"Three of the Angels are dead. Two have been thoroughly analyzed. Yet, we are no closer to understanding them than before. Explain yourself, Ikari."
NERV was provided with a nigh-infinite amount of resources in their fight against the Angels. They had the funding of entire countries on their back, leaving their citizens to starve alone. They also had the most cutting edge technology available, with the largest assembly of engineers and scientists leading the charge against alien beings out to eliminate the human race.
None of this would have been possible without the men in charge.
Officially, they were just the Committee. However, it is just an ordinary title meant to disguise the truth of who they were. SEELE as an organization existed for centuries, studying ancient relics in search of their ultimate goal. They were responsible for the world as it was now, including placing everyone at NERV in the appropriate places for the battle.
Gendo Ikari had been invited by his wife to the organization long ago. Even though he was the Commander of NERV, Gendo and Mary Iscariot reported to the batch of old men running SEELE. In a demonstration of their full confidence, they did not show their frail old bodies to the world. Those were not meant to be seen by little people like Gendo. No, they hid behind obelisks as a show of power. He and Iscariot were meant to be afraid.
A fruitless venture. By this point, Gendo had burned all the fear from him.
"Even our top minds have not been able to crack the Angel's code." He told them honestly. "The Dead Sea Scrolls only gave us so much, other than they were children of Adam meant to destroy us, the children of Lilith."
"Not an excuse." The main obelisk, SEELE-01, aka Keel Lorenz, spoke in calm malice. "We have allowed much from you. You leading the organization in Japan. Your son, the pilot of Unit 01. Two of our working Evas, a third from Germany on the way. Why, we're even allowing you to retrieve the Lance of Longinus from Antartica. What do you have to say for yourself?"
"Don't blame me for what fate prevented. We need everything to destroy the Angels, or humanity has no future. It's not like we have access to a vessel of Adam in midst."
"No, we do not." One of the obelisks agreed readily. "I suppose you are no closer to finishing the Dummy Plug system? We cannot proceed with our agenda without it."
"Indeed." Another spoke, "No system, no means of mass producing the Evangelions for our own devices."
"We've hit a snag." Iscariot finally spoke up. "We tested a prototype plug on Unit 01. All it did was cause a rampage that nearly killed the pilot. We're hesitant to continue until we are fully sure."
The obelisks talked amongst themselves. Lorenz spoke what was on their minds.
"Very well. It would be dangerous to continue this way…"
The truth bought them time. Rei's unique nature should have made it simple to connect the Dummy Plug with Unit 01, but it had been rejected instead. Gendo hated having to rely on Shinji for anything. He would have to stay longer.
The reports came and went, with inane chatter that Gendo wasn't interested in. The old men liked to talk, a lot of hot air and little action. He couldn't wait to overthrow them. However, he needed to stay his hand. They held most of the cards, after all. The Human Instrumentality Project had two outcomes, SEELE's and his own. Gendo needed to ensure he had the pieces ready before defying them.
At the end of the meeting, Gendo finally perked up when Lorenz said-
"You need to be cautious, Ikari. Someone has been leaking our files to the public."
"Really?" Gendo wondered. "Could it be the little spy from the JSSDF?"
"Negative. Ryoji Kaji has kept his hands clean. These leaks are obscenely large. We believe some of our facilities may have been compromised. Make sure to keep your house in order, Ikari, or else the same might happen to you."
He had no need to worry about NERV being compromised. Only fools would allow such things to happen.
"Very well." Gendo nodded. "I'll take care of everything."
"I pray that you do."
The obelisks vanished from view. Commander Ikari rubbed his eyes, trying to keep the sweat away.
"Do you know anything about the leaks?"
"No-pe!" Mary said with a particular drawl. "All hands on deck, no suspicious behavior from our bridge crew, hell Ritsuko's been laser-focused on Rei's plug data now that she's back in action. I think she's still freaking out over her slip up."
Gendo didn't really care about her. "You will handle the rest of the process. For now, I have other business to attend to."
He began to leave the room. Mary adjusted her glasses.
"You're gonna see Rei, aren't you?"
Gendo stopped. He turned his head slightly toward her.
"Yes. And?"
"Oh nothing." Mary smirked. "Yui's disgusted by her, you know. That's probably why Unit 01 nearly killed her."
"…"
"Why keep her alive anyway? We have more of where she came from. Don't tell me you're attached?"
"She… needs me." Gendo explained. "She shouldn't have to suffer."
"Sounds like you don't want to suffer." Mary smirked. "If only your wife could see you now. Shameful little man."
Gendo couldn't find it in his heart to disagree. He left the room in slight shame over himself.
The feeling soon dissipated when he saw her standing just outside. Rei Ayanami was still clad in her plugsuit, a smile plastered her face for the man who raised her.
"How are you, Commander?"
She had Yui's smile, Gendo thought with frightening ease. He felt his stomach churn.
"I am well. The Committee can be an annoying collection of fools. Your stay at NERV hasn't been a bother to you?"
"Not at all." Rei shook her head. "I knew no one at school, so this is more of the same."
"I see. Not even the Third Child?"
Her face lost its smile.
"… I do not like him." She admitted. "He does not think of me as a person."
"What a brat." Gendo smirked. "He doesn't deserve your help."
"He is necessary for the Angels. I will perform to expectations."
"As expected. Let's eat together, Rei."
They walked together away from the office, proudly lost in their own world.
Sunday morning. It meant cleaning day.
Shinji was helping Misato rummage through the pile of clothes and trash that had accumulated over the past few days. Despite his noble efforts, the apartment was a mess they had to sort through, a delicate ecosystem ruined by man's touch. So far, Shinji did an admirable job collecting the garbage in… six? Seven bags? He didn't keep track.
Misato was less than pleased with how difficult she made it to find her stuff. Shinji had been such a wonder with the chores. She had no idea how she lived without him cleaning or cooking before, which only made her feel a touch inadequate when she couldn't find her own things inside the damn apartment she lived in.
"Hey Shinji! On your side, did you find my underwear?"
"No, I think it's…" Misato heard cans being knocked over. "Y-Yeah, it's under the beers."
How did they even get under there? She had to sigh.
"Maybe Pen-Pen got them there. Sometimes, he gets caught in them when he sleeps with me."
"You let him sleep with you?!"
Misato had to laugh at Shinji's indignation. "Not like that you little pervert! He's just a cute pillow!"
She wondered what Shinji would be like as a pillow. She promptly shook her head to banish the thought.
Instead, Misato watched him lean down to pick up leftover food. She couldn't help but notice how cute he was right now, wearing the Kiss the Cook apron she bought for him over his casual clothes, sticking his tongue out while concentrating… He was dependable and kind, she thought with fondness. She trusted him with her clothes and cleaning, which he performed without complaint. A boy like him would make a pretty husband for a woman.
"I think that's everything." Misato laughed. "A lot before breakfast, huh?"
"I guess so." Shinji said. "I'll make it right now."
Misato took a step, before jabbing her toe against something. She winced in pain.
"Ow, ow ow! Son of a bitch…"
Looking down, she noticed the cause of her pain. An instrument she definitely did not own before.
"Hey Shinji. This yours?"
His eyes widened. He quickly caught the thing from her.
"Sorry! This is my cello. Let me put it back."
She watched him make a little run to his room. When he came back, he looked oddly frazzled.
"Why the anxiety? I didn't know you had a cello."
He shrugged. "My teacher taught me how to play it. It was more out of obligation rather than because I wanted to."
"What a shame." Misato crossed her arms. "You any good at it?"
"A little…" Shinji trailed off. "Hm."
She could tell he wasn't thrilled about his teacher or the cello. She really did want to hear him play, if only to see if he was as perfect with it as he was with everything else. Still, if he was hesitating, she'd let him sulk off for later.
"Ah well, you can't really play music on an empty stomach can you? Dig in!"
He quickly made them some eggs. Misato devoured them without hesitation. His cooking wasn't just marginally better than her own- a fact she sadly had to contend with- it put NERV's cafeteria trash to shame. She sipped her beer, belching loudly.
"Gosh, why don't you have a girlfriend? You'd make anyone happy… I'm gonna have to fight 'em off if I wanna keep you…"
"Erm, uh, well…" Shinji nervously chuckled. "I don't know any other girls… so, um, I guess you're stuck with me…"
He scratched his chin with a finger, looking away from her. Misato couldn't help but swoon.
"I guess I am. The cutest boy in the world trapped in my private den. Careful, I might just steal a kiss from you one night!"
It had the intended effect of making him stammer more. She hated how he was deprived of affection by his father and the world, but she did enjoy his reactions to her. He was so unused to attention, it brought out her teasing side beyond than usual.
He ate in silence, unconsciously shaking in his chair. She waited for him to relax, before really settling on the topic of discussion.
"Okay Shinji… we need to talk about Rei…"
He frowned. "Isn't that over? I tried to say sorry, but she said no."
"It's not about that." Misato rolled her eyes. "Though don't think you're off the hook for that one. It's about what I learned from the Sub-Commander."
"Huh?"
On the one hand, it was classified information. On the other hand, Iscariot gave her permission to impart this onto Shinji specifically to ensure his cooperation. Transparency went a long way, or so it seemed.
"From what she told me, Rei a test tube baby." Misato explained. "You were right to be suspicious. She looks like your mom because she's a clone of her, basically."
His eyes widened. He was overcome with horror.
"She… why would Mother…?"
"The details are a little unclear, but since your mom was a higher up in the Eva program, she donated her DNA to her creation."
Shinji was confused. He knew his parents did important work, but he never made the connection between his mother and the Eva. Evangelion was monstrous, she was not. Why would she have a hand in that? Or Rei for that matter?
"I'm bringing this up to show you something. You with me?"
"…"
She didn't like his hesitant nod, but allowed it.
"You're freaked out by Rei."
He grimaced at his own admission, even if it was true. "I… hate her."
She sadly shook her head.
"A shame. But I can't make you like her. Just don't punch her out again. Ignoring the pilot thing, she has her own shit going on that you don't know about. The Commander doesn't treat her much better than you it seems, so you don't need to add to her plate. We need to all get along or die. You understand?"
Shinji grudgingly admitted she had a point. They had the fate of the world on their shoulders. If he messed up, everyone would die. It was one of the first things he learned at NERV. But still…
"I'll try…" He said. "I don't think we're going to be friends though."
"You don't gotta be friends, but you don't have to be enemies either. You've been lucky to avoid insubordination charges. Try something like that again, you'll probably be thrown to the brig."
Not wanting to get on her bad side any more, Shinji accepted this concession. Misato then stretched her arms out and cracked her back. Her ward inadvertently caught a glimpse of her toned stomach, how her shirt exposed more of her toned stomach.
"Ooooh~ So, we're going to head out together later."
He was surprised. "Really? Where are we going?"
"The mall, silly!" She raised her finger in a wag. "You've been cooked up here these past few days. If you're not going to school, you're going to have to help me with things. Consider this a ritual."
"Erm, well…" Shinji looked down. "What do I wear?"
"Whatever you'd like! I'll put on my finest for you of course~"
He was sent into another stammering fit. Just as Misato enjoyed her mornings.
The ride to the mall was fairly smooth by Misato's standards.
They only barely avoided hitting a fleet of trucks instead of colliding with one and breaking a mirror.
Misato never drove slow. If she could get away with it, she'd take the fastest route to her destination every time. Maybe she could have avoided her car getting collapsed when she picked up Shinji the first day if she loosened up her morality. Not everyone appreciated her driving, least of all her ward, but she never listened to such whiners.
She was the one with the keys after all.
In no time at all, Misato parked her car just outside the mall's entrance. She swerved to avoid hitting a lamppost, shaking the car sideways before it went to a complete stop. Misato had to let out a sigh of relief.
"Man, that was way too close. No pain no gain, huh Shinji?"
A pause.
"Shinji?"
She finally turned around to see Shinji's face had turned a shade of green. Realizing what was going to happen, Misato opened the compartment in front of him and pulled out a bag.
"Use this. Ritsuko hasn't been in the car for a while so you're lucky."
Shinji didn't hear her. He was too busy barfing his entrails inside the bag's contents. Misato rubbed his back to ease his pain.
"Mmmmm, maaaaaaybe I could have gone a bit easier."
He glared at her. Very politely as usual for him, he nodded while trying to wipe the vomit from his mouth. She gave him a handkerchief to clean it with.
"Sheesh take it easy there, Shinji. We haven't even stepped inside and you're already looking gross to your date."
He gurgled, not in the mood for a joke. "I feel sick."
"Come on, be a big boy. Just a little moment."
After a minute, Shinji looked presentable. Just enough that he was ready to leave the car and hope not to return for at least three hours. Or ten hundred, whichever happened. Both the passenger and the driver left the Renault, Misato taking in the eternal summer breeze.
"Ahhhhhh, just what we needed. Not just sitting in an apartment, we're enjoying life."
She walked around the car to get next to Shinji, pointedly ignoring the stares she was receiving around the street. Misato knew she turned heads and was proud of it. A man waved hi toward her from across the street. She returned the wave with a wink.
"We're getting some attention, Misato…" Shinji felt uncomfortable. "Are you sure- EEK!"
A slap to his butt. Misato giggled at his blushing face. "Like I said, be a big boy. We're here to have fun!"
Without further delay, they entered the mall.
It was a two story building bustling with activity. Rows of stores were packed with people in a hurry to buy the next big thing or entertain their spoiled kids who couldn't wait to escape their clutches. Shinji couldn't help but feel a little lost. Thankfully, he had Misato take him by the hand and lead him from the building crowd.
"First thing's first, we're gonna get food for Pen-Pen. I know a tiny place around here that sells his favorites."
Right. Shinji remembered they had run out of food for the bird. That was probably why Pen-Pen didn't come out of his room. Aside from the bath Shinji gave him following the Fifth Angel's defeat. The penguin felt particularly smug that night, thoroughly enjoying Shinji's discomfort at having to clean his feathered self.
Shinji followed Misato along a large passageway to the left of the mall. Right at the end of the corner was a tiny shop labeled "Jin-chan's Animal Treats." The duo entered, finding three aisles filled with a mix of bags for dogs, cats, birds, lizards, anything except for a penguin. Shinji began to doubt Misato's wisdom, when the older man at the register recognized Misato.
"Ah, Katsuragi!" He said. "How's it hangin' Captain? NERV not riding you too hard are they?"
"Not at all, Sanada." Misato smiled. "Things've been going just fine. We're here to pick up Pen-Pen's favorites! You know how it is."
"Indeed. I'm gonna go find them now,"
Sanada pilfered through the cavalcade of junk on his desk and drawers. Shinji could feel himself sweat over how lost the older man seemed to be. Could it be that all adults were secretly messy? Did Dr. Akagi make a mess out of her home too? Was it his destiny to one day become a messy adult himself?
'No. I'm going to stay clean, I won't be anything like these adults!'
He made that promise just as Sanada picked out a small blue bag. He finally seemed to notice Shinji by Misato's side.
"Who's the new kid? He looks a bit young for a date."
"Ah, you're right!" Misato patted Shinji's shoulder. "This is my ward, Shinji Ikari. Say hello to Mr. Sanada."
"Erm, pleased to meet you Mister." Shinji bowed, as was customary with new strangers. "I hope I'm not a bother."
"Hahahaha, not at all!" Sanada took it in good humor. "I like this kid. Young, but respectful. I can tell from here, he's taken to you Katsuragi. You're like a mother to this chap."
Misato forced out a laugh. "Well, he is a good boy. Not sure if he and I feel comfortable with… that… I mean, I'd be honored but…"
As she trailed off trying to clarify herself, Shinji was left startled. Sanada brought up a point he hadn't considered before. From their interactions, how she commanded him in battle, how welcome and protective she was with him, Misato pretty much was taking care of him like a mother would.
Sure, she wasn't his actual mother. No one could replace her. Even so, Shinji couldn't help but smile.
"I mean, she is kind of slobby for a mom, but I like her."
It was Misato's turn to blush upon hearing those words. It was enough that she even ignored the minor jab at her expense.
"Oh, Shinji-kun…"
Sanada laughed. He made a few more remarks before it was time for them to leave. After picking up the food, they went further into the mall. Misato had the cash for whatever they wanted, but without anything in particular to pick out, they just didn't. Mostly, their day was spent window-shopping rather than entering places.
They found this to be a fine arrangement. Shinji followed along Misato, holding her hand obediently. She found the hand to be soft and delicate, very much like the rest of her ward. She couldn't keep the comment from Sanada out of her head.
Mother. She was playing the role of a mother to Shinji, a label he seemed to have accepted readily. By all accounts, Misato should feel elated by this knowledge. The fact that he trusted that much, even with such a short time and the pressure of being a pilot under her command should have made her happy. It did.
And yet, it also didn't.
The label felt dishonest, somehow. It made her feel dirty. A petty side of her knew why, a part Misato had to constantly reckon with for years. Being a mother came with the implication that she was older even if not strictly old. It reminded her that she was 28, and in two years Japan would label her a Christmas Cake, out of date and forgotten by men as they looked for younger, more vivacious partners.
The thought of being undesirable left her empty. She didn't want to be a pillar of wisdom, she wanted to be fun, cool and sexy. Even knowing the comment was made in good faith, just a man complimenting her relationship to Shinji, it made her feel like garbage.
She hated herself for thinking that way. Misato should not, most certainly did not, consider having such a close bond with the boy to be a curse. He was good to her, and she could admit to herself she was incredibly fond of the child under her care. For his sake at least, she would do her best to ignore the emptiness rising in her soul.
Her thoughts were interrupted by their arrival at the food court. Being a Sunday, the court was jam-packed with people. They barely squeezed into a tiny table meant for two, quickly realizing any food would need to suffer through a long line.
"Bummer," Misato noted. "Normally I'd hit up the bar with Ritsuko but, well, you're too young for that."
"That's okay." Shinji looked away. "I, uh, wouldn't want to get drunk piloting."
"Heh, you wouldn't." Misato felt her stomach grumbling. "I'm in the mood for sushi. Why not get 'em from there?"
"Hai!"
Shinji went to get food from a sushi bar. Misato watched him stand at the back end of a line. Nothing is an inconvenience for him is it? He did whatever she told him to do. He listened to her. Sure, she wished he had more of a rebellious streak like other teenagers his age, but given what happened with the Fourth Angel and Suzuhara, Misato was just glad he hadn't been rendered catatonic like she was at his age.
She couldn't blame him for retreating, not when faced with the hardships of being a pilot. She was happy he opened himself to her when asked.
Her phone rang. Misato had a dismayed look, before she realized it was Ritsuko. If nothing else, that woman was the epitome of honesty.
"Hey Ritsuko."
Misato answered, making sure to keep her eyes on Shinji. So far, no strangers were picking on him.
"Hi Misato! Just wanted to see how you were doing."
"Great, just out on a little lunch date with Shinji. Anything new? I know you don't usually make social calls."
"Can't I call a friend? Well, you're right about one thing. I wanted to remind you about the Jet Alone conference in a few days."
"Oh right, that stupid garbage heap?" She rolled her eyes. "Are you sure we can't just cancel it?"
"Negative. It'd look bad if NERV missed out on the party, and to be honest, it's good to inspect the competition."
"Competition that we know won't last in the field. They can't penetrate the AT-Field after all."
"Correct, but who knows? They might pull something out of their butts. Or embarrass themselves, the guy in charge usually does that himself."
"Does he? You know him?"
"Shiro Tokita. He tried to make passes at me back in college."
"Oooooh, the little weirdo with the Mazinga toy collection?"
"He tried to yell out a rocket punch to get my attention. I told him where to shove it."
Misato giggled. "It's gonna be funny seeing him again."
"Funny for you maybe. For me, I have remain professional with that little creep since he's the one that designed the Jet Alone."
"Oof."
"Yeah, oof. Shit, I forgot to sign the paperwork here, I'll call you later."
"Bye!"
click
At that moment, Shinji came back with the food. Once he settled the sushi on the table, Misato patted Shinji's head.
"Thank you. You're such a good boy~"
Shinji blushed. "Thanks, Miss Misato…"
They ate together, making light conversation. From there, they continued their trek through the mall. This time, the duo found an arcade service. Misato used her card at the register to pay for a healthy amount of tokens they could use.
"Where you'd like to spend it on?"
Shinji pointed at a rail gun shooter zombie game. Misato grinned.
"Good taste."
That was how she and Shinji spent most of the afternoon shooting zombies behind the the glowing screen.
One would think being the professional would give her the advantage on handling guns. A correct assumption, for real guns. However, those skills didn't translate as well to the cheap plastic toys for a zombie shooter. She couldn't help but sulk just a smidge when Shinji outperformed her in the game. Interestingly, she heard him repeat a certain phrase from training exercises:
"Position target in the center… pull the switch."
She smirked. "Sounds like you've learned pretty well."
He returned the smirk. "Well, I had a good teacher."
"That you did, that you did."
They wound up getting an equal high score, both of which approved. With their leftover tickets, they bounced from machine to machine trying to find enjoyment. Shinji found it amusing how Misato beat him at a racing game that specifically encouraged insane driving. Misato sulked over Shinji managing to land more hits on the whack-a-mole than her. Neither had fun at air hockey, where Misato swore the machine was defective due to how the disk would freeze in the middle of play.
Victories and defeats were shared between them, until they finally came soon came across a dancing game.
"Oooooh, think you're up for this one?" Misato clapped her hands. "I'll let you know, I beat most of my dorm mates at this."
"I doubt it." Shinji shook his head. "Actually, I think my teacher taught me some moves."
A challenge to her. She was excited again.
"Alright then. Here we go!"
As it turned out, they were equally horrible at dancing. They missed over a hundred dozen cues on the screen, their shaky, uncoordinated movements bringing attention from outsiders. One of them managed to catch them on camera.
"It'll make a KILLING back at school…"
The quickly forming onlookers were ignored by the duo. Even as their game ended in misery and were covered in sweat they had fun. Both breathed heavily, Shinji's perspiration being more obvious on his bright red shirt than it was on Misato's black dress.
They looked into each other's eyes and smiled widely.
"Very fun, wasn't it?"
"Yeah."
Not too long after, they returned to the apartment.
Misato pointedly did not drive like a crazy maniac on the way back home. Probably due to how tired she felt after the day was over. The setting sun robbed Shinji and Misato of any further desire to stay out, so they marched past the door with tired, dazed movements.
Even so, Shinji managed to word what was on their minds.
"I had a lot of fun, Misato."
She yawned. "You did?"
"Yeah… you're right." Shinji smiled. "It was fun going out. I'd like to do this more with you." He blinked. "If you're able to! I know you're busy…"
"Haha, don't worry. I had fun too." Misato rubbed his shoulder. "Give me a day, I can set aside anything else for a hang out."
"Thanks…" Shinji nodded. "I mean it, thank you."
Her chest fluttered hearing that. Misato considered today another success as she took off her jacket and forgot to hang it properly. She dropped close to the table, shaking her shoulders in an attempt to keep awake.
"Ahhhhhh, where's the dang beer when you need it…"
Not a minute in, she felt a cold beer next to her arm. She turned right to find Shinji smiling down on her.
"Here you go."
She nodded. No hesitation, Misato cracked the can open and drank it whole. Already she felt her nerves tingle in excitement.
"Good, good, GOOD! You know just how to make my day better, Shinji. Keep it up!"
"T-thanks…" He hesitated. "You know… I was thinking…"
"Hm?"
"… I can play the cello if you'd like." Shinji turned his head down. "You wanted me to show you before. I think- well, I'd like to try. If you want."
Unexpected. Perhaps he got a brief boost of courage from today's outing, or he was in a mood to please her. Misato nodded fast, eager to see her ward play.
"I'd like it if you showed me, yeah."
Shinji retreated to his room for a moment, and came back with his cello. He held the bow in shaky, unsteady fashion even as he held the cello high. He wasn't sure to take the next step. Misato gave him a thumbs up, an unspoken permission to play.
So he did.
It was a pretty song, Misato decided. She had vague recollections of hearing it before, but she couldn't name it off the top of her head. Classical music was never her forte, she liked to keep up to date with the current pop songs. It was evident to her, though, that Shinji had practiced this song to technical perfection. Starting unsteadily, he was swept up in the moment in a way she hadn't seen. His eyes closed, not stiff or shrinking away from her. Instead, he was utterly at peace.
Misato couldn't help but be charmed by this display.
When he finished, Shinji seemed much happier. He smiled ever so wider, his eyes opening to gague her reaction. She clapped her hands.
"Woooooo, look at this boy! He stole the whole damned show!
He shook his head. "You're embarrassing me."
"Nope, not having it! You're so good, Shinji! You did great!"
"Well, it did feel good…"
"I bet it did, didn't it? Come here, let's have a toast!"
Misato didn't accept no for an answer. Shinji was pulled back to the table, still sweaty in his shirt and jeans. He didn't mind though. She poured water for his drink, and they tapped their glasses in approval. For the rest of the night, they celebrated another day accomplished.
(Shinji would later tell her the song he played was "Prelude" from Bach's Cello Suite No. Misato promptly forgot about it the next day.)
Author's Notes:
I had two worries: 1) I wasn't sure whether I should include the Jet Alone episode or not and 2) Shinji and Misato hadn't had more time to develop their relationship due to how fast we're speeding through canon. I wrote up this filler chapter to stall for time. Hope you enjoyed it!
Reviews:
engel1white: You're right, which is why now that I got this chapter done I got something cooked up.
Traitor of All Traitors: Blood? Is Sakura dying not enough for you? You want more dead kids? :P You're gonna have to wait a while before we get to Unit 03, assuming it goes the same.