-AN-

That site outage really does have me wondering if I should migrate over to triple o or maybe make a p-on. It's been a lot of fun writing and sharing with you all, so much that the loss of it really bothered me. Don't wanna do that again. Anyway, on with the show, Shinji finally gets into the swing of things.

-Story Start-

Shinji decided that is was in fact difficult to hold himself together with so much power flowing through his very being. This was what it meant to have the power of an Angel? Forget the raw destructive powers they all wielded, if there was anything that separated humanity from Angels it was his overwhelming desire to create. Even now as they walked along towards a shuttle station to head down into the Geofront, Shinji experimented with his power in small ways. A burst of weeds from a crack in the concrete, a sudden gust of freshness to the air…it crossed his mind that he could probably do much much more with some dedicated practice. Kami forbid if he ran away now, if he ended up in a forest or closer to the ocean he might go literally insane.

Rei was already there at his side, taking his hand into hers and threading their fingers together, "Don't become consumed by it, let it filter to the background, nestled and settled quietly. Background noise no different than the idle chatter of other people or a ceiling fan set on low." Humming as Asuka walked along on his other side, they slid through the busy afternoon crowds with ease as Shinji's vibrating calmed somewhat.

Chuckling and scratching his neck in embarrassment, Shinji accepted the advice easily though there was some concern in his voice, "Sorry. Guess I got a little swept away in it. You really deal with this all the time?"

"Not as intensely, but yes. Once I blend completely with her at the end, it becomes nearly impossible to control." They all knew who she meant. The Angel truly kept in the bottom of NERV, Lilith.

Coming up to the entry gate for the terminal, Asuka swept her badge to allow all of them inside. Linking her hands behind her back as they continued on, she considered what was about to come to pass. Now that the crowds had died down once inside the NERV only terminal, they could relax somewhat, "So, can I get a clue finally to what we're gonna treat the good doctor to?"

Waving a hand dismissively, Rei allowed a small smirk to grace her lips as they boarded the waiting train that would take them down to NERV, "It's all up to Shinji now. The Doctor needs, therapy."

"Oh, are we talking long leather couches with notepads and talking about feelings? Or the fun kind involving Shinji's massive co-"

"AND we're already off track." Raising his voice and settling himself into a seat with Rei at his side who still refused to let go of him, Shinji eyed the red headed other half of his heart who was standing over them. "Can we not devolve into degeneracy for like, five minutes?"

Asuka huffed and leaned over him as the train started to move, the jerking motion forcing all of them to brace themselves momentarily, "I have a body practically brimming with teenage hormones and a mind that is probably a century old." Smirking as she placed both hands on the window behind him, leaning and giving him a good view down her shirt, she noted his attention wavering. "So unless you're going to take responsibility for showing me a life of love and comfort on several different occasions, right now, you're going to have to put up with me being a little horny from time to time."

Rolling his eyes and getting the message, Shinji reached up and pulled Asuka down by the back of her neck. Lips coming together hard for a fierce and hot kiss, tongues entwining together to dance and twist, Shinji only let up once Asuka lost all her momentum. Letting the young woman go to pant and sink to her knees in front of him, Shinji finally smirked and locked glowing eyes on her, "Fine. It's my fault you're a perpetually horny teenager again. I'll take responsibility."

More than a little turned on, Asuka nodded dumbly, "Y-you better."

"And Anata has gotten into the groove of things." Rei smiled and decided that was good. Better than the depression he had been going through since the beginning of this loop. "So large harem is a go?"

"Large harem is not a go. You two are all I've ever needed." Shinji pulled Asuka up to cuddle into his other side and the three relaxed the rest of the way down. Right, the name of the game was have fun. Lots of it. He could do that. "But you're leaving Ritsuko's fate in my hands?"

"Yes beloved."

"Like we'd get in the way of that."

"Good, I have an idea." The chuckle that built in his chest had both girls leaning forward to look at each other. Rei was the first to speak up.

"Perhaps we pushed to far?"

Shrugging and preparing for eventual chaos and violence, Asuka settled in for snuggles, "You know how it is when it comes to his father." Not that she was any different, though she normally dealt with her sperm donor long before she left for Japan. Even now, she was pretty sure no one had found him. Nor would they. Unit 2 had been, hungry.

Focusing on the physical contact with Rei and Asuka made it much easier for Shinji to be himself. Like Rei had told him, the power calmed and settled down. Like a surging river after a storm. The power was there, just waiting for something to bring it back to life and attention. He knew he'd have to practice with it eventually, get used to it, but that was for later. Rei squeezed his hand again and he turned to give her a smile. Her reassurance was needed and welcome.

The trip down into the Geofront was as peaceful as ever, today's sync tests scheduled for another two hours from now but they were of course here for other business. As the tram came to a slow stop and they got off, Asuka kissed Shinji on the cheek and spun away.

"Guess I'll go keep Misato busy and maybe keep the horn dog away from her for a while. Don't go overboard now." Asuka winked at the pair as they went their separate ways, Rei still holding Shinji's arm loosely while Shinji grinned and nodded.

"You too, don't twist his head in too many knots."

"No promises!" Waving as she jogged away and down another overly clean hallway, Asuka left Rei and Shinji to make their way down into the labs.

Letting Rei navigate, Shinji started to think about what to do for the remainder of this run. He should do something special this time for his father. Maybe sacrifice him to Unit 1 instead of himself and let his mom lecture him for a month or longer. Maybe pull his mother free and let her do it publicly instead, if that was possible. He wasn't one hundred percent sure he could do that. He had power now of course, but that didn't mean he could do anything. Shaking himself and putting it once more out of his mind, he unlocked his hand from Rei's to instead thread his arm around her waist.

Welcoming the extra contact with a smile, Rei leaned into Shinji and his warmth, "There are approximately thirteen unused offices and storage closets between here and Doctor Akagi's office. We have previously used all but two."

Shaking his head, Shinji just enjoyed the walk through the empty halls. "Uh huh. Tell me, what would you like to see happen to Akagi?"

"At the core of it all? She deserves better than she has. She's yet another pawn used by your father to achieve his goals. Both her and her mother." There was a pause as Rei's eyes went distant, thinking of a history long past and yet, repeated often. "Yes she is…complicit in some of the atrocities done, but ultimately she is a victim." Of course Rei had an agenda of her own, but she would never lie to her beloved. Nor coerce.

Nodding along with her thoughts, Shinji did admit that while he might not be a fan of Akagi, she wasn't a bad person. Oh well. They wanted him to have fun didn't they? So he would. "Alright. I think I have something in mind."

Rei noted they were coming up to Ritsuko's office, the door was open and they could just make out thinly pulled sheeting over the ceiling where they had fallen through previously. "I will follow your lead."

Letting Rei pull away, Shinji nodded and pulled ahead, knocking on Ritsuko's door with a grin and a wave, "Hey there Doctor Akagi, you got a minute?"

Looking up to the pair with some confusion, Ritsuko eyed her clock on the computer screen. Tests weren't slated to start for another two hours, "Is there something wrong Shinji-kun? You're very early." It was rare for the boy to seek her out, even more so Rei outside of tests and appointments. It wouldn't have been an accident for them to show up here either, not this far down into NERV itself.

Shinji walked forward easily, barely paying attention as Rei closed the door behind them and activating the electronic lock. "You could say something's wrong yes. See, I've got this long time hatred of my father that I think you can relate to."

Blinking and thoroughly confused on why the usually pain in her rear boy was opening up to her suddenly, Ritsuko was also worried as to why Rei was here. "I would remind you, Shinji-kun, that the commander is likely not going to change the way he decides to perform his duties. The fate of the world over one child. You understand?" Young man with a smart mouth he may be, but he was mature for his age. He regularly put aside his own emotions and problems to complete both tasks here at NERV and during sorties against the Angels. So she could see him understanding the Commander's position.

Grinning and placing his hands on her cluttered desk to lean forward towards her, Shinji nodded along. "Oh I know. I'm actually just hoping to share some thoughts with you. You'll listen to what I have to say, won't you Doctor?"

Something was different. She wasn't sure what, but something had absolutely changed. She wasn't so worried about Rei, she had decided to take up a seat in the corner, a book pulled from somewhere to calmly read and tune out whatever it was going on with Shinji. "Shinji-kun I-" Why was he so close? Were his eyes always so stormy blue?

"You'll help me sort out my thoughts, won't you Akagi-san?" Yes. Shinji decided that this could be a lot of fun. It was time to tear apart his father's hopes and dreams.

-b-

Not all that far away and yet going through several heavily armored bulkheads and levels, Asuka was skipping her way into Misato's busier and more cluttered office area. Security personnel, office functionaries and minor science division employees all gave her minor looks as she burst through Misato's door with a wide grin and a hand in the air. "Yahoo! Misato! Whatcha doin?" By the looks of things she had just made it in time, Kaji was leaning on Misato's desk and attempting to loom over the woman who was edging away as much as she could. Thankfully the office was surrounded by windows, though that probably wouldn't stop Misato if she decided to get violent. Or Kaji from getting handy, "Oh, Kaji, you're here too."

Groaning and pulling away from Misato, Kaji knew he'd have to cater to Asuka's ego now that she was here. The girl was spirited and talented for her age yes, but she seemed to forget that she was just a teenager. He had no interest in that. "Heya Asuka, you're here early. Bored?"

Coming forward to snag a wheeled chair, she spun it around before sitting in it and rolling to Misato's side, "You could say that, but I do need to talk to Misato for a bit. Woman stuff, you don't mind do you?" Puppy eyes in full effect, she latched onto Misato's arm for good measure. She felt Misato release some tension under her and mentally cheered. At the least she could make Misato's day a little better. She may not have the same weird delusions as Rei, but she still understood having fun where and when they could. Misato fit the bill but she was damned hard to get to actually open up. Once she did though? Oh boy.

Wanting to say that he very much minded as it cut into his wooing of Misato, Kaji instead shrugged and stood up, "Sure sure. Wouldn't want to get in the way of that. I'll see you later Katsuragi!"

"Don't worry on my account, take your time. In fact, don't come back at all!" Grumbling as the man laughed and waved as he left her office, Misato waited until the door closed to sigh and relax back in her chair. "Asuka, I owe you the biggest birthday present in the world."

"You could tell me what that brand of perfume you use is, the lavender one. I've always liked it."

"Still a little adult for you Asuka." They had had this conversation before, with the same predictable answers. She really needed to get this girl to see that Kaji was not the epitome of manliness she might think he is.

Shrugging and sliding away to spin in her chair, Asuka was still all smiles. "I mean, it's only for one boy anyway who likes it. Is it really that big a deal?"

Blinking and pausing her motions to get back to her workload, Misato considered her words. Asuka said boy, not man. This wasn't for Kaji then? Was Asuka actually admitting to liking someone her own age? Finally! But this also meant teasing was due. "Oooh, so this isn't about your latest plan to pin down the walking STD?"

"Ew no. Didn't he get caught in the storage closest on level four with Mitsuko. You know, the dumpy one? Nah, I've got my sights set much higher." Besides, Asuka owed Kaji a progressive knife enema. Even if this Kaji hadn't betrayed her, he could still end up like that.

Well well, more curious indeed. Misato knew Asuka's mind, and decided to cut to the chase so to speak, "Oh, is Asuka crushing on a certain accomplished and fellow pilot?"

Stopping her spinning with a smirk, Asuka shrugged, "I meaan, he's certainly easy on the eyes isn't he?" Wiggling her eyebrows at the older woman, Asuka noted the minor flush there. "I'm not the only one who's noticed Shinji's rather manly."

Rolling her eyes and deciding not to get dragged into whatever Asuka was trying to get her to admit to, Misato began to peck away at her terminal, "I'll have you know that Shinji is a good boy. He'll be an upstanding gentleman one day."

Asuka held up a hand and began to tick away with her fingers. "He can cook. Clean. Manage a home. He's got some real talent with his instrument."

"Gross Asuka." Was the girl spying on Shinji and Rei? That might be a problem.

"He plays the Cello Misato. Maybe you should get your mind checked out." Smirking as Misato did blush that time, Asuka continued along, "Plus he's fiercely loyal."

Wait, that was true. Wasn't Shinji dating Rei? "Which also means your chances are pretty nill right? And I know you better than that. You won't break them up." At least, she hoped Asuka wouldn't. Love tended to make people do strange things. Even so Asuka was a lot of things but she was not the home wrecking type. Outspoken and confident yes. But she wasn't the type to steal what wasn't hers.

"Who said I'd have to?" Seeing Misato pause in her typing, Asuka folded her arms on the back of the chair and resumed her spinning. "The world's still low on people. Repopulating measures are still in place. There's only three pilots in the world that we know of and I'd be willing to share. I think Shinji's worth it." It had taken her more than a few reruns to figure that out. But by now she knew it without a doubt. They were all a piece of one whole, a triplet that had been through hell and back time and time again.

Whistling and doing her best not to show how close Asuka's words hit home to some of her thoughts lately, Misato went back to her work, "How very modern of you. You sure Rei would think the same way as you?"

"Who knows, never hurts to try though." Thought firmly in place, Asuka smirked and considered how far along Rei and Shinji might be with Ritsuko by now. "Besides, I'm hot and talented. I know Shinji will make the correct decision in the end."

"My my, so humble."

"Humble is for lesser beings. We are the protectors of the world from the scourge of the Angels. We have higher standards."

That got a genuine grown from Misato. "Very humble indeed." Chuckling instead, Misato turned and smirked at the younger woman, "Be careful what you're getting yourself into. I better not have to have the talk with the three of you just yet. We don't need any little feet running around until well after the Angels are gone and destroyed."

"Oh yes, cause sex is the worst thing in the world for us right now." Asuka was very flippant about it, and that did make Misato worry some. Perhaps it was time to sit the three pilots down and have a talk. Or maybe just Shinji. He might need a little bit of a heads up about the war that might be starting around him soon. Poor boy. She'd be rooting for him.

-b-

Ritsuko wasn't entirely sure how she had gotten here. One minute wondering if possibly the mental blockers on Rei was causing her to make decisions she would not normally make. If maybe she was influencing the other two children to make decisions they wouldn't normally. And now she found herself with her head in Shinji's lap. Said young man was playing with her hair rather pleasantly while she talked about her life up until now. Her little crush on Kaji in college that burned a fiery death upon his relationship with Misato. Her rise as a scientist, following in her mother's footsteps and her appointment at NERV, on recommendation from Kozo and Gendo personally.

Of course, she was only here because Shinji himself had given her information that honestly she wasn't sure how he had. Though, she supposed a father might let things slip around a child they barely registered as existing. Plus the additional confirmation from Rei solidified it and completed the question of why said girl was here. So Gendo played with her mother's heart as well. She should have known. That she had submitted to him as well was probably just icing on the cake for him at this point. Part of her shivered and wished she could do something about it. Well. She could, but her thoughts were hard to complete at the moment. Taking comfort where she could, she was enjoying this moment of peace. Plus Shinji was rather good at this. He and Rei were dating weren't they? Lucky girl, he was probably spoiling her.

"You know. I was thinking, Akagi-san." Shinji looked down on the woman in his lap, who wasn't focused on Rei as she began to rummage around in her book bag.

"You can call me Ritsuko by now Shinji. I think we've both been through enough thanks to your father."

Smiling and nodding, Shinji continued his massage of her scalp, "Well. I know you're probably angry with him, so am I really. But I don't want to see you do something self destructive. You're worth more than that, and he shouldn't get the satisfaction of seeing you fall apart at his hands."

Hmm, Shinji had a point there. She had been cooking up an idea of going down and destroying all of the clone Rei's first. Maybe that would get him to actually see her. But that was just a ploy into his hands, to make him notice her. She needed something better. She needed a different mindset. "What would you do Shinji-kun?"

Now was the fun part that might go sideways. Getting the good Doctor to see his point. He could practically feel the amusement coming from Rei off to the side. "I'm the wrong one to ask Ritsuko. When it comes to my father, I have a bit of a mean streak."

"I wouldn't have asked if I wasn't interested. And I think your father deserves a shock or two…don't you?" Looking up into those blue eyes, Ritsuko had to hand it to the boy. He was pretty cute, coming into handsome. He'd be a real lady killer one day once all of this was over.

"Well. If it was me, I'd want to take away everything he's ever claimed to have. Everything he's built up. Every plan he's set in motion." Shinji could see the gears turning behind those eyes, especially as Ritsuko's vision turned to Rei before returning to his.

"I hope you aren't using poor Rei. That wouldn't make you much better than him." She sure hoped the Ikari apple wasn't as rotten as its parent. That would be a tragedy.

Rei spoke up for the first time of this entire impromptu meeting, voice carefully monotone. "Shinji-kun and I love each other dearly. He does not see me as a tool, but as a person. Unique to myself." Rei did look up from her book to gaze into Ritsuko's own eyes, "Plus, I am rather practical in my own feelings."

Practical? What did she mean by that? Ritsuko turned to look up to Shinji, "Well, at least you've found happiness."

"I'd like to see you happy as well, Ritsuko."

Once more locking eyes with the teenager, Ritsuko's analytical mind rolled through various options and meaning before settling on a likely scenario. "You are being very bold Shinji-kun. I'm old enough to be your older sister you know."

His ministrations continued as he smirked, "I did say I want to take everything my father ever claimed to. Everything."

"Hmmm…and you think you can claim me?"

"Not claim. You aren't some object. Some tool. You're a very talented and intelligent woman who has worked hard to be where she is in life. I think. No. I know you deserve some happiness of your own." Shrugging but holding his smile, Shinji continued on as Ritsuko seemed to be thinking it over. "Plus, wouldn't it be fun to throw it in my father's face that the son is the better option? In every way."

"You're certainly confident about that."

"I have my reasons."

Ritsuko wanted to blow him off as just being a horny teenager and let the fantasy go. Yet she could see it in those stormy eyes. Shinji wasn't just some boy acting out against a negligent parent. There was intelligence there. A goal and a plan to make it happen. The same good qualities she saw in the father, yet a tempering of kindness and humanity that had to come from the other half, his mother. "I-"

"Plus, the UN resolution is still in effect. It's not like you'll get in any trouble for this long term." Rei's voice spoke up again, breaking whatever doubt that might be crossing Ritsuko's mind. "Plus, certainly the conversation of children will be a positive one. Bearing the next generation of EVA pilot? No one would stand against you then."

"You both seem to have thought this out from start to finish." Ritsuko noted that the room was starting to feel rather warm, and when had the top two buttons come undone on her shirt?

Shinji reached his free hand down, taking one of Ritsuko's hands into his own, "I'm not asking you for forever. Just. Some time to forget how bad things can be. To enjoy being your own person for a while, and yes, to throw some mud on my father's face at the same time. After that, if you want to go your own direction, I won't be hurt." His face softened and he rubbed a thumb across her knuckles, "Though I'd like for you to stick around. You're beautiful Ritsuko Akagi, any man would be lucky to have you."

Ritsuko let him thread his fingers with hers, "That's a pretty mature way of thinking Shinji."

"I'm the pilot of a bio-mechanical war machine in defense of Humanity against literal monsters from the stars. Growing up fast is kinda the least of my worries." At this point he had her hooked, though this had gone much better than some of the previous times he'd tried it. Much less screaming too.

"Hmm, that is a good point." Would this be so bad? Sure she had given Misato some grief for her dirty joke in the beginning when she had offered to bring Shinji into her home, but honestly would it be so wrong? The young man deserved a chance to relax and de-stress like the rest of them. He certainly had taken on more responsibility than the rest of them. Never mind the rest of their shared problems. He fought and offered his life to protect them all, what was a little skin-ship in the face of that?

Plus, seeing Gendo seethe with rage was certainly worth some of the trouble she might see. Better than dying in a hole somewhere if she had followed through on her own idea. She barely even registered Shinji's hand coming down to caress her softly, though she did notice her own hand undoing more buttons. "You really are going to be a real lady killer one day Shinji."

"Nah. I have my eyes set on a beautiful few and that's it. Love hard and love loud I say."

"And me? Will you love me like that?" More buttons came loose, and Shinji's hand pushed the fabric away. Those blue eyes seemed yet even more intense.

"I will love you as long and as deeply as you wish. So long as you'll have me. Of course, you'll have to share. We're all in this together."

"Together huh? I…wouldn't mind that." It was a chance for some real affection. Some real love. Even if it was just once, Ritsuko wouldn't throw that chance away. She did however note Rei was standing and was that a camera in her hand? "Someone certainly can multitask."

Shinji was already pulling Ritsuko up and into his lap fully, tilting her head up for a fierce kiss, "Think Gendo might have a heart attack when he finds out? Proof would be good, wouldn't it?"

"Proof, isn't a bad thing." Warmth enveloped her, and Ritsuko decided to let her hangups go. She'd apologize to Misato later for the teasing she gave her. She wouldn't be a hypocrite after all.

Besides, Shinji was certainly an upgrade over his father. Oh so attentive as well. She'd have to ask for a copy of that video later.

-b-

Misato stood tapping her feet within the Pribnow Box where the crew would be conducting tests for the settled and waiting Evangelions. Asuka was already suited up and waiting in her entry plug, complaining and honestly voicing irritation that she herself was beginning to feel. Security had said all three children had arrived together. Yet somehow Shinji and Rei dropped off their radar never to be seen again. She knew teenagers could be crafty when they got horny, but to evade highly trained security officers for a quickie? If she wasn't so irritated that they were late she might actually be impressed.

Ritsuko breezed her way into the testing room, one hand in a pocket of her lab coat while the other was holding a tablet. One that was flipped and held to her side as she came up to stand besides the operations director. "Sorry, had some results from another test I needed to analyze. I would have figured things would have started by now."

Asuka's voice called out over the speakers, "We would if a certain pair of lazy bones would show up!" Even as she said it, the suited up pair of Rei and Shinji were seen power walking down the main catwalk. Playing up her play pretend irritation, Asuka crossed her arms, "Oh look who it is!"

Misato sighed as she turned to Ritsuko, "Guess it's time to have a little chat with the two."

"You think?" Ritsuko subtly shifted her coat. She was still vibrating slightly, who would have known Shinji knew exactly what he was doing? She sure didn't and boy did he show up his father and then some. She could never go back at this rate. He must have gotten it from his mother's side of the family. "I could give them the talk if you're uncomfortable with it. I am the Doctor."

Misato waved her off as she turned her focus back to the monitors, Shinji and Rei appearing on the screens as they dropped into their tubes and synchronized with their Evangelions. "No no. I should do it. It's my responsibility right?" Missing the disappointed look flash over Ritsuko's face, Misato stepped forward to lean over Maya's shoulder and speak directly into a microphone. "By the way, Shinji, Rei, we'll be having a long talk about priorities later. Got that?"

"Of course, Katsuragi-san." Rei's response was quick and proper as always. Though Shinji's yawn over the radio did have her smirking slightly.

"Read you loud and clear Misato." Shinji relaxed back into his seat as the tests began, noting his plug descending into EVA 1 slightly. His tolerance must have gone up with his fusion with Adam.

Asuka huffed loudly but mentally relaxed herself. At least it looked like their plan for Ritsuko went well. The base wasn't a smoking crater nor was the frigid woman ranting and screaming about crazy blackmailing children. "You could at least pretend to feel bad for wasting our time."

"I do feel bad. Honest. Scouts honor."

"You were never a scout."

"How do you know?"

"Ugh, I can practically smell you from here."

"And how would you know what that smells like hmmm Asuka-chan?"

"Children!" Misato called out, causing all three of them to jump, "Let's focus on the test please. I'm sure everyone would like to go home at some point."

"Yeah yeah Misato."

"Sorry Misato."

"Of course Katsuragi-san."

Watching all three children settle in as the testing period began in earnest, Misato finally backed away with a sigh and turned to leave. She eyed Ritsuko with a tired look of her own as she walked up beside her, "Kami give me strength, teenagers will be the death of me." Her own mind went back to the conversation she had with Asuka. Another worry she would have to figure out. "Maybe you should have a chat with them. I need to have a chat with Asuka too. I think separate would be a good idea."

Mentally smirking, Ritsuko nodded, "Sure. I'll grab them after testing and have some words with them." Words, some loose clothes. Definitely another round or two. She nearly shivered as she thought about it. How scandalous.

"Perfect. Then I'm off. The JSSDF is still hounding us about that power outage from the previous Angel and are calling for independent inspections. Yeah, like they really care about our power grid. More like they want to get in and sneak peaks at our tech." Waving and walking away, Misato put all thoughts of horny teenagers and love drama out of her mind. So long as Kaji didn't make a surprise appearance she'd end her day on a decent note.

Behind her and locked away in their plugs, Asuka had already switched over to private communications. The techs below could see them talking, but thankfully they wouldn't hear a thing. "Soooo, I'm guessing things went well?"

Rei didn't smirk, but she did finally relax back and close her eyes, "There's video. I'll share it with you later."

"Score."

Shinji shook his head with a sigh, "You both are perverts."

"Says the man who boned a woman twice his age." It wasn't technically true, but Asuka didn't mind teasing when she could.

"More like half my age, but whatever. You asked for this, I'm just enjoying what I can while I can." Because pretty soon the bigger more destructive Angels would start coming. Things would get hectic, and they would have to start getting clever if they wanted to have fun all the way to the end. "Speaking of, isn't the one we have to catch coming soon?"

Rei's voice cut out right away, "That fatty? Yes. I believe in a few weeks." She hated this one, it hurt Shinji.

"Joy. Shinji, better get ready for the Jesus treatment."

Flexing his hands, Shinji did in fact remember the pain of that one. "Whats the damage if we let it fall again?"

"All of Tokyo III and NERV destroyed." Asuka quipped back easily, heading off any chance to complain and avoid their fate.

Which Shinji was already throwing out of his mind from consideration. "Got it. Guess we'll deal with it when it comes."

Asuka smirked at him through he camera, "Just think. You'll be having all kinds of fun until it arrives. You naughty boy you."

"Guilty." He wasn't going to lie and say he wasn't looking forward to seeing his father's face once the old man realized what Shinji was up to. He owed the man a solid beating, but Shinji was at least another year away from being able to do that on his own. Curse his noodle arms and teenage body. The workouts were helping, but it would take time. Lots of time.

"Don't worry beloved, I won't let you become bored in the meantime."

"You're gonna end up pregnant at this rate."

Rei shrugged at Asuka's comment, not all that concerned about that particular worry, "I hope so."

"Uh uh! No way, if she's getting the baby treatment then you better be ready to fill me up to!"

Shinji tuned both girls out as they began to bicker and one up one another. He hadn't expected to have to work over Ritsuko this afternoon and the power of an Angel behind him or not, he was still pretty tired. Maybe a nap was in order.

Watching the teens continue to fight most likely about who was late and why, Maya turned back to her superior. "Senpai, should we step in?"

Eyeing the sync numbers and shaking her head, Ritsuko relaxed and took a seat next to Maya, "Let them be kids for today. Their numbers are good, no reason to butt in."

Confused at the apparently very at ease Doctor, Maya obeyed her order none the less. "As you say, senpai." It was good to see the normally so busy and high strung doctor relaxed like this. Maya wondered what brought it on.

-b-

Conversation going more or less exactly how she expected it to, Misato had retreated to her own apartment while Asuka unwound in her's and Rei's. Showered, changed and ready to relax with a beer, Misato scrubbed at her hair with a towel as she wandered the hall of her apartment. Taking a moment to pause at the end of the hall at the kitchen, she took in the state of her home. It was clean, as usual, with just a light scent of mangoes from the cleaner Shinji liked to use. Never one to be much of a homemaker herself, Misato did have to hand it to the resident man of the house, he was certainly handy to have around. No. That wasn't really fair. Shinji did more than enough for all of them and she could be a better adult around him. Not that he would ever complain, either around her or behind her back. To genuinely sweet that boy. Even if he was turning into a little heart breaker.

As if summoned by her thoughts, said boy opened and slid through the front door, looking more tired than she had seen him in a long while. "I'm home!"

Pausing in the drying of her hair, Misato smiled warmly to him, "Welcome home." Clad in her usual shorts and tank top, she wondered at how she actually felt a little embarrassed at the moment. What was she, a lonely housewife?

Seeing his guardian and smiling, Shinji placed his shoes on the rack and padded inside, "Have you eaten yet? I know it's late but I'm sure I can whip something up for you if you're hungry." Already making for the kitchen, Shinji missed the look of worry that passed over Misato's face.

Leaning against the doorway, Misato let the towel hang around her shoulders, "Shinji?"

"Yea Misato?" Shinji was already ducking his head into the fridge. He was pretty hungry himself. Starving really. He was so glad he went shopping yesterday. Though he'd have to go again tomorrow. He was craving shellfish. "Have something in mind?"

"No I um…" Where was this indecision coming from? Maybe her talk with Asuka scrambled her usual mood more than she realized. "You know. You can get upset with me when necessary right? I'm not going to kick you out."

Pausing in his rummaging, Shinji pulled his head free to look at his barely clothed roommate, "Uh. Have you done something? Break something in my room?"

"No no. Just. You're always so calm, so quick to worry about me. About others. Others. Yeah. I just. I want to make sure you aren't putting your own feelings on the back burner. Look at me Shinji, I'm not exactly the picture of domestication here. You saw the state of my place when you moved in."

"So we compliment each other, I do house stuff, you do work stuff. Teamwork. Besides, I can get upset when people annoy me. Just ask Toji."

Right. It wasn't just her he was always so attentive too. Shinji was just that type, one to put others before himself. She didn't consider it healthy, but she wasn't him. "You know what I mean buster."

Smirking and shaking his head, Shinji went back to his rummaging. "Aw Misa-chan, it sounds like you're really worried about me."

"H-hey! Since when can you tease me?" Did his talk with Ritsuko make him more bold instead of less? She'd have to check in with her long time friend later.

"Since I'm your knight, aren't I?" Shinji was back and looking at her from over the fridge door. "I'm here for you Misato. If I was really worried about anything, or upset, or mad. I'd be sure to let you know. I trust you. I hope you trust me too." Back to his rummaging, he missed the older woman blushing as she turned away to head to the living room.

Beer the last thing on her mind, Misato chuckled and started to walk away, "Maybe I should steal you away from Rei. You need someone to keep a good eye on you I think."

"Rei wouldn't let it happen. Besides, I trust you Misato, I'll be here forever if you'd like. That's a promise."

Yup. She would definitely have to keep an eye on him. Or herself. She wasn't really sure. Dropping onto the couch and flipped on the tv, Misato really did consider what he had actually asked her earlier. "How about stir fry?" If only she had met someone like Shinji long ago. Before the likes of Kaji or the host of others after that.

"I have enough for that, coming right up. You want a beer?"

Really thinking about it, Misato shook her head. She didn't feel like she needed to numb herself tonight. She liked this warm and fuzzy feeling she had in her chest. "No. I think I'm good tonight."

Knowing that she would be, Shinji collected ingredients and pulled away, hip checking the door and setting about his task for the night. A light smirk graced his lips and he started to hum a light tune because, today was a marvelous day. The Earth was still here. He Rei and Asuka were together, and he was finally starting to have some fun. Sure it was playing right into what the girl's wanted, but who cared. They needed to live these repeats, not go full doom and gloom over possibly never breaking them. So maybe Rei liked to play match maker and Asuka was a bundle of horny teenager, but that was fine. They were soul mates, and no matter how many times the world burned down, he would always find them again.

-AN-

This update took a lot longer than I thought to come out, but that was more due to writer;s block than anything else. I think we're going more redemption arc for a few members of the cast here. Time will tell.