sign of Nerv personnel. Pushing the door open to the quad, the light was blinding despite the cloud cover, Shinji rolled his shoulders in that defeatist move of his. Was talking about this stuff that hard on him? Hard or not Shinji answered in soft tones, "Misato-san found an angel egg or something in that volcano. Asuka was lowered into it to try and capture it." Shinji dusted the leaves away from under the tree they used and sat down. Opening his box, he frowned as a piece of paper fell out he quickly scooped up. Reading the note, his face going a little red, "There was an accident and Asuka nearly fell. I jumped in and caught her. Things have been a little odd between us since then." Whatever was on that paper, Shinji wasn't telling as he pocketed it and pretended it didn't happen.
"You risked your life for the Kraut?" Touji fell heavily on the ground. The spike of pain went up his tailbone to his neck form the sudden stop. To think Asuka had almost bought the big one, Touji felt he would have missed her. Didn't like her, never would, but damn the girl was nice to look at. Ripping open his sandwich bag, Touji took a massive bite. Spitting out bits of the cardboard tasting meat, "And here I thought all you'd say was Ayanami and you just hung out. But here you go, saving the devil. She give you a quickie as a reward or something, or are you getting sweet on her?" Would that be better? Shinji with Red over Blue?
Shinji didn't answer at first, he was to busy coughing out the food he started choking on. After his small bout of near death ended, "I did not and do not!" it was rare for Shinji to shout but he did quite vehemently. Noticing several other eaters looking at him, Shinji quickly caved in on himself. Picking absently at his food, "Asuka is a friend, a good one, but I'd never want to be in a relationship with her. Far to much effort for me, to risky too. And she'd sooner jump back in that volcano than touch me like that." No illusion, no fib, just pure truth in those eyes and the small smile Shinji favored himself with.
"Glad to hear that," Kensuke gave Shinji's arm a small tap. Pulling out his laptop and unlocking it, the boy fell atop it and worked frantically. "Because we have a great story for you about our last night. Touji can tell you of our other exploits later," he gave Touji a wink and a quick nod. If Shinji noticed, he didn't react or care. Showing the others a few pictures of the hotel room from that final night, "We had a small party with them. And you won't believe us, but Tachibana got really drunk and told us a whole lot of funny things."
Now this truly was when Kensuke shined as Touji's buddy. They'd share the one true story of the vacation then he'd get to say all the lovely lies he wanted after Kensuke left. "Yeah, for a change Nagato got some vodka for us to boot! I was going to try making a play on Hokari or Tachibana. The girls out in Okinawa were great, but long distance relationships don't work," he baited the hook. Shinji would bite, kid was far to trusting, worried Touji a little. Taking the box of food, Shinji's, as Shinji reclined away from it. It showed he was done. Sitting up Touji scarfed down the delicious food, "Tachibana really does have the hots for you and something fierce! During one 'truth' she probably doesn't remember…she said she diddles herself thinking abou…"
"Why are you telling Ikari-kun these things," a cold and emotionless voice wafted over the air. He had spoken to loud and with far to much excitement. Rei was standing over him, her small and thin shadow somehow fully encapsulated Touji on the ground. Her hand grabbed his collar and yanked him up, how she was so strong Touji couldn't tell, and spun him around. She was beautiful, eerily so with that pale skin and flaming red eyes, and they hard lined and angry. Close enough that Touji could feel her moist breath, "Telling Ikari-kun about other women. You do not approve of our pairing and are trying to inform him of other options. He does not have those."
Getting up quickly to join Touji, Kensuke and Shinji were standing right behind their suddenly beleaguered friend. "Ayanami, we weren't trying to do anything like that," Kensuke offered quickly and took a step towards her. He stopped and back peddled when Rei quickly turned over to him, cowardice wasn't something to be looked down on right then. Weakly, almost an afterthought, "We just thought he'd want to know is all. It was us pushing him towards her that…"
"Silence," Rei didn't bother looking at Kensuke, she didn't want to hear him. Rounding Touji yet never taking her eyes off him, Rei found Shinji and laced her arm with his. "Tachibana was mistaken. It is not something to discuss any further," Rei's brow hardened and the lines went dark contrast to her complexion.
Leaning in just a little, his voice strained and nervous, "R-Rei-chan you're being a little harsh aren't you? They were just telling me a story, and it doesn't matter. I don't care about Ta…" Shinji couldn't finish as Rei whirled on him suddenly, she didn't hit him but her expression was readable. It wasn't belief, she silence him with just one nod and a finger to his lips.
"The hell is wrong with you Ayanami?" Touji found his courage coming back to him. This girl was just a sickly oddity, one that was overstepping her bounds. "Reading porn books in class, getting all angry just because we're talking to Shinji about girls? Don't want him hearing normal girls like him? Tachibana is a doormat, but she's got a body you'll never have, a face you can't compete with, and money to care for him unlike you can. She's better for him than you in every way!" His fury was rising. Where did this chick get off getting so upset over a little story!
The few people around them gasped as Rei pushed off from Shinji. She likely didn't mean to strike him, her actions weren't the normally perfect and precise fluid motions she was known for. The robotic nature she possessed was gone, as she strode forward. "You do not understand us, you are incapable. Desist in this talking, or I will forbid Ikari-kun from speaking to you," she hadn't noticed the small track of red on her hand. Her nail had clipped Shinji's cheek when she whirled, a few drops blood.
"NO!" Touji bellowed as he clenched his fist and teeth, "You can't forbid us from talking! He's our friend, you're just some passing girl in his life. How long do you think your relationship will last?" He didn't know where his anger or courage was coming from, but Touji drank deep from it. All the abandoned plans to hang out, the cut short gaming sessions, and countless other events Rei had ruined because she had to have her way, Touji had enough. He advanced, leaning in towards the girl, "What gives you the right to order his life, or our lives! Why are you so afraid, Ayanami? Maybe you know the truth. You're just some slip, a slip of strange!"
For a moment nothing happened. Nobody spoke or reacted at all to Touji's slurry of words and accusations. The warm breeze took hold of his sandwich wrapper and carried it away, the sound of it scratching across the ground the only sound. Then, with perfect aim and with the speed of a lynx, Rei attacked. Precise punches to the side of Touji's head, hitting his temple and clipping his nose. The rush of copper filled his mouth, a torrent of noxious flavor as the thick fluid trickled down. Most went down the front of his shirt, but as he breathed he inhaled the blood back in.
"Rei stop!" Shinji yelled out hysterically as he grabbed at her wrists. She struck out at him without aim or intent, but she hit him as well. For a moment he hand a hand around her waist and tried pulling her back, Rei elbowed him in the stomach and he collapsed in a heap on the ground. Croaking out, "He's just…angry. Stop!" Kensuke offered no help as he, much like everybody else, was transfixed the frail looking Ayanami bludgeoning the taller jock effortlessly.
It didn't even hurt, Touji realized, he was to stunned to feel it. Rei's flurry of blows were just brushes of wind against him, all he knew was that horrible taste in his mouth. And then vertigo as a kick to the stomach sent him tumbling to the ground. When he was watching a bird fly overhead it finally dawned on him what was happening. "F-fucking bitch…hell is wrong with you?" he curled over on his side in a ball.
"The hell is going on here?" Asuka yelled out as she rushed in. Standing over Touji as Rei approached him. "Shinji, get her out of here before she does something even more stupid," she ordered and got into a defensive stance.
Touji watched Shinji get back up, and rush to Rei. He couldn't hear them talking, his head was ringing and full of bees. But he saw Shinji take Rei into his arms and walk her away, she was crying! He had never seen Rei show any emotion, and now she was crying! It wasn't bawling or anything like that, just a few trickles down her face. How was she able to do that after attacking him! It wasn't fair, it wasn't right! Something was very wrong here, very very wrong. But Shinji walked her away, Kensuke helped him up and handed him some tissue for his bleeding nose. Asuka just watched the pair leaving, never even commented on saving Touji's bacon. Good, Touji's body hurt enough as it was, he didn't need his ego slashed as well.
X-X
Searching through the refrigerator, Asuka wanted to find something nice to drink. Juice, milk, a pitcher of water, a few sodas…nothing looked good. Taking a peek at the living room, Asuka knew Misato was watching television. She grabbed one of Misato's beers and shut the door. Pouring it into a plastic cup, just so nobody could see what she was drinking, Asuka smiled to herself. Misato wasn't going to have anything on her, nothing! Taking a sip, she grimaced at the foul taste put pushed on regardless. It was immature to get riled up over the taste.
"Asuka can you get me a beer," Misato's voice called out absently from the living room. Over the drone of the television, some game show where people embarrassed themselves for no real reason. Laughs from the already tipsy captain would erupt in odd intervals.
Grabbing another can, Asuka rolled her eyes. "Shinji has that woman spoiled. Can't walk to the kitchen on her own anymore," she had to talk to that boy. What happened at school today, Asuka wanted to know. Now she didn't like Touji, never would, but that didn't mean she wanted to see him savaged. Slapped once or twice when deserved was fine, but Rei was going medieval on him! She couldn't as the Neanderthal or his chimp follower, but Shinji would tell the truth. Something she liked about that boy, he could lie for shit so he didn't bother trying. Handing Misato her drink, Asuka sat on the far side of the couch from her, "You need to get this yourself, I'm not your servant like he is."
Popping the top, not even looking at it, Misato just batted her hand at Asuka. "He's not my servant, Asuka. He just appreciates what I do for both of you and wants to show it," Misato had that air about her Asuka hated. Lording herself over everybody else, some damn queen to be worshiped because of her big tits and attractive face. She had to know men only helped her because they wanted to fuck her, Asuka was sure Misato knew and manipulated them! Misato kicked her feet up and took a deep drink, "So what happened at school today?"
"Don't you know already? With all those goons at the fences, you likely know every detail already," Asuka hated that too. No privacy at all, everything they did was documented and filed away! Forcing herself to drink the Yebisu, she wasn't going to be bested, she almost gagged on it. Stealing a peek at the relaxed Misato, the swell of the captain's bust inflating and deflating with each breath was infuriating, "Ayanami and that lug Suzuhara got into it over something. If you want to know what, ask Shinji. I only showed up to chase the girl off the dick."
Nodding, Misato accepted that answer and took another deep drink. "Thought so, getting a more worried about this. Might have to talk to the commander if things get worse. Can't have their little relationship causing issues. Can you grab him and bring him back? I work late tonight and want to talk to him about this before I go," she started laughing at the screen. Some man in a Styrofoam suit of armor was being crushed by a fake bolder and knocked into a pit of water.
Matching Misato drink for drink, Asuka's stomach was already protesting the intrusion. "You just want him back to make you supper and your work lunch, admit it. Lazy. And if you want him back, you go get him. I don't want to see those two having at each other," she almost said again. Damn it! She should be over seeing them like that! It was just sex, all mature adults had it. But she hadn't…and it plagued her mind. What was it like, would she please Kaji with her body when given the chance? Rei looked ready to die of bliss from what Asuka saw, was it really that good of feeling. Her hand idly went to her thigh and started to rub as she muttered, "It can't be that good."
Misato saw, and set her near empty can down with a small tink, "I do not want him back her just for that, but I don't see you rushing to cook for us. As for those two…its best not to talk about it. Sex is…well they're to young for it really. You have to be ready for it, it can be as addictive as any drug." Something in Misato's voice and body langue said she knew by experience.
"Well they might not be ready but they're getting plenty of practice for when they are! They never stop! I swear all those two do is fuck each other when Shinji doesn't drag that freak out of her apartment," Asuka found herself more vocal than wanted. Looking at her cup, half full, she took another nauseating taste. She had to put it down, her cheeks flushed and warm, "She's always reading that book, even asked if I wanted to join them. But I'm saving myself for Kaji." But should she? Maybe get somebody to get her ready for Kaji. It would be terrible if she tried to seduce him and fail due to inexperience.
Misato's face paled, as she twisted herself robotically in Asuka's direction. Her pupils were tiny dots of black in a sea of hazel. "What did you say?" she sounded fake, a store automaton that had a broken speaker. Scooting over the cushion, Misato loomed over the girl.
"Kaji, I'm saving myself for him. He'll understand my feelings and reciprocate them. I'm not like you, he'll not get tired of me," Asuka wasn't going to be intimidated by her! So what if Kaji and Misato had been in a relationship in the past, Asuka was better than Misato ever was. All Misato would ever have was a body, while she was body and brains! Shaking her head, it felt that strange haziness from the other times she drank. Swallowing hard as Misato grabbed her arms, "You can't stop me, Misato. I'll get him to accept me."
Shaking her head, a slow and precise motion, Misato grabbed harder. "Not about that man-whore, about Shinji and Rei. Did she really ask you for…she's going to far with this. Sex isn't a game or a toy, and she's…while she can't get pregnant and Shinji's shooting blanks…maybe you wouldn't be so lucky," Misato turned to the door and Rei's apartment.
Shinji again? Misato's favoritism was just to much! Shoving the larger woman off of her, Asuka found it satisfy to see her topple over. "Why do you get so damn worried whenever he's involved! Damn favoritism, what the fuck is it about him? Sure he's a nice kid, boring but nice. But you just freak out over this. And so what about them having sex. If they can I should be able to as well! I'm on the pill," it had been Nerv issued after all. Asuka never wanted children, she would never be a mother. But Rei was barren and Shinji couldn't…? Forcing that idea out of her mind, Asuka got a wicked idea, "So wait, if Shinji can't knock me up. Maybe I will get some practice in. What is the term? Sex-friends? Get in some nice training for Kaji-san! From what I've seen he's good at…" oh shit, shouldn't have said that.
For being an older woman and fairly large, Misato moved with the speed of a jungle cat. Recovering from her prone position, she was back up and had Asuka pressed against the armrest in a split second. "Don't you joke about that!" Misato raged with fury Asuka hadn't known. Her muscles bulged as she pushed the young teen into the couch, "I worry about Shinji because he'll let me. Unlike you, Shinji accepts he isn't perfect and needs others. I treat him like family because he does the same. How would you act if I tried acting all mother on you? Asking you to get our nails painted together, go out shopping together? Would you LIKE me to try acting your family?" the questions were shouted lacking any decorum or pleasantness.
Was that what it was, Asuka hadn't thought about it like that. "Of course I wouldn't! I don't need somebody to baby me like he does!" Asuka's voice was weak and timid though. With Misato's grip cutting off the circulation, Asuka's hands and arms hurt. Asuka didn't need some faux family, she didn't need anybody. Shinji though, he was to soft to get along on his own. Was that why…did she misunderstand what she was seeing. Her pride kicked in though, she couldn't show weakness, "I'm better than him too. You can mother him all you want. But know he's off fucking Ayanami rotten right now. Momma's little boy getting his rocks…" The slap had been painful, let Asuka's head twisted to the side.
"You shut your damn mouth about that!" Misato raged and flew off Asuka in an instant. Getting to her feet, she stomped as she circled the table. Asuka's cup fell over and spilled its contents on the ground, staining the carpet. Her hands grabbed at her elbows, crossed arms just under her bust, Misato stalked angrily. "I don't need to hear that. But I don't know what to say to him. Its unhealthy, its potentially dangerous, but he's…he's so happy with her! And did you…" Misato slowly stopped her one-woman march. Asuka's little tirade finally sank in fully. "Did you say you saw them together?" Misato foot stopped on the booze on the ground.
Must escape, was the order going through Asuka's brain. She had said to much, went over a line she shouldn't have. A tactical retreat was in order for now. Crawling over the back of the couch. "It was an accident I swear!" Asuka wasn't stupid. Misato was beyond pissed, and the smart girl knew why. If what Misato said was true, she saw Shinji as a son or a brother, and Asuka just had to push to hard. She hadn't really meant to, just wanted to take the air out of Misato's sails. Tired of Misato lording herself up, Asuka spoke as poisonously as possible. Scrambling on her hands and feet, pride be damned Asuka hurried, "I was going to get cloths from over there is all. I-I'll go get him." She was out of the door, shoes in hand before Misato could get to her.
If Misato was following, Asuka didn't know. She prayed not, as her cheek still hurt and her heart was pounding so hard it hurt. "I fucked up, oh god I fucked up," Asuka panted as she leaned against the door. A small part of Asuka did in fact want Misato to treat her like family. A secret part of her, one she denied existed. The jealousy she felt when she saw Misato and Shinji so close, a world she couldn't get into. Now more than ever, the bridge was burnt to ash. Putting her shoes on, Asuka got to her shaky feet. "I just need Kaji is all. Shinji too I guess, he'll never turn on me," she realized that too.
The odd boy was to weak to push away anybody, and she wouldn't lie and say she didn't like him a little. He was fun to hang around with, did her confidence a real boon, but he just wasn't relationship material. It wouldn't work between them, to different of personalities. Friends though, yeah. Dusting herself off, getting her skirt back down after she hiked it up in her escape, she put her shoes on. Did she go get him, feed him to Misato's wrath? It would be a cruel thing to do, get the woman so pissed off and throw Shinji at her. Asuka found she didn't want to add troubles to him. She owed him her life for gods sake, she had to repay him not punish him.
Her answer was given to her as Shinji took that moment to leave Ayanami's apartment. His shirt was buttoned up, but his body had a sheen of sweat covering it. "Asuka, what are you doing out here?" he had a winded quality to his voice, as if he'd run a mile and hadn't quite recovered yet. Sliding Rei's apartment key into his pocket, "I-if you need something from Rei-chan's, you might need to wait a little. She's…" he paused to think of a convincing lie, "taking a shower."
"You're going to get groceries with me for supper," Asuka made her choice. Linking her elbows with the boy, she noticed the smell on him. Leading him away from their apartment, hopefully giving Misato time to relax, Asuka did her best. As they walked, Shinji's lie was so paper thin Asuka just let it go without comment. The smell he had about him, it was odd yet alluring. Musky and soft yet had a strange masculine quality to it that Asuka found pleasing. Flicking his nose as his face went red, "You can get stuff for Ayanami to if you have to. And you can tell me about what happened in school today."
He babbled a little, so easy to fluster, but Shinji kept in step with Asuka as they went down the stairs. "But I already had food planned for tonight. Misato's favorite, she's been having a lot of late nights since our last operation. Unit-01 was damaged pretty bad," Shinji was fully into his scolded dog act. Casually freeing himself from Asuka's hold, he gave her a small shoulder shrug as if to say 'you don't want to do that', he stayed in step with her.
Just what did those two do, what did Shinji do to Rei this time? Was she unconscious again after screaming herself to hoarse? Asuka found her mind filled with sinful imagery of the two coupling. Would she feel as good as Rei did when she had sex with Kaji? Maybe Rei's studying wasn't such a bad idea…nobody wanted to train a virgin in the ways. They wanted skilled partners. Maybe she'd favor one of the older boys that constantly begged her to date them. Tell them it was just a physical thing…get her ready for Kaji.
Shaking the that odd thought out of her mind, Asuka had to keep her lie afloat. "Well I think the meat went bad. Had a strange smell to it so I had to throw it out," she wouldn't know good meat from bad. But she'd read about it in health class, bad meat would make people sick. "Anyway, what did that jerk say to Ayanami to set her off that badly? Never saw that girl so much as smirk and she was almost emotional today," what Shinji saw in Rei, Asuka didn't know. He was better than most of the low class boys, yet he stuck with the freak. Was it just a sex thing?
"Touji was being insensitive mostly. He said he heard from Tachibana-san that she actually DOES like me. He teased me saying I should see her instead. Rei-chan overheard him. She's…defensive about our relationship, and Touji just went off on her," Shinji almost sounded convincing. But he was holding something back, not wanting to tell the whole story.
Well knowing that Sakura DID like Shinji, to a frightening degree, Asuka just rolled her eyes. The odd rich girl had been gushing over those pictures ever since Asuka gave them to her. Asuka did NOT need to know that in the picture of Shinji sleeping somebody might make out the outline of his member. "What is so bad about Sakura liking you? We both know you're not the cheating type, Ayanami should know that better than anybody else," Asuka had tested those waters herself. Shinji had earned that gold star, Asuka hadn't gone easy.
"Have you ever been turned down…no you wouldn't have," Shinji asked then aborted his question. He actually smiled at Asuka, made her blush a little at his earnestness. "Before you got here, their was a rumor she liked me. Touji and Kensuke goaded me into talking to her about it. She…turned me down. I knew she would have, but for a few moments I had hope. Hope my life wouldn't be empty and alone. I know I'm not much, just eva giving me any real importance. But for a moment, right before I asked her, I thought maybe just maybe somebody COULD like me, maybe even love me. Then she turned me down," Shinji's head dipped low yet he didn't sound sad. "And that's when Rei-chan came to me saying she did," the smile on his face was beautiful.
Asuka found herself mesmerized by it, she had never seen Shinji so happy before. It angered her, all the time she spent with him she hadn't gotten him to smile like that before. But it was different between them, she had to admit. "So, you're just with Ayanami because she accepted you? Is that all it is?" she doubted that suddenly. Shinji was just to damned fragile, he couldn't be left alone. Misato…Misato was right about him. "A relationship based on that won't last, Shinji. Are you prepared for that?" she didn't want to tell him that.
"At first I think it was just her willing to care. But it's changed since then. Like you and me, once I got to know her better, see beyond the shell our relationship changed," he wasn't looking at anything just walking and talking blind. Shrugging he rubbed his hands, "Its strange, but I think Rei-chan and I can really…" but he didn't finish. Doubt marred his face, something was bothering him. Was there trouble in paradise?
She didn't want to continue talking about this. "Well just keep it in your pants when not in public. If Misato finds out about how often you two show your affection she'd flip," Asuka teased. She had to tease him after his little soul bearing. Seeing past her shell, hah! Shinji was just lying to himself is all. Shifting the conversation to other things, Asuka didn't like that odd crestfallen look on Shinji's face. Something was wrong with him, something with Ayanami. That fight had jarred something in his mind, but Asuka didn't want to hear about it. Better to be ready to catch the pieces when the shit hit the fan.
X-X
What did she do, what could she do? Ritsuko didn't know but she had to do it soon was the only thought that ricocheted around in her mind, a bird trapped in a cage. Misato had called her frantic and glazed as she was oft to whenever something bothered the woman terribly. Ritsuko could only remember Misato calling her three times in such a state, two of them had been in college. The first had been Misato fearing she had alcohol poisoning, the second was the weekend Misato forgot her body couldn't bear a child, and the Third had been Misato asking about a vital document she had forgotten she'd given to Ritsuko for holding. The call the other day was less important in the long term, but for Misato it was a terrified zeal.
Asuka had been her typical self and sent Misato into a fit apparently. Teasing and promising to join Shinji and Rei in the joys of carnality, maybe even literally joining them. The damn girl had been so bold as to go on and on about what Shinji and Rei were doing. Ritsuko didn't care really, let them enjoy life as they had no guarantee of survival. But Misato just couldn't do that, and if Misato couldn't handle something the world had to respond to help her. A hypocrite though, Ritsuko loved being able to help Misato. It proved that Misato wasn't perfect and needed others. And, it reminded the poor doctor that she did indeed have friends. Good friends…friends that would ask questions about those bruises and scars on her back.
"Yes Misato, I'll talk to him today before the tests. I'm with Ayanami right now too," Ritsuko again reassured Misato over the phone. Third call today, Misato was frightfully diligent when it mattered to her. Maybe that was why Kaji left her, Misato could smother like a heavy blanket wrapped around a head and tied with chain. Talking to Ayanami on the other hand, well Ritsuko didn't want to do that. But Gendo had insisted she find out if this relationship had changed to girl to the point of needing action. "I'll talk to her about what Soryu said," Ritsuko just watched Rei floating.
Misato sounded haggard, a croaking gaping voice of the terribly hung over, "Thanks Rits. I know it was just Asuka having a bad day, but it's been eating at me. Those two spend so much time together though, it's unhealthy." Misato wouldn't know an unhealthy relationship if she saw one, every relationship she had been in turned out to be bad for all involved. "I guess I've been hard on him about it too. He's not really talking to me today. But he does have your lunch, I'll bring it in with us. That is if Asuka ever gets out of the shower. Thinking she's sailing in the pink lotus right now," back was that languid humor Misato favored.
Despite herself, Ritsuko chuckled at the joke and thinking of the prim and proper 'best pilot' knuckle deep inside herself. Cradling the phone between her shoulder and ear, "Just get in here and don't eat it this time. I had to miss breakfast to get Ayanami's tests in before the sync tests." They exchanged pleasantries and hung up. She let the phone slip from its hold and snatched it out of the air in a show of speed. Pulling the chair out by her station, Ritsuko plopped down and winced at the tenderness she had. Gendo had been a bit rough with her this morning, the real reason she was in early. Wiggling to shift her weight off her sex, "So how are you doing in there today, Ayanami? From the prelims it seems Shinji-kun and you had a nice morning."
"We planned to spend the day walking through town. He wished to take me to the park and to a movie," Rei didn't sound upset at the forced change. The sudden call for a sync test had been unexpected and mostly a cover to get the pilots in. Rei had shown visual signs of being with Shinji that morning, that or Rei just like keeping the fluid inside her. The girl floated listlessly in the tube, "We will do so after we leave today. Our activities have never impacted the tests before."
Staring down at the patch of thick blue hair, Ritsuko was positive she could see the LCL down there shimmer and waver…contaminated by the essence seeping out of the girl. "And care to tell me about the incident at school the other day? The commander and I were not pleased to get that report from Section-2. Remember you're being allowed special privileges only as long as they don't interfere," Ritsuko started the Dummy System. The girl's body chemistry was changing, the months of static reports weren't so boring this time. Good, bad, or horrifying Ritsuko didn't know. How could she? It wasn't like she had a book to check what was good for human/angel hybrids.
For a moment Rei just watched Ritsuko with accusing eyes, the type Ritsuko saw her cats giving her just before they pounced on her toes or the toy she was playing with. The girl was thinking hard what to say, how to justify what she had to know was heavily documented. Everything Rei did was, even the number of times she climaxed was tallied. Those cameras and speakers only Gendo, Kozo, and Ritsuko knew of and had access to. "Suzuhara was attempting to separate Ikari-kun and myself, to end our partnership. From the reading I have done, when males speak to their others about women, those that are interested, it is an attempt to begin a relationship," Rei kept her body docile.
Ritsuko knew better, the monitor equipment was flaring out subtle changes. "Maybe he was just teasing Shinji-kun. He is easy to tease, fun to. Bet you'd enjoy it if you tried it," Ritsuko puzzled over the details. Envy was what she felt mostly towards Rei, envy and jealousy. Gendo was fixated on the girl for their plans, and Shinji doted and loved the girl. Maybe it was also those recordings of Rei and Shinji, of a partnership that was mutual and not one sided. Misato would have a heart attack if she knew what Ritsuko knew. Shinji was quite the charmer and very skilled, Rei…well girl was nothing but versatile. Jotting down some of the more important values, "You are forbidden from attacking your fellow students unless they physically provoke you."
"Understood," was the only thing Rei said before closing her eyes. That was her way of saying 'conversation over'. What else was there really to say, in all honesty. Rei knew her place was at Gendo's side in the end, and she wasn't showing signs of disloyalty. Shinji knew nothing of Rei's origin or purpose outside of dutifully yet strange girlfriend. Rei was still here in the tank synchronizing with the tank of replacement parts. Oddities aside, Rei was still within tolerances.
Starting the memory duplication and duping, Ritsuko wondered what would happen if this Rei died and was replaced. What memories would go on, what stayed behind? More mysteries, mysteries that used to fill her mind with wonder and delight. Then Gendo and she started their relationship. Now her priorities were Gendo first and Nerv's scientific discoveries a far second. It was a hard sacrifice for her, her mind was still razor sharp and keen on such things, but love filled her. Without her Gendo would suffer, she couldn't let that happen.
"Shinji…" Rei moaned softly, only picked up due to the microphone in the tank. Her hands gently caressed her thigh as she floated, dreaming? Was Rei dreaming in the tube while she was in there?
"You are one lucky girl," Ritsuko sneered as that jealousy hit her again. What would it be to have a competent lover? Gendo was many things, but skilled in the sensual arts was not one of them. It had been a long time since she felt complete after they finished. Lucky for Ritsuko though, she didn't have to worry about losing her man's love, Rei did. "If you mess up, go one step outside what he wants for you," well Ritsuko knew what happened to the first Rei. Gendo would destroy that budding love that Misato was terrified of in an instant. Dashing Shinji's emotions and replacing Rei as simply as one replaced a battery.
"But not me, he wouldn't replace me," Ritsuko gave herself that small secret titter. It was reserved for privacy or with her cats, others would look down on her if they saw her acting 'normal'. The stern and emotionless Akagi couldn't be shown with human emotions or actions. Gendo saw them, and oddly enough Shinji had as well. Shinji, yes she'd have to talk to him about what he had seen on her back. "How do I tell him though, not easy thing to bring up," she tapped her pen to her lips.
A light rapping on the tank, brought Ritsuko's attention away from inner things to the girl impatiently waiting, "The procedure ended ten minutes ago. I will be late for the sync test if delayed longer." More proof Rei was still loyal to the cult of Gendo, she couldn't be late.
Flushing the tank, Ritsuko shook her head in confusion. "Sorry Ayanami, I was thinking. I have to talk to your little man. Misato is worried about nothing, as usual, but she can't talk to him herself about it. So no locker room nookie for you two. Actually would be best if you never did that again. Those rumors are getting out of hand. Maya even said she heard you in the showers by the pool. That is a big no-no," she chastised. Watching Rei clamor out, flashing Ritsuko her bright pink flower, Ritsuko snapped the pencil in her hand. Soft grumbling, "Ayanami, I mean it. We hear about it, word goes to Gendo, and it's over."
"You will not hear about it," Rei said either in jest or not understanding the statement. She pulled her plugsuit on and left after the pressurizing sealed her inside it.
It didn't take long for her to finish the duping system after Rei left, but Ritsuko found her mind troubled. The result was true, Rei had actually seeped out into the LCL as traces of Shinji's DNA were found fouling the mix. How would that effect the test now that Shinji was now part of this one? Did Rei like feeling Shinji still in her after they finished? Ritsuko had a few friends in college that said they did, they got pregnant due to that, not surprising. "Maybe I could try it. Be something different," Ritsuko shut down the station and headed to her lab upstairs.
She still had some time before the meeting, Rei had to leave early to talk to Gendo as per protocol, so Ritsuko hoped to get a small sit down in. A problem, just a small one, but a growing one she admitted. Depression, heavy and thick spread over her, an oil slick of emotions covering and polluting everything. Gendo did love her, she had to believe it! The nagging doubts in her mind just her inability to accept the strangeness of the relationship. But she felt like crying all the same. Gendo pushed her actual friends away, replaced with pain and interspersed bliss.
"Sempai do you have a minute?" Maya asked innocently enough. She had been leaning against Ritsuko's door, waiting for the woman to arrive. Perky and lovely, the world before her and nothing but sunny skies and a spotless future. Holding out some papers, "I got these from Makoto-kun. The timetable for Unit-01's repairs. Oh and I was wondering if you were doing anything tomorrow night." After the papers went over, Maya clutched her folder to her chest, holding it with her elbows and her fingers over the top. Practically bouncing, her uniform clung close to her body, the top button undone showing a glimpse of the white shirt underneath.
The bliss of youth and the absence of responsibilities, Ritsuko wondered if she ever looked that way in her past. Maybe she felt that way when she first started being courted by Gendo. "Somebody is looking good this morning. Did Makoto bring on that?" she pinched Maya's open shirt. Girl had love in her eyes, even Ritsuko could see that. But who was the lucky man? Taking a cursory look at the report, only a week to fully repair it, she nodded at the good news. But she had to ruin the girl's mood, "As for tomorrow, I don't have any plans other than some reports I've been neglecting. Boring work at home."
"D-did you want me to come over and help you? I've nothing going one and wouldn't m-mind," Maya answered all to quickly. Suspicion went to Ritsuko, something had to prompt that response. It had been to practiced and rehearsed. Shuffling back and forth, "Well, if you don't mind me helping is…Shinji-kun? W-what are you doing here?" Maya took a step closer to the boy, an pink tinge made her positively radiant.
Oh ho, so that was what it was, Ritsuko clicked her tongue inside her mouth. Maya had a little crush on the young Ikari. What Maya had stumbled on in the shower, Ritsuko did know the truth, got the girl squishy. "I've a few questions for the young man is all Maya, no need to worry. And it seems he is as smart as we expect and he has my lunch with him. Leave it to Misato, and she'd just eat it and say she forgot," Ritsuko snuck a hand out and yanked the boy close. She put a clamped hand down on his shoulder, half blocking herself with the boy.
"Well, I'll not keep you t-two. See you at the test, Shinji-kun," Maya waved happily at the boy. She leaned a little, her pert behind to one side and her lack of chest to the other, before walking off.
Handing over the cloth wrapped box, Shinji was sporting his characteristic uncertainty. Waiting for a reprimand or punishment most likely, he freed himself from the half-hold and opened Ritsuko's office for her. "I didn't interrupt anything did I? Misato-san brought us in early today, earlier than expected really. I-I know I'm not supposed to be here until a little…" he would have kept prattling had Ritsuko not silenced him.
It hadn't taken much to shut off that tap of words, just a quick ruffle of his hair and passing past him, Ritsuko felt his eyes on her. A small thrill, quite the unexpected one, but it was there. She had left her lab coat in Gendo's office, it would need to be laundered. A makeshift sheet, and not suitable for use afterward, had left her in just her blouse, black skirt, and stalkings. They were torn a little, but not in any viewable place. It was likely just due to the shift in the norm, but Ritsuko could tell Shinji was taking in the view. She saw the shame on his face as they both sat, he couldn't look her in the eye. Blushing…he was blushing because of her! Gods, it had been years since she felt…then bitterness replaced that joy.
"It's alright, Shinji. Misato just is being her normal self and worried. You should be happy, I've known many men that would cut off their legs to have Misato care about them half as much as she cares for you," Ritsuko meant that. Men flocked to that woman, and were devastated when she didn't care. Yet this boy, so different than his father, had garnered such concern from Misato that Ritsuko was still sure it was a joke. Quite despite herself, wanting that odd thrill of his eyes, Ritsuko wiggled a little and leaned over, "So what do you have to say about that fight at the school and Ayanami and your…private…time?"
He peeked, again likely due to the oddity of things, and he yelped a little. This time he didn't look away instantly, savoring the rare showing of humanity from the woman. "It was a misunderstanding is all. Touji was teasing me about another girl in my class. Rei-san thought he was trying to get me to break up with her and go out with Tachibana-san. As for our…well…" he just shrugged and now found his feet good to look at. "She likes to try things. Some are good, others make me worried is all. I get…well I get a little worried about her. She gets so defensive, afraid I'm not enjoying it…her. It wouldn't matter to me if we didn't…but I'm sure it's just nerves," he fumbled his hands over each other.
Sitting back, holding her hands out to calm him down, Ritsuko made shushing noises, "It's fine, it's fine. You just confirmed with the report said and Ayanami herself said less than an hour ago." But that expression on his face, Ritsuko didn't care for it. She pushed the lunch around, her odd friendship with the boy made her just a little more interested in his attitude. "You shouldn't feel that way, Shinji. Talk to her if she's making you nervous. Rei will…well she'd listen to what you say," Ritsuko had no doubt. Rei would do anything and everything Shinji asked. Ritsuko should tell Gendo that, but he'd just end the relationship. And she didn't want to ruin what little happiness in the boy's life.
Ritsuko talked a little more with Shinji about his more private moments with Rei. Keeping it low detail and causal, just to keep Shinji talking as he'd clam up quickly if pushed to hard. Ritsuko had memories of her time with Misato back in college. It wasn't a doctor and patient relationship at the moment, actually Ritsuko was having fun talking to him. But how he was talking, he was just to accommodating to Rei and her wants. It wasn't supposed to be one sided, he shouldn't be giving so much, Rei shouldn't be taking so much. "You can't just keep giving her all she wants, Shinji. Be a little selfish, even if its to say no," she found herself holding his hand to steady him.
"W-what about you though, Ritsuko-san," he said her name with almost the same reverence as he did Misato's. His courage bolstered by the familiar conversation and friendly atmosphere. The typically shy boy was opening up just the tiniest amount, "T-those bruises on your back. They were hand prints. D-doesn't that mean…" What courage he had vanished as Ritsuko recoiled as if slapped, "Sorry! I just…I'm worried is all."
She had forgotten about her desire to smooth over that element with Shinji, Ritsuko winced. "Like Rei has you do a few things you're not fully into," Ritsuko suddenly felt a little sick, "I'm the same with my boyfriend." Hadn't she been upset with Shinji over how easily he caved in to Rei, wanted him to stick up and say 'no'. Why hadn't she said 'no' to Gendo? Could she risk it, what if… "But if you promise to take a stand with Ayanami, I'll do the same. Deal?" she stuck her pinkie out in a childish show of camaraderie.
He took it and they gave it a small pump, "Now get going and get ready for the test," Ritsuko shoed the boy out. Just a little comment, 'don't hit so hard', was all she'd ask but she'd do it. And that evening when she did, the look of rage and contempt on his face was telling enough. Their was no questioning him, no requests, not on that matter. And not for the first time, Ritsuko doubted as she washed the blood off afterward.
X-X
Oh she had a spring in her step that made ever motion feel like flight, and Maya showed it. Just an evening at Ritsuko's to help her with some reports, but Maya never felt so excited before! Her call to the test lab to see if Ritsuko needed that help really paid off. All she had to do was survive the day of work, put on some nice 'casual' cloths and take the train to the Akagi apartment. Casual was a tricky word wasn't it, and Maya was exploiting that loophole. She had to put the best foot forward, see if their was any hope for Ritsuko seeing them as a couple. Lesbian unlikely, but Maya could hope for bi-sexual.
"Did somebody put happy pills in your coffee this morning Maya?" Makoto asked as he looked away from his work. It was a stack two inches high of repair details and payment forms. Most likely came from Misato who was in the corner talking to Kaji. That little fact wasn't lost on any of the senior bridge crew, Makoto oddly didn't look crushed.
Taking her seat, and to show how good of a mood she was in, took half of Makoto's work. Without Ritsuko around or the pilots Maya had little work to do herself. "Just have a nice evening planned is all. Going over to Akagi-sempie's tonight to help her with some work. Going to see if I can't get her to relax a bit after," Maya had no reason to hide it from Makoto. The man knew the truth about her, and Maya was relieved that he didn't care. Hell Makoto didn't take offense to Maya's rather dramatic shift in college from hetro to homo.
His smile was broad and brightened up his face, Makoto was attractive in a geeky sense. "Well don't take it to hard if she's not on your team is all I've got to say to you," he scratched his head with his pen. Nibbling on the plastic cap he figured some mental math and wrote on the paper. Pointing the chewed end at Misato, "Thanks for helping with her work. She's been over there all shift complaining about something or another. I've heard her yell the Second's name once or twice, and Ikari-kun at least once."
"Well without Akagi-san here to keep her on a leash, Katsuragi does wander off," Maya would never fully like Misato. It wasn't just the jealousy over Misato's friendship with Ritsuko, that didn't hurt though. Something about Misato's attitude towards life just riled Maya up. Misato, according to the great book of Ibuki, was the type of woman that expected the seas to part for her on her whim. Men were toys and tools for Misato to use and discard of when no longer needed. Just like how she used Makoto, Maya didn't like it. Starting to help the poor man, the work was easy enough, "Why bother helping her, Makoto-kun? You said you gave up on her didn't you?"
He shrugged noncommittally and continued his work after adjusting his glasses. "I did, but that doesn't mean I don't still have feelings for her. You should know emotions aren't just switches to turn on and off. And if I can help, I feel I've done a good thing. So hear the latest about the pilots? Heard Ayanami got into some fight with Soryu over Ikari-kun. Man wish girls would fight over me," he had a dreamy expression, and a sickly smile. Likely imagining said women fighting over him in his bed in less than standard clothing.
"Haven't heard that one, but I did hear Ayanami got in a fight with some boy," Maya had over heard that one the other day. She tried not to pay the children's personal life that much attention. They were teenagers and drama sprung up like weeds with kids that age. Though watching Shinji and Rei make love was something different. Not Maya's proudest moment, she hadn't just heard them she peeked at them through the curtain for a full five minutes. Maybe if her sole experience with a real phallus had been that enjoyable she'd be in the bi-sexual park too. It hadn't been, so Maya went fully into her new walk of life. Flipping the complete page over, "Akagi-sempai is worried about Ayanami becoming to fixated on things I guess. Commander is thinking of stepping in."
Joining his comrades in arms at the task, Shigeru sat down with an open can of soda and a few manga. He had the night shift and for some reason came in early it seemed. "The commander is stepping in for what?" he flipped his monitor on and stretched. Spotting Misato, and like the rest of them hearing her shrill yell, he snorted, "There is your girlfriend again Makoto. Going to let her keep talking to the illustrious Kaji? The Second Child wants him, he wants every woman on two legs. He hit on you yet Maya?"
"She's not my girlfriend and you know that. Hell you were helping me fill out the online dating form," Makoto sounded hurt and annoyed. He did pause though to twist towards Maya with a hint of concern. "As for Maya, has he tried anything with you? I've seen him sniffing around Akagi-san and any woman that comes his way really," was that worry or humor in his voice?
Had Kaji hit on her, Maya actually stopped working and laughed for a solid minute. The whole bridge had stopped what they were doing, the man himself, to see her clutching her side. Boy did Kaji try hitting on her something fierce! Man was smooth as silk, but Maya could smell the nasty truth under the expensive aftershave. Kaji was trouble with a capital T and well…if Misato got hurt it was her own fault. Makoto was a good guy, not suave or debonair like Ryoji, but a damn fine man. If Maya had remained straight she'd have stayed with him. Life was what it was though. Maya did worry about the opinionated Second Child though, Kaji could do some real damage to a girl like that.
After she got herself under control, Maya dabbed her eyes with a handkerchief, "He tried like he does with everybody. I bet Kaji-kun would hit on Ikari-kun if he looked just a little more feminine." Oh today was going great! And yes, Maya did think Shinji had a particularly wonderful female look about him. The boy had sharp edged jaw and beautiful eyes, she was pleased to know him. Not the gruff and violet soldier that the PR sold him as, delicate and frail like Ritsuko was. That was part of why Maya wanted to befriend the boy, or at least see him happy. "So how are the online fish biting these days?" Maya wanted to shift things off of her.
"Good as you'd expect for a geek like him. He should just go out with my girlfriends sister. Save us all a lot of heart ache. How many hits so far?" Shigeru was just a little to jovial for Maya's liking. Men's needs to put each other down for lack of conquests, it made Maya dislike that half of her species.
Quite shocking Maya, Makoto straightened himself up and his head had a confident wobble to it. He gave out three short bursts of laughter, "If you must know, I've got a date planned for this weekend with a secretary that I met. And I'm talking with two other women about possible dates. I think I'm doing just fine."
Slapping Makoto on the back, Maya felt genuine joy in hearing that. "Glad to hear it! Not stewing for that tarted up tease of a woman. Let them have each other," Maya flinched her chin at Misato who was still gabbing. Flipping over a few more pages of ammo requisition forms, Maya felt the eyes of the two on her. Maybe she went to far, "Katsuragi-san is a great tactician I won't deny it, but she uses people to much. If I didn't know better I'd think she was forcing Ikari-kun to make those lunches for Akagi-san and her." Shinji wasn't the type to be ruled by big tits though, so Maya accurately attributed it to good will on the lad's part.
"You got a point there, Maya," Shigeru let out a mighty sigh and deflated in his chair. "Katsuragi loves pushing her work onto others when she can. But there is nobody I'd rather have commanding those kids in battle. She's a different woman then. And as for you and your dates…good luck," he flashed the thumbs up and they all nodded. All for one and one for all, that was the bridge bunny way.
Over the next two hours, Maya helped both of her co-workers with their tasks and watched the clock. Time had that maddening way of slowing down the closer to the end of her shift. But finally it read Five O'clock on her watch and she bid them both good night. Makoto got a small peck on the cheek for good luck, and Shigeru let out a wolf whistle. Let them tease each other for awhile now. Maya made a b-line to the locker room and paused by the showers for a moment. "To think they'd…in a public place no less," Maya had been amazed.
From her small bout of spying on Ritsuko, Maya knew it had been at Rei's insistence so she didn't blame Shinji. Only hope that it wasn't more forced than expected. It'd be a shame to see the two break up because Rei couldn't control herself. Rei had brought a lot of smiles to Shinji's face, and let those around them see Shinji as quite the gentleman. But some girls couldn't handle relationships well, and Rei had the telltale signs of somebody that would strangle a relationship to death.
"Oh well, they are just kids. What is the worst that can happen?" Maya pulled a few cosmetics out of her handbag. Changing into a cream color blouse and slack combo, she put just a hint of lipstick and mascara on. It wouldn't do good to go all out, Ritsuko was expecting a friend over not somebody aiming for her honey pot. "Slow and steady wins the race, girl, slow and steady," but she so wanted to run!
With the city as it was, the train only had a half load of Nerv commuters on it when Maya boarded. Butterflies in her stomach, she had to rub her belly to work them out. Throwing up on Ritsuko would not ender Maya to the woman. "Just helping her work, just helping her and a little conversation is all," but Maya was beyond nervous! Getting off at Ritsuko's stop, Maya marveled at the quality of the buildings. Much higher pay grade than she was capable of living in. Ritsuko's apartment was more a penthouse compared to Maya's more frugal one bedroom. Ringing the bell at the security door, "Akagi-sempai its me, Maya"
"Hold on Maya, I'll buzz you in," Ritsuko's voice was staticy over the intercom. A moment later the door opened with a firm click. "Hurry in, those doors don't stay unlocked long and I can't buzz you in for another five minutes, security concern," Ritsuko added as an after thought.
Maya hadn't needed it, the moment the latch was heard she had it open and was walking in. A man and woman sat at a counter and watched her walk to the elevators, never taking their eyes off her. "Wow place must take security really seriously," she had never seen such intensity before in apartment personnel. Taking the elevator up to Ritsuko's, Maya didn't trust her feet nor the high heels she switched into. Dress to impress! Rapping her knuckles on the door, Maya didn't wait long for the door to open, "Evening Sempai. Have to admit this place is very fancy."
"You can thank my mother for that," Ritsuko had that shy smile that melted Maya. Taking the young woman's coat, Ritsuko hung it next to her lab coat. "Building is rent controlled and I got in after college," she gave Maya brief tour. Three full bedrooms, a full bath with furo and a half bath, kitchen was lavish, and the living room had a beautiful view over the city. But despite the richness of the place, it looked almost unlived in. Little decorations, a messy corner full of take-out boxes and instant food, and a litter-box that appeared to need serious attention. "Make yourself at home. I'm actually almost done with the work. So we can just relax, we're both off tomorrow so we can watch a movie or something if you'd like," the doctor sounded tired but happy.
Her heart swelled at that! Maya had planned her little trip over for this night on that purpose. It was rare for them to share time off with the odd staggered schedules they were on, so this was a rare chance. Sitting on the leather couch, "Well I'm sorry I couldn't come over earlier to help. Work was boring, mostly us doing Katsuragi-san's work and gabbing about the latest rumors. Word is the commander is going to step in between the First and Third."
Vanishing into the kitchen, Maya heard Ritsuko moving about and talking softly for a moment, before she came back with two big plastic cups. "That sounds like her. If I'm not riding her ass she slacks off. Want a drink? Sorry if there is cat hair on it, they were bugging me for attention in there," she pointed at two cats that followed her. A thin black cat and a fatter white one, both spoiled looking and kept to Ritsuko like she was their matriarch.
"Sure thing, I don't drink much though," Maya confessed. She fixed her seat when Ritsuko sat down, just a hair closer to her. Sniffing the blue cup, Maya's nose wrinkled at the pungent smell. Strong stuff or just a lot of it, take your pick she thought. Sampling it though, Maya was amazed it didn't have that much of an alcohol flavor. "You know anything about those rumors. You spoke to Ikari-kun the other day," Maya sipped again.
Groaning, Ritsuko didn't notice Maya stealing a glimpse through the popped button of her top. "Commander is going to do something. Ayanami's outburst at the school got his attention. Just what, he hasn't told me yet. Going to leave it to Misato I bet," Ritsuko took a mighty swig of her drink. "But lets not talk about that. Lets have a fun evening. I so rarely get to talk with people outside of work," so said Ritsuko still had little light in her eyes.
They drank and chatted, a movie playing in the background. Maya was smart to keep her intake light though. She was not going to make a mess of things due to alcohol, she'd seen enough movies to know romance and drinking made a bad mix. Ritsuko however didn't, and was soon into her third drink. After a while, Ritsuko was listing on the couch, hanging just a little over Maya. "So you want to know the size of it, Maya? I assume that's why you're here. Or at least a small part of it," Ritsuko's voice had an odd sensual element to it.
"T-the size of what?" Maya's breath was stolen away. Ritsuko was so close, the clean and wholesome image of the perfect business woman shattered in Maya's mind. She found she liked the real Ritsuko more though! Not clinical and medicinal, a real woman with faults and blessings. When the peal of laughter left Ritsuko's throat, rich and musical, Maya took a deep drink, "Tell me, the size of it." Ritsuko had to mean something important right?
Taking her two hands, Ritsuko held them about seven inches apart with a silly grin. "Your dear Ikari-kun is about that big, and about" she put her thumb and middle finger into the size of a circle, "that thick. Must be driving Ayanami made with it. You saw them in the shower didn't you? Gods, girl so withdrawn from anything good in life getting THAT with his little condition. Surprised she's not bowlegged." Ritsuko fell back laughing.
"W-what? I didn't…he's really…" Maya's brain locked up. Ritsuko had thought she came over to gleam information about Shinji from her? Looking at the beautiful woman at her side, and at her drink, Maya effectively said fuck it. Slamming her drink, she whipped the remains off. "I came her because I like YOU Sempai. I've liked you for a long-long time. Ikari-kun is a great boy…man, but I don't see him like I see…see you," there she said it! Let Ritsuko either laugh at her, mock her, tell her to leave, or something much better.
The glazed look in Ritsuko's face lingered for a good time before she gently reached out to Maya. "You…like…ME?" she said incredulously. Just before she could touch the timid girl's face, Ritsuko pulled it back as if Maya was flame incarnate. "I'm…I'm…honored Maya, truly. But I'm…seeing somebody. He's cold…but he loves me. When he hits me its just because he doesn't understand…he loves me…he does…" but then why was she suddenly sobbing.
Maya was lost for what to do, Ritsuko didn't refute her but neither did Maya know Ritsuko was in a relationship. And what was this about being hit? Maya just held the sobbing woman until she fell asleep. Maya helped the woman lay down on the couch, and helped herself to Ritsuko's room. Being the little snoop she was, Maya found Ritsuko's little plastic friend and couldn't help but try it out herself. Something to share with the woman. She fell asleep after a solid climax, and in the morning, Maya wasn't shocked that Ritsuko said she didn't remember. Maya did though and the look on Ritsuko's face, that shame she tried to hide, Maya bet she really did remember too. But Maya would pretend and she'd help Ritsuko break the chains…she'd be the woman's hero! And they said the hero got the girl didn't they?
X-X
Closing his book, Shinji smiled confidently at his answers. Their would be no repeat of his failing papers because of his time with Rei. Just taking a little extra time each day was all it required. He wasn't stupid, not a valedictorian by any stretch, but he wasn't an idiot. It had just been neglect that got him in trouble with Misato over his grades. Rei had her hand in things, she always did with him now, but he didn't mind it. The incident earlier in the week, a full five days past, was an isolated incident.
"But it did scare me a little," Shinji admitted in private. He had never seen Rei get so emotional in public, and never a negative emotion. They had spoken about it, her fears of what Touji was hinting at, and Shinji soothed those. He had no intention of leaving Rei, why would he? It wasn't a perfect relationship, he doubted those existed outside of movies and books, and they were both happy. Putting his books away, he let his mind wander to supper. "I have to make Rei-chan something good today. Put the rest of her worries away," he smiled.
The day of making love to her had taking most of her fears, but he liked to think it was the talk they had before helped ease her in. "Touji is going to be so disappointed when he finally…" Shinji set his bag by his desk. Touji hadn't spoken to him since that little fight, still angry he sided with Rei. How could he not though? She was his girlfriend, good and bad, and he cared deeply for her! Yes she was a pain at times with all her time needs, her neigh insatiable appetites for carnal delights and bottomless stomach, and at times she was hard to gauge emotionally. Shaking his head free of the negative, "Not like I'm better. We're doing more than just stay in now though." He forced it, she seemed to like it.
"Misato-san, I'm about to start supper, any requests?" Shinji called out as he shut his door. It was silly to do, he had nothing to hide, but Shinji found Asuka sniffing around in it once earlier in the week. She said she was looking for his homework, a lie but he didn't call any attention to it. He just shut his door now to see if she did it again. "Misato-san?" he wasn't used to her taking time to respond. Hoping she hadn't hit the booze hard and fast tonight he wandered into the living room.
Not there.
A little concern growing, Misato would call out from any room in the apartment, Shinji called louder, "Misato-san are you awake?" She had to be, he had heard two different sets of feet moving not five minutes ago while studying. But a lot could happen in five minutes, especially with Misato. When Misato's inner party girl got out, Shinji ran for cover less he be pulled into the pool with her.
He found her sitting at the kitchen table with a stony expression and an unopened can of Yebisu in front of her. A bad sign, her serious face was gazing at him and her arms were crossed. Things had been odd since that fight Rei got into, Misato would leave the room he was in giving a lame excuse, or just not talk to him. "Shinji-kun, you better sit down. I just got off the phone with Ritsuko and…look lets order out for supper tonight alright?" strained cords of muscle worked their way out of Misato's neck. Something Shinji could tell meant utter reluctance.
"W-what about, nothing bad happened at the base did it, an angel?" Shinji pulled his seat out and fell into it. Sober and looking tired, Misato was not something Shinji was used to seeing outside of Nerv. Twisting in the seat, his hand going to the table to prop himself up, "Should I get Asuka?" If it was something important, Asuka should be there too right? If it was just him, that meant…he didn't want to think.
Misato cracked her beer and took a drink while holding her hand up. "This is just between you and me, Shinji-kun. I asked Asuka to stay in her room while we had this talk," Misato didn't put the can down. Rolling it between her palms, she eyed the opening and nothing else. The moment of silence lingered, growing big and fat before she just sulked. Dropping her head down, her hair colliding with her hands, "The commander is wanting to put Ayanami on observation at the base for two weeks. Both commander Ikari and sub-commander Fuyutski don't like the fact she snapped at Suzuhara."
"Wha-what does that mean, two-weeks observation? She just had a bad day, doesn't know when Touji is joking is all," Shinji found his hands shaking suddenly. What was this all about? Rei had one small accident and everybody was blowing it out of proportion! Nobody cared this much when he ran away! A suspicion came to his mind though, "Can I see her?"
Throwing her head back, Misato's face told him more than enough than any words could. No, no you can't. Trying her best to play off the news, "Its just two weeks apart Shinji-kun. Not the biggest thing in the world is it? The commanders' just want to observe her a little. You want her happy and healthy right?" Misato actually smiled at that, knocked back another drink. Something was wrong here, wrong with how she was acting.
Two weeks really wasn't that big of a time, Shinji had to admit. But Misato was an expert in strategy, and it was then that Shinji realized he had walked into a battle unprepared. "Of course I want her healthy, and you're right two weeks is nothing," he felt his retort dying on his lips though. Was it going to be two weeks, or would they find something, ANYTHING to say they had to break it off. "Will you take some things to her though? Books or her violin? I'd hate for her to be bored or something," he tried to keep positive.
His father was cold, he wasn't a monster though. Though why did Shinji not like the way Gendo would find time to talk to Rei but not him? The man made a point that Rei was special to him for some reason, and nobody else seemed to merit that level of care. And what changed recently? Well of course it was Rei was seeing Shinji and maybe Gendo didn't like that. Maybe Gendo was jealous the girl wasn't at his beck and call anymore. That cold nub in Shinji turned warm as fear was replaced with anger.
"Of course I can bring her some stuff to keep her from going mad with boredom," Misato still wasn't looking at him. What did she know that she wasn't saying, Misato had to be holding something back? Pulling her wallet out, Misato grabbed a few bills and laid them on the table. Her best man melting smile on her face, "So why don't you go order that food then? Anything you want, Asuka even agreed to that."
It was how nice Misato was acting that finally tripped Shinji's mind up. "You can order whatever you want, Misato-san. I'm not that hungry. Think I'll go for a walk instead and eat when I get back. N-no reason for you both to wait on me," he pushed his chair back and waited. Misato had something else for him, she always did. At times Shinji hated how well people could play him. He didn't want to hurt Misato with his bitterness and anger, it wasn't her fault after all. Rei did have a moment that frightened him, well more than a few but her mute moments after a rigorous coupling didn't need talking about.
"She's already gone, Shinji-kun," Misato let the bomb drop. Following him in getting up, she kept pace as Shinji tried to flee her. She went so far as to walk outside of the apartment without shoes on as Shinji slipped his on with ease. Yanking him back in a backwards hug, she rested her head on top of his. Bitterly, "Ritsuko called her in two hours ago. We didn't want to prolong things any more than we have to. And giving you two time to react wouldn't help. It's just two weeks." Her grip hardened around him, "Sorry."
Clenching his teeth and his hands went taught, but Shinji kept it in. He always felt he had to. "It's not your fault, Misato-san. N-now can I be alone for a few?" Shinji just couldn't shake it. It wasn't going to be two weeks! He just knew it.
"Sure think, Shin-chan, but don't stay out to late alright?" Misato ran her hands through his hair. Playfully giving him a swat on the butt as he walked away, Misato stood their waving as Shinji walked away.
She's making sure I don't go inside Rei's apartment, Shinji realized. It wasn't just Rei under observation, he was as well! What was so wrong with him being happy! Was the world so fixated on him that it couldn't let him keep what little joys he found? Rei made him happy, he made her happy, but apparently that was something dangerous and wrong! He'd fight it!
How could he?
Sneak into Nerv to see her!
They'd see him, stop him, and then he'd make that two weeks permanent for being a danger.
"Then I'll wait. Play the game and hope Misato-san and Ritsuko-san can help," Shinji sighed. Be positive, he had to stay positive! Only half a month, he had gone most his life alone! And maybe he could use this to his advantage! "I did have a lot of things I wanted to do that Rei-chan kept me from," he nodded. The weeks would blow by and then everything would be fine. With a renewed vigor in his step, he set out to make some good stories to tell Rei about after they got back together.
If they got to see each other, his pessimist side reminded him.
"No, have to be strong. Misato-san wouldn't let something bad happen for no reason," he trusted her implicitly. Going on his extended walk about town, Shinji eventually ended up at Kensuke's. He'd call himself a coward for avoiding Touji later. Chidori was there eating supper, Shinji wasn't her biggest fan, intimidated as hell by her really. But she wasn't to bad when Touji or Rei weren't around. They played a few games, watched some television, and after an hour or so…Sakura showed up.
Chidori had texted the girl the directions apparently. Shinji was not happy, but he was not cruel to the new addition. Ever the gentleman, Shinji didn't let his hurt emotions flare up. This girl…this privileged and spoiled princess of a girl just kept showing up in his life to cut his carefully constructed life to pieces! It was the rumor she liked him that first cut deep. Touji's joking about her now was threatening to take Rei from him. And for what? Why did the girl care about him? He didn't know, was afraid to know. Because if she said it was because he was a pilot he'd snap.
At the end of the night, Chidori goaded Shinji to walking Sakura home. 'It's dangerous out at night and she's to timid to go alone', Chidori used. And it worked like a charm, Shinji wouldn't risk harm on the girl. She gushed and blushed as they walked, she hardly spoke. And despite himself Shinji found she wasn't a bad person, quite the opposite. He walked her to her door, thanked her for the evening and wished her a good evening. That was the least he could do. Sakura's dismissal of his feelings did lead him to Rei, so he'd honor that. And she was a nice girl after all.
X-X
Author's Notes
Another chapter of this going and you can see where its going nicely. Balancing all the pieces without forcing issues or making them to opaque is hard. Hope you're enjoying it and not finding things to abrasive. Its fun to play the odd emotional gambit sometimes. In my other stories peoples emotions are often so quick and easy to go with, but with this I want them more fluid and 'realistic'.
Hope you enjoyed
Ja Mata
Zentrodie