Standard Disclaimer
Trying to keep this a nice mix of serious and comedy…more on the comedy side. Summer is heating up and my A/C is running a lot…stupid electric bill is going to be murder. Hope you're keeping cool and having fun. Actually borrowed/beat Lollypop Chainsaw, odd game but fun worth a rental
X-X
Bait and Switch
Chapter – 2
Staring down at the simmering fish and softly boiling soup stock, Shinji nodded contently. Cooking had always been a magical charm for calming her nerves down, and it was working its soothing touch now. Being her third day officially a woman, her big hope for it was to not fall over while walking. Stupid shift in center of gravity, body mass, mentality, ok…it was a big change to get used to so maybe a few trips weren't so bad. Sipping the broth, she grimaced at the blandness of it. Food was tasting different to the freshly formed Shinji Ikari.
Lowering the temperature on the burners, the tall and leggy Shinji scooted over to the waiting head of lettuce. "Slow and steady, heel-toe heel-TOOOE!" she yelped as she leaned to far forward. Bang, her head collided with the nice and cleaned linoleum floor. Rubbing at the forming bump, she rolled on her back as Pen-Pen waddled over. Giving the bird's chest a little scratch, his favorite place for it, Shinji was making great strides in calming the family pet. "I'll have your fish ready in just a few moments," she forced herself to sit up.
Climbing back up to the counter, the pain from the first of what would eventually be four falls for the day was fading, Shinji grabbed her knife and started chopping. The stillness of the apartment wasn't lost on her, but she enjoyed it. "In a few minutes one of them will wake up and then the fun starts again," if fun was a code word for mayhem. Was it going to be Misato and more teasing, Asuka and her oddly disquieted attitude, or the ball of mixed up feelings and confusion that was Ayanami?
"Ah! Ayanami I forgot," the woman lifted a finger into the air in triumph of memory. Holding onto the counter, Shinji rounded the kitchen to the refrigerator. "Her tofu should be ready by now," she said to herself as she pulled out the meat substitute. Learning of Rei's odd dietary strategy of nothing but bread, lettuce, and peanut butter, Shinji took it upon herself to increase Rei's venue of culinary options. So far the girl hadn't complained once about the food, and had in fact made a little piggy of herself in eating.
Not bothering to lift her foot off the ground, Shinji shimmied back to her waiting bowls, plates, and food staging area. It was a war on hunger, and Commander Shinji was waging an all-out war on poor taste, poor quality, and junk food! "To think they lived on junk food for so long," she giggled a little only to stop and scowl. That laugh, hell the voice itself was still so alien that it kept back handing Shinji's sensibility with its very existence. It just wasn't 'his' voice anymore, no she was hearing her mother's laugh not the one of familiarity.
Lightly smacking her cheeks to keep the enemy that was waging a battle for her sanity at bay, Shinji scooped Pen-Pen's sardines out of the frying pan. The fish for her flatmates wasn't ready yet, but Pen-Pen's bribe/breakfast was. Seasoning the finicky avian's fish to perfection, she set the plate down with a can of swill that both Misato and Pen-Pen considered ambrosia. "Hope this helps you to remember who I am," she stroked Pen-Pen's head affectionately and was rewarded with a 'Wark' of approval.
Wobbling a little due to her new top-heaviness, Shinji to back up and grabbed her lifeline the ledge. As is turned out that she was indeed a smidge larger than Misato in the whole chest region, and thinner at the waist which annoyed Misato to no end. Asuka's teasing and joking at Misato's expense found a nice beer stain on the couch as Misato chucked a full open can at the laughing German and missed. It wasn't a problem though, Shinji had been in full on clean mode since she got home from the hospital. The battle was on going, but the battle for Mount Katsuragi had been one, the front shifted to the Soryu valley and its silky shores of lake underwear.
Staring down at her uncanny valley through the hole in Misato's shirt, the Major called it the glory hole, Shinji whined, "Hope Ritsuko-san thought of something." She was due in at Nerv today for a post recovery physical and check-up. Being a woman, Shinji hadn't thought of THAT as an option in life. It wasn't something that changed normally, and losing a good thirteen years of life was a pain too. Hoisting her bust up, still tender and sensitive, she repressed the blush, "I don't know how long I can keep going on like this. Being a woman is so…" New would have been the optimal word, but Shinji favored ridiculous better.
The clothing was annoying, the odd feelings she got while doing the laundry confused the life out of her, and the teasing…oh lord the teasing. Never again would she sit on the machine when she did the wash. No…that sensation was odd and when she made a mess of herself…well Shinji learned a very basic fact of female biology yesterday, Misato nearly passed out laughing. Everything was now teasing fodder for Misato, though a few times Shinji felt it wasn't so gentle natured as it used to be, some part of Misato was different. She didn't want to think Misato was jealous, but some of those quips were to specific and cruel to just be simple Misato jokes.
Her chin dipped to her chest in growing depression as the wave of 'new' pulled back to drown her in its life changing hatred. To her it was only four days ago that she was a boy with a few crushes and fears of unrequited love, but for everybody else is was much longer. Sniffing hard, tears starting to form, Shinji gasped as a pair of pale arms wrapped around her waist, and a warm body pressed against her back. "Ayanami-san, you-you're up already? Thought I had time before everybody started waking," she didn't want anybody to see her like this.
A full head lower than Shinji now, Rei's voice drawled, "I woke early due to your fall, you disrupted a pot. My presence being so close was likely why only I heard it, mother." Another surge of strength from the tiny girl's arms forced a cough out of Shinji, Rei pressed the side of her face to her 'mother's' back. "You were having an emotional disturbance. Is this not how one attempts to quell those?" she asked in full honesty.
Knowing she meant well, at least Shinji hoped anyway, she gently pried the iron grip of the albino open. Now that her intestines weren't being worked like bagpipes, "Just a little overwhelmed by all of this, Ayanami-san, not a big deal. Sorry for waking you, have a bath before Misato or Asuka take all the hot water?" Ayanami had taken to besetting Shinji's carefully constructed world and psyche with a pair of pliers and a blowtorch. Still emotionless in words and expressions, Shinji was learning that Rei was very capable of expression, just not in the standard way…not that anybody noticed but her (and she wondered if she was just imagining things at times.)
Reaffixing her grip, lighter gratefully, Rei shifted to Shinji's side and sniffed. Much akin to a dog, Rei's nose flared several times as her eyes closed. Letting out a complementary puff of air, "The smell is acceptable, I shall try this tofu as you insist. As for the bath, I have found warm water is more agreeable than not." How Rei had lived her life without knowing what a hot shower/bath was worried the whole apartment. Rei herself made Misato tense up now. How a girl that wasn't born of Yui Ikari was told that said woman was technically her mother, well didn't take much mental muscle to see a few dozen logical fallacies there.
"You go take your bath and I'll have breakfast ready by the time you get out," Shinji smiled warmly at the girl latched to her side. As awkward as it was to be called 'mom', Shinji had to admit Rei had been a firm anchor in keeping her routed in sanity. The girl was a valiant defender of all things matronly, all hail the motherland! Nobody could tease Shinji to hard when Rei was around, as Kensuke learned two days ago. The whole 'welcome back party' had been strange, but when Kensuke hit on Shinji things went off.
Rei went into full blown 'block-mode' and shut down all joking at Shinji's new female body's expense. The would be photo shoot Kensuke was proposing was shot down as if it were a duck at a hunters convention. Then Fuyutski had arrived, a welcome distraction from Rei's comment 'My mother will not be in any perverse photo that I do not find appropriate' which left the door open to far to many implications, and dropped Yui's gift on Shinji. While she wouldn't be 'rich' thanks to Yui's little program, she'd be well enough to not have to fret.
As Rei detached and left without a word, Shinji watched her walk off. "Her sleeping pattern is defiantly not what I thought it would be, not for a girl like her," she turned back to the simmering broth. Asuka nearly had an aneurism when it came time to sleep that first night and Rei just took off her skirt. To think Rei slept in a t-shirt and her lower undergarments left the apartment up in arms. Asuka yelled it was wrong due to Shinji, Misato and Rei counted that Shinji was a girl now so no issue. "But I'm still…I still like girls though," she muttered.
Misato's gay test had proved without a shadow of a doubt Shinji was still very much attracted to women and not men. Said test equated into Misato suddenly ripping not only her top off, but then Asuka's, Rei's, and finally Shinji's own. Yeah, Shinji was a lesbian…or straight if one considered her original sex…but thinking such matters made Shinji's head hurt. Contemplating exactly what to consider herself in that regard Shinji cooked on auto-pilot. Yesterday's little girls time with Misato, churned out from Washer-Gate as it would forever be remembered, Shinji learned a great deal about her new self than she ever wanted or hoped. Misato was, if anything, completely thorough and complete with her details in daily women's life. The night ended when Misato snuck off and returned with Asuka's pink friend, offering it to the confused Shinji. Rei took it siting Shinji would need to be shown how it was used…panic insued.
"Coffee," a muddled and subtly angry voice ordered from behind. A quick look over the shoulder found a frumpy haired and dark-circle eyed Asuka balefully accepting reality around her. Rubbing her temples, "Do I need to ask again or has that freak drunk it all. She's taken to eating all our non-meat food," she gripped as she took a piece of bread from the table.
Spinning around, finding the time had gotten away from her, Shinji quickly moved to get Asuka her beverage. Quickly being a relative term, Shinji's hand never strayed from the counter, she needed that extra balance, but it didn't take to long for Asuka to get what she wanted. "Not sleep well? I'll admit last night was a bit strange for me too," but then again what wasn't right now? New roommate, new body, new bank account, and new clothing. God Shinji hated bras, either Misato's were to small or they were made to cut into the soft flesh as annoyingly as possible. "Ayanami-san is in the bath…I think. I zoned out for a little bit, so knock?" she informed the girl chugging coffee like an addict.
Doing her rendition of Misato's Yebisu siren song, Asuka let out a very refined and ladylike belch as she slammed her cup down. Her cup was now a heavy plastic container with ornamental steal plating as she destroyed ceramics to quickly now. "I needed that, and yes, last night and yon drunken waif did really ruin any chances of a night of sleep. Swear if I hadn't watched Wondergirl go to sleep first she'd have snuck in to 'show you how it worked'. Though I bet SHE doesn't know either," a sick smile curled up Asuka's face. "So plans for today Old Lady Moneybags?" Asuka didn't take Shinji's gift to well.
Setting the table, Misato's being the only one to be christened with a can of Yebisu despite the Major saying it was fine for Shinji to drink it now, Shinji sat with a cup of orange juice. Reaching for bread herself, "Ritsuko-san wants me to come in for a check-up and physical. I hope she has some news for me, but I doubt it. Far to soon I'm betting." Though if Ritsuko offered to cryogenically freeze her till a cure was found, Shinji would be packing herself in ice at that very moment. "Yourself?" she asked stupidly remembering school.
Picking at the fish with distaste, Asuka forced herself to eat the meal, "Well unlike some of us here, your daughter and I have to attend school, mother." Asuka got endless fun out of reminding Shinji about her status as Rei's 'mother', still whenever she said the word it came out strangely. "Pack her a lunch, or you going to make her face the evils of the cafeteria alone?" she sipped her soup and nodded in approval.
Shambling into the kitchen, her body wrapped in her bedding, Misato stumbled to her chair and collapsed in it. Head pressed to the hard wood, "Shin-chan…beer me. My batteries are running on empty." Her hand clawed about blindly for the can she was expecting. Moments later the blanket was off, Misato was wide eyed and hollering out hymns of praise, "This is why I need you in my life, Shin-chan. You take care of me so well. Apartment is clean, Pen-Pen isn't hiding, and I get breakfast."
Picking at her own food, Shinji just tried to smile through the statement that was paramount to servant status. Misato meant well, she just didn't know how to say it right Shinji hoped. "I made all three of you lunches actually. Misato I don't think Nerv would allow drinking on site so I have a thermos of tea for you. Figured if I'm going to be doing school work from home, I might as well insure you three are eating while I'm not there," she sipped her own broth finding it still to bland. Since the school wouldn't allow a thirty something to be a student, Shinji had taken to the idea of home schooling. Misato had teased she'd be her private teacher if wanted, Rei had issue with that.
Walking out of the bath, a burst of steam accompanied the Venus descent; Rei was clad in naught but a towel around her shoulders. "Did I overhear you have provided me with my afternoon repast?" a potential sound of excitement was in her voice or a passing truck provided dissonance.
"Did you leave any hot water for us Wonder….what the!" Asuka didn't take Rei's little show well. Racing to the girl's side, shoving her as gently as all her strength and anger could allow, shoved Rei back into the bathroom. Once the door shut, well some unidentifiable words were exchanged through the door between the two remaining teenagers.
Rubbing her eyes, Shinji looked down at her own body and where her tuft of hair was. "Misato-san…is that normal or is Rei…" she didn't want to comment, but Rei looked like a resplendent and wild jungle of blue hairs roaming about willy-nilly.
From over the top of her can, Misato's eyebrow rose as she tried to pry into Rei and Asuka's civil debate about causal nudity. "Your daughter doesn't know about shaving down there I'm guessing. Speaking of which, before you head out to the mad scientists you should go shopping. Get some new clothing, buy some razors for your 'needs', and anything else that suits your fancy. Just don't let anybody cop a feel without paying in some way," Misato set her can down and burst out laughing.
Red faced as the implications again came crushing back to her, Shinji wanted to crawl in bed and sleep. Eventually Asuka and Rei returned, Rei in her uniform, and breakfast was continued. Pen-Pen, Shinji noticed, took the smart choice of eating in his fridge, man Shinji envied that bird.
X-X
Climbing out of the shower, Ritsuko shambled about in a haze of hangover and anger. Hitting the bottle so hard Misato felt a spiritual bond forming, Ritsuko wasn't taking the rejection well. For neigh on a year she had been that man's plaything, bending and depraving herself for his whims. Thoughts of him loving her, of a relationship, of just a better life shattered the moment that accursed mop of brown hair was scene. Well tough luck for ol' mister four inches, turns out the wife is actually a really old daughter.
Sliding her work clothing on, Ritsuko's head felt fluid and overflowing onto the floor. "Note to self, never mix brandy, vodka, and rum in one jar and chug," she covered her mouth to try and keep any potential escapees incarcerated. Once the rebellion was quelled and her stomach no longer chanting calls for release, the poor woman headed to the train station in a daze. Over and over again his simple words reverberated in her skull, 'it's over'. Her hopes and dreams were dashed, and she was left with nothing but the regret and shame he had branded her with.
The sun was thankfully overcast as she stood on rubbery legs waiting for the train to pick her up. Unable to miss it, Ritsuko noticed a couple sharing an early morning make-out session on the bench. Pigs, lucky detestable pigs! Maybe she was wrong to go after men after all. Kaji had just wanted her for her body when Misato wasn't around, fun yes but hardly emotionally supportive. The 2x4 to the face that was Gendo's feelings were best summarized by the condom he tossed out the first time they were together. It had been small, full of garbage, and disposable.
Through sheer force of will Ritsuko kept her mask of indifference up and didn't succumb to the maelstrom of emotions in her. Thankfully the train came and she fought the crowd to get into it and find a nice secluded spot in a corner. Part of her wanted to cry at the pain of losing the man she was coming to love? Was it really love though…if so it was always one sided and she had been a fool. Another part of her wanted revenge on Gendo, on men in general, and against life for hating her so much.
The train swayed as it moved through the corners and hills of the city towards its destination. A small thrill, a dirty excitement raced through Ritsuko's mind as she felt a hand connect to her skirt clad thigh. Was this one of those train heathens she heard about on the news, was this going to give her an excuse to open the waiting case of Akagi labeled asskicky? When the train bucked to the side and the hand left never to return, the woman's shoulders sagged, put the case back on ice and wait for another time.
Nobody said anything to her as she disembarked from her morning commute, she hadn't expected it. Unless things went bad or there was a need nobody acknowledged her with very few exceptions. Misato would tease her and talk to her, fun enough distraction when Misato wasn't on an anti-Kaji kick. She had Maya in the lab and on the command bridge to chat with, easy on the eyes and oh so eager to please…that could be something. And oddly enough was the spawn of the man that ripped her heart out, tore it in two and shoved it back in upside down and inside out. Shinji actually talked to her a little, sure it was during his tests and she was convenient, but it was still something. And wait…
Scanning her badge, Ritsuko entered the complex proper with a slim business smile curling her lips up. Shinji wasn't cruel, he wasn't young anymore, and he wasn't a HE anymore. Shinji was the visage of the woman Gendo loved, how would THAT be for revenge? Oh so sorry Gendo, but your wife's body is mine now to do with what I want! Oh that would be the richest of all revenges wouldn't it? But some problems existed with that. She didn't know Shinji to well, though the psych profiles and Misato's reports would help. In a woman's body maybe Shinji wouldn't respond to her advances. Lastly…how to go about it without anybody noticing?
"Moring Akagi-sempai," Maya chimed with a hand up waving at the doctor. Sitting behind her console in front of the currently empty test plugs, Maya typed with one hand and ate a bagel with the other. Sticking the baked good in her mouth, she quickly ended whatever task she set out for herself and confidently nodded. Her mouth muffled with round bready goodness, "Almost thought you would be late today. Normally you're either in early or you're late."
Well if she was late it was due to a call to the commander's office for a private check-up, she wasn't going to be late for some time. Sitting down Ritsuko groaned disdainfully, "Train was late today and I didn't sleep very well. This whole business with Pilot Ikari is to stressful to forget outside of work." Having Misato breathing down her neck made life hard, well if it wasn't the fun type of breathing. Picking up some of Maya's early morning offerings of data, "Any good signs from last nights tests?"
Blushing softly, Maya continued to munch on her bagel making non-committal and squeaky sounds. After a prolonged bout of chewing she answered, "Not really. We still don't even know what really caused the incident in the first place so we can't replicate that. With Katsuragi-san not willing to chance um…liquefying Ikari-kun I don't know what we can even do." Calling up the new image of the fabled Third Child, Maya's tone went slightly whimsy, "Think we should do something for her? This has got to be strange and frightening for her. I wouldn't know what to even feel if I woke up as a boy, it's so strange."
While Ritsuko let her Bi-flag fly safely hidden behind the mask of cold and sterile science, the doctor could see Maya was more the left field type, maybe. It was easy to get worked up too, the new body Shinji had was very easy on the eyes. Even without the want to shatter Gendo's mind into tiny fragments that got ground into dust and snorted, Ritsuko might have thought it a tempting target. "What would you suggest Maya? Shinji-kun is very shy if you don't remember so it might be hard to get her out to the bars or anything," though a drink at her place had potential.
Humming and hawing a little, Maya's head leaned to and fro as she tossed the last bit of her breakfast away. Resuming her work she tempted, "Well we could as her today when she comes in for her test and physical. It would be better to do something she would want to do rather than force it on her." Fingers dancing over her keyboard, Maya worked for a steady few minutes before slamming her fingers down, "D-do you think she'd want to just…I don't know hang out with m-us? I don't know her that well, but she's always looked so lonely."
Having heard that tone in Maya before, oft in reference to her when Maya didn't know she was spying, Ritsuko's smile widened. It seemed Maya was a bit smitten, but then again Maya always had a bit of a fixation on Shinji. "You won't know unless you ask her, Maya. But if you're honest with her I'm sure something can come of it," she mused. Doing her own work was an easy if time consuming process. Without direct testing with Unit-01 it was unlikely they'd learn anything on reversing the condition let alone Shinji's ability to pilot. Well fortune favored the bold, "It's going to be fun to see Shinji in the stirrups today. Asuka nearly clubbed me the first time while I swear Ayanami doesn't even notice."
Now Maya's face went full red, dropping her cup of coffee which was thankfully empty, as the shock came rolling in. "I-I forgot about that part of the physical! Ikari-kun is going to be mortified won't she? I just feel so bad for her," though she didn't look mortified more excited. Tossing the fallen cup away, Maya took a mighty deep breath and went back to her work.
Potential all around, but a small bit of Ritsuko felt jealous. Maya had been a puppy following her around and lavishing her with affection. Had Gendo not blinded her with power and false love maybe she'd have taken Maya up on a little fun, but now? Maya seemed more fixated on the old body of Yui Ikari and the tender nature of Shinji. Best of both worlds maybe? Have to try though, the worst that could happen was Shinji rebuffed her advances. It wasn't like Ritsuko actually cared, no this was all for revenge!
The work day progressed as it normally did, boringly and broken up by intermittent visits from Misato. The trio went to the break room for lunch, Ritsuko had to joke that Shinji was taking to 'mothering' Misato quite well. After beating around the bush, hmm bush, Ritsuko had to admit Misato was as subtle as a boy in a gas station looking at dirty magazines. The major wanted to know how progress was regarding her beloved Third Child. With only two days of work, none of with involved Shinji, Ritsuko was honest with the facts. They had none, Misato was not happy and stormed off. A call from Shigeru drafted Maya back to the command bridge leaving Ritsuko alone…alone and waiting for her prey.
A little after lunch, Shinji clad in only a hospital gown shuffled with barely lifted feet into Ritsuko's lab. "S-sorry for being late, still getting the hang of walking," she mumbled with a red bump on the side of her face. Gingerly wiggling her nose, Shinji had every indication of having face planted recently. Climbing up on her usual table, the woman timidly looked about the room, "Ibuki-san isn't here? She said she planned on it."
Broken out of her long term plans for achieving her goal, Ritsuko shook her head at Shinji's entrance. "Oh sorry, I wasn't paying attention Shinji-kun. Been a busy day, your condition isn't the only thing I have to deal with," she showed notepad of notes and itinerary. Taking hold of Shinji's hand, pausing once she noticed how soft Shinji's hands were, she pulled the woman off the table. "Today you're going to be introduced to the bane of all women's physicals. Now don't be embarrassed it happens to all of us, myself included, so just bear with it. As for Maya she got called to the bridge," she lead the reluctant woman to the other chair.
"So this is why Misato-san was laughing when I mentioned…do I have to?" Shinji panicked a little. Squirming into place, jumping as Ritsuko secured the braces on each ankle, Shinji appeared ready to grab a scalpel and defend her honesty to the last. "I mean, if this is only temporary, why bother with all this if you have other work to do? C-can't we just do a sync test?" reluctance engines firing on all cylinders GO!
Had she been that apprehensive her first time in the chair? Ritsuko couldn't remember, but suspected it had been worse for her. Taking the tray of tools and the pages of blanks needing filling, Ritsuko suppressed her glee, after Gendo she had developed a tiny sadistic preference. "We're foregoing the sync test today since we haven't dusted off your mother's old plugsuit and having you nude in the plug wouldn't get us good results. You'd hardly be able to relax," she was having a hard time relaxing. It was just the thoughts of revenge right…not actual attraction to the face that ruined her mother's hopes and her own?
Resignation etched into her sagging muscles, Shinji just closed her eyes and waited for things to be over. Trying to smile despite the disturbing nature of it all, "Guess the sooner we start the sooner it ends right? I don't want to waste your time or anything with all this mess." As hard as it came out, Shinji sounded sincere and sorry for causing the extra work.
Moved, honestly moved at the words, Ritsuko wasn't used to people being upset for causing her work. Most people just dumped it on her and walked off without a word, but here was somebody that wasn't a total jerk. With a deft motion, Ritsuko slid the cold metal tool into place and giggled a little at the sound that worked its way out of Shinji. "Guessing that was the first thing that's ever…haven't experimented have you Shinji-kun?" Ritsuko was shocked. Had the places been reversed and she was a man, well Ritsuko would have been in the privy trying out the plumbing.
Her breathing a little raspy and uncoordinated, Shinji shifted a little in her chair, "Not a lot of time to do anything. And with Ayanami now taking up time in the apartment privacy isn't a thing I get a lot of. Kind of hoping this was just a dream really. I…I have to go cloths shopping after I leave here. Misato's clothing, I don't…I feel odd with how people see me in them," Shinji said diplomatically. As Misato dressed a lot more liberally for most women's tastes… "And her bras are cutting into me so I'll need those. But I don't…I don't want to go alone. But Misato would tease and Asuka would complain."
It was so pink and taught, Ritsuko examined leaning closer in. Sniffing as softly as she could, she sampled the fragrance and found it very pleasing to the olfactory senses. "I don't blame you, I couldn't were those scraps she calls clothing either. Maya and I are getting off soon," well Ritsuko was doing that right now but that was a different term. "Going to probe now, you'll feel some pressure and stretching so relax," she had to fight the urge to torment the Third Child. Noticing the very positive reaction she added, "We could go with you, offer some suggestions?"
Now breathing heavier with a very red face, Shinji was overwhelmed with unexpected sensations. "D-does it always feel like that, Ritsuko-san? We almost done with that part?" she whined in a very alluring tone. A few moments of panting and Ritsuko finished, the tool removed, and Shinji snapped her legs together like a clamshell. "S-sorry about that, just…unexpected. And if you're not to bothered I'd love to have you help me out. You two seem more like…well if I have to wear it you're sense of style is much nicer," she complimented.
Slightly ashamed at how she felt while examining Shinji, Ritsuko could only nod. She had done nothing but the exam, but the purity and honesty in Shinji's reactions. Well Ritsuko suspected Maya would be a lot like that as well. "I wouldn't have offered if I didn't mean it. Can't have you dressing like Misato or every man would be hitting on you relentlessly. And I doubt you could afford to purchase clothing Asuka got from Germany, different prices," a warmth was in her voice.
The rest of the physical went standard and boring, nothing out of the ordinary. Comparing the results to Yui's last physical, Ritsuko confirmed that the body hadn't aged a day while suspended in Unit-01. She'd have to do a DNA test and gene sequence to confirm everything, but by the end of the test, Ritsuko was openly enjoying talking to Shinji. Something about the attitude and atmosphere the young woman exuded was pleasing. It made manipulating her easier, but it caused Ritsuko to doubt. Maybe doing this for revenge was wrong, but if it wasn't JUST for revenge…well she could let bi-gones be bygones.
X-X
Watching his fellow male cohorts working, Kaji didn't bely the sense he was spying on their actions since Maya left ten minutes ago. He did his job well, he did it without being seen or suspicion. Makoto was busy calibrating the auto defenses for the city, what little were left. Working on more interesting things, Shigeru was idly reading the output from Akagi's lab and the details were grim. Knowing what was in the deepest parts of Nerv though, Kaji had little care about the Dummy Plug. He was however interested in the latest happenings of the illustrious Third Child.
Popping open the top of a can of soda, Makoto reclined back in his seat taking a deep drink. "You believe that stuff about Maya just wanting to 'help' the Third Child?" he cast a cautious eye at his fellow men. Stretching his arm far above his head, twisting in faux stretching to view the commander's area, he relaxed slightly upon seeing it empty. Swiveling his chair to the right, and the others, muttered, "Thinking Maya might be more interested in playing dress up rather than helping."
Taking up the middle ground between the two seated men, Kaji felt like playing along for now. He didn't know Maya that well, just heard the rumors and speculations about Ritsuko and her but didn't know if he believed it. The sole attempt he made to get closer to her had ended with her bashfully running away once Ritsuko arrived as her valiant defender. "You think the ever charming lil Ibuki-chan is playing for the other team?" he knew Ritsuko was a bit adventurous so maybe.
"The automated system is still showing signs of rebellion, stupid Dummy System," Shigeru moaned and shut off his monitoring. Standing, he stretched his limbs as best as his uniform would allow, "Maya, I always thought she was a bit on the maybe side. Never known her to have a boyfriend, always to timid. And the way she goes on and on about her 'Sempai' makes me think those rumors about them is true. So what you think Kaji, is Maya muff-diving on the ice-queen of Nerv?"
Always be diplomatic, never know when somebody was listening or spying, Kaji held up his hands and shrugged. "All I know is back in college Ritsuko was known to have a girlfriend from time to time. Nothing serious, nothing that lasted more than a week, so it's all circumstantial," he relished in the defeated look both men had. The one time Misato and he got Ritsuko to join them, Kaji had been just as defeated when Ritsuko seemed to favor her time with Misato. But more to the real reason he was here, not that rumors weren't fun, "So what DO you make of this issue with the Third Child's new body?"
Making a gun out of his fingers, Shigeru play brain splattered before sitting back down. "That is a real mind jobber if you ask me. Whole thing just screams freak-job. I have to think it was the Third Child's fault. I don't know her that well, but we all saw it. Kid was odd, maybe one of those 'woman trapped in a man's body' type," the level of disgust in Shigeru's tone was oddly high. A few moments of typing though, "But then why would the Major be so…I don't know."
After another long and light sip from his can of sugary goodness, Makoto's head bobbed a little. Softly, fearfully, "I'm more wierded out by the commander. Never seen the man react to anything before, and then he's vaulting off things, yelling that the woman was his wife. I thought official word was she had died. Next thing we hear is he's offsite and the woman is actually the Third Child. I mean, how would she even know what her mother looked like?" Leaning closer to the mean and even softer, "I'll admit Yui Ikari was an insanely attractive woman though."
"Not going to have to worry about you putting the moves on the Third Child are we?" Kaji joked and slapped Makoto's back hard. They hadn't said much that mattered, but Kaji was annoyed at Shigeru. Shinji had a real shit life up until her latest bout of the universe using her as its personal punching bag. To mock the kid that did things a grown man couldn't do was in poor taste, and Kaji appalled poor taste. "As for Shinji-kun," he also hated it when people didn't use her name as if they were afraid of growing attached. "I have heard from Ritsuko from time to time she wondered if Misato and Shinji had something odd going one," a lie but Kaji wanted to jilt Shigeru.
Rocketing forward in his chair, the music enthusiast nearly fell to the floor. "I've heard that rumor too! Some of the tech's down by the Eva hangers said they saw the two of them slip off together after one of the practice runs. Something about them going into the locker room together and Katsuragi-san coming out all winded later. Well rumor or not, it's not likely to happen now," an eerie look glistened on his face before fading back to mild interest. "Back on track, I'll agree with you Makoto, that Yui must have been real popular back in the day. Wonder how she got together with the commander," he looked expectantly at Kaji.
Not good, both of his fellow male 'friends' thought the new and improved Shinji was attractive. Kaji wouldn't lie, Yui's body was just about perfect in his eyes. It wasn't super model attractive, but something about the combination of physical features and the calm and passive nature he saw…oh boy. Shifting his weight, to hide his little friend that wanted to weigh in, Kaji rolled his hand over, "Couldn't tell you on a bet how they got together. Vice-Commander Fuyutski could I bet, but he's not here. What do you think of the whole Ayanami calling Shinji-kun mother?"
Tossing his empty can away, Makoto snickered a bit and rubbed under his nose. "What is there to make of it? That girl is broken is all, nearly as bad as the Second Child. Been seeing that girl for years and I've yet to see her not look like a drugged up poster child for Ritalin for a better life as a parent," he spared his monitor a cursory glance. "It's just her being odd, the commander is her guardian, so she makes the 'father' connection there. The commander went all 'that is my wife' so the freak child goes 'mother'?" something though Makoto held back from saying.
"Ouch harsh man," Shigeru actually sounded perturbed, "I'll admit I was a bit cruel about the Third. Jealousy I guess for all the ladies around him, but those kids have every right to be messed up in the head. They're fighting giant monsters while we sit back and watch." In a huff the man hunched over his station mumbling. After a moment of hesitation he said hushed, "As for the whole 'mother' thing. Is it just me or does the First Child actually look like…" he nodded his head.
Somebody was paying attention! Kaji awarded the gold star for competency to Shigeru for today. Having no actual pictures of Yui Ikari to pull from, Kaji hadn't made the connection between Rei and her before. But having seen the two of them together now, complements of the camera he installed after a visit to Misato, well Kaji had his suspicions as to Rei's human origins. Finding a tank of the girl was alarming, but now he knew another piece of the great puzzle.
But it was time to head off, he had given the trio of women enough time to get situated and it was time to follow them. "So let me ask you this then. What is your take on Shinji-kun now? Assuming Ritsuko can't revert the change and we're stuck with a thirty year old Child, how are you going to deal with that?" he hoped they were disgusted with the idea. He knew he should be, knowing Shinji as he did, Kaji should be disgusted with the thoughts going through his head, but he wasn't.
Perhaps it was knowing Shinji that DID cause that flare of emotion in Kaji's mind. An achingly beautiful woman, lovingly crafted by the gods as a gift to mankind, with the mindset of the perfect housewife was an interesting target. Not the party girl Misato was, nor the stoic and cold Ritsuko, no…that would be the woman you brought home to meet the family. Added to the mix was Kaji did know that when push came to shove, Shinji would shove and fight back so she wasn't just a doormat either.
Paying his actual job a little head service, Makoto was setting up a series of calibrations for the sync plugs. His head crooned to the side in thought, "Well it would be odd, but having another beautiful woman around is never a bad thing. And given what I've overhead from Katsuragi-san about the Th-Shinji-kun's cooking and cleaning abilities…" Blushing a little, Makoto didn't bother to look at his friends, afraid of what they might be thinking.
"You'd actually consider dating a woman you knew was a fourteen year old boy not two months ago?" Shigeru recoiled, his chair skittering further away. "Yeah she might look thirty, but she's still a teenag…no…no she isn't. Guess fighting monsters does make you more mature, all three of them aren't normal teenagers. If they were we'd be having a lot steamier camera footage. I guess, in time it wouldn't matter if Akagi-san can't undo the damage. She is a looker…" his lips curled back into a smile at some hidden thought.
Definitely not what he wanted to hear, competition was a bad thing…no wait that wasn't right, right? He was just worried about Shinji, yeah, that's it! This was all just some odd surrogate father thing, just like with Asuka. Kaji didn't like the idea of some boy hitting it off with Asuka and hurting the girl emotionally, and the same went for Shinji! Yup, that's all this wanting to take Shinji out drinking business was. A nice bar, some cool clothing, his patented lady killer smile, take Shinji back to his place and…protect her.
Brain derailment, failed to stop at logical conclusion-station, please wait for next available stop before disembarking.
Continuing to chat with the men for another few minutes, Kaji eventually excused himself from the working pair. Sneaking out of Nerv was just as easy as sneaking in, though he nearly got found by Misato. Would have been his own fault, upon seeing her he had made a beeline to intercept before realizing what he meant to do. Spying on Shinji, Ritsuko, and Maya as they went out to get sensible clothing for the young woman wasn't wrong. But was it wrong to feel like he was cheating on Misato despite not being in an actual relationship?
When he finally got to the shopping arcade, several women giving him a curious if not cautious glance, he spotted his prey. The trio of women sat at the outside patio of a semi-fancy restaurant. Snapping a few photos of them, Kaji noticed the number of bags was light, they must have stopped to eat after starting shopping. Excellent, he'd get to play his spy game a little while. He abused his authority only once to call the restaurant to complain about a noise disturbance when a trio of men hit on his targets.
If he couldn't be there in person, Kaji was going to make sure nobody else could be. It was a father's duty? Nodding to his own internal thoughts, totally wrong and off base, he had to stop his pursuit once the trio hit the lingerie store. Nobody would believe he was 'just browsing' outside of that one. Heading home, camera loaded with picture, Kaji was confused and worried. This wasn't…he didn't have a? No! No! he was far too old to have a crush! He called up Misato…she didn't answer.
X-X
Walking into the apartment, haggard and tired, Misato fell back against the door. Kicking her shoes off, the fatigued woman grumbled at the unfortunate nature of overtime and impromptu meetings. Everything was looking good for a sneaking out early day, but then Makoto just had to find some irregularities with the defense grid. With Ritsuko and Maya already gone, she had meant to sneak off early to join them in teasing Shinji, it fell to Misato to oversee the blasted thing.
"SHINJI! I want food! Please tell me you've some supper left!" Misato yelled childishly. Kicking her shoes off amid the piles, she couldn't help but notice Ayanami's were still present. Now that was something Misato was confused by. Girl just couldn't be teased it seemed, or she didn't understand the implications of the words Misato said. When nobody greeted her, Misato grew worried. She might have to cook for herself, that was NOT what she wanted now that Shinji was back to her. Shambling in her near undead daze, arms outstretched like your typical zombie, "Don't play with me guys, I saw your shoes and it's only seven o'clock!"
The voice that called out was still fairly alien to Misato's ears, "Just doing the dishes now Misato-san. You're supper is in the microwave." Shinji's voice even sounded like a more emotional and deeper Rei's, and Misato just couldn't forget that.
That was another issue of conjecture, Shinji and her evilly sexy body. Misato did NOT want competition for hottest woman at Nerv. But she couldn't do what she normally did when her ranking was threatened, that being total mental assault and driving away. Momiji never did learn who gave her that Nair shampoo, but it worked and the bald woman fled from Misato's domain.
Grabbing the doorframe, Misato's eyes blinked rapidly at the difference in lighting. Where the rest of the apartment was dark, the kitchen was awash with lights. "You are truly sent from the Gods, Shinji-kun. After all the hassle today, I was looking forward to…" Misato's mouth hung open low. Her brain took a nasty double fisted gentle slap to the face. Turning in unison to her talk was duel apron clad women, Rei and Shinji were looking at her. All Misato could think was 'mother/daughter dishes day'. "Beer?" she asked akin to a starving man asking for food. Her brain was not lubricated enough for this.
"Shinji has provided you with a bloody Mary, it is in the refrigerator," Rei's deadpan statement of facts held a slight edge of irritation. Taking the dampened apron off, Rei hung it on the hook that Shinji used for her bevy of extras. Turning to the matron of the Katsuragi/Ikari/Soryu/Temp-Ayanami dwelling, "I will retire to the living room, mo-Shinji. If you need me do not hesitate to summon." Giving Misato yet another hard look before vanishing into the adjacent room, the light did not turn on.
Finding the provided drink, odd since Shinji hardly made her stronger drinks, Misato hit the start on the pre-set microwave. God Shinji really did think of everything and care for her, it was truly like coming home to a family. "So she's calling you Shinji now and not m-mother?" she couldn't stop from snickering a little. Shinji as a mother, words didn't do that insanity justice, so Misato just let his club her with its obtuseness. Sipping the spicy drink, a shiver of delight rocked from her stomach to her spine, "Oooh Shin-chan this is delicious! Why though?"
Drying her hands off, Shinji tossed the hand towel into the empty sink. Sitting as far away from Misato as the table allowed, she smiled softly. "Well I read that those are good for actually providing vitamins due to the tomato juice. And since you don't eat enough vegetables I thought this might help make up a little. Made it on the light side so it won't get you to drunk," a warmth of expression oozed out of the woman. Leaning her chin on her upturned palm, "As for Rei, since we learned that my mom is somehow related to her, it means we're related. So we're trying to be more open."
Well she had wanted to tease Shinji about it, Misato found her heart warmed…or was that the booze? Whatever it was, the joke about Rei showing Shinji how to relieve the itch with a plastic friend died on her tongue. DAMN that would have been a good one too, 'So how does Rei taste, did she like yours?' She'd have to write these down for a better time. "That makes sense, I guess. And if this is good for me I think I've got a new drink for after work," she sipped it again and shivered again.
Getting up the moment the microwaved dinged, Shinji had Misato's supper unwrapped and presented before the major could react. "I'll glad you like it, I can keep making them until you get tired or I think of something else," again an odd energy more positive than normal whisper out of the woman's voice. It was a stark contrast to the woman that woke up screaming the day before. Not sitting down again, Shinji fixed herself two glasses of water and put them on a small tray, "Going to go play a game with Ayanami. She seems lost about all of this, less than me, but I think this 'mother' business is messing with her."
Had Shinji always been this mature and she hadn't noticed because of the younger body, Misato pried at her brain with a metaphorical crowbar. As her attempts at Gordan Freemaning thoughts together, "You're handling this a lot better today. Did that little shopping trip with Ritsuko and Maya do you some good, or as Asuka not been using you as her personal mental punching bag?" She hadn't seen or heard the German since she arrived, but had seen the shoes.
Stopping in the doorway, Shinji glanced over her shoulder, "I'm dealing with it. I don't like it, but I can accept it for now. Ritsuko-san and Maya-san were really nice to me today, and the cloths should be easier for me to wear than…" Sagely shutting her mouth, Shinji didn't mention anything about the borrowed clothing or her feelings regarding wearing it. Eyes back on the living room, her face now alight with the glow from the television, "Asuka's been in her room all day. At supper she said she's thinking about something and doesn't want to be disturbed. Enjoy your supper."
For a moment, Misato just watched Shinji as the forlorn woman left. Another point in Shinji's favor, she could roll with the punches when they came. "Guess she has to with all that's happened to her," Misato shuddered. Trying to relate to the situation, Misato tried picturing herself in her father's body…then finished her drink fast. Yup, obliterate that little notion from her brain and drown in it delicious, maybe it'd stay dead then. The food was good, but not 'fresh made' good, but she couldn't fault Shinji for that.
Listening to the soft banter in the other room, mostly Shinji explaining how Asuka's game worked, Misato got herself a beer. She'd have had another bloody Mary, but sadly she didn't know how to make it. Hell she didn't know how to make the food Shinji made, how to clean the apartment as well as she did, or countless other things. "How much did I just not see because of her age?" she cracked the top open.
The month with Shinji gone had been an eye opener, but this was one too. How condescending had she been to Shinji in the past? Well if she gave Shinji a yen for every time, Misato figured the stake of coins would be a mountain equal to the gift Fuyutski gave. "And after saying I would go easier on her," she chuckled humorlessly. Joining the duo in the living room, again the urge to check for DT's was overwhelming. Both of their faces looked identical thanks to the low light of the television, just Shinji was a bit more content. "Having fun playing with Rei?" she couldn't help the double entendre.
Sucking the attempt at teasing out of the air as if swatting a fly with chopsticks, Rei spoke quickly. "Our time bonding has been efficient and enjoyable. I question why Shinji did not allow me to attend the purchasing of clothing though. The books I read state it is a staple mother/daughter bonding event," Rei actually licked her lips as she got into the game. Perplexed at herself, "This is…enjoyable?"
Nodding lightly, the controller moving along with her head, Shinji gently patted Rei's shoulder. "You're getting into it, nothing wrong with that. You should see Asuka, she zones out completely when she plays," Shinji offered lightly. Either a convincing ruse, Shinji was a master of hiding her true feelings, or honestly enjoying the event Shinji did sound at least to be having fun. "As for the shopping, you were at school. You'd have been bored anyway. Maya-san had to help me try on a few of the more complicated things. OH!" Shinji stopped and turned to the heavily chugging Misato. "Maya-san wants to know if I can stop over her place for supper tomorrow. I'd make your meals before I go if you don't mind," the adult asked for permission.
Was the can really empty already? She'd need to get an IV and hook a keg up to her vein, Misato realized. "Shinji-kun, you're an adult…even before this. If you want to visit Maya, have fun. Just not TOO much fun," she winked at what had been her quasi-brother/son. The why of Maya wanting to have Shinji visit was perplexing Misato though. Before this mess started, Maya had only a passing interest. Well maybe more than just a passing…wait hadn't Maya asked about the size of Shinji's plugsuit? That HAD happened right, not a drunken half memory, or was that Kaji? Did Kaji want to know the size of Shinji's pe…
"I said Katsuragi-san is only saying that as it is believed that Ibuki is a lesbian and as such might have an alternative reason for asking you," Rei said as apparently the conversation continued as Misato's rye eaten brain attempted to focus. Continuing on the mind-funk express, "And as you are now a very attractive woman with what many believe to be good skills, she could be seeking you out as a life partner. I would like to be present if you do dine with Ibuki, to gauge her intents."
Blushing softly, Shinji set her controller down for a moment and tugged on her new longer hair. "I don't think that's the case Rei," she didn't sound as comfortable with the name as Rei was with hers. "Maya-san said it's just to talk about a few things I might be…uncomfortable talking to Misato-san about. No offense Misato-san, but your details can be graphic?" she cringed away from the observant woman.
Shinji had no idea just how attractive she was, Misato's mind boggled. As a woman, Misato knew she was at least a high eight or at most a low ten on most men's scales, but Shinji…that was dangerous. A woman that undersold herself was likely to be victim to just about any hustler or playboy that came about. "No offense, I just love seeing you blush is all. But I do have a question for you Shinji-kun, purely hypothetical," she had to know the risks of letting Shinji out alone in that new body. "If somebody you didn't know gave you a soda, saying you looked thirsty, would you drink it?" it was a fairly common trick.
Under the combined gaze of Rei and Misato, Shinji drew in on herself, making herself look more adorable than anything. "I, well I guess I'd drink it if I liked the brand…or they were adamant about it. I wouldn't want to offend," the clueless woman answered. A moment later she was on her back as Rei dove on her (likely overcome by the sheer 'protect me' vibe Shinji was permeating). "R-Rei-san! What…Misato-san help?" Shinji yelped and fought against the tentacle like hands of Rei.
Her hands stopped moving, but Rei was content to lay nestled amid Shinji's chest, "I do not know what came over me. I apologize." Her words would have held more weight if she had moved, but no, Rei just laid there for a moment and then fell asleep.
Yup it was time to hit the harder stuff, she'd worry about hangovers and over sleeping tomorrow. "Well looks like you got your hands full Shinji-kun. I'll bring a pillow and blanket if you don't want to wake her," Misato ruffled Shinji's hair as she rose. Shinji was going to be a nightmare of worry and fretting if she ever left the apartment alone. Maybe having somebody with her to keep the would-be suitors at bay wasn't such a bad idea.
Leaving the room in a hurry, Misato wanted her head to stop all its annoying nagging/thinking/comprehending. Rei was taking to this situation very quickly and strongly, so what happened when Ritsuko reversed it? A little girl on big girl wasn't anything but a headache, a teenage girl laying on a related teenage boy was a migraine. Grabbing the imported bottle of whisky she kept, Misato unscrewed the top and drank from the bottle. "Maybe I should go…visit Kaji tonight. Let them sort things out," yeah a good idea. She was needing some loving after all the stress she'd been having.
So after seeing to Shinji's comfort, Rei never waking and Shinji not wanting to trouble the girl, Misato faked a phone call. Calling up Kaji on the way over, the man was gracious and happy to receive her. Did she love Kaji, well at one time she did, and he had his moments of charming. But…well…two hours later Misato was driving back home enraged at the man. "He called me…he…fantasized about…I'm going to be sick," she moaned at Kaji's mental slip during their tender moment.
X-X
Well that was one night sleep Asuka wished she had just avoided. A full day of being tired and angry would have been better than that dream she just had. Now she wasn't sure what her relationship with Shinji truly was but she sure didn't want to see what her subconscious dumped on her. Male Shinji and a very emotional and animated Ayanami Rei bumping uglies on her bed and offering to let her join in…then Shinji shifted to her queer female form and asking again.
"Stupid Shinji, I blame her for this," Asuka sat staring dead eyed at her closet. Clutching her pillow to her chest, chin putting a heavy divot into the feathered cushion, Asuka let out a low and even growl. After spending most of the previous day in thought, still formulating her theory on Shinji's change, she woke around three a.m. with the all-consuming thought 'I have to use the bathroom' . So as after she finished answering the call of the porcelain god she stumbled upon the dynamic duo of mind-buggery sleeping on the floor, Ayanami's arms wrapped securely around her 'mother's' waist.
Gathering her clothing for the day, Asuka stopped to frown deeper. A moment of curiosity the day before while Shinji was busy cooking for them, the German snuck into Shinji's room to check what the idiot had done all day. Cloths, lots of really nice clothing were hanging in the closet. Shopping, while Asuka was stuck wasting away at school Shinji got to go cloths shopping! That wasn't fair! And Ayanami! She wanted to shove her fist into that girl's stomach every time Rei got spoiled by Shinji. "Not jealous, that idiot isn't really wonder girl's mother…not lonely either," she accidentally tore her school uniform.
Well that wasn't good, was the fourth time she did it since Shinji's accident.
Tossing the sacrifice to her souring mood to join its fallen comrades, Asuka grabbed a fresh one and her bathing supplies. "Not going to let them get all the hot water today. Wonder girl's been stealing far to much of it," Asuka took a small mirror and examined herself. She couldn't look inferior to the other women in the apartment. Misato and Ayanami looked like death in the morning, but Baka was a morning person and looked even better. "Not jealous of that either, well maybe a little," Asuka could see a rival in the older Shinji.
Stealing into the apartment proper, Asuka spied the couch for signs of movement. Well as typical Shinji wasn't there, but the living corpse that was Ayanami laid sleeping still. "Never thought she'd be such a late sleeper," but she was happy for it. Ayanami slept through neigh on anything and slept late if allowed. That meant less competition for the shower. Heading into the kitchen, she found that standing being of confusion. "Making me something with more flavor than your standard Japanese dishes?" she said snidely making Shinji jump.
Putting the finishing touches on both Rei and Asuka's lunches, Shinji put a hand to her chest. "You startled me, didn't expect you up for a little while longer," a bit of rice tumbled to the ground. Scooping up the fallen food, she examined it a moment before popping it into her mouth. Turning back to her task, wrapping the lunches, Shinji asked over her shoulder, "Y-you feeling better today? Yesterday you weren't…I didn't want to bother you, but if you have some time later…can we talk?"
That wasn't expected, Shinji hardly asked her for anything let alone her time, but Asuka wanted to confirm a few things. Approaching the woman, Asuka stole a peek at her lunch and fought to keep her anger. Stupid idiot had made her a special lunch that consisted of mostly western food, just like she wanted. "So the great Shinji-sama has something she has to ask us lowly teenagers?" yeah she couldn't keep from being cruel. She hadn't intended it, but some part of Asuka just had to keep others at a distance. It was safer to keep them away, to invite them in close allowed them to hurt her and that wasn't happening. But, despite herself, she felt the pang of guilt, "That looks tasty, good choices. But what is breakfast?"
Quiet for a moment, Shinji tied the boxes closed and set them in a stack by the fridge. A glassy look overtook her eyes for all but a moment and then it was gone, "I have left over ingredients from you lunch, so I thought I'd make a western style breakfast. Ayanami said she was ok eating eggs so it's even easier." Something was playing on Shinji's mind, but she was doing her best to not let it show. "G-go take your shower before Misato-san wakes up. She came home late cranky so she'll likely take a long one," keeping her face hidden Shinji shuffled over to the cutting board.
Stalled, Asuka was torn on what to do. Go do what she had planned and shower early, or see to whatever was bothering Shinji. Normally she'd have just went about her own business, but reluctantly she felt a small want to insure her companion in arms was good. "S-Shinji, you feeling alright?" she offered as she headed to the bath. She had offered the chance for Shinji to talk, it was up to the chef to take up on it. Knowing Shinji as she did, Asuka's subconscious called her a coward for running.
The rhythmic sound of knife on cutting board slowed as Shinji recognized the question, "Yeah I'm-I'm fine Asuka. Just the whole issue with Ay-Rei and me being related…me being in my mother's body…everything." A small yelp of pain burst out of Shinji's lips followed by the clattering of knife to floor punctuated the denial. "Stupid, I should be paying more attention!" Shinji half shouted at herself and stuck the finger into her mouth.
What had she missed while she sequestered herself? Asuka hadn't planned on shunning humanity, she did like company just not people trying to get to close. The issue of mothers, eva's, and souls was taking up the majority of her genius mind and she didn't want to be distracted as she worked on her hypothesis. But to hear that Shinji and Rei were actually related and not just some odd misconception? Why did that make her feel better, more relaxed?
"J-just don't get any blood in the food alright, run it under cold water," Asuka cowered out and fled to the bathroom. She wasn't ready for that, ready to actually talk to Shinji about her problems. So it made her feel that extra special flavor of shame when she heard the breakdown on the other side of the door. Oh Shinji did her best to muffle it, to hide it, but Asuka was actively spying. "Damn coward…" she disrobed and took her bath. She was mostly sure she meant Shinji was the coward for not seeking help, but deep down it was herself. It was time to either put up or shut up…she was made of sterner stuff so why run?
Slapping her fists into the water, Asuka got handfuls and splashed her face. "It ends here! I'm not going to let this go on. Going to get my answers from her and then I'll…I'll answer her questions," she said with firm resolve. That sensation of guilt and betrayal was still there, it felt like she was back outside her own mother's hospital room. Seeing the breakdown and insanity again, only this time it was Shinji suffering and she could do something about it! She just had to be strong, as strong as she always claimed to be!
Getting out of the bath, dripping water all over, Asuka slide the sliding door open only to find Ayanami Rei equally clad in her birthday suit. "I-uh-wha?" she eloquently stated. She hadn't even heard the girl enter the bathroom, hadn't Shinji told the albino she was in here?
Giving Asuka a quick once over, Rei let out a non-committal noise. "Your features are different enough to be considered attractive to males. Shinji will need a mate, regardless of whether getting turned back or not. Not as high on the list as Katsuragi or Ibuki, but you do have merit," Rei evaluated Asuka pointblank. Without another word, the strange half-sister of one Ikari Shinji sunk up to her neck in the bath and moaned amorously, "Hot water…" she sunk under the lip of the tub.
"Maybe…maybe I'll have one of Misato's beers this morning," Asuka said to herself and rejoined the others. Misato and Shinji were at the table, that foolish friend of hers…YES she was a friend Asuka decided…looked as if nothing had bothered her before. Well Asuka wasn't going to believe it, she'd beat/tickle/trick/lie/plead/whatever it took to get Shinji to talk…maybe get herself up higher on Ayanami's list to.
X-X
Authors notes
Got a lil on the meloncoly and sad side, but I think its countered nicely. Going for a bit of a wtf type of story but believable as well, hard mix. Hope you enjoyed. And as a side note, none of my stories so far have been purged in the great lemon ban 2012, and if they ever do I'll repost them up on yourfanfiction
Ja Mata
Zentrodie