Disclaimer: Yes, GAINAX, you guessed it, I don't own Evangelion, or any of its products etc. This story is not for profit. To the reader, I hope you somewhat enjoy this next chapter, which is slightly less rushed. Of course, do please leave reviews, especially as this is my first story here! I find it valuable advice and a source of my improvement as well as inspiration. Happy reading!

A black-haired boy wearing white shirt and dark school trousers with a bag slung over one shoulder, ambled down the blinding concrete pavement in the sunlight of the morning. Shinji slotted his earphones into his ears and turned on the audio tape. Yet another uneventful day, until it won't be. He was informed by Dr Akagi about his routine synchronization test that would take place later that day. With a bored expression printed on his tired face, he allowed his feet to contact the pavement one by one, staring wordlessly at the ground as he walked. All around him, Tokyo-3's dwarfing buildings grew gradually, majestically, like trees reaching for light, a wonder of modern architecture. The light buzz of traffic and the chatter of people on their way to work started to steadily crescendo, filling the former tranquillity of the early day; everyone was going about their business as usual, and you could not guess this place was frequently battered from attacks. Once silent and unmoving, the city was now a lively metropolis. Finally, Shinji passed the open gates and strolled towards his designated building with his hands in his pockets.

"Why do I pilot the Eva? I don't feel any sense of accomplishment and I'm not proud of fighting off Angels. I just do it because other people tell me to. That's how I survive. I don't have much to do with my life. It's horrible. My father hates me, and I despise him. The people at NERV don't really like me: it's just their job and they're just trying to make me feel liked. Not that I am. But Misato-san is fine with me. She gives me a place to live. Asuka annoys me, a lot, though she probably doesn't take it to heart to hate me. Ayanami is fine with me, but I don't know, as she rarely talks to anyone, unless she decides to. But what happened yesterd…"

Interrupting Shinji's string of thoughts, the start of class bell rang, sending its raucous clamour all around the block, causing a group of ravens to squawk loudly in a nearby tree in the courtyard. Audible groaning and a feeling of dread drifted ominously from the classrooms. His head shot up. Noisily, he dashed up the flights of stairs and across the corridor to his class. Quickly checking the door had 'Class 2-A' written on it, he hastily walked to his seat and took off his earphones, sitting down, panting. Some of his classmates murmured and some giggled. Slight coughing came from the entrance; chairs scraped, and the sound died down.

"Stand up! Bow! Sit down!"

The old history teacher adjusted his spectacles and wobbled over to the blackboard, conjuring a piece of chalk from his trouser pocket, proceeding to provide the daily dose of Second Impact history to the class with his back to the class, scraping notes on the board – oblivious to what was happening behind him, every day. Kensuke was whispering loudly behind Shinji to Suzuhara who was twiddling his pencil, filling him in enthusiastically with his undying obsession with military-related topics on his laptop. Asuka was having a conversation with the class rep in front of him, and they were sniggering, and their faces were slightly red. There was nothing of great interest, so Shinji resigned to gazing at the view outside of the window, yawning subtly. Again, he couldn't help but let his mind wander back to the trouble of yesterday. Everything happened that day a bit fast for his liking, resembling a fever dream.

A warm ray of light pierced the blue clouds.

"Ayanami thanked me. I don't think she's ever done so before…"

The green trees swayed gently, sending patches of shadows dancing. A group of geese glided above.

Shinji glanced at where the bandages were, underneath his blue shirt. Then his eyes drifted across his wrapped, burnt hands. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Ayanami in her usual position, head facing the window, palm on cheek.

"Damn my own health. At least none of the others are hurt."

A discussion nearby drew his attention. It was Asuka and the class rep again. Though they were barely hearable, Shinji captured every word about what they were saying, and it made his ears steam at the edges.

Oblivious of the eavesdropping, Asuka rambled on with her gossip with much gusto.

"Did you hear? Baka Shinji carried that doll back to her place, and the way, she fell asleep on his back! Then he made dinner for her!"

Grinning mischievously, the class rep asked, "Who told you?"

"She told me herself! That wonder girl doesn't give two darns about what she says! Apparently before that incident, Baka Shinji went to her apartment to deliver her new ID card, he fell on her when she came out the shower!"

Both squealed and covered their faces in excitement, sneaking a peek at Shinji.

He tried his best to avoid their attention, but that is one hell of a feat when your face is so hot it resembles a Bunsen burner.

(***)

Misato Katsuragi supervised from the viewing window outside of the testing chamber, which had three test plugs secured in a pool of red liquid, illuminated by sterile-feeling lights overhead. Beeps and buzzing came from the various measuring instruments all around the captain. Typing came from the group of personnel that were watching the state of the three Eva pilots, whilst the hum of the radiators wafted in the background. Dr Akagi was sitting, cross legged, on an office chair behind Misato, a lab coat thrown around her shoulders, with a spent cigarette clamped in between her fingers.

"Sync rates normal. First Child sync rate – 110%. Second Child sync rate – 106%. Third Child sync rate – 112%."

Dr Akagi nodded.

"End the test."

A whining voice projected from the speakers connected with the test plugs. A projector screen popped up in front of the observation room and in Shinji and Ayanami's interface, assaulting their eyes and ears. It was the Second Child, who had an exasperated expression on her face. Accompanied by an annoyed 'humph', she folded her arms together. Her bottom lip was curled, eyebrows furrowed.

"The Third Child got a higher score than me. I'm not the best pilot now, isn't that what you're thinking. Notfairnotfairnotfairnotfairnotfair…"

Ayanami and Shinji sighed in unison whilst they were being helped out of the plugs. At least it was over, and they could escape from the complaints of Asuka and her incessant howling for some time. They climbed into their cubicles in the changing room. Shinji still did not understand why she was so eager to prove herself. It made him dislike her. He assumed it also made Ayanami feel distanced with her too. He also thought probably the person reading this story through the 4th wall would also think it slightly triggering. He slipped on his clothes on and put his plug suit into his locker.

Asuka sort of stomped as she exited the changing room, and her cloud of gloominess dissipated after she was no longer audible. Quiet once again fell upon Shinji and Ayanami. He had finished changing and sat on his bench, waiting for Ayanami, who was still changing behind the curtain. Shinji unfocused his vision, peering at the wall, and slumped slightly on his seat. It was time to strike up a conversation, thought Shinji. No idea why he did, in such a situation, but it appears he wanted to progress the plot.

However, he was beaten to it.

"Are you doing anything after this?" inquired Ayanami in an unintelligible tone.

Shinji froze. This was not normal behaviour for her. He regained some of his focus and sat up straight.

"No, why?"

The rustling behind the curtain stopped and it was drawn aside. Ayanami stepped out and stood next to Shinji. He shot a look at her, and she was observing the wall that Shinji was eyeing, slightly confused.

"Ikari-kun, what is interesting about this wall?"

"N-nothing."

Ayanami tilted her head to one side, squinting her eyes, blue hair sinking.

"Don't you think it's boring?"

"I guess."

"Would you like to come to my apartment? I feel it is only courteous to return the favours you did for me. I shall make a meal for you too."

Shinji paused. He wanted to decline, though there was a gut feeling that if he did, Ayanami would be upset. Instead, he agreed.

"Thanks. I'll go."