Bait and Switch

by Zentrodie

After Shinji returns from his time as LCL the return isn't what anybody had expected. Plans are changed, friendships formed, and a few minds shattered. But hey it seemed like a good idea at the time

5. Chapter 5

Standard Disclaimer

Man work has been kicking into high gear and with the holidays I find my time is super split up. Trying to keep up on everything…not so good. Hope you're all having a good holiday season, regardless of what you believe/don't believe.

X-X

Bait and Switch

Chapter – 5

Stifling a yawn, Shinji set the breakfast table for yet another whirlwind of chaos. The three days since Misato and her trip to the bar had been a turning point in the healing of the rift between the two. Misato would still tease, it was somehow etched into the woman's DNA to do so, but the venom was gone. Playful, taunting, teasing, and mind frying as Misato's teasing was Shinji didn't get the sense that Misato was being cruel anymore. Shinji did have to note also that, well Misato was being more affectionate now that in the past. That left the woman with a very odd dream the past night, didn't help that Rei snuck into her bed and well…Rei had roaming hands.

"I-uh…morning Shinji. Coffee ready?" Asuka asked fixing her fluffy red robe. Making it tighter or looser, Shinji couldn't tell, all that was seen was arms moving about the folds of the heavy cotton robe. The sounds of liquid pouring into the metal cup, was evidence that Asuka found the coffee pot already full and hot. Her chair screeched across the linoleum as she pulled it away from the table, "Look, about what happened the other night…"

What happened the other night? Oh, nothing happened at all, nope not a damn thing! That was Shinji's motto on the whole 'did I really wake up with Asuka's pubic hair in my mouth' debate. Twirling around fast, to face the girl, Shinji tumbled into the corner of the refrigerator. Seeing the shocked but concerned expression on her current companion, Shinji waved his hand quickly. "H-how about we just…don't think about it? We don't know WHAT really happened, we both drank a bit. So how about, it never happened?" Shinji pleaded with her eyes for Asuka to let it slide.

To let the issue go would be a retreat from it, and as anybody that knew Asuka Langley Soryu knew, and that was unacceptable. Sipping her coffee, warming her fingers on the heated metal of her custom made cup, "No, I won't let it go. It happened, both the conversation and well…the rest is unknown I'll admit." A rosy tint marred Asuka's complexion as she haughtily turned away from Shinji. Crossing her legs, rubbing them anxiously together in Shinji's direction, Asuka tapped her foot on the ground. Slowly and with great consideration, "About what we talked about though. I…you know I've been having more tests the last few days. I think you were on to something…about what we sync with."

Now that was something Shinji would like to talk about, not so much wondering how Misato would have graded her first attempt at oral pleasing. Fixing up several plates of food, Rei's veggie option being the last to finish, Shinji set the table. Pouring the left over fish into Pen-Pen's bowl, "I overheard Ritsuko-san saying your scores are improving every day. I knew you could do it. But what about…our theory? Does it have anything to do with your scores?" Were their mothers really trapped inside those monsters…it made sense.

Wrapping her arms around Shinji's waist, Rei announced her arrival in standard fashion of the times. A warm and affectionate hug, nestling up to her 'mother's' side, something approaching peace wafted off the girl. After a pleasant hum left her lips, nearly primordial, she stated, "Good morning, Shinji-kun, Soryu." Rei offered Asuka a momentary head dip of acknowledgment before disengaging from Shinji and sitting down. Attacking her food with gusto, having no qualms about talking with her mouth full, "Have you given consideration of watching the film I have procured from Ibuki-kun tonight?"

Frowning ever so slightly at the new intrusion onto what she wanted to be a private conversation, Asuka rolled her eyes and started eating. "I won't candy coat it or anything, but I've been experimenting. R-reaching out in case anything is there," Asuka rubbed her arms slowly. A warm smile, genuine peace settling into her features, she continued, "It feels warm in there when I do. So I think you were right. Makes sense considering." Asuka waved a hand over in Shinji's direction.

It made sense to keep the little theory about displaced motherly souls inside giant bio-weapons, so Shinji kept the details to a minimum. No reason to worry Rei with talk of experimentations that might result in a trifling case of liquefaction. "I'll keep that in mind when I have my test today," Shinji was overly aware of the warm body at her side. Rei was watching, listening, and always there. Did her mind a lot of help…and was maddening at the same time. Rei, just like Asuka and Misato, was just so damn attractive. A little while ago she had a crush, but now it was so confusing. Siblings, cousins, second cousins…just what were they to each other?

Rushing to the table, Misato grabbed her plate and beer and glided towards the bathroom door. Clad in naught but her finer bits of cloth, black and lacy, Misato's sleep addled brain and complexion showed she wasn't all there. "Must shower…then eat…and drink…then eat while drinking…and drink some more," she droned on as she shut the door. The sound of the shower starting and a very loud yelp of pleasure, Misato's patent pending Yebisu cheer, reverberated throughout the apartment.

"Well at least we know she's not dead in there," Asuka said dryly before snorting out her nose and breaking into a full blown laugh. Shinji joined her a few moments later, after the shock of neigh perfection of the human form walked past her. After a drying her eyes from all the laughter, Asuka picked at the last of her food. With a sigh, "I won't even call you a pervert…which you were for staring…for gawking at her for that. Not your fault she did it, now unlike 'mother' here, I need to finish getting ready for school. Ayanami don't take all the hot water if you get in before I do."

Still feeling warm, for totally new reasons now, Shinji couldn't take her eyes off the door to the bathroom. Didn't Misato remember she was still attracted to women?! Having scantly clad women prancing around was not doing her libido any good…it was getting worse and worse, and while she knew 'how' to fix it Shinji wasn't sure she could do it. Feeling a slight tapping on her hand, Shinji found a concerned Rei right in her face, beautiful pink lips just begging for…GAH! "Y-yeah Rei-san?" Shinji blinked rapidly as she inched further away.

Either wanting to make Shinji's life even more complicated, being a tease, or so oblivious to the implications of her actions, Rei pressed her forehead to hers. "You do not have a fever, yet your pulse is increased, your face is flush, and your attention distracted," she let her soft and smooth skin remain connected to Shinji's for a moment longer. Her eyes closed in tranquility as if all was right with the world just sitting with her forehead against Shinji's. Almost too soft to hear, "This is acceptable. I enjoy this very much Shinji-kun."

Shuddering as that spark of confusion and budding wanting spiked to 'lock the bedroom door' levels, Shinji basked in the warmth of Rei's breath on her face for a moment. With agonizing reality, Shinji returned to her meal, "Just a little unprepared for Misato-san's arrival is all." No reason not to let Rei know how she was really feeling, secrets didn't suit their relationship she felt. Falling into a peaceful silence, the duo ate their breakfast. Gathering up their plates, "As for tonight, Rei-san, I feel I'm up for a movie with you. You said Maya-san gave it to you?" Maybe Maya had good taste in movies, likely a 'chick-flick' or comedy, so since she didn't have any other plans, why not?

Strolling into the room, clad in her work clothing, Misato was no longer the sleep deprived zombie she had been ten minutes before. Handing Shinji her empty plate, "Made a mess in there, sorry Shin-chan, but bad night sleep." She draped her arm around Shinji's neck and nuzzled up close, then playfully shoved her away. "You're to easy to tease, Shin-chan, but that's what makes you so adorable. Got my lunch for me?" she kissed the air in her direction.

Sliding out from under the table, Rei made a beeline for the bathroom intent on depriving Asuka of any heated water. "If you are gone by the time I am finished in the bath…have a pleasant day until we reconvene for Ibuki's movie," Rei said with a ghost of a smile and shut and locked the door. A frazzled and angry yelp from Asuka's room was the only sign the German realized she lost her time.

Cleaning the dishes, and checking the time, Shinji frowned. Not much time before Misato and she had to head into Nerv. Ritsuko had been making a lot of head way on LCL theory, but not much on recovery her man bits. Drying her hands, Shinji turned to see Misato staring at her smiling, "I-is something wrong Misato-san? Your lunch is on the counter with the others." She had started making Ritsuko a lunch a few days ago after seeing how poorly the woman ate, but so far she'd been giving it to Misato to take in due to scheduling conflicts.

"No," Misato shook her head and rubbed her cheek against her can of Yebusi, "Just haven't seen you look so relaxed in a while. Does me good to see that. Guess my treating you like my own private whipping girl wasn't helping much was it." Getting out of her chair, Misato poured the rest of her can into Pen-Pen's water bowl, the fowl lapped it up quickly. Grabbing the tied together two boxes, "You ready to go, Shin-chan?"

Nodding, Shinji tossed the hand towel she was using into the bin of dirties and groaned. While emotionally she was doing better, the physical aspect was getting more aggravating. Bite the bullet and explore like everybody asked about, or just continue to be frustrated at all the sexy ladies parading around her. "Wanted to say goodbye to Rei-san, she's been a little touchy lately, but not good to keep Ritsuko-san waiting," another confusing thing. The more time she spent with the bottle blond, the more Shinji liked her! And learning about that program was going great, when Ritsuko and she went over it. Aside from the stench of tobacco, Shinji was feeling a growing crush on both Akagi and Ibuki.

With a shrug, Misato headed towards the door, sliding her shoes on she tossed Shinji' hers. "So this is what a family is like? I feel like the breadwinner and you're my trophy wife," Misato giggled a little as she put on her flight jacket. "Now if only we could get you back into your male body, maybe two or three years older looking, we could make it official," she checked her pockets for her wallet and keys.

Appearing as only the ninja albino could, Rei was behind Shinji tapping her shoulder. Since they were family, in some regard anyway, Rei had no issue standing clad only in the water that hadn't fallen to the ground. "So you are adverse to being in a relationship with Shinji-kun in her present form, good to know," she hugged her matronly figure getting Shinji damp. "Your face is red again, is something wrong?" Rei asked as she pressed the problems, two of them were hard due to the water and cold, to Shinji's side.

Words…how did words work again? Open mouth and speak right…but for the damnedest reason Shinji just couldn't. How could she be expected to think let alone speak like this? Attractive quasi-relative hanging to her side in naught but skin and water, feeling more pent up than ever in her life, and Misato openly laughing at them! Finally when Asuka walked out, a loud nonhuman screech emanated from deep inside the German's rage-hole, Shinji recovered. "R-Rei-san you're…we talked about needing clothing remember?" how could the girl forget that!?

As Rei was grabbed and forcibly removed from Shinji's side by a very confused looking Asuka, Misato capitalized on the insanity and drug Shinji out into the hallway. "Well that girl never ceases to amaze or amuse me," Misato chuckled as she continued walking. Holding Shinji's hand as if it were the most natural thing, the older woman seemed to forget the reality of the situation. Almost in hindsight, "Does she not know or not care that you're a lesbian?" Oh yeah, Misato still loved to play with Shinji's mind.

"I'm not a…" Shinji stopped not biting into Misato's hook. A wicked smile crossed her lips, "Well I guess I am one. And your choice of clothing this morning was very revealing. I could almost see through it." Not her first attempt at hosting Misato by her own petard, but Shinji felt a small level of satisfaction by the jibe. Getting into the car, strapping in and preparing for max g-force, Shinji found Misato just staring at her dumbly. Ashamed, how quickly she shifted from pride to fear, "D-did I say something wrong? Was it too much?"

Pulling out of the parking spot and putting the car into gear, Misato was silent as she entered the early morning traffic. After three lights and two very frightened morning joggers, "That wasn't a dream? I actually walked out in…oops." For a change the woman actually seemed perturbed by something she had done, as if she finally stepped over a line she hadn't expected. "I need to be careful, I have a wolf in sheep's clothing in the apartment. You might just make me unfit for marriage. But you'd marry me wouldn't you?" she asked with something bereft of kidding.

Sputtering out denials and apologies, Shinji fell right into Misato's trap, she supposed as Misato started laughing. "Misato-san! That was…that…that was deserved," Shinji sulked a little. Maybe her joke went to far, and Misato responded in kind. Can't complain about teasing when she had tried. After Misato stopped laughing the duo fell into a standard routine of conversation. How Ayanami was doing, the status of the Eva's and the cities preparedness, and any new rumors about the whereabouts of Nerv's commander.

Eventually they got to Nerv and went their separate ways. Misato went to the reopened command bridge, while Shinji went to Ritsuko's lab. Where Maya was there to greet her…and ask her out on a real date. Shinji being every bit disturbed and anxious about it, just nodded before getting ready for the days tests. Five hours of staring into Ritsuko's pretty face, talking about programming questions, oh and trying to sync with her mother as Asuka hinted she tried. In the end she nearly hit three-hundred again. Only Ritsuko stopping her prevented it.

X-X

Cleaning her face in the sink, Hikari splashed water on her face hoping the cold water would work the pain out of her stomach. Stupid periods, why did women have to have all the problems in life. Men needed to have a few negatives, how could anybody believe in evolution when women got the short end so hard. Her haggard visage offered her condolences only a pretty girl staring back at her that Hikari couldn't quite see herself. A burbling in her stomach told her that it wasn't time to head back to class yet, some lunch this was.

Heading back into the stall, the class representative shut the door and took a sit. "And Asuka wants to hang out today too, that'll just make everything wonderful," she pressed her head to the cold metal stall door. Asuka was a great friend, when the girl was in a good mood, but anything could shift the girl's mood! All Hikari wanted to do was have a lay down, some ice cream (her weight be damned!), and let her body get back to normal. "But no, Asuka will demand I cook her something, she'll get into a fight with my sisters, and then I'll be more miser…" the door opened and Hikari promptly stopped talking to herself. Not good to be seen as crazy.

"Ayanami-san, I thought you said you could set something up with Ikari-chan for me. I haven't heard back from you yet, is something wrong with him?" a demure Hikari recognized as belonging to a senior named Sakura Tachibana. Hard not to recognize the cherry blossom of the school. Traditional beauty, rich father, oh and she was on freaking television! The tranquil voice continued, "S-should I try and see him if he's feeling sick? I wouldn't want to inconvenience him."

Now Hikari was raised to be better than an eavesdropper, but this was something she wanted to know of. Plus having some good gossip took her mind off the cramps. As such she picked her feet off the ground as she heard steps coming closer. Holding her breath, Hikari saw the shadow of Rei's head under her door and it was quickly gone. Whispering, "What is Ayanami-san doing? Asuka said she was trying…but Ikari-kun is a girl right now."

The sound of Rei moving closer to the other figure in the bathroom echoed softly. "Shinji-kun is undergoing special training for Nerv at the moment. I can pass along any notes, dialogue, or requests you have to him. Aside from that I did want to inquire a few things, if you are at present able to talk," Rei could be heard pulling out some sort of paper. "As I have been brought here by you, could you abide my request?" Rei asked with no hint of letting the moment pass.

"I have a few things left to do for my senior project, and I only wanted to know about Ikari-kun. But since you were kind enough to answer," the girl sounded hesitant. "A-Ayanami-kun what are…why are…mumph!" Sakura muttered a few moments in shock exhaling.

Having seen more than one romance movie, Hikari could have sworn she recognized that sound. Daring to take a peek over the lip of the stall confines, she squealed but quickly covered her mouth. "Ayanami-san is…is…" Hikari's face blazed at the sight. Another yelp escaped her lips as Rei's eyes locked on her while lip locking with Sakura. The girl had little experience with it, from Hikari's point of view, but that didn't stop Rei's hands from clumsily abusing the taller and achingly beautiful older teen. Well Hikari didn't feel her cramps anymore that's for darn sure!

And just like that Rei broke her sensual assault but kept Sakura's attention away from the spy in their midst. Flipping open her notebook, "So the rumors of your bi-sexuality are correct. I myself am straight, but Shinji-kun might like to know of your personality traits. Do you have any issue with being with an older individual, assuming Shinji-kun is unable to be with you?" She jotted down notes and details of her victim's condition.

Beyond flustered, the long black haired and creamy jade eyed woman propelled herself back against the wall of the bathroom. "Ayanami-kun! That was…how could you do something like…y-you won't tell anybody will you?" she fixed her disheveled clothing. Looking to the mirror, Sakura fixed her hair as her rampant moving left her looking less than perfect. "Y-you think Ikari-kun would be put off by my…I only experimented a little really. He's…I've had a crush on him so long, just my father thought we'd have to move," she kept a healthy distance between herself and the kissing bandit.

Hikari could barely keep her breathing under control, she was so close to hyperventilating. Not only did Rei just kiss another girl, that wasn't something good girls did, but Sakura was actually into that type of thing!? Her father's upbringing left Hikari with a smaller world view, not that she found fault with those that lived like that, it was just…something she didn't like to think about. Listening more to Rei's questions, her heart beating so hard from the exposure, she could hardly hear over it. But in the end Hikari learned a lot about Rei's little mission, about Shinji, and oddly enough Sakura.

To think Ayanami was trying to get Shinji a girlfriend, that as a boy he was very…could something like that even FIT in her? Oh and the fact that one the most popular girls in the school had more than just a passing fancy for the boy was startling. "Asuka…you better act fast or…" Hikari wondered if Asuka stood a chance. Hell did Asuka even want Shinji, if not…well…he was cute as a boy. Wait, wasn't something going on that she should be prepping for? Not likely, images of Rei's detailed account of Shinji's nether region, his talents outside of Nerv, and the dispelling of Asuka's slander campaign left her light headed.

Then the door to her stall opened, Rei stood holding a penknife and bore down on the girl standing on the stall, thankfully she was presentable. "Representative Hokari, it is unsafe to stand on a wet toilet seat," Rei extended her hand up to the trembling girl. Yanking the girl to the ground, Rei's head tilted to the side as if examining Hikari like a side of beef. Clearing her throat, "While I have your attention and Soryu is not here to interrupt, can I ask you a few questions?"

In that moment Hikari's eyes went wide and she pealed herself out of Rei's grip and slunk away. "Ay-Ay-Ayanami-san y-you can ask me questions…but j-just ask them," she did NOT want Rei kissing her. Eying the door, wondering if she could outrun the Nerv trained child if needed, and realized no she couldn't. Still keeping herself at arm's length to the girl, "D-does it have to do with what Tachibana-san was asking? D-do you really think she likes Ikari-kun? Asuka says girls like that are just after attention."

Holding the notebook out for Hikari to see, Rei ran her finger down her figures. "Of all of the girls I have contacted at the school, she is in the top echelon of them. Physical appearance, financial status, personality compatibility, and her personal interest in him are all exemplary. Aside from possible Soyru the only person I have not yet quantified is yourself. So, if given the option, would you consider a relationship with Shinji-kun? I have notes that state you were considering a relationship with his companion Suzuhara," Rei flipped the book shut and slid it back into her pocket.

A relationship with Shinji? Hikari wouldn't lie and say she hadn't considered it, but it was squashed by Asuka's presence and her childhood friendship with Touji. "I…I couldn't in good conscious. I mean I think Asuka likes him, and even though Touji is hurt I can…" could she wait for a man with only one arm and leg? He had been very adamant that he wasn't willing in his current state. "What about you Ayanami-san? Why go through all of this if you don't like he-him," she correct her pronoun. Ayanami was odd, but she had never been so driven before, and it was leaving Hikari wondering…just what did Ayanami think of Shinji?

Pulling out another piece of paper, this one a single sheet, Rei handed it to Hikari. "Suzuhara will begin a new LCL therapy devised by Akagi-san. It has a seventy five percent chance of causing his body to re-grow its damaged tissue. That aside, Shinji-kun has stated on multiple times of his appreciation for you. He enjoyed your physique and sense of determination and rules based structure. If you are not opposed to 'his' current state, it would put you in the short list," Rei nodded and headed for the door. "My number, call if you want to be included in my further listings," And with that Rei was gone.

Rattled, Hikari just looked at Rei's business card and wondered when the girl had the time to get them made. Then the fact that Touji was likely to be better again replaced her cramps with warm flutters. "Sorry Ikari-kun but…I guess I still like Touji more," but she would support Asuka if needed. Maybe Rei deserved the support more though. Asuka just put Shinji down before, and here Rei was hunting for women for Shinji. What good had Asuka done for him, why should Rei suffer? So what if they looked a little the same, but if they were really family? "Ugh, this is to hard for me to think about no," she groaned and headed back to class.

Asuka was looking positively radiant when Hikari got back and sat down. Apparently Shinji went all out on her lunch, girl's heart was in her stomach apparently. Whatever those tests they were always taking were going better too, so Asuka's mood was drastically better than it had been lately. She'd talk to Asuka about the Rei issue outside of school, why make the girl upset now. Putting her attention on school had been hard though, not with knowledge of Touji's operation. Hikari just wanted to run to the hospital, hug the boy, and assure him that she was proud and would be there for him.

"Earth to Hikari, class is over and I want to get out of here! The longer we stay the bigger the chance of seeing Pimp-Rei working her magic on more idiotic girls," Asuka was leaning overbearingly in Hikari's direction. Gathering her stuff in her satchel, Asuka's positive mood cut much of the menace out of her verbal barb. Tapping her foot, "Lets go, I want to relax. I'd suggest shopping, but I think we should wait for Shinji before we go again. I think it'd do good for 'him' to be around people 'his' age and not those old hags." Asuka's eye twitched each time she referred to Shinji in the masculine, not a good liar was Asuka Langley Soryu.

Rocked from her little fantasy of Touji's recovery party, Hikari squealed a little before quickly looking away from Asuka. Gathering her few bits of homework into her bag, she was on her feet in moments. "I think Ayanami-san is done with that for the day," she scratched at her nose not comfortable keeping secrets herself. Following Asuka as the German weaved a path through the slower girls, Hikari gasped as they nearly collided with Sakura. "S-sorry Tachibana-san, we're in a little bit of a h-hurry," Hikari couldn't look the bi-curious girl in the eyes.

"Oh it's alright, Hokari-kun, was looking for a girl from your class. Soryu," Sakura said the last name curtly. Women could sense potential rivals, and Tachibana considered the strawberry blond a potent one. "Off to ridicule and mock more men are you?" she asked with just the right amount of edge.

Picking up her phone that fell due to the collision, Asuka simple tilted her head and bit back a laugh. "Oh you, wall flowers you stay closer to the fringe, or you might get hurt by real people," Asuka mocked the generally tranquil girl. Grabbing Hikari's wrist, Asuka pulled on to prevent any other potential conversation with unworthy members of the human race. Once they got far enough away, Asuka opened the gates for gossip, and as normal had the newest, juiciest, and most likely fake. Who was dating who, who was moving due to the ongoing battles, and who got caught doing something bad.

Letting Asuka talk, as really Hikari knew by now not to interrupt the girl when she was going, Hikari just let her mind wander. Bits of gossip were nice or cute, others were just brutal and cruel. "Honestly Asuka, I can't believe Saionji and Kiryuu are gay, let alone a secret couple. They're just odd student council members, and aren't they fighting over that Himemiya girl?" she had seen the odd president and vice president before, but even Hikari had her doubts.

Waiting for Hikari to open the door to her apartment, Asuka just shrugged and grinned. The girl was doing that a lot lately, whatever was going on inside Asuka's head was positive if nothing else. "I don't know, but they always had that odd vibe about them. As for that girl, she seems far too docile to be worth the effort. What is it about you Japanese liking doormats as lovers? Far too many shows have the guys going after the 'Nadesisco'," Asuka stuck her tongue out jokingly.

Putting the key on the hook inside the door, Hikari kicked her shoes off. "It's a traditional thing, I don't get it either," she admitted before yelling out, "I'm home! Kodama, Nozomi are you guys home?" She knew her father worked late, but her sisters were debatable. Flipping on lights as they walked in, "Guess they're either at school clubs or study groups." Good, less chance of a fight between Asuka and them.

Leaping over the back of Hikari's couch, Asuka bounced with elegance and grace as only somebody beloved of the god's could…damn Hikari hated that. "Good, you're older sister rubs me the wrong way sometimes. So goody-goody and preachy," Asuka wouldn't go into how Kodama was a vision unto mind shattering proportions. Rolling onto her stomach, "Speaking of doormats, you hear the rumor that Tachibana is gay?" I mean it makes sense then why she's going after Shinji! He's just a trophy to mask her true ways." Something about Asuka's sudden jab spoke of more desperation than real belief.

Unfurling the controllers to Nozomi's game system, Hikari readied herself for a long winded rant on why all girls not in the room were evil. Asuka could go on for hours about why all the boys sucked and the girls were worthless. "Well I've not heard it…but I have seen something," Hikari felt the need to gush. Maybe Asuka could provide more info about Ayanami and her crusade to get Shinji laid. Turning the game on, she sat next to Asuka, "It happened over lunch…" she then went on to describe the scene while they played.

To Asuka's credit, the story she heard only made her lose four out of ten matches, but those were wonderfully therapeutic for Hikari who hardly ever won. "I knew that girl was odd, but who would have thought she was that damn smart too," Asuka bit her thumb as she dropped her controller down. Checking her watch, a sudden apprehension worked over her so clear even Shinji would have been able to see it.

"I know, who would have thought Tachibana-san was so clever at hiding her intentions all this time. But I wonder why she waited till now to try talking to Ikari-kun," Hikari mused as she rolled up the controller. Once Asuka dropped hers she knew the games were over, and likely TV or food time for the girl. Turning on the news, she found Asuka staring blankly at her lap, "Asuka, what's wrong?"

Crossing her legs, Asuka's right foot jerked about in spastic motions. "Not talking about Tachibana, talking about Ayanami. Girl was smart enough to go for the kiss and not just ask. Words can be faked, its easy to lie…but the reaction. Ayanami is so determined on this she'll go so far as to make out with girls when she claims she doesn't even like it. Have to admit that's dedication I thought she lacked. But…but why?" Asuka finally looked up. Her eyes a roadmap of confusion and a smidge of fear.

Stopping as Asuka almost paid Ayanami a complement, Hikari had to admit she hadn't thought about that little fact. "I guess she really cares about Ikari-kun. But with how they look so similar she doesn't consider herself an option?" tentatively prodding Asuka in the directions she thought best. Sitting on the couch next to the prone girl, "How does that make you feel?"

Standing up abruptly, Asuka vaulted back over the couch with ease. "Like I need to head home and insure that freak doesn't do something odd. They're supposed to be watching a movie tonight, so I'll be keeping them company. Don't mind do you?" she pleaded silently that it was alright.

Patting her tummy, Hikari found the strength to nod. "Not my best day anyway. You go sort out Ayanami. Try to tell her not to do such odd things in school. And try and sort out how you feel for Ikari-kun, even if her situation is odd," Hikari waved as Asuka tore off running. It was going to be fun over at that apartment, Hikari bet. And she counted herself lucky that Asuka left. The day went from horrid to rosy and peaceful. "Touji'll be back, Asuka is happier, and in a day or two I won't feel like crap!" yes it was a good day to be a Hokari.

X-X

"So are you going to invite us out to a family restaurant, Kaji?" Makoto asked while hiding behind a manga. The nerd shared a look at Shigeru before the two burst out into hysterical laughter. Bringing the book up to his face, right against his glasses, "That is if any of them will let you back in."

Dry laughing, Kaji was not enjoying being the butt of the joke, especially one told by Nerv's resident dweeb. "Well if you're paying I'd be all about it. But after my little attempt at repaying the pilots for all their effort, I'm flat broke," he pulled his pockets out to emphasize. It had cost more pride than money to pay for Asuka's little outbreak and Rei's larger than expected appetite. But it had been illuminating to know Maya actually cared beyond what little fixation he had.

His fingers dancing in the air plucking his imaginary guitar, Shigeru had only one eye open and it was stuck on Kaji. "So going to tell us the real reason you asked 'all' the pilots out for that little meal? Maya made it sound as if you were making on the Third. That's a little creepy considering Akagi is making it sound she can turn Shinji back," his lips curled up in a savage smile.

"Ok, I admit that when this first happened I had a little fixation. Yui Ikari was a real fine woman it seems. Just all wrapped up in things," Kaji held his hands up in defeat. "Now can either of you tell me you wouldn't have tried if you didn't know who was in the pilot's seat?" he bore down on both men. When the wrinkled under his intensity, Kaji stood up straight. Sticking his hands into his pockets, Kaji rocked on the balls of his feet, "But that's all behind me now. Not worth the trouble, the questions, and I think our dear Ibuki would skin any of us alive first."

The manga in Makoto's hand fell through his prone fingers and his jaw hung slack for a few moments. "Maya really wants to…even knowing…wow. And you think you know a person," he bent over in his chair to pick up his fallen comic. Setting it on this console the man got back to work, "And here I thought I had a chance."

"If you ever stopped being Katsuragi-san's whipping boy," Shigeru imparted with another smirk. Nodding at Kaji, Shigeru then flinched his head towards the now sweating Makoto.

Half smiling, Kaji just chuckled as he headed for the exit of the command bridge. "Well if she truly is over me, you have my blessing to try. Just know she's not all sunshine and sugar," Kaji knew from experience. But he still loved the woman, his little bouts of infidelity aside. It would have been stupid to think nobody would have tried to get with Misato with him gone so much, but to think they were so close at hand. "She'd tear him apart and spit out the leavings though," Kaji could only imagine how quickly Misato would destroy the carefully constructed image in Makoto's mind.

Finding his way down to the labs, a sync test with all the pilots was going on, Kaji hoped Misato would at least talk to him today. So he made a mistake, called her the wrong name…it was only one time! And it wasn't as if he was truly aiming for a relationship with Shinji, that would be just to odd. The timid teenager that asked him life questions, and he convinced to return and caused all this mess. Kaji owed Shinji a lot more than a quick one time between the sheets, and the more he thought about it the more shame he felt. A grown man convinced a teenager to risk their life, then after a freak accident wants to bang her? Smooth move.

Opening the door to the lab, Kaji walked in and was immediately regretting his decision. Three sets of eyes fell on him the moment he walked in, and all he could do was lean forward, raise his hand, and say, "Yo!" Maya smiled sweetly, Ritsuko rolled her eyes, and Misato…love of Kaji's life…glared hateful beams of pure malice at him. Noticing that the test plugs were empty, Kaji quickly released today was a test of the actual units, the pilots weren't anywhere near. "So how are the lovely ladies of Nerv today? Ibuki-kun, sorry about the other night at the restaurant," he mustered as much sincerity as he could.

"Just what we need, another oddity for today's testing. I swear I'm going to start holding these things in secret," Ritsuko murmured as she typed. Pulling the microphone closer to her lips said, "Alright, Shinji-kun, going to lower your depth a bit more. But if Soryu or you try that trick you've been doing I'll eject you right into the lake!"

Approaching Misato and Maya, but giving them both enough personal space, Kaji examined the scores and whistled. "Wow they're all doing stellar! Nice turn around for Asuka too, and I don't think I've ever seen Ayanami that high before. But…why are they so quiet? And what trick was she talking about?" Kaji couldn't help but steal a glance at Misato. Damn that woman was still able to work his buttons. "I'm not interrupting anything am I?" he finally noticed an odd chill about the room.

With her arms wrapped at her waist, Misato kicked her foot against Maya's shoe angrily. "Well Ibuki-kun here just had to 'lose' a DVD to our resident mamma's girl. And our pilots had themselves a movie night last night. They're all out of sorts it seems," Misato tried to stay angry looking but anybody could see the scowl didn't go to her eyes. Biting back a laugh, her head jerking at the exertion, "Maya, what were you thinking showing that girl anything like that? Let alone letting her steal one?"

"So our little troupe found themselves watching a little triple X rated action did they?" Kaji found himself picturing it perfectly. That had to have been an odd night for all of them, and likely a few odd questions from Ayanami during and after. Though Kaji knew one thing that made it more funny than nervous, "Well at least they were lacking the once essential piece of equipment from acting on teenage hormones. Now if Shinji was back in her old body…" He didn't go on, but he suspected Ritsuko would be administering pregnancy tests, at least on Asuka as Rei was well a freak. Misato was going to get a little email about the nature of one Ayanami Rei.

Eying the screens carefully, Ritsuko twisted a few dials expertly before getting out of her seat. Smoothing her lab coat down, "Well that would be the case, if Ayanami didn't borrow something a bit more specialized. Our little Maya-chan is a woman of the world, and if she's as interested in my dear Shinji-kun as she claims…she'd need experience." Ritsuko patted Maya's knee then grabbed it to give it a wiggle. "Why don't you tell the big bad man in the room what she took?" now it was Ritsuko's tern to hold in a snort.

Pulling a folding chair over closer to the bay of computers, Kaji's anxiety was slowly ebbing out of him. Just picturing the pilots all on Misato's couch as an unexpected turn of events transpired had him forgetting about the hell his life could be. Threats of Gendo ending his life upon exposure were replaced with Asuka bolding declaring 'if you're watching this then I have to too!' or some other to the same effect. "This is rich, they didn't do anything did they?" Kaji caught sight of Misato eyeing him, good sign.

If anybody looked like they wanted to crawl inside themselves and form a black hole, it was Maya. "S-Strawberry Lilies, I-I never watched it myself. It was a gift when I made my l-last order," turning hotly to Kaji, Maya held out a warning finger. She wasn't going to take any gruff from the man, this was as close to girl talk as it got for the trio lately, and Kaji was infringing. "I didn't even think she'd take it. The one we watched the night she came over. Well it was normal, o-one of my favorites. DON'T YOU JUDGE ME RYOJI-KUN!" Maya looked as if her whole body was one full on blush.

Laughing so hard he fell out of his chair, Kaji found his head pressing against the ground. Gales of laughter pealed out of him. "They were watching a lesbian movie? Well I hope it had a better story than the standard stuff. Bet that confused he heck out of our little Shinji," Kaji felt tears rolling down his cheeks. It couldn't get better, three repressed teenagers, well two teenagers and one gender/age swapped woman, watching a movie that featured their situation. Oh Kaji bet Asuka nearly short fused. "Well, Ibuki-kun, hope that works out for you and Ikari-kun," he saw a hand extended out towards him.

Yanking Kaji back up, Misato's smile was slowly fading away. "Yeah that was pretty funny. But you didn't see the odd looks they were all giving each other when I got home and found them watching it. Rei looked about ready to pounce, but who I don't know. Asuka was just all red faced and confused, and Shinji. Oh did she ever look ready to pop. Didn't help the scene they were on featured a plastic friend, Shinji doesn't know those to well," Misato released her hold on Kaji but he didn't do the same.

"Katsuragi…" Kaji tried to convey his feelings through his hand. This felt right, and he knew he messed up. Her hand tensed in his, "You didn't offer to teach them did you? Seems like something you'd do." It wasn't the right time, things were to strained, but damn it was hard not to go that extra mile. Hearing both Maya and Ritsuko cough discreetly, Kaji remembered he wasn't alone with Misato. Reluctantly letting go, "Well that explains why they're quiet, but how about their scores?"

Going from smiling to being cold and detached again, Ritsuko shrugged and went back to idly messing with Maya's mind with simple touches. "Seams that Shinji-kun and Asuka-kun have a little theory they're playing with. All it seems to do is nearly liquefy them, which upsets Ayanami and Misato. Distractions abound today. Added to it Maya just HAD to ask Shinji-kun out on a date and has been making googley eyes at her means today is just a wash," Ritsuko fell despondently into her chair and threw her head back in exasperation.

Tapping her foot, keeping Maya between Kaji and herself, Misato continued to sulk. "So there you have it Kaji. Questions answered, so maybe you can take off now so we have fewer distractions going on in this room," she flinched her head towards the door.

Why did she have to be so stubborn! Was this woman going to hold one little verbal slip, a slip of the tongue in the wrong way, against him forever? They could die tomorrow from an angel attack or a crazed Gendo, and she was holding one two syllable word against him. "Katsuragi, I apologized for that time and time again. It was a stupid mistake! You can't seriously think I'd throw what we had-HAVE away just because of a warm body do you?" the moment he spoke Kaji winced inwardly. What caused them to break up last time…?

"Ask Momiji Takagawa about warm bodies," Misato twirled around frantically. Her hair splayed about and fell forward over her shoulders. Advancing on the man, rage building from old wounds and new that hadn't healed properly. "You go on and on about how much you care, how much you're sorry for what you've done. But what have you ever done to actually prove it? You cheat on me in college, the next time I see you Asuka is clinging to you and you let her, and when we finally try to get back together you call me SHINJI's name! Kaji, that was strike three," Misato stood stoically and vehemently over the stunned man.

Holding up his hands defensively, Kaji fully expected Misato to throw a shot at him. "But I mean it! W-what can I do to make it up to you. Anything, anything at all ask and I'll do it!" and he meant it. It was a man thing that caused their issues, Kaji liked feeling appreciated by women. Letting Asuka flaunt over him was a sign he still virile enough to attract women, Momiji was the same, but the last bit was just an pure accident. Back peddling away from the flared Katsuragi, "I-I mean it. Ask away."

"Ok," Misato smiled as daintily as possible, "How about we go on a date and I call you Shinji all night. And if you manage a miracle and I gave you another shot I'd still call you Shinji. How would THAT make you feel?" Misato leaned forward, her uniform showing off excessive cleavage that distracted her prey and left him dry mouthed. Pressing her advantage, "What would you say to that?"

Think of a joke, think of something to disarm the situation, Kaji's mind warred. "Well, no offense to one of my favorite pilots, but I'd think you'd be selling her memory a little large? D-didn't you tell us when she moved he she flashed you on accident and it was…" sorry Shinji but he'd use anything to get out of this situation. It had been told in confidence to Ritsuko and him, that Shinji flashed her day one and was a little on the small side. Shinji, even if she was a woman now, had to have her male memories and would forgive.

"About that," Misato actually smiled even more sinister, "turned out my lil Shin-chan has a power pole. You know about those don't you? Unlike you, he extends on and on. Not my proudest moment but I walked in on her in the shower a few weeks before the accident. And well..." She blushed and held out her fingers about six or seven inches apart. "What was yours again? Have to admit at times I was tempted to ask him out. Kind, cute, packing," she shorted it by about an inch.

"YOU SAW HER WHAT?/Why did you not tell me of this event?" Asuka followed quickly by Rei asked over the communication.

Maya, Misato, and Kaji all turned to the monitors to find a trio of flustered and mind blasted pilots. "W-why could they hear that? I-I thought you turned the sound off?" Kaji asked getting up and pressing against the door. This wasn't what he expected, not at all! Was Misato joking or just teasing or was she true? Kaji would admit that he knew a few guys like that, damn things were collapsible poles. But to think that little Shinji would? Shaking his head free of self-examination, "I-uh…I wouldn't…mind K-Katsuragi?

But Misato wasn't thinking anymore, no her eyes were fixed horrified on the monitor. Finding Shinji's face full red, body tensed and ridged, "I-uh…I was joking Shinji-kun."

Maya squealed loud, "Sempai h-how could you let them hear me talking about such personal stuff!"

"I thought it only fair that if we're talking about them, that they hear us. So I turned the volume back ON not off," Ritsuko informed the collective stunned assembly. All out chaos exploded at that point. Asuka calling the adults names, Rei asking Shinji for clarification and questions to Misato, Maya nearly fainting, and Kaji just sighed and left the room. Best to let that take care of itself.

X-X

His eyes burned, his throat was sore, mind felt like ants were fighting a never ending war with bees, oh yeah Gendo felt on top of the world. Never more grateful for his glasses, they blocked out what little light from the pillar he was standing in. It was very telling when only Kehl was illuminated and the other members were absent. It was all going to scratch, damn old men and women just wanted to live forever! Well, his days of grass and booze were over and it was time to get things back on track.

"Ikari, we have a problem. The others have abandoned us and are withdrawing their funding from out background projects," Kehl leaned heavily on his desk. The man's cyclopean visor hung loosely to his withered face as he mopped sweat off his forehead. Coughing hoarsely, "Instrumentality is essential for the betterment of our species, those fools just want to be young and rich again."

Gendo wasn't buying what Kehl was selling, and both men knew it. Kehl wanted to die, old Centurion was tired of eternal life/punishment and this was his only way out. "We still have the necessary components in place. Adam and Lilith are still ours to do with what we will. We just advance the scenario a little," Gendo fixed his coat. His body ached though, even knowing he could get things as he wanted the weeks of abuse were taking their toll. Rubbing is aching temples, "We still have funding for the Evangelions as the public still fears the Angels."

The door to Gendo's office opened and the man's two aces in the hole walked in side by side. "Sir I've brought pilot Ayanami as requested. She just finished with her work with the Dummy system," Kozo yawned as the late hour disagreed with his age. "With the full synchronization test earlier today and Akagi's extra work on her, she is quite tired though. Same as me," he hide his yawn behind his hand.

Walking up to Gendo, in full view of the decrepit member of Seele, Rei saluted her commanding officer. "Commander, I was not aware you returned to active duty. Sub-Commander Fuyutski insisted you were on extended leave," Rei's eyes were extra red as the fatigue creeped out of her irises.

Gesturing to Rei, Gendo's lips curled up in a mockery of joy and warmth. "I'm back from my little vacation. And we have great things to do, Ayanami," his palm gingerly clapped down on his pawn's shoulder. This was a tool, nothing but a tool, just like what piloted Unit-01. All to get his wife back, he'd sacrifice it all. "Kehl, we can instigate the Instrumentality whenever we want. As long as we keep our pieces in order," Yui wouldn't be able to deny him! If they were all LCL they wouldn't have bodies anymore, and no lawyers to say they were divorced!

Amid Kozo's stunned gasp, Kehl's jowls reeled back like meaty curtains. "I see your point, Ikari. But we need to act fast regardless. The other members will act against not only you, but myself as well. They don't want our grand design anymore. They'll use their resources to stop us, even if it means taking out certain necessities," Kehl looked squarely at Ayanami.

"Sir you can't be serious. We can't…I think we should abandon this now. Yui-kun would never forgive you for this. No matter what happens after, she'd never forgive you!" Kozo shouted as his cheeks colored in anger. Stomping his foot, grasping Rei by the wrist, the old man pulled the girl out and away from Gendo's grip. Using his arm as a shield for the girl in case Gendo tried anything, "And I don't like talking of our pilots as if they were some disposable commodity."

Taking off his glasses, showing Kozo his bleak and somber eyes, Gendo shook his head without breaking eye contact. "You forget sensei, we can replace her if needed. You were part of the team that created her, you know the truth. If those fools manage to take out this shell, we have countless others. Hell we even expected her to die once or twice along the way," Gendo was tired of this old man sentimentality. In the beginning, when Yui was still there, Kozo had been the one to approach them with the plan. Now, he was backing out due to senility or sentimentality.

Holding her hand up as if in school Rei waited to be acknowledged. Once Gendo finally wafted his hand in her direction, Rei ruined a lot of the crazy man's plans. "Sir, I must inform you of two facts. Fact one, Akagi-san took me to the tank of my spare parts and gave me the option to destroy them. I did, so I am truly unique now. Second, due to your comments concerning my familiarity with Ikari Shinji and Ikari Yui I will not go along with any plans that might hurt my family. It was you that told me that family was what was important," Rei then yawned cutely and rubbed at her eye without a care in the world.

HE HAD MEANT YUI NOT HIS DAMN GROIN SPAWN! Gendo was filled with such indiscriminate rage that he was seeing double. His hands went up towards Rei's throat with every inclination to squeeze until her eyes popped out of their sockets. The plan to smash the lumps ended summarily when Kozo slammed a withered fist into his stomach dropping him to his knees. "T-thanks…needed that," Gendo wheezed out, "temporary insanity." Salvage operations were his specialty. "T-take Ayanami to a room onsite or her current residence. We'll deal with all this…later," he got up on shaky limbs.

"Sir," Rei saluted again and spun around when Kozo prompted and followed his lead out of the office.

Once the door was shut, Kehl wrapped a gnarled knuckle on whatever desk he was sitting at. "It seems you were mistaken about things, Ikari. All that we have left now are the Third Child, Unit-01, and Lilith. Now unless you're going to try and tell me you can get the Third Child to initiate the scenario on her own, we have major problems," for a change the man actually sounded worried.

This was what separated the truly devoted from the posers, Gendo thought dryly. Putting his glasses back on, he pushed them up the bridge of his nose hard. "Ayanami still trusts me, or she'd not have come here. Her mind is malleable to drugs just as any normal human is. When the time comes, I'll pump her so full of something she won't know what's what until we've gotten what we want. We can wait till the angels are gone, but with her ruining the spares…well I think we just push the envelope and see what turns out," what did he have to lose anyway.

"A bold proposition, Ikari. We don't know what staging Instrumentality prior to the angels defeat will cause. But you have a point. If we don't soon, we might not be able to act at all. Our venues of operation are being taken from us. If you don't know, you're command has been put up for evaluation. One of our members must have friends on the UN council," Kehl grunted as he pulled out a full bottle of scotch.

Reaching into his jacket, Gendo pulled out a hipflask of brandy and twisted the cap off. Holding his drink out to kehl's image, "To our futures, and the losses of our enemies!" They both took a drink in unison and like that Kehl was gone.

So things weren't going to hot, Yui wanted a divorce and sent her body back with her son's mind, strange. His loyal invincible puppet was no longer loyal or invincible, he could do without the quasi-teenage version of his wife too. All that mattered now was…oh crud. "All that I can do now is turn myself into liquid along with all the earth and hope in the combined masses my wife is there and forgives me," he took another deep drink of his flask. "Maybe, maybe it's not too late to ask Akagi if she wants to try again?" but he knew it was too late, his spies told him that. Damn woman was making moves on his wife's body!

"Whelp, LCL it is," and with that he drained his flask passed out and slept at a horrible angle that night.

X-X

After her little outburst on Kaji the day before, Misato did not expect to be seated next to him at fancy club the following night. But Misato had to admit her pickings were slim for a spontaneous on the fly 'double date'. Shinji owed her big for this, not that Shinji asked for it specifically or even knew she was now in Misato's debt. Something about how the teen turned woman looked while staring at her clothing just told Misato 'come with me'. So Misato called up the only man on her phone, Makoto didn't count, that could be used in a pinch.

Maya didn't look happy at first, Misato realized, but the woman needed to realize any relationship with Shinji would be a little awkward. Seated above the dance floor, the restaurant portion of the club, the quartet shared a decent meal and a very nice vintage wine. "So, Maya-kun, why the sudden zest for a date why my dear Shinji-kun," Misato twirled her wine around in the glass. That was a sign of sophistication right, or was that brandy?

Positioned on the outside rim of the circular table at which they sat, Kaji across from her and Shinji next to her, Maya sipped her drink at a much more leisurely pace. "Ryouji-san got me thinking the other day at the restaurant. I know I like Shinji-kun, and I want to know if she can like me as well. So what better time to act than now?" she reached under the table and a moment latter Shinji looked at the table and blushed.

Cutting into his steak with practiced ease, Kaji was all smiles with a rum and coke in place of wine. "Well glad something good could come from that nightmare of an outing," he took a savage bite out of his dripping beef. His standard work attire actual swapped out for a more casual suit, the dashing rogue was getting a few looks from the ladies about the club. Washing down the tasty treat with his drink, "Have to admit I wasn't expecting a little double date out of this though. I guess I owe you Ikari-kun."

I bet you weren't pig! Misato so wanted to call out at him about it, but why ruin the night early. With her sitting next to Shinji, Misato was in full mother bird mode. No little girl was going to corrupt her…adult daughter. Well maybe the analogy was a little off at the moment, but the feeling was still there! Hey her glass was half empty, holding it above her head, Misato smirked at Kaji in how quick it got refilled.

After wetting her whistle, "So what else is in the plan for tonight? Been ages since I had a date night and I don't want to go home until places kick us out!" It sure beat going home to find Asuka and Rei 'accidentally' watching anther of Maya's movies. Dear god she hoped that was a onetime event, though Shinji's stunned expression was damn cute. Her cheeks started to warm with the alcohol coursing through her, "As for you, don't get any wide ideas. I'm still angry at you, I just needed a body and I didn't want Makoto getting his hopes up."

Only on her first glass of wine, outpaced by the second slowest Maya by two, Shinji was a wonderful bashful happy. "I've never been on a date before, so I don't know what's really supposed to happen on them. So I'm happy with whatever Maya-san wants to do," she picked at her salad at a leisurely pace. Such a look of serene contentment, as if a lifelong pursuit was just completed, Shinji leaned a little against Maya and her cream colored evening wear.

"Well I thought we'd eat here, dance a bit, and if it's not too late head back to my place to watch a movie or just chat for a while," Maya dabbed her mouth with her napkin. Spoiling herself that evening, the svelte dressed Ibuki was having lobster with oysters while looking almost as happy as Shinji. Setting her clumsily held knife and fork down, "And I guess I am glad you're here Katsuragi-san. I'll admit I'm a bit nervous to. Not many dates on my side to be much of a guide for Shinji-kun here."

Misato's eye twitched slightly at the possibly unintended jab at her robust dating experiences. "Always glad to be of service when I can. But I wonder why you didn't invite Ritsuko if you were nervous. You two seemed to like double teaming Shinji here," Misato noticed. Whenever Maya or Ritsuko were alone with Shinji the other would find a reason to intrude. Another small annoyance, more jealousy than anything, was how damn happy Shinji looked. Was she so starved for affection that even the mousy tech, far below her stature and league, was more than enough to make her joyous?

"Ritsuko-san said she had an issue with Rei-san's testing yesterday and was going to be out today," Shinji announced to the startled crowd. Blinking quickly as she found three sets of eyes on her, Shinji cringed in on herself. Stuttering out an explanation, "I called her today after Rei-san came home late yesterday. She's never late like that, and I wanted to make sure she was alright."

A small touch, a casual touch, of Maya's hand down Shinji's exposed arm found Misato twitching in her seat. "That's sweet of you Shinji-kun. You've really helped Ayanami-kun since this whole thing started. And don't think we haven't noticed how she's warmed up to you. The mother thing, if you're stuck like this…you'd do a good job," Maya's hands rubbed against one another as she examined her half eaten plate of food.

Ok, there was cute and then there was diabetes level of sugar intake. Misato was not for cute and cuddly, and she didn't want that for Shinji either. She needed a more mature woman to start out, not this kiddy stuff. "Get out of the way Kaji, it's time to dance. Shinji, Maya let's get our rumps on the floor and make men mess their slacks!" she'd done it before and with her firepower doubled with Shinji…going to be a run on clean boxers tonight!

To hell with the remaining food and drink, she couldn't take bashful Maya's subtle flirting or how easy Shinji fell into it. Naiveté had its place, and it was at her apartment and it was teased relentlessly. Dragging Shinji by hand who in turn dragged Maya, Misato headed down the circular stairway to the club proper. Not a teen or young adult club, this was a more mature crowd, her age and up and Misato was stunned she hadn't heard of it before. Standing on the outskirts of the dance floor, Misato relinquished her leading roll. "Well who is up for some dancing?" it had been ages since she had been.

"You know how don't you, Shinji-kun, how to dance?" Kaji asked at a respectable distance. Hard not to be with Maya ready, willing, and wanting to spring in to separate them. Moving a step closer to Misato, a very well hidden once over of her curves masked by a cough, Kaji did a little one-two strut. Pointing up into the air, "Not my kind of music, but you just move with the flow of the beat and it'll be fine."

Following Maya onto the floor, Shinji nodded and bobbed her head a little. "I learned a little classical dance from my old teacher's wife. She was the one that taught me cello, and said if I play classical I should dance classical," Shinji tried moving a little with the music. It was comical, if not outright sad, to watch Shinji try dancing. The other women and men, were so much more vibrant and energetic with spastic and wild motions, Shinji's was controlled chaos.

"Just have fun, both of you," Misato teased Shinji with a hand trailing down her cleavage down to her belly button. Oh Misato knew a lot of the single guys were watching, so why not put on a little show. "Kaji go get us our drinks from the table," she shooed the man off. Free of the masculine influence, Misato began her tutelage in the fine art of dance club cruelty. Spending equal time with Shinji and Maya, getting them to loosen up, relax. Misato was sweating but having a great time by when Kaji got back.

Extending the freshly topped wine back to Misato, Kaji winked at her, "Your drink madam." Spreading out the love to the other women, he winked and provided healthy mind dulling intoxicant. Saddling up close to Misato, putting a show of ownership to ward off any other would be usurper, Kaji showed off a few of his favorite steps. When they pointed and laughed at him, Kaji showed a rare case of unease, "So I'm a little rusty. Give me a little while and I'm sure I can get back into it."

He was an attractive lug, just she'd been burned by him so many times before it made trusting him hard. Misato let her mind and body relax as the night wore on. A solid hour of dancing and teasing Shinji and Maya had been a godsend. The tension she had been having, mostly with Shinji due to Kaji, was ebbing away. It had been hilarious when a duo of young men came up to Maya and Shinji and asked them to dance. Shinji paled and looked sick while Maya just hid behind the taller Ikari. Enough to say, those two men walked off with their tails between their legs whimpering.

"C-can we sit down for a bit, I'm getting a bit winded," Shinji finally asked after a particularly fast song came to an end. While she was still more conservative than Misato's out-and-out liquid sex appeal, but Shinji had more grace and elegance in movement than Maya's uncoordinated flailing. Already heading back up the stairs, Kaji right behind her, "This was a great idea, Maya-c-san, I didn't know I could move like that."

Nearly on the same step as the woman, Kaji was fast on her trail. "Well I'm shocked more guys didn't try hitting on the two of you. If I wasn't so close to Misa-chan back there she'd have had all the floor on her," he sounded nearly prideful of that. Moving to get into the booth after Shinji, Kaji found Misato holding his hand and squeezing in before him. "We done here, or just taking a break? I don't want to sound old, but my joints are going to be yelling at me in the morning," he sat next to Misato and smoothly wrapped an arm around her shoulder.

Misato nearly burst when Maya sat down and did the same old and corny move, but she guessed it was new to the two of them. Her head tipsy, Misato was starting to get into the philosophy stage of drunk she got to on occasion. Maybe it was cute to see Maya and Shinji, but it left her feeling alone and that wasn't good. They chatted a little, Maya actually explaining what her job was to Misato's astonishment, but through it all Misato was envious of the actual dating pair. Kaji was just a buffer, an excuse to insure Maya and Shinji didn't do anything stupid. Fat chance of that, Maya and Shinji couldn't force anything on the other. Hell it looked like it would be consensual at this point. Lucky bitches.

Blinking at Misato with the eye Shinji couldn't see, Maya finally put an end to things, "I think I'm ready to head back to my place. If you two want to come along to, that's alright with me, if it is with you Shinji-kun." Maya was making sure both Kaji and Misato took the hint, 'PLEASE GIVE ME A CHANCE TO BE ALONE WITH HER!' Throughout the course of the night Maya had groped, touched, and just been close to Shinji the whole time and appeared to be on the cusp of genuine love.

Her head wobbling a little with a mixture of bliss, booze, and exhaustion, Shinji put her hand atop of Maya's on the table. "I'd be good either way. It was nice to spend a night out with all of you, outside of work the oddity of things. I know, know you still think of me as the teenager I was before…but tonight I felt actually included. Not an outsider looking in," Shinji's eyes actually misted up a trifle. Actually dabbing her eye of a single solitary tear, Shinji dazzled them all with a smile that went on forever.

"I think, Kaji and I will take our leave. You two go have fun, but not too much now. And Maya I will be asking about what happened," Misato stumbled in her seat closer to Shinji. Maybe a little too much wine, but this was a rare night out. Shinji and Maya's first, maybe only, date, and she got to see it. Sliding out of the booth, Kaji's hand holding hers, Misato could sense what he wanted. Standing at the stairs, giving Shinji and Maya once last look, Misato nodded as her sense of humor overwrote her sense of shame.

Kaji would get what he wanted, she was feeling randy after a night of sensual dancing. Half the men were eye jumping her all night anyway. But she'd get the last laugh, oh yes she would. An hour later, Kaji getting his little piggy wishes, well Misato popped a hole in his ego. Another little lie, but she faked and cried out Shinji…oh did Kaji pale. Not only pale but ran out of the room to the bathroom, the sounds coming out of it weren't pretty but Misato laughed all the harder.

X-X

Author's Notes

Well this went a bit all over the place…as this story was made to do. And the stuff I have planned in the future is even more bizarre and fun. This is just one big bag of WTF have fun…and yet I still see myself adding more drama…damn my brain for adding drama when it doesn't necessarily need it!

Well have fun holiday's go see the Hobbit and…forgive my odd timing schedule.

Zentrodie