Shinji Steel 40

Disclaimer; I do not own Neon Genesis Evangelion or Max Steel. Wish I did, though.

Author's Notes; This chapter will have a scene you're quite familiar with and undoubtedly missing sorely. Along with a lemon in the scene. Enjoy!

(That night; Katsuragi/Ikari/Sohryu apartment)

"Gee, guys, thank you for this." Misato looks over at Kensuke before smiling. "When you said you'd do a party, you do a party, Kensuke." Excited more than ever, Kensuke bolts up to his feet.

"That's right! Any time you want a party, call on Aida! Kensuke Aida!" To his side, Touji can only groan in exasperation.

"Here's to Major Katsuragi!" Misato can't help but blush wildly at Richard's toast. For a young man that has his hair sticking right up still, he knows how to keep things simple.

"Not bad for a starter, Nez, but you gotta put more fire into it. You know?"

"What do you mean by 'starter', Sohryu? I'd given toasts before I moved here." Hikari then giggles at that before turning to Asuka.

"Oh, ja, we believe you, Richard. Isn't that right, Asuka?" In unison, the two girls grin before replying.

"Ja!" Richard can't help but sigh before looking toward Rei.

"How're you enjoying the party, Rei?"

"I am finding it interesting. Yet, at the same time, a bit uncomfortable."

"Not much for parties, huh?"

"More like not much for crowds of people. Of course, it could be because I'm used to being isolated."

"It's okay, Rei." Misato's voice gets her attention before she goes on. "Some people are meant for big crowds, some aren't."

"Understood, Major Katsuragi."

"Rei, you're not on duty, you know." Rei can only give Misato a sheepish grin before Misato sighs. "I give up." Curious, she then asks, "I don't suppose any of you had seen Captain Chiron around lately?"

"Um, nope. Not since after school today." Shinji looks over at Rei before asking, "Rei?"

"No, Ikari. Sohryu?"

"Nope." Grinning, she asks, "Why? Something important come up that needs his attention?"

"Yes. Lately there's been an uptick in threats against you three. Captain Chiron had stated earlier today that he would trail you to ensure you were safe." Rolling her eyes, she adds, "Of course, he told me that in writing instead of in person. The chauvinist porker!"

"He probably fell behind somewhere behind Shinji then." Ritsuko's reply can't help but get a groan from Misato. Prompting her to add, "It's not Shinji's fault Chiron can't keep up with him."

"I know, Ritsuko. But, all the same though, I really wish Shinji wouldn't elude Section-2 so much."

"Well, gee Misato, if they wouldn't be so easy to lose to begin with, we wouldn't be having this conversation. Would we?"

Shinji's question tells Misato all she needs to know. Chiron had gotten caught misbehaving earlier in the day and was now in 'N-Tek' custody. Giving him a shrug, she's about to speak on when the doorbell chimes. Asuka gets up to answer the door. When she opens it, she smiles widely.

"Hey, you made it, Kaji!" Seeing Dr Akagi with him, her smile goes wider. "Same with you, Doc!"

'Well, I simply couldn't let the chance to attend a party pass me by. I haven't even been to one since college."

"Well, hopefully this party will be more memorable than those you'd been to before."

"Of that I have no doubt, Pilot Sohryu." As she sits, Akagi turns toward Deidre and says, "It's nice to see you could make it, Ms Takamiya."

"Likewise." Looking over toward Ritsuko as she drapes herself onto Shinji's side, she asks, "If Ritsy were to have the implant removed, how long would she have to wait before being impregnated by Shinji?"

"Two, maybe three months. Why do you ask?"

"Ritsy's feeling the pangs of 'wanna-be-Motherhood' even more now." Shrugging, she adds, "She feels they're ready and I'm backing her on it."

"Okay. I'll make the appointment for next week." Noticing Shinji appearing uneasy with all the people around, she sees him give Rits a kiss on her temple before exiting. "Looks like Shinji doesn't like crowds very much."

"I agree. He and Rei are the same way, eerily enough." Upon seeing Misato head out after him, she adds, "I'd never known Misato to shy away from a party as well, though."

"I think she thinks that she and Shinji have to talk." Kaji gives a shrug before adding, "It'll be good for them to do so."

(Building rooftop; three minutes later)

Shinji looks out over the city from where he stands on the roof. Upon hearing Misato's footsteps, he smiles widely.

"Sorry, Misato, but I don't do well with crowds, it seems."

"I understand, Shinji." Grinning gently, Misato adds, "I'm not exactly thrilled with being promoted myself."

"Then why take it?"

"Are you kidding me? You and Asuka both are voracious eaters even though you don't look like it! I gotta be able to pay for the food somehow!" Shinji can't help but lightly snicker. Misato right behind him as she gently wraps her arms around him from behind. "But I wouldn't trade you and Asuka for anything in the world!"

"Right back at you, Misato." Curious, he then asks, "Why do you do it anyway, Misato? Command us in battle, I mean."

"It's because of my Father." Reaching down for her cross, she gently grips it in her hand before going on. "Our relationship was as fucked up as the one between you and the Commander."

"Now I find that really hard to believe." Looking upward at her, he smiles gently and adds, "After all, you're more normal than I am." Misato can't help but smile gently as well.

"Normal's all a matter of perspective. Sure, you've got nano-probes in your body, but at least you retained your ability to speak throughout it all." Her smile fading somewhat, she adds, "I was mute for four years in a facility after Second Impact." Shaking it off, she goes on.

"In any case, my Father was a scientist/adventurer. He was always either in his lab or out in the field. Mother and I hardly ever saw him as he would always bury himself in his work. Mother finally had it and filed for divorce. When Father found out about it, he broke. It was so amusing for me to see him in agony, I actually laughed at him. I felt he was getting what he deserved. After all, he'd abandoned us in favor of work and discoveries." Her eyes starting to tear up, she shakes it off before looking back at Shinji.

"I almost didn't go, you know. But Father successfully pleaded with Mother to let me go with him. Saying it'll be an 'educational experience I won't forget'. He got one part of it right. It was an experience I won't forget. At all."

"What happened?"

"Second Impact." Her voice shuddering, she steels herself and moves onward. "They'd discovered the 1st Angel, Adam, in Antarctica. I don't know the specifics offhand, but everything just went to Hell in a handbasket in an instant." Putting her right hand between her breasts, she adds, "A piece of shrapnel went through my Father and cut into my chest. Even though he was dying, he got me to an escape pod."

Shinji doesn't say a thing. He just turns around and wraps his arms around Misato. Offering her his comfort. Graciously accepting it, Misato trembles as her sobs come upward. Little do either realize that Rits had followed behind Misato and can see Shinji giving Misato comfort. Much to the girl's surprise, she doesn't mind one bit. For she knows full well that Shinji is the comforting kind.

Going back down to the party, Rits comes across Ritsu and nods.

"It's like you figured, Doctor Akagi. Misato's being comforted by Shinji." Wrapping her arms around herself, she murmurs, "I know how Misato feels. My parents were murdered for no good reason." Snorting, she adds, "I know they died when a tidal washed over them, but a bomb is the true culprit."

"If you were to encounter the one that set the bomb, what would you ask them?"

"Why did they set the bomb and what did my parents do to them to warrant it? Those are the main questions I'd ask them." Curious, she then asks, "Is the name Kiel familiar to you at all, Doctor Akagi?"

"The only Kiel I know of is the one that sits on NERV's committee. Why?"

"If he's the one that they were talking about, then he can tell me who'd want my parents dead."

"I wish you luck on that endeavor. But Mr. Kiel's a recluse. He only comes to Tokyo-3 every now and then. And even then only for short conferences with Commander Ikari."

"That so?"

Back on the rooftop, Misato's recovered enough to go on.

"My Father gave his life to save mine because, when it came down to it, he loved me. Even though I'd treated him like shit until that day." Looking outward, she adds, "So that's why I'm involved in a war with the Angels. Both to settle the score with the monsters that killed my parents and let my past demons about my Father rest. Maybe then he can find eternal rest."

"Maybe I'll get lucky and 'Commander Dumbass' will do humanity a favor and just fuckin' die." Misato can't help but giggle while nuzzling Shinji.

"Yeah, it'd be a real boon for humanity." Grinning, she then asks, "So what happened with Chiron anyway?"

"It seems 'Commander Dumbass' wanted Chiron to rattle me so badly, I'd break down. So, he sought to create a hazardous traffic situation of sorts. Only to get the tables turned on him." Misato's giggles join with Shinji's chuckles before he goes on. "After an interrogation involving a welding torch, a leaky gas tank and a trapped Chiron, that's how we found out."

"What happened then?"

"Dad showed up as his alter-ego and took Chiron to an 'N-Tek' facility for interrogation purposes." Sighing, he adds, "I'll have to take Asuka out of here tonight so Kat can make the offer. Want to come with?"

"Typically, I would, but I've got to rest after the party. But can you please ask Kat to not rough Asuka up too much? She may act tough, but it's really a façade as she's actually pretty fragile inside."

"I'll mention it to Kat upon arrival at the Old Osaka facility."

"Why there?"

"It's closer to Tokyo-3. Also Chiron is at the interrogation facility. It's so secretive, not even I know where it is." Shrugging, he adds, "Dad figures it's best that way."

(N-Tek interrogation facility; location classified; one hour later)

"Hey! Can I talk to someone in authority here? Hello!" Chiron grumbles as he struggles against his restraints until he sees Agent Steel walk in. A chainsaw in hand. Gulping audibly, Chiron, in a stammering manner, asks, "W-W-What's the chainsaw for?"

"Seeing as my superiors feel you're not very useful information-wise, orders came down for you to be disposed of."

"WHAT? YOU CAN'T DO THAT!" Much to Chiron's horror, Agent Steel smirks evilly.

"You forget who we are, Captain Chiron. We're a 'Black Squad'. Meaning we have free reign to do what is needed to accomplish our mission."

"That mission being?"

"Protecting mankind from evil without them even knowing about it." Hefting the chainsaw, he adds, "Now we can do it with knockout gas or without. Your choice."

"If I go with the knockout gas, will I feel it?"

"Doubtful. If you go without, then oh yeah. You'll feel it for certain." Steeling himself, Chiron makes his choice.

"I'll take the gas."

Agent Steel nods before putting on a gas mask and sealing it. He then clenches his fist as a signal to let the gas flow. As it flows, Chiron starts breathing in heavily, eager to fall unconscious quicker. Within minutes, he's unconscious and a chuckling Max walks out.

"That was more fun and disconcerting than should be allowed." Jefferson gives a nod and grin of approval.

"So what do we do with him?"

"Only thing I could think of offhand would be take him to a funny farm and have him put into a straitjacket while asleep. That way, when he wakes up, he'll start screaming about why he's not dead and what-not."

"Giving us time to investigate what's going on in Tokyo-3." At his nod, Jefferson nods in approval. "I like it."

"Same here, Dad." Checking his watch, Max adds, "It should be just about time for Shinji to prep Miss Sohryu for her trip to Old Osaka."

(Tokyo-3; Katsuragi/Ikari/Sohryu apartment same time frame)

Shinji's post party clean-up had just been finished. Kensuke, Rei, Touji Hikari and Richard had already left with Kaji and Doctor Akagi an hour previously. Deidre and Ritsuko had wanted to help, and Shinji accepted it. Of course, Ritsuko's idea of 'help' had been dragging Shinji into his room for sex while Misato and Deidre cleaned up. In Ritsuko's view, Shinji had been working too hard for too long without any kind of relaxation.

Ritsuko had wanted to stay with Shinji overnight, but Deidre vetoed that idea, stating that they had plans for that weekend. Sheepishly, Ritsuko blushed before giving Shinji a massive kiss and giggling.

"Next time, sweetie."

"Yeah. Next time, honey."

Upon seeing Ritsuko and Deidre out the door, he looks over at Misato and nods. Misato nods back as Shinji switches over to Max Steel Jr. and goes invisible. Opening the door in case Asuka was awake for the redhead to see Misato checking on her, Misato can easily see that Asuka is fast asleep.

"Okay, go."

At Misato's soft voice, Max silently enters the vocal redhead's bedroom and, upon hearing the door close behind him, goes right to her bed. Reaching into his field kit, he brings out a tranquilizer patch and gently puts it onto her arm. As the tranquilizer concoction is being absorbed into her skin, Asuka positions herself facing upward. Allowing Max to pick her up easily after opening her window. Cloaked Sparrow uncloaking before putting her into the back seat.

Fastening her into place, he gets onto the ledge and closes the window right back to a crack before getting into the cockpit and closing the canopy. Disengaging the auto-pilot, he then flies the Sparrow toward Old Osaka. Within twenty minutes, he sees the Old Osaka building and grins.

"MX2 to Home Plate, I have the package."

"Copy, MX2. Proceed to Hatch Golf. Repeat, proceed to Hatch Golf."

"Roger. Proceeding to Hatch Golf."

Descending the Sparrow to ground level, he sees Hatch Golf opening. What may appear to be part of the building's foundation is anything but that. The entryway slides upward and into the building allowing the Sparrow entry. Once it's touched down, the entryway slides back into place as the Sparrow's jets wind down. Upon seeing Kat, he grins and opens the canopy.

"Great to see you, Kat."

"Likewise." Watching as he lugs Asuka out of the seat behind him, she asks, "Any trouble?"

"Nah. She sleeps like a baby with tranquilizers in her bloodstream."

"That's good. I was worried she'd wake up during the flight and kill you."

"Well, the night's still young. Chiron?"

"Got word from Jefferson. He's being transported to a funny farm cut off from almost all contact."

"One less item to worry about, then. Now for this one."

"Yep."

(Tokyo-3; same time frame; Ayanami apartment)

Looking up at the building Rei lives in, Richard can't help but shake his head in dismay.

"A beautiful flower like you shouldn't have to live in a dump like this." Rei's face can't help but go slightly red as she smiles softly and Richard grins. "You'd never been called a 'beautiful flower' before, have you?"

"I have not. You are the first one to refer to me in that manner."

"Then it pleases me to be the first." Rei can't help but giggle while Richard's grin goes sheepish. "Quite frankly, you're the first girl I called a 'beautiful flower', Miss Ayanami."

"Then it pleases me to be the first one you called a 'beautiful flower', Mr. Nez." Rei then notices Richard about to leave. "Before you go, there is something I would like to try."

"Okay."

Next thing Richard knows, Rei's lips tap his in a light kiss. Both teens blushing now, Richard returns the favor. Only extended. Rei feels his tongue tapping her lips and slightly opens them to grant it entry. Upon feeling his tongue probing, Rei probes with her tongue as well. All of a sudden, the need to breathe gets both teens' attention. Ending the kiss, reluctantly, they breathe heavily while looking at each other.

"That was…"

"Interesting." Rei's rejoinder gets a smile from Richard before he nods.

"Yeah. It was." He then casts one more look at the dilapidated building before asking, "You sure you'll be okay in this dump? I've got an extra room at my current lodging."

"Would your Mother and Father approve?"

"Not only would they approve, they'd say it's a step up from this dump." Rei thinks briefly before nodding.

"I thank you, Richard. Would you like to assist me in packing my belongings?"

"Sure."

Rei leads Richard up the staircase. Allowing him to notice two things. The staircase is in slightly worse shape than the building. Rei's undergarments. Blushing heavily, Richard tries to look anywhere but upward. Rei, on the other hand, smiles warmly.

"I would not be offended if you wish to look, Richard."

"I'll keep that in mind, Rei. Maybe later, when our lives aren't in danger?" Richard can't help but nervously chuckle, adding, "This staircase is creaking like it's about to fall apart." Rei considers it before nodding.

"I find your proposal acceptable."

"Marvy." When they get up to her floor, Richard looks around before asking, "How many people are living in this dump, anyway?"

"I am the only tenant. Commander Ikari ensured that." Suddenly smirking, she adds, "I can see now why Shinji refers to him in that manner."

"You mean 'Commander Dumbass' is what Shinji calls him?" At her nod, Richard nods back and replies, "Well, he is a dumbass. After all, what kind of Father ditches his kid and puts a beautiful girl inside a deathtrap?"

"The kind that is a 'dumbass' through and through." When they get to her apartment, Rei adds, "It might be a bit messy, but I do not expect us to be here long."

"Great." Rei opens the unlocked door, allowing Richard to see the state of the apartment. "Doesn't look too bad. Just drab and lifeless, is all."

"I took the opportunity to clean it up some, but wasn't sure I did a good enough job of it." Crossing to her closet, she opens it, revealing only four sets of school uniforms. "Inside my dresser's drawers, you will find spare sets of undergarments and socks. Along with a medium-sized duffel bag."

"Okay." Going to her dresser, he notices a half-broken glasses case. A pair of half-melted glasses within. Curious, he asks, "What about the glasses case and the glasses?" Rei doesn't hesitate in answering.

"They go into the trash as the items remind me of 'Commander Dumbass' just by being here."

"Got it." Giving the glasses case one more look, he picks it up and flings it straight down right into the trash can. Breaking the damaged glasses. "They're permanently trashed."

Rei can't help but like the way he said that. Just then, another thought occurs to her. But she decides to wait until they get to where Richard's living before she does anything else. Within three minutes, they've gotten her stuff packed up and Rei looks around the apartment she'd once called 'home' one last time. Nodding slightly, she and Richard exit and close the door.

(Thirty minutes later; Nez Tokyo-3 residence)

Rei can't help but gaze at the small one-story house. Externally brick construction, but with a wrought-iron fence around the property.

"Your parents live here?"

"Not really. Mom's still the SECGEN of the UN and Dad's working with her. But when I elected to move here after I told off the instructors at the boarding school, they wanted me to have a home of my own and be able to feel safe." Giving her a grin, he asks, "What do you think?"

"I think I am home." Rei then follows Richard in through the opening of the gate and watches as he locks it back. "You're well versed in security procedures. Yet if your Mother's the Secretary General of the United Nations, shouldn't you have bodyguards?" Richard can't help but chortle.

"Mom and Dad taught me a few Hand-to-Hand combat moves for self-defense. If anyone was to attack, they'd be on the ground in pain in seconds." Rei can't help but feel confused by that.

"I was not aware that members of the United Nations or their spouses were capable of Hand-to-Hand combat."

"Most aren't. Of course, Mom and Dad weren't always with the UN."

"What did they do before?" Much to her surprise, Richard only shrugs.

"Dunno. But I can easily tell they'd seen some hairy shit."

"Fecal matter has hair?" While chortling lightly, Richard can't but wonder if Rei has a literal sense of humor that she's not aware of. "Oh, you're speaking in metaphor. My apologies."

"It's cool." Grinning, he adds, "Though it would be funny to actually see shit with hair. Oh wait, we do see shit with hair. 'Commander Dumbass' is a hairy piece of shit!" Rei and Richard can't help but laugh in hilarity as they go in.

(Two hours later; Old Osaka)

Yawning out loud, Asuka smacks her lips. Feeling her mouth dry, she tries reaching for her glass of water. Only to find her arm can't move. Opening her eyes, she sees her arms are restrained by metal clamps. Looking downward as much as possible, she sees clamps on her shins.

"What the fuck?" Continuing in German, she goes on. "Hello! Anyone listening to me?"

"We hear you, Miss Sohryu." The voice is male and distorted, yet the words are clear to her. "We understand that you had overheard two of our field operatives speaking. Correct?"

"I don't know about 'operatives', but I overheard my guardian and roommate talking when they think they're alone."

"They are the operatives." The voice pauses briefly before going on. "You've presented a grave security risk, Miss Sohryu." Asuka can't help but fall back to the seat and gulp nervously before the voice goes on. "You're in luck this night, however, as we're willing to offer you a deal." Intrigued, Asuka leans forward again.

"I'm listening."

"We understand you're an Evangelion Pilot with UN Agency NERV. Correct?"

"Yes."

"We have two good field operatives, but they're often busy tending to other matters not pertinent by much to NERV. That's where you come in."

"I'm an augmentation for them?"

"In a nutshell, yes." The voice doesn't say anything further, as if it's waiting for her to reply.

"If I refuse?"

"You'll simply vanish off the face of the Earth. A story will be established to explain your disappearance." Asuka can't help but gulp nervously again.

"What kind of disappearance?"

"Which one would you like? 'Running away from NERV when they decide to "terminate" your contract'. 'Finding a boy to elope with when you realize EVA isn't all that's cracked up to be'." Liking the latter scenario, she can't help but be curious.

"Any other pleasant scenarios?"

"Those are the pleasant ones as far as scenarios go. We also have not-so pleasant ones. Are you familiar with Captain Chiron?"

"He's the Head of Section-2, currently missing." Blinking, she then asks, "That's you guys?" Much to her surprise, and relief, the voice lightly chortles.

"In a roundabout way. Right about now, Captain Chiron is en route to a Mental Hospital. Primarily for suicidal tendencies."

"Couldn't happen to a nicer goon." Kinking her head to the side, she asks, "Do you generate scenarios for everyone or do you take suggestions?"

"We take suggestions every now and then."

"I've got a suggestion for Shinji's birth Father. The rest of his life subjected to the travesty Shinji calls a duet with his friend from Old Osaka." A brief pause answers Asuka before the voice comes back.

"That sounds interesting and doable. In fact, it can work in conjunction with what we already have in mind for Commander Ikari."

"In that case, I'm in. Where do I sign?"

"No signatures needed with a verbal agreement. But…" Asuka gulps once more at the 'But' for to her, 'Buts' are never good. "You cannot let our Agents know you're working with them as they will already know when we take you back to Tokyo-3. Nor can you tell anyone else. Also, you may be required to do an operation with one of them in the future. If that happens, either they or your contact 'Boris' will notify you via your codename."

"Natasha?" The voice chortles in amusement once more, getting Asuka to grin sheepishly. 'Knew I shouldn't have watched "Rocky and Bullwinkle" so damned much!'

"I believe your classmates Suzuhara and Aida are fond of the reference they'd given you. 'Red Devil' will be your codename. But keep in mind that Suzuhara and Aida are not with us as they call you that out of anger. When we call you that, it's because you're needed. Is that understood, Miss Sohryu?"

"It is."

"Excellent. Also, should you have questions about how we operate, ask Agents Katsuragi and Ikari so they can bring you up to speed." One more pause before the voice adds, "Oh, and if we find out you'd been blabbing, the deal's off and you'll get one of the not-so-pleasant scenarios. Clear?"

Asuka can't help but squeak out, "Yes."

"Very good. Good night, Miss Sohryu." With that, Asuka hears gas hissing and the voice says, "Do not worry as it is an anesthetic. You'll sleep quite soundly and wake up refreshed. Although it does leave you with a parched sensation upon awakening."

"No wonder my mouth felt dry."

"In any case, we're still trying to get it figured out." Asuka can't help but give a weak grin of amusement before falling back asleep.

(On the other side of the glass)

Shinji and Berto watch Asuka as she sleeps from the anesthetic gas. Shinji then turns to Berto.

"Is it really that bad?"

"It is, Shinji. Sorry. But some instruments just aren't meant to be done at the same time."

"But it sounded fine to us."

"I guess your ears are different from ours." Shinji nods at that before a thought occurs to him.

"Could the probes have something to do with it?" Berto's eyebrows arch upward before going back down in consternation.

"That is a very good question, hermano. Oh, I also did a little more research into why the probes seemingly didn't integrate with Ritsuko when…" Berto's voice can't help but trail off, giving Shinji the idea of what he's talking about.

"I get your meaning, Berto. What'd you find?"

"It's a 'standalone' system. It may be connected to the body, but that's where it ends."

"So, no babies with MAX abilities?"

"Looks that way, Shinji. The children you make with Ritsuko will be normal." Waving his hands comically, he adds, "Not like you're abnormal or anything, I mean!" Shinji can't help but chuckle.

"Yeah." Watching as Kat enters the room, gas mask on, Shinji asks, "When do you plan on popping the question?" Berto goes beet red before softly murmuring. "I didn't get that."

"I was going to propose last night at dinner, but we got so busy preparing I never got up to bat."

"Hmm, I know a way to help you out. C'mon." Rising and grabbing Berto's arm, Shinji grins as he drags a feebly-protesting Berto toward Kat as she exits the room. Asuka in her arms. "Kat, I'll take Asuka. Berto's got something he wants to talk to you about."

"Berto?" His beet red face gets Kat to giggle before she asks, "Why's Berto all red, Shinji?" Leaning down into Berto's ear, Shinji whispers.

"You don't propose to her tonight, I swear I will play that tape nonstop until you do. Anywhere you go, that music will follow you. Got it?" Berto looks at Shinji before hissing out.

"You wouldn't! It's impossible to do that!" Shinji only gives him an evil smirk.

"Wanna bet? Who do you think taught me about the technology you use?"

Berto can't help but sigh before nodding his assent. Shinji then takes Asuka out of Kat's arms. Before Kat can ask what's going on, Berto goes to the floor, bent knee and looking up at her. Nervous grin on his face. Kat can't help but gasp at what Berto says.

"Kat, we've known each other for a good while now. Even though we've only just started dating, I know only this. I want to spend the rest of my life with you."

"Berto…" Kat's eyes start dripping tears of joy as she realizes what he's saying.

"Katherine Ryan, will you marry me?"

"Yes."

Kat's soft reply gets Berto's face to take on a wide smile before she hefts him up onto his feet and plants a massive kiss on his lips. When the kiss ends, Berto brings out a small velvet pouch and brings out a diamond ring. Sliding it onto her left ring finger, he's suddenly surprised when Kat starts dragging him along.

"Kat?"

"Relax, Berto, it's going to be our way of celebrating our engagement." Looking back at Shinji, she adds, "We'll talk to you later, Shinji. Be careful going back to Tokyo-3."

"I will." Watching as Kat tugs Berto along, Shinji can't help but chortle wickedly. "Nothing like the power of music to get a proposal done." Carrying the sleeping Asuka in his arms to the hangar bay, he looks down at her and softly asks, "Where is your match, Asuka?"

(Tokyo-3; Nez/Ayanami residence; same time)

Rei smiles as she exits the bathroom.

'Who would have thought a hot shower could feel so good?'

Upon hearing a series of soft 'thuds', Rei follows the sound until she sees Richard kicking a man-shaped dummy in the head before punching it in the chest. Followed up by a kick to the groin and a punch to the head. Unable to help herself, Rei starts clapping. At the sound, Richard turns around and goes beet red before turning back around. Perplexed, Rei blinks before kinking her head to the side.

"Is something wrong, Richard?"

"Nothing, per se. It's just that you're buck naked!"

"Yes. I usually wander around without clothing on when not in public." Looking down at herself, she asks, "Is my body unattractive after all?"

"No, Rei, it isn't. Your body's very attractive. But I don't have your permission to look at you like that."

"In that case, I give you permission."

Richard can't help but gasp at how close Rei's voice is. Looking to his side, he sees the beautiful and naked blue-haired girl smiling at him. She then gently grips his shoulder and tugs for him to face her. Only it knocks them both off balance. Causing them to fall to the floor. Richard on top of Rei and with his right hand on her left breast. Richard goes beet red and Rei only smiles up at him.

"I do not know why, but I like what I feel." Rei's words snap Richard out of it and he tries taking his hand off of her breast. Only for her to hold it in place. "It is alright as I'd intended for this to happen." She then stuns Richard by snaking her hand down to his crotch. "Do you wish to become one with me?"

"In time, but yes." Upon feeling Rei rubbing his crotch, Richard gulps. "I guess those meds you were on did more than suppress your emotions."

"Your guess is correct." Rei gives Richard a soft peck before going on. "However, I intend to only show my emotions for you and our friends. If I show an emotionless state, it is only because 'Commander Dumbass' is nearby." Running his zipper down, Rei adds, "For now, though, shall we become one?" Richard's mouth over hers is his answer as he gently enters her. Feeling her inner walls stretching to accommodate him, Rei softly moans.

'Is this what Takamiya feels any time Ikari enters her? I must inquire next time I see her. This is most pleasurable.'

As Richard softly begins pumping, Rei reaches her arms up and wraps them around Richard. Next thing she knows, she feels a wave of euphoria wash over her. Along with pressure starting to build up in Richard's member. Electing she wants his ejaculate inside her, she wraps her legs around him.

"Rei? I gotta pull out or you'll get knocked up."

"You needn't worry about impregnation."

"Huh?"

Rei's lips against his cut of his next words as he feels his seed flowing into her womb. Their kiss ends as their passion ebbs over. Looking at the blue-haired goddess beneath him, Richard can't help but feel breathless. Her face glowing, with a radiant smile that's both smug and happy. In awe, Richard shakes it off before giving Rei a kiss. Which she gleefully returns. When the kiss ends, Richard begins.

"Rei, what did you mean by I needn't worry about knocking you up?"

"As I am a Pilot, I have a BCI much like the one inside Takamiya. In my case, however, it was with my knowledge and consent. Doctor Akagi performed the procedure on me when I became an active pilot after my recovery."

"I guess that's one way of avoiding complications until later on in life."

"It would appear so." Undoing his shirt buttons now, she adds, "But for now, as you've seen me, I wish to see you."

"Okay." Slowly extracting himself from her passage, he takes off his shirt while she runs his pants down. Once he's fully nude, he asks, "So what now?"

"Now we shower together. The shower appears big enough for two people."

Taking gentle hold of his member, she leads him into the bathroom before turning the shower on once more. Feeling the water go warm, she smiles as they enter the shower together before turning around.

"I wish to feel you inside me one more time for the night before bed. Do you wish it as well?" Richard's lips against hers as his member enters her again gets Rei to smile as she wraps one slender leg around him. Upon ending the kiss, Richard sees the water falling onto Rei's head and smiles softly.

"You are so beautiful, my flower." Rei smiles softly right back at him as the two mate in the shower.

(Katsuragi/Ikari/Sohryu apartment; same time)

As Shinji gently places a still-sleeping Asuka back onto her bed, he smiles as he shakes his head.

'Another time, different circumstances, if I hadn't met Ritsuko… we'd probably have gotten together.' Exiting her room, he comes across Misato and nods. "She took the deal. She's one of us now."

"I was hoping she would. But big question is just how can she help us? There are places in NERV not even I have access to."

"I know, but this was the best way I could think of to keep her quiet." Pondering lightly, he adds, "Well, sort of quiet, anyway." Misato can't help but giggle at that before nodding. "Even more, it finally happened." Perplexed, Misato blinks.

"What finally happened?"

"Berto proposed to Kat." Misato's jaw drops, only for it to drop even lower at his next words. "And Kat accepted." Misato recovers her jaw before smiling widely.

"Then it's a call for celebration."

"Indeed. All that's left now are…"

"Don't you dare finish that." Cracking her knuckles, Misato adds, "You may have probes that make you stronger than me when you're Max Steel Jr., but I know your biggest weakness when you're you." Shinji can't help but gulp while grinning sheepishly.

'I hate being very ticklish! It's so troublesome!'

Author's Notes; The long awaited fall scene has finally happened! I hope you enjoyed it and the lemon!