Unlike most mornings, Shinji could say he was happy.
He felt too comfortable where he was, which was how Shinji knew his life had changed. He felt his nose buried in something soft, a grip on the back of his head keeping him there. Something else managed to slip under his shirt, tenderly feeling the flesh of his back. Shinji shook his head to wake himself up, even as he felt groggy.
"I can't believe Misato said she loved me… did she mean it…?"
His doubts paused as his vision began to clear. He realized his position shifted from last night, a spike of fear breaking through as he was currently buried in Misato's chest. Shinji flushed, crawling out of the bed in a blind panic, worried that she would get angry or worse. He didn't mean to end up there, but somehow he did. Yet no threats came as he scampered away. He noticed she was still asleep with a frown plastered on her pretty face. Even like this, Shinji felt his heart skip a beat.
"She's beautiful."
He supposed this was natural. Misato was the sort to take and provide physical affection. Maybe she wanted his company for comfort? Was this was how it is for couples? He didn't know, so Shinji decided to put the thought off.
"It feels weird, knowing that we're… together. We just started and already I'm here."
Misato shook her head. She huffed, moving her body but refusing to wake. Shinji wondered what went through her head, what dream she was experiencing. He moved to her side, unsure of what to do as Misato began to shake. He considered just making breakfast and letting her be, until he heard a faint whisper from her mouth.
"Daddy… don't… don't leave me…"
Shinji felt his face drop. Her father again. She was haunted by that man, same as his father haunted him for years. There was precious little a child like him can do to soothe her in this state. He decided to simply sit by her side, waiting for Misato to finish her nightmare.
She did, after a few more minutes. Misato's body sagged, her mood shifting to a bitter acceptance as she fluttered her eyes open. She moved a hand to graze her lips, seemingly convinced her dream might have been real before shaking her head at the truth. When she saw Shinji, Misato gave him a smile.
"Morning, hon."
"Morning to you."
Misato reached over and gave Shinji a peck on the lips. Then, she raised herself up and cracked her back.
"Mmmf, thank you for doing this Shinji. I forgot what it was like to be with someone, even for a night. It feels great not having to be alone."
"It felt good for me too." He added. "Um, I guess I'm going back to my room now."
Misato chuckled. "We can talk about the bed arrangements some other time."
As she said it, Misato noticed something about Shinji. She gave him a look over.
"Hm. Is it just me or do you look different?"
Shinji was confused by her question, until he raised his hands to himself. Ah, he thought, his body did change recently.
"While you were working, I was with Kaji to farming watermelons. I probably got a tan from that."
And more, Misato noted as she gently grabbed a hold of his left arm. She moved her hand up, getting a feel for his muscle. She grinned.
"I can't believe my Shinji's growing up so quickly."
"Erm, thanks?"
"Don't sweat it. Well, more than you probably did working on that farm. Are you still doing that or…?"
"I… don't think I can go back there." Shinji scratched the back of his head. "I got into an argument with Mr. Kaji and he probably doesn't want to see me again."
"Good. I'd rather you spend time with me than pick up any bad habits from him. I'm gonna shower first…"
Misato winked at her ward.
"Unless you wanna join me, huh~?"
Shinji blushed and stammered, sputtering out: "I- I am not ready for that yet!"
"Phooey, you're a boy. You're supposed to jump at the chance for stuff like that, but I guess not!"
"I- I- Well, maybe I can-"
"Hahahahahaha, I'm just kidding! Don't worry, we'll have plenty of chances for that some day."
She got up and left. Shinji couldn't help but frown. Her taunt brought out his insecurity, a reminder he was still a kid in her eyes. He disliked that feeling and wondered if there was a way to change her perspective. He'd have time to think about it later.
Not long after, Misato finished her shower. Shinji made sure to cook breakfast as he usually did for them. Even with Misato as his girlfriend he refused to take a chance on her cooking, legally classified as a poisonous biohazard. Shinji took the shower while she ate, and came back with a newly minted purple shirt and black pants.
If a positive came from last night, it was how their interactions became relaxed compared to two months ago. They no longer danced around each other, as Misato quickly sang her praises to her new lover while he cleaned the dishes.
"Mmmmm. Shinji, let me tell you you were already the best boyfriend I've ever had by virtue of being good at cooking."
"It's not that special. I learned from my teacher."
"You sure did, god I'm so lucky to have picked you up. Ritsuko doesn't know what she's missing. Then again, she's such a cold bitch she probably wouldn't have appreciated this for shit.
"W- Why are you saying that about your friend?"
"Exactly why, we insult each other all the time. You can ask her about it if you'd like, my precious boy."
"Is that so?" Shinji felt a spark just then. "Well, she probably would say stuff about you. If she was your roommate, she'd have to clean up after you."
Misato smirked. A challenge from her Shinji?
"I wasn't that bad, Ritsuko's just a whiner. I was doing just fine before you came along."
"That's not how I saw it the first day."
Her eye twitched. "You calling me a slob?"
"Nooooo…" Shinji couldn't fight the grin as he shook his head. "I'm just saying, well, you're not… mature. So it makes sense you'd need a boyfriend to look after you."
He didn't hear a response. Shinji worried he said something wrong.
"Um, I was joking. You know that-?"
Suddenly, he felt hands seize upon his sides. Misato's fingers tickled along his armpits, causing him to burst out laughing
"HAHAHAHAhaha, Misato stop! Plea-hahahahahaha!"
"I'll show you mature, Mr. Perfect!"
"Hahahahahahahahahahaha, stoooooooop!"
"No can do," Misato grinned at her helpless captor. "I need to put you in your place for insulting your girlfriend!"
They tumbled to the floor, laughing at themselves for their stupidity. Unfortunately their pleasant commotion disturbed their other roommate. The couple heard a squawk in their direction, turning their heads to see Pen-Pen shaking his head at them. Immediate shame came to the couple over his disapproval.
"Sorry!"
Pen-Pen nodded in satisfaction, before marching back to his room. Then, Misato and Shinji turned to each other and blushed, getting up from the floor in amused embarrassment.
"You've gained a bit of a backbone, Shinji. Weird."
"I was just, um responding to you." Shinji shook his head rapidly. "I can stop it if you'd like."
"Nooooo, I like it!" Misato laughed a bit too hard. "Just not used to it on you that's all."
"I mean it, I can dial it down-"
"No buts, I'm older than you so I can take a few pot shots. Besides, if you flail around that just makes my inevitable victory over you all the better."
"… I see…"
"We should be sneaky outside though." She turned to the door for a second. "We still have Angels which means sync tests. Neither of us want to get in trouble."
"I don't want you in trouble."
"Thanks, but I don't need you take a dive for my sake. Finish breakfast so we can get going."
The sync test was scheduled for 2:30 PM.
Shinji sat in the entry plug, clearing his mind for the test. He noted how he went into the locker rooms by himself rather than Misato following him. He supposed since he no longer had casts, there was no real reason for her to go with him without looking suspicious. While Shinji enjoyed having that small bit of privacy, he did miss her presence just a bit.
He briefly questioned if there was anywhere beside their quarters they could partake in activities, but decided he could ask her about it later. It wouldn't do to get busted on their first day together as a couple. Even if it would be funny. Just thinking about what his father would say about it.
Actually, no he didn't need to know. But what would the Sub-Commander say?
"Hey, I was here first! I made a vow to his mom and you're not taking him!"
Shinji chuckled, shaking his head at the thought. No way that would ever happen.
"Whatever you're thinking, keep it up Shinji. You're really doing it."
He blinked, realizing Misato was talking to him. "Doing what? Did something happen?"
"Your sync ratio rose up by 17%! You're at 229%!"
"Hey, what about me?" Asuka said. "I bet I did better than him!"
"Not really. Only two percent, 208%. I'm afraid this time, Shinji is number one!"
Asuka grumbled in her plug, throwing her fists into the controls. Meanwhile Shinji threw his fist in the air and laughed.
"Haha, I'm getting better and better Asuka. You better not slip up or else an Angel will eat you for breakfast!"
"DON'T GET COMFY, IDIOT! I WILL surpass you very soon, just you wait!"
"You say that, but I don't know." Shinji smugly shifted his chair. "This is so relaxing… I might fall asleep in here without a real competitor."
"If you do, that makes it easier for an Angel to kill you."
"Please, I'd have the Angel dead before you could blink."
Ritsuko rolled her eyes at the exchange between Asuka and Ritsuko, turning to Misato.
"Gets a high sync ratio and immediately flaunts it. Men. Misato, you really shouldn't encourage this."
"It's just a bit of friendly competition." Misato shrugged. "I mean, look at him! He's pretty happy."
"For now. Then the ego will cause problems when an Angel attacks."
"It won't happen. Besides, Shinji's followed orders so far."
"The volcano expedition aside."
"You wanted him to let a pilot die?"
"Touché." Ritsuko held the microphone. "You do seem to be in high spirits today, Ikari. Did something happen?"
"Um?" Shinji scratched his chin. "Just thinking about good things, Dr. Akagi. I'm happy they happen, that's all."
Shinji hoped she didn't notice his glance toward Misato, who smiled knowingly. Having a girlfriend was a major confidence booster in his eyes. Nothing, not even the other Angels, could bring him down so long as he had Misato's approval.
"Yeah I bet you're happy. Still thinking about our kiiiisssss you stupid pervert!"
Immediately, Shinji's eyes bulged in fear. He turned his head to find Asuka sticking her tongue out at him, snickering. Ignoring Ayanami's impassive face on the feed, Shinji saw Misato's smile take a sharp edge.
"Oh? Shinji, you didn't tell me about this yesterday. Could you explain yourself?"
Sweat poured down his face. Shinji knew he was on thin ice and needed to defuse the situation before Misato got the wrong idea. He shook his hands in front of the camera.
"I- It was nothing! It meant nothing, Misato! She dared me to!"
"Ah, but you agreed to it you dumb asshole!" Asuka made choking noises. "Bad enough I had to taste your vomited insides, your kiss was total shit!"
"W-Well it wasn't much better for me, your kiss was like a cactus, it only hurt!"
"Excuse you, my kisses are amazing, you're like a fish when you do it like bloop bloop bloop, god you're pathetic!"
"Am not!"
"Are too!"
"Am not!"
"Are too!"
"Am not!"
"Are-!"
The sound of an airhorn blasted their eardrums. Shinji and Asuka turned sheepishly toward Misato, who carried it in her hand. She moved it from side to side deliberately, making it clear her patience was thin while she spoke.
"Children, please. We're in a sync test. You can argue like babies later, after we're done."
The camera feed cut off. Shinji knew he was in trouble.
"I'm gonna be sick."
"I won't, the Third Child is gonna be in troubleeeeeee~"
He frowned. "Asuka, shut up."
"Hahahahahaha, get wrecked loser! Your precious Misato is so maaaaad!"
Shinji bit his tongue, not wanting to start another argument where Misato could see them. He sighed, feeling his fear grow even after the sync test ended. He made his way to the locker room, quickly changing out of his plugsuit to put his normal clothes on.
"I really hope Misato doesn't get the wrong idea. It was just a bet, nothing else, she doesn't need to worry!"
He didn't expect to run into problems right off the bat. Of course, he'd have to have known Asuka would say something, she wasn't one to let anyone get the better of her and stay quiet. He really should have refused the dare if only out of spite. Shinji put his shoes on, making his way out the door.
"I really have to talk to Misato before- hey!"
Misato was just outside, waiting for him. She chuckled and slapped his shoulder.
"Ha, I scared you pretty good didn't I?"
"Y-Yeah you did." Shinji looked around. "What are you doing here?!"
"Relax, it's normal for a guardian to hang out with their ward. I'm bringing you over to the office if you don't mind."
"The office? Your office?"
"Yeah, I need to get some paperwork done and," Misato grabbed his hand, blushing. "I'd like it if you came along. I want to make up for lost time."
As she held him, the request sounded pretty reasonable to Shinji's ears. He nodded.
"Okay, I'll do it."
"I don't think you've ever seen the office, so I'll have to take you there."
He had a general sense of its direction, but Shinji knew what Misato was really doing. Walking them in slow, deliberate steps, it was clearly an excuse to hold his hand through the facility without anyone asking too many questions. He smiled, allowing this moment to happen. Before long, they entered Misato's office.
"I know it's a little… messy… but it should be fine I think."
A little? Granted it was neater than their first apartment, but not by much. There were hardly any pictures or items of comfort, just a desk and far too many papers sitting there and the floor with half-eaten food littered on the floor. Even stuff that was properly put in the trash was piling up on its own corner, almost spilling out of the bag.
Misato was just hopeless without him, was she?
"The camera here doesn't work at all." She said. "I found this out the first week I started at NERV. We'll be safe here."
"Really?" Shinji was skeptical. "We won't get caught?"
"Well, we do need to close the curtains." Misato said as she did so. "So what was up with that kiss? You didn't bring it up yesterday. Cheating on me already?"
Her tone was light but curt. Shinji wasn't stupid, he knew there was hurt in her voice, so he took the chance to come clean.
"I- It was- well, I was dared to do it but…" He sighed. "You were avoiding me and I didn't want to be alone. Asuka took me out, we had fun but then she brought you up and… I don't know, I kissed her to see what would happen. But I couldn't stop thinking about you during that kiss and we stopped. Neither of us liked it I think. I'm really sorry, Misato."
Shinji saw how… weirdly intense Misato was as she stared at him. She tilted her head, seemingly in thought.
"… I see."
"Again, I'm sorry." He looked down. "I didn't think we would ever be, well, like we are now and-"
He felt his arms grabbed as a kiss was forced on him. Shinji could do nothing as Misato's tongue invaded his mouth, making him melt into her embrace. He gave into the kiss, trying to give as good as he had but with no experience compared to Misato it was like a fish looking for air. He was helpless before her, flushing and something stirring in his loins even as she broke it off, giving him a smug smile.
"That's an adult kiss, my dear Shinji. You'll do well to remember who your girlfriend who is."
"Um, yes, I will."
Misato kissed him again, clearly enjoying herself, She hugged him close as she reached into his ear.
"I know you're hormonal teenagers and all, but try to keep things professional between you two okay? We need you in top shape for the Angels. No accidents."
"R- Right."
She laughed, slapping his butt to leave him stammering. She loved his nervousness, as well as the obvious arousal he seemed to be in, all because of her.
"Ah, um, Misato… why'd you…"
"Never stop being so cute, Shinji." Misato pointed at a stack in her desk. "Could you please help me with the paperwork? I think I exhausted all of Ritsuko's patience with the last several… erm, two weeks of work we went through."
Shinji opened his mouth, before sighing again. She was just teasing him again. He glumly sat next to her, paying attention to her signature so he could replicate it. Even with his frustration, as he worked with Misato and saw her smile, Shinji had one thought.
'I'm thankful to be needed for something…'
A day later, an Angel arrived outside the city.
The MAGI had no designation for it. All the staff had to go off of was the Angel's physical appearance, a malformed ugly body resembling a human's, but with an open skull mask replacing its face, black armored spots randomly aligned around the chest. None of the pieces did their job of covering the body, particularly the red core lied visible in its chest.
"What kind of Angel is this?"
"I don't know. It isn't in the manual."
"Really?"
"The Angel does not match any description we have in our records."
"Wonder Girl's right, so stay sharp!"
Shinji, Asuka and Rei, in their respective Evas, were sent to intercept the Angel. Each carried firearms and progressive knives for back ups. The full bridge crew monitored the Angel for any signs of attack, as Commander Ikari and Sub-Commander Iscariot watched with great interest. On her end, Misato bit her lip in anticipation. She didn't like going in blind, not with how dangerous Angels can and have been so far.
"Really, Ritsuko? No designation?"
"None was found." Ritsuko said. "From the looks of it, this Angel hadn't finished its metamorphosis when it hatched."
"It'll only make it easier to kill." Commander Ikari nodded. "The Angel's body is to be kept intact. Major Katsuragi, I trust you'll be able to do your job."
Misato resisted the urge to raise a middle finger to him, preferring to focus on the task.
"Roger. Rei, fire at at it to check its AT-Field."
Rei did so, causing the Angel's AT-Field to be raised. The bullets passed through with surprising ease, the Angel stammering from lack of protection. What passed for blood began to spill from its body. The MAGI detected a heat signature rising.
"Okay, this is going to be an easy one." Misato said. "Asuka take point."
"Me?" Asuka put a hand to her chest, putting on a mock performance. "Oh, why don't you get Shinji to do it? He is number one after all, he deserves the chance!"
"Asuka, we don't have time for games. We have an Angel to eliminate-"
Just as she said it, Unit 01 steadied its legs. Shinji grinned for the camera.
"You know what? I think I will!"
Misato cursed under her breath as Shinji brought out his progressive knife. This was bad, and just as the Commander was watching!
"Shinji, wait! We don't know what this Angel's capabilities are!"
"Come on, I'm number one like you said!" He pointed at himself. "Don't send a girl to do a man's job!"
His feed cut. Sub-Commander Iscariot shook her head as she laughed.
"Perky little brat, isn't he? Katsuragi, his failure will be on your head."
At that, Misato shook her head. She was ready to call Shinji an idiot while preparing an order for him to stand down. However, she wasn't fast enough. Shinji jabbed the progressive knife into the Angel's core. The body began to bleed all over the knife and Unit-01's hands, letting out a curling scream that sent the Bridge into disarray.
"The patterns is weakening, but the AT-Field is becoming active!"
"Life signs are destabilizing, heat signature decreasing!"
"Ma'am, the Angel is… dying…" Lt. Hyuuga said. "But it's struggling to stay alive. It was preparing an attack until Unit 01 intercepted it."
Huh, Shinji saved their butts for the moment. Misato straightened her posture.
"Okay, everyone don't hold back! Hit it with everything you got!"
The Angel tried to regain its momentum as Shinji pulled away the knife. Asuka and Rei began firing at the Angel, who raised its AT-Field to block the attack. Being the closest to the creature, Shinji raised the knife to carve into it again, only the Angel now made sure to swift in avoiding the slices. The black spots began to form something resembling protective armor, but they didn't emerge fast enough to prevent Unit 01 from penetrating its vulnerable spots.
Most importantly, the spots weren't preventing its core from leaking orange blood across the terrain. Eventually, Unit 02 was able to join Unit 01 in its effort to destroy the Angel. They worked together to stab the Angel hundreds times from its arms to its abdomen to its legs, preventing it from moving away. Asuka wasn't even trying to not to show off, as she made It a point to stab the Angel's neck.
"This was way too easy. A piece of cake compared to the last one!"
Suddenly, the Angel turned its head around. Holes were eyes would be on the skull began to fill with concentrated rays of light.
"Huh?"
At the bridge, Misato overlooked Hyuuga's console, seeing the heat signature rising again. She raised her head.
"SHINJI, KILL THE ANGEL NOW!"
Shinji didn't need to be told twice. Before the Angel could fire its beams at Asuka, he managed to penetrate the back of its skull with another stab of the knife. The Angel was forced to its knees, blasting away at the air blindly while Asuka took several steps backwards. Its body began to fall apart before their eyes, bubbles forming around the legs, torso, and even its arms flattening into white sheets that extended past the Units.
Before long, the Angel erupted into a fiery explosion, a cross forming into the sky. Everyone at the base applauded their victory.
"We beat it…" Asuka said in a confused whisper. "It was easy."
"Very easy." Shinji responded with another cheery grin. "Makes me feel bad I took the kill from you, Asuka. You could have won if you didn't goad me into it!"
She blinked, realizing he was right. Asuka then slammed her hands into the controls.
"Verdammt, ich hasse dich, du dummer verdammter bastard, und dein dummes, schleimiges, selbstgefälliges Gesicht und dumm– GRRRRAAAAAHHH!"
"Hahahahaha, score one for the man!"
Shinji then looked at his screen, noticing Misato's glare. He sheepishly grinned.
"Althouuuugh, Misato did order me to save you so we should thank her too. And Dr. Akagi. And the… Sub-Commander, who is also there. Um, hahaha… and Ayanami I guess. Erm, maybe being a man doesn't have anything to do with Eva actually, heh…"
Misato only slipped a tiny smirk from her boyfriend's attempt at saving himself. Only a tiny one. She turned toward the Commander, who wasn't pleased with the battle.
"The Angel was to be brought back intact. The Third Child will need to be disciplined for his disobedience."
She raised her hand to her head in salute. "Understood, sir."
"Make sure to do something about that attitude." Iscariot threw in her two cents. "We definitely can't have the boy grow too much of an ego on the battlefield. It'll get everyone killed some day."
Misato nodded. It would be irresponsible as a field-commander to let Shinji go without some sort of talking to. Sure he saved lives with his rash action, but such impulsive decisions could hurt NERV and his teammates if they weren't properly accessed. The punishment needed to be dealt in proportion to the crime. She had to follow the Commander's orders even if he was hardly around to give sound orders.
Such reasoning was why minutes after the debriefing, she went to confront Shinji inside the locker room. Misato surprised him by barging through the door, grabbing him by the shoulder, staring deep into his beautiful blue eyes, and asked him what kind of pizza he'd like to celebrate.
Shinji rode on the high of beating the Angel for the next several days.
Things were finally looking up, something that filled Shinji with confidence. He was not used to confidence, a foreign feeling he was just getting used to as he strut around NERV like he owned the place. Even with the way Asuka glared at him during sync tests, he wasn't bothered. As of now, Shinji far outstripped her as a pilot and no one else at NERV could tell him no. Especially as Misato was being extra with her praises, something that really got him going.
Of course he wasn't stupid. He curbed his ego around Misato, remembering Asuka's advice on clingy guys, but everywhere else was fair game as far as Shinji was concerned. He walked by a couple of technicians on his way to Misato's office.
"Hey!" Shinji winked at them. "Guess who's number one? Me! Thanks to your hard work of course, keep it up! You might get promoted!"
The technicians glared, murderous intent in their eyes. Shinji ignored them. Why would he be bothered by their deluded jealousy? He was the best pilot, he got with Misato and had her complete approval, he was happy. He wasn't the creepy boy they made him out to be for after all.
During off time, he would sneak into Misato's office to help her, then they'd eat lunch together at the cafeteria. She looked at him with warm, loving eyes and he'd give the same to her. In her office, they'd be more affectionate. Misato let him sit on her lap while writing the reports, leaving kisses on his neck as he wrote her signature on the thousand contract dispute that day.
One time, Shinji asked her if he could do the same to her. She laughed, raising her neck to let her kiss it. His worries that Misato only teased were beginning to fade. She was so open with him, something Shinji appreciated as he began his revenge. Before leaving for the day, he slapped her butt the same way she did to him already. The act must have surprised her, since she glared at him when she turned around. Before Shinji could ask what was wrong, Misato threw him against the wall for a deep kiss. He hadn't tried to touch her again.
To Shinji, kissing Misato felt as much like a struggle as it was a loving gesture. She cared about him, he long stopped doubting that, but there was something else to it. He brushed it aside, why complain now that they were closer than ever? He missed this feeling after two months of her staying away. Aside from the mandatory NERV meetings, she didn't meet anyone other than him and Shinji was glad.
So glad that it made him feel bad in a way. They were cooped up at NERV, having done much else besides kissing and hanging out in their quarters or Misato's office. Shinji wanted to take her on a date, a real date somewhere else. His only idea was revisiting old locations, and he knew just the one.
With the idea formed in his head, Shinji walked down the hallway to visit Misato. Luckily it was on the same floor as the sync tests, so it didn't take much for him to change clothes and walk over to her. He marched like a man possessing unearned sense of propriety as he whispered to himself.
"Should I try to make something for her? We could stop at the supermarket to get food…"
He couldn't get beer for her, wouldn't do well to enable her, but getting supplies sounded like a good idea. Maybe he could get ingredients to make a more complicated curry dish. Misato did always praise his cooking, he could try to make more things she'd like.
Just as he was about to reach the office, he ran into an unpleasant. Shinji narrowed his eyes.
"Hey Kaji."
Kaji kept a cool front, but Shinji knew it was only a front. He looked into the man's eyes and saw an exhausted, jaded bitterness behind them, like he hadn't slept in days. Shinji had seen this look too many times in the mirror to not understand Kaji was troubled by something, but what he didn't know. Honestly, he didn't care.
"Hey yourself." Kaji spoke. "Bet you're feeling really proud of yourself. The techs were complaining about your smarminess."
"I don't really care about their opinion."
"I bet you don't."
Shinji wondered if Kaji was going to bring up the watermelon patch incident. Kaji continued,
"Some idiot destroyed my work, causing months of progress went down the drain. I've had to pull all nighters to get all of it back. I wonder if he's proud of himself."
"Sounds like a you problem." Shinji crossed his arms. "Maybe you should have been more careful. Or paid closer attention."
Kaji shrugged. "I suppose I should have."
"Odd to see you around here. Were you going to see Misato?"
"Kid, I'm over her. We're not together, she's always going to put herself first. I'm done trying to get close only for her to pull away. That's not a position I want anyone to be in, not even you. She punched me for even trying to get close. I see her around you more frequently. Kind of stings, I won't lie."
"She punched you?" Shinji was surprised. "What'd you do?"
"Dunno. I bet you'd have enjoyed that. You really like to screw with me, don't you? Why? What did I ever do you?"
"I don't have anything to say to you."
"Actually, I have something to say to you. If people don't like you, it's cause you bring that shit on yourself. You can't whine about how helpless you are and then bite the hand that feeds you when they ask for something in return. Love is about giving as much as taking, as I learned with Misato. I clearly brought nothing that can can satisfy her. You seem to, though. Right now, I just want to do my work and do it quietly. So do me a favor, and go fuck yourself."
Shinji wavered at the insult, but said nothing. As Kaji began to leave, however, Shinji felt he needed to say something, anything, so he wouldn't come out of this feeling terrible. He said:
"Is it really that you couldn't give, or that you what you had to give was awful! You said men and women were separated by a river, but I don't understand you either. I told her what she wanted to hear and she accepted me, why couldn't you? She told you how she felt over and over a- and you ignored her so you could act like an animal! All you ever did was hurt her, that's why she didn't choose you! You never loved her, not like I do!"
For a moment, Shinji froze as Kaji looked back. He worried that he said the wrong thing, that he might have been found out at the clear disdain on Kaji's face. To his relief, nothing came as Kaji sighed.
"Believe whatever you want, kid. You're right, I never understood her. It's like I said. No one can ever one hundred percent understand each other. Maybe love is more trouble than it's worth."
And just like that, Kaji turned back and disappeared. Shinji lost his composure, his legs wobbling from a fear he didn't know he had. More importantly though, he felt a seething rage over Kaji's insult.
"Love isn't like that. What we have is more than you'll ever know."
In his fury, Shinji stormed to the office, his head swirling with thoughts of revenge toward Kaji. How dare he act like he had a right to her? How had he ever seen Kaji as a threat, clearly he was beyond stupid. Misato only gave herself to Kaji out of pity, because she was lonely. She didn't need him anymore, now that she had him to take care of her. Kaji could die for all he cared.
"I'm going to see her and I'm going to take her out."
Shinji knocked on the door, waiting to hear her invitation before entering. He found Misato sitting on her desk, trying to fan herself before as she waved at him.
"Oh, hey Shinji!"
"Hi Misato." Shinji smiled, closing the door behind him. "How're you doing… um… babe?"
Misato laughed at him, making him feel self-conscious.
"Shinji, sorry, you calling me that is so funny coming from you."
"Erm, sorry. I just keep seeing that word around and…"
"Nah it's okay."
She brushed some hair from her face.
"Are you here for something? I'll admit I was getting boring before you showed up."
"Well, um…"
Incredible, He could charge at an Angel to kill it, but not talk to girls? No, his girlfriend who he confessed to? He was pathetic and he had to prove himself.
"I was wondering if we could, um go out?"
Misato blinked. "Like, on a date?"
"Well, now that we're… boyfriend and girlfriend… It just feels right, you know? I went with Asuka to the carnival, I want us to go out together somewhere. If that's okay that is?"
She brightened up significantly at that, much to Shinji's delight.
"Sure! Anywhere in particular? Maybe we can go to that carnival, get some sweet revenge on Asuka in the process."
"No, that's been closed apparently." Shinji shook his head. "I was thinking we could to, um, the mall? We went there one time but not again. I'd like to go back."
"Nostalgic, aren't you?" Misato said with a smile, "Right now? Just let me get the paperwork done."
"Well, it doesn't have to be now! We can go tomorrow. Or, whenever."
"Tomorrow sounds better honestly. I'm getting tired anyway."
"Me too. So, tomorrow?"
"Tomorrow."
Shinji left the office afterward. He shook his fist in triumph, glad that he succeeded yet again.
"I'm finally getting somewhere! I feel great, yes! This is going to be the best day of my life!"
"That's nice to hear"
Shinji yelped. His anxiety refused to die after seeing it was Dr. Akagi who he bumped into.
"Erm, oh it's you. Dr. Akagi." Shinji looked down. "I was just, um, talking about a game. Or something."
Ritsuko raised an eyebrow.
"I didn't know you played games."
"I do! With Asuka! Yes, we sometimes play together in her room. She was beating me at a car racing game and I lost so many times before! But I found a way to beat her! Yeah, erm, that's what's happening. That's all."
For an agonizingly long moment, Ritsuko stared at him. Shinji was worried his lie was far too obvious, that it was so clear he and Misato were engaging in a relationship and that Ritsuko would tell his father, end them both, maybe deploy Misato to Antartica in an attempt to kill her while he would be sent to the volcano and melt to death-
"Okay, sounds reasonable enough. Have a good one."
Oh good, there was no need to worry. Shinji wound up his legs for a run, but before he did Ritsuko asked him,
"Is Misato okay? I've been worried about her, I think she was going through something but now she's acting cheerful. Way too much. Do you know anything about that?"
He shook his head violently, a blush on his face.
"Erm, no. Sorry! I need to go and iron Misato's pistol. Bye!"
Shinji ran to a random hallway, anywhere away from the moment. His hopes were unknowingly dashed as Ritsuko shook her head, her suspicions unfortunately confirmed.
"Misato, what are you thinking with this boy?!"
The next day arrived. Shinji got the date he wanted with Misato.
Sitting in the SUV, he was glad Misato was better at picking disguises than Asuka. The black, slicked down wig he wore was less itchy than the previous blond wig, the white high collar jacket complimenting his black long pants well. He didn't need to change so much of his look to blend in, with the clothes looser on his frame. Already a step up.
"You're lucky Shinji, if I hadn't found this I would have put you in suspenders so we could match."
Misato's disguise was peculiar to say the least. An all-black attire, long skirt and white tie that felt slobbier- less professional, Shinji corrected in his head- than her tank top and shorts combo. Her wig was white and styled into a braid, was she aiming for hiding in plain sight? He hoped it worked, as Misato brushed the haid away from her right eye.
"Hate these things, but it can't be helped. We can't be seen out here without being harassed."
"Unfortunately." Shinji looked at himself. "These are better than what I had at the carnival, by the way. Thanks."
"Don't mention it. NERV keeps a record of your measurements, which is how I got you these clothes."
"Really?" Shinji smirked at Misato. "Is it the same for you?"
She caught onto his hidden question, smirking back. "That's a private question, Shinji. But yes."
She revved up the engine, pulling the lever to start the car. Shinji stopped her for a moment, putting a hand over her own to ask an important question.
"Erm, Misato… when driving… oh forget it. Can you try not to kill me? I don't want our first date to end with me in the hospital like every other Angel fight."
"You don't end up there every other time." Misato rolled her eyes. "Questioning my driving? I'm so huuuuurt," She emphasized to let him know she was teasing. "You doubt your girlfriend so much? If you get hurt I'll just tend to you with my sweet medicineeeee~"
"I don't doubt you… just your common sense."
"Tch. Wimp."
Whether as an act of spite toward him, or her failing to be careful- Shinji hadn't been in a car with her in a while, he could just be wrong- Misato drove like a maniac. Almost deliberately taking turns to mess with his stomach as she nearly ran over civilians and crashed into cars. She did destroy a stop sign after veering the SUV too close to the sidewalk to avoid an incoming jam, which made Shinji scream in horror.
"Oh relax you baby." She told him. "I do this twice a week, three if I'm really moving."
The insanity was on part with Maximum Extreme Super-Heat. It lasted until Misato stopped the car in front of the mall, She looked over to Shinji, who held his hands over his stomach.
"You good?" Misato became worried. "Barf bag's in here."
Shinji ignored her. He swallowed the bile building up in his throat, breathing heavily to steady his nerves.
"I don't know how I managed that…" He let out. "… but I did."
"The roller coaster must have reinforced your hide."
"Maybe. What the hell is wrong with you?!"
"I just got excited that's all."
"Is it because I doubted you? Because none of this proved me wrong."
"Whatever do you mean? I just wanted to get here as quickly as possible."
"Are you going to be like this? Really?"
"Act like what?"
"… Sorry." Shinji opened the door. "Let's just head out."
Misato pouted. "Oh phooooeyyy. you're no fuuuuun."
She acted like a teenager, Shinji noted with equal parts derision and amusement. He had a lot of respect for her, but when she was with him she acted like a less mature Asuka. Maybe that was her being herself, not having the pressure of fighting the Angels to sharpen her mind. The woman behind the soldier. The girl behind the operations director sending him to die. He was privy to this information in a way no one else at NERV was. No one knew the true Misato as she existed in his mind right now.
Shinji wondered if Second Impact hadn't happen would Misato even be the same? What would she have been like if life was normal? Would she even be in the military? Misato admitted to joining NERV in revenge for her father, Shinji supposed if Second Impact hadn't happened then he would be alive and Misato would have been a more carefree, relaxed person. Probably drinking in a bar somewhere. They wouldn't have even met. The thought soured him, as much as it sparked his curiosity.
He couldn't see her at a desk job or as a teacher. She was too smart to be a model, showing off to others like that, the thought of which made Shinji shudder. He could see her being a police officer. Yes, if the Angels couldn't survive her then he doubted a single criminal would be able to escape her grasp, including himself.
"You're under arrest, Ikari. I need to search your pants for a deadly weapon. Hmmm, you refuse to cooperate. Time for a personal inspection~"
Shinji blushed at the sudden fantasy. Would Misato be up for something like that? Maybe, but is she even in the mood for it now?
"What would it be like to be caught by her…"
"By who?"
"Erm, nothing!" Shinji said too quickly. "I mean, if someone at NERV found us we'd be dead."
Misato gave him a look. "Yeah, it'd be a problem if Ritsuko or someone we knew caught us. Poor Hyuuga would get a heart attack if he saw us out here. Come to think of it, today's an off day so they might be here. Not the best idea for a date."
"Why you'd agree then?"
"I like it here. It's cute you're trying to be a good boyfriend."
Shinji frowned at this, but before he could respond they arrived at a small store. They immediately recognized it as Jin-chan's Animal Treats, where they went to get Pen-Pen's food.
"Let's buy something for Pen-Pen while we're here. You don't mind do you?"
"Of course not."
"Great!"
They entered, where they were spotted by the owner. Sanada gave them a grin as he recognized the two.
"Katsuragi, hey! I didn't know it was you. Let me guess, undercover work?"
"Pretty much." Misato responded sheepishly. "Sorry I haven't seen you in a while."
"More than okay, I saw the news. So much was leaked out, you had to disappear probably. You boy, you holding up okay?"
Shinji nodded his head. "Trying to."
"I'm sorry, kid. You're the talk of the town, sparked all sorts of debates around here. Either you're a hero or a victim, or NERV's psy-op to drum public interest and yadda yadda. Point is, they're getting shat on by the press."
"They don't deserve that. We're trying to protect people."
"For what it's worth, you're a good guy in my book. Bravely saving this woman from the nuclear disaster robot… that's not nothing."
Shinji oddly felt relieved to hear that. Misato agreed, putting a hand atop his shoulder.
"He's something alright. Shinji's my hero, just the other day he killed an Angel all on his own. I'm so proud of him."
She rubbed the shoulder tenderly, making him blush.
"T-Thank you. Both of you." Shinji bowed in respect. "I hope not to disappoint."
"You haven't yet. In fact, you're getting a free discount."
Shinji tried to reject the offer, but Misato shook her head and stopped him. She picked up Pen-Pen's treats, wishing Sanada a good day before leaving the store. As they left, Misato held Shinji's hand and smiled.
"What's the plan now, my Shinji?"
"What?"
"Well you did ask for the date. A man should know where to take a lady on a date."
"Really?" Shinji tried to think. "Well, we could try a place again."
They went past the food court, and into the arcades like they did months ago. Shinji pulled up in front of the dance machine, which caused Misato to smirk.
"This again? You aiming for a rematch?"
"Yeah, actually." Shinji cracked his fingers. "I've had training since then, I can beat you now."
"Ohoho? Is my Shinji challenging me to a duel? You should know, I'm a professional."
"I don't believe that. Aside from the Angels, all I ever see you do is be lazy."
"Hmph. I'll show you just how wrong you are!"
Not wanting to draw attention, Misato used her actual money at the register to buy tokens. After deploying them to the machine, Shinji and Misato onto the dance floor. They looked at each other for a moment, and nodded.
The music began, and they danced.
It got off to a rocky start. Even with Shinji's syncro-dance training, they missed cues left and right like before. However, as the game went on, Shinji paid attention to what Misato was doing and tried to match it. Misato noticed Shinji's efforts, and slowed herself to match him blow for blow. Their movements became closer and closer in sync, the sweat not even an issue in their eyes as they became one.
Misato would remember today with fondness. She looked at her Shinji, slightly taller, stronger than she'd seen him when he first arrived, concentrated on matching her as she was to him. He was quiet and attentive, bowing to her whims yet eager to prove himself when pushed. It was a resolve much like herself, and Misato found herself loving that about him. She loved him, how good he was to her, for her, and wanted to keep him close to her side.
The feeling didn't disappear as they stopped. Misato adjusted her wig so it wouldn't come off, just staring at Shinji as he rubbed the sweat from his forehead. He looked at her.
"What is it?"
"… you're amazing."
He looked away, embarrassed. Misato didn't mind. She took him by the hand, leading him away from the crowd that formed watching them. She ignored their questions as she grabbed Shinji's face to make her look at him.
"I mean it. I love you so much, you know that? Just there I was so excited to just be with you. You've made me happier than I've ever been."
"Thanks Misato." Shinji smiled for her. "I'm glad. I feel the same way."
"It was definitely a good idea to come back here. You didn't whoop my butt, but you stole my heart. It's yours now, you can't take it back."
"W- Well, Who says that I want to?"
He grabbed one of her hands and kissed it, remembering how she enjoyed that physicality. He wanted her to see how much he respected her.
"I love you, Misato. I don't think I've ever felt like this for… anyone… ever…"
Her smile grew. She kissed his forehead.
"You're becoming quite the man, now. My man. Lead the way, Shinji."
Shinji did. He took her to more of the arcade machines, wasting tokens on the zombie shooter and the whack-a-mole machines that brought back memories. They ate at the food court, talking easily as lovers did. Hours passed before they even considered going back to NERV. Once they did, Misato sighed, disappointed they even had to leave. He just swept her away so easily, making her legs rub in desperation.
"It almost felt like a normal date there. I feel my age now…"
"I don't care about that all. You're great."
He kissed her hand again while she drove, causing Misato to swoon again.
"You know," she began to admit, "I was jealous whenever you and Asuka hung out without me. Now that we did that, I don't feel so bad. Doing this with you was fun."
"So you're really enjoying yourself."
"I am. Really. What's wrong?"
"I know that… I'm not like Kaji, I'm not… mature… and you knew him, I never did… I don't understand some things…"
Misato laughed.
"You two are different people. I loved being with you, I don't think I would have enjoyed any of today with him. You're my man now, not him. You better step up to the plate!"
At a stop light, Misato stole a kiss from Shinji again. She only let go when the light turned green.
"I'd.. I'd…" Shinji stammered, "I want to do this again."
"Me too. Maybe we can see a movie or something."
"Like in that old theater?"
"Nah. I want us to go somewhere fancy. Watch a real movie, not that slop!"
Soon, they arrived at the parking lot. Leaving the car, Misato and Shinji took off their wigs and dumped them in a nearby box. They were about to head for the elevator before they were approached by Section-2 agents.
"Major Katsuragi. We have a situation."
"Now?" She crossed her arms. "I just came back from our trip, can this wait?"
"It's urgent, orders from up high. Apologies."
Misato glanced at Shinji, giving him an apologetic look. Shinji nodded in understanding
"Don't worry about it. I'd like some alone time right now honestly."
"Got it. I'll be back soon, no problems."
She left with the agents through the elevator. Shinji shrugged, looking up to the ceiling and smiled.
"After the day I had, I doubt anything'll go wrong. Just this once I feel like all is right with the world."
Kaji wondered If God had something against him,
After facing tragedy since childhood, selling his soul to save the world, he'd meet his end tied up in a chair, suffering close-to-fatal wounds around his body, failing to accomplish anything. There's probably something funny there, but Kaji wasn't in the mood for jokes. He clearly hadn't covered his tracks too well if he'd been caught red handed.
He had been so careful up to this point. Stealing documents, infiltrating office spaces, gathering info wherever he could. If only that stupid kid hadn't destroyed his main pen-drive. Even with his back-ups, it wouldn't be enough to pull the wool over NERV. To regain any progress, Kaji had to take a gamble. Each night, he snuck into the MAGI's main core to steal data. He pulled out all his hacking tricks since his time in NERV Germany, which made him commit the worst mistake a spy could make. He got cocky.
He should have anticipated something was up when he too easily hacked into the mainframe and uncovered files on the Instrumentality project along with information on the Evas, SEELE, Commander Ikari, Ayanami, Tabris, Adam and Lilith's current locations, so much that he just had to know more. Just last night, he was all too eager to jump in again when he discovered by Section-2. Kaji was then brutally beaten to near-death and dumped into a cell.
It was all Kaji could do to stare at the darkness, waiting for the moment he was going to be executed.
"I knew something like this was going to happen. A small price to pay to save the human race."
He never thought he was going to get out of this alive. Maybe he shouldn't have tried to get close to Misato, if all he was going to do was hurt her. Maybe the kid was right and he really was selfish. No matter. The JSSDF had plenty on the Committee anyway, this quest was to satisfy his own curiosity. He put off everything for the sake of his work, much like the Commander it seemed.
Kaji wondered who was going to deliver the finishing blow. Was it going to be a newbie, break him in by killing the spy? Nah, it had to be an experienced intelligence officer. He hoped it wasn't Kyoya Kenzaki, that guy was an annoying prick if he ever seen one. He was getting a little excited honestly, in a morbid sort of way.
"Heh, they better have picked someone good. Make this not boring for me."
He'd eat his own words as the door opened. Kaji's face fell as he saw the last person he wanted to know his secrets.
"Oh... it's you."
Misato, beautiful as she always was, slammed the door shut. He could see the conflict behind her eyes. Kaji couldn't tell if he was relieved she didn't despise him so much that she wanted him dead, or if he wished she did. If she hated him completely this would have been so much easier for them both.
"So, they sent you huh?"
"I was detained due to my connection to you. After they explained the situation, I requested to take this assignment."
"Did you now? Then you know what you have to do."
Misato nodded. She looked away, gathering the strength.
"I don't hate you, you know. I never did."
"I never hated you either." She admitted. "Sorry about the punch. My mind was away when I did that."
"I got the feeling. Is it okay if I ask why? I feel like I deserve to know, just before you kill me."
"... you do. God, yes you do." She sadly looked away. "In the moment you grabbed me, forced yourself on me…. I was reminded of my father. You always did. That's why I stayed away, and why I kept coming back. I'm sorry, but I can't look at you without seeing Dad and... vanishing..."
Kaji's eyes widened.
"My god. I'm so sorry."
"I believe you." Misato shook her head. Fire came back into her eyes. "I also know what you did."
He sighed. "What did they tell you?"
"You're a spy. You've been leaking NERV's secrets since you rose through the ranks in Germany. You're responsible for breaking Shinji's identity to our competitors, and allowed a strike team to attack during the black out."
She took out her service pistol. Kaji swallowed bile in his throat.
"Most of that was true. I didn't leak anything though. You know I wouldn't do that to your ward."
"But you know the one who did it."
His silence said it all.
"I didn't mean for any of it to happen."
"Well, it did. I could have gotten past most of that, but your stunt with the black out put the entire city at risk. Worst of all, one of our pilots nearly died because of you."
She aimed the gun.
"I'll take the blame on that one. But Misato, you have to understand, NERV isn't what you think it-"
He didn't get the chance to explain.
His throat was the first to get blasted. He barely let out a gasp, before he felt his chest and stomach explode gallons of blood. Kaji fell to the floor, feeling his life drain away as Misato turned and left. The last thing he ever saw was her, better than what he expected in all honesty. Kaji felt content at least.
Huh. Kaji must have hit his head hard on impact, because he swore he saw two Misatos in the doorway. One with her back faced to him, leaving him behind. The other walking toward him, eager to take him somewhere… nice… and beautiful…
He couldn't wait to see his comrades again.
"Hmhmhmhmhm…"
Shinji was washing the plates in the sink, when he felt a shiver come over him. He couldn't explain how, but he felt something wrong.
"What could that be, though? I cleaned everything last I checked. Maybe it's…?"
He looked down and found Pen-Pen pecking his leg. He patted the penguin''s head, hearing the animal hum.
"Nah, couldn't be you Pen-Pen." Shinji kept his smile on. "Let's do our best to take care of Misato together. Does that sound good?
Pen-Pen agreed, nodding his head. Just then, Shinji heard the door open.
"Hey Misato! Just finished cleaning…" His face fell. "What's wrong?"
Misato violently shut the door. She kept her head down, quietly walking over to the kitchen table. She sat across from Shinji, putting her hands over her face.
"Misato?"
She sniffed. Then, she began to cry much to Shinji's surprise.
What happened between the parking lot and now? Why was she like this? He was hopeless when he saw Misato distraught over something he didn't know about. Shinji admitted to himself he wasn't the best at comforting people, even with his small practices at the springs and the promotion. Though he hated seeing others in pain, Shinji preferred to shy away. He was just a child.
"…"
His discussion with Kaji from yesterday replayed in his head. Shinji went over to Misato's side, putting a hand on her shoulder in a way he knew Kaji never could.
"Misato, I'm… I'm sorry…"
Misato looked at him. Shinji could see the ugly tears around her eyes. She threw her arms over him, hugging Shinji close to her as if he would disappear at any moment. He heard her speak,
"Don't leave me, Shinji… Please, don't leave me alone… You're… all I have…"
Shinji nodded, realizing he was doing the right thing. He hugged her back, determined to do whatever she wanted so she would feel happy.
"Never. I won't leave you."
They sat together, comforting each other over a loss they had knowledge of the consequences for. Pen-Pen blinked at them, before quietly leaving the pair alone in their grief.
Author's Notes:
And so, Oedipus murders King Laius of Thebes, leaving Jocasta free for the taking… or does it not count since Kaji isn't Shinji's dad and it's indirect? Eh, I count it, not like Shinji and Gendo have much of a relationship in this fic anyway. I'll refrain from gloating.
… Nah I won't, Shinji got Kaji killed! HIS IGNORANCE DOOMED US ALL! You got what you wanted but AT WHAT COST?! MUUUUUUAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
*ahem* Anyway. Spot the Megumi Ogata and Kotono Mitsuishi reference.
(Removed a couple of paragraphs in these notes, it came out more judgemental than I intended and made me uncomforatble.)
Next time, Bardiel and whether or not the Dummy Plug system will do anything in this fic.
Reviews:
engel17white: Thank you, I hope to outdo myself the longer this goes on.
Volter: Yet somehow both are saner than EoE!Shinji. The confrontation was tamer than you probably expected, but I hope you liked it. I should clarify, Misato didn't actually want to fuck her dad, she wanted him to pay attention to her. The pitiful comfort is more about Misato despising his hypocrisy. "Oh, you feel guilty and ashamed but keep giving in. At least act like you enjoy being with me, asshole" is how she'd put it. Otherwise I wouldn't say you're entirely wrong, as I mostly leave this Misato up to your interpretation. The main idea I wanted to convey was how, while Misato definitely cares about Shinji, her attraction to him is at least in part due making her feel secure in a way that a relationship with an adult man like Kaji hasn't. She's a bit messed up like that.