Standard Disclaimer
Pool closes in two days, I have the yearly sad. Work is speeding up a little, but I'm more a supervisor now so I don't get to code as much now. I like coding, but such is life. Family out West is doing their best life, but I do miss. Hope you're all doing well
X-X
Crime and Punishment
Chapter – 2
Driving from the train station, Ritsuko was already having doubts about her little plan. Gendo wanted the scenario put back on track and that meant removing the unexpected variable, just he couldn't be bothered to do it himself. Man was busy with other things, apparently the lance was found and he was priming to get it, so asked Ritsuko to deal with the Kirika issue. Two months of the girl was enough for Ritsuko to be ready for the amazon to be gone as well. Her plan was overly convoluted, but somehow Kirika was just a blank slot of information so anything to overt could have serious blowback.
Sitting cross legged, barely, was another Amazonian woman that was being brought in to put Kirika in check. Ritsuko did some searching for options, and was taking a long shot with this, but this only needed to drive Kirika away. The slightly older teen had her long silver hair tied up in a bun, wore fancy black framed glasses, and her school uniform was…uh…problematic. The front was undone and exposed mountains of skin and the skirt was barely covering anything. But the girl's face was displaying fierce determination and authority.
"So primarily, Shiraki-kun, you'll be responsible for reigning in Kirika-kun and her antics. That does allow you to perform some disciplinary actions upon her and those she's involved with, within reason," Ritsuko informed. Noticing the girl actually had a horse whip at her side and knee high boots, Ritsuko hoped she hadn't picked up the wrong kid and she was next to a dominatrix. Pulling into the parking lot of the apartment, "You'll be living here, your belongings will be brought in soon. Kirika is a trouble maker, worse she is influencing Ikari-kun."
Adjusting her oval glasses and tugging on her collar, Meiko pulled her whip out and gave it a good lash against her palm, "Understood. You may call me Meiko if it suits you. Might I ask why Nerv simply doesn't confine this Kirika? If she is a problem and you have the space, why not just keep her imprisoned until you have a use for her?" With the car still running, Meiko waited for the sign to move.
Well if Kirika was NEEDED they might have considered it, but Gendo wanted the girl gone. "Can't just imprison somebody for doing annoying pranks. What Kirika does, while wrong, is not illegal. But we are concerned she is going to get Ikari-kun to follow suit and stop following orders when needed. Misato is up there now wrangling both of them in for this little meet and greet. So thought we'd have a small chat ourselves to get any last minute questions you have out." Ritsuko found this girl via Nerv channels, somebody close to Kirika's age. Reports of Hachimitsu Academy being one of, if not they, most disciplined school in Japan, well it was worth a try.
"It can be done if it's a known punishment. My school had an imprisonment system for rules infractions. It worked well, to a point," Meiko hesitated a bit at the end of her little statement. Starting to sweat a little, "So what will I be allowed to do? At Hachimitsu I was given carte blanch to keep the males in line. What of my schooling? What about…what you offered?" The fierce tone the girl had sputtered out completely for a brief moment when she asked her last question, going from intimidating to simpering for a brief moment.
Noticing the sweat start to flow, Ritsuko turned up A/C then turned it up even more. "For now lets keep things non-physical. Can't have the pilots hurt. You'll take your lessons in the rooms with Kirika, using your phone to stream the video. And if you can get Kirika to leave, we'll provide the location of your friend. Aside that you'll get paid for time served," Ritsuko already had feelers out for this missing Kurihara Mari. Any sufficiently rich or powerful family had Nerv's interest for various reasons, Mari was both.
"So I am just to keep the pilots to follow the rules then? What of their friends…males tend to act in packs. Does this Ikari have friends aside from your primary concern? And how 'no physical' are we talking? Am I not allowed to do anything? Am I just to use harsh words to get them to act?" Meiko slapped her whip against her hand and Ritsuko could hear the tension of the plastic against the girl's hand.
Getting out of the car, less Meiko soil the seat with the growing sweat puddle, Ritsuko stretched a bit after being cooped up so long. "You have a point, Kirika doesn't respond to verbal warnings as well. Why you're here. Two days ago she organized a car-wash that got out of hand very quickly. Again nothing wrong on its own, but her workers just so happened to all be wearing white shirts and mini-skirts. So as long as you don't leave lasting injuries…keep it light. And you could order exercise and such I suppose. And yes, Ikari-kun has two male friends. You don't HAVE to bother yourself with them, but it might help." Shinji wouldn't want his friends troubled, so he'd do what Meiko said, and that would cut Kirika's support.
"Likely something he requested. Males tend to be perverse. I will whip them into shape," cracking her tool again she started to pour sweat out, "not literally of course. I would not consider breaking our deal after all." Said deal was simple, Meiko wanted to know where her rich and powerful friend fled to. She agreed to work with Nerv to deal with the Kirika problem in exchange for information about Mari. Girl was somebody they could put in school with Kirika, unlike Section-2, was spoken of as a master disciplinarian, and worked cheap!
Handing Meiko some tissues, "You're sweating a lot, something wrong? Nervous?" Ritsuko was concerned with the amount of perspiration pouring out of the girl. It was a moderately warm day, but even in her lab coat Ritsuko wasn't bothered, yet this massive woman even with most of her chest and legs exposed was dripping.
Taking the tissue and padding the uncanny valley and then her underarm, Meiko just shook her head. "I have a good metabolism. One last question. If you are apposed to this Kirika being a pilot to the point you are considering driving her off, why not just fire her or ship her away?" Meiko went to hand back the sopping wet tissue but Ritsuko just pointed to a trash can. It was a lost cause, the tissue was obliterated.
"Good question," Ritsuko actually wish Meiko hadn't asked it. It was the heart of the matter, and counter to what Nerv informed most of Japan. Can't say they were hunting for pilot candidates, have those faux tests, and then turn away people that met the criteria. Something didn't add up! Well, it didn't add up since the game was rigged from the start. Can't let people know that though, or they start questioning what else Nerv might be fibbing about. "Answer is she's just to much at odds with the other pilots. Ayanami and Soryu were military trained, Ikari is very impressionable and tries to please, but Kirika is wild and of the pilots she is the worst we have. But we need pilots and can't just get rid of her now that people see her about. But she CAN quit…so if she doesn't like getting the screws turned and heads back to her old club of friends…" Ritsuko hoped that answered Meiko's inquiry.
Putting her implement of punishment back into its holster, oh gods she had a holster for it, Meiko nodded once briskly. Guess she accepted that answer, or at least wasn't going to question it. Good, Ritsuko didn't want to have to deal with this girl after Kirika was driven off. With how free spirited and wild Kirika was, the hope was Meiko's addition and 'training' would drive her back to the softness of her precious Eiken club and away from Nerv. They didn't need a backup that could barely breech the threshold of syncing. Seriously how did Kirika score SO good on her first test and then fail so hard?
Hearing the boisterous laughing on the other side of the door, Ritsuko readied herself. "Need a moment to close that up?" Ritsuko blinked a few times as Meiko gave her a quizzical look. Guess going all but nips out was fine for this girl. Kids were confusing, but if the results were satisfactory Ritsuko wasn't going to comment on the oddity of the girls outfit. Hitting the call button by the door, "Misato, we're here for the introductions."
"Alright you two, couch now! And Kirika leave some space this time, can't have you smothering him during this meeting," Misato's voice was faintly heard through the door. The door opened and an exasperated Misato practically hung on the door. "Great timing, I'm at my wits end with her. She showed me some videos. Guess she's been trying to get Shinji-kun into some compromising situations with those club girls. So you're the girl from Hachimitsu or did Ritsuko hire a cosplayer?" Misato smiled and offered her hand out.
Sadly Misato didn't see Ritsuko behind Meiko signaling not to shake hands, as the exchange was firm but wet. "I am Shiraki Meiko, you may refer to me as Meiko. I was the Vice President of the Underground Student Council and in charge of disciplinary actions. Akagi-san has informed me of the problem state, and I am willing to aid in dealing with the problem cases. May I?" Meiko gestured to the door.
Standing to the side, Misato let Meiko enter, "Sure head on in, this is your home for the time being. You'll find Kirika and Shinji-kun in the living room." Misato gestured for the girl to give the adults a few moments peace. Stepping outside the door, the air in the hall was nice due to a soft breeze. "What the hell is that? You sure that is the girl you were supposed to get? Stiletto heels, knee high boots, and what is with the outfit? She going to fuck them into submission or something?" Misato was not the cool cucumber she pretended to be.
"Keep it down," Ritsuko shushed Misato but actually smiled, "I know how it looks, but that is the girl. Came highly respected from her academy. And we don't have many options if we want to keep this peaceful. So how goes with those two? Is it just them or is Soryu in there with them?" It always did Ritsuko's heart good to see the trickster tricked.
Covering her eyes with her hand and leaning her head back, Misato let out a long sigh. With a shoulder shrug, "If it wasn't so troubling, I'd love it! Those two get along great, but she just has to push to hard. Some of those videos she showed me, my little Shin-chan is so many compromising positions with those girls! Number of times he had massive cans thrown into his hands, he has experience now. But Kirika just has no limit, and bad publicity is the last Nerv needs. They had reporters at that car wash! Ibuki scrubbed the details of 'pilots nearly arrested for indecent exposure' but it was close. Shame we have to do this, but what choice do we have?"
"Maybe just lock those two in a room together for a few hours. You were wild until Kaji and…" Ritsuko's joke fell flat as Misato acted. Firm scowl, slowly shaking her head, Misato was not laughing. Holding her hands up in defense, "I keep saying LCL should work as a suppressant. And if it didn't, she'd not be able to pilot and we could ship her back."
Spinning Ritsuko to face the door, Misato was not gentle as she pushed forward, "No joking about that. Girl would be all about it I think, she hints at it enough. If Shinji-kun was any other boy his age I'd not leave them alone together! I think they have it bad for one another, maybe I'm just over analyzing it because I don't want it to happen. Friends are good, fuck-buddies not so much." Misato propelled Ritsuko into the living room, and when the got there, both of them just stopped. "Girls what are you two doing?" Misato tried to sound authoritative but it came out a squeak.
The girls were locked in a small judo exchange, unmoving but strained as Shinji lay on the ground with a red welt across his face. "Intruder here belted my Shinji the moment he went to shake her hand and introduce himself to her! This the surprise you have for me?" Kirika shifted her hold and tried to knock Meiko off her feet.
Meiko countered with a spin knocking into the coffee table sending drinks spilling everywhere on the ground. "He approached me aggressively and spoke without being prompted to," Meiko twirled about to get an over the shoulder through but when she hit Kirika's squishy defenses, "You are bigger than me?"
Ritsuko saw Misato rush over to Shinji and get him off the ground, "It was a mistake I think. I didn't know she was apposed to shaking hands, should have let her introduce herself first." Shinji hand to grab Misato's hand as she probed the red lash mark. Not a serious hit, Asuka left larger welts on him, but a lovely first exchange.
"Girls you will stop NOW!" Misato rarely yelled, but the word vibrated the room. Got Ritsuko's engine going just a trifle, she loved power and Misato went full alpha-mama-bear.
Kirika would have stopped if she hadn't stepped on a soda can, slipped backward and dragged Meiko with her. The pair conked heads together, Ritsuko did think it sounded like coconuts colliding, and landed in the soda sea on the floor. "You got some cans on you girl, nice outfit too," Kirika helped herself to a confused fondling session.
Well that could have gone better, was all Ritsuko thought as she surveyed the damage. Kirika and Meiko were slathered in soda and writhing on the ground, Misato was poking and prodding Shinji, and the room had the sickeningly sweet smell of sugar permeating it. "Well…Shiraki Meiko meet Ikari Shinji and Misono Kirika. Meiko-kun will be your new handler since Kirika-kun cannot keep her antics under control. You were warned Ikari-kun that if you went along with her you'd be held accountable as well. You will listen to her, but incidents like this should not happen again, right Meiko-kun?" Ritsuko really hoped this wasn't already doomed to failure.
Trying to sit up, her uniform clung to her as a second skin and translucent, Meiko didn't act to shy her body away and in fact took pride in it. "You are unexpectedly skilled in judo, and more strength than expected, but that will not provide any free passes. Both of you, and those that associate with you, will learn discipline. And Katsuragi-san, I apologize for breeching the low-physical discipline rule, my school does not have that liability and I have gotten used to it. I will find other ways to motivate," Meiko's top then slid to the side showing off her full set of assets.
Not to be outdone, or possibly to keep Shinji's attention on her, Ritsuko saw Kirika huck her sweater at Shinji leaving both girls in equal states of teenage boy destroying glory. Misato forced Kirika to her shower and let Meiko use the one at the Katsuragi apartment. Then the formal meeting happened and everybody was informed of the changes, and the new roommate situation. Kirika didn't care, girl wasn't phased. At least not yet Ritsuko hoped. But Ritsuko did notice that whenever Shinji did start to drift in attention to the new girl Kirika would do something to pull him back. Interesting, a pressure point maybe!
X-X
Gathering up her books, Asuka readied herself for the walk home from school. Three days of having a new 'observer' in class was interesting. Never heard of an observer in class before being a thing, but she'd never had a humanized disaster area either. The two polar opposites were classing and the simp was the one that took the damage for it. Good, maybe Shinji would learn not to trust Kirika if he got punished enough for her actions! A pudding fight? Who thought that was a good idea? The perverted boys that got to see girls covered in vanilla glop! When the dust settled however, Kirika was gone and Shinji was found cleaning up and Meiko was there to collect.
"Ikari, you are to come with me to the track field now, it is punishment time," Meiko was looming over the boy. Touji and Kensuke appeared tempted to go with Shinji, either in solidarity or to gawk more, but in the end they waved and ran. Tapping her heel on the ground, arms crossed supporting his huge globes of justice, "You will exercise until I deem it sufficient. If you confess that Misono-kun was the one that originated the idea, your time will be lessoned."
Head down, Shinji just packed up as well, he still had the sweet smell of vanilla and chocolate on him. Shaking his head, "If she was guilty she'd have been there and you'd see her, right?" Standing up, Shinji and Asuka exchanged a silent conversation. Asuka gloating that Shinji was taking the fall. But he didn't rat out Kirika, and the doomed boy was pushed out the door by horse whip.
"I don't know if I like that girl. We all know Kirika started things, so why is she punishing Ikari-kun for it? He even cleaned up most of the mess!" Hikari sagely waited for Meiko to leave the room before talking. Peeking out the door, hands gripping the frame, her hair dangling like pendulums. Getting her fill of the lesser amazon, "And that uniform is against regulations for our school. How can she wear it!"
Asuka shrugged as she pushed Hikari out the door, palm to back, a grin on her face. "Because she's confident! I like her. If I had a frame like hers I might do something similar," Asuka wasn't so sure on that later part. Western sensibilities left her a little more ashamed of nudity, but part of her could see why Meiko did what she did. Where Kirika covered herself with sweaters and stretchy clothing, Meiko just let the shirt rip down the middle or left the buttons undone. Girl walked with confidence, with pride in herself, and without fear of being objectivized. Meiko owned herself, and didn't care if some little boy couldn't handle it and made a mess of himself. "She's like if Ayanami got a personality," and several massive growth spurts in rapid succession.
"I don't see that. Ayanami-kun and Shiraki-kun have different personalities. Ayanami-kun is aloof and distant I feel, while…that girl is scheming. I had plans to deal with Kirika, but now…" Hikari's shoulder sunk in defeat. Guess having an outsider in the class to deal with one of her students left Hikari depressed. Guiding Asuka the long way out of the compound, one that just so happened to lead towards the track, "So do you know where Kirika went? I wouldn't think she'd leave Ikari-kun to take the fall for her."
If anybody was scheming it was Wonder Girl, Asuka felt. That girl was the commander's lapdog, was exempt from so many things, and had that air of superiority about her. Wanting to see the idiot get what he deserved for siding with tits instead of his roommate, Asuka let Hikari try to be coy. "She's likely off trying to get those floozies to join that club of hers. They all play around, but so far Shinji said none of them committed to joining. Bet they don't now that we have a deterrent to Kirika's stupid stunts," Asuka swelled with joy. Finally something was happening to deal with the disruption in her life.
"Still, I thought those two were…you know…a couple. You see how she is around him and how she treats the other boys," Hikari was just a tad hopeful. They teens left the school proper and stopped to overlook the track. Taking a moment to observe Asuka, Hikari had an anxiousness about her, "He seemed happy with her too. Comparing the Ikari-kun that first showed up, to when you did, to Kirika he was getting less gloomy. Now…" She gestured to the field.
Keeping at Shinji's side, using the whip sparingly on his behind, Meiko kept pace. "Faster Ikari, this is hardly a run. Legs up higher, arms pumping faster, breath deep not shallow!" Meiko's voice was firm yet held just a smidge of enjoyment. Girl was having fun administering the punishment.
Now he was learning that the amazon was only going to result in pain for him, Asuka liked that. "What, he made his choice to side with her! Likely he even brought those containers that were used! Now he's getting what is coming to him. He could be breaking rocks or fixing the school up and not just running. He's lazy when allowed so this is good for him!" Asuka defended the slightly unjust treatment on display.
"Does she need to hit him thought? Doesn't look hard, but is it really needed?" Hikari whined as another swat was delivered. Unable or unwanting to stay longer, Hikari offered Shinji a wave as he rounded and saw them, he waved back and was gifted a swat to the hand and ordered to focus. With a wince, Hikari didn't like knowing she caused additional punishment, "Lets go. Next time I see Kirika, I'm going to have words for her."
Excellent, undermine the cult of personality Kirika had! Asuka was liking Meiko more and more. Shinji HAD assisted her, but Kirika had been the true culprit. And as people saw Shinji get punished for Kirika's perverted antics…they'd not care. "Yeah lets get going. I'll try talking to Shinji about this too. If this keeps happening he'll learn to break free," Asuka hoped. Part of her realized that it didn't matter to the guys and girls who got in trouble as long as it wasn't them. They had fun with the juvenile mess today, and they got away with it. Maybe Touji and Kensuke would avoid it, but nobody else would. Shinji didn't have high enough stock for the others to give up their fun for it.
Out of sight out of mind, the two girls reverted to other gossip once they left the school grounds. How Hikari's elder sister was dealing with college and how her younger sister was leading her class following Hikari's footsteps got a laugh out of Asuka. Talks about Nerv were guarded, Asuka knew not to talk to loudly about things to blatantly. But friends talk, and Asuka did like to gloat that she was not the best of Four and not Three! Both dawdled a bit, walked slower, pointed out things to delay the inevitable separation for the day. Homelife was going to be boring for both today, but eventually they ran out of things to slow them down and they headed their separate ways.
Once alone, Asuka started to play conversations in her mind between just about everybody. Always be prepared, right? What did she tell Misato about today? How do try and break through Shinji's wall of stupid? Did she even bother try talking to Kirika? Rehearsing her words in her mind for conversations that would likely never happen, she hoped they did! As she started climbing the stairs, she caught sight of the trailing purple of Kirika's insanely stupid ponytail. It had to take HOURS to dry that much hair! But she couldn't let this slide, Kirika was here and Shinji was likely still being run ragged, "Hey! Where are you going?"
Door to their floor open, popsicle in mouth, Kirika made a quizzical sound as Asuka huffed to catch up, "What you want Red? Where's Shinji?" Scratching her head, she readied herself to launch the Kirika sneak attack, oh that grin was feral and loaded with delight.
For a moment, just a moment, Asuka saw that expression and wondered if possibly this girl actually DID like Shinji. Asuka observed this idiot for over two months now, and the number of guys that flaunted themselves at her was stupid! Yet she never cared, never reacted, never smiled like she was now. Did she not know he was caught by Meiko? "He's being made to run by your new master. Didn't you know he got caught cleaning up your mess and Meiko is having him pay your tab?" Asuka couldn't believe it. Had to be a trick right, she had to know what happened!
"What you going on about, explain," Kirika let her treat fall, it bounced off her left asset and hit Asuka's leg as it fell, some pliancy there. Using her foot to keep the door from shutting, pulling out her phone she scowled at it for a moment, "Well that isn't good. Going to have to…" she muttered a bit more.
Walking past Kirika, through the door she held open, Asuka hadn't considered this scenario when she played things out in her mind. "Idiot was caught cleaning up the mess in the quad by your roommate. She did offer to lessen his punishment if he said who started things. You trained him well to take the fall for you. So right now your roommate is making him run laps around the track. Oh and smacking his ass when he goes to slow," Asuka opted to just be honest. This was unexpected, and Asuka wanted to know just how Kirika would take this. Asuka had assumed Kirika knew of the state of the world.
"Rias sent me a picture…not running now but…" Kirika followed close behind Asuka now that the info was walking away. Offering Asuka a view if she wanted, Asuka took it, the picture was of some guy mugging for the camera with a tiny image of Shinji doing sit-ups behind him. "That is her would be boyfriend, guy tries a bit to hard to get attention. Going to have to make this up to him, he said he had something to do…why he missed club. Thanks for the heads up Red," Kirika nodded to herself. Quickly advancing past Asuka, her hair swaying, Kirika gently hip checked the girl and vanished into her apartment.
Colliding with the banister, Asuka was shocked at the force of that hip sway. Knowing Shinji got at least three of those hits a day, his stock rose just a little in Asuka's mind for that. "Hope that doesn't leave a bruise," Asuka rubbed both the spot she hit against the banister and where Kirika struck her. Letting herself into the empty apartment, Misato was on the afternoon shift today, Asuka found the bird waiting for her. "Oh yeah, Shinji feeds you doesn't he, well you're going to have to wait for him," Asuka didn't know where the perv-birds food was.
Lounging about the apartment, music on, Asuka tried to busy herself. School work was pointless but at least it was something to do. After she forced her brain to accept more chicken scratch she watched a bit of television and again considered getting a new game console. Hikari had an older one, was fun to play when visiting, but newer ones existed and Asuka had available resources. Accidental excessive force broke Asuka's last one. Laying on the couch watching silly dramas, an immortal elf living in current Japan, was fun and a bit educational.
Jerking awake when the door opened and Pen-Pen squawked his approval of the arrival of the food provider. A haggard Shinji echoed down the hall, "She didn't feed you did she? Well come on lets get you fed." A bag hit the wall, shoes bounced, and Shinji could be heard moving about. He took a peek on the couch where Asuka pretended to sleep, he did nothing and entered the kitchen. Food was poured into a bowl, fridge opened, and then he joined Asuka in the living room and turned the station. Turning the volume down, conscientious as always, he settled on an older show about a zombie and three eyed girl.
"I was watching that," Asuka muttered as she sat up. Feeling some drool on her lip, she discreetly tried to clean herself up from her impromptu nap. How the couch messed up her hair and clothing was insidious. Not getting an immediate reaction from Shinji, "Don't take your anger out on me. Misato and I warned you that girl would get you in trouble. Fact Nerv brought in a handler for her should have been an eye opener for you. Keep on doing what she says, Meiko is going to keep digging those heels into you." Cruel to be kind.
Languidly turning the station back, the show Asuka had been watching was over, Shinji tossed the remote back. "Not angry, just tired. Legs and stomach hurt. I made my choice and I stand by it. Could have left the mess, I wanted to clean it up. Not fair if I didn't," he did sound tired. Letting Asuka control the station, he just yawned a bit and sat in silence.
"Want to talk about it?" Asuka was eyeing the boy curiously. Was he upset, tired, or something else?
Sipping his drink, Shinji shrugged off the question. "Nothing to talk about," he muttered, "I ran laps and did exercises for two hours. Shiraki-san barely appeared winded…she did sweat a lot though. Like a lot-a lot. Asked me to say who organized the food fight, since we both talked about it, I accepted it. Like you both said, I accept that these things are what make Kirika happy, and…" Shinji drew his legs up and sat in a small ball on his chair.
For a change Asuka didn't feel like pushing more, Shinji was not in a talkative mood. Maybe if it was Misato he'd say more, but for now Asuka got enough. They watched television in silence for a time, Pen-Pen waddled over and Shinji scratched his head. "You want supper?" Shinji eventually asked.
She did, but Asuka wasn't sure if asking him to cook was a good move right now. But it was his fault, do the crime do the time, "Yeah, but nothing to fancy today, not that hungry." She threw him a bone. Watching Shinji walk on unsteady/weak legs to the kitchen, she was tempted to follow and observe a bit more, but her batteries for Shinji stalking were drained.
A time later Shinji came and set a plate and drink in front of Asuka, she liked to eat on the coffee table when Misato didn't force 'family time'. "Going go take Kirika-san her supper, I've made some for Shiraki-san as well since they still don't have ingredients. I don't know if I'll be welcome to eat there with both of them so either I'll be back or…" Shinji groaned as he stretched back up and walked off with two plates.
Five minutes later the door opened again, "So did they kick you out?" Asuka called without looking. New show was about Magical Girls that were liches or something.
Sitting down on the chair Shinji had sat on, Meiko adjusted her tight fitting top and extra short shorts. "I did not realize he was untrained, figured Nerv would have provided him some physical training. Pushed him to hard, giving them a moment as repayment. Pay for the crime, not excess. You do not mind my eating with you do you?" Meiko asked. After taking a few bites of food, "Did you make this? It is good."
"No, Idiot did, and I don't mind," Asuka felt her heart actually go a flutter a moment. Not in any romantic way, but minor idolization! Something about Meiko struck Asuka the right way. The confidence and authoritative nature of the woman, Asuka liked that! She could be friends with a girl like Meiko. So they ate, and Asuka asked questions about Meiko's life before the current situation. A school with a prison for trouble makers? Ok that was strict, very strict, and Meiko basically oversaw it? Now THAT was cool! Definitely friend capabilities in this one!
X-X
Filming Shinji gathering refuse from around the school, Kensuke tried to not focus on Meiko but failed miserably. She was watching him closely and whenever he slowed down she'd command he work harder or give a gentle prod to the rump. If this was the punishment for hanging out with Kirika and her gang of bountiful ladies…Kensuke was VERY tempted to join. Today's punishment came from Shinji being late to class, so it was only menial labor. Kirika was late as well, but that girl was nowhere to be seen.
"Dude are you getting this? How can she do this to him? I mean we were late as well and we're not being punished," Touji's eyes were focused just as Kensuke's. The trio had plans for a day out, just a small stroll about town, but it was something they haven't done in a while. Leaning over to hide a small problem, "But man she's something else. Older girls are crazy hot."
Zooming into the uncanny valley, prominently on display, Kensuke nodded and felt the want to join Shinji. Being ordered around by a woman like Meiko was right up Kensuke's alley. Rubbing at his chin, making sure he had no drool, "I'm getting it. We can ask him once she lets him go. At least this isn't as bad as the track-hell from a few days ago. That was rough. So…where do we want to go once he's done?"
"So this is where he is? What did that amazon do this time to get him in trouble?" Asuka came off just a bit to jovial. A few of her clique were with her, pointing at the 'idiot' cleaning.
Turning the camera to Asuka, Kensuke wouldn't mind if Asuka ordered him around as well but the new girl just rocked it better. Getting all of Asuka and her friends in frame, "They were late after lunch, just Kirika didn't show up and he did. Weren't you late coming back as well? Shouldn't you be helping him? She is here to watch over the pilots right? And why are you here?" Shinji had mentioned a little about Meiko being brought in for them.
"Is that all they did?" Asuka actually jerked back a little, "She's hard core." One of Asuka's friends actually posed for the camera, Kensuke didn't miss that take. Blocking Kensuke's open filming of her friend, "And reason Meiko is here is to keep the amazon in line, not working but at least its getting him to learn not to trust that fail pilot. And we're here looking FOR Meiko, wanted to ask her if she wanted to hang out."
Smacking Kensuke's arm, Touji hit harder than normal, but his angry grumble answered why, "Dude she's making him clean her shoes! That is-that is…." Touji couldn't think of a zinger to explain his anger, but Kensuke thought it was a little hot. Tugging on Kensuke's elbow, "Lets go get him, this is to much man. Just because he was a little late coming back she's going this far? You want to be friends with that girl? Was wrong about you Red."
Being dragged by Kensuke over to Meiko and Shinji, Kensuke wished his camera could capture the audio. As they got close enough to hear however, all the good stuff was gone. "It wasn't that bad, man. Betting he didn't HAVE to do it either, so lets not make a thing of this," Kensuke whispered hoping Touji didn't do something stupid.
"Ah the friends. You are Suzuhara and Aida, yes? I recommend you get your friend here to open his eyes. Being used doesn't exclude one from the consequences of their actions. And if you are with them if they break the rules, Nerv has worked with the school to give me authority to punish accomplices," Meiko drummed her fingers over Shinji's head. Still kneeling by her freshly cleaned shoes, Shinji kept his head down as she administered her little percussion treatment.
Touji, not reading the room at all, couldn't keep his mouth shut, "He was just late for class! So was Kirika AND Asuka, why aren't they here cleaning? Why you make him clean your boots? You just power tripping or something?" While the jock tried to stand tall, Meiko towered over him and as she approached he fell back quickly.
"Just being late wouldn't be a cause for me to act. I caught him hanging unauthorized pamphlets. He was alone while doing so. Or do you have other information you'd like to add?" Meiko loomed over the two. Hands on her hips, twisting her body in such a way Kensuke nearly fell over, she waited for the boys to talk.
Getting between the two opposing factions, Shinji timidly gazed up into those rimmed glasses. "They were in class so you know they're not involved. And you know Kirika was in the office being asked about the food fight again," Shinji had just a smidge of confrontation about him. Holding up the full trash bags, "Two full bags, as requested. Was there anything else or am I free to go?"
Snatching the bags from Shinji's hands, Meiko made towards Asuka's group, "This is all for today. Again, if you just confess her involvement you'd be rewarded. Bear that in mind. Abiding a known criminal is just as bad as doing the crimes yourself." Touji and Kensuke had to get out of her way as Meiko did not slow, did not hesitate, and went right where she wanted to go. When she got by Asuka's group, she joined them and they headed off.
"What the fuck is that man? That chick has huge stick up her ass! How she got so tall I bet, it's holding her up!" Touji did NOT say that loud enough for the disciplinarian to hear. Dusting Shinji off a bit, he could be doting when the need called for it. Leaving the opposite way less they run into the new intruder. Pointing out to Kensuke that Shinji was rubbing his behind, "Why she so fixated on you man? You still WANT to hang out or you need some alone time or something?"
Keeping an extra step away from Touji, jock could be TO much sometimes, Shinji flexed his hands to get the last of the garbage off. "Shiraki-san is very dedicated to her task. I know the risks in breaking the rules for Kirika-san. I wanted to help with the weekend cooking event, get some potential new recruits. Wasn't asked to, I wanted to. Shiraki-san saw me and here I am. As for why she picks on me? I'm an easy target," Shinji laughed weekly at that. "Kirika-san can't be bullied or even asked to do something she doesn't want to, Shiraki-san has no power there. I on the other hand…" Shinji just gestured to himself and shrugged.
"Maybe she just has a thing for you. Like how baby Touji used to push down the girl he had a crush on," Kensuke joked. Sagely ducking to the side, Touji yelped out and gave a punch that missed by a mile. Doubtful given the reason why Meiko was temporarily in there class, but hey if it could get a laugh out of Shinji post clean-up, it was worth it.
No laugh but it did get a half grin from Shinji. Meandering about, less they run into Asuka's group and risk Shinji getting punished again, the trio made a detour to avoid popular streets. "So where are we going to go? Been awhile since it was just us doing something. Kirika-san tends to eat up my spare time anymore. Well not so much this week," Shinji intentionally flexed his hands. Kensuke got it on film.
"Games and food! I want to hit a bookstore to get Mari some new manga to read. And speaking of your girlfriend, where she at?" Touji thrust both hands up in the air in celebration. With the destination set, they let Touji lead as he had the most drive. Rubbing his elbow into Shinji's side, "So you guys make it official yet? You get to touch those…well you already have. Have you got to grab them voluntarily?" They had plenty of footage of Kirika resting her excess weight on Shinji's head or full on body smashing against him.
Flanked by Kensuke, Shinji had no means of escaping the coordinating elbow ribbing, so he submitted to the torture. After batting them away best he could, "I keep telling you guys we're not dating. Half of her antics are trying to set me up with somebody! I don't know why, but thinking its just a game to her." He didn't refute his level of familiarity with the largest set in school.
With Touji around, Kensuke didn't want to keep pushing Shinji on the topic, Touji's exuberance was best used as an ice breaker. But Kensuke was going to pry a bit deeper if he could. Letting the boisterous jock continue to talk, as he did ad nauseum, Kensuke and Shinji answered when prompted. They hit the bookstore first, Touji hurried off to gather his sister's latest volumes leaving Kensuke alone with the target. Camera on but not pointing at Shinji, that stupid red light gave away the ghost, "So why you not narking out Kirika-san? You could tell Shiraki-san why you're doing Kirika's bidding, yet you take the blame. You sweet on her?"
At times Shinji had a great poker face, others he was easy to read as a street sign. Today was the latter as his cheeks went red and he averted his gaze. Going over to some cookbooks, Shinji grabbed one randomly, "She's a friend, and she's still not used to being without her other friends. So I don't want her to stop trying to make her club successful. Cleaning up and extra exercise is a small price for that." Shinji did NOT refute the concept of sweetness.
"It's been little over two months man, didn't you say her friends visited a week or so back? You meet them? Can't keep using that as an excuse. What is wrong if you like her?" Kensuke pushed just a little harder. Watching Shinji and Kirika go about the madness of the Eiken club was something that Kensuke sold like wildfire. The girls that Kirika dragged into random bouts of bountiful mental fodder were all quite fetching. Despite the insanity of what Kirika did, she got others to join in and have fun. Kensuke recorded most of it, whenever he could! And through it all one lone male was privy to ALL of those events. And during all of them, Kirika was always near Shinji. Was she just trying to get him a lady, or was she hoping to be said lady?
Putting the book back, Touji was quick to get his stack and was on the way back, Shinji couldn't keep his head up. "I had a test at Nerv and missed them. Since Kirika is a backup Misato let her skip to meet her friends. And I don't think it is smart for me to do that, with the club on the verge of growing surely more guys will come in and take my place," Shinji slipped more info on accident. Not refuting the idea of liking her, but saying it was due to fear of replacement? Ah, Kensuke could push that button assuming Touji ever left them alone again.
"Got Mari's stuff, lets get going to the arcade or something!" Touji again set the tone and pace of the outing. On their own, Kensuke and Shinji wouldn't mind just going to one of their homes and hanging there. Touji had other ideas, and forced the shut-ins to go out into the world. Paying for the short stack of various manga, "So where IS your not-girlfriend? She off having another car wash I'll kill you for not telling me about it. Missed the last one!"
Shielding his eyes from the sun as the got outside, Shinji responded lackluster, "She's been a bit aloof since Shiraki-san showed up. Think she's avoiding me to keep me from getting in trouble again. But if I remember she actually had some Eiken applicants to interview today. So far they all balk at the last moment, but one day it won't be the th-two of us." All the boys knew it was three to make a club, and so far only Shinji and Kirika were known. Who the illusionary third was left the school in heated debate. Some thing Eiken was a big sex club, giving how Kirika dressed during the events and manhandled Shinji.
"Well you did get ran through the wringer and hung up wet," Kensuke wouldn't let Kirika get off for that. Yes Shinji had a hand in the car wash, but why was he the only one punished. If Shinji was protecting his lady friend it made sense, but if she was using him as a shield? Well if that was the case he'd try and use his camera to get proof and hand it over to Meiko!
Glad he wasn't missing more teenage titillation Touji lead his forces to the arcade. Dumb games were played, Kensuke teased Touji about Hikari calling him out for sleeping, Touji tried posturing for a few girls, and they quickly left when Asuka's voice was heard. They didn't stick around to see if it was the whole squad or not, best to avoid just in case Meiko was with them and wanted judge them guilty of something.
Checking his watch, Touji frowned, "Shit, gotta go home and check in with my dad. Nice hanging out with you guys, next time we should get food too! Talk to ya later!"
They all exchanged pleasantries, and Touji rushed off likely already late and going to be in trouble. Filming it all, Kensuke chuckled just a tad, "He's never been good with time. So what about you? It is getting close to supper. We could get something, but betting you have other plans." Asuka yelled enough in class that Shinji made supper wrong or not enough of it.
"I probably should head back to cook. Kirika and Meiko haven't gotten groceries yet so I've been…what?" Shinji panicked when Kensuke nearly dropped his camera.
Getting right up close to the lad, camera corrected and in Shinji's face. "Both of them? You cook for BOTH of them? Dude are you with them? Getting some three way action? Is THAT why you three are doing weird stuff at school?" Kensuke's mind went from Shinji's little slip to adult movies in less than a second.
Waving his hands wildly, Shinji was again red faced but for a different reason, "They live next door to me! Akagi-san has Shiraki-san live with Kirika-san to hopefully have some impact on her! And since I'm cooking already I just bring leftovers to them!" A lie, a convincing one, but Kensuke had imagination on his side!
Putting fire and ice together did sound like a good plan, so that explained why they were living together. But Kensuke could dream, "Still you're cooking for them. That is a good angle. IF you want to use it. So I ask you this Shin-man, if you DO like her why not ask. She's already on the hook to you, but if you don't do ANYTHING and she does start dating somebody else…how would you feel? Oh is Shiraki-san wear that outfit at the table? I swear you can almost see her ni…"
"She has casual cloths!" Shinji yelped, likely to cover the fact he'd seen what Kensuke was about to allude to. Not fair that Shinji got all the love, but hey Kensuke wasn't going to fault him. Shinji didn't ASK for Kirika to be found (though Kensuke wished he had been) nor did he request Meiko be brought in to try and temper Kirika. He got the lumps and the sugar in equal measure, Shinji was only in an envious position to a few odd minds, Kensuke was one of them. Shinji's phone messenger went off and he took it out, getting a goofy smile, "I-uh-gotta go. I'll think about what you said."
Filming Shinji run off, Kensuke wondered what was in that text he got, but Kensuke would wager a guess. But alone with his thoughts, Kensuke opted to get some fast food, and low and behold Asuka's crew was there! He got a good video of one of Asuka's friends giving Meiko a bottle of root beer that sprayed foam all over the tall woman. That video was the prize of the day.
X-X
The spoon slipped from his fingers again, and Shinji sighed in frustration for the umpteenth time. Yesterdays trash pickup had been more tedious on his hands than he let on, made small things painful. Still he had chosen to do what he did without prompting, Meiko found out and he paid the cost. Kirika had nothing to do with it, he just wanted to help her! Kensuke's comments still lived rent-free in his mind, an unwanted guest that messed up the couch and left trash everywhere. Said guest reminded Shinji that Kirika was beautiful, fun, exciting, and despite himself he was starting to really like her.
"Earth to Idiot! Are you paying attention to me? Hello!" Asuka waved her hands in front of Shinji's eyes. Judging from her scowl and increasing volume she had been talking to him for quite a little bit. Now that she got said attention she so desired, "Did you get the soda I asked for yesterday? Having friends over soon so you better leave or stay in your room."
Wincing as one of the countless small cuts on his finger found the heat of the spoon, Shinji worked the pain into his reaction to Asuka. "Forgot, but Kirika-san always has a lot of soda. I can get some from her and repay her later. That alright? And you've company? W-who?" Shinji was hoping somebody wasn't going to be there, but had an inkling. Meiko and Asuka were slowly spending more time together, and Shinji had some really conflicting emotions regarding the disciplinarian. He didn't dislike her, but the punishments made it hard to like her. But those negatives were things he did bring on himself.
Leaning against the counter next to the stove, arms crossed under her arm, Asuka observed Pen-Pen waddling about. Shaking her head, Asuka gave a single curt laugh, "Of course you would. Ask you for one thing and you forget. Anymore you're just becoming useless unless that amazon is involved. When are you going to wake-up, Shinji? She is just using you." Casting him a sidelong glance, she did try to appear concerned but she came off more annoyed for herself.
"Wake-up from what? I know she's focused on her club, I'm not expecting anything from her. Doing what I want to, to help her. I'm sorry I forgot the soda, but I was hanging out with Touji and Kensuke. You saw us," Shinji whined. At times Asuka was a real pill, usually when she didn't get what she wanted. So he tried to keep her placated to avoid these types of talks. A happy Asuka was a fun Asuka, an annoyed Asuka was a real bitter pill. Kinda like Meiko. When he did well on his punishments she actually complimented him, apologized for going to hard on him, something Asuka never did.
Pushing Shinji away from the stove, turning down the heat, Asuka pushed him against the fridge. Hands on his shoulder, "Yeah I saw you with those idiots, saw them filming you picking trash when not focusing on Meiko's clevage. And if you're content to keep getting hurt because you like getting cheep thrills from your tit-monster don't come crying to me when you walk in on her fucking some guy in that club room you set up for her. Screw me for looking out for you!" Taking his hands, Asuka pushed just hard enough on them to hurt a little, to show the point she knew but not really aggravate.
Soft hands, Asuka had really soft hands, and Shinji was becoming more conscious of women thanks to Kirika's constant flirtations. Freeing himself from her, but unable to escape her since she was so close, Shinji didn't know where to look. Either he kept locked with her eyes or drift down to what he once thought were quite large for a teenager. Well Kirika and now Meiko shattered that scale in unfair ways. Opting for the safe option of her beautiful eyes, "It was my choice that got me in trouble yesterday. And despite how she acts, Kirika-san isn't the type to do that stuff in school." Right? They spent a lot of time together over the last month, she was flirty but…
"Not so sure are you? You keep trying to get members for that insipid club of hers, but nobody but pervs apply I'm betting. One day she'll get what she wants and have no use for you. And all you'll have are the injuries and regret. Then when the next Angel comes you won't be focused enough and then somebody suffers," Asuka flicked Shinji's forehead. Taking a few steps back from him, suddenly aware of how close they were she was just a tad flustered herself.
Rubbing his newest battle wound in the great defense of Kirika, Shinji didn't say anything but just went back to his cooking. Lunch for both apartments. "You never did say when your friends were due or who was coming," he retreated from the battlefield. He wasn't sure, but he suspected all the same. Kirika wouldn't be pushing him towards the potential club members or his fellow pilots if she liked him. A friend, that was all he was to her, and he was content with that! Well…happy for it at least.
Muttering under her breath, Shinji thought he heard the word coward among them, Asuka got some water. Moving towards the door to the living room, "Just the girls from class, and I did invite Meiko if she had time. I suggest you make yourself scarce before she gets here unless you want her to clean her shoes again." So Asuka HAD seen that, or maybe the video Kensuke got of it leaked online to Shinji's eternal shame.
"I'll go next door with food, grab some sodas for you, and then go for a walk or something," Shinji shiftlessly went back to cooking. He had oddly felt a small spark of excitement when Meiko demanded he clean her shoes. Was he becoming a little weird due to Kirika's affection and Meiko's discipline being what they were? Feeling Asuka looming at the door still, "Anything else?"
Apparently not, Asuka just lingered a moment longer and walked off. Good! He only had so much mental capacity for abuse right now. Finishing the simple lunches, he'd tell Meiko hers was here if she wanted. No reason to make the meal confusing eating with the two of them, not if Meiko planned on visiting Asuka. If Meiko was leaving, maybe he could hang out with Kirika a little. She had been avoiding him since Meiko's exercise went from simple to grueling. Sneaking past Asuka, who was organizing the living room for the social gathering, Shinji fled the apartment.
Taking a few deep breaths before knocking, readying his heart for the encounter, he had to remind himself that Asuka was right. Not in the way she was trying to be, the hurtful way, but the reality of things. Kirika was beyond him, just having fun and taking pity on the lame kid she worked with. The dumb crush he knew he had now was one-sided, and nothing good would come from it. Meiko would continue to punish them, likely just him as Kirika was to free spirited to listen to said jailor.
"You are loitering outside my door. Explain yourself now, or get down and give me fifty," Meiko cut through Shinji's inner monologue. Wearing some casual clothing that was very right about the top, so much so that it left her very toned stomach exposed to the world, and shorts that accentuated her hips and rump exquisitely. From her posture and frame, woman just screamed cool and in control, the horse whip completed the picture.
Quickly holding up the lunch container, Shinji bowed his head in penance, "Brought lunch for Kirika-san and myself. Or y-you if you weren't planning to join Asuka. Not loitering at all." With his head down, holding up the box, Shinji saw that Meiko's legs were toned and very strong. Just how to take this woman Shinji didn't know. If she wasn't always making him exercise, clean, or the occasional sting of whip would she even talk to him?
"She did invite me over for that. Good to socialize, Mari-san would approve of information gathering. You may enter, but if I find you've entered my room the consequences will be severe," Meiko used the pummel of her implement to force Shinji to match her gaze. A statuesque beauty that was no doubt, hair perfectly framing her hair, the glasses added a hint of intellectualism. Putting her whip back in the holder, she simply side stepped Shinji and left him to enter.
A brief concern that Kirika was going to take Meiko's warning as a challenge at some point, Shinji shut the door after he entered and removed his shoes. The apartment smelled cleaner at least, the scent of take-away containers was gone and cleaning agents lingered. Guess Meiko was more like Shinji in that regard and liked a clean ship. "Kirika-san I've got lunch! You awake?" she did sleep in from time to time. Hearing the television, Shinji ventured deeper into the apartment. A new video was on the screen, it was of that guy Shinji thought Kirika liked and his girlfriend in a very compromising pool event. Guess that was what Kirika did when she vanished. Not seeing the videographer though, "Kirika-san?"
A rattle from the kitchen got Shinji's attention. Following the noise, he saw the chairs that remained from the table set that was destroyed, Kirika was using it to try and hide. Didn't work at all, she was standing while holding it, so it was more cute than stealthy. "Oh-hey…Shinji, didn't see you there. W-what brings you over today? Want to watch Densuke and Chiharu get into some fun situations?" Kirika slowly put the chair down but didn't look at Shinji.
"Lunch, you still haven't gotten groceries have you?" Shinji's smile faded quickly. Why was she wanting to hide from him. Did something happen when she visited her friends that she was not wanting him to know? So many possibilities for her to avoid him, and he guessed most were bad for him. Thumbing at the door, "Shiraki-san went over to hang out with Asuka and eat there. H-how have things been living with her?"
Rushing to the container and snatching it from Shinji, Kirika held it above her head and the motion made for some distracting waves. "You are a life saver! What would I do without…" Kirika slowly lowered the container and gave Shinji an uneasy smile. Putting the life saving food on the counter, Kirika plopped down cross legged on the ground with a thud, "I owe you another one. The food war, heard you got dinged for those pamphlets, and food…boy I owe you a lot. So what do you want as a reward from me? Anything is on the table! Well if we still had that table anyway."
"You don't owe me anything. Just next time we do a joint operation and get caught serve some of the time with me?" Shinji tried to joke a little. Kirika was in her casual clothing which left Shinji with a good view of those shapely legs right up to a flash of pink cloth. When she didn't respond to his little jab, "You could…tell me why you've been avoiding me last few days."
Being as flexible as she was, Kirika slapped her legs against the laminate as she sat. "Trying to keep you from getting in trouble again, and trying to find a way to repay ya! You getting those punishments wasn't fair! So been noodling how to get you something. Thinking Galko-chan in a blue bow and nothing else? Have Mizuho give you a private biology lesson? Or would you like something from me directly?" Kirika winked at him and tugged on her top seductively as she oft did. Misato and Kirika were soul sisters in the teasing arts.
That last statement just lanced Shinji's brain. An image of Kirika in formal gown, linking arms with him, just going on a date. They'd eat, dance, and then go 'upstairs' and he'd take that gown off and…Shinji's hands went to cover a potential embarrassment. "D-don't tease me like that, Kirika-san. You don't have to repay me anything. I could tell you 'no', I could not help you, I could have told Shiraki-san of your involvement if I wanted. I didn't because I wanted to. Despite all the madness of it, I like helping you," Shinji extended his hand to pull Kirika off the ground. He couldn't let her keep sitting like that as his eyes kept being drawn to that tantalizing forbidden scant inches of cloth masking his gaze from 'adulthood'. She too had very soft hands.
"By that logic my offer still stands! I want to help you to my vice-president! You just have to tell me which of those fillies you have your eyes set on, and I can help make it happen! Hell I bet we can even make Meiko fall for you if that is your thing!" Kirika slid her hand along Shinji's arm and up to his shoulder. As close as she was, the heat from her chest radiated out of her and her pheromones billowed out.
She was to close, his mind reeling from the sudden info that she was avoiding him to spare him more punishments. Shinji's frazzled mind just blurted out what he had every intention of keeping secret, "You." That single word, lone syllable, hung in the room. Shinji's heart lurched in his chest, blood pounded in his ears as he realized he made such a big mistake.
Kirika's eyes went wide, and her other hand went to Shinji's shoulder and clamped down. There was no escape, there was no taking it back. Her expression neutral, "Say that again?"
"Y-you, I h-have my eyes set on…you," in for the penny in for the pound, Shinji just accepted it. He could have played it off, pretended he was saying something else. But in this moment, having her hold him the way she was, after hearing her talk about who he liked and was looking at, he just said it. Would she laugh, apologize that she didn't see him that way, or worse get disgusted and push him away? He was ready for so many possible bad outcomes.
Kirika's hands pulled Shinji in closer however, the side down his side like water and ended on the side of his waist. With her height advantage so towered over him as she drew him in closer, "Say that again." It wasn't a question this time, it was a demand.
Nestled between her generous cushions, gazing up at her luscious face and feeling her ludicrous heat, Shinji just succumb to it, "You, I like you." So when did she push him away and laugh? Her eyes closed and she drew him closer. Now he could actually feel her heart as well as his own, or at least the imagined he could. Closing his eyes as well, he just went with the moment. Her hands went to his behind and she pulled him directly against her. Whelp somebody said hello at that and if she felt it, she was a champ and said nothing. And then he felt her lips against his. Soft, wet, inviting, and oh so addictive. She was pushing him harder against her now, grinding that growing problem against her.
"Where are the sodas. You said you'd bring them," Asuka said deadpan from their side. When Shinji peeked at her with one eye, she looked disgusted at what she was seeing, Kirika just continued to enjoy the moment. Likely Kirika would have pressed beyond just a chaste pressing of lips and opened her mouth had the power not suddenly went out. THAT got a reaction, power NEVER went out in Tokyo-3, something was wrong.
X-X
Misato felt hot and sticky as she nearly crushed Kaji's head with her thighs. Sitting on his shoulders, trying to force the lid of the elevator open with her waning strength was fueled more by her wish for air than any physical muscle. Arms aching, she tensed her whole body tightly, she pushed desperately in an attempt to flee this tiny box of doom. The squeeze gave her a tingle due to rubbing, but Kaji's moan of pain reminded her that she could crush cans easily and right now the gourd down there was attached to an Ex. She pushed harder, Kaji had cheated after all. For a brief moment, a single tantalizing second, the lid opened and air rushed in. It was hot and nasty, not the fresh air she expected.
Then the door elevator started to move again, the lights came on, and motion returned to the cab. Kaji failed her in reacting to the sudden shift in reality and wobbled. Next came a sense of floating as her support vanished and she let out a shocked yelp as gravity just had to still exist. Her rump collided with Kaji's stomach, he grunted and spit up and it got on Misato's leg. "Shinji-kun gets hit like this at least three times a day from our Fourth-Child, suck it up," Misato groaned as her vision swam. Oddly enough Misato did wonder how Shinji DID take Kirika's constant arial assaults. Kaji was a grown man and he was wiggling in agony. A thought hit her, "You don't think I've gained weight do you? Jerk."
"My head hurts. Katsuragi can you get off me," Kaji was gentleman and didn't grab the weight atop him. Wiggling a little, hand rubbing his head, Kaji did shift a little causing Misato to roll off to his side. Laying on the ground of that tiny cab, "And no you didn't gain weight. Just wasn't expecting it is all. Lot of unexpected events today. Whatever happened, glad its over," Kaji moved his legs a little and Misato's shoulder found the ground again.
Trapped in an elevator with Kaji for what felt like ages, Misato's day went from mildly annoying to full on existential nightmare. Reading reports about the Children and the amount of crisis control needed to keep Kirika's little stunts form leading Nerv in PR hell, was frustrating. Meiko did seem to be tampering Kirika's more extreme tendencies, that or from the reports Kirika was reigning herself in to keep Shinji from taking the blame. Good, Misato liked Kirika, if the young firebrand had continued to act in a way that got Shinji in trouble it would have been a shame to have her relocated to Nerv-America for training.
"What do you think happened? Nerv has systems atop of systems to keep things like this from happening?" Misato was content to lay for the moment. Power was back on, that meant the A/C was running again. Hot air rose, cold air fell, so she was going to chill for now.
Always trying to be the smooth player, part of what Misato fall for the man, Kaji just laughed a little. "The gods wanted to throw me a bone and let me talk to you without people around," Kaji was content to be a partial pillow for Misato and didn't move either. Old memories of better times that they had lain like this, just without clothing, went through both adult's grey matter.
Before either of them could talk about it, or how they had unbuttoned their tops to alleviate the heat before, the door opened. Ritsuko and Maya stood above them, judging them without knowing the whole of it. Not that the image wasn't telling. Two adults laying in a mass on the ground, both with various articles of clothing is disarray and cast off. Maya was just the more timid or sheltered of the four adults and uttered a lone, "Disgusting." The smell, the sight, the idea, or what the mouse didn't say but Misato did NOT like the word regardless.
"Can you help us up, or do you want us to put on a show for you?" Misato asked the new additions. Reaching up, Misato grabbed Ritsuko's hand and nearly yanked the woman down instead of getting pulled up. To much oomph for the good doctor who had to buttress herself against the elevator door. Misato's head swam as the shift in position, dehydration, and other factors made the world swim all about. Leaning against the door way, "So mind telling us why you felt it alright to leave us in this elevator all day? What time is it anyway?"
Getting up on his own, Maya did not offer him the kindness Ritsuko provided Misato, Kaji quickly rushed past them. His excuse for fleeing without telling Maya anything simply was, "Gotta go! Been holding it for over an hour now!" He ran, and did at least head off towards the water-closet, the illusion of him being suave and in control shattered, Misato preferred this Kaji to the one that pretended to be a functioning adult.
Taking a step away from Misato and maturely fanning the illusionary smell away from her nose, Ritsuko informed, "It's late. We had an angel attack. Doesn't explain how the power got cut off, but does explain why we didn't come looking for you. We're off to the VTOL to get the pilots if you want to come." Ritsuko listlessly waved her arm towards the launch pad.
"Since we're alive and neither of you are emotionally upset, take it things went well?" Misato was well skilled at deductive logic. With no hurry in her rescuers meant the angel was delt with. Neither women showed concern so the pilots were safe, Maya would at least be visually disturbed if a pilot had been hurt. Gesturing back to the hellbox she had spent hours, "Why not take the elevator, you were waiting for it?"
Opening the door to the stairwell, "We were victorious. As for the elevator, one I don't want to smell that again. Two if you were stuck in it, maybe it will get stuck again. Akagi-sempai thought it best to take the stairs, but I wanted to at least try," Maya held the door for her elders to enter. The trio of women then started the arduous task of climbing flight after flight of stairs. Gave Maya time to inform Misato of the encounter. From the power outage, the learning of the Angel, the prep of the Evas, the pilots arrival, and lastly getting the broken confirmation of success. Maya had the makings of a good storyteller, Misato had few questions.
"So they climbed through vents to get to the command station and Kirika caught Shinji when he fell from it?" Misato wished she'd seen that. That kid was a giant and Shinji was quite wispy so she could picture it, but to have ACTUALLY seen it would have provided teasing fodder for weeks! Shinji in a bridal carry, sandwiched between arms and tit! Brought a stupid smile to Misato's face, and she had to fight the giggles. Once she had her sillies under control, Misato did ask a pertinent question, "How much damage did the manual prep do to our infrastructure."
Stopping the egress, Ritsuko was pouring sweat and panting heavily, guess it was break time for the smoker. In between gasping breaths, Ritsuko slowly got out, "Minimal. Two days recovery at best. Report is Eva's undamaged, but lost batteries. Hate stairs." Leaning against the wall, the small light of the stairwell did not illuminate her face as she pitched forward.
"While we give her a minute. Ibuki, what happened with Kirika during the operation? Where is she now?" Misato had inklings about two of the pilots. To not see one of the pair, Misato had a moment of doubt. Reports of the two, and living near both of them, Misato would have guessed Kirika would be chomping at the bit to get her vice-president back. Shinji tried to deny any affection for anybody, he failed but Misato let the teenagers feel they were good at secrets. Kirika was openly affectionate with everybody to the point of doubt of sincerity, cept in cases of Shinji.
Of the three women, Maya was the least winded by the trek up the stairs. Gently patting Ritsuko's back, Misato would ask about that later, Maya had a confused expression, "Girl was quick to suit up, had to order her not to get in Ikari-kun's plug with him. Akagi-sempai thinks maybe cross testing might be worth it. Soryu and Ikari did have a higher sync during the ocean Angel. But the commanders forbade it. So she stayed and waited to hear back. Once we heard where the pilots were waiting for pickup she ran off. That girl troubles me. Bad at syncing, teasing Ikari-kun, antagonizing Soryu, and that frame is just unfair."
"Worth a try, she's not much use to us now as things are. And I'll admit she's adding more work than taking away. But can't hate on her because she has enough air in those bags to take a full on hit and not feel it," Misato tried levity to lighten the mood. But with Kirika and the hopeful handler in Meiko being so busty, Misato wondered what kids were eating to get a body type like that! She always considered herself to be quite ample in the ways of form, those teenagers were just mind boggling! If Shinji and Kirika DID get together and Shinji was an ass…well those girls had THAT too…whelp good for him?
Pointing back to the stairs, Ritsuko no longer looked about ready to faint, sick still but at least not pasty. "Let's finish this, VTOL waiting, talk about annoyance later," Ritsuko swallowed hard and pushed on. Slowly, but steadily the climbed. Maya recounted what little they knew of the battle that the walkie-talkie could provide. No power meant no standard comms, so they had to make due. Makoto had gotten in and reported the angel was some spider thing that tried to melt its way into the base. Going to be an expensive and messy fix. How the angel planned to fit through the hole it made, who knew, maybe not all angels were smart.
Ritsuko fumbled with her card to unlock the door so Misato did it for her, a few jokes at the frailty of scientists were considered but Misato liked not worrying during checkups. Ritsuko could be vengeful, best not push it right now. The air outside the base was heavenly, even tasted sweet compared to the still stuffy base. Boarding the waiting VTOL, Misato took the seat by the pilot while Maya tended to the coughing Ritsuko. Flashing the thumbs up, the dapper pilot gave a cheeky grin and off they went. The joke about the sexual thrill of helicopters was quite accurate today for Misato. Guess watching Kirika tease Shinji was getting to Misato, her mind was going to odd places.
The noise of the VTOL and lack of helmets made conversation impossible, but that did give Ritsuko time to learn how to breath again. Left Misato alone with her thoughts as they flew. A path of destruction could be seen, thankfully small compared to some other angels, but it still existed. The remains of the giant spider scattered about, not as self-cleaning as some angels but better than that stupid cube! City looked ghostly without lights, a city of the dead, she felt better as they neared the pick-up and the lights were twinkling back to life.
As they did near the pick-up, Misato saw the four forms, well three and a half as two of them seemed to merge. "Hey!" Misato yelled over the whir of engine, "You got to look at this! I bet Shinji-kun and Kirika-kun finally got their heads on straight!" Misato felt giddy! It was stupid, wasn't going to work, but the idea of her little man having a significant other made Misato feel good! With his mental profile there was the worry he'd never try dating, but Kirika might have used her cans and personality to burst down the walls around his heart!
"What? Asuka and Kirika fighting?" Ritsuko just had to have a better angle on the mass. Not a pair of lovers in an embrace, it was Asuka and Kirika grabbing at one another trying to throw the other to the ground while Shinji and Rei observed. As the VTOL began to land, Kirika literally lifted Asuka off the ground, held her overhead, she then started spinning, and only Shinji rushing to her side stopped the caber toss.
Well so much for that hope, oh well back to watching the comedy of errs that was the pilots. "Keep the engine going, we're just getting them onboard and heading back," Misato informed the pilot as he went to power down. Fixing her jacket as the winds of the machine whipped about her, Misato hurried to the Children, "Kirika-kun, put her down. Hurt her and I'll inform Meiko-kun about it and you know how that will end."
Smiling from ear to ear, Kirika gave Asuka a final mighty spin around over her head and then put down the dizzy girl. Greased lightning, Kirika oozed over to Shinji and wrapped a possessive arm around his waist, "Think we can do without that right now. Can't we Red?" All but lifting Shinji up, Kirika flaunted herself towards Misato and the escape craft. How that hair existed was a feat only Ritsuko could explain as it defied physics.
Watching Kirika manhandle Shinji in an effort to get him strapped into his seat, Misato opted to get a few non-biased answers. Extending aid to Ayanami, who didn't take it, Misato let the girl do whatever she wanted, "What happened here, Ayanami? Asuka is about to pass out and those two seem to be in a world of their own."
"Soryu was upset with the physical display of affection she had seen. She demanded they stop or be stopped, you saw the end of that exchange," Rei dusted herself free of grass that clung to her plugsuit. Tilting her head and watching the pawing Kirika was demonstrating, "It does not appear negative. Though the punishments boarder on need for action. Shall I continue to observe them?"
Was Rei getting curious about male/female interactions? Misato thought Rei would be a neutered little kid forever. Pointing at them, "You can keep observing them. You know if anything changed between them? Asuka is…still spinning, and Kirika-kun is a unique girl when it comes to people. But what exactly set Asuka off so badly?" Asuka finally fell to the ground and rolled a bit, offering baseless threats.
"Misono-kun performed her chest assault upon Ikari-kun and knocked him down. She then proceeded to lay upon him, Soryu acted before I could see what they were doing, but it upset her," Rei had a peculiar hint of attention in her voice that she oft lacked. Did Rei have an opinion on the Kirika and Shinji situation? For that matter what REALLY was the relationship status? Misato had been busy last few days with various work issues, and today was a total wash that left her smelly and wanting a drink. Well once they get home, Shinji gets her a Yebisu, and she could relax she'd get the answer out of them.
"Asuka you coming or you want to just stay here? Can send the VTOL back for you if you're needing to lay down," Misato mocked the poor girl. But it had the desired effect, and Asuka crawled on hands and knees to the VTOL, Misato helped hoist her in and strap her down. Never upset Kirika enough to invoke the evil Top Spin, it seemed. Slapping the side of the chamber, "Take off! And you two don't get to handsy or you might fall off." With how Kirika was holding Shinji, something had to have happened as she was never THAT close before today. Well good for them, just Misato really hoped she didn't have to worry about walking in on them.
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Notes
Moving quickly cause this story isn't long for this world. Original plan was about 6 chapters so yeah it'll be moving a bit sprightly. Going to be adding a bit more humor with a dash of lime.
Later
Mercaba