THE MIND OF AN ANGEL
Disclaimer: if you think I actually own Evangelion, then you are wrong! (I don't, 'cause of copyright reasons. No, not ethical reasons)
Proofread by 94saturn, thanks to you I'm still writing, don't you ever quit on me.
CHAPTER 16: PRESENCE
Asuka was sitting on her bed, waiting for the results of the physical she just had today. She didn't like being in the hospital. The robe didn't cover much, which made her very conscious of her nakedness. There was also an eerily silence. Save for the beeping of machines, and small fluttering of the fan, there really wasn't anything else. There were medical tables, which only unsettled her, and some chairs for visitors.
The German had been subjected to a full physical, which had taken quite a bit. It was, according to Ritsuko, to see of she could leave the hospital; and to a further extent still pilot. She was hoping she would at least come out of the hospital, she wanted to…talk to Shinji again.
It had been three days now since she woke up, and pretty much everyone had come to visit, bringing news with them. Hikari and Toji were apparently and item now, and Kensuke was getting along well with Kojima. Shinji had come to visit twice, once with Rei. They hadn't done much, just talked. Asuka couldn't put her finger on it, but she felt...better when Shinji was here.
Ritsuko entering the room interrupted her train of thought suddenly. Asuka looked at her expectantly. Ritsuko flipped some pages from here notepad and said, "Well Asuka, I'm glad to say you should be just fine. You can leave the hospital today and go back with Misato."
Asuka nodded, glad to hear that, but asked, "And what about piloting?"
"I was getting to that," added the blonde, "The commander has ordered that you take a synch test before you leave, so go suit up." The blonde pointed to the door with her pen, and Asuka couldn't help but let herself smile.
Shinji and Rei were sitting under a Sakura tree at school. It was lunchtime, and many students were out and about, socializing and eating. The day was sunny, so everyone was taking advantage of this good weather. This couple had already eaten lunch, so they simply held each other while the minutes ticked away. Rei, however, had twisted her head to look at the young man.
The crimson-eyed girl broke the silence, as she asked curiously, "Shinji, may I ask you something?"
Shinji looked into her eyes and nodded, feeling a very light breeze, "Of course you can."
Rei began to blush, and looked slightly away from her companion, "Shinji, I only wished to ask if we may…advance further today?"
The couple had been getting together after school every day now, what they did was usually a whim though. The thing that she enjoyed the most however was contact. The signs of affection they shared, be it a hug, or a deep kiss, were pleasing to her. When they exchanged kisses and held each other, she yearned for more…
Shinji blinked in confusion, and was about to ask her what she meant, but she was still blushing and hiding her face on his shoulder. The young man decided to ask Arael instead, and Arael answered before he asked.
The Blue one means advance physically human.
Shinji decided to look forward, to hide his rather shocked face.
You mean…sex?
No, that is not what she had in mind. The Blue one wishes you to touch her more intimately. At least from what I can gather.
Shinji turned to look at Rei again, a blush on both their faces, "Are you sure Rei?"
Shinji had been restraining himself in that area. The reason was that he was afraid they might go too far. He realized that there was no harm in going a bit further, as long as they kept their self-control.
Rei tilted her head downwards slightly, trying to hide her blush, "Yes Shinji…if you are comfortable with that…"
The girl continued, "I enjoy our moments of intimacy, and I would like to advance with them. I find them pleasant, and each time I feel…longing for something more…"
Shinji held her a little tighter, bringing her closer to him, "I'm okay with that Rei, but we're going to need somewhere private." He was glad they were more open about this, even if they were both a little shy.
The young girl raised her head, still sporting a blush, "Perhaps the Major's apartment?" she proposed. She would have proposed hers, but she found the Major's to be warmer and more comfortable than her vacant apartment.
Shinji tried to trace his memory and he did remember Misato saying something about being late, "Okay Rei, would you like do anything else?"
"Hey you two!" interrupted a cheerful voice.
Mana came walking up to the both of them, smiling and waving at them. Both teenagers were snapped from their little world and turned at their fellow Pilot. Mana stopped in front of them and asked, "You guys don't mind if I sit with you? I still don't know anyone very well…"
Mana had been going to the school since Monday, and she had caused quite a ruckus. The young woman had been lying about not having friends. She had proven to be quite popular, with her cheerful personality and excellent looks. Shinji himself was guilty of staring at her a bit too long at times. The truth was, Mana was meticulous in her tactics, and she had gotten her uniform a size smaller. More of her legs were visible, covered with thigh high socks, and her blouse gripped her chest closely. She was glad that it had paid off, since she would catch glimpses of Shinji eyeing her at times.
Mana looked at the two teenagers, both of whom were blushing, "Hey…" she began, giggling, "You two weren't talking about anything perverted were you?"
Both teens simultaneously blushed and looked down, confirming that they indeed were. Mana looked at the two, sitting down next to Shinji. She gave them a smile, "So what are you two planning to do?" Asked the flirtatious girl mischievously.
Rei looked at the intruding girl with some disdain, but held back her comment. The new pilot had proven to be a bit too friendly with Shinji. Mana had also been very free with her physical behavior towards her behavior. What unnerved Rei the most, was how she acted; it seemed calculated. Rei, however, kept this to herself; aware that she should not overreact. She may simply be jealous, so she wanted to be sure she had reason to suspect anything first.
"That is private, Kirishima," answered the first child, trying to instill that she was not welcome.
The spy decided to drop the subject; she didn't want to make any bad impressions, "All right, I'm sorry. Didn't mean to pry…"
Shinji looked at Mana as she took out her bento and began to eat some of its contents. Mana began to lean on Shinji, ostensibly for support. Shinji tried to focus on Rei, who was leaning on his left shoulder, instead of the friendly girl on his right. He hated to admit it, but he definitely liked Mana. She was a nice change of pace, and he was always in need of more friends. Not to mention that she was very attractive, and apparently not very shy physically. As she was leaning on Shinji, her legs were spread on the grass, revealing her stocking clad legs, enticing him. Shinji pushed way those thoughts and focused on Rei, leaning his head on hers.
Mana sighed internally, this would be tougher than she thought. She needed to meet Shinji alone to work her charm, but she could tell she was making progress. The couple was indeed a couple, spending most of their time together. She kept eating, reminding herself to be patient.
Arael looked at the amount of debate around the three. The angel knew the truth about Mana, and was wondering whether to tell this to the child he was hidden in. Arael however, had something bigger on his mind. Much bigger. Arimisael had continually been getting closer and closer…
"Alright Asuka, just try your best ok?" buzzed Misato over the intercom.
Asuka nodded in response, and prepared for the test. She had to admit, she was nervous. Thankfully the familiar feeling of the plug suit clinging to her form and the hum of the Eva calmed her nerves slightly. Unfortunately, Ritsuko had mentioned something before she got in that… scarred her.
"Asuka, before you get in there," began explaining the scientist as the elevator took the pilot to the scaffolding, "We don't know what that angel did to your Eva, but it affected it's and your mentality," Asuka cringed at the memories, but focused on Doctor Akagi's voice, "So, for all we know, it might still have some lingering effects from the attack…"
The German bit her lip, as they began the initialization procedures for the test. She fidgeted in her seat, as she took deep breaths of LCL to calm her nerves. She understood the danger, but kept going anyway. She had to know if she could still pilot…
"Beginning test…" stated Maya, "Now."
It was instantaneous.
The redhead immediately felt the familiar connection to her Eva, but she could also feel the pain of the previous battle. Her body arched in the seat, shaking. She would have screamed, but she bit down her tongue to stop herself. She didn't want to scream. Even then, hisses and groans of pain still exited her mouth.
It felt like needles stabbing into her brain. It felt like every nerve in her body was on fire.
Memories flashed past her eyes, and voices rang through her head.
This aftershock, thankfully, was not continuous. It was sporadic, not unrelenting. This gave her seconds of control, which were enough to help her think. She would not let herself be defeated by this enemy again, and focused on control.
"Sir, we have to stop the test," this voice wasn't a memory, it was Misato's, "Her vital signs aren't stable" The pilot heard technicians screaming numbers, the wild beeping of computers.
"Let her finish," answered the commander coolly.
"But Sir-"
"No," interrupted Asuka sternly, "I-I can do this." She was barely able to blurt it out, but she meant it. The screams and voices died down, or maybe she just blocked them out. She ignored the pain, she ignored the memories. Slowly, she began to feel the presence of her Eva.
"She's barely going to able move with that synch rate, sir, we have to stop."
Asuka kept concentrating, her arms shaking, her face contorting. She had to pilot again, she couldn't be beat by this again. She focused on relaxing, as hard as that would be, and synching. Then it started, slowly but surely, the pain began to fade. Perhaps the aftershocks were wearing off, or maybe she had conquered them. Asuka didn't care, she started to feel her Eva responding. The voices died down, and the pain stopped altogether.
"Wait, her synchronization ratio is climbing…29…"
Asuka didn't let her guard down, she was sure there would still be pain.
"34…39…."
It never returned, and Asuka began to sigh in relief.
"47…52…"
The German opened her eyes. Once again, she felt safe in her Eva, at peace….
"57…it's holding steady at 57, sir"
"Well," added the blonde, "It isn't as good as 74, but it'll do…"
Asuka was worn out, her eyes were closing and she didn't even notice.
"All right Asuka, you can shower and change and we'll head home" stated the Major
The pilot's head dropped to her side. She was happy, she had defeated this thing. She could pilot again. She could see Shinji again…
"Major, I'm afraid you're going to have to wait…she seems to be falling asleep…-"
Before Asuka fell into slumber, she heard a whisper.
Well done my child…
The door to the Major's apartment opened, as Rei and Shinji entered. It wasn't dark, there was evidence Misato had been here before them. The windows were open, and there were some wrappers and a beer can strewn on the table. The couple entered, and Shinji quickly gathered and threw away the trash.
"So…" began Shinji, looking at his girlfriend, "What do you want to do Rei…?"
Rei sensed the small tinge of worry and nervousness in his voice, and she reached to caress his cheek, "I am not hungry Shinji, so may we perhaps hold each other?"
Shinji nodded, and he began to head for the couch. A tug on his hand, however, stopped him. He turned to see Rei standing in the hallway, holding his hand, "May we lay on your bed?"
Again, Shinji nodded, slightly nervous. The teens walked into his room, which had only a little light coming from his window. Rei kept pulling him towards his bed, and soon both teens were sitting on it. Rei hugged him, and she nudged him back so they were both in a lying position. Both teens turned to lie on their sides, as Rei faced away from the boy. Shinji wrapped his arms around her waist, and the girl let out a contended sigh. They remained that way for some time, simply listening to the other's breathing. Rei had closed her eyes, and every now and then would emit a content 'mmm'. Shinji's nerves calmed somewhat, as he enjoyed the soft warmth of the beautiful young woman in his arms.
Soon, Rei turned to face Shinji, and both looked into the other's eyes. Their lips meet. In short spurts at first, but eventually pecks became deep, romantic kisses. Their bodies pressed against each other, chest-to-chest, waist-to-waist, their legs entwined. Shinji's arms tightened around her waist, bringing her closer; her arms came around his neck, deepening the kiss. Their tongues mingled and their bodies rubbed together. Soon they were emitting labored breaths.
Rei broke a kiss, and Shinji looked to see if something was wrong. The young girl slid the straps of her school jumper to her waist, and tugged the red ribbon away from her collar. Now unimpaired, she un-tucked her shirt and turned to Shinji, who still looked nervous. The Blue haired girl closed in again, to continue kissing her fellow lover. Shinji again wrapped his arms around her, pushing himself to continue this wonderful experience. The girl had sneaked her arms to his shirt, and slowly began to un-tuck it. Her fingers then slowly began to unbutton his shirt, slowly, as the two continued to exchange passionate kisses.
Shinji suddenly felt his hands guided by Rei's, she led them to the bottom button of her blouse. Shinji stopped, but Rei continued kiss him, as she encouraged him undo the button. The young man understood, and began to unbutton the rest of her blouse slowly, chanting a mantra through his head.
I mustn't run away!
When they were undone, he helped her shed her top off, revealing her conservative white cotton and pale bare skin. Shinji took in the sight of her figure, and couldn't help but be amazed at her beauty.
Shinji felt her begin unbuttoning his white school shirt and allowed her to remove it without protest. The girl took the hem of his undershirt, and turned to look at his expression. Shinji nodded, and she lifted it over his head. Rei took a moment to rub the palm of her right hand on his smooth warm chest. She felt his muscles ripple slightly under her delicate fingers.
Rei reached back, and soon her bra was undone. Shinji watched breathlessly as she tossed it aside, unleashing her pert breasts to the air. Ayanami's breasts were breathtaking in their shape.
Both admired the other's physique for a few seconds, taking in the others body. They couldn't help but be amazed by what they hadn't seen before, the other's bare skin. Both panted, as they slowly approached the other. Soon their lips met once again, and their chest did as well.
A moan escaped them, as the feeling of the other's flesh on their own was ecstatic. They wrapped their arms around each other, bringing themselves as close as possible. The boy relished the feeling of her soft orbs on his skin, the girl shared a similar sentiment.
It was then that Shinji that took the initiative, as his hand brushed her tummy, moving carefully up to her right breast. Shinji paid careful attention to see if he was going too far, but saw no indication to stop. His other hand was circling her bare back, as he slowly placed his hand on her breast.
Rei stopped kissing him for a moment, as her crimson eyes stared into his. He carefully gave her breast a very soft squeeze and Rei emitted a gasp of pleasure. She craned her neck upwards, as Shinji continued to massage her orb. Shinji leaned in to begin kissing her neck, as she continued to emit small gasps and quiet moans. He cautiously toyed with her nipple, and soon her breathing was growing faster.
After a few moments of this, Rei began to feel her temperature rising. She could feel something building up. Her breathing became quick, labored breathes between small moans. Shinji descended, as he kissed her neck and collar. He kissed his way to her breast, and began to kiss and suck on both her nipples. Rei began to clutch him desperately, as the pleasure mounted to her breaking point in seconds.
The pale beauty moaned as she experienced her first small orgasm. It had built gradually to a final feeling of euphoria. Her entire body seemed to tingle from it. She felt her nether regions dampen, and she remained in this state for a few moments. Then, her muscles all relaxed as she let go of Shinji, exhausted. Shinji came to kiss her again, as she began to gasp for breathe. Her face was red, and he could feel her bare skin radiating heat. They parted, and Rei gave Shinji a soft smile.
The couple remained like this for some time, simply staring at the other. Rei nuzzled next to her lover, still savoring the experience. Shinji held her, admiring the beauty with which he had just pleasured.
"That was wonderful; I will reciprocate when you are ready." She kissed him softly, "you may touch me in this manner as you wish."
Asuka woke up, yawning loudly. They had woken her up after the test, and Misato had given her a ride home afterwards. She had felt exhausted, and had barely been able to bathe to get the smell of LCL off her. Afterwards, she had donned the first clothes she could get her hands on, some shorts and shirt, and fell asleep. Now that she was rested, she could focus on other things, mainly her growling stomach. As she got up and stretched, she noticed it was 2: 30. Wow, she had actually slept three hours.
This however, also meant Shinji was home. As she left her room, she was about to ask aloud if he was home, already desiring food that didn't come in a hospital tray. Before the words left her mouth, she noticed there were two schoolbags in the table. So Shinji was here, but with Rei. She looked into the living room, but found no evidence of them being there. Perplexed, her ears picked a noise coming from Shinji's room. As she made her way there, she noticed the room was dark, and the screen just slightly open. The German kneeled down, as she peeked in through the crack. What she saw amazed and startled her.
Both Rei and Shinji were lying on his bed, kissing and groping each other. Their shirts were on the floor, revealing their skin to the other. Asuka watched breathlessly as the two teens exchanged passionate kisses. She had known the two were dating, but she didn't guess either would ever…
The redhead continued watching for some time, until she saw Rei begin to take of her bra. Asuka gasped, and immediately fell back. She couldn't keep watching, but it was then she noticed that her hand had veered southwards.
Oh my god…Am I actually wet?
She quickly stood up and went into her room, not wanting to get caught eavesdropping. Closing her screen, she lied on her bed, curled up in a ball. What had just happened? Why had she reacted like this? What was she feeling for Shinji? She put a pillow over her head as she heard Rei moaning.
She wouldn't admit it, but she knew what she was feeling: Wanting.
Shinji was cleaning up the table from the light dinner of rice and vegetables he had made for Rei and himself. He was feeling rather happy. The couple had just had their first passionate experience, and he had enjoyed it immensely. Afterwards, they had laid there for some time, before both their appetite's got the best of them. Shinji had cooked, and they ate, still relishing their experience. Afterwards, Rei had left. Both had wanted to continue, but the Major could have arrived at any moment, and homework was not forgiving.
Shinji heard one of the screen doors opening, and he turned around to see a yawing Asuka. This shocked and startled him. She had apparently been released, but she was also apparently home this entire time, had she heard them…?
"Surprised to see me baka?" Asked the girl groggily.
Shinji shook his thoughts to come up with a response, "Uh, yeah, did they release you from the hospital?"An exercise in stupidity he quickly realized; she was standing before him.
Asuka nodded, "I'm fine, I can even pilot my EVA" Asuka yawned again, before asking, "Any food left? I'm starving"
Shinji nodded as he opened the fridge to get some of the leftovers out, "So uh, Asuka," he began tentatively, "I didn't know you were here the entire time. Where were you?"
Asuka blushed a little, thankful that the boy wasn't looking at her as she composed herself, "I was in my room, practically fell asleep as soon as I got here"
That was only partly true, since after seeing them she had stayed in her room. She had thought about coming out, but decided to wait until Rei left. It was humiliating. She could definitely not handled both of them. She had to make herself come out even with Shinji here.
Shinji emitted a sigh of relief, glad she hadn't heard them. He took out some of the rice and veggies along with some shredded cheese to make it more palatable for her and was turning on the stove when Asuka interrupted, "Just microwave it."
Shinji complied, putting the plate in and setting the appropriate time. He sat down on the table, across from Asuka, who had lazily set her head on top of her hands. Shinji had gotten to talk to Asuka for a bit, and had noticed she was calmer. She still teased him, and called him baka, but the screaming was practically gone. He couldn't say he didn't like the change, but it still unnerved him. He must have gotten used to it.
"Asuka," the girl raised her head slightly, as the boy interrupted the silence between them, "Umm, is anything wrong?"
The girl thought he had figured it out, but decided to make him be clearer, "What do you mean?"
"You're…" the boy began, trying to not sound rude, "different since you've woken up, I was just wondering…"
Asuka stood straight up from the chair, knowing full well Shinji was right. She didn't really know why this change had come in her. The red head had thought it was simply a laps, but she was hardly raising her voice anymore. Maybe it was because it was her past behavior that sent her into the coma, or perhaps it was because…
"Shinji," she brushed some of her auburn hair out of the way, it was still rather messy from all the sleeping, "I heard what you and Rei said to me while I was out…"
Shinji was taken back, had she actually been awake?
"You mean….you were conscious?" he asked, surprised and curious.
"No, no I don't think so…it was kind of weird" she answered, "It was garbled…but I understood…" She reached out to glasp Shinji's hand, and Shinji blushed at that, but the girl was not finished, "It meant a lot what both of you said to me…thank you…"
Shinji looked at the girl before him, who was almost crying and giving a sincere sign of gratitude. She was clenching his hand atop the table, and he returned the gesture as well. Shinji smiled, and so did Asuka, but their moment was interrupted by a ding.
Both turned to look at the microwave, which had stopped. Shinji was standing up to get it, but Asuka stood up as well, heading for the microwave. She sniffed, as she tried to hide her tears from Shinji. She stopped in front of it, realizing she couldn't compose herself.
Shinji saw her trying to get a hold of herself, and almost instinctively got closer, putting his hands on her shoulders. Asuka turned around to hold him, leaning her head on his shoulder. Shinji put his arms around her, as she sobbed quietly. The young man began to rub her back, as the girl continued to hold on to him. Shinji wondered what she had been through in that coma, but decided to keep his questions for later.
Asuka began to calm down, holding down what she wanted to say. She felt so weak, so vulnerable, and Shinji was actually holding her. He was obviously different from what she remembered, which made it all the harder. Why was she feeling this now?
I really like you baka…
As the young woman began to calm down, he lifted her head slightly, "Are you ok Asuka?" When the girl nodded, he let go of her, as both took a small step back. Shinji turned to the microwave, taking out the plate of food and offering it to the girl.
"Thanks Shinji…" she said quietly as she began to head to her room. Shinji was about to ask if she didn't want to watch TV while eating, but she anticipated it, "I need some time alone, kay baka?"
Shinji nodded, noticing the 'baka' was now more causal than derogatory.
The young woman walked into her room, closing the screen. She set the plate of food on her nightstand, and she sat down on her bed. She had almost broken down there. She couldn't talk to him, she felt like she needed to tell him. The girl rubbed her forehead, still wondering where these feelings were coming from. She needed to get her emotions straight…then she could decide what to do.
Shinji was lying on his bed, looking back on what had happened today. The entire experience with Rei was….amazing. He had relished every second. He was also glad they could advance, despite his shyness. Then there was what happened with Asuka, who was a little emotional right now. He had realized he had held her without even thinking, as if it was natural. It showed how much he had changed thanks to the angel…speaking of…
Arael, you haven't said much today…at all. Is something wrong?
Arael had indeed been pondering something for most of the day, and it concerned Shinji. He had paid little attention to the flurry of activity, becaused he had focused on one thing specifically. Thankfully, he had succeeded.
Child, for the last few days I have felt my sister approach closer and closer…
Sister?
The sixteenth angel, sister Arimisael.
Shinji gulped, he had almost forgotten about his duties as a pilot recently. They seemed so far away…
You mean…she's close?
That is what I was focusing my attention on. My powers are still severely limited, and I'm afraid you'll need much nutrition from it…but I succeeded.
Succeeded
I know when she arrives, Berserker, and it WILL be tomorrow…
Both ceased speaking, taking in the ramifications. Arael would have to keep his deal, and Shinji would have to fight. It was a situation neither wanted to be in. Shinji laid back down, his sleep leaving him with this piece of information…
He lay awake for an entire hour before falling asleep, wondering if knowing was that much better than not knowing…
AN: Okay people, I got some news for you, i won't say whether its good or bad, i'll just list it:
-I'm going to Japan for ten days, as a tourist and as practice. I've been practicing Japanese for about a year and a half now, so it'll be very fun and educational. What does this mean? While I intended to publish the next chap before i left, time constraints and homework had other ideas. So, you probably won't see chapter 17 until early April (I'll be catching up on homework and family before then) HOWEVER: I will be wriing a small diary over there, and will include some pictures in there. It'll be 11 pages, one for every day. If anyone is interested in this 'travelogue' of sorts, say so in the review or leave me a PM. Drop me your e-mail, and i'll send it to yeh as soon as possible.
-I really gotta thank Saturn, he saved my ass a couple of times. The lime would have been 'ehh' without him. He keeps pushing me for more, even though he rarely has time. He helps me a lot. Thanks man, i really mean it.
-Story wise, i want some critique people! I want reviews, of anything and everything. Like it? Tell me why. Hate it? Tell me why. My writting has changed and so has my style sligthly, so i want people to help me with their thougths.
-BTW, you have my guarentee the 16th will happen next chap. No more slow progress here. It's gonna be a doozy.
-Some funny, when i got a lot of corrections on my doc from Saturn, he said: "Don't blame me, my grammar checker hates you!"
Plenty of thanks for all those still reading, Sayonara!
Rizu (Squirrel in japanese)