With Nothing Else

by Zentrodie

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

9. Chapter 9

Standard Disclaimer

My god what has happened to my freetime! My Pathfinder group that I DM'd exploded due to personal drama so half the group shows up on day one and the other half on day two! I'm losing days to myself that keeps me from writing. For a moment I debated on if that was the end of my little tenure as a contributor here…then I realized I have to many stories left to write. The house deal fell through though. Oh well. More apartment life!

X-X

With Nothing Else

Chapter – 9

She felt terrible at how good she felt, but Misato wouldn't lie to herself about it. A day shy of one week into Shinji and Rei's little reprieve, Misato felt like the queen of the castle again. Her little man was around the apartment more, and only one time did he ask if his friends could come over. With him around, she teased him, played board games, teased him, got better meals, and just had a lot less burden in her life. She wanted Shinji around more, but she could see he was sad.

"Kid can't hide his emotions nearly as good as he thinks he can," Misato muttered. Sitting at the table, can of beer wiggling between her fingers, she listened to him moving about. It was clear to see to both Asuka and her that Shinji missed Rei. Why wouldn't he? Girl was his significant other and the pair did spend countless hours together. Then like the hand of an infernal agent they had to separate. Shinji took it well though, kid took everything well. "Like he was expecting it, probably was," Misato gazed at the half finished game.

Rushing back to the kitchen, his hands dripping, "Sorry about that. To much juice at lunch." Shinji would apologize for the sun setting if Misato complained about it. Some things never changed, and Misato didn't want them too. Taking his seat back, and reclaiming the dice, the boy gave them a shake and tossed them, the two die-six rolled an eight. "This game is odd, half of the time nothing happens to either of us," Shinji puzzled over the odd European game.

"Half the fun is the randomness of it. Just don't play Ritsuko, dice cheat for her," Misato teased. Setters of Catan had been one of Misato's favorite games, more of a three or more player type of game, but over the years she found a few ways to play with only two. Pen-Pen was a permanent player now, and always would trade with Misato for the worse possible things, Shinji didn't complain. Shinji never complained, and Misato wanted him to. "So with tomorrow being Sunday, halfway point in your little trial, got any plans?" Misato rolled an eleven for Pen-Pen.

Grabbing himself a few cards for the resources the role gave him, Shinji didn't look up. Sundays were one of the few days Shinji made Rei leave the apartment and do something outside, Misato eyed him closely. "Might go over to Touji's or something. If we go to Kensuke's things might get odd. A friend of Kensuke's is trying to get me together with a friend of hers. Nice girl…but I'm with Rei," Shinji's voice was whisper thin. He knew something, or at least suspected it.

If she told him, Misato knew it'd just destroy him. Shinji had it bad for Rei, but not the dangerous levels of addiction. No, that was Rei. Something was just wrong in that girl's brain. "Sounds fun. What bout tonight, going to be Asuka's sounding board and digital meat bag? I'm going to have to pull a double so I'm sleeping at Nerv and won't be back till late. And is this other girl cute?" Misato had to tease. Only it was more hope than not, a nice recovery girl to fall into would be great. Maybe, maybe Rei was showing progress today though.

"You talking about me?" Asuka asked wafting into the room. Her head was high, her clothing oddly lower quality than the girl was willing to be seen in. Snatching the dice from Misato's hand, she chucked them at the table, a seven. "These games are so boring compared to what Shinji and I play. But today he gets a reprieve, spending the night at Hikari's. Little pervert can have some private time," Asuka pinched his cheek lightly.

That was something else Misato didn't know what to qualify, Asuka. If Shinji was home and not at Misato's side, Asuka was ordering him around. For a girl that didn't like Shinji romantically, as said ad nauseam, she stole enough of the poor boy's time. Shinji really needed to tell the girl to back off a little. "Not talking about you, some girl his friends are trying to hook him up with. But our dear Shinji shall not cheat, am I right?" Misato eyed him with mock anger. Shinji would sooner allow Rei to cheat on him knowingly than do the inverse. Not that either were the type.

Moving the thief as per Asuka's roll, Shinji put it on one of his own spaces, it had been Pen-Pen's roll after all. "Of course I'd never cheat on Rei-san! And Tachibana-san is…well she's nice an all. But she is a little…I don't know. I mean if I wasn't with Rei-san maybe, but girls like that don't settle for guys like me," Shinji set half his cards down in punishment for the thief.

"That girl is a doormat, but she is rich and has big tits. Guys are all week for them. Bet if you invited her over tonight she'd even let you touch them," Asuka stole a soda from the fridge. Popping it open, she stuck her tongue out at Shinji, a playful mock, before she drained some of the sugary toxin. Plopping down next to Shinji, ruffling his hair, "And you'll never win this if you keep doing uneven trades and punishing yourself. Show some balls like you did back at the volcano, or are you thinking Drunkie here would kick you out if you beat her?"

So a rich and pretty girl liked Shinji? Well Misato did have a background check on all the kids in his class so she knew instantly who it was. Maybe it would work out, maybe not. Good to look further into it though. "Speaking of touching breasts, Asuka do you have to drape yourself over him like that? Thought you didn't want your pristine body sullied before Kaji could defile you?" Misato rolled her own turn. It was a petty comment, a jib that was immature, but Misato felt odd seeing Asuka 'flirt' with Shinji as she did. If Misato tried getting that close he got self-conscious or shied away, but with Asuka he just surrendered. What was the deal there? Asuka's little joke about having sex with him flared…it was just a joke right?

Suddenly realizing the truth of her statement, Shinji all but fell away from the German and blushed. He hadn't noticed it, but now that he did know it was not allowed. "S-sorry about that, Asuka. Was focusing on my strategy. And its not about winning its about having fun. As for…I don't need to…you know," flustered and embarrassed, Shinji tried to meld into his seat.

"Well just so you know it is an option for you, Shinji. That girl has it for you bad. And just so you know she has had her choice of guys and turns them down. She'd not drop you," Asuka got out of her seat. Staring at him for a moment, Misato saw an odd expression cross the girl's face, unreadable and bizarre. One moment it was there but the next her confident smile was back, "Well I'm off till late tomorrow night. If you do get lonely Shinji and want some female companionship, Sakura's number is on my pad in my room."

Waving at the girl, Misato couldn't figure her out for the life of her but wasn't going to try. "Sometimes I can't figure Asuka out, Shinji-kun. How do you put up with all that abuse she sends your way?" Misato asked as the game continued. She was only up by one point, but was one point away from winning. Same song and dance, Shinji could have won if he wanted, but chose not to.

"I just realize that nothing I do or say will have much bearing on what she wants to do. Asuka's got a plan and follows it, we're just set pieces to her," Shinji picked up a few cards. Casting a quick glance at the clock and then at a stack of lunch boxes, Shinji gave Misato a very probing look. 'You have to leave soon or you'll be late, Misato-san!' he practically told her via ESP.

With a roll of the dice, Misato got the last few cards to upgrade her city and build a road, two points, the victory was hers. "Good advice I guess, and it seems to work for you. Maybe I should try to avoid Hurricane Asuka more often. Good game, Shinji, you're finally getting the hang of it," Misato wondered what cards he had hid and never played. Likely enough to have scored him a win, but he just wouldn't upset the applecart for something trivial like winning a game. "And it looks like its time for me to go," she had saw that look of his. Kid was a godsend, if he was with Rei right now, she'd have been late for work again.

"Well maybe next time I can win. Had a run of bad luck with those development cards," Shinji was a terrible liar. Already cleaning up the board, putting the pieces in baggies for easy set up, another thing he did for her, Shinji kept his hands busy. All he had done since Rei was taken from his side was keep his hands busy. Coping mechanism, but he seemed quite happy at times. "Going to take Akagi-san her lunch for me too…and Rei-san her magazine?" he had to ask that last part.

Already picking up the stack of boxes and the one glossy teen-magazine, Misato put on her best smile and lied. "Of course I'll give your darling Rei-chan her magazine. She's been reading everything you've been sending," Misato convinced even herself. Eying the girl on the cover of the magazine, a pretty slip of a girl with gaudy makeup on, Misato prayed she wasn't expected to dress like kids now a days. If she ever wanted to date again and had to dress up like that, well she'd just say fuck it. Slipping the food and magazine into a Shinji provided bag, "And aren't you supposed to call her Ritsuko? We've been over this more than once Shinji-kun."

"I know, but at times I think its impolite for me to," Shinji shut the box and carried it to the closet of games. Neatly organized by box type and size, Shinji must have spent an hour or two getting it into a state of non-clusterfuck. "H-how has she been? She's not been around for my last few tests," something was eating at him, something he'd not tell.

Heading to the door, all her gear nicely and cleanly at her side, Misato waited expectantly for her doting quasi house-husband to round the corner. He didn't disappoint. He was fumbling with his hands though, nervous tell of his, so Misato eased his mind, "She's been fine. Just a lot of business getting the final stages of Unit-01's repair done. Now don't go throwing yourself into danger for Asuka again. And where is my kiss goodbye?" Sticking her cheek out, Misato stood expectantly with a half grin.

Rolling his eyes, Shinji wasn't falling into the trap as he had the first few times she played that game. "Tell her I said 'hi', and have a good day Misato-san. And…ask Rei-san if she needs anything else?" Shinji had learned the puppy-dog eye trick very well. Beaten and battered all around, his heart made of glass, was held in his hand and extended to Misato to give to Rei…and Misato knew it was going to be a sledgehammer that greeted him.

"Will do, but I think you're more worried about Rits than me! Does Ayanami have to worry about losing you to Ritsuko?" Misato half teased as she shut the door. No goodbye kiss, well last time she tried that she shifted her head just to frazzle him. Boy had soft lips, bet it made Rei wet…Misato KNEW it did after a few tests now. Leaving the apartment, Misato's smile fell away instantly as she drove into the base. Damn girl was going to destroy months of progress in healing some of Shinji's mental issues. And their was nothing Misato could do to lessen the blow.

The drive was thankfully vacant of anything stressful or even demanding of her attention. Cars were blessedly going a good speed, her spot was open, and the base had already begun shifting to second shift. It made getting to Ritsuko's little fish tank for Rei all the easier and faster. Misato found herself dragging her feet, not wanting to see what new horrors came since she last saw the teenager.

"Ayanami you need to respond to the tests or we can't see if you're progressing or not. I know you don't like taking them, I don't like giving them to you, but we both know you won't get out of it," Ritsuko's voice wafted through the open door. It was tired and haggard, the voice of a mother battling a teen with more issues than Shinji and Asuka combined. Ritsuko was not a parent though, so her stress levels were a lot more limited.

Her little joke for Ritsuko was dropped, Misato wouldn't add more to the woman's already full plate. "Please tell me you've progress on this?" Misato said to announce her arrival. Finding the room had only Rei and Ritsuko in it, Misato was amazed. "Just you? I know Ibuki is working today, thought she'd be down here. Haven't seen her since this mess started," Misato handed Ritsuko her lunch and pulled out the magazine. She started flipping through the glossy pages.

"You are a goddess Misato, or maybe Shinji-kun is a god for this," Ritsuko took the food and attacked it. The stress lines on her eyes were more prevalent today than the last few. Hunched over her food, she jutted the chopsticks at the girl, "And she's just sitting there as normal. Defiant and impassive as always. Just sitting here looking at the clock. Only time I can get her to do ANYTHING is when the Commander is here. She's just watching the damn clock and waiting."

Same thing Rei had been doing since she was brought in, Misato seethed. They couldn't let this stand! "Rei-kun, you need to help us help you alright? If we think Shinji-kun is a negative influence on you we can't let you out of here, can't let you be with him. Its unhealthy to be to attached," Misato put the magazine on the girl's lap. "He wanted you to have this, something to read. You'll read it right, be mean to him if you didn't," Misato tried begging.

For the last week all Rei did was eat, sleep, watch the clock, and when under extreme duress fulfill Ritsuko's wishes. All that mattered to her was making time move faster, all she cared about. But she did take the magazine and look at Misato and tilt her head slightly. Dirty and matted hair shifted as she did and she nodded. "It would," the book opened and she started reading.

Flinching her head to the door, Ritsuko lead Misato out of it and shut it. "This is a train wreck Misato. That girl is obsessed I think, or she's playing with us! I've never seen anybody with that degree of patience. I don't know what to think, really I don't. I can see her slipping back into everything being fine, or stabbing you in your sleep for being to close to Shinji-kun! I can't figure her out, and her refusal to take the tests just exacerbates things! And Maya's not been here since she told me she loved me and…I told her I have somebody already."

"Well fuck," Misato grumbled and went to the window in the door. "This is one big pile of shit. Think we should bring Shinji-kun in just to see how she reacts?" Misato didn't know what to make of it. Rei did seem a bit to fixated on Shinji, just that level of concern that Misato hated. They had to stop the angels, and if this relationship caused the pilots to waver…bullshit. Misato just worried Rei would hurt Shinji, and she was going to. "Just great," she pressed her head to the window and watched Rei read. What did they do now?

X-X

It was a perfect plan that couldn't fail, Asuka was sure of it. Waiting a solid five minutes inside Rei's apartment after Misato left, Asuka emerged from the unused den in a new dress. A fancy red strapless number that went down past her knees, Asuka thought she was smoking hot in it. "Teach that bitch to look down on me. I'm not some kid, if I want to get ready for Kaji then I'm going to," Asuka felt her heart beating faster.

No sound from the stairwell and nothing from the apartment, she was in the clear. Time to see what all the fuss was about, three dates was normal for sex right? Then nobody would have anything to hold over her, nobody could pretend to be her better. The lie about sleeping at Hikari's would cover her whole evening and next day! If what she saw between Shinji and Rei was any indication she'd be unable to move! While she liked Shinji, he had to be inferior as a male, right? So this high school boy she was deeming worth her time must be leagues better.

"It's a shame Kaji-san can't be my first, but a woman has to accept certain things," Asuka checked her makeup again and left Rei's. With the freak gone for another blessed week, Asuka had the perfect staging point. Shinji didn't keep an eye on his key since he didn't need it. Poor kid, he really was hurt hard by this, so Asuka played games with him more. She owed him more than that, her life, but she had her own life to live too! "Wonder-freak won't be able to pretend to be better than me after tonight," she went down the stairs.

The idea for this little life changing event had been sparked by her fight with Misato. Asuka took it as an affront, Misato out right telling her that she was to young for sex. If Shinji could bang Ayanami, why couldn't she enjoy herself a little? And Kaji wouldn't want an untrained waif that couldn't please him. For Kaji, it was all for Kaji and her own peace of mind. Morning after Misato's little tirade against her and demanding she not even hint at seducing Shinji, Asuka started her plan.

Snickering as she went down the stairs, "Seduce Shinji. Wouldn't take much, I am better than Ayanami." But she didn't want to, she could, but didn't want to. It was oddly refreshing to see Shinji as loyal to Ayanami, even if the girl didn't deserve it. So she'd push the Tachibana angle a little more, see if she could help him that way. Her boy-toy for the evening though, she had hand picked from the legion of love letters she had gotten.

This one in particular came registered mail with a bouquet of flowers, lilies. A romantic poem had been attached to the lavish spread, not that money was anything Asuka really cared about. A little research later she found the man, Kazuma Fukuyama, to be from a wealthy family, good in sports, tall, and handsome. A grade-A male compared to Shinji's grade-B. So that very morning she responded to his advances, and they had their first date that night. It was a supper at a upscale place that fit Asuka to perfectly.

While not on Kaji's level, he was a rare Grade-SS, Kazuma was a gentleman and Asuka could stomach him. It served her aims so she pretended to like the man. He was to flashy and quick to show his wallet, not Asuka's type of guy. Gaudy was a turn-off, but she could envision him being superior in the sack. The second date was to a musical, Asuka had been bored to tears at that but pretended to care. He lost a bit of his luster even more with how he treated some of the other patrons, but still…other women eyed her with envy. Superior, that's what she was compared to them, so she needed a superior partner.

"You weren't waiting long were you? I had to fix my dress," Asuka waved demurely at the man. He was leaning against the posh car they used to move about town.

Bowing deeply, he held the door open for her, "Not at all. And all that time was well worth it. You look exquisite this evening. So what would you like to do this evening?" His hand gently brushed up against her behind as she moved past him into the car. Small touches, he was a master of them and they always came off as incidental. Rounding the car and getting in the backseat with her, he smiled that pretty boy smile, "I'm willing to do anything you want my dear."

"Anything is fine with me," Asuka shrugged lightly. She HATED pet names, especially when he said them to her. After they had a few good times, Asuka was going to drop him. He was just to smug! Kaji wasn't this prancing buffoon, Shinji was earnest and kind, but Kazuma was just a false front with a good body. A training dummy, her pathway to adulthood and equality with that Hippocratic bitch Katsuragi.

Giving the driver a small single, a female drive Asuka noted, Kazuma leaned back and put his arm behind Asuka. "How about a little drive then, and a walk through the park. We can get some food there, maybe catch a play or something," smooth as silk he cupped her shoulder. A quick peek down, his eyes stalling on Asuka's presented cleavage, his smile widened.

"Then maybe we can find a place to relax," Asuka tried being coy as the car took off. With how he was almost salivating at her chest, she was proud of the work she had done, it was time to get the farce over with. Just a physical thing, she could never love or even like this man. But she would not falter, it was to important to knock down any obstacle. And right now that maddening image of Shinji and Rei sharing something she was denied…it couldn't stand! Shinji was her friend, her best, and yet he had done something she hadn't. It created a barrier she had to destroy.

Pulling Asuka a little closer to him, Kazuma leaned her against his broad chest. "Oh is my little flower finally ready to go beyond a few kisses and light touches?" he chuckled lightly. Oh he had been quite sure he had gotten his goodnight kiss that first night, second night had been light pawing, and now he was done waiting it seemed. Good, Asuka was done to. Playing at some romantic whim, he used his thumb and forefinger to lift Asuka's head up to gaze into her eyes, "Truly a beauty. Those around you are undeserving of you."

"I told you before, Kaza-chan…don't talk about him," Asuka was positively frigged. On the second date, Kazuma made the mistake of talking bad about Shinji. Asuka set him straight. They were friends, would be friends, and if Kazuma had issues he could take his bracelet and jump off a pier. Just because a girl and a boy were friends didn't mean they were fucking, so Asuka was NOT leaving Shinji for this ass. He wasn't hers to leave anyway. Though until she got what she wanted she had to play the dutiful girlfriend, "Why don't you tell me about the freshman basketball team?"

Losing some of his poise, Kazuma leaned back and shrugged with his free hand. "Well its going good enough. Not sure if I'm going to stay with it though. Keeps me away from you my little kitten," Kazuma gnashed his teeth playfully at her. He hated being reminded of his age and inferiority to the other boys. "Stop here, Mizori, we'll walk for a while," he signaled the woman to stop.

Getting out of the car, Asuka was happy to see they were indeed in a rich section of town. The park they walked though had to have cost a fortune to maintain and manicure. It wasn't cheap junk food at the stalls but well crafted meals. They walked and talked, well he talked and Asuka paid him lip service. This guy could talk for hours about how great and powerful he was, was he still trying to pick her up all this time? After about an hour of walking and the light meal, the sun had set and the pair found themselves conveniently in front of a pay-per-hour rest hotel. No seedy Love-Motels here, they didn't have those in this part of town. Just your average little nap shop.

"Shall I carry you over the threshold?" Kazuma had put on his best act the whole evening. Never once bringing up sore subjects, and always with the casual touches. It was clear what he wanted, and from Asuka's lack of denial she was inviting him on. Not waiting for her to answer, the man who stood a half-foot taller than her, scooped her up and carried her inside. Shutting the door with his foot, he easily pranced about the room with her and laid her on the bed. Going in to kiss her, Asuka shifted her head to avoid lip-to-lip contact, "S-something wrong?"

She didn't want to kiss this man, never again. That one goodnight kiss on the cheek was all he'd get. "N-no, just not feeling like kissing is all," her heart was beating hard now. Maybe, maybe this was a mistake a small part of her cried out. She snuffed that out, Misato would not be right! She was not a little girl anymore, she was a woman! "So why did you pick this place over the others?" her hands were trembling.

"For the view," he pointed at the large windows that overlooked the city. Grabbing her hands he kissed her knuckles, "Calm down, love, it's nothing to be afraid off. A game adults play is all, I'll make you love it." He grabbed gently for her top and pulled down on it. She resisted for a moment, but after two tugs her lacy bra was exposed. His hands instantly went to them and started fondling. "You've lovely breasts, much bigger than the others your age. I've been dying to touch them like this," yet he didn't take his gloves off.

Resisting the urge to punch him and walk off, Asuka was beside herself with confusion. "I know they're wonderful. All the pigs in my class keep staring at them," she wanted this right? Each passing moment brought her closer to the edge of no return…maybe she already passed it. With the look in the guys eyes, it would be a fight to get out now. Not that she couldn't easily break him. "A-am I going to be the ONLY one half undressed?" she hated his white top and slacks. Pretending to be some 'white knight' or something, pretentiousness to the extreme.

"Well I wanted to savor the flavor a bit more, but if you're wanting to move on," Kazuma tugged her bra off. Spinning it around his fingers he sniffed it and tossed it over his shoulder. Whistling low he traced his finger around Asuka's hard nipples, "Cold in here?"

Rolling her eyes, Asuka was about to admit that it was. His pawing at her was not making her feel anything other than pain and embarrassment. But then he might take offense and her plan would end in failure. To much had been invested to get her here, to much pride to lose if she backed out now. "Well we could make it hotter you know," she couldn't believe the stupidity of her line. Laying on a bed her top exposed under a man she was just using? Was it worth it…was it really worth it?

Misato and Ayanami mocking her inexperience, Ritsuko calling her just a child, even Ibuki pointing at her and laughing…Ghosts that didn't exist haunted her mind. And then she clearly saw Kaji being disappointed in her, not being enticed enough by her and going back to Misato. She was NOT going to be beaten! She would not be the only one not to know this.

"If that is what my dear desires, then let us begin," something in Kazuma's voice shifted. Somehow the gentlemanly quality dropped and was replaced with a spoiled kid getting his way. Tugging Asuka's dress off, he sniffed it too and rubbed it against his face. "And that is what I say is a work of art," he traced her stomach and down over her panty's. Mistaking her misgivings for desire he nodded to himself and let his pants fall. Man didn't even bother with underwear and just sprang up full mast.

Looking at it, the manhood that was going to take the half of her hymen not broken by training, one thing went through Asuka's mind. Disappointment. It was smaller than Shinji's!? How was that possible? Wasn't the damn thing proportional to the guy's body? And yet here was a man that was markedly smaller than Shinji. Yet he was looking at her as if he was waiting for applause.

"Well, Asuka-chan, are you ready to get it ready?" Kazuma asked simply as he crawled over her. His anticipation brushed against her stomach, the let it bounce off her breast as he moved closer to her face. Seeing the fear on her face, "Not going to chicken out are you? Thought you were more mature than that. Its part of the act. Now, do you need me to tell you how?" He wiggled it before her face.

Swallowing hard, Asuka was bug eyed and near her breaking point. "I know what to do," she had seen Rei doing it. If Rei could take it in the mouth, so could Asuka. Hell Asuka was going to have an easier time since Kazuma was so much smaller. But it smelled horrid, and it was demeaning! Kazuma was right though, it would be immature to back down. Anything Rei could do… Asuka opened her mouth and then Kazuma took action himself and forced himself in. Their would be no quarter given.

Holding the back of Asuka's head, Kazuma thrust wildly into her mouth. "Watch the teeth, haven't you done this before?" he winced at one point. Thankfully for Asuka he only lasted a good thirty seconds, "I'm…I'm…make sure you swallow it, don't waste a drop." Gone was the prince-charming wanna be, and the real man showed through. He shot out and down Asuka's throat a moment later.

"Fuc…ack" Asuka tried to swear and spit at the same time. It was a foul tasting medicine indeed, and she didn't like it. The taste and smell made her sick, and the fact he was so fast made her again puzzled. She had watched Shinji have Rei lavish upon him for what seemed ages, and yet this man was over so fast. Forcing herself to swallow, a woman never spat she had read somewhere, "My turn…right?' Oh she hoped that taste would leave her and that this was worth it.

Pumping himself back to hardness, Kazuma actually laughed. "Sorry, I never do that. But you got me pretty wet so I should go in fine. Next time you might want to work yourself while you do me, make it easier on yourself," he snickered. Backward knee-walking, he lined himself up and slide Asuka's underwear to the side. "You ready for the ride, babe? It's going to rock your world," he still had on that stupid jacket and gloves.

"You're not going to…I'm bone dry you…" Asuka tried to push him back but it was to late. One moment she was pristine, and the next he was inside her…and she hardly felt anything. Oh there was a little pain as he tore the last of her, blood pooled out like a gently river, but that was it. Pleasure did come, mildly, but more than that was shame. This is what she tossed her dream of Kaji being her first away for? She wanted to cry! It wasn't what she wanted, not by a long shot! "C-can't you…make me feel it or something? Are you even in?" Asuka had lost her willingness to please him.

Grasping her leg, Kazuma pumped on as if she didn't say anything. "That's right, damn you're a tight piece of ass aren't you…did you say…" he slowed down for a moment. Anger fell down his face like a veil, "The fuck did you say? Am I in? You're damn right I am, and just for that I'm not going to pull out. All my other girlfriends BEG me for that." He increased his pace, and after a solid two minutes of sex, he fired his essence into her.

"That was…" Asuka just crawled out from under him. He was panting and sweating profusely. Her whole body felt cold and numb. It was a mistake, this whole ordeal had been a horrible horrible mistake.

Rolling over onto his back, his flaccid member rolled about and glistening, "See, told you it was better. Now…why don't you show me those stained panties better. Mark of a new woman," he pointed his hand at her and smiled wickedly. "N-now why don't you head home…I'm going to sleep here. Another date later. But if you want we can have another go in a little while. I'm…not really…" and like that he was asleep.

"Disappointing," was all Asuka said as she gathered her clothing. Leaving her shoes behind, she just walked out of the hotel and into the street. Emptiness, she felt emptiness enshroud her and penetrate her. What had it all been for? A week of kissing ass to that jerk for ten minutes of sex and then gets kicked out?! And who did she have to blame? It wasn't Rei, Misato, or anybody else. It had been her…was it worth it?

Walking from the rich side of town to the apartment took several hours at her slow pace. It was past ten when she found her aching feet before her door. Kazuma's gift had slide down her leg as she walked, people noticed…people pointed…Asuka didn't care. She just wanted to be home…she just wanted…

Opening the door as Asuka pounded on it, Shinji took a step back, "Asuka what are you doing home…what happened?" He quickly reached out for her and grabbed her shoulders.

Slowly, robotically, she wrapped her arms around Shinji's neck and buried her head into the crook of his neck. That was when the walls fell and sobs broke free. Everything, she told him everything as he took her to the bathroom. She didn't even fight him when he took off her clothing and put her in the bath. Her fault…she didn't claim rape, that was wrong. It had been willing, but regretted. Pride…pride before the storm, and now she was a woman. What that truly gave her, she didn't know…she wanted to be a child again. That night Shinji slept at her side, she wouldn't release his wrist…her anchor…her friend.

X-X

"What am I even hoping to accomplish," Shinji asked aloud as he walked. Nobody answered him, an older woman looked at him and smiled but said nothing. Great help that was. His walk about town did have a purpose, but is hopes were running on empty as he saw the sun setting. "Have to go home and cook soon, she'll be hungry," Shinji didn't feel so himself, but he hardly felt hungry.

Maybe it was to give himself something to do, maybe it was because he wanted answers, or maybe he just felt he HAD to try and find this man and talk to him. Shinji's mind circled with questions he had no answers to. All he could remember though was Asuka's story and broken voice. She had actually cried on his shoulder! Asuka! The girl that was the equivalent of hard-ass and strong in Shinji's mental dictionary! What she had done he knew, the why however was something Shinji didn't feel he had the right to ask. Not her anyway. Fukuyama however, well Shinji knew OF the guy.

Making his way from the school to the arcade, Shinji made his third circle of the popular hangouts. All he could think to do, he didn't know the Kazuma enough to know where he hung out on Sundays and could only hope he got lucky. Walking…he was supposed to take Rei on a nice walk today, damn he missed her. "But its half over now, if they were being honest about things," he had to have hope that Misato wasn't lying.

Couples seemed to mock him as he walked the same streets again. Hand in hand, arm around waist, and a few with just linked pinkies, it seemed the fates just wanted to mock him. The first few days had been nice without Rei around, he'd not lie. So much had backed up on his 'need to do' list that he had kept himself super busy at first. Now however, he was missing her more with each day. What was she doing? Did she like the books and magazines he sent? Was she eating good? How was she doing? Misato never told him, and Ritsuko had been absent for Asuka and his tests…keeping them separate.

"And they keep throwing Tachibana-san in my face," Shinji wasn't stupid to that. Touji would keep mentioning the beautiful flower of a girl to Shinji all the time. That, Shinji chalked up to Rei beating Touji down. Whenever Shinji hung out with Kensuke and Chidori was around it was only minutes before Sakura was there too. "Nice girl, but I'm with Rei," and he would be for as long as he was able.

Leaning against the wall of the arcade, Shinji's feet ached horribly. While he loved a good long walk, a whole day walking was not something he did often. Avoiding Asuka and her room, a room where muted sounds came out every so often, bad sounds. He wasn't strong enough to comfort her, and she had said in no large terms that she didn't want comfort. Thankfully Misato had missed Asuka and that look of emptiness. But as he fixed his shoes, Shinji heard something that made his heart lurch…a familiar voice.

"You guys want to see the pictures? My trusty glove worked for me again. But becareful, I haven't backed up the SIM card yet. Can't have my new toy escaping me until I've had my fill of her," Kazuma asked. Walking past Shinji, either not noticing or caring about the lad, the smug boy was flanked by two friends. Taking a sip of a soda, the boy pulled a camera out of an inner pocket and unplugged some wires that ran deeper into his clothing. "They never suspect the lens in the palm, girls really are simple creatures. And my new prize is even better. You just mention maturity or the like and she folds," he gloated.

The boys at his side looked at each other, Shinji noticed, and grimaced behind the other boys back. The smaller of the two stuffed his hands in his pockets, "You sure you should be doing stuff like that Kazuma? I mean one of these times it's going to bite you on the ass. And didn't you say your new girlfriend was the Soryu girl…she's a pilot! Those people can make you disappear." The other boy nodded, clearly not enjoying the shift in the conversation and not wanting to see the camera the taller boy had.

Laughing jovially, Kazuma didn't listen to anything he didn't want to hear. "Those goons can't touch me. My father is to important for them to risk it. And you two need to stop being so sensitive. Women are things, that's about the most of it. Just play the game and enjoy the benefits. Here look at this, you can see my newest cherry picture," he held the camera out for the boys to see. "She had that defiant look on her face after I kicked her out. I'll have to use these to get her back. But that's half the fun too," he ruminated and tapped the camera to his chin.

Now Shinji knew he wasn't a strong person, not physically anyway, but something in him snapped at what he heard. If it had just been Asuka not ready for sex and her boyfriend (which he hadn't known she had) was to pushy it would be one thing. This was something else. He wasn't in love with Asuka, but his time with her made him care about her as a person a friend. Those were precious few in his life, and Shinji would not stand for this. "So maybe my day won't be wasted after all," but it would hurt, he knew that.

Stalking behind the trio, Shinji could easily see the two boys with Kazuma weren't into the assholes little games. Maybe the humored him, or were with him for financial reasons. Licking his lips, Shinji's breathing accelerated so fast he felt faint and light headed. Battle, he was going into battle for Asuka…Rei would be upset. "She'll understand," he hoped. And as the trio stopped at a stoplight, Shinji went into action.

Rushing forward, a surprise attack was all he could hope would succeed, Shinji kicked hard at Kazuma's knee. The white suited boy toppled to the ground, his two friends leapt away as if a snake lurched out of the ground at them. Acting on adrenaline, Shinji leapt on Kazuma's back and plucked the camera from the stunned boy's hands. Step-one complete, now the hard part. Step-two was holding onto it and escaping.

"The fuck?" Kazuma roared and rocked Shinji off of his back and rolling along the ground. Getting back up, rubbing his slightly bleeding forehead, he was a pillar of rage. "Who the fuck are you…Ikari? Oh this is rich! I thought you had a thing for her, walking to school with her and all. That Ayanami freak not doing it for you, so now you want the other one? Take a look if you want, but then you're going to give it back," he cracked his knuckles. Clearly giving the camera back was not going to be the only thing needed to satiate Kazuma's anger.

Hugging the camera to his chest, both hands locked around it, Shinji leaned forward in a runner's stance. "No, I don't know what you two have going on. But I won't let you blackmail her into anything she doesn't want," Shinji lacked the bravery to make the comment threatening. All three boys were taller than him, even if they were his equal three on one was a losing battle. Back peddling slowly, he was glad the other two looked at him with sympathy not anger. "Just accept that you lost this and go, you can work things out with Asuka if she means anything to you," he hoped she did. Sex for nothing was just…animalistic. Asuka deserved happiness too.

"Means anything to me?" Kazuma held his hands up in disbelief. Stalking closer he undid the top button of his jacket. "She was a piece of ass, a fine piece of ass. The look on her face when I bust my nut in her mouth…priceless. Something you'll never see, virgin like you will have to pay for it. Or are you expecting she'll give you a freebee for saving her. Prince charming on a white horse riding in to save the girl? Is that it, trying to save her are you? Sorry to break it to you hero, but who is going to save you?" Kazuma burst into a run.

Turning around as Kazuma broke into his lunge, Shinji stumbled and knew he had lost the race before it started. A hand grabbed the back of his collar and yanked back hard. "She deserves better than you, far better. And nobody is going to save me, but I'm ok with that. I'm saving her from you, and that's what matters. What is the worst you can do to me?" Shinji already knew pain. Hell he was acquainted with pain on a level that most humans never realize.

"Kazuma, that kids a pilot too! If you fuck with him or hurt him, what happens if the city is attacked or something?" the other boy tried to reason. They both were on the verge of doing something, helping or hindering Shinji though was unknown.

Spinning Shinji around, Kazuma held him in place with both hands at the collar. Spitting in Shinji's face, "See I think that's bullshit. This little shrimp can't be a pilot. They need balls, he's got none. Maybe I'll try and get that freak in my cherry collection too. Show her what a re…" a high pitched whine left Kazuma's voice. It was far to high pitched to be normal, but as he let go of Shinji and cradled his pants he fell to his knees.

"NEVER speak of Rei-san like that! And for that matter," Shinji raged, "Never talk about Asuka like that either!" Shinji's foot went to the side of Kazuma's head as hard as he could. Nobody insulted Rei in his presence! Nobody threatened to sleep with her as this jerk did either! Trembling with anger, Shinji quickly glared at the other two boys, "What he is saying is wrong! How can you…how can you be friends with him?"

Their colors were shown as they ran off away from the angered pilot. Sadly the victory was short lived as Kazuma got back up before Shinji could escape. Fingers interlaced, he double hand smashed them against Shinji's head. "You fucking punk! Nobody touches me like that! NOBODY! I'm better than you, better than those pricks who ran! DO YOU KNOW WHO MY FATHER IS!" each statement was accentuated with a mighty boot to Shinji's back.

Snickering, Shinji didn't care anymore, it didn't matter! He'd won, laying like a turtle on the ground, protecting his prize, Shinji knew he had won! Blow after blow rained down on his back, delicious pain worked all over him. Copper, he could taste copper in his mouth. Likely from the blow to the head. He hadn't even seen the attack coming, he had been to light heated from his hyperventilating and minor descent into berserker rage. He could hear the larger boy swearing and mocking him, but all Shinji did was laugh.

Then like that the blows stopped. "If you knew who his father was, boy, you'd run. I've seen whole families disappear for less than what you did. Assaulting the pilot corp. is punishable with jail time," one of the black suited men that followed Shinji said. Another was pulling the boy away, dazed and holding his stomach. Guess Section-2 wasn't pilot in stopping the assault. The man that addressed Kazuma helped Shinji off the ground, "Told not to step in unless necessary. This looked it. Go home, we'll deal with this."

"Don't do anything to…never mind," Shinji aborted his request. That prick deserved what he got, and not for hurting him! Shambling back to the apartment, his limbs a menagerie of pain and aches, Shinji smiled. Not a physical victory, hell no, but a victory nonetheless. Still holding the camera to his chest like a holy icon, he refused to lighten his grip. Thoughts of what to cook to make Asuka happier, gone. Dreams of snuggling up on the couch with Rei for a movie once she got released, gone. Hell most things right now escaped his ability to think. All he knew for sure was, "I got it."

It took far longer to get to the apartment than it took to get to the arcade, but situations being what they were, Shinji was happy with his time. The stairs were a symphony of delights as his joints screamed out in agony. "Guess he was hoping to cripple me or something," Shinji murmured and spat a bit of blood out on the concrete walk way. "What do I tell Misato-san," and what did she know already. With his life being observed at all times, Shinji doubted he could hide this little scuffle.

Lightly rapping on the door with his head, Shinji didn't have the energy to pull his key out or release the camera. When the door opened, Misato just gasped and took two steps back. "Hi Misato-san…can we order out supper today?" he just wanted to climb into bed. The adrenaline was long gone and his so tired it wasn't funny.

Life never went the way Shinji wanted it to some days though. Grabbing Shinji's shoulders, he winced and she let go, Misato stood aghast. "What happened to you, Shinji-kun! You look like you were run over by a car!" Misato's voice was shrill and loud.

"You don't…I'd have thought Section-2 would have told you already," he gingerly passed her. Kicking his shoes off, the moment the were off he sighed in exquisite joy, damn shoes were to tight. "Has Asuka left her room since you got home?" he shambled deeper into his dwelling. Seeing Asuka's door slightly ajar, he wondered idly when she left it.

Coming out of the kitchen, a can of soda in her hand, Asuka still had that mask of neutrality on her face. Shinji hated that! Why couldn't she be angry or upset when others were around? If it was just him, Asuka wouldn't be so 'strong', he bet. Holding out the camera to her, Shinji let it drop into her hands. "F-for you," he rubbed some of the blood off his lip.

"W-what happened? Shinji, where were you all day? What is that camera?" Misato hounded Shinji as he went past Asuka. Following him all the way into the bathroom, the woman wasn't giving up on her quest for information. Grabbing him again, this time she didn't let go when he cringed, "Tell me it wasn't for something stupid Shinji-kun? We can't have you getting hurt…over something pointless." She blinked rapidly as she added her reasoning. Could never just be forthcoming could she.

Wetting a washcloth, Shinji hesitated before he pressed it to his face. Cleaning blood off cloth was a nightmare, but the coldness was a godsend. "Ask Asuka, she'll tell you what you need to know," and only what Asuka was comfortable telling. The rest would be lost between the two of them, and only them. Shinji doubted Asuka wanted yesterday's little story to be common knowledge.

"She damn well better. She's been squirrelly since I got home," Misato stormed off leaving Shinji to dress his wounds. As it were though, Asuka simple said it was some stupid boys quarrel and left it at that. Misato was NOT happy, and spent the rest of the evening on the phone with Section-2. Asuka though, she gave Shinji a smile and a knowing look. Revenge would be dished out, revenge for both of them. At school in the morning would be a reckoning!

That was the plan anyway, as it was though in the morning the power was out…and the reason wasn't something simple.

X-X

"Care to explain why I found semen during your test, Ayanami?" Ritsuko asked after a yawn. She was almost beyond caring at this point, but Gendo would no doubt read the report and demand and explanation. Four hours after the pilots were recovered from the last angel, and Ritsuko still hadn't slept yet. Coffee was her crutch and booze and sleep her dream. Tapping her foot as the girl floated in the tube, "I can wait all day for the answer. I'm so beyond tired I think I've come full circle. You know you're supposed to avoid contact with him for this test. Where in that order does fucking him come into play?'

A small twinkling of bashfulness overcame the young girl. Looking away from Ritsuko, a first, she moved her hands to hide her shame. As if that would be taken in exchange of an answer. "I questioned how he became injured. As he detailed the events, I probed his injuries," Rei peeked at Ritsuko then went silent. She was behaving like a child that knew they were in for a spanking, yet hoped misdirection would save them.

Where was Maya when she needed her, Ritsuko really wanted to know. Her little breakdown shouldn't have scared Maya away that fast, unless Maya was lying about her affections. Stabbing her thigh with a pencil to wake herself up, the tired woman entered data and prayed for release. "So after touching his few bruises, you tripped and fell on his penis? That about the max of it? Ayanami, this is going to have to go in the report to the commander. Even if I wanted to lie about it, the medical scans picked up the residue. Why didn't you at least…scoop him out of you?" kids these days, Ritsuko didn't understand.

Move pausing and floating, the powerful computer that was the teenager's brain calculated its response. Her hand trailed down the glass tank slowly, "I missed him. I miss him," was all she said, all she deemed others worthy of knowing.

"That might be the last time you get to see him, Ayanami," Ritsuko felt a pang of guilt. It laced down her spine and into her toes. Kids really did seem to love one another, just Rei was taking it to far into dangerous territories. Especially when Gendo had plans for the girl that required absolute obedience. "The commander doesn't take disloyalty well, and you were told NOT to engage in…wait we picked all of you up together last night. What was Soryu doing while you enjoying each other?" that guilt shifted to queasiness.

What little insecurity Rei had vanished upon hearing Asuka's name, the timid smile and blush replaced with stone faced nothing. "After he agreed to my wishes, Shinji-kun asked her to leave for a small walk down the hill. If she did, I do not know nor do I care. It was her fault he was hurt. And we would not be allowed to see one another for another week," now her hands made fists and she bounced on the balls of her feet.

Thankfully the timer on the duping system went off, this torture was over. "Get out of there and dry off Ayanami. I'll…try to see what I can do about this fuck-up you made. But I'll expect you to be more cooperative in the tests from now on. Understand?" a little bribe never hurt anyway. Hitting in the commands to free the girl, Ritsuko finished her own work as Rei climbed out and dried off. "Now go get some food and sleep. Been a long day," for whom Ritsuko didn't mention.

Rei said nothing as she donned her school uniform and walked off leaving a small trail of LCL behind her. Girl just didn't care about anything that wasn't named Ikari. She paused for a moment at the door and looked back at Ritsuko with one eye, "I do not regret it." Nobody suspected regret was something Rei even comprehended.

Alone in the test chambers, Ritsuko pulled out a cigarette and lit it up. "Hope it was worth it, Ayanami. You signed either the divorce papers or your death warrant. Nothing I can do or say will stop the commander now," the evidence was to condemning. It sucked though! She liked seeing those two together, was cute to see young love! And Shinji had been growing on her in leaps and bounds! The boy was nothing like his father, he was sweet and charming! And now he'd lose his girlfriend, just as Misato claimed he said he would. "Clairvoyance or just knows his dad?" she mused.

Finalizing her reports, no details left out sadly, Ritsuko had her own loyalties to an Ikari. Yet her love would not die, Gendo needed her and wanted her. Rei was replaceable, she wasn't. "Maybe he'll call me tomorrow and we can have a nice dinner again," they had one two days before the attack. A meal at his apartment, Gendo was the same clean freak his son was. Dropping the smoldering butt of her cigarette on the ground, she let it burn rather than stomp it out. Getting out of her chair, her back popping in relief, she made her way towards the door, "And speaking of couples. Did you finally trick Misato into accepting you back?"

"We were just trapped in that elevator is all. And those things get crazy hot when no air conditioning is running. So sadly my Misa-chan is still playing hard to get," Ryoji admitted. Joining the woman as she headed towards the elevator, the man reeked of cologne and tobacco. Wrapping an arm around her waist playfully, "Burning the midnight oil after the battle? Going to get wrinkles if you don't get your beauty rest."

A warm touch, one simple caress, Ritsuko would allow it as it was so rare for her anymore. Leaning against the man, more a support tool than affection, "I won't ask how you got down here. All the labs are locked without the proper key and each opening logged. So I'll take it you were waiting for me." She hoped he heeded the warning. Gendo knew of Kaji's duplicity, and that meant Ritsuko knew. Their college friendship still meant something to the woman, so seeing Kaji dead would bring no joy.

Hugging her tighter, Kaji sighed hard out of his nose. Bouncing back into playful, "Of course I was waiting for you. Hoping you could give me a few pointers in breaking through Misato's barriers. She was never this distant before." He flicked his finger against the elevator button and gave Ritsuko a spin in his arms.

"Start acting like Shinji-kun," Ritsuko teased. When Kaji paled, that trademark grin slipping for a moment, she knew he actually worried about that. Pushing him away, his warmth was intoxicating, "Just kidding. She sees that boy as a brother. So don't mess with him or she WILL be all over you. Misato is one big damn mother hen to him. Just be patient with her and don't fuck everything on two legs this time. Women don't like cheaters." But she was tempted to ask him for one night of his time…sex without pain would be a godsend.

All but falling into the elevator cab, Ryoji grabbed the hand rail and barked a sharp laugh. "Damn you scared me on that one. Losing Misato to a teenager would kill my pride," he actually sounded earnest! Keeping a respectable distance from the doctor now, he relaxed against the wall. Pulling out a smoke he offered one to Ritsuko who declined, "He is a good kid though. Talked to him a few times, see why Misato likes him. They do complement each other well. But…Ayanami…"

That sucked the joy out of the cab, and they both rode in silence for the duration. They all knew it was a bit of a foregone conclusion, but what could they do? Nothing, they were all crewmen of the SS Nerv with Captain Gendo at the helm. Stopping the lift one floor under Ritsuko's, Kaji held the door open. "Though with how you look at Shinji-kun, maybe it's you that is thinking of exercising those new repopulation laws. Haven't seen you smile a man that wasn't me or after you cut them down in a while," he winked and let the door shut.

"What? I never…" Ritsuko was frazzled and more than a little confused at Kaji's comment. She wasn't anything but her self with Shinji, it was Misato that went crazy. Shinji was a nice kid, one she did enjoy the presence of. Good at simple conversation, skilled player of games, wonderful cook, but she was with Gendo! She loved Gendo, and being with his son… "I'm to tired if I'm even…" but she favored herself a small fantasy.

How would life be like if she was with the younger Ikari rather than the senior? Their would be no condescending attitude, no brutish domineering, she would always know what her lover thought and cared about. No pain, no belittling, no worry, would it be that bad? "Sex would be better," she snorted as she tried to bottle her laughter and failed. Making love to Gendo was losing its luster as the man lost more softness and the harsh edges were more apparent.

"He's more equipped to," Ritsuko laughed again as she thought of it. When the door opened on her floor and she stopped out she was howling with laughter. Imaging Misato's face walking in on the two of them fucking like rabbits. "She'd have a heart attack right then and there or ask to join in," they had shared Kaji once. And Ritsuko at times wondered if Misato wasn't just a little to worried about Shinji and Rei.

Sneaking up behind the woman, Maya tapped Ritsuko's shoulder. "Who would have a heart attack?" she leaned forward with enthusiasm. Sharing the black-eyed look as Ritsuko, Maya had sweat stains under her armpits and smelled horrid. Not how a woman trying to gain points would look.

"Nothing, just a little joke. Was wondering what Misato would do if she saw…Soryu and Shinji-kun going at one another," Ritsuko censored herself. Misato and Ritsuko did have a small exchange after the flatmate pilots arrived before the angel. Something had happened between the pilots, they were standing closer to one another and were so quick to cover for one another. Shinji insisted it was Asuka's idea they crawl through the vents, but then Asuka was equally quick on the trigger to say it was Shinji who thought they'd best to on base after the power outage. Then there was that fight Shinji got in, Section-2 hadn't figured out the reason behind it yet.

Covering her mouth in shock and surprise, Maya quickly joined Ritsuko in on the joke. "With how she mother's Ikari-kun, Katsuragi-san might send Soryu to a nunnery for even trying it. How she allowed Ayanami to be so brazen," Maya shrugged and stifled a yawn.

Heading for the locker rooms, Ritsuko wanted food, booze, and sleep. Maya would try something, say something to prevent that she bet. Woman in love could do crazy things. "So why are you still here Maya? You look about as bad as I feel?" she hoped Maya took the hint. Go home Maya, go home and rest and let her rest! Since Maya had bailed on helping with Rei, Ritsuko wasn't in a very accepting mood.

"System maintenance and checking. We've got the power on to most sectors now so it's scanning and making sure everything is good to go. Makoto-kun is taking over for me. Going to be hell for the next few days getting everything back in order. Wish we knew what caused it so we can keep it from happening again," Maya shrugged. When Maya didn't think Ritsuko was looking she sniffed her self and blanched.

Grabbing her bag from her locker, Ritsuko let Maya have her secret. Ritsuko kept more than her fair share, including her memory of the night Maya came over. Not good to use another person's toys, but Ritsuko let Maya have it. "Well I'll help you tomorrow. I'm going straight to bed," after a good stiff drink. She waved as Maya started to disrobe…Maya was a tasty dish. Maybe…maybe…

Leaving the girl to her own devices, Ritsuko let that thought vanish along side of making sweet passionate love to her little chef. Dreams were fun as long as not indulged to much. As she was reaching for her badge to scan out, her phone rang. "Hello?" she prayed it wasn't Misato with another stupid problem.

"I will need to see you in my office in twenty minutes. Be discrete," Gendo said his piece and hung up.

He needed her! "I'm…I should get a shower in…" but Maya was there! Her fatigue still made her loopy and hard to think straight, but she'd never leave Gendo when he needed her! And when he was done with her in his office, she was unconscious from the act. Not the same type Rei suffered, just exhaustion and pain overcoming her. When she woke she found Gendo's jacket over her like a blanket…the man was so caring.

X-X

Sitting in his father's recliner, controller in hand, Kensuke did battle with Chidori with much reluctance. "You know you suck at these games, so why do you bother playing me?" he asked after he won again. Chidori had been acting odd ever since the trip to Okinawa, so he felt more willing to put up with her annoyances.

Grabbing a hand full of chips, the girl slovenly crushed them into her mouth. Growling and spitting out bits, "That's why you need to teach me oh great sensei. Going to be hanging out with Hokari and Soryu again, and Soryu needs to be taken down a peg. Just because she's a little better at these games." Chidori picked another character for another go at the current champ of virtual fighting.

"If you want to beat Asuka, pick an easier character and learn how to play. Button mashing won't do you any good," Kensuke let the pearl of wisdom slip. Was Hikari the one he made out with in the hotel room? Gods he wished he could remember who it was. It was going to be a one time event, sure, but he would have liked to know who got his first kiss. Guys could be sentimental at times right? Checking his watch as the game loaded, "Shinji should be here pretty soon. He's going to tell me about the last angel, so if you want to take off you're supper is in the fridge."

Pausing the game the moment the round started, Chidori whipped out her phone and held up her finger. "Well if Ikari is on his way over, I need to get Sakura over here too. She'd never forgive me if I let an opportunity to gain ground over that freak get lost," her fingers worked over her phone, a master of texting. Licking her lips as she finished her work, she slid the phone into her short-shorts. Kicking her exposed legs about wildly, "You'll never believe the rumors going around about that friend of yours."

"Which ones? The ones where he is having sex with one of the teachers, Ayanami is pregnant, or is it new?" Kensuke did his best not to look. Chidori was wearing less and less clothing around him, and it just irked him. She was a beautiful girl yes, but to be so open about it was a pain. Juggling the controller when Chidori un-paused it and got a few cheap shots in, he let her have it without comment. Maybe she'd finally tell him what was bothering her, how could he help if she didn't say anything.

That impish smile she was wearing after cheating quickly dropped to astonishment when Kensuke turned the tables. Growling softly as she played, "No, I heard from some of the guys that hang around Fukuyama that Ikari and the prick got into a fight over something. They didn't say what it was about, just that Ikari pissed the jerk off and really pulled one over on him. All the girls in my class are talking about it." Bouncing around in her seat, her lush body jiggled and weaved as she got deeper into the zone.

Almost able to make out an erect nipple on his childhood friend, Kensuke lost all attention on the game for a moment, and lost. Damn it! He wasn't supposed to think of her like that, she was a girl yes and a friend true, but she would never be his girlfriend. It would be to strange, like dating a sister. Still, she was a tasty dish. Trying to suppress the heat generating in his cheeks as she thrust her arms in the air in victory, "That the guy you said that hit on you last year? The rich guy? He bought all of the Asuka pictures we had." Kensuke hardly knew of the upper classmen, unless they were customers.

"That's the one. Guy's a jerk, but he has a shit ton of money thanks to mommy and daddy. Lot of girls like guys like that, think it's a ticket to easy street," Chidori eyed Kensuke subtly. Tossing her controller away, back towards the console, she singled she was done training for the day. "Anyway, thinking Sakura needs to step up her game now. If those rumors are true, more than a few girls might make a play since the freak is away. You ever find out why she's gone?" whenever Rei was brought up Chidori just bristled.

Winding up the controllers and turning off the system, Kensuke just shrugged. "Shinji said it was some Nerv test and it should be done in about a week. And I wish you'd stop with the Tachibana stuff. Shin-man just isn't the type to upset the natural order of things," Kensuke pushed. It was painfully obvious regarding Shinji and Sakura that things were one sided. Sakura would gush and fawn while Shinji was strained polite. And if it was Sakura he made out with…well Kensuke could hope.

A chime rang through the house, somebody had arrived. Shinji or Sakura, Kensuke hustled off as Chidori started flipping through the television stations. "Must be nice to be desired," he muttered. Sighing the sigh of the lonely, Kensuke could hope couldn't he? Peeking through the door, the geek blinked and threw the door open. "Holy shit, Shinji! What happened to your face? Guess that rumor about Fukuyama and you fighting was truth!" he quickly gestured for Shinji to enter.

"People already know about that? Word travels fast," Shinji took off his shoes uneasily. Gingerly patting his own face, his left eye was blackened and a bruise adorned half of right cheek. When he spoke it was clear it was a little painful as it was a mush mouth, "Wasn't a big deal really. He crossed a line is all and I couldn't let it go."

Damn, Shinji actually got into a fight with that rich guy? For the life of him, Kensuke couldn't think of anything that would rile Shinji up enough to fight. Shinji just wasn't the type to resort to violence, what Kensuke saw in the entry-plug was proof of that. "Want to talk about it? Chidori is going to ask you about it, she's in the living room," Kensuke warned. As he expected, Shinji flinched at the mere mention of Chidori. He could see why too. Chidori being there meant Sakura would be, and that would mean the girl would make her none-to-subtle attempts to woo Shinji.

Following Kensuke to the living room, Shinji waved weakly at Chidori who had claimed the recliner as her own. Smooth. Leaving only the could open would let Sakura sit next to Shinji. "So it is true! I'd never have believed somebody would finally put that ass in his place. What he do, Ikari, what he do to get you of all people to put the nails to him?" Chidori questioned.

Knowing Chidori would be pissed if he didn't support her, Kensuke took the seat next to the armrest, playing right into her game. "He was about to tell me before you cut him off. And is that the right thing to say to somebody that saved all our lives the other day? Thanks, Shin-man, for taking down yet another angel. Going to tell me about the fight?" now Kensuke couldn't suppress his own needs. He HAD to know about the fight, what was the angel's capabilities, how did they win without power, it was going to be awesome!

"Well I didn't really hit him as much as he hit me, so I bet those rumors are a bit unfair," Shinji looked at the couch like a condemned man. He wasn't stupid, he knew he was being set up for something. Taking the other armrest, he watched the television as he droned on. "I overheard him talking with his friends outside the arcade on Sunday. He had pictures of…some girl and was going to blackmail her with them. So I tackled him, took the camera, and let him wail on me until Section-2 took him away. Kinda pathetic really," Shinji offered a half-hearted shrug.

Shinji never went to the arcade alone, so why was he there on Sunday, Kensuke puzzled. He'd ask later, when Chidori wasn't around. Shinji didn't like to open up around the girl, go figure as everything Chidori heard went right back into the loop of girls she hung out with. "Maybe not the best fight, but some girl I bet is happy as hell for what you did," Kensuke wouldn't be able to do that. He loathed pain, so even if it was for a great cause he doubted he'd be brave enough. It was a shame Shinji didn't realize how brave he could be, Kensuke envied that in his friend.

Without a word, Chidori got off her chair and walked right over to Shinji and leaned forward. Both boys were treated to a gaze down her shirt, Kensuke tried not to notice. Then she kissed his cheek softly, "I misjudged you, Ikari. You might have got your ass kicked, but you did a great thing there. Whoever you did it for, that girl can sleep soundly. You are a good enough guy for her." As quickly as the seriousness overcame her, the spoiled girl returned as the doorbell rang again. "Oh that must be Sakura! You can tell her the story too! Then we can watch a movie or something. You two can share your war stories another time," it was Chidori's way or no-way.

"That was odd, never seen her act that way around others, just me. You're on her goodside, Shin-man," Kensuke patted Shinji's back. For a moment Kensuke regretted his invitation to call Shinji over. Not because he didn't like Shinji's company, but for the reason. It wasn't JUST a social call, Kensuke wanted to use Shinji for information. That was wrong of him, terribly wrong. "And sorry about Tachibana. When Chidori heard you were coming over she invited her. I know you're not interested in her, and just…sorry," he lapsed into silence.

A smile brightened up Shinji's face, the bruises and black eye more evident as his face contorted. "Thanks, Kensuke. Not your fault, people want to help their friends. We'd do anything to help a friend, right? I'll tell you about the fight before school tomorrow then," Shinji relaxed. It didn't last long, as the moment Sakura saw him she panicked and rushed him. Poking and prodding him, closer to him than Kensuke knew Shinji liked people being.

Chidori prevent Kensuke from interfering though, it was all planned out. The movie was a sappy girl-movie, and all through it Sakura gazed dreamily at Shinji and he pretended not to notice. Shinji told the story of the great fight again, Sakura squealed like a fan girl over how brave Shinji had been. Kensuke's hopes died more, even if it had been Sakura in that room girl wouldn't give two shits about him. All Shinji had to do to get that girl was accept her, she as in his hand. After a good two hours, Shinji was asked to take Sakura home again. Chidori took her food, and Kensuke retired to his laptop. Good day, but not the best. Lots to think about, lots to do, and he still had to get Chidori confess what her problem was. Oh well no rest for the weary.

X-X

Authors Notes

Man I wish I had more time for writing and everything else! Stupid social calendar had eaten nearly ever day of my week now with something. Anyway chapter is moving along nicely. Felt it time to add the whole Asuka trying to get on equal footing with others as her fixation on what she saw and the world around drove her on. Maybe it was a little rushed, but I feel Asuka would be the type to make bold decisive actions for what she wants, even if it's a terrible idea. Anyway, hope you enjoyed the latest chapter and the warmer weather!

Ja mata

Zentrodie.