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Did you know? Did you know?
In theater was a girl made of porcelain. Even after being battered from years of play her body outlined stitches and glue on her pale skin, she was beautiful. Her brown eyes and soft lips hid a brilliant performer, capable of operating one woman show for any stage. Her mother always knew how special she was, her father wished he never had. Against his intentions, he set his daughter on the path to stardom.
It didn't last. The audience approved of the girl when she was young and pretty. As time marched on, her age caught up with her. At fourteen, surrounded by unflattering yellow lights, the audience voiced their disapproval.
"That girl isn't cute. She's trying too hard."
"A captain, really? You expect me to believe a girl like her could take command?"
"Yeah, I'd sooner believe a penguin than someone like her. It's like she's pretending to be a man."
"There's gotta be a part that suits her more. A temptress of the sea perhaps, a siren."
"No. That's a part fit for a woman. She's a child in all the wrong ways."
"You wouldn't expect her to be a child, given that body."
"She makes me feel so inadequate. I wasn't like that at her age!"
At every jeer and every jab, the girl's dancing became ever slower, until she was too wrapped in herself to care for the crowd. She performed for two people only. The first was a resentful, prideful woman who wanted to carve a world all her own. The second hardly ever came. Not since the day he left her.
Each time she acted, she would look to see if her daddy was there. Each time, she was ever so disappointed. The lack of attention, along with the increasing noise from the world, made her snap out of delusion. She realized how her dress was clung tightly around her figure, accentuating her curves and chest despite playing the captain of a naval ship. She felt so stupid, embarrassed for herself in the face of the world.
"They don't like me… they hate me. All of them. I don't care anymore. I'm a big girl! If I want to I can leave!"
These were the words that led her off the stage, breaking character. She ran away, away from the hisses, boos and the scheming lies thrown in her direction. Instead, the girl passed by adults laughing at their worthless conversations, uncaring of the rust setting in the hallway. She didn't know where she was headed. She didn't care. Anything to get away, even for a second.
The girl tore her costume off, a revealing yellow shirt under it. She wished she could rip her breasts away, go back to being a child. No matter how she rubbed her tears, forcing them away so no one could see, anyone could tell from a glance she was wounded from being forced to grown up. The stitches were stretched, ready to break at any moment. She felt lost so lost, lacking guidance.
"Please God, take me somewhere quiet. I'll take another show even, just anywhere where I don't have to feel this way. Where I don't feel like garbage. Where no one would judge me."
She wished it in her heart and mind. Maybe God listened. As she walked, the rusted hallways became gray and shiny. She had never been to this part of the building before. Usually it was a straight way to her stage and back out. She looked to see a door leading to another one. A new one built.
Curiosity peaked, the girl grabbed the knob, surprised at how easily she turned it open. A gust of wind flew past her, leading her to cough.
"Guh, sand? What's it doing here?"
She stepped inside, rubbing the sand from her eye.
The orange light hit her first. Compared to the yellow, the orange set the mood much better. At times, the girl felt like she was feeling the gaze of the sun on her skin. The stage must have still been under construction, as the girl felt sand under her delicate feet. A wooden platform sat above the sand unfinished. The only soul around besides her a small boy in the middle of the room.
He didn't look to be a performer. No more than four at any rate. Maybe he just didn't have his costume at the moment. Wearing a purple shirt and shorts, he played with the sand. The boy was building something, maybe trying to show off to the dolls around him. The plastic toys had broken bits, reveal lumps of flesh that bled out from their carcass. One could see how the organs pulsed in the air.
The girl wasn't afraid. On the contrary, she knew what exactly what she would do before the thought crossed her mind. She stepped toward the boy, feeling her legs grow longer, her hips become wider, her hair reaching down her shoulders. She felt four years older when her finger finally tapped the boy's arm.
"Hey."
The boy looked at her. He was surprised but pleased to see another living being. His blue eyes sparked with joy.
"Mommy?"
She laughed. "Sorry. I'm not old enough for that." She looked at the lump of dirt in front of the boy. What's this?"
"I'm trying to build a castle for my friends." He told her. "It's hard. Every time I try to make it, it crumbles. No one taught me how?"
"Not even your mom?"
His face turned sour. "I don't even know where Mom is. She left me here, with Dad. He's away somewhere." He shook his head. "I don't know what to think of him. He never talks to me."
"Daddy doesn't talk to me either." She said. "You seem all alone in here. Want to come with me?"
His eyes widened in surprise.
"Really? Are you going to help me find him? Or my mom?"
"I don't think I can." She sadly shook her head. "I don't know any more than you do. But I think it'll be better if we stick together. I don't like the idea of leaving you by yourself."
"It's okay. I'm used to being alone."
"You shouldn't be. And… Maybe I just don't want to be alone either."
The boy thought it over. He softened under her warm gaze.
"I think you're right. I don't have anyone else to play with here."
"Then stick with me. I'll protect you."
She took the boy by the hand, pulling him from the sand. The older girl took the boy away, leaving perfectly intact dolls behind. They walked across the room, which seemed so much larger and emptier than when the girl first came in, to the wooden platform. There was now a set of curtains slightly opened. The light emanating from behind them enticed the two to follow.
"Where are we going?"
"I don't know. Somewhere perfect maybe."
"We will?"
"It'll hurt less I think."
There might have been yelling from behind. People probably noticed their charge was being taken and attempted to follow. It wasn't the girl's concern. If those stupid adults were fine with leaving him alone, they didn't deserve him.
Briefly, the girl grabbed the boy by his sides, raising him up. She smiled while kissing his nose, a blush forming on his face.
"W-Why…?" He asked her. "Why me?"
The boy didn't object. He just wanted to know.
The girl kept smiling in response.
"Because we're made for each other, you see?"
WIth that, she pushed on through the curtains.
2016
"… god not this again, scheiss… Hey idiots! Wake up!"
Shinji felt a kick. The force was enough to wake him, rubbing his forehead. First, he realized his skin felt oddly cool in the breeze. He looked down to see he was naked, covering himself with the bedsheet. His room felt smaller with Asuka glaring from above.
"Ugh, how long did we go…" He sniffed himself, smelling a foul odor. "I need a shower."
"You and Miss Council President here." Asuka crossed her arms. "You're going to be late for class."
"Huh, what?"
Shinji looked to his side, finding another person hugging him close from his side. Misato snored, pulling him away from Asuka. He smiled in fond exasperation, kissing her lips.
"Misato, please wake up. We're going to be late."
"Hmmm… three more minutes…"
She rubbed herself against him, causing Shinji to blush. He was tempted to stay, but with Asuka tapping her foot impatiently he knew they couldn't. He moved his hand up her back, running his fingers through her skin up to her hair, playing with it.
"Asuka's gonna be mad if we don't go."
"Bitch'll wait…" Misato slowly blinked awake. She grinned. "Hey Asuka."
"You freaks take a bath." Asuka said simply. "I really don't want to go to school with my acquaintances covered in disgusting body fluids."
"Dunno. Sounds kind of fun actually.
Misato placed her cheek next to Shinji's, rubbing against it. She lightly bit him by the neck, making him moan. Asuka shook her head. How could her president act so possessive over a meek little shrimp like him?
"Ugh, I'll just wait out by the door. You two are disgusting!"
As Asuka left the room, slamming the door on the way out. Shinji and Misato looked at each other. They couldn't keep the grins off of their faces as they pulled themselves out of the bed.
"You know, we could save up time by taking a shower."
"We could." Misato kissed Shinji's nose. "But she's right. We're gonna be late. That means being responsible."
"Aw." He pouted. "We can't skip out?"
"Silly boy. You're on thin ice with your dad. I don't want you getting into more trouble because of me."
She was right, but Shinji was feeling exceptionally tempted after last night. A saucy wink from his girlfriend made him seriously reconsider leaving, but he pushed against that feeling. They would have plenty of time at school after all.
Shinji and Misato took showers (separately), and went to the living room. Plastic bags containing sandwiches were prepared on the counter, just outside the door. Shinji's father was on the couch reading a newspaper, while his wife was cleaning dishes in the kitchen.
"I'm only allowing tardiness for your good grades." Gendo said. "Don't take advantage of my trust, Shinji."
"I won't Dad." Shinji took his share, handing the other sandwich to Misato. "Thanks Mom."
"You should be thanking me." She said. "You and Katsuragi make too much noise. You kept us up all night."
"I'm so sooorry Mr. Ikari." Misato stuck her tongue out. "Your son's just been really good with me."
"Please, children…"
"Don't needle her. Especially so early in the morning." Gendo lowered his paper to give them a meaningful stare. "Leave. Asuka is outside."
The couple nodded, heading out through the door. Smirking, Gendo put down the newspaper to stalk his wife in the kitchen. He heard sounds of plates being put down, the water pouring from the sink, and a woman's annoyed groans at the work.
"Having to do this forever…" She trailed off. "Did you read anything interesting, darling?"
"Just the news. Stock market crash. Fine weather. Spring is fast approaching."
"It snowed so hard a week ago. You'd hardly knew it happened by now. These are so new to me honestly."
"That's because you were kept indoors for most of your life."
"The choice was out of my hands. You know that."
"I know. With the money I saved, we can go anywhere in the world you'd like soon enough."
He grabbed his wife by her sides, leaving a trail of kisses down her pale neck. He traced his hands up to her breasts, getting an uncomfortable amount of glee watching her flush under his caring touch.
"All is right with the world at last, Rei."
She turned around. Rei smiled at him, her red eyes having lost their shine from time but her face no less beautiful in Gendo's esteemed opinion. She reached her hands around Gendo's neck.
"Indeed we do. Together at long last."
"Free from pain. A world filled with love."
He kissed her, the dishes and running water largely forgotten. They had so much to do after all.
Meanwhile, the children trailed the sidewalk down their neighborhood. School wasn't particularly far away but they didn't take any chances. Asuka led the way, as she tended to do even with Misato around. It was the most annoying feature of her in the couple's eyes, but neither were in the mood to complain about it.
Asuka was practically running ahead of them, rolling her eyes at their lackadaisical attitude toward school and life.
"My parents'll freak if they ever found out you were banging."
"What they won't know won't hurt them." Misato said in a sing song voice. "What, jealous you're not getting any?"
"Shut up you pervert!" Asuka said. "God, and I thought my dad was annoying. How'd you two even get together int he first place?"
Shinji raised an eyebrow. "I thought we told you?"
"It's Asuka, she only remembers what's important right now." Misato went on to explain. "My dad knew his dad, so when Shin-chan over here wasn't doing so well at math they asked me to tutor him. Good thing too, as he was dumb as a rock."
"Ha! I told you, an idiot who doesn't listen."
"I'm right here guys!"
"Hahahaha! Come on Shinji, we're just having fun. It's okay not to be good at stuff."
"Hmph, you're right." He reluctantly agreed to end the argument. He couldn't resist a jab though. "Though, I could hardly focus with those boobs in my face."
"Excellent boobs I might add." Misato grinned. "You were totally getting off on them in private!"
"True," He didn't try to deny. "Let's not forget you had your share of fun teasing me!"
"Only 'cause you made it easy. God, I saw your hand shaking the pen while jotting down the answers, your balloonie pony just itching to pop out and ram me, ahhhh~"
"Don't act like you weren't sabotaging me! Or Pen-Pen just innocently lying in wait in the bath tub so I'd run out to you naked?"
"You're just imagining things."
"That smile tells me otherwise."
"God, you're practically made for each other." Asuka rolled her eyes. "How did your parents become okay with you?"
"My dad's weird." Shinji glanced at Misato. "Her dad though… do I tell her or…?"
"What happened?"
Asuka looked to Misato, who had a guilty look on her face. She sighed apologetically.
"So the last night of tutoring, Shinji said something that pissed me off and I miiiight have used scissors to cut my shirt up. My dad saw him with them, assumed the worst. I honestly thought he was gonna run, but he took the beating like it was nothing. He's kind of brave sometimes."
Utterly bewildered, Asuka looked between the two of them, seeing their sheepish grins at this memory. These idiots…
"He came in all bandaged for that reason?! What the fuck is wrong with you?! Shinji, why are you even with this bitch?"
"Hey, Misato was sorry." He said in a bit of a whine. "She begged her dad to stop and he did. It hurt a little but it wasn't that bad. Besides," He smirked at Misato. "I got to date the sexiest girl in school immediately afterward."
"Class act, Shinji." Misato smirked back. "Still. You are the best boyfriend I've ever had so it balances it."
They kissed again, causing Asuka to growl.
"You can't keep your hands off of each other even in public. Shameless!"
Misato separated first, licking Shinji's lips in the process. "Don't knock it 'till you try it. You got a boyfriend with a camera, shouldn't he get more than a look?"
"Huh?" Asuka seemed startled by this. "Boyfriend?"
"You know, the kid who took pics. Shinji's friend I think. Um, what was it?"
"Kensuke."
"Right that guy. Surprised you didn't know what he was up to."
"He never told me." Shinji also seemed confused for a moment. "Yeah… odd friends…"
Just then, Asuka remembered what Misato was talking about.
"Yeah. I need to talk to him later actually. Ask him questions."
The trio finally reached school. Hakone Middle School. Students watched them enter in jealousy. Why wouldn't they? Shinji thought chuckling to himself. The tough, no nonsense student council president made it a point to hold hands with an unremarkable boy like him. They were wondering how he could take such a perfect girl from them. They've assaulted him several times asking him that very question.
Shinji knew the truth they didn't. Misato may act perfect at school, but at home she was a perverted slob. Not a criticism in his estimation, as he was hardly any better.
"Ignore 'em. They don't know you like I do." Misato told him. "You're a nice guy when you're not being such a grumpy sourpuss."
"And you're beautiful despite being a slob." He winked at her. "We've been in each other's worlds for a while now eh?"
"You're right."
"Real romantic guys." Asuka darted her eyes to the left. "Hey who's that guy?"
Shinji turned to where she was looking. Sure enough, there was a boy with brown hair wrapped in a pony tail staring right at them. He shook his head disappointedly, walking away without a word.
"What's that guy's problem?"
"Oh, that's Kaji. My ex." Misato clarified. "Before we met I told him I cheated so we could break off."
Shinji dumbly nodded, before his eyes widened at the implications.
"H-He's not going to think I'm the one you cheated with right? Right?"
"Nah. Even if he did, he's a big boy. it'll be fiiine."
"Riveting decision from our leader." Asuka said. "When that ship wrecks I'm gonna be there to laugh!"
"I'm sure you will, Asuka."
"Nyeh!"
She flipped the couple as she stormed off on her own. Shinji and Misato kept their hands together as they travelled to their class. As they did, early morning gossip and rumors were whispered between students.
"I can't believe Kensuke managed to snag Asuka. Didn't he sell pics of her or something?"
"Yeah. The little creep likes two things, military and girls. He charges way too much for figures and pics honestly."
"How the hell did the hellspawn say yes!?"
"He wore her down until she accepted I think."
"They're cute. Not as cute as the class rep with Suzuhara though."
"I heard he was injured in some accident but miraculously recovered. He and his sister looked so happy last I saw 'em!"
"The class rep is his sister?"
"No you idiot! Suzuhara has a sister named Sakura. We've seen her."
"Right, right."
"Everyone's getting together but me! It's not fair."
"That just means guys are lucky."
"Why you!"
"Ikari and Katsuragi… something's not right with the world I'm sure of that."
Later on in the day, the couple snuck away from prying eyes into the doctor's office. Since he wasn't there, having left for lunch break, Shinji and Misato found it to be a convenient hiding place for some fun. They snickered to themselves while they locked the door behind them.
"You really wanna try it in here?"
"I sure do. The roof was getting kind of tiring, honestly."
"At least no one shows up to the roof. We could get caught in here."
"No pain no gain, my pretty little Shinji."
"I suppose so. I mustn't run away, right?"
"You got it!"
Misato sat on the bed. As she arched her back comfortably, a devilish idea popped in her head.
"I want to play a game."
"Yeah?"
"So, I've always liked Sleeping Beauty. The fairy tale about the princess falling asleep until the prince kisses her."
"Yeah I remember. You want me to kiss you awake or something?"
"That'd be nice, but I'm thinking more risqué." Misato trailed her finger over her lips. "I'm gonna lie here, pretend to sleep. You follow me?"
Shinji nodded. She grinned.
"When I do, you're gonna whip that cock out and explode your junk over me. That's the only way to wake me up."
She knew her boyfriend would blow a gasket at her proposition. True enough, Shinji's entire body flushed, eyes bulging like she grew a third tit or gave up her alcohol addiction. She didn't know which would be less believable to him.
"ARE YOU CRAZY? I- I've never done anything like that a- and it'd get on your clothes! We'll get in trouble for sure!"
"Isn't that exciting?" She laughed. "Come on, you've already used my panties this is nothing for a big boy like you? Show me your teeny lil' dick wimp."
Shinji looked near offended. "Okay fine, Miss President. You're gonna regret it though."
Misato closed her eyes. She knew just how to hit the ego to get him to do what she wanted. He was Shinji but also a boy, after all.
She heard his pants being unzipped, but nothing more. Misato figured he would need another push.
"I don't hear anything~"
"This is so awkward. I mean, are you really sure…?"
"Awwww. That's too bad. I had this lively prize for you at the end of this, but I guess you don't wanna."
She unbuttoned her shirt, letting her breasts fall out to his eyes. They weren't covered in a bra, having gone cargo for today. Misato knew Shinji was staring. She didn't need to see him to know what he was thinking.
"…"
"Sleeping beauty's looking for a handsome prince. Shame he's not here though. Hmmmmm…"
It did the trick. Misato had to wait little to hear the sound of stroking next to her. His fast breaths were always so loud, eager and wanting in his voice as he spoke-whispered her name. Such decadence was familiar to him but doing it with a willing girl like herself was not what he was used to. Misato didn't fight the grin as he got off. The taboo did things to her as much as the idea of him being the one doing it.
After a minute or two, Misato heard him yell. She felt a hot liquid spread over her chest. He didn't even try to cover it. She didn't mind at all. This was exactly what she wanted.
Finally, Misato blinked awake. She looked over Shinji, panting and tired from his session. His eyes met hers for a moment, before both chuckled.
"This is so fucked up."
"Yeah." Misato brought a napkin, cleaning his mess. "But it's fun! Let's try it at my place next time."
"S-Sure…"
They went to clean the office before leaving. Any worry over leaving evidence, over potentially being caught, slipped out of their minds. Somehow, the couple knew they would be just fine.
Luck was on their side, this time and every subsequent moment they shared.
2030
"I gotta tell you, Shinji really went out on this. The chapel, the food, the cruise! Today's been so beautiful I don't know how to begin describing it!"
Misato talked to her phone, playing with the veil over her face. Even though the wedding was over, she still wore her bridal gown, refusing taking it off until her husband was with her.
Husband. Yes, she was a Mrs Ikari now. Or was he Mr. Katsuragi now? It made no difference. After years of stalling, she finally married Shinji at a seaside port. The wedding was so beautiful, with pretty flowers, pink skies and lively guests, a gorgeous day to become one. Most of their family and friends attended, hell Shinji's father even paid for the cruise they would be embarking on. He had to chase the guests away as they cried out in celebration, congratulating them for their perfect union.
The only one unaccounted for was her father, not that she expected anything. He vanished one day without telling her or Mom why. He never approved of her relationship to Shinji. Well, if he was going to be that way then she decided not to care. He made his choice, she made hers. He wasn't going to be a part of her life anymore.
Shinji had left a bit earlier to sign some last minute paperwork, which was why Misato took the time to call one of her oldest friends. The night steadily approached, the moon shining through the window while she heard from the man on the line.
"It's quite the honor to be the guy hearing from you in a long while. The beau not too jealous?"
"Shinji taking care of things. This is just between you and me." Misato bit her lip. "God I can't believe this is happening. I love him so much."
"As you've said before. Heh. Never thought I'd hear that from your lips."
"Me neither. I just wanted to help and now we've… well, we've crossed enough lines to know we're unsuited for other people. We might as well go all the way. How's Maya by the way? She's probably itching to get her husband back."
Kaji chuckled. The reminder of his wife tickled his fancy for some reason.
"She been talking to girls since we came. I don't think she'll miss me too much."
"Is she still hitting on them? I thought she was over them."
"She's always been girl crazy. Honestly surprised she caved in when I asked her out. Started as a joke, but here we are. I think she resents me."
"She married you, that has to count for something?"
"People don't always marry for love. Though, I suppose you and Shinji don't count for that."
"Indeed. He makes me so happy I could burst."
Misato rubbed her legs in anticipation. She touched her chest, sniffing the air around her. Just thinking about the thing he'd do to her…
"Whoah, save your fantasies for another time will ya? Listen, just tell me one thing. Are you sure you're happy?"
"Why yes. I absolutely am." Misato said surely, no pause or hesitation. "Why shouldn't I be?"
"I mean, you're married… that's quite the commitment. Not everyone's going to adjust. Plus you've had some rough history with him before."
"Don't even start." Misato shook her head. "We agreed to stop sniping at each other. Yes, Shinji and I had our disagreements, our arguments, but that's normal. We're gonna be happy together. I know we will. Nobody's ever made me feel this way before, not even you. So quit whining!"
Maybe that was too much to say, but she didn't take the words back. She had to be firm with Kaji about her commitment lest he forget his own. He sighed, relenting to her words.
"I suppose so. I just feel… I don't know."
Kaji paused. Misato was worried about having to apologize, before he continued.
"Don't you feel like there's something wrong? Something missing? Things aren't what they're supposed to be? Sometimes it feels like there's a script but the words I'm reading aren't mine."
Misato felt an odd sensation in her stomach. She shook her head.
"Always with the play metaphors. Honestly, for someone who likes farming you sure missed out on being a theater kid."
"Maybe I should take a career change." He laughed. "Well, I'll go fetch my Maya-poo and leave you to your hubbie. Bye!"
She shut the phone off, laying it on the table. She patted the pillow next to her.
"That Ryoji, he's always thinking but never engaging. That's why we broke up after all."
In truth, there were days she felt what Kaji described. Few and far in between, Misato felt a piece of her life missing. Dreams of monsters, metal walls, the stench of death, nightmares that Shinji had to chase away the nights they slept together. Whatever life she led didn't match the one she had now was her feeling. Misato was satisfied with the way things are now, Shinji made sure of that, but there was something else there too, a sinking feeling in her chest, a buzzing that wouldn't go away…
"Ah, I'm worrying over nothing. Things are good, we're good. Just need to wait a few minutes."
She checked a pot of flowers laying on the table. Pink little things with six petals around it, a ghoulish yellow center. Hardly real, yet they carried a smell that Misato found enticing.
"They look like belladonna lilies…" She said. "How nice…"
The fragrance spread around the room. The red in the walls began to look more like blood as the door swung open.
"Finally, I'm done! Sorry I took so long."
Shinji. He was taller, lankier, still in his black suit. The years had been kind to him, his face still round with some babyfat, his blue eyes shining so brightly, yet his posture was more relaxed than at fourteen. He was such a suitable mate for her, as she was for him. Misato moved the veil away from her face, allowing him to see her face.
"You finally made it, Mr Ikari. Aren't you going to collect your reward?"
He smiled, caving into her unspoken demand. Shinji leaned into her, giving her a peck on the lips. He took restraint to take her up by the knees and push her to the bed.
"Everything's ready. We can finally start."
"You say that like we haven't been doing it all this time."
"True. But this is special. We're finally married, there isn't going to be anything stopping us now. Hopefully we'll have way more years of this."
"Definitely. I love you so much, Shinji."
"I love you too, Misato."
No more words were said. He kissed her, before massaging her back. Misato took off her top, allowing him a full view of her chest. Shinji sucked on her nipple, taking off her dress in almost a flash.
The walls, the door, the window, they all seemed to vanish as the space became all red. Misato didn't care, keeping her focus on Shinji's loving gaze. He was so beautiful, the way he tenderly touched and kisses her, making her feel so wanted, so complete…
She was born for this moment, Misato knew. Deep down, she never wanted to be a good girl for anyone. Not her father. Not Kaji. Not even for Shinji honestly, Misato always wanted him to know the side of her she was disgusted with but felt was her most honest self. It was so blissful to not have to hide anymore. Shinji accepted her, despite his own discomfort at times. She accepted him, the creep who dirtied her panties, because she had seen him fight for her, returned to her when he was tempted to leave her behind.
With the knowledge they shared, the couple understood there would be no one else. All they had, and all they would ever need, was each other. It was enough for them.
Soon, Shinji unhiked her dress and slid her panties down. He thrusted into her, forcing her to look at him. She responded in kind, trapping him in a mating dance unlike any they experienced before. There was no pretension of love, no waiting. Misato and Shinji screamed each other's names, their animalistic desires being fulfilled at last.
"Oh my, oh my, OH MY! MORE SHINJI MORE!"
"So tight, you're so good Misato, I- GR, I'm- I'm-!"
"Yes! Right there! I can feel it!"
"MISATO!"
"SHINJI!"
They shrieked into the void. Misato wasn't sure if it was even possible to have a baby, but they'd have all the time they'd need to try.
All was right with the world.
…
...
…
….
…
Their performance was watched by a captive audience.
For this show, everyone had become part of the cast. However, the director felt a few wouldn't and shouldn't partake in the story. There was no place for them in his vision, so they would just have to sit it out.
Not surprisingly, the guests had acquired a distaste for their circumstances.
"This is… sick…" Ritsuko said. ".. and I allowed this to happen… damn you, Misato. Damn all of you…"
"Don't get too upset." Mary said, the most upset anyone in the room had ever seen. "We all had a part in this. To varying degrees. We all lost something here."
Yui Ikari patted her friend's shoulder. There was no exit to escape from, as they all realized after years of trying. They had no need for food or sleep, so the show was all they could look forward. Turning her attention to the the man next to her, Yui Ikari scowled. If nothing else, being in the audience gave them all a full understanding of each other, what they all did.
"This is completely your fault. You should have said no! You shouldn't have done anything to her, but you did! Now my son is- is-"
She couldn't keep to her threat. Yui brought her hands to her face, distraught over what came over her, her son, and them all. Haruka Katsuragi could only offer a shameful nod in return. He was disgusted with himself as fascinated by the show presented to him
"I know." He told her. "There's not taking back what I've done. Because of me, we're going to be in this hell forever. Damn you Gendo, damn you."
They had all repeated that mantra for countless eons. It was futile, however. There was nowhere for them to go as they watched the show go on, the players far beyond their reach to affect, the world untouched by horror, only maddened pleasure. The graves they dug up were for them, and for the people in other rows who refused to accept paradise.
Only in the world's stage could the story of a boy who longed for his mother and the girl who longed for her father finally end with finding them in each other. Only there could they be happy at last. Is this not what all people want? To be happy?
If that is true, then what more could be said? They lived and loved each other having found eternity. All was right in the world.
Author's Notes:
Inside me are two wolves, one that feels like taking a shower after writng this, the other wants to write a fic based on this AU. Or at least the premise of Shinji and Misato growing up together as childhood friends.
The ending I've had in mind since the beginning. Revisions were made as I wrote the fic, but more or less this came out the way I envisioned it. As far as I'm concerned, this is the canon outcome. But there's probably more than a few of you who'd like something different. Don't worry, that'll come next time. For now, just take it in.
Reviews:
artifactBC: Wait 'til next chapter, you might just get that.
QUICKM33MZ2005: I'll consider it for a fourth joke ending :P