We Came To Help

by Mercaba

While on a journey to visit a new planet, Eris encounters an angel and crashes only to be found by the pilots. Now forces try to capture or control the alien for their own wishes.

9. Chapter 9

Standard Disclaimer

Odd weather what with fires all around causing air pollution, work is going alright, and stress/mental anxiety are fun problems to deal with. But hey, at least we have another silly chapter and the end of one story and soon to be another story to start. This did all I wanted without extra long padding, hope you enjoyed

X-X

We Came to Help

Chapter – 9

Leaving her favorite little café, Asuka felt the heat of the day and wiped a spot of perspiration from her forehead. It wasn't always going to be summer anymore, change was coming. Asuka wasn't going to say it out loud, and especially not going to say it to Hikari who was at her side, but it scared her. Two weeks post rescue mission and the signs of change were already blossoming around them. Small, subtle, but present. A few extra Catians walking about, new technology being shown, and the extra rare new alien type taking pictures of Tokyo-3. Since Nerv was the Catian appointed go between Earth and the Milky Way alliance for now, all new alien species started their press tour of earth at Tokyo-3.

"Was that a lizard person and a bunny girl? Or…was she just cos-playing?" Hikari pointed across the street. Stealthily taking a picture of the duo with her fancy new phone camera, Hikari squealed a little as the Usagian's ears twitched. Some people just accept change a lot easier than others, Asuka hated that she herself was having such aversion to it. To accept the alien would allow her to accept the alien mindset. That would let her join that stupid little harem and not fight her wants.

Taking out her own newer phone, Durel gave all the pilots the newest stuff, Asuka brought up the report on the two alien species. "Usagian and Gorn. The first of many new visitors we're going to be seeing. Hope you're not going to get scared of them. So what you want to do now?" Asuka hoped it was something, anything, to keep her from going back to the apartment. Today was a Rei date-day, Asuka didn't want to see that. Rei was still much the homebody, more so since some of the Seele remnant started leaking info to try and destabilize Nerv.

Gaping at the holographic display of the aliens, Hikari read the brief bio with a hint of red face. "So alien species can m-m-mate with others? I thought Eris was sort of an exception with how open she is. Are humans just different?" of course she honed in on that. Of course the stupid rabbit species was mostly female as well and cross pollinated like the stupid cats, at least the lizard species was a solid fifty/fifty. Shaking whatever odd thought was in her mind away, the prim and proper class representative forced coughed, "As for today, I have to head home. Having a family meeting…dad's job is being fazed out so he's being transferred to a new position. Better actually than the one he has now. So we're celebrating. Did you want to come?"

"Nah, that is a family thing. Wouldn't want to impose. Talk to you later," Asuka waved off the idea. For a moment though she felt such a powerful sense of friendship that it scared her. Hikari was willing to let her got to a family celebration. It was such a small thing, but Asuka was paying more attention to the small lately. World was built on small, she just never paid attention to it in the past. A special meal, getting a drink for somebody, or just talking when you're tired but the other person needed to chat. Who did all those things for her that she took for granted?

Chatting about the upcoming Catian tech drops as they walked towards Hikari's place, the girls just enjoyed a free afternoon. All around them however the changes were already all around them. New holographic displays were being added, a few ships flying over head as early tourists started to come in, and just a more positive attitude from everybody. Outside the Horaki apartment, Nozomi was in the window and waved at them. "You sure you don't want to come up for a bit? Don't have to stay for the meal, but…" Hikari could tell Asuka was hesitant about something. Girl had a sixth sense about Asuka's mood sometimes.

For a moment Asuka considered it, but suppressed it. Fear wasn't something she could indulge in. If that idiot could keep up a brave face despite what happened, she can face an apartment with an amorous Ayanami, or Eris, or Durel…she could face that. "I'm good, say hi to Kodama for me. Bet she's worried about her future, college classes are all going to be in for a massive change thanks to our new benefactors," Asuka waved at the window and the little girl vanished. Nozomi was a tiny bit afraid of Asuka, yell at a kid once and they were terrified of you. Things got just a tiny bit awkward when Hikari gave Asuka a small hug as they parted.

Taking the leisurely way back to the apartment, Asuka counted a dozen set of cat ears amid the masses. They really stuck out with those form fitting suits of theirs, and they really only had two body types. Bombastic or flat, guess that was life in space for you. Feeling the tug at her side, her little buddy was gazing up at her. "Nothing wrong, just thinking, but thanks for checking on me," Asuka winked at her custom Assist-aroid. How could something with no face be so expressive?

Lot to think about too. Unit-02 and 00 were due back on base in a few days, not that it mattered. Now that the Milky Way alliance knew what the Dogsians wanted, the tech used in the Evas, it was found to be forbidden for any species to have. The Eva's were going to be put into cold storage, mothballed for better words. A few countries tried to counter that demand, siting concerns about Angels possibly attacking. That concern was ended a week ago when the Catian protection shield scored a victory. A lump of flesh was found outside of Tokyo-3, a smoldering mass of once-living creature. The Eva's weren't needed anymore to protect Earth.

"Not just my purpose taken away either," Asuka muttered as she looked at a picture of Unit-02. The idea that she might never actually pilot Unit-02 seriously again was sad, it had been her whole purpose since the unpleasantness with her mother. Then learning the true nature of the Eva's…well Shinji and Asuka sat off together after learning that. Their mothers were inside those things, maybe forever. For Asuka it was bittersweet, mama was sick when she said those horrible things. Mind broken by an imperfect transference, but at least she was at rest. Shinji's mother was a different matter. Nobody knew what to do, or if anything COULD be done.

Waving at the Assist-aroid guards at the door to the 'embassy' she hoped Eris was actually working today and not playing about. Knowing that was a lost cause, Asuka hoped Eris at least wasn't playing to hard. Using the new fancy thumb scanner to get into the apartment, "If you're fucking I hope you're doing it in your room this time. We have rules about that now!" Asuka did not want to see that again, who would have suspected the Catian scientist was both kinky and a howler. Never going to look at those anti-gravity training devices the same way now that she saw Shinji and her using it to…she was spinning like a top!

"Asuka you don't have to say that EVERY time you come home you know," Shinji called back slightly annoyed. Sitting on the couch, Chi-Chi in the chair next to him, Shinji idly watched the news with only a passive interest. It was Kuune and Fuyutsuki talking about the future. It was a repeat of a live broadcast, but it was repeated ad nauseum so humanity could fully come to terms with the reality of things. Humanity wasn't alone, life was going to change for the better, and you have no choice in the matter. When Asuka plopped down next to him, he didn't shy away from her like he did pre-Eris, "It was the one time, and Durel-chan just sort of forgot where she was." He was only that open with honorifics when in small company. Catians didn't care about age, but humans did.

Taking the remote off his lap, he did twitch then, Asuka changed the channel to a comedy about a shut-in elf living in Tokyo. Kicking her feet up on the table, lightly touching his bare foot, "I think we saw that report so much we can say the lines for them." Getting not sass back, Asuka considered her conquest of the television complete, "So where is Wondergirl, today is here day to ride the Shin-train isn't it?"

"She's…taking a nap," he couldn't lie for shit, so Asuka could tell a half-truth when she heard it. Didn't even have to look at him to tell he was embarrassed and fidgeting. Now he was aware of how close Asuka was to him, but since he was already against the couch edge he couldn't move, so he took other defensive actions. Trying to distract, "So how is Horaki-san? You guys get food, I could make you something if you're hungry." Small things, always with the small things.

Why was this so hard for her? This timid and skinny wimp shouldn't be so intimidating, but Asuka just couldn't calm herself. Heart beating so heard she could hear it in her ears, palms sweating, and her breathing was ragged. All over a stupid waif of a kid she originally written off only to learn she did care for. Small things…

Putting her arm around his shoulder, the classic move of lame men and teenagers, Asuka was shocked at how nice it felt. "We ate. So were you to much for her? Shinji Ikari slayer of emotionally stunted girls," Asuka teased lightly. Now did she consider herself emotionally stunted herself? Self-reflection being the word of the day, hard not to with the whole world undergoing it, Asuka had to question her life till this point. Hard truths were facing her now, no future job piloting, learning of her mother's tragic fate, and now learning she could easily be with the guy she liked if she was willing to compromise.

"We went to Nerv and trained a bit with the new Catian equipment. Rei-chan wants to get licensed to work on their ships, that means z-zero-G training," Shinji actually leaned into Asuka's embrace. The kidnapping did have lasting effect on his psyche that Kuune said might persist for some time. Poor idiot had been through a great many traumatic events thanks to the Catians, only some he talked about openly. So when one of his rescuers were with him, he didn't fight them off. The zero-G training however did bring back that little issue of Asuka walking in on the great Durel bayblade event. The spinning top of a cat alien learning she didn't have to be in heat to enjoy a good spin.

Chuckling at the show, the elf had smeared ketchup all over herself making her miko think she was injured, Asuka squeezed Shinji closer with her one arm. Bonking her head against his, "And that is it? You just watched her exercise and came back and she pushed off her private time with you? Girl is a junkyard dog when it comes to you, or did you forget about the grocery incident last week?" A reporter tried some guerrilla tactics to get an interview, Rei mistook that and things got heated for a few moments. Never get between a-uh-hm…nobody was quite sure WHAT Rei was now and her mate.

"It wasn't JUST Nerv, and that is all I'm saying," Shinji was a gentleman in that regard. All of Asuka's knowledge of the prowess of the lad next to her came from Eris who never could keep a secret, Rei that said it to goad Asuka in their rivalry, or accidentally seeing it. Rebelling just a little at the close snuggle, not that he could escape, "You never said how Horaki-san is doing?"

Slapping her foot against his, had her skin always been so sensitive she didn't know, "Hikari is fine. She's not on the market to join your harem though. F-four is enough for you isn't it? With your little enhancement I know you're likely getting a…big head…but don't go getting delusional." Had to mix a joke in with her oh-so-casual comment. They had danced about the issue in the past, neither one brave enough to actually bring up the question.

"Durel-chan said that it might go back to normal," Shinji yelped and his hands went to cover a certain part of himself. The fact his hands were as far down his leg as they were to do so…intimidating. Talking about anything related to the kidnapping always ended with a lapse into silence. Jens escape shuttle was found on earth, not far from where Eris's had landed a lifetime ago, only it was empty. No sign of the Dogsian agent was found, and when brought up Shinji defended the woman where Rei and Durel wanted the woman for scientific study in dismemberment. Asuka wasn't sure what side of the coin she was on, was Jens a threat or not needed more data.

The episode ended and another show started, Asuka wasn't sold on this one. It was another 'the girl was super good at everything BUT had a small problem' type of show, this case was the girl was a tomboy martial artist. Red hair was a win though, Asuka like red hair, Rei actually liked this one as one of the side-characters was basically just like her. "Girls like that Carol don't exist…this show is stupid," Asuka tried to re-start the stalled conversation. Idiot did hear her and know she was asking his thoughts on it.

"I don't know. She reminds me a bit of Eris-chan, if Eris-chan was more subversive and manipulative. You do see how Carol is casually man…" Shinji stopped talking when Asuka moved. Taking her hand off of his shoulder and actually taking his hand in hers. They just held hands, and he looked at it cautiously. "A-Asuka?" Shinji's voice had just the right mix of confusion and hope.

The small touch was electric despite the slim fingers, Asuka gave that hand a squeeze to maximize the effect. Softly, still watching the television and letting her peripheral vision watch him, "What, the others already know I…like you. So unless you're going to say you have reason to not let me r-ride the pony." With that said, she suddenly felt exposed, vulnerable, afraid…what if he DID have a reason to keep her at arms length?

He didn't say anything, just squeezed her hand back and leaned against her. Small things. Watching the show prattle on, the just sat there enjoying the others company. No words were needed, just holding hands and enjoying the calm that so rarely was allowed. At some point they just fell asleep watching television. Each had their own stresses, fears, and concerns. Asuka woke later, a blanket on them, Eris leaning against her side and making sleepy cat sounds and Rei was on the chair watching the news. Guess she didn't have to come clean to them about what happened, they knew it already and they didn't drive Asuka away. Good, let them know the queen was here and going to set the future tone!

X-X

"Unless anybody has anything ELSE to add, that will conclude todays meeting," Misato challenged the holographic participants. After the woman representing Great Britain had been drug over the coals for a question about meeting the pilots, nobody dared talk let alone ask a follow-up question. It had been a really simple request, can the pilots be made available for questioning or even possibly a celebration event? Misato saw it as a threat, putting them in the open, exposing them to the world, and that was a hard pass. When she was met with scared eyes or outright avoidance, she smirk, "Great. Was a good meeting, making some solid progress here. We'll schedule something in a few weeks to follow up. Dismissed."

The holographic projections all vanished the moment Misato finished talking and gave Ritsuko the signal. Stretching as she walked through the cavernous meeting room, once Gendo's office, Ritsuko's back popped audibly. Rotating her shoulder, "Well they couldn't have been any more clear about what they want could they? Can't believe some of the member nations, acting like this was one big victory against the Angels with no external help at all." Ritsuko had taken her role as Misato's scientific advisor very seriously, a way to atone for her near crimes.

"Fear often does that to people. We've seen it in a few other species we've made first contact with. A want to 'join our people together in unity' when faced with a larger unknown,' Melwin tried to offer her advice. Thankfully the first-mate of the Catian ship was trying to fit in with human clothing, girl was rather fetching in a white sundress with blue pleating. Pouring herself some more coffee, "Your planet did have a massive threat that was just suddenly dealt with. Those that didn't contribute much will fear those that DID will judge them."

Still not fully trained on the new hub display, Misato bungled a few hand gestures as she tried to pull up some files. Her frustration mounting as she got the footage of Unit-02 and 00 being prepped for cryo, "Well they really didn't do anything but provide money for us in the end. And the American's are trying to offload Unit-03 and Unit-04 on us to store. Tokyo-3 took the brunt of the angels, the pilots took the brunt of the psychological damage. Not going to let the world forget that, and I won't let them touch the pilots."

Having gotten trained a bit more from Melwin, Ritsuko aided in pulling up a few other bits of data. Namely she showed the hulking units from America being prepped and loaded onto planes. Tugging on her collar as she as well filled up her mug, "Its worse than you think Misato. Unit-03 was expected to go rogue. Seele gave us a planned route to have the plane fly through. From what we know now, it was seeded with something from the Dogsian to get it infected." Being close in Gendo's company, Ritsuko had been a treasure trove of information about Nerv's naughty underbelly, as well as Kozo.

"Have you found all of the remnants of that group? Being as large as you and…Kuune's little toy claim them to be, I am worried," Melwin's chipper demeanor dipped a little. Shaking her head towards the door, meeting over no reason to stay in the room that gave everybody bad memories. The trio of women left the newly coined 'comm-room' and out into the old command station. A skeleton crew still ran the place, Aoba was training a few doe-eyed Catian additions at the moment. Nerv was being scaled back since the Eva's were only going to need minimal support. Those that wanted were being given posh jobs working with the Catian embassy to facilitate the elevation of humanity to the new galaxy scale.

Waving at the man that used to be her little dog, now turned Catian toy, Misato was glad to the man. "Not liking how close those two got? And whatever she's doing to him…never saw a man look both so youthful AND so tired at the same time," Misato teased. Finding the commissary food laid out on a table, Misato helped herself to some food. Shinji would be livid if he knew how little she'd been eating last few days.

Picking among the remnants of food, Ritsuko gripped, "I hate it when we get here late. All the good bits are taken already. Swear you Catians have bottomless stomachs. As for Fuyutsuki, the rejuvenation tech the Alliance has is amazing, people will start living much longer. He just has a neigh insatiable woman that wants to make up for lost time. Can't image how Durel-san is handling things. But on to serious matters, the Seele remnant is a concern as well as Jens. She could be supplying them. Even if she's been blacklisted by her people as a scapegoat, she might still be loyal to them." Ritsuko's plate was scarce with food, woman was a picky eater.

"Oh the stories SHE has told us have just been…uh…oh…" Melwin went from gushing with flapping tail and upturn ears to a statue in seconds. If the first-mate was adverse to the captain getting a significant other, she was fully behind the resident Catian scientist finding a nice pole to scratch. Talking about it with said poles quasi-mother was not a good thing. Misato was a lot more repressed than people realized. Trying to save face, and avoid mama bear, "So what are you doing about that remnant? And those that sided with that organization even after the barrier went live?"

Reign it in, just reign in the over protective energy for a bit, Misato tried to control her dominant personality traits. Just because her boy was with an older woman didn't mean anything was wrong, hell Durel likely was one of if not the smartest person on the planet! But having heard from Asuka about some incident some three months back, and subsequently overhearing said German girl demanding said boy 'not stop I'm about to pop', Misato had to accept her boy was VERY sexually active. Kaji was off doing stupid things for the Japanese government…she wasn't pent up at all!

Oh if she could lead a task force right now to get those ex-Seele members right now she'd gladly take it! Just wrap her in Catian body-tech, give her one of those odd weapons of theirs, she'd be a one-woman Seele evaporation machine! If she couldn't have a nice bout between the sheets, the next best thing was massive violance! Seeing her companions giving her worried glances, "Uh, we've added a drone to follow each pilot when out alone, they still have their Assist-aroid followers. Each major member of Seele is being hunted for via face recognition that you've provided. Jens remains unknown. So…about the mothership, when are you guys leaving?"

"About four more of your months. We'll have the embassy and many more of our kind are very much wanting to visit earth. As for OUR ship, four months to restock, repair, and finishing establishing the first steps of new species protocol. Not like we can't come back to play AND we can contact you via interstellar comms at anytime," Melwin besieged her food with gusto. Woman was so petit yet ate so much, the cat girl's metabolism was scary.

Picking at what food she had deemed passable enough, Ritsuko's depression was etched in her slumped shoulders an downcast expression. "So how many of you are staying? With how attached some of you are to…others," nobody smart brought up Shinji's little harem around Misato, "wouldn't expect them to leave. Are you open to taking some humans with you?" Ritsuko gave Misato a small fleeting smile, sad and painful to see, poor woman lost so much. It was due to her naivete, putting her faith in the wrong people, but Ritsuko was still Misato's friend.

"Most of the command crew are leaving with the exception of Eris and Durel. Eris is our ambassador and Durel is going to stay to help integrate tech and observe…well observe human and Catian…compatibility," Melwin was trying to be coy, but as her hips swayed in a particular motion it couldn't be any more obvious. Patting Ritsuko on the shoulder, "As for humans coming with us. We're taking the captain's pet already, so we're not opposed to the idea. I'm going to go check with the girls and the interstellar comms setup. Talk to you two later." Her bell jingled as Melwin all but ran away from the two sulking humans. Some advanced race they truly were.

For a moment Misato wondered if she shouldn't throw Melwin into a locked room with Shinji when HER heat was coming up. Not hungry, Misato dumped her food into the trash, "How did everything change so fast? How did we get here of all places?" She wasn't expecting an answer, but felt the need to ask regardless. Checking her watch, "Close enough to the end of the day. Want to go to my place and get REAL food?"

"As long as you're not cooking I'm in. As for your question, I wish I knew. Back in college all I wanted was to stick it to my perfect mother. I hated that woman so much. Now I realize she was just stupid. Fooled by love, or lust. I followed suit, just like her. And now I'm contemplating going into space with a race of sexy cat girls. Never can tell where the future lies," Ritsuko let out a half hearted chuckle that really didn't sound enjoyed. Following Misato through the empty corridors, only the main command station really saw usage anymore, Ritsuko floated more than walked.

Not liking the idea of Ritsuko leaving, Misato didn't have many friends, her body felt heavy with anticipation. "You seriously thinking of leaving me alone with Durel, Eris, and whatever crew they leave behind? I need somebody to keep me sane here. What say we show those girls how to really do things. I'm sure if I asked Shinji-kun he'd…" at that they both started laughing. Just the idea of replaying there one college night with Kaji again, only upgrading to the new model was to funny. A Catian shuttle was waiting for them to take them to the embassy. While Seele was still about Kuune insisted they use better transport when able.

Strapping in, the shuttle was automated and moved VERY fast, Ritsuko braced herself for impact. Shrugging a little, "Honestly I don't know Misato. What do I have to do here? Aside from you and maybe Maya I've no friends. The man I thought I loved is going to be jailed for the rest of his life. The woman I started to having feelings for is with somebody else. If I go with them, think of all I could learn and see!" A solid idea, but Misato could hear Ritsuko's heart wasn't in it, just a pipe dream, an escape from reality.

"You have me, you have all the Catian toys you can take, and I'm going to need somebody to help take care of the kittens," Misato laughed again but felt her eyes start to sting. Children, eventually her boy was going to have children. Her body couldn't do it, even Durel said some damage couldn't be repaired, so Shinji became hers. Knowing Shinji was off with four different women was odd, but Misato wanted him happy and the odd arrangement did. But what made her feel old was knowing that soon she'd be a grandmother. Mother… "Ritsuko, what about you try to find a way to free those trapped in the cores?"

Popping a Catian sucker into her mouth, Ritsuko was trying to quit smoking, "What would be the point? My mother was already dead when they put her in Unit-00, Soryu was only a partial transfer hence she went mad, and Y-Yui was…" Yui was fully absorbed and turned into liquid, `no reason to expect anybody could come back from such a state. The shuttle whirred, lifted up, and tore off across the city skyline. What took fifteen minutes on a good day and upwards of thirty on busy was done in seconds. It only took their stomachs a few extra moments to catch up.

Shambling on rubbery legs, stomach still thinking about flipping and flopping, Misato used the wall as a support as they headed towards the apartment. "But is it something that can be done? Even if part of them is trapped in those cores. Wouldn't it be best to let them out? Be something to work on, something that even this Milky Way Alliance might be interested in. You'd be on the forefront of a galaxy wide scientific effort!" Misato tried to make it sound awesome, but it was more selfish than that. The idea of souls being trapped forever terrified Misato, infinity spent trapped, nope that was nightmare fuel. Hand going to the door, Misato paused. She was a bit early, was today a date day for her little man? Was he having a quicky with one of his lucky ladies right now?

"I can smell what you're thinking Misato. We can go to the embassy if you're afraid of seeing your little man planting the fields," Ritsuko shoulder checked Misato just a little to hard. The crash sent Misato stumbling forward and her thumb hit the panel making the door open. Both of them froze and listened. There was a sound, muted sounds, but nothing distinct. Ritsuko, never the adventurous one before, signaled for quiet and tiptoed into the slightly darker apartment.

Misato watched as Ritsuko vanished into her apartment, the white of her coat trailing the corner flittered and then was gone. Ritsuko went and here she stood? Where was the bravery that she had when commanding the Evas? When executing the sting on Seele? It was just her boy maybe doing something, nothing terrifying or wrong. She was going to support him, support Asuka and Rei as well! All three of them had horrible things happen, and she was going to see they get payback!

So she stalked silently into her home. The smell was familiar to her, but very mellow. If somebody HAD played plant the potato it had been over an hour ago at the least. Going further in, she heard the soft droning of the television, the flickering lights of the screen proof that it was on. Ritsuko was looming over the couch with a pensive look on her face, she pointed down on it. Taking a peak herself, Misto saw both Eris and Asuka in states of very restful sleep. They were covered in a blanket, but judging from how it lay on them Misato could suspect that they weren't clothed under it. Then they heard the sounds from the kitchen, and the stealthy mother panther changed direction.

Peeking into the room, Pen-Pen warked at her, and she picked him up and held the little idiot. Her heart sored though when she saw the state of the kitchen. Her little man was a doting and caring lover apparently. He was cooking, apron on and nothing else by the look of…oh…oh was that…far from the toothpicks incident now! Guess that after effect of the drugging persisted cause that was…how would that even…was her mouth getting dry?

Spinning around and leaving the room, dragging Ritsuko with her, the pair spent a good hour at the embassy. There they learned that soon Earth's natural seasons would start to show up again. The angle of the planet was fixed, and soon fall then winter would be back. If money was a thing that was going to matter now would be a time to buy stock in a coat company, but since soon money would be a thing of the past…Misato just talked with Chaika about some of those toys the Catians used, she was going to borrow one.

X-X

Stepping out of movie theatre, the chill breeze felt strange but not unwelcome, Shinji rubbed at the gooseflesh on his arms. Time was moving on, progressing forward, and it no longer scared him. Well not much anyway. There would always be some nights where he got flashes the room or the ship, but just as soon as the fears came somebody was there to chase it away. Right now those thoughts were far away, he was with his male friends. A rare afternoon with them, the ladies in his life took up the lion share of his time.

"Now that was a good movie man. Not much for American comics, but a multiverse of spider people sounds pretty cool," Touji chucked his left-over popcorn in the trash. Holding the door open for his buddies to walk through, and then for a few ladies, Touji actually didn't mug for the girls, one of which had a lovely set of cat ears. When he did rejoin them however, "Funny how we got so used to aliens living with us."

Still slurping up the last of his soda, Kensuke shrugged his shoulders as he did keep his eyes on the hypnotic pattern that was a Catian suit. Shivering as a strong breeze hit, none of them were used to the cold or had clothing for it, "Humans adapt to everything. New technology, new food, and new climate. But I'm thinking I will miss summer. The cold sucks."

The fixing of the Earth's axis tilt was necessary but met with a few annoyed populations as it meant a return to the seasonal cycle. Without the extraterrestrial assistance Earth would have perished from the changes such an environmental shift would have brought. Durel assured everybody that the Alliance would easily provide food for any impacted area for as long as needed. Just like with the spike in tech, the additional food was meted out slowly as to not overload the newest species in the alliance. Though from what Shinji was learning, Earth was giving FAR more new things in that regard than it was getting.

"So how is Horaki-san doing? Asuka said she took losing the Class-Representative role well," Shinji asked. Heading down the road towards the shopping arcade, he had to get some groceries for supper, the trio all stood a bit different. High school was different, Kensuke wasn't in their class so they tried to have these outings at least once a month. Touji grew a little taller, Kensuke not so much, and as much as he didn't expect it Shinji was sprouting like a weed. Guess having his own private alien doctor providing the perfect nutrition got his body to respond.

Slapping Shinji on the back of the head, not hard or Chi-Chi would retaliate, Touji eyed the ever present Assist-aroid cautiously. Once he was cleared for 'good natured goofing', "We promised not to talk about our better half…halves. How you have the sanity for what YOU do is beyond me, keeping Hi-chan happy feels overwhelming at times. But she was a little sad, but I feel she is having 'high school debut' syndrome. New hair, new cloths, and wanting to get away from the image she had last year."

"Makes sense I don't recognize her. Not fair you guys get to be in the same class and I have to be alone with Red," Kensuke said the same statement every time the saw him. The classes were random, kids didn't have a say in where they went, so some groups got split up. Kensuke complained about it as he was the only one really cut off from the group. Hard to cut Asuka off from Shinji since they lived together, came to school together, and Asuka made it painfully clear that they were an item. As a memory hit him though, Kensuke chuckled, "Oh and you better be on guard for Flameheart-san, Asuka and she got into a fight about something again, and your name came up."

Pinching at his nose and closing his eyes, Shinji tried to suppress his frustration at that. "Why is she targeting ME for her family's loss of power. I didn't do anything to change how finances work! And I will NOT be her butler to pay her back," Shinji couldn't fathom that one. But with money losing value, a lot of rich and prestigious families were losing clout. "As for Horaki-san, we should have a pair date someday. Be nice to do something with another couple. Kensuke you could bring one of your club members," Shinji and Touji joint teased Kensuke about his small following of geeky video-club members. 'We're just friends' was all Kensuke would admit to.

"Well I have to go. Mari-chan has an advanced placement meeting at our old school, skipping grades. Amazing how much she's recovered, not even a scar like I thought," Touji's tone was thick with emotion. Nearly a year ago Touji belted Shinji, so worried over his sister's injury. Now she was fully recovered, received a bit of private tutelage to catch up, and now skipping grades! Wrapping an arm around Shinji, "Been an odd year, but damn glad I know you Ikari. Now go get your fluids drained by your alien masters."

Kensuke and Shinji continued together down towards the new mecha of shopping in Tokyo-3. Since the angels stopped, and the Catians moved in, Tokyo-3 became the new hub of activity on Earth. No longer a city viewed with fear and dreadful anticipation, it was where the newest tech came, where the latest alien species first made their races known, and products unheard of before were common place. Still, the places most residents shopped was the same old places that had the homey feel untouched by the rapid progress.

"You ever miss it? Piloting Eva, I mean?" Kensuke asked out of nowhere. Bashfully rubbing at his arm, worried he just opened a can of worms that should have been buried and left to rot. People moved about them, a few rare aliens venturing out of the glamourous regions and into the 'old city', but thankfully not overpopulated. As the silence spread, his anxiety growing, Kensuke panicked a little, "You don't have to talk about it if you don't want. I saw documentaries about them yesterday and just…all you three went through. Illegal melding of science and mysticism. They made it sound romantic."

Did he miss piloting? No, not really. Especially after learning what LCL really was, knowing the true plan made Shinji cold. Bad memories, that was what he thought of when Eva was thought of. But that wasn't fair. Without Nerv and the Eva's he'd never have found Eris and all the joy and love that came from it. "It's alright to ask. Just thinking about it is hard. On one side I have all the pain that piloting itself brought with it. And on the other all the good that came FROM my piloting. I will say I am glad that I did pilot. I wouldn't have my life now if I hadn't," Shinji had to nod at his own thoughts on that.

Knowing not to push harder, Kensuke was learning that being a nag resulted in Rei appearing out of nowhere to administer punishment. His fancy new phone dinged, all of the pilots friends got upgrades first, and Kensuke pulled it out. A cute picture of one of Kensuke's clubmates appeared and an Ai voice read out the text. "I-uh-I…don't tell Touji about that! He-he still has the jock attitude that he should…it just sort of happened," Kensuke flubbed.

"You can turn off auto-reading of texts in the settings," Shinji chuckled, "See you at school!" Shinji covered his mouth as Kensuke's eyes widened as he found the settings. Guess this wasn't the first time the phone gave away private information. But to think Kensuke was just summoned to a girl's home since 'parents are away, let's play!'

We came to play.

What Eris said was the Catian motivation for traveling the stars. That stupid phrase always brought a smile to Shinji's face, and when said in some tones a rise from his trousers. When Eris and Durel said it together, whelp that got Shinji's engine pounding. But to think so much in his life would change from a simple camping trip, they'd need to all go out camping one day! He'd bring it up to Eris! Asuka and she would be all about it, Rei and Durel would pass as they were all about creature comforts of home. Still, a good idea to bring up.

Entering his favorite grocery store, they knew him and didn't mention play into the 'heroes of Tokyo-3' campaign that Misato championed. When Seele remnants tried to slander the pilots with exposing all their dirty secrets, Misato countered with a swift and brutal assault of anybody that dared challenge her. Rei was of course hit the worst, even though she didn't appear to be bothered, Shinji and Eris were their in the moments she did let the walls down. Rei had a few in her 'friend group' at school, mostly quiet girls like her that tricked Rei into joining the Literary Club. Shinji met the club, nice people. But did mean Rei often tagged along silently on outings such as this.

Getting some of Eris's favorites, Shinji wanted to spoil his little kitten. With the mothership getting ready to depart in a about a month, she was obviously depressed. He couldn't prevent depression, but he could be there to support when it happened. That was a big thing Shinji learned in the months of being with the lovely ladies in his life. One could not prevent emotion, just be there when it happened if it was bad. Asuka and losing Unit-02, Rei and the slander about her genetics, Eris and the departure, and even himself when the bad memories surround him. Life wasn't perfect, stupid to think it ever would be, but he wouldn't trade his for anything. Even if the did run him ragged with the activities. The fact that Durel did install sound cancelling panels in his room AND a pheromone lock to keep people out if triggered was not something Shinji ever expected a year ago.

The store was cold, most didn't have heaters and were on waiting lists from Catians to get some. Getting the extra meat, Asuka and Eris were carnivores, and an item that Durel requested Shinji headed for the cashier. As he waited, hoping the plastic box holding the catnip held better than the last time, the sensation of being watched struck him again. When he was out alone, well out when people weren't standing next to him, he occasionally got the sensation of being followed.

Was it Rei? Likely, she would do her best to keep him from ever being fully alone. Much of Seele had been caught, but it was impossible to know if all of them were gone, and despite no sign of Dogsian influence had been found in weeks it wasn't impossible. Making his purchase, Chi-Chi standing close to his leg, Shinji patted his companions head, "It's just Rei-san, you know she likes to keep tabs on me."

Of the pilots, Shinji was the one that needed protection the most. Not because he was the most important, but because Asuka was enjoying Catian martial arts training and Rei was learning how to use her powers in ways that Durel and Akagi couldn't quantify. Simply put, he was the weakest and he was alright with that. Chi-Chi held up a sign of concern, and Shinji did his best to take it serious. Memories…being captured, being in that chair and beaten, drugged and nearly taken to space. Better safe than sorry.

"Thank you, Ikari-kun, and tell Eris-chan she's doing great with her public speaking lately," the man flashed a thumbs up. Eris's last public announcement had her in a fancy gothic Lolita outfit compliments of Misato…it got use outside of the meeting. Some day Eris might learn Misato was not to be trusted fully, but if it meant Shinji got to see fancy cosplay of one of his cherished ones…maybe it was good if she didn't. Knowing others were ogling his intelligent but naive lover, well Shinji grabbed his bag and left in a bit of a huff.

Making his way back home, using the small side streets and alleys to avoid the crowd, suddenly very possessive of Eris whose face was plastered all over as the Catian ambassador. "Not jealous, she knows what she is doing. And not like Durel would let her have a private meeting with somebody," Shinji muttered. If anybody tried to take advantage of her gullibility they wouldn't have a good time. Blindly walking, his mind coming up with hypothetical scenarios where some politician took Eris out for a meal, hits her with catnip and…the nightmare ended as it always did with Rei bursting through a wall, Durel casually walking into the room, or even himself charging into to the rescue. Eris was safe.

"Wait…where am I?" Shinji came to the realization that he had taken a wrong turn. Guess he got to into the 'what if' scenario and found himself in a dead end. A residential area, he vaguely remember it, he had taken a turn one street to early and walked into the standard housing area and not the apartments. No big deal, just go back and… "Can I help you?" Shinji asked the three approaching people, two men and a woman, all in suits and looking to be in their forties.

The woman was in front and tried sounding polite, "Yes, we're here to collect you. There has been an incident and are going to take you in for your safety." The suits gave credence to statement, but how they were nervous gave reason to doubt.

"What is today's passphrase?" Shinji took a step back. Chi-Chi immediately took her place between Shinji and the group. Misato had still insisted on a weekly passphrase just in case of something like this, she wasn't taking chances. Why hadn't they called if something was wrong, they'd do so unless it was a compromised state.

Trio didn't help themselves by looking at one another before the balding man on the right gruffly and a bit embarrassed said, "Still over eight inches." Misato really needed to get better phrases, being harassed was not a fun thing. Not helping was that phrase came from Misato accidentally walking in on Shinji as he was getting out of the shower. The side-effects either didn't go away or the increased usage did equate into a rather annoying problem for the lad.

"That was last months, Chi-Chi get…" Shinji didn't get anything else out before the Assist-aroid acted. Dashing forward with speed of far beyond human reaction time, Chi-Chi struck all three with her de-material wand leaving them all in the buff. "Now s-stand down or I'll have to have her h-hurt you," not that Chi-Chi actually code, the laws of robotics prevented it. A metallic clack got his attention though, one of the three had weapon that wasn't destroyed.

Picking it up, it looked porcelain and shiny, the third member of the group aimed, "That thing cannot hurt us, and cannot destroy this, specially coated. Now you're coming with us or I'll see if I can't put a hole in its CPU. You have a lot to…to…" The man's voice got distorted as drool started to trickle out of his mouth, the other two quickly joined him on the ground in a pile of unconsciousness.

"So they got a compound that works now, glad I followed…" Jens muttered. Haggard and dirty, clothing in tatters, the Dogsian agent had clearly seen better days, and from the sounds coming from her belly she was starved.

Rushing to her side, pulling out foods she could eat without preparing, Shinji felt conflicted at how happy he was to see her. He never believed what Jens said on the ship at the end, always held out a small hope that she had been fibbing. "Are you alright? What is going on here?" Shinji handed her food as she listed against him, impossibly light for somebody of her frame size.

Jens didn't answer immediately, to focused on eating what she could. Eventually, as she leaned heavily against him as they walked to the apartment (a call to collect the Seele operatives) she informed him. Dogsia had betrayed her, set her up to take the fall for everything. Mutley activated to restrain her so she could be made a patsy. After she was forced to take down her previous confidant she went into hiding. Without money, having her face plastered everywhere thanks to Misato's hunt for her, food and shelter were mostly trashcans and alleys.

Sneaking her into the apartment, he'd order food for Eris today, Shinji got Jens into the bathroom to clean off the weeks of grime and muck. He'd talk to her more, get the full story, and maybe try getting the others to broker a peace with at least Jens. Who didn't love a loyal informant willing to spill the beans about who betrayed them? Did wonders for Ritsuko.

X-X

Despite all the time she spent in labs, or maybe because of it, Rei had to force herself to remain calm as the needle approached. Just a little bit of blood work, all part of a standard checkup, but phobias be what they are. "You derive enjoyment from this abuse, I believe," Rei was able to maintain her expressionless voice. Now it was by choice and not confusion and lack of experience. Really threw people off when they couldn't tell an emotional state thanks to the timbre of voice.

"Normally I don't, but with you I do believe I do. Smug little alien, acting all high and mighty with your abilities. Feeding Eris all your little fake stories and lies to get her into odd costumes," Durel's statement didn't mesh with her grin. Giving Rei's bicep a swab before drawing what she needed, she handed Rei a sucker afterward. Touching her bell, Durel's suit changed into a magical girl costume, just had to remove a lot of the fabric and only cover the tasty bits with ribbon and cloth, "She was on camera in something like this. Giving us Catians a strange image."

Not knowing what flavor the candy was supposed to be, Rei compared it mostly to sour apple. Gingerly rubbing the impact site, "I told it was what humans wear when they want to inspire others with courage." And what to wear when you wanted to take charge in the bed chamber, and boy howdy did that ever work. For a little bit…once Shinji got the wand it got used in a VERY unexpected way on both Eris and herself. Had to get a wand for herself, for when it was just Shinji and her. Noticing Durel had a wand in hand now…"Why do you have that?" Did Durel already know about it?

Giving the probe a twirl in her hand, "Oh this old thing? Tools of the trade. Noticed a certain somebody's heartrate spiked a bit last time we watched television together and they saw it. Funny what it can be used for. Speaking of heart rate, yours is increasing, something wrong? You can get changed, we're finished for today. Next time we'll have a physical, make sure you're not getting fat. With all the extra meals you have our resident chef make, shocked you've not put on a few pounds." Durel had screens up showing Rei's body and progress since she took over as Rei's personal doctor. Akagi wasn't really trusted to do it anymore, and normal human doctors would only be confused/scared of Rei's new biology.

"I get exercise, as your scan points out. You are a dirty doctor to keep such details about my innards," Rei touched her new bell and switched to her standard school outfit. The bell had been a gift from Eris, and Rei cherished it. Just like all the gifts she got from Shinji, they were her two most cherished people. Shinji was on the top, as he cared about her before anybody else did, tried to help her when she was a blind tool. So she was a bit defensive about protecting both Eris and Shinji, but Eris was fun to goad into silly things. As in the end it made Eris and Shinji happy, and they in turn gave that happiness back to her.

As the Assist-aroids covered their 'eyes' as Durel pulled up that particular scan, Durel clicked her tongue. "If you could get pregnant I'm sure you would have by now, with how addicted you are to things. Have to make sure you don't hurt yourself. Stretching again…normally a well worn tool gets smoother and smaller, not the case here. Might have to call him in for another physical," Durel switched from the magical girl to a black version of a plugsuit. Calling up cameras from the Ikari/Soryu/Katsuragi residence, "What is he up to now? I've a few hours of free time."

"He is planning a date with Eris. With your mothership departing in less than a month, he is concerned Eris will be depressed to see the bulk of your command staff leaving. She considers Kuune a motherly figure," Rei slid off the table and joined Durel in watching the camera. The dog was with him, Rei hated the dog. Crossing her arms, she felt her energy levels spike and her suit activated to mask her pattern, "Why is she not in a cell somewhere?"

Closing all the camera footage, Durel opened a new one that detailed Rei's suit and how it was compensating for the increased outage of rage. "She asked for asylum from us, and Eris gave it, doesn't hurt that Shinji asked her to do so. Those two will believe any sob story they hear. But Jens has aided in breaking up the last of the Seele major cells. We have a monitor bracelet on her, and she has to work off her debt for what she did. Plus despite how loyal and obvious she is with her affections, they haven't done anything yet I'll give her a pass for now. Suit is containing those elevated levels of energy well," Durel patted herself on the back.

Only reason Asuka and Rei didn't break into Nerv to thaw their Eva's and step on Jens were those little facts. Jens was seemingly honest about not being a Dogsian agent anymore, and had been acting against them and Seele. Exposing tactics used by each, the new Dogsian infiltration was stifled and the last remnants of Seele's larger cells found and dealt with. The joke that dogs showed their master loyalty was true, just only Eris wasn't upset that Jens new master just so happened to be Shinji. Not that Shinji noticed how that tail wagged when they were together, or how she jumped at any opportunity to please him. Rei's lover was a daft idiot when it came to noticing obvious affection, she was glad for that. Jens wasn't worthy of a heavy pet yet, need to do a bit more. Rei had been a dog, a well meaning but stupid dog was a threat, not a boon.

"I will take my leave now and get in the dog's way. Soryu is off with her female friends and Eris, there is a chance the dog may try to get her ears scratched. As your medication will not stifle her urges…speaking of medication both Eris and your heats are soon…are you going to…" Rei found herself wondering about that. Outside of their heat state, a Catian couldn't get a case of kittens, much like the dog. Herself was unable to have children due to the nature of the orb inside her chest being in a key spot, and Soryu was taking pills that Durel provided that just so happened to act as an inhibitor. But wouldn't it just be like a thieving cat to 'forget' at the optimal time?

Tossing a bottle at Rei, Durel winked at her as she popped another candy into her mouth, "Those are for Eris. Can't have our ambassador coming down with parenthood so soon. She has a lot of television spots to do. As for friends, didn't I see you had some over the other day? Our social butterfly coming out of her cocoon?" Leaving the lab and entering the embassy proper, it took up the whole floor now sans the one apartment that Misato got to keep as human territory.

Thrown off her guard, Rei wasn't expecting Durel to so casually mention the new social situations Rei found herself in. Shaking the bottle of sad-cat faced pills, Rei tried to keep up with Durel as the doctor tried to escape. All around them the embassy was being decorated for the going away party that was to be held. "My need for a club was dictated by the school. And you didn't answer my question. These are for Eris, what about yourself?" Rei challenged the escaping Durel. Woman might pretend that she was all science, but Rei had seen her when Durel thought she was alone with Shinji. Woman was doting and was doted on just like Eris, Soryu, and herself. Durel did try to keep it hidden though, guess she was still upset with the age difference.

"Still allergic to them, sorry, got to go see Kuune, bye," Durel weaved through the gaggle of cat eared body blockers. The embassy was going to be fully staffed, and they had taken in a compliment of 'first contact supporters'. Earth was being elevated and supported on the galactic scale now. With so much interstellar peace, any new planet was a massive tourist spot. The apartment complex was now more an intergalactic UN building than cheaper housing.

Tricky cat, but Rei enjoyed her odd banter with Durel. It wasn't rivalry or animosity, more playful confrontation. Leaving her home and going next door, Rei felt that giddy feeling that she had thought would have tempered by now yet still remained, if it wasn't stronger now. Her relations with others were strange, go figure she literally was grown in a tube, would make life different by default. Soryu would be a strained relationship, their time at Nerv had been confrontational at worst and often non-existent. The ex-commander made it clear Soryu was not intended to remain long. Akagi had been her overseer and jailer, Katsuragi a boss. Shinji had tried to talk to her, worried about her, and suffered for her. Nobody else did that for Rei, the ex-commander's efforts were not for her benefit but his own.

Sure Eris eventually came and Eris was impossible for Rei not to like on some level, her energy and supportive nature were perfect at getting around defenses. Since her thumbprint was keyed for access, Rei let herself into the apartment and was immediately struck by pheromones. Humans couldn't smell them, but were impacted by them. Rei wasn't human, could smell Jens radiating in the apartment. Despite her dislike of Jens, Rei had to admit the dog was a great bodyguard. Finding the expatriated Dogsian a table, reviewing some documents, Rei made a point to make noise.

"I saw your access request come through, you do not need my clearance to enter currently," Jens went back to her documents. Old memories of Gendo's office wafted over Rei like a bad stink. All the time that Jens plotted and planned with Nerv and Seele, and now she was left alone with Shinji as if nothing was wrong? Felt too easy for Rei, so she made it her goal to get in Jens way as much as possible. Not looking up, "Was there something else? Or were you just going to glare at me."

Getting called out was not something Rei experienced much, Misato and Jens were the best at breaking the unspoken rule of 'let Rei do her thing in peace.' Wanting to twist the mental blade a bit, "Your efforts to seduce have still born no fruit. It smells in here of your longing, it smells cheap." Sadly Rei was not on Asuka's level of psychological manipulation and scarring.

"Just biding my time. As the rest of you throw yourselves constantly, lowering the appeal of cheap meat, I shall let myself become rare. An unexpected treat that comes when he tires of easy conquests. So by all means," Jens gestured to the living room. A lie, Rei knew one of the very few tells Jens had. When the dog lied she occasionally twitched her left ear a little. Jens knew she was being watched by everybody, that she was on a trial basis with her actions, and that if she tried getting to close to Shinji somebody would step in.

Walking past Jens towards Shinji's room, Rei could sense him in there (a skill Rei was glad she still had), she paused once she had Jens to her back. The cold war continued, "If only he thought of us like that you'd have a point. If that is your goal, you'll be waiting for the rest of your life. I am content with that though. You can lie to yourself if you want." Rei heard Jens tail thrash against the chair, that got the desired effect!

Knocking on Shinji's door, Rei heard a stumble and small crash. So easy to distract, he hasn't changed in that regard and that made Rei upset. One couldn't have so many negative things happen, after the last attempt three more Seele ops targeted him, and not be impacted. Shinji was the weak link though, and Unit-01 was the key to Seele's old plans and the deluded fools had kept trying it. So they went after Shinji in hopes he'd get Unit-01 and they'd turn everybody into soup. "Jens, is something wrong? Do you need any…Rei-chan?" Shinji's face brightened up when he opened the door.

That casual friendliness that Rei heard when Shinji thought it was Jens was not lost on Rei. Eris and Shinji really did need to learn to distrust others. Eris wanted to befriend everybody due to her friendliness, Shinji out of his previous state of depression and loneliness. "Do I need a reason to visit? I know you are planning your distraction for Eris, and I would like to assist," not a lie, but Rei just wanted to be with him. Everybody needed some alone time, time to decompile/destress from the world around them. Rei got enough of solitude though, and found being in this room worked best for her.

Already opening the door and gesturing her to enter, "Glad to have the help! Nothing I think of sounds good enough. They're already having a party next door so that idea is gone. The camping trip is going to be after the ship leaves…anniversary of the day she crashed. I'm not good at…" Shinji would have continued to self-debase himself had Rei not tongue slapped him in the mouth…with her own. Silly idiot didn't realize anything he did was fine, was over thinking. So Rei shut down his higher mental functions. His arms wrapped around her, hand resting right about the small over her back interlaced. A comforting warmth.

They swayed a bit, the classical music that played in Shinji's room when he tried to think/do homework set the mood. Once she was content he was calmed from one of his moods, Rei reluctantly separated, "You are over thinking. Just making her some food, and taking a walk around the block would make her happy. YOU make her happy. Do what you believe is best, and that will be enough." Rei pushed him away less they actually continue. Not that Rei was opposed to the idea, just it wasn't why she was here.

Content right now to assist Shinji in his overly complex plans to distract Eris, Rei offered ideas and suggestions when pertinent. Funny thing was a lot of Rei's ideas came out as spicy, guess between the two of them Rei was the more sexually aggressive. Not that Shinji was passive when things got going, oh no that was NOT the case…but where his ideas were charming and would strike at Eris's heartstrings, Rei's went more or the G-string. Huh, Rei was finding she was alright with this. Eris and Shinji were the only ones she was like that with, and both excelled after a little goading.

X-X

Swinging Shinji's hand in hers wildly as they walked, Eris was loving all the new smells. This was going to be so much fun, she'd never gone camping on Earth before! She had taken survival training, knew how to do all the necessary things, but Earth's wilderness was new to her! She had to be careful not to drool when thinking about all the yummy food they'd be cooking! Outside grilling and cooking over an open fire was so rustic and sounded delicious! And just doing anything with Shinji was fun, he made so many things more enjoyable. All of her new friends were great people!

"The others likely are there already, so if you see them just point them out. I said to meet at the old site we used, but Touji tends to wander," Shinji walked carefully. Eyes downward, careful of where he stepped, Shinji was a step ahead of Eris to set the path. His backpack was laden with food and drink, he wobbled as he moved due to the shift in gravity. His nervousness started to creep in, "You're not bothered by this are you? Camping…its not for everybody. But I thought it would be nice since…"

Squeezing Shinji's hand, he was always so quick insure she was in a good state, so she did what she could to assure him as well. Even so, she was taking things serious, and while he was distracted checked back to insure they were being followed properly. The full compliment of custom Assist-aroids were following them and Eris knew Jens was somewhere nearby. The idea was just a friends camping trip without all the rigor of guards, security, and fuss. 'We'll be in wilderness, nobody will know where we are so it should be fine,' had been Shinji's proposal to Misato. Eris and Misato had other thoughts, so they had the hidden support.

"This is going to be fun! I'm looking forward to it, you don't have to worry," Eris assured her mate. Being in a pairing like this wasn't something Eris thought about while growing up. She had thought she'd just be part of the crew, enjoy the travels through space, and eventually retire. Now she was am ambassador for her race on Earth, meeting new people, going to a bunch of fun places on earth, and surrounded by love and support! They were planned to go to some place called Las Vegas in a month, then London, and others! On her own she'd be fine, but with the others it would be so much better!

Trapsing through the underbrush, small animals scurrying around them, Shinji beat the path forward and Eris supported Shinji's walking. Spotting Touji's black tracksuit, Eris waved at them and they waved back. That was when she tugged Shinji's hand stopping him. "They're over there…so…c-can we talk a bit before we met them?" Eris wasn't used to feeling bashful, but right now she felt about to burst.

"Oh so they ARE were we were supposed meet. Good. I wanted to camp where we were supposed to back when…when you first landed," Shinji followed Eris's finger with a smile. Sliding the bag off his back with a satisfied grunt, it clanged loudly as cans bounced and bottles of juice collided. He held his hand up wave at the others as well, still a good ways off, they were small but recognizable. Turning back to Eris, Shinji's eyebrow rose as he tried to look past Eris, she moved to block the red and white glaring icons of protection, "W-what is it?"

Closing the gap lest Chi-Chi get spotted, Eris encircled her cherished with her arms and drew him close. "I wanted to thank you for this, and for everything you've done since the mothership left," Eris felt her voice hitch a little. It wasn't regret or even sadness she was feeling, just pure happiness. Thanks to comm systems she talked to Kuune nearly everyday, Durel was still with her, and she had all these new friends. But this man, he did so much to insure she was well, cared so much, suffered so much in the last year due to being targeted. "I…I love you, Shinji," Eris batted away a few tears of joy.

Blushing, Shinji quickly insured the others hadn't teleported over to them, and when they hadn't broken space and time kissed Eris. Typically he was soft and doting, gentle, and warm. But at times he was a quite the inverse, and the current exchange left Eris's legs weak and knowing her next heat was soon had her light headed. "I l-love you too, Eris. Things aren't perfect, but I am glad I'll face the future with you," Shinji rubbed the spittle off her lips and his own.

Suddenly full of energy, the sensation of cloth under her suit reminded her of her private plans, Eris picked up the bag and slung it over one shoulder. Suit did give her a lot more power, shame Shinji didn't want to have one, bad memories of the kidnapping. "Lets go play with our friends!" Eris took charge and ran. Knowing his speed, she didn't push him beyond his limits, but she just had so much energy!

"Took your time getting here, Idiot. The Stooges thought you two fell in the grass somewhere and were being perverts," Asuka had her arms crossed as she complained. Due to the new colder temperatures, she was clad in a puffy red jacket that made her several sizes larger than normal. Eris loved Asuka's coat, was so fun to hug! So she did. Yelping as Eris scooped her into her arms, hugged her, and spun around, Asuka was giggling but tried to sound angry, "Put me down! I'm not a damn toy!"

A small burst of laughter left the whole crew as Eris just spun faster for a moment and then both spun around dazed. Tents were in various states of setup, the fixings for a fire were encircled by stones, a bucket of water at the ready in case of heat based emergencies. And now that Shinji had re-acquired the bag Eris dropped in her haste to bother Asuka, the food and drink added to the mix. With the forecast of weather taking further declines into levels of cold, they opted to take this delayed camping trip sooner rather than later.

Kensuke sat at the only fully completed tent, his hair a little longer, but the camera was in his hand as he recorded it all. Eris had asked in the past if he wanted a new one, but Kensuke said he enjoyed his own camera. "She looks like a toy in that coat, a big squeaky one. So Shin-man does she squeak when you squeeze her?" the double entendre left floating in the air.

"Don't say things like that, its crass," Hikari smacked Kensuke on the back of the head. Still sporting her new long hair look, Hikari did have a jacket on as well, but more conservative than Asuka's showy red nightmare. Once Kensuke had been suitably punished, "Couldn't get Aoi-chan to join you? And I think you brought to much food Ikari-kun." At times Eris wondered if Hikari kept Shinji at a distance to keep Asuka from getting protective, and other times Eris knew. Kensuke could only blubber about his no-longer secret girlfriend had a family event planned already.

Helping Asuka off the ground, then helping Eris who took the opportunity to keep close to him, Shinji flinched his head at the gluttonous cat. "Eris-san could eat most of this herself if I didn't keep an eye on her. Plus who knows when we'll get this chance again, school and all. So lets try all the stuff we can so we can make good memories," Shinji's skin felt a bit cold when the breeze hit.

Going to have to get him some warmer clothing or press harder about getting him a bell. Asuka and Rei had them, but Shinji resisted. But Eris knew if she pushed he'd crumble, not that she liked using that against him. But it did get him to play in ways he was usually shier about. But the swing play with Durel had been worth the ask, it was quite mind blowing. But Shinji had a point, they were all busy with new things and didn't always have time to get together like this. "Shame Rei didn't want to come with us," Eris pouted just a little. Would have been nice to have Rei with them, but her absence did mean she could have some private snuggle time.

"Yeah, why is she not here? With how she is at school, its bizarre she's not stalking behind you," Touji fumbled with setting up the second tent. Hikari tried helping him, but neither really knew what they were doing and degraded into smacking one another with the support rods.

"Literary club is having an outing of their own. She said she'd skip it and come here, but I insisted she go to it instead," Shinji was the only person that could get Rei to act against her plan. Pointing at the still sealed third tent, Eris and Shinji got to work on their sleeping location. "Eris and I are going to take her with us on Eris's next trip out of Tokyo-3 to make it up to her," Shinji actually used the instructions unlike the Touji.

It was a fun puzzle, setting up the suddenly very cozy looking tent. The sounds of the nylon rubbing gave Eris flashbacks to another outing they went on. Just before the mothership left, Misato arranged a large outing at a trampoline park. Even with the zero-G training, there was something fun about the weightless feeling of using that jumping monstrosity. Why Shinji got excited Eris couldn't fathom, but Asuka said it was just him being juvenile. Misato had struck that Kaji person when Kuune tried it, man couldn't take his eyes off of Kuune, humans were strange at time.

Completing there task well before Touji and Hikari, Eris was already eyeing the bag of goodies, "Did you two want help? At this rate Hikari and Asuka are going to sleep outside," Eris teased.

"Wait, I thought this was OUR tent?" Touji asked with a shrill peak in his voice.

Scoffing, Asuka gave the kneeling Touji a shove and he rolled over to the ground, "What? You expect me to sleep with Kensuke? Sorry but that ain't happening. So get working or we'll commandeer your tent and you two can enjoy a night under the stars." For a brief moment, Eris saw Asuka gazing at Shinji with a hint of longing. Eris knew that feeling well, with so much going on and so many people utilizing the same resource it got hard at times. But the girls had an understanding, it was good to share, and don't cut into anothers time. The camping trip was Eris's time, Asuka would get hers another.

Shinji helped Touji and Hikari set up their tent, while Asuka supervised, Kensuke filmed it, and Eris just enjoyed being with them. It wasn't the ship, it wasn't her original family, but it was great! Not perfect, perfect was boring. Life on the ship was close to perfect, hence she got in trouble for rushing off for a change. Perfect meant nothing changed, nothing evolved, nothing new happened. Perfect was a circle, you strived to draw it, but the fun was in the attempt to get better, to get closer to the circle. Once you made it though, where was their to improve? What was to change? Great meant they could grow, improve, stumble, have good stories, and move onward.

"Let me help too!" Eris cheered as she joined the group. Rushing over to them, Eris toppled into Asuka who fell into Hikari while she fell onto Shinji. They rolled a bit, by Eris's design, and she got to feel Shinji against her a little. With her heat coming thoughts were getting muddled, but she wasn't worried about it now. Just enjoy and walk arm in arm together towards the uncertain future.

The tent eventually got setup, just as the sun was starting to go down. Bathing in the soft red glow of twilight they started the fire. Hotdogs, burgers, fish on sticks, rice cooked in a metal container, and for dessert a hot goopy mess of chocolate, marshmallow, and crackers that Eris smeared more over her lips than anybody else. It was heavenly! Things got a little awkward when the girls realized that being outside meant there were no restrooms.

Eris had never done that before, Catian tech had small portable units they'd take with them, so was slightly nervous. But hey first time for everything right? So in the dark of night, Eris wandered off, Shinji going with her a ways and acting guidepost back to the fire. Hearing a soft voice calling to her, Eris moved further away claiming she didn't want Shinji to hear her. "What is it?" Eris hoped it was just a check-in and not something that would cancel the camping trip.

"Durel wants to remind you to take your pill," Jens got up on one knee. Woman was a ghost when wanted, and right now she was all about being unseen. Learning to the side, eying the darkened figure between them and the fire, "How are things here? The smells are…"

Jens' stomach made a growling, and Eris covered her mouth less the Dogsian hear the laugh. "I'll leave some food out for you. We're about to play some games, then we'll go to the tents," Eris made a point not to say sleep, that was not her plan. "And I don't need a pill yet, still a week off at least. Things are, as you know, going very well," Eris still had doubts about Jens. Did Eris think Jens would hurt anybody? No, Jens was loyal to Shinji since her disownment. But old memories were hard to ignore, this woman did many bad things, some to Shinji himself. But that was before the woman knew Shinji, and a lot of changes in Jens were seen since she was repurposed.

But that didn't mean Jens got away without punishment. Nobody was making it easy for the Dog eared woman in her aim at wooing a certain somebody, and plans of being quiet were started to waiver if it meant rubbing the dogs nose in it, how you disciplined a dog right? Though Eris did enjoy the smell of it, musky and strong, pungent…wait what was she thinking about now? "Did you need anything else?" suddenly Eris wanting a big ol whiff of that smell. Took some priming to get the spigot produce the fluid, but she was up to task.

"For you to focus on task, but then you'd be here long enough to arouse suspicion. I'll keep watch, and I shall take you up on that food," Jens nodded and went back into the weeds.

Taking care of business, Eris rejoined Shinji just as he was about to starting looking for her. Tempted to try out the human adage of 'roll in the hay', but the others WOULD come looking for them. So they rejoined the group.

Back by the fire they played cards, played the kings game, joked, told stories (Eris was not good with the scary ones as humanity had some fearful ideas), and just had a very relaxing time. Eventually however Hikari yawned, and Eris pounced on the idea akin to a mouse. Time to go to bed (she did leave the extra food for Jens). Sitting on the bumpy ground, a rock in a bad spot (Shinji switched spots with her since he was a dear), Eris zipped the flap. Touching her bell, revealing a very lacy white lacy thing full of cups, straps, and leggings, Eris suddenly felt very exposed despite all the cloth, "Misato said this was a…brides armor. D-does it look good on me?"

It took Shinji several seconds to get blood back into his brain to form words. "B-beautiful, and…that was…" Eris guess that Shinji was going to say it was just fiction, Misato teasing them. Misato did that a lot, as did Rei. At times Eris suspected it, but even if it was a fib, it was not out of malice and if it lead to something like this? Why be bothered by it! They embraced, and to her credit, Eris did try to be quiet…didn't last…but she tried.

In the morning, Kensuke complained that some animal took their extra food. Touji and Hikari couldn't meet Shinji or Eris's eyes, guess they had heard. And Asuka grumbled and said something about when it was her turn she'd show Eris what for. Packing up the tent, "Let me help you with that," Eris insisted as they tore down the tent. This was a lovely idea Shinji had, and maybe next year they'd do it again, and again, and again, and again. For as many years as they could, come here with friends, family, and eventually children of their own! This small patch of earth outside of Tokyo-3 was where they met and started the adventure that lead them back here again. Eris never wanted to forget about this patch of earth. It was special, it was their place, and she loved it as they did one another.

X-The End -X