The Friend of my Enemy

by Mercaba

A spring rain and a short walk bring Shinji to the the attention of a young woman that changes not only his destiny but the lives of all the staff of Nerv

21. Chapter 21

Standard Disclaimer

Man work has been kicking me in the face lately. Add to that a pet passed away and sickness…yeah my time for writing is abysmal as of late. Sorry about that. Work went all odd with a lot of projects ending prematurely leaving me in a strange place.

X-X

Friend of my Enemy

Chapter – 21

Confusion thy name is woman, or at least it was for one Touji Suzuhara. His particular confusion was named Akane Asahina, and he had a date with her after she finished cleaning the classroom. They'd only been dating for about two weeks, and well Touji was smitten oddly enough. Ask him a month ago and he'd have punched a tooth out, he had hated her back then. Overbearing, loud, accusing, and the bane of all men in Tokyo-3 had been his opinion of the girl, but now it was different. Another slight problem was talking at a desk opposite him. Tayura was moving in on Hikari! How could he do that, how could Tayura make a move on Hikari…oh wait Touji had made a move on Akane. Shoe on the other foot did not feel right.

"Suzuhara didn't I tell you to wait for me outside? This will go faster if you don't distract Minamoto-kun," nobody would claim Akane played soft. Fixing her glasses, a hand gesture Touji was finding cuter every time he saw it, she bore down on him. Cloth in hand, she wrung it against her knuckles as her cheeks went flush, "The sooner we get this done the sooner we can leave too." Well maybe she wasn't all play all the time.

Seated at his desk, his satchel loaded, Touji had intended to just stay and watch. He didn't know what to make of being in a relationship! Wasn't he supposed to wait for her in the classroom? "You sure you want me to go? I guess I could…could help," not that his help was much good. When it came to classroom cleaning Touji mostly avoided it and passed the buck. This whole dating thing was confusing him, but who could he talk to? With her standing over him, that face a mixture of annoyed and endearing, he caved. "I'll walk around I guess," he stuff his hands in his pockets, "mind if I leave my bag here while I wait?"

"Thee can keep Shinji-sama company," Himari teased over Touji's shoulder. She had appeared out of the air it seemed, and her breath careened down his shirt along his back. Tittering in what many might consider a mocking manner, the now school uniform clad girl picked up Touji's desk and stacked it. Eye's half laden with a sense of danger, "Tis out on the 'courts' as you say. I haft forced him to leave as I see to my duties. A poor servant makes her master assist her."

Stealing another peek at Tayura and Hikari working together, a slight bitter pill worked its way into Touji's thoughts. "Yeah I guess I could talk to Shin-man, come get me when you're done?" Touji asked as he grabbed the bag Himari knocked on the ground. While he was growing to care more and more about Akane, Himari was starting to scare the hell out of him. Her actions were calculated and precise, her tone was impossible to gauge, and she had just an odd air about her. Pointing at Himari as she continued to easily lift desks with one hand Touji asked, "She been acting stranger, or is it just me?"

"She's been sneaking off with Ikari-kun during lunch," Akane frowned at Himari. Looking down at herself and over to Touji, a moment of doubt crossed her face. Twirling the cloth into a nice spiral, "Get going or this will never get finished." Gripping her boyfriend by the shoulders, Akane shoved the jock out the door. Pressing her head against his back she paused for a moment, "Is that…are you wanting that too?"

Was she asking him if he wanted…was Akane asking if he was wanting her to act like Shinji and Himari had been?! "N-no! I'm…well I'm not quite…I mean if you are and you want…" Touji wasn't ready for that! It was one thing to joke to Kensuke and Shinji about being with girls and how far they got, but in reality it terrified Touji! Hearing all of Shinji's girls talk, subtly thankfully, about how good Shinji was at the task, well it made Touji feel worried. But damn did Asahina feel warm against his back, "W-we can talk about this later…"

Giving Touji a push, Akane held a hand up to her mouth just under her lip and laughed lightly. "And that is why I love you," she tittered. Scanning both sides of the hallway and finding nobody, Akane felt bold enough to kiss his cheek. Her glasses started to slide down a little, "Get going, we have a night at the aquarium and dinner, assuming we can get this done."

"See you in a few, I'll…just go talk with Shinji," Touji felt light headed from that little tap. Rubbing his cheek as he watched, Touji noticed Tayura giving him a real stink eye from the classroom. Beating a hasty retreat before things got worse, the jock headed out towards the few basketball courts. Tayura was going to hold a grudge, Touji bet that's the reason why Tayura was spooking around Hikari. It was just to get a rise out of him! That was all, Tayura didn't like Hikari it was just to spurn him! "If he hurts her though," Touji pounded his fist into his open palm.

They had always been friends, well as close as little boys and girls could be, ever since they meet one another. Touji, Kensuke, and Hikari were just a small little click that bothered one another for as far back as Touji could recall. Things had changed though once the junior high started, and the wonder of puberty beset them all. Then Touji had been sniffing around the more attractive girls, and his friendship with Hikari went to the wayside. It was hard to hang out with her as he used to when he was thinking of her in a romantic light. And on that day when the first angel attacked Tokyo-3 and Shinji was brought into their lives, things changed.

"Yo Shin-man! Never thought I'd see you playing that by yourself," Touji called out to Shinji. Finding Shinji shooting hoops was a real stunner, Shinji wasn't the sports type. Shinji, just what was Shinji to Touji? Well his best male friend for one, but on another note Shinji was the instrument of change in Touji's life. Shinji's first day in town was the day Mari got hurt, Shinji's time with Chizuru brought Tayura into Touji's circle of friends, and Shinji's lady friends brought Akane snooping around to insure Shinji wasn't doing anything wrong. And now Touji was with Akane and not Hikari, and in a small way Shinji had helped cause that. It wasn't all Shinji's fault, the kid wasn't a god or anything, but Shinji got the wheels moving.

Making a rather unexpected three-point shot, Shinji spun around quickly and nearly fell. "Oh Touji, wasn't expecting you. I was bored waiting for Himari so I figured it'd help keep me from…" he fell silent and collected the ball. Moving to the top of the key, he passed the ball to Touji with a small hidden frown. Something was on the boy's mind, something that was making him antsy. Shinji was incapable of hiding anything, far too emotional of face and body. Getting into a fairly unsteady defensive stance, "Want to play a little? You've a date with Asahina-san right?"

"Yeah I've a date with her. Aquarium and some new restaurant. Never thought I'd be going to a place like that, but she really wants to go," Touji dribbled a little. Hadn't he said he'd never do something a girl wanted and he didn't? But here he was, doing what she wanted and not what he did yet it felt good about it! Doing something for the girl he cared for with no expected reward. Trying to head fake Shinji but finding the boy didn't fall for it, Touji took a step back and went for a three. Ball missed and Shinji scampered quickly and reclaimed it, "What about you? Not like you to stay out here when Noihara is working up there. Something on your mind?" If Touji had to guess it would be something with Chizuru, girl had been gone for two weeks.

Twirling around Touji, the smaller Ikari was lightning quick and showed dexterity far outside his showing, Shinji made a basket. "Yeah, Himari-san is a little…possessive at times," Shinji rubbed his finger under his nose. It was what he didn't say, that gave Shinji away. Himari was possessive of Shinji after and she had a little supply closet time. Handing the ball back to Touji, the pair didn't notice fully how they were getting a bit more spectators. "She wants to go with me to get Chizuru-san and Rei-san. We have a…test or something for Akagi-san tonight. So I have to go get her from Tamamo's," Shinji moved back for defense.

"Minamoto's mother? She a looker like her daughter is?" Touji couldn't help but imagine that. What would a babe like Chizuru's mother look like? Large and full breasts like the daughter…silky black hair too? Feeling a bit constricted, and more distracted, as he envisioned the goddess of Tokyo-3 junior high's mother. As such Shinji effortlessly stole the ball and sank another shot. "Damn man, you've gotten a lot better than before," Touji pouted, "so how goes everything else. You've been a little distant lately."

Slapping the faux leather hide of the ball, Shinji had a silly grin on his face as he again passed the ball back to Touji. Nodding his head, "Tamamo is really beautiful, just as Chizuru is." Moving quickly, greased lightning, Shinji must have been working out while Touji wasn't around. Not sweating at all, the boy was smiling a little more. "Things are good, just a little distracted with Chizuru gone so long. I've…well you know things with Himari-san and me…Rei-san. So I'm not lonely, far from it, just feels odd not to have her around too," Shinji continued to trounce Touji.

Scoring a few points, but far less than Shinji, Touji was amazed at the change. "How have you gotten so good lately, Shin-man? You've never been able to do this to me before…that Jinguji girl giving you the run around too?" Touji had to tease. Never had he needed to psyche Shinji out while playing before, yet now Touji was willing to pull out all the stops. It was his job to be the alpha male, even knowing that he wasn't, so he had to give it his all. Now how to really get into Shinji's head, well the most obvious was his lovelife, Shinji was a sucker and at his weakest when they were brought up. Touji understood why now. "Or is it Red that's causing you trouble now? Trying to get into her pants as well?" low blow to start.

"Asuka? Why would I want to…" Shinji groaned as Touji stole the ball and tried for a basket. Touji missed, and Shinji reclaimed it after a mad scramble. "Asuka is my friend, a really close one. She's…going through a lot of the same problems as I have. I've never saw her in that light," but the odd twitch on Shinji's face gave him away. Maybe it wasn't intentional, but the smaller boy had at least saw Asuka as a woman once. Missing one of the few times he did, Shinji sighed, "And its Himari-san training me. She thinks it'd be easier to protect me if I was at least a little trained." Turning the tables on the jock though, "So what about Asahina and you, oh and how is Mari-chan doing? Thinking of visiting her with Shizuku."

Now that was a table turner, Touji's body refused to listen to his brain and he crashed to the ground. Rolling over, pain surging through his leg, "No fair man, no fair bringing those two up!" Touji lay on his back and rubbed his throbbing knee. It wasn't of Shinji putting moves on his sister, and his old theory that Akane wanted a ticket on the Shinji train, Touji was done. "You win, man, I give," Touji took the offered hand and felt weightless as Shinji pulled him. A round of cheers from watching girls the game, eyes all on Shinji. Touji felt bad for the boy, Shinji didn't like the attention, yet they lavished it on him. "How do you do it man," Touji allowed Shinji to lead him to a bench.

Avoiding looking at the girls calling out to him, many offering to replace the missing Chizuru, Shinji just kicked at the dirt as he sat. "Wish they'd listen to me when I say we haven't broken up," Shinji muttered darkly. Running his hands over one another, the boy looked sullen and dejected almost the way he did when he first arrived in Tokyo-3. "Just want to play a game with you to pass the time, and now they're liking telling all sorts of stories. I know…I know it's odd, my situation…but they just don't believe it. Did I tell you what happened a week or so ago?" Shinji sounded tired, far too tired for a boy his age.

"Don't let them get to you," Touji felt odd. He wanted to be there for Shinji, he really did, but Touji just didn't know how to relate! How could Touji even try to understand how Shinji was feeling! It sounded cool to him! Having a lot of lovers, being really famous and sought after, but what was the truth? The truth was setting next to him trembling. Truth was Shinji was being torn apart by these rumors and those that believed them. "And you don't have to tell me no stories, I bet I can make up one of my own. You know the truth, you're a good guy…maybe I should let you talk to Mari-chan," Shinji was all she talked about.

Giving Touji one of his sad yet meaningful smiles, Shinji gave Touji a punch in the arm. "Thanks man, this is the side of you Asahina-san sees in you," Shinji nodded. Waving at two approaching women, Akane and Himari, Shinji stood up and dusted his pants off. "Thanks for the game and for talking…and I will bring Shizuku over to meet Mari-chan. Going to cost me some time…a lot of time," Shinji shook his head. Yet he smiled and embraced Himari as she laced an arm around his. In a deft show of affection, rarely shown, Shinji kissed Himari lightly, "Ready to go get them?"

"I doth think I could spend a month with yon Fox training…thee do spoil as oft as I spoil you with her absent," Himari teased and spun around Shinji. Putting on a good show for the fledgling couple, Himari nibbled on Shinji's ear for a moment before breaking free. "But I can see thee missing her, and even I have found thyself wishing to converse with her. And…ye be too much for me to handle without being defeated. With her at my side, mayhap we could overcome your suitable defenses," Shinji was mush in her arms. Girl was evil when she wanted to be, teasing and toying with expert skill.

Finding Asahina going ridged at his side, Touji was stunned at how open Himari had just boldly declared her intents. Girl was boldly stating her ownership, and Touji saw how spectacularly it worked on the crowd around them. They heard and grumbled, glaring pure malice at Himari before walking off. "Wow, how did you know saying that would make those stalkers walk off?" Touji pointed at the dispersing crowd. Himari truly was a scary woman, far too smart and conniving for Touji's mind to handle. Well, smart wasn't something to fear, at least Akane wasn't running Himari style gambits.

"Y-y-you shouldn't say such things, Noihara-san! And here I thought Minamoto was a bad influence, and you've…you've…" seeing three sets of eyes on her, Akane stopped. Taking stock of what was happening around them, the girls dejectedly leaving, Shinji mush but smiling, and Himari with that cat that ate the canary look, she bashfully went to Touji's side. "Shinji-kun, you shouldn't let her do such things…tell those other girls the truth and they'll…" sagely Akane stopped.

Twirling Shinji around, he was far too malleable to do much at the moment, "A warrior needs know how to strike to fell all foes easily. Shinji-sama can suffer a little abuse to send those waifs fleeing. And shall they try stealing that which doth not belong…" Himari ran a finger across Shinji's neck and that smile of hers was pure feral. Truly some women were to be feared above all others, and Himari was not letting anybody near Shinji she didn't want. Waving softly at the pair, Himari nuzzled close to Shinji and left with the tag of, "Now thee take thy time getting to the meat of the matter. Ye be cute and flustered…just like my beloved master."

Touji just shook his head and let Akane lead him away. It was just too strange for him right now. Shinji was in good hands though, and eventually he'd get to ask his buddy for relationship advice. Today wasn't going to be anything to heavy, he suspected. She led the boy on a rather simple yet memorable night looking at fish. Man Touji hadn't thought he'd enjoy such a night, but it had been a lot better than expected! It was more the company than the fish, but boy did he have a fun time. And after they ate their meal, he lead her home, and scored a kiss. Not a Shinji level of success, but Touji knew he wasn't ready yet. Good day for him…just the memory of Tayura left that little bitter pill. He had to apologize.

X-X

"I might not becoming a good fighter, but I am a lot more spry than I was when I first moved to Tokyo-3," Shinji patted Himari's arm. His little match against Touji had been a real eye opener for the lad, quite unexpected. Never considering himself well versed in sports, Shinji had been stunned with how well he had played against Touji. Likely it was his taller friend being taken unprepared that got Shinji the win, but it had happened. Now he had more girls' attention, not what he wanted at all. His plate was full to overflowing, and he loved those on it. Those girls calling after him were just…well…he didn't want to call them shallow but it seemed the most apt.

Releasing Shinji's arm, Hikari walked backwards just a few steps in front of her charge. "Mayhap ye been too hard on thyself. I haft known for an age that thee were able bodied and skilled. Tis a shame ye don't have more faith in thy own abilities," she had that little edge that skirted the edge of harsh and teasing. Her new clothing billowed out, showing her curves and toned body for all to see and many stole glances. Sensing the eyes of unwanted men on her, Himari pirouetted back into Shinji's embrace. Softly and huskily she twisted the dial closer to teasing, "I shant let you be tempted by those strumpets though. We be reclaiming my main rival, others not be needed."

"So you do miss her too then," Shinji had to try teasing back. He had missed Chizuru something painful in herself imposed training, but he hadn't know of how the others felt. It did him good to know that while Chizuru and Himari were oft in confrontation that they did like one another. Feeling Himari's ring on his skin, "You're actually wearing it now?" He held up her slender and long hand, his fingers rubbed the small gold ring he had acquired for her. They were nearing Tamamo's little shop, and that left Shinji feeling more apprehensive. Was she upset with him, these problems with her tail were brought to light due to demons wanting to kill him.

Caressing Shinji's cheek, making a point of tapping the ring against him, Himari's eyes fluttered coquettishly. Softly, tenderly she admitted, "I've yearned to adorn it since the moment you bestowed it upon me. Yet until recently I was…unsure if it was fair." Her self-doubt was comparable to Shinji's own, and both knew it. Despite Noihara's great skill in the martial arts, she was just as full of self-recrimination and worry as her pupil. Reaffixing her sword, she nodded at Shinji and lapsed into contemplation. "And I doth confess that I have missed my verbal spars with yon Fox and her yon Ayanami. The young pup is also quite missed," she leapt up the stairs to the entrance to Tamamo's.

Looking up at her, flush with vibrant beauty and quiet charm, Shinji found his legs unable to move. Another person who was at risk because of him, could he keep putting her in harm's way due to his selfishness? Her fears, Shinji knew of them and no matter what he tried he couldn't alleviate them for her. "Himari-chan…do you…never mind," Shinji didn't want to know the answer. The battle fever she suffered from, her fears of losing herself to it totally, it was an issue she was forced to confront while she protected him. Joining Himari on the stoop, he took her hand and kissed the ring, "Thank you for coming with me here."

Opening the door, neither was stunned to find Yukihana already waiting for them, Himari gestured for Shinji to enter. "I couldn't leave thee to thy own devices. You'd have brought yet another helpless demon under your thrall. And while I have no qualms sharing you, I think our forces are apt enough. Now let us get your princess and return to our home. Dame Katsuragi doth need to be confronted, her secret has been lingering on both our minds. Yukihana-sama," Himari bowed to the superior demon.

"Noihara-dono, Ikari-dono your always welcome into our establishment. Ikari-dono I am pained to say that Tamamo-sama and myself are working today and will not be able to attend to you. The young mistress is in distress as well, do not hold that against her," Yukihana confessed as she got up from her kneeling position. Opening the inner sliding door, she held her arm out for the two to pass by.

As he past the ice woman, her somber and etched ethereal qualities radiated out of her, Shinji felt the icy tendril of her fingers trace his back. "Well we both know how Chizuru-san can get when she's frustrated, and well…we've come to get Rei-san and her. We have a test at Nerv that she has to be present for," Shinji understood the hidden meeting. The three times he came to visit Tamamo and Yukihana without Chizuru with him…well…Tamamo was just as full of love and energy as her daughter and Shinji received her training. They were always group encounters, and they left Shinji tired yet content…and them more so. "How has she been?" Shinji asked knowing the answer.

"Alpha is that you?" Rei asked walking into the receiving room clad in a yukata. The light green clothing accentuated Rei's pale skin and made her glow under the dim light. A bundle of towels fell to the ground as Rei, face devoid of emotion, ran to Shinji's side and wrapped her arms around him tightly. Nuzzling her cheek against his chest, "I have missed you, as has Chizuru-san"

Pinching Rei's hand off, Himari stood between the half-wolf and Shinji, "While I do feel similar in having both master and pupil back, we have not unlimited time. And as we all know, yon princess can take time to speak knowledge into." Twirling Rei around, Himari crossed her arms and leaned against the smaller girl's shoulders. "Now, we shall have plenty of time to reconnect in the eve after your little tests," Himari sniffed the air and headed deeper into the building.

Finding Yukihana waiting for him, Shinji smiled weakly at her, "Sorry about that. Rei-san is excitable at times, but I'm sure you know that already." Gathering up the spilled towels, he set them on a chair next a half dozing older woman. The perpetually cold woman's face softened a tad and her eyes brightened. Was it a curse or blessing to be surrounded with so many beautiful women? Shinji didn't know, but he wasn't complaining. Falling in step with her, Shinji noticed the older men giving him the stink eye, they must not like how he got the preferential treatment when he was there. Tough for them. "How have you been Yuki-chan?" Himari was out of hearing range right?

A puff of steam left her mouth, "The young mistress has been a trifle hard to manage, and complained of your absence on nearly a daily basis. But even without her comments, Tamamo-sama and I have missed you as well young master. If you've time in the future, we would appreciate some help around the spa." She fixed her sashes as she tried to not react to Shinji's pet name for her. It came out accidentally during Shinji's last time 'helping at the spa' and it caused the snow-woman to melt a little. Catching up to the two other demon-animals, Yukihana sighed in distress, "As you can see, she is sequestering herself in her room."

"Chizuru-san! I'm here to…here to take you home," Shinji called out after softly pushing Himari away from the door. Chizuru had to be dealt with firmly at times, she was spoiled and by him mostly. But when Shinji needed to get her to act, mostly to wake up after lovely evening, he knew just how firm to be. Rapping his hand against the door, "Open up, Chizuru-san, we have to talk. Himari-san and I've missed you, and Tayura is beside himself. It's time to come back."

The trio of observers, Yukihana had returned to her duties, were stunned when Chizuru finally responded. "No! I'm not leaving until I can control this damn thing! Just leave me until I can get it under control. I won't see you, Shinji-kun…go," such anger and bitterness had never been directed at Shinji before. Rei and Himari turned to Shinji with stunned and bewildered faces, unsure what or how to react. Never had Chizuru denied Shinji so vehemently.

Grabbing the door hard, Shinji hadn't been ready for it, but he wasn't giving up yet. With one strong yank, he was again reminded of his improved physical conditioning. The door lock splintered and broke and it fell off its track as he slide it. "I'll talk to her…you two wait out here?" Shinji said sheepishly. It didn't matter really, a few feet wouldn't make a difference and they'd hear everything he said. But it was the sentiment that mattered, he hoped. Finding Chizuru's room as he expected, a dirty and chaotic mess, Shinji found his girlfriend hiding under her futon. Kneeling by her, he fought against her to remove the blanket, "Chizuru-san, what's wrong. Talk to me, tell me what is wrong."

"What's wrong? WHAT IS WRONG?" Chizuru threw back the blanket and sat up. Her golden hair, ears, and tail spilled out for all to see. "Look at me! All this time working on learning how to control my fucking ninth tail were wasted! Mother couldn't help me and I won't risk you getting hurt because of it! So just go until I can…I can…I can't do it!" she broke down sobbing in frustration and aggravation. "No matter what I do I can't control it! I'm a freak, a monster that will only hurt you in the end! I'm sorry I didn't tell you about it, I'm sorry that I'm…I'm…not what," she shoved at Shinji, trying to knock him away.

Falling off his knees to the ground, Shinji held his hand out towards Himari who he had heard move. Getting back up, Shinji forced his arms around the sobbing girl and hugged her tightly. "I don't care about that! It's my fault anyway! You wouldn't have to deal with that tail if I didn't bring demons after me! Himari wouldn't have to worry about her battle fervor for the same reason! I'm to blame for this! Not you! Both of you are at risk and it's MY fault not yours! I'd rather…I'd rather live with the danger both of bring and have you in my life than be safe and without you! We can find the answers together, if you're willing to risk it by…staying with me."

"You…mean it?" Chizuru's tears dried, on her hands and knees, her tails were wagging. "You do mean it, stupid hubby, I've never considered your little title as a fear, and I blame you for nothing." She rubbed the fat of her palms against her eyes, the smile was timid but threatening to spill out. Diving at the boy, knocking him to the ground, she rubbed against him and peppered his face with kisses. "I've missed you so much, but was worried you'd never want to see me again after what happened. And you just had to come and say such a sappy thing with a straight face," she continued her sensual grinding.

With a swift yet gentle kick, Himari knocked Chizuru off the prone boy, she pulled here ward up instantaneously. "If the snake was here, you two could continue and be judged by here. And yon pupil is barely able to restrain herself from joining the fray, we doth not have the time to spare. A pavillar with dame Katsuragi is required and master has a meeting at his work. Afterward I care not how you attempt to placate us for your sin of abandonment. Now get up beast of eros so we can see we can end this little issue," she held Shinji like a shield between herself and Chizuru.

"I missed you to Kuro-neko," Chizuru blew a kiss at Himari and got up. Forcing her form back to its standard human guise, Chizuru fluffed her hair. Linking arms with Shinji, taking his left side. "I see you've taken to wearing your ring too?" Chizuru held her hand out with her ring on it. Her voice was a trifle more somber than normal, but that was expected after her little issue. "So what was that you said about feeling you were at fault for all of this Shin-chan?" Chizuru bowed her head to the smiling and waving Tamamo and Yukihana as the passed them.

Blushing fiercely as he was sandwiched between Chizuru and Himari, Shinji had to admit what he had confessed to was both embarrassing and a large fear of his. "Well I was worried about this for awhile now. After all the things that have been happening, I couldn't help but worry you were upset with ME for causing all these problems," Shinji felt his temperature rise. Did they have to stand so close to him? Well he wasn't exactly disliking the contact, just in public it was a little odd. Was that Rei hugging him from behind?! Gods he had three beauties…his head was shortening out.

"Oh we blame you not for our problems, tis a reason to face them if to enjoy our lives as they be. In time mayhap we'll have peace and then we can find a suitable punishment for you," Himari listed against Shinji and laid her head on his shoulder.

Matching Himari's actions with her own, "Silly hubby…stupid me…annoying Kuro-neko," Chizuru couldn't help but tease. The quartet walked in contemplated silence as they returned to the shared domicile, all of them with their own issues, but content with how things have become to all of them. They all had doubts and fears, yet at this moment, the slayer, demon-cat, demon-wolf, and kitsune were content in one another's company. Let the onlookers gawk and call them names. They didn't care, they would look beyond their self-fears, and drawn strength from the others.

Ascending the stairs to the apartment, Shinji reluctantly freed himself from his companions. "Well I should tell you Chizu-chan, Rei-chan that Misato and Asuka have been strange the last few days. They don't talk to either of us much, and just…I think I know what the issue is. And I wanted to have both of you here for it," Shinji opened the door with a hinting of apprehension. What could make Misato not want to talk to him or have him give her the customary weekly backrub? Well Kuesu came to mind, and that lead him to what could cause Misato to be upset regarding Kuesu. Marriage! Yup, he was likely married now, not that he hadn't already considered it. "And regardless of what happens in there, know that none of you are leaving my life if you don't want to. I…love you, and nothing will change that," he ran his finger over both of their rings.

Cooing softly, Chizuru was on a hair trigger it seemed, whatever was going through her mind left her more worried than she was letting on. But at least she was here, and not hiding. They would overcome the problems together! "Well I can suffer that little waif if I need to. But she'll have to realize that I'm the matriarch regardless of what name is on paper or not. Chizuru Ikari…I like it," she reclaimed his hand and nodded.

"Agreed, while I never expected to be wife, I did know that our souls are intertwined just as yours is be with that other girl," Himari took Shinji's free hand again and opened the door with her free one. "Be not afraid, Shinji-sama, we shall overcome," she pulled Shinji and Chizuru in with her. "Katsuragi, we require you to speak with us!" Himari yelled out as they entered.

And after a sudden and fierce conversation, it had been as Shinji feared/suspected. Kuesu was now his wife, and while a big part of him was happy to know that. His heart did hold a big place for that girl he meet years ago. His memories of Kuesu were returning and his time with her know, yes she'd be a marvelous wife. Only she had to accept Shinji as he was and who was also with him. It would pain Shinji to put Kuesu into a bad situation, but those that were with him…weren't leaving unless they chose to. Asuka…Asuka listened to it all with a pensive look on her face but said nothing. Twenty minutes after the news was known, it was time to head into Nerv for the odd test.

X-X

Life just seemed to like mocking her it seemed, but Ritsuko was the type of woman to roll with the punches. Work on either merging Rei and the imprisoned wolf girl wasn't going well, her love life was gone, and she had a giddy Misato next to her. Never good to have a giddy Misato, it promised oddities and mental anguish. Having Chizuru and Himari joining the test crew was also an issue. Ritsuko was going to have to confess to Chizuru about that whole soul mark business and suffer the consequences of it.

"Ok did somebody mess with the cameras or something, because I'm calling your joke right now," Makoto pointed at the footage of the children. They were going through the scrubbers on their way to the final isolation tank. Point of fact was Makoto was pointing at the young Ikari lad standing in all his full glory. Covering up the boy's lower half as Chizuru peaked over his shoulder, as if the girl didn't have intimate knowledge of the piece already. "Sorry Minamoto-kun, but they do have their right to privacy," he said as if he wasn't stealing peeks at the fourteen year old girls.

Slapping his hand away, Ritsuko snorted at the faux look of pain the man had. "Oh stop acting like they don't know it already. Kids in this day and age are all about living for the moment. And with him being sterile from the LCL no reason not to enjoy it," Ritsuko noticed Maya stealing a peek. Tapping on the microphone as the trio of pilots stood at the last gate and still separated from one another. "Alright you three, this is the last chamber before the faux bodies. We'll turn the cameras off so you can walk without worry," as if they hadn't seen one another already. Well Rei and Shinji did, Asuka was going to look, Ritsuko just knew it.

"You know this is the third time I've seen my little man in the but it still makes me double take. But you know what they say, it's not the size but how you use it," Misato blew the steam off her coffee before taking a drink. Not seated at one of the main consoles, Misato was there only for regulations sake and contributing nothing good. Well if you considered snide comments, glowing comments about how proud she was for Shinji and his girlfriends, and making a pain of herself. Tapping Maya on the shoulder, earning a loud yelp from the girl, "Maya-kun, you're not supposed to be watching him you know. Stealing a good look at him. I think his significant others might have words for you."

Yelling out over the camera footage, Asuka was clearly not comfortable with the current state of dress. "Well here I am as you wanted me, buck naked, and run through the wash five times! So can we do this fast so I don't have to worry about that pervert looking at me!" Asuka slapped her palm against the wall she shared with Shinji.

"You can stay behind us as we walk, and I shall tend to my co-husband," Rei said loudly enough. Quite unlike her normal voice this held a hint of pride and happiness. Whatever happened between Rei, Shinji, Chizuru, and Himari to get them all smiles it was something massive. "In fact I would prefer you wait. You may be tempted to look," ok now Ritsuko suspected that was a joke.

Flipping the switch to talk to the pilots, Ritsuko was putting an end to the farce before it got to long in the tooth. "Alright children calm down. You'll all be going at the same time, and if anybody peeks…well its just flesh," Ritsuko knew she couldn't take her eyes off it. Gods either favored Shinji and cursed Gendo or Yui Ikari's bloodline had sturdy and dependable men. Was it getting hotter in here or was she just painfully lonely? "Turning the camera's off now, tell us when you're on the other side," she turned off the microphone and made a joke of tapping the camera switch.

"Doth though enjoy gazing at my beloved's equipment? And it is as Katsuragi says, size doth not matter, but ones skill with it. Though Shinji-sama be skilled as well," Himari fidgeted in her seat. Her smile was matched by Chizuru, the girl had heard some news that just left her nothing but smiles. Biffing Chizuru on the back of the head as the girl played with the ring on her finger, "This one is too far into herself to speak, but she'd agree."

Red faced and panicking, Maya just alternated between the camera and the flippant Himari. "You're telling fibs! Somebody had to mess with the camera! I mean the one I have at my apartment is…is…" and boom Maya went rail stiff and fell off her seat. More information about Maya than anybody wanted to know.

Growling slightly, Ritsuko was finding the topic both amusing and aggravating! "Can we stop talking about Ikari-kun's penis? I know he's a little big for…most men, sorry Makoto, but it's not that big a deal," Ritsuko chose to ignore Chizuru saying that it was. Opening the test chambers for the pilots, Ritsuko felt that damn itch between her legs again. How long had it been since she had an enjoyable partner? And it wasn't like Shinji was a bad kid. Far from it! He was polite, intelligent for his age, helpful, cute, and well he was packing heat. "Maybe I will take Ayanami-kun up on her offer of tutelage," what was the worse that could happen? Loneliness was a real bitch, and her life was just one pain after another. Why not seek out enjoyment and love where she could?

"Alright kids get in and we'll get this test started. Rei don't even think of getting into Shinji-kun's tank. This shouldn't take long, and then we can have a little party at the apartment. My way of apologizing for taking so long to tell you about the issue at hand," Misato fanned the fainted Maya. Leaning back in her chair, popping her back, Misato crossed her arms and rubbed her belly. "You two are welcome too, I'd say three but I don't think Ibuki is going to want to show her face to us after that. Remind me to get her a new…toy…for her birthday," she snickered lightly.

Ok either Misato did what Ritsuko was considering doing or the woman was on drugs. Misato was just too happy and teasing right now. For the last few days Misato had been livid and snapping at everything that got in her way. Now she was causally telling the test crew her intents to buy Maya a dildo, what gives? Watching Asuka sneak a peek at Shinji, the girl's face went red, Ritsuko held out her hand to Misato, "She did steal a look, you owe me twenty thousand yen." Asuka was a curious young woman, why Misato thought she'd resist was foolish. Pride could only go so far until the mind took over. Her scientific mind was reeling, were these little girls just having low standards, or was Shinji really as proficient as they claimed. Likely just youth. Maybe his slayer heritage gave him some sort of ability over demons?

"The young trainee isn't a fear though, she be just curious tis all. She be more friend than other, and she dare not contest her friend," Himari replied. Her eyes were closed, and her head wobbled back and forth to some internal song. Kicking her foot at Ritsuko, the sveltely dressed teenager, peeked with one eye, "Though yon blonde's pheromones be ripe and pungent in the air. Tis a unique bouquet but far more enjoyable than it haft once been."

Loading up the programs needed, Makoto scooted just a little further away from the teenage sword mistress and the faux blond. "All pilots are in place and their tanks sealed. And starting the connection artificial bodies. And you might do good to not speak to your elders that way Noihara-kun. I know you're a skilled bodyguard, but Akagi-san is your superior office while here," he at least tried to sound authoritative. And in normal situations he'd be right, but Ritsuko knew Himari wasn't human…and was right.

Without Gendo in her life she did at least feel physically better, and her self-esteem was recovering. Not being abused helped with that, and the deeming things Gendo had her do also hurt her pride. Now she was just a bitter woman looking for happiness where she could find it. "It's not a big deal Makoto-kun. Those two, three if you count her drunken highness, are having a good day and I bet it has to do with one to two of our pilot corps," Ritsuko gave Himari a thumbs up. Maybe a nice drink at Misato's would be good, she could talk to Rei about her progress.

The idea of merging both girls back together was becoming less and less a theory, but waking the wolf up was possible. Only, Ritsuko didn't know what would happen. "Starting test now, tell us how it feels," Ritsuko ordered the pilots. Her fear for Rei was palpable. If the captive was brought back to wakefulness, there was a chance that Rei would…take the girl's place. With their souls split, Ritsuko didn't know what it meant for the pair. Maybe both could be awake at once, or maybe only one…maybe Rei couldn't survive with the other girl out and about! Nozomu had Rei's memories thanks to the Dummy plug, but maybe would take all of her soul back leaving Rei an empty vessel. That wasn't an option! Ritsuko wasn't going to hurt Rei anymore.

"Uh, Ritsuko are you paying attention to the screen? It seems…strange," Misato leaned in close. Comments from the pilots were varied, Shinji found it odd, Asuka said it was fuzzy, and Rei…well Rei screamed out bloody murder suddenly. "What's happening?" Misato screamed out as emergency klaxons blared out. Instantly Misato's happy demeanor changed into one of focus and control. "Makoto-kun, eject those plugs into the lake, lock down the chamber, get me answers," Misato was kneeling by Maya and gently smacking the girl awake.

Rushing over to Ritsuko side, the now wide eyed and pale Chizuru was grabbing at the woman's arm. "What just happened, what happened to my little pupil, what of my Shin-chan and Soryu?" the rare sense of fear ebbed out of Chizuru. Girl was so often chipper and happy it was more jarring to see her anything but.

"Desist in your abuse of yon cat-abuser or we maybe be worse off than not," Himari grabbed Chizuru and pulled her off the doctor. Grabbing Chizuru's biceps, holding the girl in place, she locked the doctor with an icy stare. A feral quality oozed out of that tranquil face promising a swift and brutal end if answers weren't given to her satisfaction. Dangerous and beautiful in equal parts, Himari was at least not throttling anybody yet. "But what has happened, be there any way we can be released to see to them while you deal with matters here? It will not be permitted to cause them pain after we haft solved our fears of Jinguji," Himari forced Chizuru to sit down, the other girl wasn't trembling but oddly malleable.

An angel had infiltrated the protean layers and was infiltrated the artificial bodies! "I've got this…got this…they're safe. More so than we are right now, and we can't get out until I've dealt with this," Ritsuko was moving at a quick speed she hadn't thought her age would allow. Thoughts about Gendo, Misato, and all the other issues was lost to the wayside. An artificial intelligence was working against them! And well only she could really do anything about it. Swear poured down her back and arms as she forced her way into the crawlways inside the Magi.

Listening to Chizuru and Himari talking about their respective fears, Ritsuko was stunned when both were equally worried about Rei and Shinji. Ritsuko would have thought Shinji would have gotten the lion's share of the worry, but she was wrong! Those four, likely me she suspected, were a tightly knit group. And she did have an offer to enter…and those girls were very attractive to. Ritsuko was a woman of the modern age, and if she was considering being with a young man why not a beautiful young woman too?

"How you doing in here? Everybody is to afraid to talk to you, thinking if they distract you'll make a mistake or something," Misato asked crawling behind her into the crawlspace. Grimacing at the exposed braincases that Ritsuko was needling, Misato pulled on her collar in the hot confines of the crawl space. Watching as Ritsuko twirled about to be on her back, using the curve of the space as a brace, Misato saw a bunch of notes and one bloody message about the commander. "Wow, whoever wrote that one about the commander was determined. Anything I can get you to help out?" Misato didn't comment on the ticking clock that was getting closer to zero. If they failed here, the Magi were going to detonate and take the base with them. Maybe the Eva's would survive and the pilots were out of harm's way, but for them nothing.

To tell Misato the truth or not, Ritsuko owed up to her mistakes. It was time to make amends, "That came from my mother, and I second her statement. The man I was with…it was him." Ritsuko looked over at Misato for a moment to see the look of disgust, she realized it was well earned. "I didn't realize what type of man he really was. I paid for that in shame and pain, but never again. I don't know what the future holds for me, but it won't be to die here. And I intend to try apologize to those I hurt, Ayanami and you mostly. And…" she hammered her finger down on the execute key.

"It stopped! The Magi are free! Sempai you did it!" Maya's triumphant voice could be heard from outside the chamber. While the tech hadn't been working on the most important part, that had been solely Ritsuko, she had supported and aided in the defeat of the latest angel! "We're saved! Thank you Akagi-sempai!" a few cheers outside joined in with her.

Misato however still had that look of uncertainty on it. Several times she reached out for Ritsuko but pulled back. "You…I won't tell anybody, you had your reasons. I don't understand them, and I'm sure you know a lot more than you're telling me now. But…you've come clean. Now lets get out of here and I want to take a shower. Then you, me, and those kids are going to party down! We have a lot of time to make up for. Now lets get going woman of the hour," Misato nodded and climbed out.

"Misato…thank you," Ritsuko hadn't expected Misato to take the news that well. She'd have to get the clear news on why the Katsuragi apartment was in such high spirits, and she would at the apartment once they got there. She felt cleaner, better, for telling Misato finally about her little secret. "You girls owe me one for saving the day today. And I think I know what I want for it. Your little man is going to give me a shoulder massage, I'm cramped up like you wouldn't believe," Ritsuko let them help her off her hands and knees. They were all smiles and congratulated her for work well done. It was a good day after all.

X-X

Floating naked on a lake in an entry plug half full of lukewarm LCL, not how Asuka expected her day to go. They day had been awkward to start, went to confusing, then more confusing, and now back to awkward. Now she wouldn't want to call herself a coward for avoiding Shinji the last few days, but knowing he was now a married man while he didn't know it, what could one say to that? So she avoided him, apparently Misato knew as well and did the say. Some sense of adulthood, avoiding problems and information. Well Shinji just had to force the issue didn't he and get Misato to spill. Gods, Asuka pegged Misato as willing to do anything that man asked if he pressed hard enough. Good thing Shinji was made of better stuff.

Color Asuka impressed, if not a little worried at Shinji's conviction. Part of her wanted to call him a pervert for his solution, but after getting to know her best-male friend she knew it was more his girls wanting and not his. So he was going to stay with Himari and Chizuru even if Kuesu didn't want him to. Loyalty, that's what it was, not corruption or spells but pure loyalty and affection. Must be nice, to know that no matter what you'd not be left behind or forgotten. Would they keep thinking of her as a friend as they did one another in time? What if Kuesu refused the ultimatum? They clans wouldn't allow for divorce which meant Kuesu would either be lonely or an adulterer in time if she refused. Not fair for Kuesu, and that's what left the sour taste in Asuka's mouth. Didn't Kuesu deserve happiness? Didn't she as well?

"So do we just float here or should we…I don't know do something?" Shinji asked from his own plug. The lake had a small current that whirled around in the center, it caused their plugs to stay close together and bounce off one another. It was jarring and sent a spike down their spines each time it happened, but for the last hour they just floated. Sitting up, the LCL capturing the ambient moonlight, "You two could swim to shore or something. See what's going on. I know Rei-san says she's feeling good, but I want her to get checked out."

A splash, Asuka knew who what was now as Shinji couldn't swim. "We could swim to shore, but I don't want you getting free looks at my body Mr. Polygamy. Just want to add me to your little harem I bet," she teased. He didn't, well she didn't think he did but at times she wondered. After his little confession to Himari and Chizuru (Rei got her invitation by order of Chizuru), the emotional high was palpable. It had been the collective weight on all of their shoulders being thrown away and sweet relief washing in. Damn how Asuka envied that, envied them for their happiness. Sitting up just enough to peer over the lip of her plug, Shinji was watching something giving Asuka a view of his shapely behind, "What you doing Wondergirl?"

"Rei-san, maybe you shouldn't…you could just tell me," Shinji said exasperatedly. To no avail it seemed as the splashing continued and Shinji reached over the side again. Another tasty look for Asuka, not that she tried looking mind you, just making sure they were safe. Next came Rei's face with her wet hair making her look like a zombie Shinji was fighting off. Hah! Fighting off what? Her amorous embrace! Helping Rei into the plug, Shinji found Asuka watching him and he at least offered her a shrug and an apologetic look. "S-she gets emotional and there is no talking to her. Sorry about it," Shinji sat back down, Rei across from him with her top exposed to the night air.

Ok, while Asuka was bustier than Rei, seeing the glow the albino's skin had and how the cold affected her cause Asuka to cover her own protrusions. "Yeah-yeah I'm sure that's what you want me to think. After that little show back at Misato's before we left I'm betting all of you are all emotional. But what about Kuesu? Have you thought about her and her feelings? She's your wife now and first order of business is to tend to the mistresses?" Asuka felt herself conflicted. It did her heart good to see Shinji happy, he had been so worried lately. But her longtime friend, what of Kuesu! At times she thought maybe Kuesu could be brought around to the idea that not all demons were evil. But to share a husband?

"I thought about that. You know I, as chauvinistic as it sounds, love her too. She as the only memory of childhood outside of Himari as a kitten that I have. But I won't abandon Chizuru, Himari, Rei…any of them. Just as they won't abandon me," Shinji reached out and cupped Rei's cheek. The girl seemed to say something but Asuka couldn't hear it, but it had to be spicy as Shinji yanked back. Gazing across the moon dabbled lake, Shinji smiled softly at Asuka. "And I won't abandon you either. Even though we butt heads more than we'd like. You're…you're one of my better friends and I won't see you just vanish either," oh how it sounded sincere on his lips.

Now that was unexpected, Asuka's heart warmed and her bottom tingled, not good at all. "Stupid jerk! You just can't say things like that! I won't…I won't be joining your little love in. But I'll see if I can't help you convince Kuesu. For HER sake, not for yours! She deserves to have a husband that's not just a walking ball of testosterone," not that Shinji had much most of the time. Lowering herself back down into the plug, she didn't want to see Shinji right now, not with her face all red. Idiot could just say the right thing to mess with her head. Hearing a few muted sounds from Shinji's plug, Asuka felt her insides start to burn, "Keep it down over there! I know this is a big day for you and your HAREM but I don't need to hear it."

"We shall try, but Chizuru-sama claims that I am a howler," Rei said loud enough for Asuka to hear it. For the next twenty minutes the two overly emotional teens tried to do as Rei said. It didn't last, Rei's voice slowly and steadily increased, Shinji shushing her on to no avail.

As Asuka pulled her fingers away from her bust and flower, another moment of shame hit her. She had just…fantasized about Shinji of all people! He wasn't Kaji, but over time Asuka found her fixation on the roguish man fading. "Stupid perverts know I'm here and still…I'm living in a crazy farm anymore," Asuka grunted. But they sounded so…the moans from Ayanami couldn't have been faked! That girl couldn't fake an orgasm or anything else, so those screams…gods Asuka was tempted to just say fuck it and swim over. Just one time, camaraderie or something.

Thankfully after the third time Rei let the air be filled with her voice things stopped. "I think I hear something, a VTOL!" it was Shinji's labored voice ringing out. He sat up with Rei wrapped around him like a shall, her eyes closed and a slender smile on her face. Pointing at the shoreline, "Are they landing over there? Will…will we still have to swim over?"

"Well get your skinny butt in the water then so Ayanami and I can help you over there. I won't risk her to be able to support you, and if you drown those demons of yours will tear me apart," Asuka felt fuzzy still. She vary rarely performed her little finger dance, but it was an odd thrill to do so with somebody so close, and those sounds just stoked her in an odd way. Standing up, giving Shinji a good view of her well maintained main of hair, both above and below, she winked at him and dove into the water. Splashing the water up at him, "What, not like you haven't seen beautiful women in the buff before. And not like we have a choice now do we."

Helping Rei over the side, the girl was just a living doll at that point, Shinji clumsily fell into the water and splashed about. Before Asuka could get to him however he started to float on his own and without moving. "Shizuku-san were you here the whole time?" Shinji yelped as his body started to undulate in the water.

"Of course I was, somebody has to keep score, and keep an eye on things. I won't lose my man after he finally submitted to being owned," Shizuku's upper body appeared just above Shinji. Her body merged with the water leaving only her upper shoulders and head present. Turning to Asuka though, Shizuku's tongue rolled out as she 'hu-hu'd. "Did you hear something you liked Trainee-hime? I couldn't be certain but I thought I heard something," she waggled that tongue knowingly.

Swimming alongside, but at a good distance, Asuka increased her pace. Didn't matter though as Shizuku kept right up with her even while dragging Shinji and Rei with her. "I don't know what you're talking about. Maybe you overheard Wondergirl and got confused," she would never live it down if it got out. What was wrong with her enjoying a few moments? Not like it was really perverted to do so, just biology! Swimming with her face in the water as much as possible, no longer needing to worry about her fellow pilots, Asuka prayed they had a change of clothing for them when they got to shore.

"Sorry about that kids, we had a small case of angelic intrusion at the base," Misato announced when they did make landfall. No clothing but big towels sufficed for the VTOL ride to the base and their lockers. Shizuku had vanished once they made landfall, better than making an excuse. Misato wouldn't have commented though, she was too busy totting on Shinji and teasing his lack of clothing. Waiting for Asuka when she got out of the girls' side, Misato sheepishly asked, "Mind getting a ride to the apartment with Ritsuko? You know those three don't want to be separated right now. You were there for their little show of determination. Now you can all crush into the back if you want…but with your opinion of them…"

While in the past she would have been livid to have to sit close to those girls, Asuka didn't feel the same anymore. She wasn't being pushed aside or neglected, Misato was earnestly trying to make Asuka comfortable. "Sure, I've no problem with Frau Akagi. And I don't want to see them all lovey-dovey with one another. But I'm going to make them order pizza when we get back," Asuka twirled about and sauntered to the waiting Akagi. Now Ritsuko was slowly worming her way into Asuka's good graces. A few weeks ago the woman was cold, aloof, and she just couldn't trust the woman. Lately though, Ritsuko was being more open, strange yes, but Asuka could trust her more.

"So what did you three do while we were fighting for our lives young lady?" Ritsuko asked as Asuka approached. Raising her eyebrow as Asuka didn't speak and just bristled and walked past, Ritsuko followed. They spoke of odds and ends, how things were for one another, life, and tentatively breeched the topic of demons. Neither wanted to let slip what they knew if the other hadn't knowledge. Once it was made known that Asuka was a trainee demon slayer, well the ride to Misato's was full of Ritsuko's questions. Getting out of the car, the giddy Akagi had to put her mask back on as Maya and Makoto were waiting for them, "You two beat us here, not surprising since we had to wait for the Children to get ready."

A mask, something Asuka had in common with the scientist, and it created a sense of connection. "I'm going to go up and order some food while you wait for them," Asuka pointed at Misato's empty space. Rushing up the stairs, Asuka actually had felt giddy! Somebody was talking to her as if she was important for something other than a pilot! Kuesu was always better at slaying, Shinji better at piloting, but to Ritsuko that didn't matter. Scientific curiosity was a lovely thing, and Asuka had to admit she never considered it. Just what could science learn from demonkind? A lot most likely, assuming peace could be achieved.

Grabbing a menu for her favorite pizza place, Asuka saw Shinji's wallet on the table. Well he was having a good day already so he wouldn't mind paying for the meal right? Right! "Hello, I'd like to order an extra-large sausage and pepperoni deep dish…make that two, paying in cash," Asuka told the bored sounding woman on the other side. With the number of people over, Asuka knew they'd need a second if only for Rei's bottomless stomach. It was party time, and she was going to get her fill. It wasn't time for just them to celebrate. But while they were celebrating their relationship or the defeat of the latest angel, what would she celebrate?

"Hey Asuka, did you order already? I felt it only fair for me to pay today," Shinji said as he walked in with Himari at his side. Misato and Chizuru could be heard fighting in the hallway, Mama Misato would never fully accept the Fox it seemed. His smile a mile wide, Himari twirled out of his grip and actually wrapped around Asuka playfully. "Oh you got my wallet already…well glad you knew what I was thinking," Shinji just let the casual theft go.

Friendship…she could party to that!

Flipping her hands into a defensive hold on Himari, Asuka proved she could play just as hard. "Oh I was going to make you pay if you didn't offer. After that stunt in the lake, and what you've got planned for tonight, it's the least you could do," Asuka found herself smiling at Himari. Odd, this creature was not human, was said to be evil and wanted mankind destroyed. And yet here they stood playing around at fighting and not meaning it. Hell Asuka thought Himari was a very attractive woman…something she was noticing more often. She blamed Kuesu's stray comment about having stray thoughts about her for that. But was that wrong?

"What be wrong young miss, doth thou see something on my face? Ye be smiling brighter than I've seen in a fortnight," Himari twisted her wrists around. Asuka fought back and countered, their spars on the roof came back to haunt them. It was a game, a little painful yes, but a game nonetheless. Force matched force as they moved about the apartment knocking into others. Already Misato had brought out some 'party favors' in the form of bottles of intoxicant. Distracted as Chizuru poured a shot into the cup that was her cleavage and asking Shinji to drink, "Do not get started yon temptr-ow!"

Flipping Himari onto the couch, nearly colliding with Maya, Asuka laughed heartily. "Didn't you say distraction was bad for a warrior?" she pulled the girl off the couch and patted her shoulder. After that Asuka helped herself to a drink of Misato's making, not one for booze she took the fruit drink. It was something she never had before, delicious yet warm! She teased Shinji for his wet face, apparently Chizuru lost focus when she tried making him drink. Eventually Kaji did show up, Makoto apparently called him over. Asuka gravitated towards him, while he gravitated towards Misato.

After an hour of watching Kaji hitting on Misato…well Asuka found Shinji and his menagerie the better company than the adults. Already into her forth 'non-alcoholic' beverage she didn't know was anything but, Asuka found them very accepting of her. Acceptance, with demons she had found people that accepted her for her, well demons and one annoyingly attractive boy that was married to her best girl-friend. Well what was life without a little craziness! Food, fun, and merriment went into the late hours of the night. Once Asuka had finished her sixth drink her mind shut down and memories faded.

Waking in the morning, Asuka was aware of one thing…she was in her bed, nude, and somebody's back was pressed to hers. "Oh god…what have I done," was the first thing that came to mind. Shinji, what had she done with him? Her hand snaked down to her nethers but didn't feel any pain, not surprising since her hymen had been torn during training. Had he really…had they? How did she feel about that, what would she tell Kuesu? Swallowing hard she whimpered, "She's going to kill me…they all are."

"Actually, Trainee-hime, you've nothing to worry about. Well unless you have religious issues with it," Shizuku ripped off the blanket. She chuckled as she wrapped the blanket around herself like a shawl. "The score if you want to know is…you two and…" Shizuku pointed at the snoring Himari, "with three. Doubting either of you expected this…you both shambled into here way past sober and…you both called Slayer-kun's name. Shocking coming from you. But you really got into it."

Feeling the urge to vomit, from the booze mostly and the painful hangover, Asuka just looked over at the slumbering Himari. "I…and she…never drinking again," Asuka rubbed her temples as pain surged through them. Later, she could deal with the outcome later!

A loud scream pierced the apartment, Asuka was not happy. "What the hell? Ritsuko just what…what happened last night?" Misato yelled loudly.

"Oh that," Shizuku told Asuka off hand, "After Beer-Hime forced Kitsu-hime to leave…well her friend snuck into Slayer-kun's room since you two were preoccupied. I feel sorry for Slayer-kun, he's giving so much and receiving so little. It was five to one at the end…going to be a fun day," Shizuku toss the covers back over Asuka. Asuka just hide under them and tried to ignore the warmth she felt when the still sleeping Himari hugged her. Yeah, time to go back to sleep.

X-X

"I don't like this Gendo, it's too sudden after the other days attack. Seele could know about the intrusion," Kozo wasn't definitely not enjoying his day. Just the other day Akagi had tried a test of some sort of artificial bodies that went south, and now an emergency meeting with Seele. He was too old to believe in coincidences. Fixing his collar, he had to expect Gendo wasn't foolish enough to believe it was just a standard meeting too. Locking the doors to the office, "What if our little spy has been selling info to people we weren't expecting. This could be a terrible situation."

Holding his hand out to silence to older man, Gendo smirked, "I don't think the committee even knows about out little issue. It was their demand we find a way to clone that half demon we have, and all we say is the test went wrong. You worry to much, not good for your heart." Pulling his gloves on tighter, he rubbed his chest with a hitch of pain.

Lights dimmed in the cavernous office only to have six of the Seele monoliths come into being with their red glow. "Ikari, I see you brought your second in command as expected, good this concerns your organization as a whole," Kehl said being the only non-masked signal. Gesturing to the missing lights, the old man slammed his fist down on his tabletop, "We've been betrayed, Ikari, but by who we don't know."

"I was told this was to be a full meeting of the council. Why are so many missing?" Gendo subtly waved his hand at Kozo. It was the signal to keep his mouth shut, something Gendo rarely needed to do. Stepping forward into the circle of surviving monoliths, "We had an emergency here. One of Akagi's attempts at cloning the wolf-girl from Tendril's Leaf went bad. They had to be put down, set off our alarms."

So that was how Gendo was going to play it, Kozo had to give the man credit. Play off the councils needs and demands with a possible issue. It had been a miracle they sealed the girl to begin with, let alone performed the ceremony to split the soul. They lost three guards in that incident. Now another issue that they couldn't verify, Akagi would fabricate Gendo's story. Girl was under Gendo's thumb like the elder Akagi, she'd do whatever he said. But what happened to the other council members, rich and powerful men and women didn't just have accidents.

It was the Chinese woman's distorted voice that piqued in next, "We've more at stake now than your staff's incompetence. The council members in Japan have all been silenced. Their homes have been ransacked, and we sense demonic influence in each case. We aren't certain as to what group did it, no bodies were left behind." The tremble of fear had been present, something that heavily accented Japanese never had in it before.

"On top of that our contact in the Japanese Government has just told us about an interesting tidbit. The Jinguji girl and the Third Child are now wed. The last two great clans merged and possible out of our control. What have you done to bring that boy under in? One of them will be needed at the end, this is far from acceptable," it was the American this time. Anger and bitterness was laced at Gendo, which was the norm at least.

Seeing Gendo tapping his thigh, another signal for him to make an action, Kozo was stunned for a moment. Shinji was married to Kuesu? Good for him! Boy was just like his mother, and made from fine stuff, and from what he from Jinguji she was a real spitfire. He's have to send a gift to them. But on to Gendo's demand, "As you have mentioned, our incompetent scientist have solved that little issue. You should have received the blood work for both the Third Child and his girlfriend the kitsune Minamoto Chizuru. She has had her soul branded and we're working to get her captured. Once we have her, he'll do whatever we need." Not Kozo's plan, not by a long shot.

If Kozo had his way, Shinji would have been fully told what the plans were about his heritage. Kozo didn't come from a proud family as Yui did, but he had been fascinated by her legacy and what it stood for. Also he doubted something as powerful as a full blood could be controlled, not with the problems they had already. But Gendo was in to deep with Tendril's Leaf to separate from the plan they were put on. Now it was follow with it or be hunted like dogs.

"Well as long as he can be used when the time is needed letting this farce continue is fine. Either Jinguji or Ikari will be needed once we've finished preparation. Now the matter at hand is exposing our leek or the group responsible for our current situation. If we can't find out who exposed our members, we might not be around at the end. Forcing the change early is dangerous, but we are considering it as an option now," Kehl leaned over on his fat fist. Sweat was dribbling down his jowls but he didn't move to clean it.

If Gendo cared if his son was now married, he didn't show any notice. Kozo knew Gendo didn't care for the council, they were just tools. "Our JSDF spy has been under full observation the last few weeks. We've had use for him, so you can remove Kaji from your list of concerns. As for the Third Child, it is as Fuyutski said. The full blood is being targeted by elements of Tendril's Leaf to be brought in to replace the faulty First Child. Once we have her, he will cave. Failing that, we've had men on Jinguji posed as her guards ready to bring her in when we need. She might not be willing, but she can be convinced," Gendo adjusted his glasses.

"Not ideal but acceptable, Ikari," the Chinese voice sneered, "but as you have mentioned the blood work. We have noticed something strange in the Third Child's. It's unexpected and we want to do further testing. Can a meeting be arranged with some of our private doctors? They can be brought in to Nerv."

Stepping forward alongside Gendo, Kozo broke form, "What good would that do? He's just a teenager who doesn't know half of what is happening. Why can't we just have Akagi do the tests you want instead? It's unusual to just add people without need." This was going beyond his acceptance. Seele was panicking now, one taste of danger and now they were scrambling to cover for it. Age gave Kozo knowledge, and he knew how crazy people got when they became afraid. Well tough luck for them! "Let us deal with the slayers and you can handle the other side of things," Kozo could tell Gendo was smirking. Damn played into the young bastards plans.

"Stand down Fuyutski, we will abide by the council's needs. One or two additional doctors on staff won't be noticed. Akagi has been proving less useful than before, and maybe our new addition can pick up the slack," Gendo was smooth as ever. Casually brushing off Kozo's concerns, Gendo's plans were as always known only to him.

Lights blinked out leaving only Kehl, "Ikari we are nearing the end, but not how we anticipated. I am beginning to think Tendril's Leaf is and has always been plotting against us. Be ready to bring in one or both of the remaining slayers. Take out the pure bloods and the demon animals if possible. We will keep you posted on our findings, and for the tests for the Third Child. Keep them in line till then." Without waiting for a replay Kehl vanished.

"What are you thinking, Gendo? This is far from the scenario, even the one we received from Tendril's," Kozo turned the lights back on. Damn he wanted to hit that smirk off Gendo on occasion. That man always had that expression of condescending, Kozo hated it. And his duty to Yui forced Kozo to ask, "And what are your thoughts about the wedding?"

Shrugging, Gendo went back to the desk and sat down. Pulling out some of the reports he had to deal with, "It doesn't matter. Our real scenario is on track, if Seele is removed sooner than the end its all the better. We have all we need now, all we have to do is wait for the optimum time." Photos of a man turning into a terrifying creature and tearing into an old man's home…Gendo had supplied the details of Seele's location. To whom, only Gendo knew. "Let them fall into false security, we take that girl…any of them away and he'll cow down. We have nothing to fear," Gendo set a bottle of whisky down by the pictures.

"It's a dangerous game you're playing Gendo, a very dangerous game with forces that can crush us like ants," Kozo opened the bottle and took a swig. It burned down his throat, but it was welcome. Not a good way to start the day at all. But it was what had to be done, he just hoped he lived long enough to see it through. Now what to get the lovely new couple?

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Notes

Trying to keep the plot moving at a good pace and balance all the balls. Thinking I went a little bit off with this one with really serious and really sappy…but hey its moving towards the finale. A lot of plot threads nearing completion and you know how I hate padding out stories beyond their need. Hope you enjoyed and ideas/suggestions always welcome

Ja mata

Mercaba