Shinji Steel 45
Disclaimer; I do not own Neon Genesis Evangelion or Max Steel. Wish I did, though.
(Two days later; Tokyo-3; Katsuragi/Ikari/Sohryu apartment)
As Misato fixes her makeup, she thinks about the wedding she'll be going to with Ritsu and Kaji. Her friendship with Ritsu of late had become tenuous within the past day. Mainly because of the recorded conversation between the fake blond and the dumbass that had somehow been named 'Commander' of NERV. Kaji, on the other hand…
"You look great without makeup, Misato. So why put it on?" Shinji's voice behind her gets her to turn around without a start. Her calm demeanor gets Shinji to grin softly as he says, "I see you've become immune to my sneaking up behind you."
"What can I say? I've gotten used to having a roommate that's actually quiet as a field mouse." Grinning playfully, she adds, "Cute as one, too." Shinji can't help but sheepishly grin while Misato giggles, admiring his blue suit. "So when's the wedding between Berto and Kat again?"
"They're planning on two months after the war ends. Berto's handling the catering and flower arrangements while Kat's doing the seating arrangements and guest list. Dad and Jefferson are helping with the finances since Berto and Kat have no actual family to speak of." Misato clasps her late Father's cross and closes her eyes before opening them back up.
"They do have family, Shinji. You, Josh, Jefferson, each other and all the others at 'N-Tek'. They'd been through both good and bad times together. They may have hit rough spots, but they never abandoned each other intentionally."
"Yeah." Next thing he knows, Misato steps forward and tightens his tie a little bit. A playful grimace on her face.
"One Kaji that seems to be an adult is bad enough. The world doesn't need a younger version of him, even though this one seems to shave himself baby smooth." Shinji can't help but blush furiously while Misato giggles. "So when's the official day for you and Rits?"
"Definitely after the war, but about a year after Berto and Kat get hitched. By that time though, Rits and I will have about two or three children."
"Oh, you've been discussing having children early intensely, have you?" Shinji only smirks before shrugging.
"It's the only thing we feel safe enough talking about between Angels. Just to give us something to look forward to."
"Well, don't forget that their 'Auntie Misato' would love to spoil them rotten."
"I won't." Giving her a concerned glance, he then asks, "How about you? How're you holding up when it comes to Dr Akagi?"
"Admittedly enough, not so well. Ritsu was one of the first people to get me talking again. Kaji right with her." Her eyes starting to drip tears, she feels Shinji's arms wrapping gently around her. Returning it, she holds him gently, yet tightly, to her. "Oh, just how'd she get mixed up in what 'Dumbass' is doing?"
"It would appear as if we have to ask her. Our way." Misato can't help but lightly chuckle at that thought.
"What'll happen then?"
"It'll be up to her. I'm hoping she'll be willing to work against him." Blinking, Misato gently moves back from him.
"You think Ritsu might be a victim?"
"I do, just as you do." Misato can only nod as Asuka comes walking up in her green dress. Shinji turns around and says, "Nice outfit, Asuka. Does the 'Berlin Circus' know you took one of their tents to make it for your blind date?" Asuka looks down at it and snickers.
"It kinda does look like tent material, doesn't it?" Looking at Shinji in his suit, she remarks, "Nice suit. Does 'N-Tek' know of your 'James Bond' fantasies so well, they let you dress like him when you feel like it?" Shinji only smirks, getting Asuka to roll her eyes. "I just had to ask, didn't I?"
"Ikari. Shinji Ikari." Misato and Asuka can't help but giggle as Shinji adds, "Maybe I need a Walther P99 to go with it." Both females consider it before giving their reply.
"Nah!"
They all share a soft laugh as Shinji, Asuka and Misato exit the apartment. Shinji and Misato head for their respective vehicles, with Asuka getting a ride with Shinji to Hikari's. As that is where she'll be meeting her blind date. Upon arrival, Shinji looks over toward Asuka.
"If you need help, an 'N-Tek' Sparrow's up overhead under cloak, keyed to your earpiece. A field Agent inside the cockpit."
"Is it your Dad?"
"Not likely. He has a date with Laura today." Asuka can't help but grin at that.
"Hey, all right!"
"You got that right." Grinning mildly, he adds, "Jefferson and I kinda pushed him into it. After all, he's been working his ass off in both the office and the field lately. He deserves a chance to relax." Asuka gives him a grin and a nod before exiting the car and turning to face him.
"Good luck with 'Dumbass' today. I just wish I could see his face when you tell him what you did through Ms Chen. Oh, and tell the 'Mrs.' I said hi." Shinji gives a grin right back to her before replying.
"I'll see if I can get a picture for you. I will relay your greeting." Asuka can only giggle mirthfully as she closes the door and watches the car drive off.
'You'd better get a picture, Third! Because I want to see that face in my scrapbook and laugh my ass off any time I'm down in the dumps!' Turning toward the Horaki house, she looks upward to see if she could spot the Sparrow before slapping her forehead. 'Idiot! How can you spot something that's invisible?'
Walking up to the front door, she presses the buzzer. When the door opens, she sees Hikari poking her head into the crack. Only to start smiling widely upon seeing her.
"Hey, Asuka." Ducking down behind the door to grant Asuka entry, she says, "Come on in."
"Why thank you." As she strides into the Horaki house, Asuka can't help but think, 'Why's Hikari ducking down behind the door?'
"Your blind date's already here, Asuka." Noticing her dress, Hikari adds, "That's a nice dress."
"Thanks, Hikari." Smirking, she adds, "I stole a tent from the 'Berlin Circus' to make it." Unseen by Asuka, Hikari's eyes can't help but go wide before she giggles. Asuka right behind her, adding, "That's not what happened. When he saw it, Shinji asked me if the 'Berlin Circus' knew I took one of their tents to make it." Their giggles go raucous as Asuka walks in. Hikari in tow.
She's then stunned to see Touji, wearing casual blue jeans and a blue t-shirt. Quite frankly a first for him in anything but a track suit. He's talking with a boy she'd never seen before. Touji and the boy both look over and the boy's jaw drops. Touji, however, grimaces lightly.
"Kenoju, this is Asuka Langley Sohryu, aka the Red Devil. Devil, this is my cousin, Kenoju Suzuhara. But we usually call him 'Ken' for short." Asuka looks Kenoju over. Fit like Touji, yet not as tall. Wearing glasses, yet able to appear distinguished. The casual jeans and shirt, however…
Shaking it off, Asuka smiles and bows, saying, "It's nice to meet you, Kenoju." Rising unsteadily from his seat, Kenoju returns the bow.
"Likewise, Asuka. Ken, please." Kenoju's voice is shy, yet Asuka can't blame him. She's feeling shy herself.
"Okay." Giving him a soft smile, she asks, "Um, so, where are we going, Ken?"
"You ever shoot a paintball marker?"
"Not lately, but you've got my curiosity peaked. Let's go." Ken gives her a nod as they exit. "I'll take good care of Ken, Touji."
"Oh, I know you will, Devil." Asuka's eyebrows can't help but rise as she turns to face him.
"Just what is that supposed to mean, Stooge?"
"What do you see Hikari wearing, since you saw what 'Ken' and I are wearing?" Asuka looks them all over and finally notices that Hikari is wearing the same thing Touji and Ken are.
"You mean…"
"That's right, Asuka." Hikari's voice gets her attention as the pig-tailed girl goes on. "We're going on a double date of paintball!" Asuka can't help but notice the gleeful tone in Hikari's voice.
"You seem to be thrilled with it." Hikari gives her a wide smirk.
"But of course. We'll have to get you into something more appropriate, though. You'll stick out like a sore thumb in that." Looking back down at herself, Asuka only has one thought.
'Oh… boy. She's… right! I'm… gonna… die!' She then ponders it further, grins cockily and says, "I think I'll stick with what I have on. Who knows? It might even improve the look a bit if I take a few paintballs."
"Asuka! That's a nice dress! I'd hate to see it get ruined!"
"So? I got it from the bitch my Father got remarried to when my Mother died. I'm not really concerned about it getting trashed. And like I said, it might improve the looks if I take a few paintballs."
"Okay. If you say so, Asuka."
(Takamiya house; same time)
As Rits fixes her makeup in her room, she hears Deidre coming up behind her and grins softly.
"Hey, Mom."
"Hey, Ritsy." Leaning up against the doorframe, Deidre sighs. "I won't be able to go with you to Kyoto-2 today."
"Oh?" Turning to Deidre and seeing regret on her Mother's face, Rits asks, "What's up?"
"I gotta look for a job. Making your 'Dragonette' suit proved to be more expensive than I expected." Rits can't help but wince.
"I'm so sorry, Mom. I'll come with you. Maybe we can get a job together." Much to her surprise, Deidre smiles softly and thankfully.
"Nah. You're proceeding with our plans for today."
"Huh?" Deidre only points out the window, prompting Ritsuko to look. Upon seeing the reason stopped in front of her window, Rits smiles softly.
(Tokyo-3 Memorial Yard; thirty minutes later)
As Shinji and Rits step toward their destination, Shinji notices Gendo's presence. Unable to resist a snarl, he soon feels Rits' hand softly squeeze his. Calming him down somewhat. Glancing toward her and nodding his thanks, he gets a bright smile and nod from her before she speaks.
"Take all the time you need."
"Thanks, but I don't think I'll need long with you by my side, Rits." Her smile quickly goes demure and she nods.
"I'll be by your side, Shin." Getting a nod of 'thanks' from him again, she steps forward with him. Only to draw Gendo's ire.
"What is she doing here, Pilot Ikari?"
"As his 'wife', I'm here to stand by the side of my 'husband'. If only to give him strength to endure your presence." Rits' tone of strength gets Gendo to growl.
"You watch yourself, girl."
"No, dumbass." Shinji's tone quickly gets Gendo's attention as he goes on. "You watch yourself. You're before Mother's marker. I don't think she'd take kindly to you treating family in such a manner." Gendo snorts incredulously at that.
"You have no idea what family is or isn't, Pilot Ikari."
"Oh, I don't know. I think I've a fairly good idea of what it is or isn't. I'll start with what isn't family. Family isn't leaving offspring alone at a train station for someone to pick up, only for the offspring to wait for who knows how fuckin' long! Family isn't involving offspring in a war they know nothing about until the last fuckin' minute! Family isn't referring to offspring as 'Pilot' or 'Whatever number Child'! If you think family is all that, then you're wrong!" Shinji seethes, with Rits watching serenely and with approval, before going on.
"Now for what family is. Family is staying together through good times and bad. Family is nurturing. Family is celebrating the lives of those you lost and those you still have. You failed miserably as a Father, Gendo Rokubungi!" Gendo's blink of confusion tells Shinji all he needs to know.
"You mean… oh ho-ho-ho!"
As he gets his chortling under control, Shinji hears Rits giggling right behind him as he'd told her what he had done while they were en route. Gendo clearing his throat quickly ends their merriment. Briefly.
"My last name is Ikari, Third Child."
"Not anymore. As of now, there's a court order to have you severed from the Ikari name." Gendo's eyes bolt open in shock as Shinji nods. "That's right, Gendo Rokubungi." Rits takes it from there.
"Your days as an Ikari are effectively over, 'Commander Dumbass'. Any time you call yourself 'Ikari', you are in contempt. Any attempt to declare yourself as a relative to an Ikari, you are in contempt." Gendo, faced with the prospect that he'd no longer be associated in any way to the Ikari name, finds himself with only one recourse.
"You little whelp!"
An infuriated Gendo throws a roundhouse punch at Shinji, enraged at how Shinji and Rits spoke to him. Only to find the young man had maneuvered around the punch. Seeing Rits, he grins evilly and charges toward her. Only for Shinji to intercept Gendo before he could get to her and bury his left leg right into Gendo's belly.
Resulting in Gendo collapsing to the ground. Barely able to keep his stomach contents in place, Gendo glares up at Shinji. While the young man stands in front of a proudly-beaming Rits in a protective manner, no less. Only to get a glare right back from Shinji.
"As I said, you failed miserably as a 'Father', Rokubungi."
Gendo rises up from the ground after recovering his wind. Somehow knowing that when it comes to hand-to-hand combat, he's sorely outmatched by Shinji. For a slight instant, he feels three things. Brief, yet immense, pride in Shinji's ability to stand strong. Brief, yet utter, fear of Shinji's battle prowess in both Evangelion and everyday situations. Total outrage toward Shinji and his unwillingness to break under any circumstances.
"Perhaps I have, perhaps I haven't. Time will tell, Third Child."
Ignoring Rits' growl, he makes a hand signal. With that, a NERV V-TOL touches down behind Gendo. Allowing Shinji to see that Gendo had flown to the memorial garden alone. Gendo finds himself having to yell over the jet engines.
"I'm leaving now!"
"I hope you crash and die!"
Gendo only pushes his glasses back up his nose before turning away from Shinji. Not caring to dignify what Shinji had said with a response. Getting into the V-TOL, he closes the door before looking up toward the pilot.
"Take off now!"
"Yes sir!" With that, the V-TOL lifts off, leaving the memorial garden behind. As the V-TOL flies, Gendo notices an information brief on the comm. console.
"How long ago did the transmission come through?"
"Five minutes, sir. Vice-Commander Fuyutsuki had indicated it as a Priority-One."
"Did he describe the nature of it?"
"No sir."
"Very well."
Looking over the packet, he sees another threat against NERV and the Evangelion Pilots. One of many that NERV gets on a weekly basis. This one, in particular, is from a group called 'The Order of the Light of Divinity'. Usually considering them a general nuisance in the past, Gendo paid them no mind. But, today, that changes. For he notices a number they'd thoughtfully included in hopes of gaining 'converts' willing to repudiate NERV and its personnel.
'Okay, Third Child. Since you've done so well to disrupt the Scenario by not breaking, let's see how you handle cultists.' Dialing the number on his phone, he waits until he hears a lofty male voice.
"Thank you for calling 'The Order of the Light of Divinity'. This is the High Apostle."
"Greetings, High Apostle. I call with information you may find most useful."
"Information, huh?" The High Apostle's voice is filled with intrigue as he goes on. "I can always use information. What is the information you are wishing to impart?"
"The Third Child of NERV." The man's joy-filled gasp gets Gendo to smile evilly.
"Oh, we've been awaiting a chance to attack one of the Children of NERV. You have blessed us indeed, Brother." That in itself gets Gendo to roll his eyes. "Do you know where the Third Child is?"
"He was last seen at the Tokyo-3 Memorial Garden. He was also in the company of a young lady."
"A boy, eh? With a girl?"
"Yes. Quite shocking, isn't it? A girl that cannot see the boy she's enamored with, and is enamored with her, is a cold-blooded killer. Although it is likely she supports him in his desire to kill the Angels."
"Then they shall both be punished."
"Indeed. Also, the Third Child drives a car. A blue coupe on what seems to be an off-road chassis. He also has a contingent of two Section-2 Agents shadowing him. Although he finds great sport in eluding them with absurd ease. It seems he feels safer without them around. Oh, hold one moment. I'm getting another call in."
"Of course, Brother." Rolling his eyes again, Gendo muffles his phone. Picking up a headset, he calls in to Section-2 and gets Psycho. (Quite frankly, he's already psycho!)
"Captain Psycho, the Third Child has once again eluded his detail. I expect better performance."
"Oh, he didn't elude them, sir." Psycho's reply gets his eyebrows to arch before Psycho goes on. "Once he'd dropped off the Second Child, he noticed one of our sedans following him. Deciding that he's had enough, he stopped, got out and made a deal with them."
"What kind of deal?"
"They give him space of at least 1,000 yards for today and he'll let them keep him under observation. They checked with me and I figured it'd be easier to make a deal for a day. Just to see how well it goes. It goes well enough, it'll be a new policy for Agents so we can protect them. Without sticking out like sore thumbs in the process."
"I see, Captain Psycho. It may well merit further scrutiny. Out." Ending communication, Gendo turns back to his earlier call. Electing to omit what Psycho had told him. "High Apostle, I implore you. End the designs of the Third Child and his accomplice."
"The Third Child and the girl will feel our divine wrath this day."
"I see no real problem with that." Ending the call before being called 'Brother' once more, Gendo sneers cruelly. "Your 'Court Order' has just been revoked, Third Child. As your spirit will be broken at having lost your 'beloved' as I had lost mine."
Little does he realize that, once again, an 'N-Tek' satellite had accessed both sides of both his calls and is sending a Priority Flash to a phone. This phone belonging to an Agent that cares very much for Shinji as a son. As he reads the short message, his date notices him stiffening and frowns.
"What is it, Josh?"
"Rokubungi called a cult. Particularly one that wants to harm Evangelion Pilots." Laura gasps in shock as Josh nods. "My thoughts exactly. Shinji and Ritsuko are in danger, Laura."
"He means to willingly let Shinji and Ritsuko come to harm?"
"It's not going to go that far. Shinji can fend them off just enough for me to get to him."
"Then you'd better go." Laura smiles softly as she asks, "Rain check?"
"Even better." Rising up from the table in the Okinawa McGrath house, Josh switches over to Max Sr. and asks, "Want to have some fun?" Laura gets a wide smirk on her face as she nods.
"I'm game."
(Five minutes ago; Memorial Garden)
As they watch the V-TOL lift-off, Shinji and Rits cover their faces to ensure dust doesn't fly into their eyes from the sudden uptick in power to the fans. Once it's cleared, Shinji and Rits turn to the marker they'd come to see.
'Yui Ikari'
'1977-2004'
Watching as Shinji lays a bouquet of flowers down before the marker, Rits can't help but notice the scarcity of space around the markers.
"What's with the marking arrangements?"
"The grave's empty. Much like all the others are. If anything, they're only memorials for surviving relatives and their loved ones to find the name connected to them." Looking back to her, he adds, "In a way, you're lucky, Rits."
"How so, Shin?"
"When your parents died, you still had something to bury at least. When Mother died, there was nothing left of her." Rits' eyes can't help but go wide in horror.
"You mean she just faded from existence?"
"Yeah." Shuddering, he murmurs, "I'm starting to get the memory of that day back lately. Rokubungi and Mother had taken me to a place that's all too familiar to me for my tastes."
"NERV." At his nod, Rits murmurs, "You don't have to say if it hurts you too much or if you're not ready."
"I'll be okay. But thanks, Rits."
From there, he tells her about how Yui had faded into the LCL inside Unit-01. Her agonized screams as she vanished. How he'd cried when she didn't come back. When he gets to the train station portion, Rits is holding him close. Murmuring softly into his ear as she gazes at the marker.
'Hello, "Mother-in-Law". I wish we could have met before we wed so I could meet your approval. But know this. I love your son and will ensure he stays happy. Even if I have to show up in front of him in my "Dragonette" outfit before stripping it off so we can make hot passionate love. After all the shit Rokubungi put him through, he's owed nothing but happiness.' Upon feeling Shinji looking toward her, Rits smiles warmly.
"Feeling better, sweetie?"
"Yeah. Getting there, anyway."
"Good." She then listens as Shinji makes the introductions.
"Mother, this is my 'wife', Ritsuko 'Ikari'. Ritsuko, this is my Mother." Rits' face can't help but go warm, yet pleasantly, at the 'unofficial' surname.
"Hello, 'Mother-in-Law'. Shinji's turned out to be a wonderful man. I will take very good care of him and our children." Smiling softly, she adds, "Once we've wed officially, we'll begin our family. Of course, we're not adverse to starting it early." The two then stand silently in contemplation until Rits remembers the first time they had sex without a condom.
"Shinji, didn't you say Mr. Martinez found a picture of your Mother?"
"That I did. That he did."
"Any chance I can see it?"
"Sure. Is now a good time?"
"No. I'd like to go to Kyoto-2 to my parents' grave before seeing her picture."
"We can do that." Rits smiles thankfully at Shinji as he looks back to the markers and says, "We'll return, Mother, with your first grandchild." With that, they turn away from the marker and walk back toward Shinji's car. When Rits sees him waving toward the Section-2 sedan, she can't help but shake her head.
"I still can't believe you made a deal with them."
"It's just for today. Tomorrow, however…" Rits can't help but giggle while Shinji chortles evilly. "Kyoto-2, here we come." With that, the two car convoy exits the memorial yard. Shinji's car in the lead while the Section-2 sedan cruises behind at 1,000 yards.
(Nez/Ayanami apartment; same time)
As Richard pumps into Rei from behind in the shower, the water falling gently onto them, he gently cups her breasts. Feeling the nipple harden, he leans forward and plants a kiss onto her neck. Getting a soft moan from the blue-haired beauty as she smiles.
"This must be what Takamiya feels any time she and Ikari are together."
"What's that, 'Angel'?" At the nickname Richard had given her the previous night, Rei's smile goes warm.
"The feeling of bliss any time…" Her voice trailing off as she orgasms, Rei feels the sensation of Richard's sperm flooding into her. She then can't help but scream, "RICHARD!"
"REI!" As they relish in the afterglow of sex, they feel the still-falling water hitting their bodies. Much to Richard's surprise, however, Rei turns herself around. With Richard still inside her, no less, and smiles sultrily.
Richard returns the smile and says, "If I didn't know any better, I'd say you were trying to get knocked up even though the implant won't let you."
"It seems I need lots of practice for the time when you can knock me up, Richard." Pumping her form onto him, Rei murmurs, "I'll consult with Dr Akagi on the removal of the implant as I have an appointment with her anyway tomorrow."
"What kind of appointment?"
"Just a general health examination. I seem to be slightly past due for one and must rectify it."
"Need any company?" Rei only smiles at him before shaking her head.
"That's sweet of you, Richard. But some aspects of the examination are very private."
"Ah, I got ya. I got ya." Giving her a kiss as they copulate, Richard feels Rei's tongue probing for his. Letting his tongue meet hers, he feels them dancing together. Ending the kiss to breathe, he gives her a smile. "It's cool."
"Thank you, Richard." Her smile in place still, she murmurs, "They're so private, 'Vash', not even I can understand them." Richard then snaps his fingers as he remembers something.
"There's a cosplay convention next month. Wanna check it out?"
"What happens at one?"
"Oh, people dress up like their favorite characters from their favorite anime series." Pointing at his hairdo, he adds, "I'm going as 'Vash the Stampede' from 'Trigun'. I think you'd make a good 'Meryl Stryfe', Rei."
"Is she on 'Trigun' as well?"
"Yep. In fact, I even have the series with me. Wanna check it out and see what you think?"
"I'd be interested to see it." Her red eyes going smoldering all of a sudden, she adds, "But, for now, fuck me until I can't walk straight." Richard's only too happy to oblige her.
(Deidre's job hunt/interview; same time)
Deidre sits before the head of the corporation that operates the machine-operated construction sites. The slender sandy-haired man is looking over her resume and quirking his eyebrows every so often. Nodding in approval, he puts her resume down and smiles gently.
"I must admit, Ms Takamiya, you are uniquely qualified for the position you're applying for. But our sites are machine-operated. It's not discrimination, mind you, but a matter of safety for what human personnel we have."
"Oh, I understand." Her tone is downtrodden, yet the man doesn't stop smiling as he resumes speaking.
"How are you when it comes to repairing equipment when it breaks down?" Deidre only shrugs before giving her reply.
"I've only done 'meatball' procedures on-site to get them working again. Nothing really long-lasting. Just quick, basic and dirty."
"How about a demonstration of 'meatball' procedures, Ms Takamiya?" Deidre blinks before catching on.
"Okay." The man nods as they both rise and exit his office. Deidre asking, "Where to, Mr. Treadwell?"
"Oh, to a site that just had a jackhammer jam yesterday, Ms Takamiya."
"Oh, I've dealt with a couple of those. What caused the jam?"
"A piece of rebar flew out of control and slammed against the jackhammer's hydraulic connection point, damaging it. Which is where you come in."
"A human hand, having more dexterity, makes it more suitable for on-site repairs."
"Oh yes. It makes more sense to have a human repair worker than trying to have a machine do it." Grinning wryly, the man asks, "You didn't expect to become a repair technician of sorts, did you, Ms Takamiya?"
"Not really. I expected to actually do construction work. But being a repair technician should prove interesting." Grinning sheepishly, she adds, "Even though I'm not certified for the job."
"Here's the way I see things. 'If you know enough from on-the-job-training, then you don't need certification'. You've got what it takes, Ms Takamiya. Don't let the lack of certification drive you down."
"I won't." Unable to resist giggling, she says, "I just can't wait to see Ritsy's face when I tell her about my new job. If I make the cut, that is."
"Oh, I suspect you'll do well enough to be hired on." Pausing briefly, he then asks, "Who's Ritsy?"
"My adopted daughter."
"Ah. Where is she at right now?"
"She's with her future husband, going to their respective parents' burial sites." Deidre sees his glance and sighs out, "It's a long story."
"I don't doubt that. Next time you see them, please pass on my regards to them." Seeing her glance, he adds, "I tend to be a bit forgetful at times. So I said it just in case I forget."
"I'll pass them on, Mr. Treadwell."
(Paintball Field; same time)
Asuka can't help but grin at the thought of pelting her opponents with paintballs. She even finds herself looking forward to being pelted with paintballs. Hikari gently nudges her, getting the redhead's attention.
"Ready, Asuka?"
"As I'll ever be. How do we do this?"
"Okay, first it's 'Girls against Boys'." Getting a nod of agreement from Asuka, she adds, "Then it's 'Couple against Couple'." As Asuka nods again, she suddenly catches herself upon catching what Hikari had said. She then blushes beet red, causing Hikari to giggle. "Got you, Asuka."
"You just wait until it's the latter and I get you and Touji in my sights." Asuka's lethal purr only gets Hikari to snicker before yawning.
"I'll wait, alright. But it'll be the other way around." As the two walk alongside each other to their zones, Asuka mentally grins evilly.
'I just hope that Agent's ready to come to my aid.' Sadly, however, the Agent in the Sparrow is watching the goings on intently. A wide grin on his face.
"This is going to be good!" He then hits the 'record' button just as the teens 'open fire' on each other.
(Deidre's 'meatball' demonstration site; same time)
As Deidre looks around the site, she can't help but notice it was where Psycho had wound up looking partially like a statue.
'That was the damned funniest thing I'd ever seen, too!'
Upon seeing Mr. Treadwell walk up to her, 'patient' in hand, she sees the extent of the damage. The joiner hadn't just been damaged. It'd been rendered jagged by the rebar.
"Might as well get started. I'm going to need a wrench and leather gloves."
"They never gave you your own tools to do emergency repair work with?"
"That's right, Mr. Treadwell. Any tools I used were company property."
"Alright. E! Tool chest!" At the sound of the letter, Deidre looks over and sees a slender red-haired woman come up to them. Tool chest with her. "Ms Takamiya needs to borrow our tools for this."
"Okay." E glances at Deidre and grins. "Good luck, Ms Takamiya."
"Thanks. I'm probably gonna need it." Opening the tool chest, she smiles upon seeing the needed items right at the top. "Got the replacement joiner handy?"
"Right here, Ms Takamiya." Upon seeing it in Mr. Treadwell's hand, Deidre gets to work. As she works, Treadwell turns to E and grins. "What do you think, E?"
"She has what it takes, Sam." Upon Deidre finishing, E checks the time and whistles. "That was the fastest repair I'd seen yet."
"Repair? I thought it'd be a 'meatball' I'm doing."
"It's about to come up, Ms Takamiya. There will also come times when you have to do regular repairs." Treadwell grins lightly as he adds, "I didn't say the jackhammer was the 'meatball', Ms Takamiya. I only told you a jackhammer had jammed." Deidre can't help but chuckle in exasperation.
"I thought the jackhammer was too easy to be for the 'meatball' repair." At their gentle chuckles, Deidre rubs her hands together and asks, "So where's the true 'meatball' I'm to work on?" Treadwell only points over toward an elevator before verbally replying.
"One of the machines inadvertently severed the electrical line for the motor as it came up level to the machine. Four stories off the ground, you'd have to have nerves of steel."
"I skydived from a higher distance a few months back. I can handle it."
"Alright." As Deidre strides toward the elevator, Treadwell exchanges a grin with a smirking E. "Sorry, Elizabeth. I should've been more upfront with her." E only gives him a snicker in reply.
(Kyoto-2 Memorial Yard; two hours later)
As Shinji walks alongside Rits, he notices her trembling in sadness. Clasping her right hand with his left, he gets her attention.
"You were there for me when I needed you most. I'm returning the favor to a beautiful damsel in distress." Rits can't help but roll her eyes at his corniness while smiling softly.
"I enjoyed being there for a man in distress. It made me feel warm." As they reach her parents' grave, her smile fades slightly. "I don't even know what to say, Shinji. Where do I even start?"
"When was the last time you were here?"
"A week before we first met. It's been so long…" Her voice trailing off as Shinji's lips make contact with hers, Rits sends her tongue to greet his. As the two kiss, Rits comes to a final decision. 'The implant's coming out next week and Shinji's baby will be in my womb two months afterward.' When their kiss ends, Rits smiles widely. Knowing exactly what she wants to say, she turns around. Shinji by her side.
"Hello, Mother and Father. A lot's happened since the last time I was here with 'Mom'. I met the boy that's now the love of my life and found out that he's become a hero."
Glancing at him proudly and seeing him blushing somewhat, she adds, "Albeit a reluctant hero, but a hero nonetheless." She then lightly giggles and blows him a kiss before saying, "His family may not be of the conventional kind, but at least it's far better than what he'd been ditched by. Mother, Father, this is Shinji Ikari. Shinji, my parents."
"Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Takusona. I only wish you could be here to see how well Rits' grown up under Deidre's care." Going to behind her, he gently wraps his arms around her and holds her close, whispering, "You should tell them about what you'd found. If anything, they deserve to know."
"You're right." Rits' gentle whisper back prompts Shinji to gently kiss her neck before unwrapping his arms from around her. Once he's back at her side, she goes on. "I found out something horrible, though. You were murdered for no apparent reason. Rendering me an orphan and attributed to Second Impact. Grandfather and his assistant were pretty much bullied into implanting BCIs into unsuspecting women without their knowledge or consent." Gently rubbing her lower belly, she sighs.
"With me being one of them. Some dark bunch of dorks wants humanity to die out it seems. They ain't getting what they want, though. When the war with the Angels is over, Shinji and I will be together, have children and celebrate our lives together. If those dorks don't like it, then it's their problem. Not ours." Feeling her ire rise toward those responsible for the deaths of her parents and the dorks hiding themselves, Rits comes to a decision.
"I've so much to tell you, but for right now I want to go to our spot in Tokyo-3 before seeing a picture of Shinji's Mother." Smiling softly, she murmurs, "After Second Impact, the world changed. Next time we come, you'll see how it changed when your first grandchild is with us." Turning to Shinji with tears falling from her eyes, Rits asks, "Can we go, please? I don't want them to see me like this."
"Yeah." Gently draping an arm onto Rits' shoulders, he looks at their marker and thinks, 'I'll take care of her, Mr. and Mrs. Takusona. Even if I have to become "Max Steel Jr." in front of her, I'll protect her.' As the two walk away, Shinji looks around and nods upon seeing their detail's sedan. But he can't quite quell the niggling feeling that something is wrong.
(Same place; three minutes earlier)
As the High Apostle of 'The Order of the Light of Divinity' looks toward the couple at a marker, two members of his flock in Kyoto-2 are busy silencing the Section-2 Agents in a brutal manner. Ever since the call from an unidentified man that told him, the High Apostle had made strides in tracking down one of the Children NERV uses to kill the Almighty's emissaries.
He feels highly confident that the Third Child feels frightened instead of safe without their presence as the one that called him had stated. To that end, he plans to get close enough to attack and dispense divine retribution for the Angels that had died. Looking back toward his flock members, he shakes his head at the ill-fitting suits they'd 'acquired' from the two Agents they'd killed. The two members are woefully undersized. Making them look absolutely ridiculous with the sleeves over their hands.
'Can't be helped now. We've come too far to turn back from this opportunity to strike back against the Devil known as "NERV". Who knows when a chance like this will come again?' Turning to his companions, he asks, "Are you ready, my Brothers, to strike fear into 'NERV' for killing those sent by the Almighty?"
"We are somewhat ready, High Apostle." The reply from both men at tandem gets the High Apostle to nod in approval.
"Then let us go." As they get into the sedan, the High Apostle notices the two teens getting into the car. "Once they exit the memorial grounds, get close, to give them the impression they're both safe before we attack." The cultist behind the wheel nods before pulling out behind the Third Child's car.
(Shinji's car; three minutes later)
As he drives along, Shinji looks into the mirror before scowling and focusing his eyes on the reflection he's seeing.
'It's bad enough that they're ignoring the deal after accepting it, but they seem to have… a guy wearing a big-ass hat? No.' His eyes going wide, he hisses out, "Cultists!"
"Huh?" Rits' query gets Shinji to look over at her. "Did you just say cultists, Shinji?"
"That I did, Rits."
"How can you tell?" Looking out the rear window inconspicuously, she sees one person extra in there. "What do we do?"
"Only thing we can do for now is try to evade them." Lightly pressing down on the accelerator, Shinji thinks, 'Let's see how you handle my driving, bozos!'
(Section-2 sedan; same time)
"Dammit! He made us! But how?" Without waiting for an answer, the High Apostle grits out, "Punch it! They must not get away!" The driver nods before slamming down onto the accelerator. Swerving around the cars, barely missing them, he listens as the High Apostle cackles madly.
"You're ours now, Third Child! Both you and your little bitch!"
(Shinji's car; same time)
Noticing the Section-2 car increasing speed even more, Shinji sighs dismally.
"It seems they want to play 'Bumper Cars', Rits." Reaching for another portion of his seat's harness, he gets it into place. "You may want to strap down some more. If they want us so badly, they'll have to work for it."
"Right." Her voice calm, yet her nerves firing all at once, Rits brings another harness into place. "Ready."
"Okay." Punching down onto the accelerator, he smirks and says, "Let's just see what Section-2 has got under the hood anyway." As the car pulls away, he sing-songs out, "Bye-bye, baby." Rits can't help but giggle at that.
As he drives, he makes certain to include ample space between his car and the others being endangered by the cultists' desires. Next thing he knows, Berto's voice pipes up.
"Shinji, my sensors picked up a sharp increase in speed. What's going on?"
'Rits and I are attack by cultists. Which bunch of nuts, I've no idea at all.'
"Okay. I'm notifying the UN Police and telling them NERV personnel in distress. In the meantime, try contacting the cultists and see if you can find out what they want."
'How? Do they have a central cultists' number they call? "1-800-CULTIST"?' That can't help but get a snicker from Shinji and a laugh from Berto before they calm down slightly. Rits eying him intently.
"Actually, I was thinking more along the lines of the CB in there." Shinji's eyebrows can't help but arch upward. Drawing Rits' attention even more.
'I've a CB?'
"Yeah. Ask Rits to open the glove box."
'Okay.' Shinji asks, "Can you open the glove box and see if you can find something so we can get the word out?"
"Sure." Doing so, Rits smiles upon seeing the CB before frowning. Shinji sharing the same thing she comments. "I don't think they have one, though."
'I don't think they have one, though.'
"No need to worry, hermano. All Section-2 sedans have been equipped with CB radios as per Section-2 Captain Psycho's instructions." Upon Shinji relaying what he'd 'remembered', Rits can't help but roll her eyes, keeping up her act.
"I still find it hard to believe 'Dumbass' made him a Captain."
"I guess it just goes to show how dumb 'Dumbass' can really be." Berto and Rits chortle some more before Shinji picks up the microphone. "Let's see the plate number." Focusing his eyes onto the plate, he sees the number and calls it in.
"Attention, lunatic crapheads in Section-2 sedan Golf-98, this is the Third Child of NERV. You are unlawfully operating NERV property."
Berto and Rits both can't help but guffaw at what he'd called the people inside G-98. He then gets a reply.
"Attention, Third Child and accomplice, I, the High Apostle of 'The Order of the Light of Divinity', decree that you are to surrender yourselves so that you may submit yourselves to divine punishment." Shinji's eyebrow can't help but arch upward in amusement. Rits sharing the same reaction as he.
"Did you just say you're 'a high asshole' of 'ornery light diving'? Cool." Rits can't help but giggle at that, wrapping her arms around her midsection in mirth, as he goes on. "It must be some really whacked shit you're on if you're talking like that."
"It's High Apostle of 'The Order of the Light of Divinity'!" Shinji and Rits both share an eye-roll as the man goes on. "Now see here, Third Child of NERV, you have killed your last Holy emissary when the 10th emissary died. Now surrender and take your punishment. Your whore will watch before she joins you in Hell."
"Whore, am I?" Rits snarls into the microphone as Shinji's still holding it. "If anyone's going to Hell, it's you! What happened to the Agents assigned to that vehicle?"
"They were sacrificed for the glory of the Almighty's remaining Holy emissaries." Rits can't help but shake her head before muttering, her finger pressing down onto the button deliberately.
"This guy's a loon, honey." Shinji smirks at her as she releases the button. Just in time to hear the man screaming gibberish. Quirking her eyebrows, she presses the button again and asks, "Did you get any of that, dear? I can't seem to make heads or tails out of it." Shinji smirks as he scratches his head before replying.
"It could be Martian with marble-in-mouth dialect. Maybe even a touch of cotton-balls-up-the-nostrils if I'm hearing him right. I'll have to check my 'Martian Language Guide' when we get home, though." Rits' laughter gets so out of control, she doesn't let go of the button until after her laughter abates.
"Now you die!" As the Section-2 sedan speeds up to ram them, the High Apostle transmits, "Burn in Hell!" Shinji jukes the car to the right just as the sedan nears him, only to swerve right into the lane. "Pathetic fools! There's no escape from the Almighty's divine wrath!"
"Oh, I don't think so." Shinji then smirks as he asks, "Remember that tune-up the car had to go in for?"
"Yeah. Why?"
"Watch this." Opening the center console behind the gear selector, Shinji presses a button marked 'oil slick'. "What say we give this bozo a bit of a slip?"
Rits giggles again as he presses the button. They both then hear hissing from the back of the car and see the sedan losing control. The oil and the sedan's high speed being the main factors for the car crashing right into a guardrail before flipping over.
But it doesn't stop there as its roof grinds along the pavement onto grass. It then slides along the slick grass until coming to a slow sliding stop at the edge of a cliff. Both teens can't help but wince.
"Sure didn't expect that. Hang on." Putting the car into 'reverse', Shinji pulls back to the upside down sedan and pulls up to behind it. Exiting the car, he says, "Call it in. I'll try and keep it from going over the edge."
"Okay." Keying the microphone, Rits says, "Mayday, mayday. Upside-down vehicle on edge of cliff. Said vehicle was aggressor in hostile acts. My 'husband' is rendering whatever aid he can."
"Attention, mayday caller, this is UN Agent Steel. I hear your distress call, am keying in on your signal and I'm en route. ETA, two minutes. Until I arrive, though, tell me what your husband is doing to render aid."
"I copy, Agent Steel." As Shinji proceeds, she gives the play-by-play. "He's gotten hold of his car's winch cable and is taking it to the car, moving at a gentle pace. Oh, I'm so nervous from what happened."
"You're doing fine, ma'am. Keep going." Agent Steel's calm voice eases her nerves enough for her to do so.
"Okay. He's arrived at the car and is now securing it to the rear cross-member of the car's frame. He's now moving away gently towards his car. He's now arriving and having the winch take up the slack. Line is taut and car is stable. But for how long, no idea."
"No need to worry, ma'am. Am arriving onsite now with a UN Police V-TOL." Rits looks up and smiles upon seeing a familiar aircraft. Her smile goes wider when she hears, "How many times do I have to see this car before getting tired of it?" The question is asked with a hint of humor, so Rits answers with humor as well.
"I guess we'll have to find out, Agent Steel."
Agent Steel chortles, and Rits could swear she hears a feminine chortle as well. Putting it out of her mind, she watches the two aircraft touch down onto the ground. As a squad of four UN Police Officers with 'Rescue' designated on them exit the V-TOL, she makes her way to Shinji. Wrapping her arms around him, she feels his arms around her and luxuriates in the embrace.
"Mr. Ikari." At the sound of Agent Steel's voice, they both turn around and see him and a feminine associate wearing a UN Police helmet. "Would you care to make a statement right quick?"
"You bet I would, Agent." Scowling toward the alive, yet dazed, 'men' being pulled out of the wreckage, he proceeds. "After we left the Memorial Yard in Kyoto-2, I noticed that Section-2 sedan violating an agreement I had for the day with the Agents assigned to the sedan."
"Okay." Writing it down, Agent Steel nods. "Go on, please."
"Right. As it drew near, I noticed that instead of two people in it, as per Section-2 operation regulations, it had three. I drew my wife's attention to it and we both agreed we'd make angles between ourselves and them."
"Alright. Mrs. Ikari, anything to add before Mr. Ikari goes on?"
"No, Agent Steel. He may proceed."
"Very well. Mr. Ikari?"
"Right. In any case, during the course of attempting to evade, my wife found a CB radio in the glove box when a friend of ours found out our plight via vid-phone. He told us he'd put a CB in there. I initiated contact with them and the one in the weird-looking hat answered. He told us that we were to surrender ourselves for death by their hands." Grinning meanly, he adds, "Ritsuko and I played with them a little bit by insulting them. We may have gone a little further than we were supposed to, though."
"In what way?" Instead of Shinji answering, it's Rits. A rosy red blush on her face.
"We made fun of his incomprehensible gibberish by calling it 'Martian' with a couple of dialects, Agent Steel." Before Ritsuko can go on, though, a man wearing a yellow robe with white trim strides right up to them. Officers reaching toward him.
"I demand they be given to me so I may kill them, Agent!"
"You'll be killing no one today, you whacko. Matter of fact, Officers." Getting the Officers' attention, he adds, "Take him into custody, if you please."
"Yes sir!" As they grab hold of the man, he starts screaming.
"I AM THE HIGH APOSTLE OF 'THE ORDER OF THE DIVINE LIGHT'! I IDEMAND YOU RELEASE ME AT ONCE!" He keeps on screaming as they manhandle he and his cohorts into the V-TOL.
'Oh, so that's what he said. I thought he said he was the 'high asshole' of 'ornery light diving'. I really hate when they don't enunciate. Don't you?" Shinji can't help but chuckle as Rits giggles while wrapping her arms around him snugly.
"Yeah. It's a real pain in the ass when they don't enunciate, Mr. Ikari." Agent Steel nods before adding, "I think I can declare this a case of self-defense. But I'd sure like to know how that sedan lost control, though."
"Cooking oil." At Shinji's reply, they look back at him. Causing him to shrug. "What can I say? I'm just trying to do my part to be eco-friendly while having defensive measures on my car. Nothing wrong with that. Far as I can tell, anyway."
"Nope. Nothing wrong with it at all, Mr. Ikari. Mrs. Ikari?"
"Yes, Agent Steel?" Rits can't help but think, 'Oh how I want that to be my last name for real!'
"You did a superb job of relaying your husband's actions as he did them."
"Thanks. Though I was nervous that they'd try something while upside down."
"It's understandable." The feminine voice is slightly familiar to Rits, but she can't quite put her finger on it. "If Max was in Mr. Ikari's shoes and I in yours, I'd be nervous as well. But being jittery during such situations can be the biggest obstacle to encounter and overcome. You did both today. Please remember it, Mrs. Ikari."
"I will, Officer…"
"Chanzo." The Officer replies, "Officer Lauren Chanzo. I'm a new Officer assigned to Agent Steel as an Observer."
"Ah. Well, I hope you had a good time observing."
"I wouldn't say good, but I would put it as interesting."
"Let's go with that, then." Officer Chanzo gives Rits a chuckle as she and Agent Steel return to their aircraft. Officer Chanzo, however, can't resist one more line before parting.
"Have a nice day, Mr. and Mrs. Ikari." With that, the canopy closes and both of the aircraft take off.
Once the aircraft are clear, Shinji looks over at his 'wife' and grins. Rits returns the grin and they both get to work. Rits slackens the winch cable while Shinji unhooks it from the cross-member. Within minutes, the winch cable's secure and they pull away from the annihilated sedan. Just barely missing its semi-elegant swan dive into the gorge below the cliff.
As they drive along, Shinji looks over at Rits' legs. He then goes up to the thighs covered by her short red skirt before seeing her belly as she pulls up the white shirt she's wearing. Having noticed his scrutiny, no less, she can't help but feel a certain urge.
"Do you think we have time to make it to 'our place', Shinji?"
"Doubtful. Which place is closer?"
"Yours."
"Then we'll go there. Think your Mom would mind you staying overnight?"
"I don't think she'd mind much. Mom's out job-hunting today."
"It's always good to have some way to occupy the time." Rits can't help but chuckle mirthfully in agreement.
"Oh yeah. Especially with the way we 'occupy' the time." They both share a chortle as they drive on.
(Katsuragi/Ikari/Sohryu apartment; thirty minutes later)
As Shinji and Rits go into his room, Rits traps his lips into a smoldering kiss before ending the kiss so he can take her shirt off. Softly cupping her braless breasts as they come out, Shinji kisses her again. Rits then pushes him further through the doorway before closing his door. Descending upon him after running his zipper down and bringing out his member, she can't help but smile seductively.
"I love you, Shinji Ikari."
"I love you too, Ritsuko Ikari." At that, she kisses him senseless while pumping. Ending the kiss, she hears him say, "We'll make it official soon, Rits."
"Hmm, I can hardly wait." Trapping his lips again, she thinks, 'I want to be with him. Forever!' When she feels her back make contact with his futon, Rits smiles as she wraps her legs around him. "Mmm, oh yes. Make like you're knocking me up, my darling."
"Mmm, I'd love to get you pregnant for real so we can be good parents." With that, Shinji's sperm floods into Rits' womb. As the two kiss, he murmurs, "It's only a matter of time, Rits."
(Wedding; Misato, Kaji and Akagi; same time)
"Oh, Misato! How nice to see you again!"
"You too, Ena." Wrapping her friend in a gentle hug, Misato adds, "You look different somehow, but I can't put my finger on it." The newly-married Ena Higarashi giggles as she turns to the side. Knowing that Misato's playing around. "Oh, you've got precious cargo!" Ena gives a happy smile and nod before turning it into a grin. "What?"
"When are you and Kaji going to do your part, Misato?"
"Me and that joker? You're kidding, right?"
"Nope." Ena giggles before sighing sadly. "For a time, Misato, I thought you and Kaji would be at the end of the aisle first and then have beautiful children. What happened?"
"I got real. There's no way I can possibly love and be loved when I'm damaged goods."
"Bullshit." Ena's retort can't help but have Misato drop her jaw in shock. "That's right, Misato. You ended things because you got scared of losing something precious if it happened. But you did lose something precious for a time until you and Kaji saw each other again." Ena takes Misato's hand and puts it onto her 6-month belly.
"You were lucky to have Kaji in college. He was willing to move Heaven and Earth if he could to see your every desire satisfied. I didn't meet Diasuke until two years ago. By that time, I thought I was worthless. He showed me otherwise." Ena then winces as Misato feels the baby kick against her hand.
"I may not know what it is yet, but I want to wait until after it's born. Surprises can either be wonderful or terrible. I don't mind. After all, meeting Diasuke was a wonderful surprise for me."
"I'll keep it in mind, Ena." Awed at what she'd felt, Misato looks back over at Kaji and sees him looking at her. Flashing his carefree grin and wearing his tie loose again. "You'll never change, will you?"
"Nope. I'm like this until you tame me, Katsuragi."
Misato snorts at that and deftly snatches his tie. Causing Kaji to gulp nervously. Only to be surprised when Misato gently tightens it without the choke-point.
Smiling wryly, Kaji says, "You're still soft and strong as ever, Misato."
"You haven't seen anything yet, Ryoji." Noticing Akagi walking into the restroom, she murmurs, "I'll be right back, Ryoji."
"Oh, okay Misato." Watching as she follows Ritsu into the restroom, he scratches the stubble of his chin and thinks, 'I hope they can resolve what's between them. The tension is stifling.'
Inside the restroom, Misato sneaks out a needleless injector and moves up to behind Ritsu. Placing it between her fingers, she 'gooses' Ritsu and injects a serum that causes continuous nausea for five hours. With the serum working best with low amounts of alcohol in the body, no less. Ritsu, on the other hand, jumps in shock of what Misato did before grinning.
"You hadn't done that in a while, Misato." The purple haired woman only grins as she tosses the injector away. Glad that the fake blond hadn't turned around when she got 'goosed'.
"Yeah, well, things have been so tense between us of late, I felt a little reminder of the old days would be in order." Ritsu can only sigh in exasperation before shaking her head.
"They have been tense, haven't they?" At Misato's nod, she sighs before asking, "When did it get to this point, though?"
'You should know, bitch! Birdman died because of something you put inside him under the orders of "Dumbass"! Along with raiding his body for material to put into that "Custom Model" of Rei!' Misato shrugs before sighing. "Wish I knew, Ritsu. Maybe it was when I suggested destroying the MAGI to keep the 11th Angel from destroying the Angel."
"Maybe. Or maybe it was when I started commenting about how you and Kaji have been getting along romantically just like old times." Misato can only shrug while rolling her eyes.
(Katsuragi/Ikari/Sohryu apartment; three hours later)
The soft notes of a cello emanate throughout the apartment as a dressed Shinji serenades a dressed Rits. The warm smile on her face, combined with her sexual afterglow, helps the cello liven both their spirits after the day they'd had.
Unaware to both of them, Asuka enters the apartment smiling happily. Upon hearing the cello and seeing Rits' smile, her smile goes wider. All too soon for her, however, the music ends. Yet she can't help but applaud.
"You're pretty good, Shinji. You should be on the orchestra." Teasingly, she then asks, "What? No duet cassette?"
"Thanks, Asuka. Nope. The duet cassette's just me and Hoshi messing around." He then starts turning to face her. "How was… the… date?" Curious as to why Shinji's question was broken up, Rits looks toward Asuka and her jaw drops in shock.
With Shinji asking, "What the heck happened to you? Did the 'Berlin Circus' come after you with a bunch of electric paint sprayers when they finally found you and the remnants of their tent?" Asuka giggles as she shakes her head. Paint flecks flying softly off of her.
"Nope, but that would've been entertaining too." Looking down at her, she nods approvingly at the numerous red and blue blotches on her green dress. "That should liven up this dress just right. Shinji?"
"Yeah, Asuka?"
"Know of any cleaning agents that don't strip off water-based acrylic paints?"
"Not right offhand, but I can do a search."
"Marvy! I'm going to my room, take this dress off and hang it up until you find something satisfactory."
"Okay. But you're covered head-to-toe in paint too!"
"Oh?" At Shinji's nod, she looks in a nearby mirror and grins. "Best day ever!" As she goes into her room, she closes the door and calls out, "Oh, you should have seen Hikari, Touji and Ken! They're worse off than I am!" Asuka can't help but cackle at that.
"Who's Ken?"
"My blind date! And that Stooge Touji's cousin!"
Meanwhile, Rits recovers her thought processes and turns to Shinji.
"Did Asuka just walk in here covered head-to-toe in paint?"
"That she did." Looking at the floor, he can't help but chuckle. "At least she had a good time today as well." Rits can only nod as Asuka comes out of her room, wrapped in her towel, and goes right into the bathroom.
"A very good time." Sighing, Rits asks, "Any chance I can see her picture now, Shinji? Please?"
"Okay." As he carries his cello into his room, he calls out, "But you'll likely find something quite disconcerting when you see it, though!"
"I'll be the judge of that, sweetie." Seeing Shinji come out of his room with his laptop opened and an uneasy grin on his face, Rits can't help but feel worried for him. "What'll I find disconcerting, Shin?" Silently, Shinji sits beside her, puts the laptop down onto the table and turns it toward Rits. She then can't help but gasp, "Holy shit. She's…"
"I know. A dead ringer for Rei. Or at least by 75% according to a facial comparison Berto did when I asked him."
"Why keep it from me till now, though?"
"I didn't want you to know until I found proof positive."
"Of what?"
"Rei Ayanami is biologically my twin sister." Rits doesn't say anything. She just holds Shinji close and smiles.
"Now we know you're not the only one 'Dumbass' toyed with. Does Rei know?"
"I think she's starting to suspect at least. Next time I talk to her, I'll ease into the topic." Rits gives him a nod before snuggling up against him. Wrapping an arm around her, he asks, "Wanna talk about something fun to distract us?"
"Sounds heavenly."
Rits' happy murmur as she dozes off can't help but bring a soft smile to Shinji's face. When a freshly-cleaned Asuka comes back out, ready to talk, Shinji looks up toward her and puts his finger to his lips. Asuka nods and smirks.
"She's had a rough day, huh?" Her soft-spoken question gets a nod from Shinji before she asks, "How'd 'Commander Dumbass' take it?"
"Like expected. Not too well. Not like he has much choice in the matter." Smirking, he adds, "He'll probably keep calling himself by 'Ikari' just to spite the Court Order barring him from doing so."
"What happens then?"
Looking at his sleeping 'wife', Shinji gently lays her down onto her back. With Asuka getting the idea and putting a pillow below Rits' head. With Shinji putting one into her arms. Watching as Rits gently squeezes the pillow to herself, Shinji softly kisses her lips. Only to get a soft kiss right back with a sleepily happy murmur.
"Mmm, I can't wait to have our babies, Shinji. You'll make a wonderful Daddy."
Shinji hears Asuka snickering softly and kinks his head toward the kitchen. The redhead nods in agreement and both go into the kitchen. When they're both there, Shinji brings out ingredients and starts making dinner as he usually does. Speaking all the while.
"Well, if he does spite the Court Order, it can be used against him when he's brought to trial."