The cool tap water flowed through Rei's fingers, her hands lathered with soap as she absentmindedly rubbed them together. There were important matters to mull over, such as the boy she would be walking home after school with. Her lips curved upwards at the thought of Ikari.
You mustn't stall any longer, Rei.
She thought about what they would do that afternoon: walking side by side, hearing the cicadas chirp, enjoying the hot summer breeze as best they could.
Is this really, okay with you, Rei? Are you satisfied with just... this?
Perhaps they could watch a movie together again. She didn't remember who the main characters were, what the conflict was, or even the title of the last one they watched together, but silently enjoying his company made her happy, very happy.
Quit dawdling with these middle school games! If you don't act now, that roommate of his will stake her claim!
Today would be-
Hey, are you listening to me!
Today would-
Rei Ayanami! I am talking to you!
Rei took a deep breath, and sighed. One week ago, she participated in a cross synch experiment with Unit-01, resulting in Yui Ikari's imprisonment within her mind. Her voice was ignorable, at first, but her voice kept growing louder and louder, and she always talked.
Are you there, dear?
Mrs. Ikari always talked. Rei felt as if an itch infected her, one that would burn intensely unless scratched in an instant. Rei looked at the mirror above the sink, imagining that the reflection was Yui Ikari. She imagined Mrs. Ikari with her hands on her hips right now and an annoyed expression from being ignored. During moments where the itch became too irresistible, Rei indulged Mrs. Ikari until she said her peace.
"I'm here, Mrs. Ikari," Rei said. She only spoke aloud when nobody else was around. When others were near, like in regular class time, she responded in her head. She wasn't sure which of the two, speaking to herself externally or internally, preserved her sanity more. In either case, she was Dr. Jekyll conversing with Mr. Hyde.
Good! I also keep reminding you, Rei, that just Yui is okay! Or mother, if you'd prefer.
"I prefer Mrs. Ikari, Mrs. Ikari."
Mrs. Ikari huffed. Now, as I was saying, it's time you confessed your feelings to my son!
"I am content with my current relationship with Shinji."
I've heard your thoughts about him and seen how numerous they are. I watch the way you look at him, and the way he looks at you. There lay gallons of fuel between you two, and a gorgeous, massive fire will burn high when it is lit.
"Your colorful metaphors have no effect on me."
But what about the Second Child? They are roommates. Does her constant presence around Shinji not trouble you?
"The Second berates Shinji regularly. He will not reciprocate her feelings if she were to confess first."
Are you sure of that? A growing boy and a growing girl under the same roof. You underestimate the power of hormones. Rei's reflection seemed to smirk at her smugly, one eyebrow raised tauntingly, waiting for her to respond.
"I..." she hesitated. She thought of the intimate moments she shared with Shinji, but instead of her, it was the Second Child. The Second Child holding his hand. The Second Child laying her head on his shoulder at the cinema. The Second Child laughing and smiling with him. An ugly feeling reared itself. Her chest tightened a little. "Yes, I'm sure," she finally said.
Her reflection, Mrs. Ikari rather, snapped her fingers and pointed at Rei. You're jealous! My poor girl is jealous!
Rei scowled. "I don't appreciate your teasing," she said, enunciating every word.
Mrs. Ikari giggled. Sorry, sorry. It's alright to be jealous. Jealousy is a completely natural emotion when it comes to love, and the reason I'm here is to ensure that you don't have to suffer from this feeling much longer.
"I suffer through every discussion we have."
It's not becoming for a girl like you to have such a tongue. Perhaps you picked up this manner of speaking from the Second?
Rei bristled at the comment. "No, I acquired it from you," she countered, but Mrs. Ikari waved it off.
Regardless, I have a proposal. Let mother handle this one. I'll take control of your body, seduce Shinji myself, and then hand the reigns back to you. A simple plan. Shinji gets his girl, you get your boy, and I get my grandchildren. Everyone's happy!
Rei grimaced furiously. "No. I am incapable of bearing children and your suggestion appalls me."
Mrs. Ikari threw her hands up in exasperation. Oh come on! Mother knows best! If it worked on Gendo, then surely it'll work on my son too! When it comes to grandchildren, we can get that Akagi girl to figure something out. With NERV's resources, we could-
"No."
Okay, fine. I realize that this plan is a little odd, but it's for the greater good! You have to get your hands dirty if you want to get things done.
"That does not give you the right to dirty my hands."
I don't have much of a choice here, my dear Ayanami.
"That's unfortunate."
Humph. Mrs. Ikari in the mirror crossed her arms. Got all of my looks but none of my attitude.
Rei ignored the last remark and focused on washing her hands again. Deep wrinkles formed in them from being submerged under the tap for so long. The last remnants of soap still clung to her fingers. With Mrs. Ikari no longer filling her head with chatter, the only sound that remained was of the water rushing down into the sink. Rei sighed again. Peace at last.
She turned off the faucet and shook her hands once before she walked to the paper towel dispenser. She dried her hands, but an uneasy felling crept up on her. Her hands were moving, like her brain was dictating them to, but there was a disconnect between the rhythm she set in her head and the rhythm her hands were actually moving in. Her right a bit faster, and her left a bit slower.
As if someone else was using her hands.
"Now this is interesting," Mrs. Ikari said. She threw the paper towel away and held her arms, Rei's arms, up. She examined, poked and pinched them. "A bit thin and a bit pale,"— she turned to a mirror and held an eye open with one finger (Rei saw it flash a dark green, briefly)—"a bit red"— she ruffled her hair, Rei's hair— "and a bit blue, but seems healthy overall! You could exercise and eat a bit more, though."
Give me back my body. Rei struggled to regain control, but Mrs. Ikari held too firm a grasp on her body and her mind. She was trapped, and Mrs. Ikari was her prison ward.
"Like I said, trust me on this one. Happiness will be yours in no time."
I've told you many times before that your intervention into my relationship with your son is superfluous. We will become a couple when we feel comfortable.
"And I've told you many times before that the Second Child is a serious threat which can't be ignored!" Mrs. Ikari crossed her arms, closed her eyes, and shook her head disapprovingly. "This generation is just far too content to sit back and coast along life like it's some river." Suddenly, her head shot up, and her eyes opened with fire in them. "But I won't let that happen to you, Rei. We shall dive headfirst into that river, and we shall be the masters of our own destiny!"
You can begin by ceding control back to me.
Mrs. Ikari ignored Rei and marched triumphantly out of the bathroom. "Watch out world! Rei has gone berserk! And she's taking no prisoners!" she shouted, shaking her fist into the air with pride.
All Rei could do was hope that Mrs. Ikari caused as little damage as possible.
Yui stopped right in front of the door leading into Class 2-A. She closed her eyes and took deep breaths, running in place briefly and shaking her arms while doing so. It was a habit she picked up from her days hiking, a way to center herself and be one with her environment. Once she'd collected herself, she coughed once into a fist, and opened her eyes, emulating Rei's blank expression as best she could. There should still be twenty minutes left for lunch, Yui thought, which was enough time for her to carry out her plan.
"It's showtime," she whispered with a hint of a smile and entered the room. Rei made no comment, resigning herself to her fate.
When Yui stepped inside, none of the other students glanced in her direction. They were too immersed in their own conversations and friend groups to care what their classmate would do upon returning from the bathroom. Despite her odd appearance, Rei was successful in diminishing her presence within the classroom, Yui noticed.
One student paid attention to Yui, however; it was the Second Child. They made brief eye contact before the Second pulled away and turned her attention back to Horaki and the two other girls with them. Yui could tell that a broken family haunted the girl, much like her own son, but she could not accept the Second's attitude even if it was an effect of her poor upbringing. Besides, she liked Rei much more.
I suppose mothers tend to pick girls just like them. I mean, we're practically the same person, aren't we, Rei? Yui asked teasingly, but Rei didn't looked to a desk on the opposite side of the room stationed next to one of the windows.
There was Shinji. He sat at his desk while Aida and Suzuhara sat beside it with lunches in their laps. Suzuhara seemed to be animatedly recounting some story, his arms waving around the air dramatically. Once he finished, bouts of laughter overcame both Shinji and Aida.
Yui felt a surge of pride watching her son enjoy time with his friends. She'd felt their presence before in Unit-01 and knew they were good kids. She found comfort knowing that Shinji could still enjoy some normality amid the stress of piloting.
Doesn't seeing him so happy make you happy too, Rei? Yui asked, but, again, Rei didn't reply. Yui walked to Rei's desk, grabbed the book on one corner of the desk beside her finished lunch, and made her way to Shinji.
Please do not misplace my bookmark, Rei said.
Don't worry. I'll be sure to remember that it's on page— she quickly flipped to the bookmark's spot— 217.
Shinji and his two friends were in deep conversation when Yui stepped in front of the desk. Once Shinji noticed 'Rei,' he stopped speaking and instantly brightened up at the sight of her. "Ayanami!" he called out. "Did you need something?"
Yui kept her deadpan expression, but she was squealing on the inside. Oh. My. God. Did you see his face, Rei? He's smitten! I bet he'd jump off a cliff like a lemming if you told him to!
Please stop.
Yui ignored Rei and nodded to Shinji. "Can you please move your chair from under your desk and turn it towards the aisle?"
He tilted his head and furrowed his eyebrows but complied. He shifted his chair backwards, its legs squeaking against the floor, and turned it so that he sat towards the aisle. "Anything else?"
"Thank you." Yui walked in front of Shinji and looked down at him, making eye contact. Yui blinked. Shinji blinked.
Then, she sat on his lap.
Yui positioned herself perpendicular to Shinji, her legs draping over his lap like a blanket. The other boys gaped. Shinji blushed a bright crimson, his mouth bobbing open and closed like a goldfish. Yui opened the book and began to read. She was faking it, however, her eyes glossing over the words and turning pages occasionally. She kept her focus on Shinji and the current situation.
"Please do not mind me. You three may continue with your discussion," Yui said, but none of her words registered in the boys' heads. They remained frozen, dumbstruck at 'Rei's' actions. Seconds passed. Conversations around the room slowly died down to whispers and silence as more and more of their classmates took notice of 'Rei's' unusual behavior.
Eventually, Horaki noticed it too.
"Excuse me, Ayanami," she called out. "As Class Representative, I must ask what do you think you're doing?"
Yui looked up from the book. Horaki stood, hands on her hips, foot tapping away impatiently, looking down at Yui like a cop at some wanted criminal. The Second stood right behind her with crossed arms and a deep frown etched on her face. It took Yui immense will power to suppress her smirk and maintain a bored facade.
"I'm reading," Yui replied. You kids are too easy to tease!
Yui's attention returned to the novel in her hands, but Horaki kept her penetrating gaze on Yui and leaned down even further. "And?" she said.
"Is something troubling you, Representative Horaki?" Yui asked, her eyes not leaving the novel at all this time. She flicked to another page.
"When did you become so cheeky, Ayanami? I'm talking about this gross public display of affection!"
"Are you referring to my sitting on Ikari's lap?"
"Yes, I'm talking about you sitting on Ikari's lap!" Horaki shouted. By now, all the other students were completely silent and tuned into the argument boiling up. Shinji's eyes flickered between Horaki and 'Rei,' vainly hoping the entire ordeal would resolve itself quickly. His arms were straight and rigid at his side. He gripped the sides of his seat tightly as if he were riding an out-of-control rollercoaster.
Suzuhara noticed his friend's discomfort. He coughed a little, drawing Horaki's attention. "Hey, Class Rep," he said, "aren't you being a lil' harsh on Ayanami here? She doesn't usually-"
"You will speak when I give you permission to speak, Suzuhara!"
"Yes ma'am." Suzuhara withered away at Horaki's harsh tone and slouched in his seat.
Yui flipped to another page and continued to be unfazed by the raging girl breathing down her neck. Horaki slammed her foot down on the ground. "Do you have anything to say for yourself, Ayanami?"
"There is nothing to say, for I have done nothing wrong."
"Yes, you have! These public displays of affection are forbidden in the student handbook, and it is my duty as Class Representative to ensure all students within this class follow the rules!"
"Representative Horaki, page three of the student handbook explicitly states that public displays of affection are forbidden during class periods and discouraged, not forbidden, in all other times. This is a lunch period, therefore, public displays of affection are allowed." Yui turned to another page. "All of this is in the student handbook, which you have read right, Representative Horaki?" She gazed up at Horaki briefly, mockingly.
Horaki growled. "I've read the handbook, Ayanami! More times than you count."
"Then I have done nothing wrong, correct?"
"It's... It's..." Horaki scratched her hair with both hands in frustration. "It's simply inappropriate for you and Ikari to be engaging in these activities! You and Ikari aren't even a couple!"
"So you will have no qualms with my sitting on Ikari's lap if I become romantically involved with him?"
"Yes!" Horaki paused. "Wait, no, absolutely not!"
"It doesn't even matter anyway," the Second Child interjected. All heads in the room turned to the new voice cutting in. "There's no way that stupid idiot over there would ever pick a doll like you."
Yui held the book higher to cover her mouth. The grin that she'd successfully hid the entire argument finally burst forth at the Second's anger. This was check. Time for mate. She placed the bookmark into the novel and slammed it shut, her grin disappearing as it closed.
"Would you prefer that Ikari chose you as his partner?" Yui questioned.
"What?" the Second grew flustered. "Don't put words in my mouth, First! All I said was that he wouldn't pick you."
"But why else would you intervene in this matter unless you sought Ikari's attention?"
"I don't! He's just my roommate." The Second stuck her chin up arrogantly and proudly. She jabbed a finger at Yui. "What about you? Are you trying to get in that idiot Shinji's pants?"
"You phrase it crudely, but yes."
"What?" Yui's bluntness threw the Second off balance, but she was quick to regain it. The Second shook her head violently. "Like I said, no way Shinji would choose you!"
"We shall see about that."
Yui wrapped her arms around Shinji's head, pulling him towards her chest. His face flushed an even deeper crimson at being so close to her breasts. With one hand, she held his chin and tilted his head up so that their eyes met.
"Do you like me?" she asked with a commanding, authoritative tone. When Shinji just stared dumbstruck, words lodged in his throat, Yui leaned in closer. Their noses were almost touching. She asked again with more force, "Do you like me?"
Shinji shut his eyes, tore his face away from Yui and blurted out, "Yes! Yes, I do!" His face was red hot now, and he hyperventilated right after his admission.
"Good boy," Yui said and kissed him on the cheek.
Before another word could be uttered, the bell rang, announcing the end of lunch.
Are you paying attention, Rei? I know you're a smart girl, but you should still listen to your teachers, Mrs. Ikari said.
Rei blinked. She flexed the fingers on her right hand: index first, then thumb, middle, ring, and pinkie finally. Each one moved exactly as she commanded. Since the bell had rung and Mrs. Ikari sat down in her seat, Rei failed to notice the exact moment she regained control of her own body, too caught up in the insanity of Mrs. Ikari's mischief.
Rei looked to Shinji. He was staring at her, but quickly turned away when their eyes met. Rei's eyes shifted to the Second now; the other girl also stared at Rei, but with a hint of disdain. After a short stare down between the two, the Second humphed and turned her head back to the teacher.
I believe your theatrics have done more harm than good, Mrs. Ikari, Rei said.
How so?
My presence bothers Shinji and draws the ire of the Second.
You know how my son is. Such a shy boy. I hooked him for you today, so all you have to do now is reel him in and eat him up!
You kissed your son, Rei deadpanned.
On the cheek! Mrs. Ikari countered. A perfectly normal place for a mother to kiss her son! His lips are for you only.
I'm not convinced. Perhaps my true rival is you, his obsessive mother.
That is a dangerous implication. Rei imagined Mrs. Ikari shaking her head now, wagging her finger, and clicking her tongue. If I had any less respect for you, I would've taken your body over right now and given you a good smacking. It's clear my husband made no effort to discipline you in all your years growing up.
I'm happy to learn that you respect me.
Mrs. Ikari laughed. At least now you know that my boy for sure likes you and has made it very clear.
But was orchestrating this scene necessary? Must you provoke the Second so openly? Rei asked.
Yes, we sent a message today, Rei. We told the world, and more specifically the Second, that Shinji is yours and yours alone, and that no one can take him away from you. Becoming a couple with Shinji would've angered her regardless of what I do or you do.
I concede to your last point.
On the rim of her peripheral vision, Rei saw the novel that Mrs. Ikari had used to initiate her little stunt. Rei picked it up and opened it to the spot where the bookmark was placed and sighed heavily.
It was on page 340.
Oopsie. Mrs. Ikari giggled nervously. Sorry, I forgot the page.
Rei didn't detect any sincerity in Mrs. Ikari's apology.
I have three WIP stories, so of course I had to work on a completely different oneshot! Been getting trouble trying to strike the right emotions on Enter the Clones and Red My Mother Wore, so I decided to take a quick break and whip this up. The premise was something that's been brewing in my head ever since I read grommile's Taken and Given. Also took this idea from some older FFN fics which have done something similar, namely Eva Possibilities and Fusion Pandemonium, which has Yui entering Shinji's mind instead.
The humor of the fic was inspired by Back to the Future. If you've seen the movie, you can guess why that is. Oneshot for now, but may write more for this in the future. It will be a while before I return to this since I have three WIP stories, and a lot of the conflicts/themes of this fic would overlap with Enter the Clones.
Thanks for reading!