THE MIND OF AN ANGEL
Disclaimer: if you think I actually own Evangelion, then you are wrong! (I don't)
Proofread by J says no and 94saturn, thanks to both of you. You get a pie, and also my respect. No refunds suckers!
CHAPTER 11: CLOUDED MINDS
Light entered through the blinds into the dank room, illuminating the small sleeping figure on the bed. The young woman's breaths filtered out slowly, as the figure stirred slightly. A small groan broke the silence, as the sheets were shuffled about. Rei sat upright on the bed, brushing her face with a yawn, this is the only place illuminated by the light; a large contrast to the largely dark room.
She blinked as her head turned from one side to the other. She emitted a small sigh as she left the bed, revealing her half-naked body. Panties are sufficient sleepwear, and quite comfortable. She headed to the closet to dress herself; the morning was colder than usual. As she began to pick something, she recalled yesterday's date.
She sighed slightly, she had enjoyed it. Shinji was different since the 15th; he was not as shy as before. Rei thought he had been quite bold, something she had not expected. She hoped this was a positive effect from the relationship. She was looking forward to being with him again today, she felt… strange around him…
Shinji was cooking breakfast as usual, for both him and his guardian. He started serving the meal, hoping Misato would wake up from the smell of fresh food. He sat down and began to eat his own breakfast, as he heard the screen to Misato's room opening. She walked in yawning, wearing apparently only a shirt over her underwear. She opened the fridge, taking out her usual YEBISU.
She sat down as Shinji devoured his food, Misato's eyes on him. Shinji noticed and finished chewing his fare before asking. "Misato, something wrong?"
She shook her head a little, moving some of the hair away from her eyes while saying, "No Shinji, I just noticed you were a bit happier than usual." She immediately began eating, apparently having as big of an appetite as Shinji.
Shinji blushed, remembering the reason why he was happy. Trying to hide the blush, he continued eating. Misato, being the keen observer she was, noticed this. She couldn't help herself from teasing.
"Shinji," she began "What have you been doing in the bathroom?"
Shinji choked on his food as Misato began laughing. He finished coughing as Misato almost fell off her chair. While this was happening Pen-Pen walked out of his fridge; wondering what his master had done this time.
What is she insinuating Berserker?
"Misato!" screamed Shinji a clear blush showing. His guardian kept laughing and banging her fist on the table, ignoring his obvious embarrassment.
"I'm sorry Shinji," she barely said as she calmed down, "But I couldn't help myself." She wiped a tear out of one of her eyes before continuing, "Shinji, are you..?"
Shinji immediately cut her of, screaming, "Misato! I'm not doing anything!" He looked down at his food, blushing. Misato looked at his now more evident blush and continued questioning him.
"Shinji, its ok .You're at an age…Well its perfectly healthy"
"Misato I'm not masturbating!" he screamed again. He then diverted his gaze, before saying, "Misato, I am in a good mood…Just not because of…that."
A small smirk formed in his guardian's face, completely ignoring her food to keep probing the small boy.
"Shinji, why are you in such a good mood?" she leaned a little closer, exposing her chest slightly. "Is it because I'm only wearing a shirt? Or did you happen to see my panties when I was coming in?" She leaned closer still, her face inches from Shinji's. Shinji could barely divert his gaze from the cleavage of her ample bosoms; he shook his head and screamed.
"Damn-it Misato! I went on a date with Rei!" Shinji slammed his fists on the table, standing up from his chair. Misato jumped back to her place, wide eyed at both his reaction and response. Shinji breathed deeply, as Misato simply observed him. As he calmed down, he realized what he had said and his expression changed from anger to panic.
Shinji lowered his glare to the table, before walking to his room. Misato heard Shinji's screen slam shut, and she looked back at the table. She rubbed the bridge of her nose before whispering to herself, "You really did it this time…"
Shinji was leaning on his bed, hugging his knees. The fan above circled slowly, emanating a small hum. The boy sighed, pressing his head on his knees. Shinji contemplated what he had just done, he had never screamed at Misato before.
She took me in… and this is how I repay her?
He knew she only teased him as a way to have fun, but he just lost it. He didn't know why…her questions would have probably been true any other day. He raised his head as he heard footsteps coming closer.
Soon a knock emanated from the door, and a voice followed. "Shinji, can I come in?" asked his guardian softly. Shinji didn't respond, and soon his guardian spoke again. "Shinji, I'm coming in…" The door opened softly and quietly, and light entered the room, silhouetted by the figure of Misato.
Misato walked in, wearing the same clothes, and sat down besides Shinji. For a while there was an awkward silence. Neither one of them talked, but both sat next to each other. Eventually, it was Misato that broke the silence, "Shinji…I'm sorry for teasing you…" Her head hung low, as if she were bowing for forgiveness. Shinji turned to look at her, and saw how sincere she was.
"Misato, its ok…I know you don't tease me to make fun of me."
"But I shouldn't tease you to begin with," began the lavender haired woman next to him, "After what you go through, and…" Misato swallowed before finishing, "and after you've consoled me these past few days."
She looked at Shinji, sniffling a little, "Shinji…you sacrifice so much for me, for everyone. The last thing you need is me teasing you, I'm sorry"
Shinji choked back a tear. Misato, closed her arm around him in an embrace, "Shinji, I want you to know that even though people don't say it often…thank you."
Shinji started crying softly, and Misato joined him. Unlike the other times both had cried, this was not out of desperation or sadness. After a few seconds of this, Misato wiped a tear and said, "Come on Shinji, your food is getting cold."
Shinji nodded as his guardian stood up and walked toward the kitchen, giving him a good view of her shapely behind. He stopped that train of thought and followed her, both of them sitting back on the table. They both ate in relative silence for a few minutes before Misato finished.
"Well Shinji," She said, "Thanks for breakfast."
"Your welcome" was his short answer.
"So Shinji," she began, looking at him intently, "When did you and Rei start dating?"
Shinji looked up to his guardian's face, whom had a face not of mischief, but of genuine curiosity. "We went on our first date yesterday" he answered, blushing slightly. Misato just smiled, and started to take the dishes to the sink. Shinji was surprised she wasn't teasing him, and finished the rest of his food observing her,
God she's beautiful he thought, feeling a tinge of guilt now that he was with Rei.
Misato turned to the boy, who was evidently staring at her. "Shinji, I appreciate the fact you find me attractive…I might even say yes some time" She started walking back to her room, leaving the now red-faced Shinji alone in the kitchen. Before walking out of sight, she turned to him, "Shinji, I'm glad you and Rei are dating" she smiled slightly at him, "It'll be good for both of you" and with that, she entered her room.
Shinji smiled at that. That's what he hoped for.
After this, Misato had had gone into the bathroom to take a shower. She usually took baths, but was going to meet up with the Ritsuko, Maya and the other bridge techs, so she didn't have time. She removed her clothes, revealing her jagged scar. She turned on the water and entered the spray.
A small "mmm" escaped her lips as the warm water impacted on her bare body. The water trickled down the length of her form, as her hair clung on to her skin. She steeped back from the shower head slightly, so the water concentrated on her abdomen. Inadvertently, she had leaned back slightly, so now the water hit her lower navel. Now a small moan escaped her lips.
Oh God… she thought to herself, she hadn't gotten off in weeks, ever since Kaji. God I need this she reasoned, she was getting horny. Misato bowed her head slightly, with some shame, because she is about to perform the same act that she teased Shinji for.
Her right hand slithered down below her waist, as her left fondled her left breast. She moaned as she began to lie down on the tub, acomadating herself in a way that the water was enhancing this. She increased her pace slightly, as her right hand made circles. She squeezed her left breast, letting another moan escape her lips. She continued this, gasps and moans filling the bathroom.
She felt herself getting closer and uttered "Oh Shinji…" She continued to pleasure herself, then stopped. Her eyes were wide open, as she had forgotten all about what she was doing.
What the hell did I just say?
Shinji had been waiting for Misato to finish using the bathroom, so could he shower before meeting Rei. He was lying on his bed after he had done the dishes, just staring at his ceiling. He could have sworn hearing a moan, but tried to distract himself.
Arael, why are you always so quiet?
There is no need for me to participate in most of your situations responded Arael I only intervene when needed or when you ask me too human.
But…why?
There was a small silence before the angel began I find it hard to believe you can not reason anything yourself Berserker, yet you defeated my brothers and sister.
Shinji would have retorted quicker were it not for the other moan he heard, this time he couldn't drown it out. He closed his eyes, and focused on the conversation. Because I don't know how you think.
Berserker, I do not participate for the reason that you can solve most of your situations without it. Also, participating when not needed worsens the situation.
Shinji lied on his bed, breathing, while processing Arael's answer. He knew it was true. Not to mention the fact the angel didn't particularly like interacting with humans directly. He also knew this was helping him become a better person; Arael only spoke when he was doing something wrong. Before, he would never have consoled Misato, or dared to kiss Rei.
He opened his eyes when the moans in the background stopped. He wondered what was going on; not listening to what his perverted mind told him was happening. He yawned, finally noticing how hungry and sleepy harboring the angel made him. It was early; he might as well take a small nap.
Arael, can you wake me up in 30 minutes?
Do I have a choice?
Shinji turned to his side, wondering if the angel was learning sarcasm. He yawned one last time before closing his eyes.
Misato got out of the tub immediately, not bothering to finish showering. She had put on her underwear, and then she looked at herself in the mirror, grabbing the sides of the sink for leverage. She had panicked after what happened, she was barely standing. She breathed deeply to calm herself down, she was a hysterical wreck.
Calm down, calm down, calm-Oh Jesus Christ… She lowered her gaze to the sink not being able look at her self in the mirror. It was just the moment; it was just the moment… she repeated to her self. She steadied her legs, and wrapped a towel around her body. She grabbed the clothes she was going to put on, and exited the bathroom.
As she left the bathroom, she looked at Shinji's room. The screen was open, and she could see Shinji sleeping on the bed. She felt her cheeks redden as she entered her room. She closed the screen and dropped her clothes on the bed; she then kneeled to the side of the bed.
She was still shaking. She was trying to tell herself it was an accident, but the evidence… He calmed her down, when she kissed him, when she wanted to kiss him yesterday…
What the fuck is wrong with me? Do I like a 14 year old boy? She rubbed her temple, finding ways to contradict this, to prove it wrong. Thank God she was going out with the crew; she was going to need a shitload of liquor to forget this entire thing…
Shinji awoke to an empty house; it was strange for it to be this quiet. He showered and cleaned up the kitchen, feeding Pen-Pen along the way. After Shinji had left the house in decent shape, he called Rei. A few rings latter the cell clicked.
"Ayanami speaking" was the cold response he got.
"Rei, it's me" he said, still unsettled by her sometimes emotionless response.
"Shinji… How are you?" she asked, warmth was now in her voice.
"Fine Rei," he paused for a second before continuing, "Rei, I was just calling to see if we were still going to get together"
Rei smiled slightly at the shyness in his voice, "Of course Shinji, perhaps we should meet at NERV?"
Shinji emitted a questionable "Hmm?" to which Rei raise an eyebrow. "Shinji, did Horaki not inform that Suzahara is being discharged today?"
"What?!" he blurted out, Rei jerking backwards from her phone.
"Shinji, we should accompany them, Aida and Kojima will be present as well"
Kojima and Kensuke?
Did you think I was lying when I said she was interested in him?
Shinji then responded, "Yeah, sure. Ill meet you there in an…hour?" he asked quizzically.
"Very well Shinji, farewell" and then the line clicked.
Shinji had arrived at NERV ten minutes early; he had bolted out of Misato's at the thought of him being discharged. He was anxious; he was finally on good terms with Toji. Shinji waited for Rei as he recovered his breath, and soon enough saw her coming down the street. She was wearing a green blouse and some shorts. Shinji tried not to stare at her legs as she got closer.
"Hello Shinji, shall we go?" She asked.
"Wha- oh yeah sure" he responded, snapping out of his gaze, "But before we go Rei, should we tell them…"
Rei continued to look at him, her expression unchanged. Shinji sigh and swallowed before finishing, "About…us?"
Rei tilted her head slightly to the side, "Is that a problem Shinji?"
Shinji lowered his gaze a little, "No, it's just that… well…"
"Are you embarrassed about our relationship Shinji?" she asked a barely noticeable hurt in her voice.
"No Rei, it's not that" he reassured, "Well, you know how Toji and Kensuke are…"
Rei smiled slightly, finally understanding "Very well Shinji, I leave it up to you."
She began walking to the entrance unexpectedly, and it took Shinji a moment to follow. They both swiped their Ids and went to the hospital.
Is it safe to assume human, that you wish for me to perform the same as yesterday?
Please was Shinji's answer. He had realised how clueless he was when talking to Rei outside.
They arrived at the hospital, and when they got to Toji's room, knocked.
"Come in!" said the voice of the class rep.
They opened the door and saw a rather strange scene. Toji was on his wheelchair, but wearing his trademark gym clothes. On the left bed, facing Toji, was Hikari. However she was not wearing her school uniform, but some more casual clothes, which made her look cuter than usual. On the other bed was Kensuke with his trademark camera and glasses, wearing something pretty much the same as the school uniform. Fighting for control of the camera was Kasuki Kojima, and wearing a simple blouse and shorts, looked as stunning as ever.
Then he was greeted by the wave of… Greetings.
"Shinji!"
"Shin-man, you made it!"
"Hey Rei!"
"Well Ayanami, you two came together huh?"
Finally it was chance for one of them to talk, Shinji was embarrassed, but Rei answered the question.
"Yes, Shinji was not aware of Suzahara's discharge."
To this, Hikari emanated a small gasp and covered her mouth, "Oh Shinji, I forgot to tell you…"
"It's fine really," Began Shinji, scratching the back of his head, "I'm just lucky I called Rei…"
Shinji stopped suddenly, realizing what he had said. Everyone but Rei raised an eyebrow. Shinji lowered his head while blushing, before Rei interceded, "Suzahara, you are in good health now?"
"Yeah I'm fine now," He said, stretching his arms a little, "I'll be going to school starting Monday"
"So Shinji," Began Hikari, trying to break the awkward silence that began when Shinji mentioned calling Rei, "We were about to go eat outside NERV, after we get Toji discharged, you guys wanna come?"
"That would be pleasant" answered Rei. Unfortunately, Shinji wasn't thinking through his head at the moment.
"Wait…what are we going to eat at the cafeteria, then go?"
Kojima, who ad been quiet along with Kensuke, laughed at the fact he had thought about the food first. Rei looked at him analytically, and Toji popped the smart alec term.
"Man, and everyone says I'm the one with the big stomach."
Shinji lowered his head in shame, before Hikari pointed out something obvious he hadn't noticed. "Shinji, I cooked something, we'll eat it outside."
"Shinji," began Kojima, "Did you eat breakfast?"
"Umm, no I overslept…" Lied Shinji, glad for a way out. Hikari stood up, and signaled Kensuke and Kasuki to do so as well. As they did, Kasuki tried to swipe at the camera again, before Kensuke moved it out of the way.
"I'll show you the battle later" Said a frustrated Kensuke, as Kasuki began a fake pout.
"But you promised you'd show it!" she said, crossing her arms in a Humph.
"Jeez, I thought Kensuke was obsessed…" muttered Toji to Hikari. Hikari was about to push Toji, but he waved her off, and made his way out of the room to the doorway. Hikari followed him, before Toji announced, "Look it's gonna be a while before I'm discharged, so we'll just meet at the desk in half an hour, okay?"
Kensuke and Kojima nodded, before Rei spoke, "Suzahara I have been hospitalized many times here, I could be of assistance with the discharge form."
"Thanks Rei," Said Toji, "the sooner I leave the better; I'm starting to hate this place…"
"That makes two of us" remarked Shinji, as Rei followed the couple into the hallway.
"Later guys, we'll see ya later!" shouted Hikari as they made their way to the desk
Shinji turned around to Kensuke and Kasuki, "What are you guys going to do?"
"I'm gonna walk around, I managed to sneak a camera in here, damned if I'm not going to use it" said the freckled boy, before the beautiful girl next to him began.
"Yeah, I've never been here before, I guess I'll explore with Kensuke" She got closer to Kensuke's face, a tone of menace in her voice, "AND he's showing me that angel battle you recorded, right?"
Kensuke's face turned into something between a flush and fear, as he stuttered a response, "Yeah, come on lets go." With that, the odd pair walked out of the room.
Shinji was alone in the room, wondering what to do. He could explore with Kensuke, but didn't really feel like it. He could go help Toji out but was scared of screwing up like he did in here.
Why didn't you help me out?
You expect me to read the minds of all five of them and give you advice human? You asked for help only for the blue one, and that is what I will deliver.
Shinji sat down on a bed, before continuing. What should I do?
About what human? Nobody is in particular need for you at the moment. Perhaps you should visit the red one?
Shinji blinked and swallowed at the suggestion. He didn't know if he wanted to go in there. But he should face her, even if she was asleep. He still remembered the revelation Arael had told him, and the events that followed.
Arael…could you read her mind?
There was a pause.
Yes human, although what little I give you is all I can give. I will not risk revealing myself. She might sense me as you did.
Shinji stood up and headed for Asuka's room.
There she was, very much the same as she was before. Still that lifeless mess, a large contrast to her fiery self. Shinji was sitting on the chair on the side of the bed, he wanted to ask her. Ask her why. But she couldn't even hear him…
Arael…why is she like this? You said she was broken when you…attacked her?
There was a long silence; he sat staring at the girl. A girl he had admired even liked. It felt like a minute, but he knew it was longer than that when Arael answered.
Human, Eva is her life. She was raised and trained for this, this is her life. The thought of an amateur such as you being the hero instead of her is painful. She has been hurt many times, but the one of being useless for Eva is the on that did it. She cannot do what she was raised up to do. She considers herself useless…
Shinji sat there, absorbing everything. It was something he thought was happening, but never really considered. He reached out and took her hand, and without the courage to look at her face, looked at the floor.
"Asuka…" he began, "I don't think you're useless…"
"Please… Asuka wake up…" he chocked back a little, "I don't want to be responsible for this… I tried to save you damn-it, isn't that enough…?"
He laid his head on the side of the bed, his arms at his side.
"I need you…"
He stayed like that for some time. He wasn't sure why he said that, or why he even talked to her. She couldn't hear him…
The door opened and in came Rei, "Shinji, Suzahara has been…" she stopped when she saw Shinji, he lifted up his head and wiped his eyes. "What is wrong Shinji?" she asked.
"Nothing Rei, it's just…" he swallowed as he stood up, composing himself. "Let's just go" he decided telling her would only complicate things. Rei looked Shinji as he left the room, then at Asuka. She left the room shortly after.
Neither of them ever saw Asuka's hand twitch.
AN: Well people, another chapter, and with about the same length as the last one. I know I am taking longer, but hopefully the quality has improved no?
Also the Deal for proofreaders is OFF! Ya heard me! I gots two now!
Anyways, I am not going to be writing for a bit, I promise one within this month. Whether it's quite as long, will be entirely up to the amount of reviews.
And well, the plot thickens. I would like to ask to anyone if I'm missing something; I tend to be forgetful of my own plot!
Many thanks to J says No, and especially 94saturn. Without you guys, my writing would be as good as George Lucas's. That's not a compliment to George Lucas, "Only my new powers can save you"? What was he smoking…
Peace, any other questions leave in the reviews.
Squirrel.