Shinji Steel 33
Disclaimer; I do not own Neon Genesis Evangelion or Max Steel. Wish I did, though.
(Three days later; Tokyo-3 High School; afternoon)
"If that is all, class is dismissed."
The elderly teacher bows to the class as Hikari dismisses them. As they file out, Hikari notices Richard walking alongside Rei. Intent on escorting the blue-haired girl home. The two may not have had much in common, but they quickly established a rapport when Richard finally met the school's resident enigma. Along with Shinji and Ritsuko walking out, Asuka in tow. Looking down at her hands, Hikari suddenly groans when she realizes their paperwork for the upcoming school trip is with her still.
'I better catch up with them before they leave. Suzuhara and Aida too!' Running out of the classroom, she then groans upon realizing that they'd already left the grounds while she stood there. "I guess I'll have to go there then."
(Katsuragi/Ikari/Sohryu apartment; forty minutes later)
The past three days had gone by in a blur for Shinji and Asuka. True to Misato's word, both teens did DDR for three hours a day in an attempt to sync. Today is no exception. However…
"Dammit! How am I supposed to sync with you if you won't hammer down, Third?"
"First off, Second, don't call me that. I'm not thrilled to be here and you know it. Second of all, if I was to 'hammer down', as you say, you wouldn't be able to keep up."
"You mean you were going easy on me?"
"Yep. That I was."
"Then don't hold back anymore, Ikari."
"You got it, Sohryu." Before they can do anything else, however, the doorbell chimes. "Now what?"
"Good question." Smirking widely, she softly says, "Let's fuck with their minds a bit." Catching on, Shinji smirks right back and gives his reply.
"Alright." In unison, they give their reply.
"Coming!" With Asuka right behind him, Shinji goes to the door and opens it. Revealing a stunned Hikari, Touji and Kensuke. Touji's the first to respond. Stammering.
"What gives, Shin-man? You and the Devil dressing alike now?" In unison, Shinji and Asuka give their reply.
"No, this is part of our sync training. We have to work, eat, bathe and sleep together."
"That's horrible!" Hikari's face is beet red as she cries out, "You're living in sin!"
"No, it's not like that at all!"
"Then what is it like?"
"Come on in and I'll tell you all everything." Misato's voice gets the attention of all three and they turn to face her. Only to see not only Misato, but also Rei, Richard, Rits and Deidre.
"Oh, Captain Katsuragi."
"No need for that, Hikari. Just call me Misato when I'm not on duty."
"Oh, okay."
Following Misato into the apartment while Shinji and Asuka move back from the doorway, she's aware of Rei, Richard, Ritsuko and Deidre coming in. With Touji and Kensuke trailing right behind. When they get to the living room, Hikari can't help but squeal upon seeing Pen-Pen.
"So cute!"
Going right to the warm water penguin, Hikari picks him right up. Getting a soft 'wark' in reply. As she sits down, she nestles Pen-Pen into her lap, holding him snugly to her. Listening intently as Misato tells them what's been going on the past three days. With Shinji and Asuka in the background, moving to the music. When Misato's done, Hikari, Touji, Richard and Kensuke are chortling. Rits, however, is watching her beloved moving to match Asuka move for move. Only for Asuka to screech in anger upon hearing the error buzzer.
"Shiesse!" Running her fingers through her hair in exasperation, Asuka declares, "I swear, Ikari, you're either moving too fast or too slow for me! There's no way anyone can sync with you!"
"Is that so, Asuka?" Misato's question gets a snort from the redhead before she gives her reply.
"That's right, Misato. I'd like to see anyone try syncing with him."
"Okay then. Rei?"
"Yes, ma'am?" Ever the soft-spoken one, Rei kinks her head toward Misato, as if knowing where this is going.
"Give it a try."
"Yes, ma'am." Accepting Asuka's spot beside Shinji, she cues the music. Much to Asuka's surprise, she matches Shinji move for move. When every note's done, Rei and Shinji both have 100% on their score. "Is that satisfactory, Captain Katsuragi?"
"Quite, Rei. But you know you don't have to be so formal like that when we're not on duty."
"Understood, Captain Katsuragi." Misato can only palm her face in exasperation before looking over toward Rits and sees an eager look on her face.
"Why don't you give it a try, Rits?"
"Sure, Misato." As she relieves Rei, she goes on. A sultry smirk on her face. "But you all may want to be ready to exit in a hurry." Misato and Deidre both can't help but giggle. Causing no end of confusion from Richard, Asuka, Hikari, Touji or Kensuke. Rei only watches bemusedly as Touji clears his throat.
"Why do you say that, Ritsuko?" Instead of Rits answering, it's Shinji.
"Last time we moved in sync, what was it, Rits, about a month ago?" Getting a nod from her, he goes on. "We got carnal with each other."
That revelation gets Misato and Deidre to guffaw madly while Asuka and Hikari blush furiously. Touji, Richard and Kensuke can only blink stupidly while Rei's eyes just bulge out in shock. Without any further ado, Rits starts the music. As the two teens move in sync to the music, getting ever closer to each other, Asuka gapes in horror as the two go through the music.
Note for note, move for move, without fail. Along with no sign of getting carnal with each other. Asuka can't take it anymore and exits the apartment, tears starting in her eyes. Hikari sees the redhead's distress and growls out. Infuriated at how well they complement each other and not Asuka.
"Ikari, Takamiya!" Getting their attention, along with Deidre's, Hikari yells out, "You made her cry! Take some responsibility!" Shinji and Rits both nod before Deidre stops them cold.
"Shinji, you stay. Ritsy, you go talk to her. I think the topic is something only girls can discuss."
"Okay, Mom." Giving Shinji a soft peck, Rits murmurs, "I'll be right back, sweetie."
"Okay." Watching as Rits exits the apartment, Shinji turns to the others and sheepishly grins while rubbing the back of his head. "Anyone hungry? I've got enough ingredients for a recipe I've been dying to try out. Serves ten people." Deidre can't help but beam at her future son-in-law.
"That'd be lovely, Shinji. Misato?"
"Sure. Rei?"
"As long as it's without meat or you can isolate it from mine, I have no objections."
"Sure." Shinji gives the girl a nod, adding, "I think I've get a recipe that's without meat."
"Class Rep Horaki, Mr Nez, Mr Aida, Mr Suzuhara?" Deidre's question rounds off the rest.
"Sure. I'll even help."
"Okay."
"You bet!"
"If Shin-man's cooking, I'm eating." Looking down toward the penguin down in Hikari's arms, Touji then asks, "What about the penguin?"
"I've already got some salmon marinating in barbecue sauce. Should be done in twenty minutes." He then gets a pleased 'WARK' from Pen-Pen and grins. "I just hope Rits is able to talk Asuka into coming back."
(Tokyo-3 General Store)
Following a fuming redhead was not how Rits imagined her day turning out. However, she also knows full well that she and Asuka have something in common. Something that can cause problems if not straightened out promptly. Watching quietly as Asuka peruses the refrigerator, she wonders how best to start. Much to her surprise, Asuka starts.
"I know what you're thinking, Takamiya. So don't even start with that."
"Too bad, Sohryu. Because we're going to discuss our situation right here, right now."
"What situation is that?"
"Shinji." Asuka's jolt of shock gets a smirk from Rits before she says, "We've both got feelings for the same guy. Only you're miffed I got to him first."
"I'm more than miffed." Bringing out a can of orange soda, she then brings out a can of Coca-Cola and heads for the sandwich rack. "The reason I'm this way is because as an EVA Pilot, Shinji's supposed to be with me. It's a matter of pride for me." Rits can't help but roll her eyes at that.
"How shallow can you be? Shinji doesn't like the situation as much as you do. Hell, he didn't even know about being a Pilot until after that dumbass of a Commander summoned him here. Said dumbass being his own birth 'Father', no less."
"I know, Takamiya, I know." Sighing gustily as she brings out two bologna sandwiches and taking them to the register, she goes on. "You and Shinji have something going on and I can't help but want in on it." With that, she's finishing paying for the goods and both exit the store. Heading back to the apartment.
"A warm, caring relationship or hot, passionate sex between us?"
"A lot of both actually, Takamiya."
Asuka's face can't help but go beet red at that admission, causing Rits to giggle with mirth. Stunned at the girl's audacity, Asuka turns back toward her. Only to start giggling as well.
"I walked right into that one, didn't I?"
"Yep. That you did. But I'm sorry to say you're just a tad too late."
"Yeah, you're right." Her face going wicked, she adds, "But if you do something stupid like break up with him, I'm going after him. After all, he deserves to be happy."
"I wouldn't have it any other way. And he does deserve to be happy. But I don't foresee myself breaking up with Shinji. We're going to marry and have lots of children."
"How many?"
"I'm leaning toward five, maybe six."
"You're both going to be very busy. That's for sure." Giving Rits a grin, she then asks, "What were your first thoughts when you saw Shinji?"
"I was thinking, 'What a cute boy!'. 'He's so shy, it's cute!'. Need I go on? Kat, the woman with him that day, oh, what a goddess. Of all the women I've known, my Mom included, she's in the running."
"Kat? The woman that was in the park when Shinji got his car?"
"Yep."
"She dating anyone?"
"Yeah. Berto."
"Berto?" Blinking perplexedly, Asuka shakes her head as she adds, "I don't think I've ever met him."
"That's because you haven't yet. I can only hope he comes to Tokyo-3 for another visit. Be it for an expo or for a visit with Shinji. Kat and Josh as well."
"I'm guessing they're more family to Shinji than Commander Ikari is."
"Yep. For that matter, any man that walks away from his child is not a Father at all." Rits' face takes on a sharp scowl as she adds, "Josh McGrath has proven himself to be more worthy of that title than Gendo Ikari ever has."
"Sounds like you're miffed at him like Shinji is." Wanting to change the subject, she asks, "How old are you now, anyway?"
"I just turned fifteen about six months before Shinji did."
"Then you were born before Second Impact, then."
"Uh-huh." Smiling sadly, Rits murmurs, "I know that even though Mom's done a great job with me, I still can't help but wonder what if my birth parents had lived through that time. Would've I met Shinji, all that jazz?"
"Does Shinji know you're older than him by six months?"
"Yep. And he's cool with it." Grinning now, she adds, "From his figuring, it's if one of us is to be the mature one, it might as well be me." Asuka can't help but giggle at that.
"Funny. For a guy that's wanting to defer maturity to you, he's surprisingly mature himself."
"In his words, 'he has his days' when it comes to being mature and immature."
"I guess so. Although him calling me 'ape' is not what I'd call mature." Next thing Asuka knows, Rits is tittering in amusement. "What's so funny, Takamiya?"
"You mean you've never seen the series 'Roughnecks; Starship Troopers Chronicles'?"
"Can't say as I have. Why?"
"It's sort of a term of endearment a soldier uses for a fellow soldier. Even if the soldier that uses it is a reluctant one."
"Much like Shinji is." At Rits' nod, Asuka sighs gustily. "I guess I can put up with it if it's just Shinji. Or maybe you seeing as I now know how it came to be." Her face taking on a salacious grin, she then asks, "What's he like in bed?"
Rits and Asuka trade banter back and forth from there. Their 'Shinji' issue semi-settled. When they get back to the apartment, both girls smell a feast awaiting them and can't help but salivate heavily. Asuka looks to her side and sees Rits smiling hungrily.
"The sooner you marry him, the better, Takamiya. Otherwise I just might steal him from you. A man that can cook that good shouldn't stay single all through his life. It'd be criminal for that to happen."
"True that."
When they reach the dining area, they see Shinji and Hikari cooking in tandem. Shinji currently working on a vegetarian meal for Rei while Hikari puts the finishing touches on the meat portion. Baby back ribs, barbecue chicken and even barbecue burgers. With a side order of creamed corn and mashed potatoes.
"Wow, for a guy and girl born in Japan, you two do pretty good on Western meals."
"Thanks, Asuka. But it's mostly Shinji's work."
"Nah, it's all Hikari."
"Don't say that, Shinji." Asuka and Rits both giggle at Shinji's blush and Hikari chides him. "No need to feel embarrassed, Shinji. Your strong suit is cooking. You should feel proud and open an eatery."
"Probably when the war's over and Rits and I get hitched." Shrugging, he adds, "I've time yet still."
"Yeah. Oh, speaking of time, the main reason I came is to give you the paperwork for the class trip."
"Oh? Where are we going, Hikari?" Asuka's question is echoed by Richard, Rits, Touji and Kensuke. With Shinji and Rei silent, knowing full well how it's going to go.
"Okinawa. We'll be scuba diving down there." Upon seeing Shinji and Rits share a smile, Hikari smiles as well. "That's where you two first met too, isn't it?"
"It is, Hikari. It'll be great to go there." Rits' smile quickly fades as she adds, "The hearing's going to be down there as well. Which means I'll have to buy two round trip tickets if they're spaced far apart." Hikari turns to Deidre, hoping to help her friend.
"When's the hearing supposed to be, Ms Takamiya?"
"The first week of next month, Class Rep Horaki. When's the trip?"
"The same time frame." Slyly smiling as she turns back to Rits, Hikari adds, "Which means that you only need one round trip ticket, Rits."
"I guess I'll have to get an open ended ticket then as there's no telling how long it'll take to get it all settled."
Deidre nods in agreement with Rits while Asuka looks over at Shinji and Rei, wondering why they're not so enthused by the idea of the trip. Misato watching her intently, knowing what she's thinking and electing to let her find out for herself.
(Two weeks later)
Asuka and Rits are both eagerly tugging Shinji's arms through the small strip mall in Tokyo-3. Rei and Richard trailing behind them silently, knowing full well how the day's going to turn out. Once they reach their destination, they both tug an uneasy Shinji into the swimsuit store. Rei and Richard silently walk in, eager to see Shinji's face when Rits and Asuka model in front of him.
While the two had agreed Shinji is with Rits, Asuka can't help but want to tease him. Rits, much to Asuka's surprise and delight, agreed that some teasing was in order. So, with that in mind, they both flock to the bikini racks. Intent on finding the smallest, most snug-fitting swimsuit to put Shinji into hormone meltdown. The first thing they do is have Shinji sit down
Asuka finds a red and white striped bikini with a zippered tank top while Rits finds a pink string/thong bikini. Both suits are so small, they barely fit their bodies. Much to Asuka's consternation, Shinji's eyes are only on Rits' body as the girl models before him. Rits then bows down toward him, showing her slight, yet definite cleavage to him. Leaning down into his ear, Rits softly murmurs into his ear.
"Can you imagine fucking me under the waves, Shinji? Our lovemaking will be so hot, it'll cause steam to come out of the water."
'Rits, you're going to be the death of me! You know that?' Glad that Kat and Berto aren't listening in, same with Josh and Jefferson, Shinji can only mutely nod at his bikini-clad goddess.
Rits titters sultrily as she pecks his lips. Making like she's about to straddle him, Rits hovers slightly over him before kissing his cheek and moving away from him. A sultry sway in her hips before going back into the booth she'd changed in. Looking back toward him, she then blows him a kiss before covering the booth's entrance.
'You've got a will to be loyal of steel, Ikari. I'll give you that much.' Grinning, Asuka muses, 'But this is just too good for me to pass up!' Reaching for the zipper on the suit, Asuka winks before hearing a man's voice behind her.
"You're going to be the end of him, Asuka." Asuka turns toward the voice and smiles upon seeing Kaji.
"Hey, Kaji. Takamiya and I are just teasing him. How's it going today?"
"So you're both teasing him. It's going well."
"It's all in good fun, Kaji. That's good." Noticing Shinji's gaze is toward the changing booth Rits went into, she sees a hand sticking up. Its index finger curling in a 'come hither' manner. "Looks like you're needed, Shinji."
"Uh-huh." Shinji's reply is so soft, Asuka can't help but giggle mirthfully as he eases himself up from the chair and walks toward the booth.
"Go get her, tiger." Once he's inside the booth, Asuka sighs gustily. "There they go again."
"That bad, Asuka?"
"Not exactly good for my nerves when they get all amoral like that." Upon hearing Rits' combined moans and giggles, Asuka rolls her eyes. "Next stop we make, I'm getting a pair of ear plugs! Any time they're close to each other, at times no less, they go at it like rabbits!"
"In a way, they kinda remind me of myself and Katsuragi in college."
"I'm now mentally scarred for life." Kaji's chortles can't help but get a weary grin from Asuka before she notices Rei and Richard simply standing there. "Why are you two just standing there? Go get your swimsuits already!"
"I already have a swimsuit, Pilot Sohryu. As does Mr Nez."
"I'm not going to get my first name out of you anytime soon, am I, Rei?"
"Not for the foreseeable future, Mr Nez."
Richard can only shake his head in exasperation while Rei lightly smirks. Kaji and Asuka share a chortle just as a slightly-disheveled Shinji comes out of the booth. A glowing Rits right behind him. Pink bikini in hand.
"I'll go ahead and buy this one for our private time with each other. Which means I'll have to buy a swimsuit that meets the school's guidelines for decorum. Something like what you're wearing, Asuka. Any in blue?"
"Um, yeah, I think so, Rits."
"Great. I'll be right back, Shinji."
"Okay, Rits." Sneaking a peck on her lips, Shinji sits back down. Only to see Asuka scowling down at him. "Something wrong, Asuka?"
"Yeah, Shinji. There's something wrong. You still haven't gotten your swimsuit yet. You and Richard go right now!" Asuka's tone is that of 'Do as I say or you'll get it!'.
"Let's go, Rich. Maybe we can find some trunks that are to our liking."
"Right with you, Shinji." As the two walk away from an irritated Asuka, Rits comes back to Asuka, Kaji and Rei. Blue bikini in hand.
"Found one." Seeing Shinji and Richard moving toward the men's racks, Rits frowns and asks, "Where're they going?"
"Shinji and Richard are seeking out swim trunks to wear as per Pilot Sohryu's decree." Rei's soft voice startles Rits before she adds, "Although it's only for the sake of appearances."
"What's that supposed to mean, First?"
Asuka doesn't get her answer straight away. As Shinji and Richard come back with a pair each of black trunks in their hands. They're cut down to the knees and quite warm-looking.
"Those look like trunks the Navy divers wore during training." Kaji's musing gets their attention as he goes on. "If not a similar cut, at least."
"It may be true, but it's not what I had in mind. Why didn't you guys get Speedos?"
"I'm not quite comfortable with the idea of wearing a Speedo. And I don't think Richard is, either." Shinji's reply gets a nod of agreement from Richard and a soft smile from Rits and Rei both. Asuka, however, snorts.
"How can you guys not be comfortable with the idea of wearing Speedos?" Instead of Shinji that answers, it's Richard.
"We're just not sure we're Speedo material, Asuka. That's all there is to it."
"But, but…"
"Now, now, Asuka. Shinji and Richard make a good point. Some guys are comfortable with the idea of wearing a suit like a Speedo, some aren't."
"Alright, fine." With that, Asuka's stomach grumbles, getting the redhead to blush. "Anyone other than me hungry?" Kaji flashes his happy-go-lucky smirk before replying.
"Yeah, I think we can all do with something. My treat. So go on and pay for your suits, guys."
Fifteen minutes later, all six are seated at a table in the mall's dining area and Asuka gushes about the upcoming trip. The redhead is so excited, she misses the subdued expressions on Shinji and Rei's faces. Kaji, Rits and Richard, however, don't. To keep the mood upbeat, Kaji gives a grin before remarking.
"I haven't been to Okinawa in years." Asuka smiles widely before going on.
"We're even going to go scuba diving!"
"Ah, I remember when we were supposed to go scuba diving for our class trip. But we never got the chance."
"Why not?"
"Oh, just a little something called Second Impact."
"Was it really that bad, Mr. Kaji?"
"It was, Shinji. It was. Every day afterward was a fight for survival. Half managed to survive while the other half wasn't so fortunate." A somber look appears on his face as he thinks, 'And to think I survived by betraying my brother and friends. I should've died, not them!' Clenching his fists, he's unaware of Shinji observing his demeanor.
'Kaji looks irritated about something, Dad.'
"I'm with you on that, Shinji. Do you think his actions from here on out merit our scrutiny?"
'That's the first time you asked me that, you know.'
"I know. But seeing as you're walking point on this case, you're best suited to make the call. What'll it be?"
'Let's keep an eye on him from the shadows from here on out. There's something about him that seems to be more than what's on the surface.'
"I copy that. I'm affixing N-Tek spy satellite 4485 to Mr. Kaji with an Agent and a manned Sparrow ready to move in for assistance and transport if needed."
'Roger.' Returning his attention to Kaji, Shinji looks around the table and elects to lighten the mood a bit. "So what do you think will be there?"
"I'm hoping we'll find a sunken pirate ship or maybe some of the buildings that was in Tokyo before the waves hit." Rits smiles widely as she adds, "I've got a new camera I've been dying to try out."
"I don't mind as long as I can dive with you and Rits, Shinji. After all, as much as I hate to admit it, you're both more experienced than I am." Grinning widely, Asuka adds, "Let's make it a threesome for the dive." Shinji and Rits are so stunned at how brazen Asuka is, they can't answer.
(Katsuragi/Ikari/Sohryu apartment; that night)
"WHAT? WE CAN'T GO?" Asuka's yell is so loud, half of Tokyo-3 can't help but hear it. Yet it doesn't stop the redhead from expressing her displeasure. "What kind of idiot decided that?"
"This one, Asuka." Misato's nonplussed as she takes a swig of Yebisu before going on. "As an EVA Pilot, you're on call 24/7. Wasn't that made clear to you when you became a pilot?"
"It was, but we just nailed an Angel the other week." Looking over toward Shinji, she yells out, "Shinji, tell her how we deserve to go on the trip with the others!"
"In all actuality, I figured we wouldn't be able to go."
"You mean you're buying this inanity?"
"It's not inanity if it's Operations Protocol." Shrugging, he adds, "Besides, we can always go to Okinawa after the war's over with."
"Shinji's got a good point, Asuka. Besides, we never know when an Angel will strike."
"Then why not attack the Angels outright? Any good military operation dictates a strong offensive against an enemy."
"That may be true if we can find them, Asuka." Finishing off the Yebisu, Misato adds, "Besides, this'll give you a chance to pick up your grades, Asuka."
"What about Shinji's grades?"
"Actually, his grades are pretty good." Bringing up a data-chip with the kanji for Asuka's name on it, Misato shakes her head dismally, "You're a bright girl, Asuka, but your kanji is pretty weak."
"It's not like I'll need to know it in and out. I've a college degree already."
"When in Rome, do as the Romans do. It's the rule of the world, Asuka." Giving the girl a soft smile, "If it's any consolation, you can dive in the pool at NERV."
"I guess it'll have to do. So Shinji, seeing as we'll be stuck here on stand-by, would you like to be my diving partner?"
"I don't see why not." Shinji taps his chin as he murmurs, "I can tutor you on the kanji to help you get a leg up." That in itself gets a wide smile from Asuka.
"That'd be great, Shinji." Getting up from the table and picking up her shopping back, she adds, "Just remember, Misato, you owe us a vacation on NERV's dime when this war's over with." Without any further word, Asuka goes into her room and Misato sighs heavily. Shinji catches the sigh and gives her a soft smile.
"At least she took it well." Misato gives him a giggle in reply before stretching back.
"Yeah, I guess your agreement to be her dive partner and kanji tutor brightened her mood a bit." Her smile returning gives Shinji goosebumps before she asks, "How do you think Rits would feel about sharing you with Asuka?"
"I, um, I, that is…"
"You're so cute when you're flustered, Shinji!" Misato titters madly before getting up from the table and going into her room. "Night, Shinji."
"Night, Misato." As he cleans up the apartment, he sighs gustily. 'Kat, any idea as to why Asuka's like that?'
"No idea at all, Shinji. After all, I may have been Asuka's age once, but it was before Second impact and I was constantly getting into trouble with the authorities." Kat's voice then takes on a teasing lilt as she adds, "But I can guess. Asuka's lonely as Hell and her heart's crying out for someone to love her. She's wanting that someone to be you."
'Even though I'm with Rits?'
"Even though you're with Rits."
'I see. No offense, Kat, but I don't think I'll ever understand girls. Even though I'm in a relationship with her, there are times when I feel there's a big divide between us.'
"No offense taken, Shinji. As I feel the same way about boys. Berto in particular."
'What happened?'
"Well, he's trying to make the mood romantic for our dates when we go out on them. Thing is, though, is that they're always awkward between us. I mean, he waxes poetic about the beauty of silicon chips and how my movements dazzle him at the same time."
'I guess we've got our fair shakes of perplexing relationships.'
"To say the least. But, on the plus side, Berto's really sweet in his own unique way."
'Yeah.' Smiling softly, Shinji verbally says, "I guess we can only do our best for those we care for." Finishing up his cleaning, he turns in. Unaware of the blue eyes that are watching him warily.
(Tokyo-3 Airport; three days later)
As Shinji and Rits exchange a tender kiss, a happily sighing Deidre watches them before checking her watch. Her eyes go wide before she gets their attention.
"Sorry to interrupt you two lovebirds, but we need to board up Ritsy." The two end the kiss, yet put their foreheads together.
"Okay, Mom." Looking into Shinji's blue eyes with her brown, Rits smiles softly. "I hope no Angels attack while I'm gone."
"Likewise, but any do, Rei, Asuka and I'll tell them you said 'hello' and 'good-bye'." Rits can't help but giggle, with Shinji chortling softly.
"Thank you, Shinji." Sneaking one more kiss, she quickly ends it and strides away from him. An unsteady gait in her walk. Deidre shakes her head before enveloping Shinji into her arms.
"You do what you can to stay alive, okay. I don't want Ritsy to be brokenhearted."
"I will. I don't want that for her either." Looking up into Deidre's eyes, he adds, "Good luck in nailing that jerk's ass to the wall."
"Thanks, Shinji." In the background, a still-grousing Asuka is standing with Hikari as the pig-tailed girl gives her a soft smile.
"Don't worry, Asuka. I'll bring you back something nice." Touji's up next to board as he tugs Richard along by his arm. Laughing all the way.
"Don't worry. Rich and I'll have enough fun for the both of you! Come on, bud!"
"Touji, my neck!" Up last is Kensuke, his camcorder pointed right at them as he chortles.
"Ha-ha! So long, suckers!" Asuka doesn't let her fury show up until the plane takes off. Thing is, she and Shinji are both in his car when her fury erupts.
"Oh, the nerve of that little stooge! Next time I see him, I'm going to wring his little otaku neck!" Noticing that Shinji's silent as he drives, she then asks, "You okay, Shinji?"
"Yeah. It's just that I wish this war wasn't happening so I could be Rits' rock for the hearing."
"I'm sure she shares that sentiment. I don't even want to think about if it was me in that situation. The very thought of a dirty old man like that doing that to my body is enough to make me feel ill."
"Yeah, well, in any case, all we can do is hope the 'dirty old man', as you so elegantly put it, gets his just desserts in the courtroom." From there, the drive and ride passes in silence.