Neon Genesis Evangelion Fan Fiction ❯ The One I Love Is...Mst ❯ Chapter 1 ( Chapter 2 )
[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]
By: Zentrodie 
Anime/Manga: Neon Genesis Evangelion Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Drama / Comedy | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 02.09.2003 | Pages: 13 | Words: 7.1K | Visits: 918 | Status: Completed
Anime/Manga: Neon Genesis Evangelion Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Drama / Comedy | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 02.09.2003 | Pages: 13 | Words: 7.1K | Visits: 918 | Status: Completed
The One I Love Is...
Chapter 1 - Valentine's Day
Written by Alain Gravel <rakna@globetrotter.qc.ca>
Based on characters created by and copyright GAINAX
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Teahouse/2236/
Stan dard disclaimer:
hello again Zentrodie here, got back from Otacon 2001, it rocked
alot of people in eva garb, saw a few shinji's, and a
mix of asuka and rei's.
well, hope you're enjoying it so far I still have alot
of Ideas to play round with, well without further ado...
---------------------------------------
Shinji still shaking his head: I mean its only a movie guys
don't take it for more than that.
Kensuke: So your saying 'points to the room where the girls are changing
into night clothing' you don't feel a thing for either of them?
Touji: You're not gay...are you Shin-man?
Shinji: No I'm not gay...I just don't know about things like that.
Touji/Kensuke: By the end of this movie, we'll get the truth out of you.
In the girls room
Hikari: Come on you two, be civil, its only a movie.
Asuka: And that means what to me, dumb movie anyway, don't know how you talked
me into watching it.
Rei: You're just upset that I'm the star of the first two chapters 'hides a small smile'
Asuka: Bitch, its all fake, just you wait I'll be the star.
Hikari: SO....what game should we play first after the movie ends tonight?
Asuka: 'Alright this is my chance to prove to miss honour student just who's
Shinji's one and only' Truth or dare.
Rei: How...?
Hikari cutting her off: Excellent, Rei we'll teach you and Shinji after this installment
well lets get going.
The girls finish changing and rejoin the group in the living room, Kensuke puts the
next tape in the vcr and steals the remote.
Kensuke: Let the destruction begin, and rember Touji it's 2-0 so far in my favour.
Touji: 'biting his lower lip' Shut up and start it.
Shinji: 'Noticing Asuka giving him odd looks' Is...something wrong?
Asuka with a preditory grin: Nope, just we're all playing truth or dare
after this segment is over, you'll love it.
Rei: I dislike how you say that.
(Now the real story begins, as usual mst comments are denoted with >>>)
Disclaimer:
This story begins after the 14th episode and goes on until the end. So
if you haven't seen the entire series and the End of Evangelion movie,
expect spoilers. I won't warn you anymore.
>>>Touji: Their talking in riddles again, what the hell is a spoiler.
>>>Rei: They are plastic or metal objects affixed to cars to deflect mud.
>>>Touje: So....what do they have to do with this movie?
>>>Asuka: Maybe its so full of crap their needed to keep us clean 'smiles.'
Another note: There is a prologue to this chapter and knowledge of this
prologue will help you understand what is going on. It was originally
distributed as a short story called "Valentine's Day: Ayanami Rei". The
revised edition is now part of the "The one I love is..." series.
(*) See translations notes for details
========================================================== ============
Chapter 1 - Valentine's Day
I was surprised to find my two roommates already far ahead of me for
breakfast. That was odd. It was my turn to cook. But it appeared that
Asuka had opted for raspberry jam on toast. As for Misato... as long as
there was beer in the fridge, she was fine. And the fridge was rarely
short of beer. I guess she drank so much of that stuff, she could now
survive solely on it.
>>>Shinji: It's true, I've tested it, four months straight of nothing
>>>but Yebisu and she was fine.
>>>Asuka: It cut down on cleaning too, she was always sleeping in her
>>>underwear so no laundry.
>>>Touji/Kensuke: Shinji LET US SLEEP OVER!!!
"It's not fair!"
Trouble. Asuka was already in a bad mood. That wasn't totally
unexpected. I had already witnessed a similar scene two weeks before.
And I knew that I would see the same scene in two weeks.
So, Asuka was in a bad mood, which meant that she would eventually
pick on me to vent her frustrations. Still, I was lucky; things could
have been a lot worse. At least it wasn't *that* time of the month!
Well, that was what I thought. Couldn't be really sure...
>>>Asuka: Ok...Shinji if you ever..and I MEAN IT, if you ever mention
>>>That again, I'll boil you alive.
>>>Shinji: 'cowering in the couch' It wasn't me..honest.
>>>Kensuke: Man never thought of that, wonder what Misato's like.
>>>Touji: I don't know but I don't care I'd live there in an insta.....
>>>Hikari: I'M NOT LISTENING TO YOU .... YOU JERK!! 'big smack'
Silently, I decided to accept my fate while preparing my own
breakfast. Simple eggs and toast. I wasn't sure I had the energy for
something more complicated. For a moment, I considered saying "Hi!" to
my two companions, but from the look on Asuka's face, I decided to keep
quiet. Better to stay unnoticed for as long as I could.
"Life is rarely fair, Asuka."
Well, what a surprise. Misato seemed to be in her serious mode. Not
typical. She would probably soon revert to the irresponsible-happy-
teasing mode soon. Her aim was probably to throw Asuka off-guard.
"But it's Sunday! Not only Sunday, but Valentine's Day, too!"
Asuka was definitely unhappy. I couldn't help but shudder at the
thought. While I personally didn't care about a stupid holiday, Asuka
was bound to make a big deal of it.
"I just know I'll go through hell today." I silently thought. "Maybe
an Angel attack will save me..."
But then again, the Angels were responsible for this mess.
>>>Touji: So the angels created the holidays?
>>>Rei: If their truely are the creation of God, they helped.
"Asuka, you know perfectly the position of the Tokyo-3 School Board.
Due to Angel attacks, many days of school have been lost. Therefore, one
Sunday every two weeks is now a school day."
I could feel that Misato was loosing her patience. Asuka had already
lost the argument. She just didn't know it yet.
"This sucks!"
>>>Rei: Witty retort.
>>>Asuka: Bite me.
"Maybe. But you'll go anyway, even if I have to make it an order."
"But it's not fair! Baka Shinji, say something!"
Well, so much for staying unnoticed.
"Don't we have synch tests, today, Misato-san?"
The classic Ikari Shinji evasion tactic. If you try very hard to
ignore reality, it may go away. However, I knew it likely wasn't going
to work. Already, Asuka was fuming and mumbling a few German insults, if
I guessed right. A full-scale explosion was imminent. But luck, under
the name of Katsuragi Misato, was on my side.
>>>Kensuke: Is she going to smack Asuka then get the fun...k, AHHHH 'smacks the
>>>stop button then runs away from both Asuka and Rei.'
>>>Rei: I told you to stop insunuating that.
>>>Asuka: WANT TO SEE A SMACK I'LL GIVE YOU A SMACK.
>>>Shinji picks up the remote and pushes play: They'll be gone awhile why wait?
>>>Hikari: Shinji-kun, its almost like you didn't want them to see this 'smiles.'
>>>Shinji: 'blushes' Not realy.
"No, Shinji-kun". I could see a really big smile on the Major's
face. For a second, I wondered if it was a good or a bad sign. "Tonight,
we'll have a PARTY!!!"
That caught Asuka's attention. A party... While I wasn't
enthusiastic about the idea of yet ANOTHER party, at least it had calmed
Asuka down considerably.
"A party?"
Asuka was suddenly quite enthusiastic. That only made Misato more
cheerful.
"Yes! We'll have Ritsuko, Maya, Shigeru, Makoto... You can also ask
your friends at school, if they want to come. Don't forget to ask Rei
too..."
"Who cares about Rei! What about Kaji? Will he come?"
>>>Asuka: 'At the sound of Kaji, stops pummeling Kensuke' HEY who said
>>>you could start it...and if its Kaji maybe this is a good story.
>>>Rei: I'm going to be invited to a party?
>>>Kensuke: Mmmmphm.
>>>Touji: Serves ya right ken 'laughs at his bruised and battered friend.'
All the blood seemed to suddenly drain from the Major's face. I
almost couldn't help bursting out laughing.
"Well, I don't know if..."
"Yay! I'll call him right away!" said Asuka, ignoring totally the
Major's reply.
"... he should come. Damn! She didn't listen to a word I said..."
Silently, I finished my meal. Seeing that Misato was obviously not
in a mood to eat anymore, and that Asuka had forgotten about her own
meal, I cleaning up the table. Otherwise, the dishes would just remain
there.
>>>Touji: I thought she was living on a liquid diet?
>>>Shinji: Why do you think she threw the can away?
A party. While it was always nice to see those people I thought of
as my friends, I wasn't too thrilled about it. Parties were too noisy
and crowded for my taste.
Oh, well, that was better than having an angry Asuka on my back.
* * *
School. Another boring school day.
Or at least that's what I expected.
The class was actually quite alive this morning. The girls all
appeared to be making quite a fuss about this Valentine thing. I was
really surprised to see Hikari give chocolates to Touji. I had guessed
she had feelings for him, but never would have imagined that she would
tell him, much less make such a public display. Touji was sooooo
embarrassed that his face reminded me of a tomato. Kensuke's comments
didn't help the poor "couple". I just hoped Touji wouldn't say something
stupid. Hikari was a nice girl. It would be a shame if Touji hurt her
feelings.
>>>Touji: Hikari, do you realy?
>>>Hikari: I um..you see..realy...shoot.
>>>Rei: I dislike how Ikari-kun expresses feelings for the class representative.
>>>Kensuke: P...oor..Pen-pen.
>>>Asuka: Thats right, wondergirls crazy.
>>>Shinji: But its true.
>>>Hikari: Shinji-kun, thats so sweet.
>>>Touji: BACK OFF SHIN-MAN SHE'S MINE.
For some reason, Asuka appeared to be fuming. She kept throwing me
dark glances. Not knowing what was the matter with her, I decided it
would be best to just ignore her for a while, at least until she cooled
down. So, I put my head down on my desk and waited for the boring
lecture on the Second Impact to begin. With any luck, I'd fall asleep.
Suddenly, everyone fell silent. Curiosity got the better of me. I
raised my head, and was shocked by what I saw.
Ayanami Rei, holding what was obviously a Valentine's Day chocolate
box and slowly walking right toward me.
No! She wouldn't... She couldn't...
>>>Touji: She did, she stripped naked and did a dance.
>>>Asuka: Bit the head off a bat.
>>>Rei: Gave Ikari-kun chocolates 'blushes.'
>>>Shinji: Rei...
I literally froze.
Her usual neutral expression was gone. Her hands and lips were
shaking. I could see in her red eyes... fear. Yet there was something
else. I wasn't entirely sure: a spark of vitality, which I had never
seen in her.
I was mesmerized.
She handed me the box. I was surprised to see my own hands shaking.
For a brief moment, our fingers touched. It was one of the greatest
sensations I had ever felt.
"This is for you, Ikari-kun."
I'm not sure, but I think I managed to say thanks.
She smiled. That rare, so very precious, and beautiful smile.
>>>Touji: If he gets any redder we can fry eggs on his face.
>>>Hikari: Its so cute.
>>>Shinji/Rei: I never thought...
>>>Asuka: NOT ANOTHER CHAPTER WITH HER, HIKARI YOU SAID!!!!
>>>HIkari: I know what I said now be quiet for a bit, its getting good.
All around us, some students fell off their chairs. Others literally
fainted. I didn't notice. I was in heaven.
When I came back to my senses, Rei was walking toward her desk. The
neutral, emotionless mask was back on her face. Only the box of
chocolates in my hands convinced me that this wasn't a dream.
"Way to go Shinji! You lucky dog!"
Happy to have the pressure off his back, Touji was now teasing me
about what had just happened. Already, the mighty Student Gossip Machine
was hard at work, trying to figure out the 'what', 'why', 'when' and
'how' of my 'relationship' with Ayanami. Rei now back to her normal
emotionless self, I was almost torn apart for answers by the others
girls in class. This was far worse than the attention I had received a
few months earlier, when everyone found out I was the Pilot of Unit-01.
I knew by the way my cheeks burned that I was blushing terribly. Quite
frankly, I would have liked to crawl under my desk and hide.
>>>Shinji: Ah, that would be responce number 21 in my evasive manual.
Surprisingly enough, in the background, I heard some girls saying
how they envied Rei. That was a surprise! Much more of a surprise than
the deadly looks I was getting from some of the guys in class. While I
knew Rei's personality, or actually lack of, scared people, I also knew
some guys did literally drool over her. She was, after all, quite
attractive, in a mysterious way. And now, I was suddenly those guys
number one rival. How great...
>>>Rei: It is hard to be popular.
>>>Asuka: I should know that, not you.
>>>Kensuke: Actually both sets of photos sell the same....'he was then rendered
>>>unconsciense.'
>>>Asuka/Rei: Hentai.
For a second time before class even started, the classroom became
dead silent. I could feel that something was VERY wrong.
"IKARI SHINJI!"
Oh, God! Asuka!
>>>Touji: The devil herself.
>>>Kensuke: I can see the villigers running away "OH no it is Asuka-zilla, we must flee."
She didn't look mad. No. She looked beyond mad. She was scary. More
than those goddamn Angels.
I froze. Again.
Fear is quite an interesting thing. I can avoid the tentacle of a
giant building tall monster while piloting an equally tall mecha and
still manage to get slapped by a girl. Damn did that hurt! I was really
glad I hadn't been hit by a fist. I swear, that girl could give Touji a
run for his money.
>>>Shinji: Actually Asuka is stronger than you Touji.
>>>Touji: Na-ah, Shut up, its just you cowering from your harem again.
>>>Asuka: No, for a change baka's right, I can kick all your sorry ass's.
>>>Rei: I doubt that.
>>>Hikari: Lets not fight now...please!!!
Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Rei had stood up. Her face
showed an anger likely equal to the one I could see on Asuka's face.
"Ayanami!"
I was surprised by my own voice. No hesitation. No sign of my usual
shyness. It was more of a... commanding tone. A lot like my father. That
thought was... disturbing.
>>>Shinji: Touji...Kensuke, if I do that again, please hit me, Dawm bastard
>>>want nothing to do with him.
>>>Rei: I found it nice.
>>>Asuka: For once I agree, not so spineless for a change..to bad its for wonder..
Rei didn't move. Acknowledging my unspoken command, she nodded,
smiled to me, then shot an angry glare toward Asuka.
The matter with Rei solved, I turned my attention to the redhead.
She still looked angry, but... She had tears in her eyes. I found myself
unable to be angry at her.
Asuka always had extreme reactions. It wasn't unusual. Actually, it
was part of her charms. But tears. I had only seen her cry once. On the
night before the Seventh Angel battle. And it had been only a single
tear in her sleep. To see her like this... Almost fragile. Without her
usual arrogance. I couldn't quite believe it.
>>>Shinji: Asuka....
>>>ASuka: It...Its fake..yeah all fake, I'd never lower myself.
>>>Hikari: Its so heart rendering.
>>>Touji/Kensuke: I'm going to hurl.
"Why?" I softly asked her.
Again, she gave me a look full of hate. I prepared myself to be hit
once more.
"Baka Shinji!!!"
Then... She ran out of the class, almost hitting the old sensei on
her way out.
"What's the deal with that girl?" asked Touji.
He was silenced by an angry Hikari.
"Suzuhara!"
Touji suddenly became quite calm. Very, very calm. But he had asked
a very interesting question. What was her problem?
Could she possibly be...
No...
She wouldn't be jealous. Would she?
No. Way.
>>>Asuka: Yeah, jealous of what, I don't see anything to be jealous of
>>>nope not at all.
>>>Rei: Me.
>>>Hikari: Um...please no fighting.
>>>Kensuke: CAT FIGHT!!
>>>Touji: No, mud wrestling would be better.
Then... Why the tears.
Maybe it had been something in her eyes. Yes, that was it. It was
something, perhaps just a speck of dust.
Surely I wasn't stupid enough to believe that...
Soon, everything seem to go back to normal. Hikari did the "Rise",
"Bow", "Sit" routine. Another school day *finally* started.
Once the sensei had begun his lecture on the Second Impact, I
collapsed on my desk. I felt completely drained. Dealing with Asuka's
usual mood swings was bad already. Today, she was worse than ever. Those
tears... And on top of that, I had to deal with a overemotional Rei.
This was simply too much. My thoughts were a mess. I got tired of trying
not to run away from reality and drifted to sleep.
Nobody would notice, and even if they did, I didn't care.
>>>Hikari: So, Ayanami smiling is overemotional to you Shinji?
>>>Shinji: Its just...kinda odd.
>>>Asuka: Thats an understatement.
* * *
"IKARI-KUN! How could you do this to Asuka?!"
I woke up, my body shaken by an angry Class Rep. I opened my eyes,
completely disoriented, my senses a mess. I was promptly saved by Touji.
"Don't shake him like that! That kid still has to save the world,
y'a know."
>>>Shinji: Is that all I mean to you guys?
>>>Touji: Pretty much.
>>>Kensuke: That and a walking info ramp for Eva.
Yeah... That was better. Now that my head wasn't moving back and
forth, it was easier to try to understand what was going on. Apparently,
I was in school. Which was normal since it was the place where I had
first fallen asleep. And since the only students remaining in class were
Hikari and Touji, most likely to save me from Hikari, I guessed it was
time to eat. I did feel hungry. A glance at the classroom clock
confirmed it. It was a little over noon.
"How could you do that?!"
"Do what?"
"You ignored her! And you made her cry..."
What did she mean? I hardly ignored Asuka. It was kinda hard
ignoring a girl when she was trying to beat you up. And I certainly
didn't do anything to make her cry. She didn't cry. No. Those were
tears. But she wasn't crying.
What then?
"I didn't do anything!"
"Exactly! You didn't do anything! You just stood there and accepted
Ayanami's chocolates!"
>>>Kensuke: And?
>>>Rei: I fail to see what he did wrong.
>>>Shinji: Maybe I'm lactose intolerent in this movie?
"And?"
"Don't you care at all about Asuka's feelings?"
>>>Kensuke/Touji: No.
"What do you mean by 'Asuka's feelings'?"
Hikari was obviously surprised. She seemed about to say something,
but decided against it.
"Suzuhara-kun, could you please wait for me outside..."
I really didn't like the sound of that.
Touji hesitated a while. But in the end, he chose Hikari's warm
smile instead of my pleading look. No surprise really. The Class
representative waited for the tall boy to leave the room before finally
saying what was on her mind.
>>>Kensuke: 'I love ya and want to get the funk on'
>>>Touji: You have to pay for that one 'punches him in the stomach.'
>>>Asuka: At this rate numb nutz is going to die before the end of this.
>>>Kensuke: But my legacy will live on.
"You don't know Ikari-kun? Asuka loves you! Aren't you two a
couple?"
What was that? Did Hikari actually say what I thought she said? And
did she actually believe that?
"What?! We're not a couple!"
Where did she get this idea? Asuka. My girlfriend? Must be the worst
joke I ever heard.
"She's always teasing me! She's always trying to put me down! I'm
probably what she considers her biggest rival. We hardly manage to live
together. I wouldn't be surprised if she actually hated me. And you're
saying that she's in love with me?"
"Yes!"
"Didn't you listen...?"
>>>Shinji: You don't realy believe that stuff do you Hikari?
>>>HIkari: You say something?
>>>Asuka: 'Snickering' This thing goes in circles.
"You boys can be so blind! She wouldn't even bother teasing you if
she hated you! You're probably the only person she truly respects! Yes,
you are likely her biggest threat. But you're also the only one she can
identify herself with. When you aren't such an idiot or a wimp..."
>>>Asuka: And that would be when?
>>>Rei: When he's standing up for me.
>>>Shinji: When I have no choice.
>>>Touji: When his harem's in danger.
I couldn't believe it. I wouldn't believe it. She couldn't be
serious, could she?
No. It wasn't true. Yet, if I thought about what happened this
morning...
No, no, no...
"Can't be..."
It was just too much. Too much. I tried, as hard as I could, to tune
out everything around me and all those thoughts in my head.
Nothingness. I only wanted nothingness.
I didn't want to think about Rei. Her smile.
I didn't want to think about Asuka. Her angry expression. Her tears.
I didn't want to think about friendship.
I didn't want to think about love.
I didn't want to think.
>>>Shinji: Escape measure number 2, wow they have my mind in a book or something?
>>>Rei: Its best not to run Ikari-kun 'moves closer to him on the couch only to
>>> be pushed back by Asuka.'
>>>Asuka: Its what makes him unique.
But I couldn't. There was... no place to run to.
When I snapped back to reality, only Touji and Hikari were staring
at me, a worried expression on their faces. Hikari had probably called
Touji back.
"You... you okay, Shinji?" asked Touji.
I found myself unable to answer. I nodded.
"I'm so sorry Shinji! I didn't think... I didn't think about your
feelings..."
Hikari was almost on the verge of crying. Girls. So sensitive...
>>>Shinji: Well that is kinda true..but you can be a real bi...
>>>Touji: What was that Shin-man, going to say something bout Hikari?
>>>Shinji: 'looking at Kensuke' NOTHING.
>>>Asuka: YOu have him trained well.
>>>Hikari: It only takes a bit of time.
"It's ok."
An expression of relief washed over their faces.
"Man, you freaked me out!"
I turned my attention to Hikari.
"What do you want me to do?"
She gave me that "What do you mean?" look.
"I don't know what to do. Me. Rei. Asuka. So complicated. I don't
know what to think. Just tell me what to do."
"Well, you could at least start by apologizing to Asuka... maybe
also give her a gift!"
"A gift..."
For a while, I looked at the chocolate box Rei had given me. A gift.
A sign. What kind? Of friendship? Of love?
>>>Shinji: Of necessity
>>>Asuka: If I get a gift it better be a small rock attached to a ring of mineral.
>>>Kensuke: So you want a pepple on a piece of zinc?
>>>Rei: You just have to say such things, don't you.
>>>Kensuke: Yeah.
I thought about giving this box to Asuka. But I realized how unfair
it would be to both of them. Rei and Asuka.
"Yes."
I got up, picked up the box, and walked toward the door. Only when I
was about to leave did I look at my friends again.
"Thanks."
Then, I remembered something.
"Misato is throwing a party tonight. Please come. Asuka may need you
Hikari and I don't think I could handle it alone either. Tell Kensuke.
And... tell Rei."
Touji nodded.
"Count on me."
I would. God knew I would.
I then set out to achieve the task given to me. I had something to
do. I could focus on that task and forget about everything for a while.
There was always time to worry later.
>>>Kensuke: It was time to don the Shin-man out fit and become "MEGA-PLAYBOY"
>>>Touji: With the power to make all the woman his slaves.
>>>Rei: Miss Hokari, was it necessary for them to be here?
>>>Hikari: 'Few sweet drops while Touji and Kensuke mock bow to Shinji' I don't know now.
* * *
After a few minutes, I started to wonder why I had panicked earlier.
I had to be honest. At a time, I had been very interested in Rei. Now, I
was quite interested in Asuka. Both of them were very attractive. Why
shouldn't I be happy with the idea that the two most attractive females
of my class MAY have an interest in me.
>>>Touji: You could be gay.
>>>Shinji: I TOLD YOU I'M NOT!
>>>Rei: I can account for it.
>>>Five sets of eyes focus on Rei, while Shinji passes out.
>>>Asuka: Well I have my first question....and I better like the answer.
>>>Touji/Kensuke: MEGA-PLAYBOY AWAY!!!
Wasn't it what I ever wanted? Somebody who would care for me.
Yet, I couldn't manage to be happy about the idea. I guess I didn't
want to believe it. If I did and was wrong... And even if it was true.
How long would it take for them to just leave me behind, alone, like
Father did? Wasn't it just better to simply avoid the trouble and
ultimately the pain?
>>>Asuka: Man what a wuss.
>>>Touji: Shit man, running away from women because of stupid stuff, what
>>> happend to you?
>>>Shinji: FOR THE LAST TIME ITS FAKE.
Why did I let them be my friends in the first place?
But were they my friends? Asuka just kept teasing and annoying me.
Rei... was Rei.
>>>Hikari: So the word Rei is now an adjective?
I didn't really know either of them.
I sighed and rubbed my forehead. I was starting to have quite an
headache.
I finally arrived at a small general store. I knew the place quite
well. After the arrival of Misato in our apartment nearby, the owner had
tripled his alcohol sales. At least that's what he told me.
>>>Asuka/Shinji: Only tripled?
I looked at what was left of the Valentine gifts display. Not much
really. But I wasn't planning on anything fancy anyway. I really just
wanted to get rid of this as soon as I could, then forget the whole
thing. Besides, I didn't have much money. Only a few yens left from the
last time I had gone on an errand for Misato. I had forgotten to give
the money back and she had been too drunk when I came back to ask for
it.
I don't know why, but this triggered a thought in my head.
We weren't paid.
We were piloting EVA, saving the world from angels and worked for
free. Well, survival of the human race was a nice reward, but what about
us, really?
>>>Asuka/Shinji/Rei: Thats right, we deserve money.
>>>Hikari: But why?
>>>Shinji: More sdat tapes.
>>>Asuka: Shopping.
>>>Rei: Sexy underwear.
>>>ALL but Rei: WHAT!!!
>>>Rei: 'Sporting a light blush' Let us continue.
I made a mental note not to forget that thought.
I didn't have much use for money. NERV paid for the food, apartment
and school uniforms. Still who knows, I could find a use for it.
I would need to talk to Misato.
But now was the time to get back at the real problem, which was
buying one of those boxes.
I finally opted for a red heart shaped box with a single blue
ribbon. It wasn't exceptionally cute, but that would have to do. I
didn't even bother to look what kind of chocolate was inside. I just
paid for it and added an order for beer to be delivered at the apartment
tonight, along with a few snacks to eat. I knew Misato would probably
forget about it. Or did she expect me to think about such matters?
I exited the store and made my way toward the apartment. The hardest
task yet remained to be done.
Talking to Asuka.
>>>Touji: Makes sense, setting up a party, fighting building size monsters
>>> then talking to the red-headed deamoness.
* * *
The apartment looked empty. But I knew better. Like myself, Asuka
tended to take refuge in her room when she had a problem. She had only
lived in Tokyo-3 for a short time. Since Hikari was still in school, she
couldn't be at her home. And she couldn't go to NERV Headquarters
without Misato noticing. So she had to be in her room.
Besides, a pair of shoes lying on the floor attested she was here.
I went to my own room. I didn't stay long. Just long enough to put
Rei's gift in a drawer. I had been carrying it with me for too long
already.
>>>Asuka: Yeah, it could be infectious.
>>>Rei: DO you have to put it away?
>>>Shinji: Maybe sitting on the floor would have been best.
Then I proceeded to the kitchen. I took a look at the kitchen clock.
13:13. It was well past lunch time and I was definitely hungry. And
eating would buy me some time. With any luck, Asuka would make the first
steps and come to talk to me herself. She had to be aware of my
presence. If she came... It would make it much easier.
>>>Shinji: But my life is never easy.
Taking a few ingredients out of the fridge, I gave myself the task
to make two quick sandwiches. One of them for Asuka. I doubted she had
eaten anything since breakfast. I could tell, cooking and housecleaning
was, after all, mostly my responsibility.
>>>Touji: We lost him.
>>>Kensuke: I'd do it if I could live their, bath time would be fun.
>>>Hikari: DOn't you ever shut up?
I tried to take my time to eat, but I was torn between getting over
the imminent discussion as soon as I could and avoiding it altogether.
Needless to say I didn't enjoy my meal one bit.
Much sooner than I would have liked, I found myself standing before
her door. I knocked.
"Go away Shinji."
There was annoyance in her voice, but also something else. Possibly
sadness.
>>>Asuka: Yeah, that I'd have to talk to you.
>>>Hikari: Oh get off it, if you don't want to admit it, the Asuka in the movie
>>> is obvously in love with him.
>>>Rei: I like this one better.
Scenes from the morning replayed in my mind. Asuka running away.
Tears in her eyes.
"I'm sorry Asuka."
I didn't know what came over me. But I suddenly felt the need to
open up to her, to actually say what was on my mind.
"I never know what to do. Or what to say. I can't figure out what
you're thinking. You're always teasing me, harassing me. What am I to
you? A nuisance? A threat? A friend? Do you actually hate me? Or do you
actually not care? I can't tell. And you won't tell me, will you? You'll
just call me an idiot."
>>>Asuke: If you insist, you're an idiot.
I couldn't believe I was saying all this.
"But I care about you. I like you Asuka. You're one of my only
friends. Even if you're a pest most of the time. I'm sorry if I have
hurt your feelings. I'm even more sorry if I'm too much of an idiot to
figure out what exactly your feelings are..."
We both remained silent for a while. This was going nowhere, so I
decided to simply leave her alone. So what if she didn't even care about
me enough to say anything? I should be used to it. It's not like I could
win a popularity contest.
I've put the heart shaped box in front of her door, along with the
sandwich. Might as well get this over with and get back to school. I was
beyond late, but it's not like anybody would care anyway.
"I'm leaving some lunch outside your door. I know you haven't eaten
anything yet."
Without another word, I left the apartment.
Time to catch what was left of the afternoon classes.
I spent the rest of the day trying to listen to the sensei's
lecture, trying to avoid thinking.
>>>Hikari: Isn't that counter productive then?
>>>Touji: Yeah, sensei's lectures produce nothing but mindless thought.
When I came back home to clean up for the party and prepare dinner,
I noticed that both the sandwich and the chocolate box had disappeared
from where I had left them.
>>>Kensuke: ...And when I checked the trash I found them both.
I entered my room to drop my school bag and noticed something on my
bed. A box of chocolates like the one I had given Asuka, but a bit
smaller. And to it, a small card was attached, with three words badly
scribbled on it:
Baka
Thank you
>>>Touji: Man, even when she's trying to be nice she insults you.
>>>Shinji: No, Its just her way, 'smiles.'
>>>Rei: My box was bigger.
>>>Asuka: It doesn't matter its the thought that counts..and when it comes
>>> to size 'smirks' I have the advantage.
>>>Kensuke: I can think of a dare..you catch my drift Touji?
>>>Touji: 'Wipes drool off his chin' Yup.
[To be continued...]
Next time:
The One I Love Is...
Chapter 2 - Shinji belongs to me!
>>>Touji: NO! THEY KILLED PEN-PEN.
>>>Shinji: YOU BASTARD
>>>Asuka: That wasn't half bad this time, but its over now right?
>>>Hikari:Not yet, it has bonus footage.
>>>Kensuke: I don't know..is that a Rei episode or an Asuka?
>>>Rei/Asuka: ME
Omake:
Without another word, I left the apartment.
I spent the rest of the day trying to listen to the sensei's
lecture, trying to avoid thinking.
When I came home to clean up for the party, and prepare dinner, I
noticed Asuka lying on the floor, her neck bent at an odd angle and her
eyes vacant. From the info we received after the autopsy report, it
seemed she had slipped on the sandwich which resulted in a really nasty
fall.
Well... I guess it was one way to solve my problems...
>>>Touji and Kensuke fall on the floor laughing, Hikari and Shinji snicker, Rei
>>> smiles, and Asuka fums sleals the remote and turns off the tape.
Author's notes:
As you may have noticed, I'm using the Japanese format for the names, in
other words, family name first.
I guess it may be useful to inform you about the place in time of this
story. I pretty much disregarded the EVA timeline (at least I think).
Meaning, this story starts between the Eleventh and Twelfth Angel
attacks (let's just say the angels were lazy for a while, OK?), between
episodes 14 and 15 (as the prelude, "Visions", occured in the timeline
at episode 14). I guess it's just yet another alternate EVA universe.
Could be worse. I didn't add/modify angels, or EVAs or pilots...
Quite frankly, I'm not sure whether Shinji is out of character or not
(or every one else for that matter). While a hundred time easier to deal
with than Rei, it's still hard to have this series developed through the
Third Child eyes. I'll try to do my best to keep him as true as possible
to the original, although I may give him some of the spine the manga
Shinji has. But I can't guarantee that Shinji will evolve the same way
through out this story. Many things can happen. But to give you a hint,
let's just say I hated the Shinji I saw in End Of Evangelion.
I guess I have a few people I must give my thanks to. First, Axel
Terizaki, author of "The Child of Love" (also my first official pre-
reader - he's such a nice guy!). This story was inspired by a few ideas
we exchanged on his story. I would also like to thank Andrew Huang ("I
Mustn't Run Away" & "In Other Words"), Steve Pardue ("Misato's Christmas
Party") and Drakken Fyre ("The Object of One's Desire") for their
stories. They have been inspiring for this project. I must also thank
Toh Ee-Loong (author of the not to miss "HERZ" series) for his
invaluable help in pre-reading this chapter.
---
Translations notes:
Baka : Idiot, stupid. Often used by Asuka. "Baka Shinji" (Stupid
Shinji), "Shinji no baka!" (Shinji you idiot!)
Alain Gravel
rakna@globetrotter.qc.ca
February 21st 1999
Started on February 16th 1999
First pre-reader draft finished on February 21st 1999
Second pre-reader draft finished on March 2nd 1999
Final draft finished on March 7th 1999, revised on April 20th 1999
Additional corrections on May 30th 1999
Final revision on March 6th 2000
>>>Mst done August 21th 2001
(End mst comments)
Asuka: What the hell was that thing?
Hikari: The creator puts little jokes in like that from time to time.
Shinji: Have to say, it was an ending.
Rei: A good one.
Asuka: Shut up, now who's up for the game?
Hikari: Its getting late so we can only do a few tonight, we'll do more tomarow.
Rei/Shinji: But how do we play?
Hikari gives them a brief discription of the game and they all sit in a cirle on
the floor.
Touji: I'll go first.
All: Fine
Touji: Asuka, Truth or dare.
Asuka: 'Maybe this wasn't such a good idea' Dare.
Touji: Good, ok 'runs to the kitchen and returns' down this whole bottle of sake.
Asuka: Fine 'shakes her head' but it'll take time, 'begins drinking' Shinji...Truth or dare.
Shinji: I..um..truth?
Touji/Kensuke: Wuss.
Asuka: Who do you like more, Rei or me?
Shinji: OH ok dare.
Asuke: Fine, kiss Hikari on the lips..and it has to be for a minute.
Touji/Hikari: WHAT!!!
Asuka: You get the next turn Hikari 'and I have to pay jock itch back.'
Shinji and Hikari slowly get into position and fullfill the dare.
Shinji/Hikari: 'S/he's good at that.'
Hikari: Its my turn now..Rei, truth or dare.
Asuka: Whu? WHa...Hikar...i, you ...was supposedta.
Hikari: Its my turn so don't but in 'sorry Asuka but I can't be nice after that.'
Rei: I chose dare.
Hikari: 'Smirks at Asuka' Shinji and you must go into that closet for 10 minutes, alone.
Touji: Man Shinji's getting all the action tonight, its not fair.
Rei: Agreed, Ikari-kun this way.
Shinji: 'Blushing furiously, thank goodness Asuka passed out, but when she hears about this.'
are you sure Ayanami?
Rei: Yes
Hikari: Ok, is late now so lets go to bed.
Kensuke: But I thought this wasn't a co-ed sleep over, what about them? 'points to the now
occupied closet.'
Hikari: Do you realy think anything will happen, now lets go, um..can you help me with Asuka?
Touji: No, when she heard we actually touched her, she'd kill us.
Hikari: True, well a blanket and pillow it is then
----------------------------------------------------
Mst auther notes
Hello Its me ZENTRODIE, and yes I know i've been neglection All they needed was each other
but i'll get to it, hope ya liked this story, and yes party games will continue, and for
your info, OTAKON ruled :)
well comments are welcome
ja-mata
Chapter 1 - Valentine's Day
Written by Alain Gravel <rakna@globetrotter.qc.ca>
Based on characters created by and copyright GAINAX
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Teahouse/2236/
Stan dard disclaimer:
hello again Zentrodie here, got back from Otacon 2001, it rocked
alot of people in eva garb, saw a few shinji's, and a
mix of asuka and rei's.
well, hope you're enjoying it so far I still have alot
of Ideas to play round with, well without further ado...
---------------------------------------
Shinji still shaking his head: I mean its only a movie guys
don't take it for more than that.
Kensuke: So your saying 'points to the room where the girls are changing
into night clothing' you don't feel a thing for either of them?
Touji: You're not gay...are you Shin-man?
Shinji: No I'm not gay...I just don't know about things like that.
Touji/Kensuke: By the end of this movie, we'll get the truth out of you.
In the girls room
Hikari: Come on you two, be civil, its only a movie.
Asuka: And that means what to me, dumb movie anyway, don't know how you talked
me into watching it.
Rei: You're just upset that I'm the star of the first two chapters 'hides a small smile'
Asuka: Bitch, its all fake, just you wait I'll be the star.
Hikari: SO....what game should we play first after the movie ends tonight?
Asuka: 'Alright this is my chance to prove to miss honour student just who's
Shinji's one and only' Truth or dare.
Rei: How...?
Hikari cutting her off: Excellent, Rei we'll teach you and Shinji after this installment
well lets get going.
The girls finish changing and rejoin the group in the living room, Kensuke puts the
next tape in the vcr and steals the remote.
Kensuke: Let the destruction begin, and rember Touji it's 2-0 so far in my favour.
Touji: 'biting his lower lip' Shut up and start it.
Shinji: 'Noticing Asuka giving him odd looks' Is...something wrong?
Asuka with a preditory grin: Nope, just we're all playing truth or dare
after this segment is over, you'll love it.
Rei: I dislike how you say that.
(Now the real story begins, as usual mst comments are denoted with >>>)
Disclaimer:
This story begins after the 14th episode and goes on until the end. So
if you haven't seen the entire series and the End of Evangelion movie,
expect spoilers. I won't warn you anymore.
>>>Touji: Their talking in riddles again, what the hell is a spoiler.
>>>Rei: They are plastic or metal objects affixed to cars to deflect mud.
>>>Touje: So....what do they have to do with this movie?
>>>Asuka: Maybe its so full of crap their needed to keep us clean 'smiles.'
Another note: There is a prologue to this chapter and knowledge of this
prologue will help you understand what is going on. It was originally
distributed as a short story called "Valentine's Day: Ayanami Rei". The
revised edition is now part of the "The one I love is..." series.
(*) See translations notes for details
========================================================== ============
Chapter 1 - Valentine's Day
I was surprised to find my two roommates already far ahead of me for
breakfast. That was odd. It was my turn to cook. But it appeared that
Asuka had opted for raspberry jam on toast. As for Misato... as long as
there was beer in the fridge, she was fine. And the fridge was rarely
short of beer. I guess she drank so much of that stuff, she could now
survive solely on it.
>>>Shinji: It's true, I've tested it, four months straight of nothing
>>>but Yebisu and she was fine.
>>>Asuka: It cut down on cleaning too, she was always sleeping in her
>>>underwear so no laundry.
>>>Touji/Kensuke: Shinji LET US SLEEP OVER!!!
"It's not fair!"
Trouble. Asuka was already in a bad mood. That wasn't totally
unexpected. I had already witnessed a similar scene two weeks before.
And I knew that I would see the same scene in two weeks.
So, Asuka was in a bad mood, which meant that she would eventually
pick on me to vent her frustrations. Still, I was lucky; things could
have been a lot worse. At least it wasn't *that* time of the month!
Well, that was what I thought. Couldn't be really sure...
>>>Asuka: Ok...Shinji if you ever..and I MEAN IT, if you ever mention
>>>That again, I'll boil you alive.
>>>Shinji: 'cowering in the couch' It wasn't me..honest.
>>>Kensuke: Man never thought of that, wonder what Misato's like.
>>>Touji: I don't know but I don't care I'd live there in an insta.....
>>>Hikari: I'M NOT LISTENING TO YOU .... YOU JERK!! 'big smack'
Silently, I decided to accept my fate while preparing my own
breakfast. Simple eggs and toast. I wasn't sure I had the energy for
something more complicated. For a moment, I considered saying "Hi!" to
my two companions, but from the look on Asuka's face, I decided to keep
quiet. Better to stay unnoticed for as long as I could.
"Life is rarely fair, Asuka."
Well, what a surprise. Misato seemed to be in her serious mode. Not
typical. She would probably soon revert to the irresponsible-happy-
teasing mode soon. Her aim was probably to throw Asuka off-guard.
"But it's Sunday! Not only Sunday, but Valentine's Day, too!"
Asuka was definitely unhappy. I couldn't help but shudder at the
thought. While I personally didn't care about a stupid holiday, Asuka
was bound to make a big deal of it.
"I just know I'll go through hell today." I silently thought. "Maybe
an Angel attack will save me..."
But then again, the Angels were responsible for this mess.
>>>Touji: So the angels created the holidays?
>>>Rei: If their truely are the creation of God, they helped.
"Asuka, you know perfectly the position of the Tokyo-3 School Board.
Due to Angel attacks, many days of school have been lost. Therefore, one
Sunday every two weeks is now a school day."
I could feel that Misato was loosing her patience. Asuka had already
lost the argument. She just didn't know it yet.
"This sucks!"
>>>Rei: Witty retort.
>>>Asuka: Bite me.
"Maybe. But you'll go anyway, even if I have to make it an order."
"But it's not fair! Baka Shinji, say something!"
Well, so much for staying unnoticed.
"Don't we have synch tests, today, Misato-san?"
The classic Ikari Shinji evasion tactic. If you try very hard to
ignore reality, it may go away. However, I knew it likely wasn't going
to work. Already, Asuka was fuming and mumbling a few German insults, if
I guessed right. A full-scale explosion was imminent. But luck, under
the name of Katsuragi Misato, was on my side.
>>>Kensuke: Is she going to smack Asuka then get the fun...k, AHHHH 'smacks the
>>>stop button then runs away from both Asuka and Rei.'
>>>Rei: I told you to stop insunuating that.
>>>Asuka: WANT TO SEE A SMACK I'LL GIVE YOU A SMACK.
>>>Shinji picks up the remote and pushes play: They'll be gone awhile why wait?
>>>Hikari: Shinji-kun, its almost like you didn't want them to see this 'smiles.'
>>>Shinji: 'blushes' Not realy.
"No, Shinji-kun". I could see a really big smile on the Major's
face. For a second, I wondered if it was a good or a bad sign. "Tonight,
we'll have a PARTY!!!"
That caught Asuka's attention. A party... While I wasn't
enthusiastic about the idea of yet ANOTHER party, at least it had calmed
Asuka down considerably.
"A party?"
Asuka was suddenly quite enthusiastic. That only made Misato more
cheerful.
"Yes! We'll have Ritsuko, Maya, Shigeru, Makoto... You can also ask
your friends at school, if they want to come. Don't forget to ask Rei
too..."
"Who cares about Rei! What about Kaji? Will he come?"
>>>Asuka: 'At the sound of Kaji, stops pummeling Kensuke' HEY who said
>>>you could start it...and if its Kaji maybe this is a good story.
>>>Rei: I'm going to be invited to a party?
>>>Kensuke: Mmmmphm.
>>>Touji: Serves ya right ken 'laughs at his bruised and battered friend.'
All the blood seemed to suddenly drain from the Major's face. I
almost couldn't help bursting out laughing.
"Well, I don't know if..."
"Yay! I'll call him right away!" said Asuka, ignoring totally the
Major's reply.
"... he should come. Damn! She didn't listen to a word I said..."
Silently, I finished my meal. Seeing that Misato was obviously not
in a mood to eat anymore, and that Asuka had forgotten about her own
meal, I cleaning up the table. Otherwise, the dishes would just remain
there.
>>>Touji: I thought she was living on a liquid diet?
>>>Shinji: Why do you think she threw the can away?
A party. While it was always nice to see those people I thought of
as my friends, I wasn't too thrilled about it. Parties were too noisy
and crowded for my taste.
Oh, well, that was better than having an angry Asuka on my back.
* * *
School. Another boring school day.
Or at least that's what I expected.
The class was actually quite alive this morning. The girls all
appeared to be making quite a fuss about this Valentine thing. I was
really surprised to see Hikari give chocolates to Touji. I had guessed
she had feelings for him, but never would have imagined that she would
tell him, much less make such a public display. Touji was sooooo
embarrassed that his face reminded me of a tomato. Kensuke's comments
didn't help the poor "couple". I just hoped Touji wouldn't say something
stupid. Hikari was a nice girl. It would be a shame if Touji hurt her
feelings.
>>>Touji: Hikari, do you realy?
>>>Hikari: I um..you see..realy...shoot.
>>>Rei: I dislike how Ikari-kun expresses feelings for the class representative.
>>>Kensuke: P...oor..Pen-pen.
>>>Asuka: Thats right, wondergirls crazy.
>>>Shinji: But its true.
>>>Hikari: Shinji-kun, thats so sweet.
>>>Touji: BACK OFF SHIN-MAN SHE'S MINE.
For some reason, Asuka appeared to be fuming. She kept throwing me
dark glances. Not knowing what was the matter with her, I decided it
would be best to just ignore her for a while, at least until she cooled
down. So, I put my head down on my desk and waited for the boring
lecture on the Second Impact to begin. With any luck, I'd fall asleep.
Suddenly, everyone fell silent. Curiosity got the better of me. I
raised my head, and was shocked by what I saw.
Ayanami Rei, holding what was obviously a Valentine's Day chocolate
box and slowly walking right toward me.
No! She wouldn't... She couldn't...
>>>Touji: She did, she stripped naked and did a dance.
>>>Asuka: Bit the head off a bat.
>>>Rei: Gave Ikari-kun chocolates 'blushes.'
>>>Shinji: Rei...
I literally froze.
Her usual neutral expression was gone. Her hands and lips were
shaking. I could see in her red eyes... fear. Yet there was something
else. I wasn't entirely sure: a spark of vitality, which I had never
seen in her.
I was mesmerized.
She handed me the box. I was surprised to see my own hands shaking.
For a brief moment, our fingers touched. It was one of the greatest
sensations I had ever felt.
"This is for you, Ikari-kun."
I'm not sure, but I think I managed to say thanks.
She smiled. That rare, so very precious, and beautiful smile.
>>>Touji: If he gets any redder we can fry eggs on his face.
>>>Hikari: Its so cute.
>>>Shinji/Rei: I never thought...
>>>Asuka: NOT ANOTHER CHAPTER WITH HER, HIKARI YOU SAID!!!!
>>>HIkari: I know what I said now be quiet for a bit, its getting good.
All around us, some students fell off their chairs. Others literally
fainted. I didn't notice. I was in heaven.
When I came back to my senses, Rei was walking toward her desk. The
neutral, emotionless mask was back on her face. Only the box of
chocolates in my hands convinced me that this wasn't a dream.
"Way to go Shinji! You lucky dog!"
Happy to have the pressure off his back, Touji was now teasing me
about what had just happened. Already, the mighty Student Gossip Machine
was hard at work, trying to figure out the 'what', 'why', 'when' and
'how' of my 'relationship' with Ayanami. Rei now back to her normal
emotionless self, I was almost torn apart for answers by the others
girls in class. This was far worse than the attention I had received a
few months earlier, when everyone found out I was the Pilot of Unit-01.
I knew by the way my cheeks burned that I was blushing terribly. Quite
frankly, I would have liked to crawl under my desk and hide.
>>>Shinji: Ah, that would be responce number 21 in my evasive manual.
Surprisingly enough, in the background, I heard some girls saying
how they envied Rei. That was a surprise! Much more of a surprise than
the deadly looks I was getting from some of the guys in class. While I
knew Rei's personality, or actually lack of, scared people, I also knew
some guys did literally drool over her. She was, after all, quite
attractive, in a mysterious way. And now, I was suddenly those guys
number one rival. How great...
>>>Rei: It is hard to be popular.
>>>Asuka: I should know that, not you.
>>>Kensuke: Actually both sets of photos sell the same....'he was then rendered
>>>unconsciense.'
>>>Asuka/Rei: Hentai.
For a second time before class even started, the classroom became
dead silent. I could feel that something was VERY wrong.
"IKARI SHINJI!"
Oh, God! Asuka!
>>>Touji: The devil herself.
>>>Kensuke: I can see the villigers running away "OH no it is Asuka-zilla, we must flee."
She didn't look mad. No. She looked beyond mad. She was scary. More
than those goddamn Angels.
I froze. Again.
Fear is quite an interesting thing. I can avoid the tentacle of a
giant building tall monster while piloting an equally tall mecha and
still manage to get slapped by a girl. Damn did that hurt! I was really
glad I hadn't been hit by a fist. I swear, that girl could give Touji a
run for his money.
>>>Shinji: Actually Asuka is stronger than you Touji.
>>>Touji: Na-ah, Shut up, its just you cowering from your harem again.
>>>Asuka: No, for a change baka's right, I can kick all your sorry ass's.
>>>Rei: I doubt that.
>>>Hikari: Lets not fight now...please!!!
Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Rei had stood up. Her face
showed an anger likely equal to the one I could see on Asuka's face.
"Ayanami!"
I was surprised by my own voice. No hesitation. No sign of my usual
shyness. It was more of a... commanding tone. A lot like my father. That
thought was... disturbing.
>>>Shinji: Touji...Kensuke, if I do that again, please hit me, Dawm bastard
>>>want nothing to do with him.
>>>Rei: I found it nice.
>>>Asuka: For once I agree, not so spineless for a change..to bad its for wonder..
Rei didn't move. Acknowledging my unspoken command, she nodded,
smiled to me, then shot an angry glare toward Asuka.
The matter with Rei solved, I turned my attention to the redhead.
She still looked angry, but... She had tears in her eyes. I found myself
unable to be angry at her.
Asuka always had extreme reactions. It wasn't unusual. Actually, it
was part of her charms. But tears. I had only seen her cry once. On the
night before the Seventh Angel battle. And it had been only a single
tear in her sleep. To see her like this... Almost fragile. Without her
usual arrogance. I couldn't quite believe it.
>>>Shinji: Asuka....
>>>ASuka: It...Its fake..yeah all fake, I'd never lower myself.
>>>Hikari: Its so heart rendering.
>>>Touji/Kensuke: I'm going to hurl.
"Why?" I softly asked her.
Again, she gave me a look full of hate. I prepared myself to be hit
once more.
"Baka Shinji!!!"
Then... She ran out of the class, almost hitting the old sensei on
her way out.
"What's the deal with that girl?" asked Touji.
He was silenced by an angry Hikari.
"Suzuhara!"
Touji suddenly became quite calm. Very, very calm. But he had asked
a very interesting question. What was her problem?
Could she possibly be...
No...
She wouldn't be jealous. Would she?
No. Way.
>>>Asuka: Yeah, jealous of what, I don't see anything to be jealous of
>>>nope not at all.
>>>Rei: Me.
>>>Hikari: Um...please no fighting.
>>>Kensuke: CAT FIGHT!!
>>>Touji: No, mud wrestling would be better.
Then... Why the tears.
Maybe it had been something in her eyes. Yes, that was it. It was
something, perhaps just a speck of dust.
Surely I wasn't stupid enough to believe that...
Soon, everything seem to go back to normal. Hikari did the "Rise",
"Bow", "Sit" routine. Another school day *finally* started.
Once the sensei had begun his lecture on the Second Impact, I
collapsed on my desk. I felt completely drained. Dealing with Asuka's
usual mood swings was bad already. Today, she was worse than ever. Those
tears... And on top of that, I had to deal with a overemotional Rei.
This was simply too much. My thoughts were a mess. I got tired of trying
not to run away from reality and drifted to sleep.
Nobody would notice, and even if they did, I didn't care.
>>>Hikari: So, Ayanami smiling is overemotional to you Shinji?
>>>Shinji: Its just...kinda odd.
>>>Asuka: Thats an understatement.
* * *
"IKARI-KUN! How could you do this to Asuka?!"
I woke up, my body shaken by an angry Class Rep. I opened my eyes,
completely disoriented, my senses a mess. I was promptly saved by Touji.
"Don't shake him like that! That kid still has to save the world,
y'a know."
>>>Shinji: Is that all I mean to you guys?
>>>Touji: Pretty much.
>>>Kensuke: That and a walking info ramp for Eva.
Yeah... That was better. Now that my head wasn't moving back and
forth, it was easier to try to understand what was going on. Apparently,
I was in school. Which was normal since it was the place where I had
first fallen asleep. And since the only students remaining in class were
Hikari and Touji, most likely to save me from Hikari, I guessed it was
time to eat. I did feel hungry. A glance at the classroom clock
confirmed it. It was a little over noon.
"How could you do that?!"
"Do what?"
"You ignored her! And you made her cry..."
What did she mean? I hardly ignored Asuka. It was kinda hard
ignoring a girl when she was trying to beat you up. And I certainly
didn't do anything to make her cry. She didn't cry. No. Those were
tears. But she wasn't crying.
What then?
"I didn't do anything!"
"Exactly! You didn't do anything! You just stood there and accepted
Ayanami's chocolates!"
>>>Kensuke: And?
>>>Rei: I fail to see what he did wrong.
>>>Shinji: Maybe I'm lactose intolerent in this movie?
"And?"
"Don't you care at all about Asuka's feelings?"
>>>Kensuke/Touji: No.
"What do you mean by 'Asuka's feelings'?"
Hikari was obviously surprised. She seemed about to say something,
but decided against it.
"Suzuhara-kun, could you please wait for me outside..."
I really didn't like the sound of that.
Touji hesitated a while. But in the end, he chose Hikari's warm
smile instead of my pleading look. No surprise really. The Class
representative waited for the tall boy to leave the room before finally
saying what was on her mind.
>>>Kensuke: 'I love ya and want to get the funk on'
>>>Touji: You have to pay for that one 'punches him in the stomach.'
>>>Asuka: At this rate numb nutz is going to die before the end of this.
>>>Kensuke: But my legacy will live on.
"You don't know Ikari-kun? Asuka loves you! Aren't you two a
couple?"
What was that? Did Hikari actually say what I thought she said? And
did she actually believe that?
"What?! We're not a couple!"
Where did she get this idea? Asuka. My girlfriend? Must be the worst
joke I ever heard.
"She's always teasing me! She's always trying to put me down! I'm
probably what she considers her biggest rival. We hardly manage to live
together. I wouldn't be surprised if she actually hated me. And you're
saying that she's in love with me?"
"Yes!"
"Didn't you listen...?"
>>>Shinji: You don't realy believe that stuff do you Hikari?
>>>HIkari: You say something?
>>>Asuka: 'Snickering' This thing goes in circles.
"You boys can be so blind! She wouldn't even bother teasing you if
she hated you! You're probably the only person she truly respects! Yes,
you are likely her biggest threat. But you're also the only one she can
identify herself with. When you aren't such an idiot or a wimp..."
>>>Asuka: And that would be when?
>>>Rei: When he's standing up for me.
>>>Shinji: When I have no choice.
>>>Touji: When his harem's in danger.
I couldn't believe it. I wouldn't believe it. She couldn't be
serious, could she?
No. It wasn't true. Yet, if I thought about what happened this
morning...
No, no, no...
"Can't be..."
It was just too much. Too much. I tried, as hard as I could, to tune
out everything around me and all those thoughts in my head.
Nothingness. I only wanted nothingness.
I didn't want to think about Rei. Her smile.
I didn't want to think about Asuka. Her angry expression. Her tears.
I didn't want to think about friendship.
I didn't want to think about love.
I didn't want to think.
>>>Shinji: Escape measure number 2, wow they have my mind in a book or something?
>>>Rei: Its best not to run Ikari-kun 'moves closer to him on the couch only to
>>> be pushed back by Asuka.'
>>>Asuka: Its what makes him unique.
But I couldn't. There was... no place to run to.
When I snapped back to reality, only Touji and Hikari were staring
at me, a worried expression on their faces. Hikari had probably called
Touji back.
"You... you okay, Shinji?" asked Touji.
I found myself unable to answer. I nodded.
"I'm so sorry Shinji! I didn't think... I didn't think about your
feelings..."
Hikari was almost on the verge of crying. Girls. So sensitive...
>>>Shinji: Well that is kinda true..but you can be a real bi...
>>>Touji: What was that Shin-man, going to say something bout Hikari?
>>>Shinji: 'looking at Kensuke' NOTHING.
>>>Asuka: YOu have him trained well.
>>>Hikari: It only takes a bit of time.
"It's ok."
An expression of relief washed over their faces.
"Man, you freaked me out!"
I turned my attention to Hikari.
"What do you want me to do?"
She gave me that "What do you mean?" look.
"I don't know what to do. Me. Rei. Asuka. So complicated. I don't
know what to think. Just tell me what to do."
"Well, you could at least start by apologizing to Asuka... maybe
also give her a gift!"
"A gift..."
For a while, I looked at the chocolate box Rei had given me. A gift.
A sign. What kind? Of friendship? Of love?
>>>Shinji: Of necessity
>>>Asuka: If I get a gift it better be a small rock attached to a ring of mineral.
>>>Kensuke: So you want a pepple on a piece of zinc?
>>>Rei: You just have to say such things, don't you.
>>>Kensuke: Yeah.
I thought about giving this box to Asuka. But I realized how unfair
it would be to both of them. Rei and Asuka.
"Yes."
I got up, picked up the box, and walked toward the door. Only when I
was about to leave did I look at my friends again.
"Thanks."
Then, I remembered something.
"Misato is throwing a party tonight. Please come. Asuka may need you
Hikari and I don't think I could handle it alone either. Tell Kensuke.
And... tell Rei."
Touji nodded.
"Count on me."
I would. God knew I would.
I then set out to achieve the task given to me. I had something to
do. I could focus on that task and forget about everything for a while.
There was always time to worry later.
>>>Kensuke: It was time to don the Shin-man out fit and become "MEGA-PLAYBOY"
>>>Touji: With the power to make all the woman his slaves.
>>>Rei: Miss Hokari, was it necessary for them to be here?
>>>Hikari: 'Few sweet drops while Touji and Kensuke mock bow to Shinji' I don't know now.
* * *
After a few minutes, I started to wonder why I had panicked earlier.
I had to be honest. At a time, I had been very interested in Rei. Now, I
was quite interested in Asuka. Both of them were very attractive. Why
shouldn't I be happy with the idea that the two most attractive females
of my class MAY have an interest in me.
>>>Touji: You could be gay.
>>>Shinji: I TOLD YOU I'M NOT!
>>>Rei: I can account for it.
>>>Five sets of eyes focus on Rei, while Shinji passes out.
>>>Asuka: Well I have my first question....and I better like the answer.
>>>Touji/Kensuke: MEGA-PLAYBOY AWAY!!!
Wasn't it what I ever wanted? Somebody who would care for me.
Yet, I couldn't manage to be happy about the idea. I guess I didn't
want to believe it. If I did and was wrong... And even if it was true.
How long would it take for them to just leave me behind, alone, like
Father did? Wasn't it just better to simply avoid the trouble and
ultimately the pain?
>>>Asuka: Man what a wuss.
>>>Touji: Shit man, running away from women because of stupid stuff, what
>>> happend to you?
>>>Shinji: FOR THE LAST TIME ITS FAKE.
Why did I let them be my friends in the first place?
But were they my friends? Asuka just kept teasing and annoying me.
Rei... was Rei.
>>>Hikari: So the word Rei is now an adjective?
I didn't really know either of them.
I sighed and rubbed my forehead. I was starting to have quite an
headache.
I finally arrived at a small general store. I knew the place quite
well. After the arrival of Misato in our apartment nearby, the owner had
tripled his alcohol sales. At least that's what he told me.
>>>Asuka/Shinji: Only tripled?
I looked at what was left of the Valentine gifts display. Not much
really. But I wasn't planning on anything fancy anyway. I really just
wanted to get rid of this as soon as I could, then forget the whole
thing. Besides, I didn't have much money. Only a few yens left from the
last time I had gone on an errand for Misato. I had forgotten to give
the money back and she had been too drunk when I came back to ask for
it.
I don't know why, but this triggered a thought in my head.
We weren't paid.
We were piloting EVA, saving the world from angels and worked for
free. Well, survival of the human race was a nice reward, but what about
us, really?
>>>Asuka/Shinji/Rei: Thats right, we deserve money.
>>>Hikari: But why?
>>>Shinji: More sdat tapes.
>>>Asuka: Shopping.
>>>Rei: Sexy underwear.
>>>ALL but Rei: WHAT!!!
>>>Rei: 'Sporting a light blush' Let us continue.
I made a mental note not to forget that thought.
I didn't have much use for money. NERV paid for the food, apartment
and school uniforms. Still who knows, I could find a use for it.
I would need to talk to Misato.
But now was the time to get back at the real problem, which was
buying one of those boxes.
I finally opted for a red heart shaped box with a single blue
ribbon. It wasn't exceptionally cute, but that would have to do. I
didn't even bother to look what kind of chocolate was inside. I just
paid for it and added an order for beer to be delivered at the apartment
tonight, along with a few snacks to eat. I knew Misato would probably
forget about it. Or did she expect me to think about such matters?
I exited the store and made my way toward the apartment. The hardest
task yet remained to be done.
Talking to Asuka.
>>>Touji: Makes sense, setting up a party, fighting building size monsters
>>> then talking to the red-headed deamoness.
* * *
The apartment looked empty. But I knew better. Like myself, Asuka
tended to take refuge in her room when she had a problem. She had only
lived in Tokyo-3 for a short time. Since Hikari was still in school, she
couldn't be at her home. And she couldn't go to NERV Headquarters
without Misato noticing. So she had to be in her room.
Besides, a pair of shoes lying on the floor attested she was here.
I went to my own room. I didn't stay long. Just long enough to put
Rei's gift in a drawer. I had been carrying it with me for too long
already.
>>>Asuka: Yeah, it could be infectious.
>>>Rei: DO you have to put it away?
>>>Shinji: Maybe sitting on the floor would have been best.
Then I proceeded to the kitchen. I took a look at the kitchen clock.
13:13. It was well past lunch time and I was definitely hungry. And
eating would buy me some time. With any luck, Asuka would make the first
steps and come to talk to me herself. She had to be aware of my
presence. If she came... It would make it much easier.
>>>Shinji: But my life is never easy.
Taking a few ingredients out of the fridge, I gave myself the task
to make two quick sandwiches. One of them for Asuka. I doubted she had
eaten anything since breakfast. I could tell, cooking and housecleaning
was, after all, mostly my responsibility.
>>>Touji: We lost him.
>>>Kensuke: I'd do it if I could live their, bath time would be fun.
>>>Hikari: DOn't you ever shut up?
I tried to take my time to eat, but I was torn between getting over
the imminent discussion as soon as I could and avoiding it altogether.
Needless to say I didn't enjoy my meal one bit.
Much sooner than I would have liked, I found myself standing before
her door. I knocked.
"Go away Shinji."
There was annoyance in her voice, but also something else. Possibly
sadness.
>>>Asuka: Yeah, that I'd have to talk to you.
>>>Hikari: Oh get off it, if you don't want to admit it, the Asuka in the movie
>>> is obvously in love with him.
>>>Rei: I like this one better.
Scenes from the morning replayed in my mind. Asuka running away.
Tears in her eyes.
"I'm sorry Asuka."
I didn't know what came over me. But I suddenly felt the need to
open up to her, to actually say what was on my mind.
"I never know what to do. Or what to say. I can't figure out what
you're thinking. You're always teasing me, harassing me. What am I to
you? A nuisance? A threat? A friend? Do you actually hate me? Or do you
actually not care? I can't tell. And you won't tell me, will you? You'll
just call me an idiot."
>>>Asuke: If you insist, you're an idiot.
I couldn't believe I was saying all this.
"But I care about you. I like you Asuka. You're one of my only
friends. Even if you're a pest most of the time. I'm sorry if I have
hurt your feelings. I'm even more sorry if I'm too much of an idiot to
figure out what exactly your feelings are..."
We both remained silent for a while. This was going nowhere, so I
decided to simply leave her alone. So what if she didn't even care about
me enough to say anything? I should be used to it. It's not like I could
win a popularity contest.
I've put the heart shaped box in front of her door, along with the
sandwich. Might as well get this over with and get back to school. I was
beyond late, but it's not like anybody would care anyway.
"I'm leaving some lunch outside your door. I know you haven't eaten
anything yet."
Without another word, I left the apartment.
Time to catch what was left of the afternoon classes.
I spent the rest of the day trying to listen to the sensei's
lecture, trying to avoid thinking.
>>>Hikari: Isn't that counter productive then?
>>>Touji: Yeah, sensei's lectures produce nothing but mindless thought.
When I came back home to clean up for the party and prepare dinner,
I noticed that both the sandwich and the chocolate box had disappeared
from where I had left them.
>>>Kensuke: ...And when I checked the trash I found them both.
I entered my room to drop my school bag and noticed something on my
bed. A box of chocolates like the one I had given Asuka, but a bit
smaller. And to it, a small card was attached, with three words badly
scribbled on it:
Baka
Thank you
>>>Touji: Man, even when she's trying to be nice she insults you.
>>>Shinji: No, Its just her way, 'smiles.'
>>>Rei: My box was bigger.
>>>Asuka: It doesn't matter its the thought that counts..and when it comes
>>> to size 'smirks' I have the advantage.
>>>Kensuke: I can think of a dare..you catch my drift Touji?
>>>Touji: 'Wipes drool off his chin' Yup.
[To be continued...]
Next time:
The One I Love Is...
Chapter 2 - Shinji belongs to me!
>>>Touji: NO! THEY KILLED PEN-PEN.
>>>Shinji: YOU BASTARD
>>>Asuka: That wasn't half bad this time, but its over now right?
>>>Hikari:Not yet, it has bonus footage.
>>>Kensuke: I don't know..is that a Rei episode or an Asuka?
>>>Rei/Asuka: ME
Omake:
Without another word, I left the apartment.
I spent the rest of the day trying to listen to the sensei's
lecture, trying to avoid thinking.
When I came home to clean up for the party, and prepare dinner, I
noticed Asuka lying on the floor, her neck bent at an odd angle and her
eyes vacant. From the info we received after the autopsy report, it
seemed she had slipped on the sandwich which resulted in a really nasty
fall.
Well... I guess it was one way to solve my problems...
>>>Touji and Kensuke fall on the floor laughing, Hikari and Shinji snicker, Rei
>>> smiles, and Asuka fums sleals the remote and turns off the tape.
Author's notes:
As you may have noticed, I'm using the Japanese format for the names, in
other words, family name first.
I guess it may be useful to inform you about the place in time of this
story. I pretty much disregarded the EVA timeline (at least I think).
Meaning, this story starts between the Eleventh and Twelfth Angel
attacks (let's just say the angels were lazy for a while, OK?), between
episodes 14 and 15 (as the prelude, "Visions", occured in the timeline
at episode 14). I guess it's just yet another alternate EVA universe.
Could be worse. I didn't add/modify angels, or EVAs or pilots...
Quite frankly, I'm not sure whether Shinji is out of character or not
(or every one else for that matter). While a hundred time easier to deal
with than Rei, it's still hard to have this series developed through the
Third Child eyes. I'll try to do my best to keep him as true as possible
to the original, although I may give him some of the spine the manga
Shinji has. But I can't guarantee that Shinji will evolve the same way
through out this story. Many things can happen. But to give you a hint,
let's just say I hated the Shinji I saw in End Of Evangelion.
I guess I have a few people I must give my thanks to. First, Axel
Terizaki, author of "The Child of Love" (also my first official pre-
reader - he's such a nice guy!). This story was inspired by a few ideas
we exchanged on his story. I would also like to thank Andrew Huang ("I
Mustn't Run Away" & "In Other Words"), Steve Pardue ("Misato's Christmas
Party") and Drakken Fyre ("The Object of One's Desire") for their
stories. They have been inspiring for this project. I must also thank
Toh Ee-Loong (author of the not to miss "HERZ" series) for his
invaluable help in pre-reading this chapter.
---
Translations notes:
Baka : Idiot, stupid. Often used by Asuka. "Baka Shinji" (Stupid
Shinji), "Shinji no baka!" (Shinji you idiot!)
Alain Gravel
rakna@globetrotter.qc.ca
February 21st 1999
Started on February 16th 1999
First pre-reader draft finished on February 21st 1999
Second pre-reader draft finished on March 2nd 1999
Final draft finished on March 7th 1999, revised on April 20th 1999
Additional corrections on May 30th 1999
Final revision on March 6th 2000
>>>Mst done August 21th 2001
(End mst comments)
Asuka: What the hell was that thing?
Hikari: The creator puts little jokes in like that from time to time.
Shinji: Have to say, it was an ending.
Rei: A good one.
Asuka: Shut up, now who's up for the game?
Hikari: Its getting late so we can only do a few tonight, we'll do more tomarow.
Rei/Shinji: But how do we play?
Hikari gives them a brief discription of the game and they all sit in a cirle on
the floor.
Touji: I'll go first.
All: Fine
Touji: Asuka, Truth or dare.
Asuka: 'Maybe this wasn't such a good idea' Dare.
Touji: Good, ok 'runs to the kitchen and returns' down this whole bottle of sake.
Asuka: Fine 'shakes her head' but it'll take time, 'begins drinking' Shinji...Truth or dare.
Shinji: I..um..truth?
Touji/Kensuke: Wuss.
Asuka: Who do you like more, Rei or me?
Shinji: OH ok dare.
Asuke: Fine, kiss Hikari on the lips..and it has to be for a minute.
Touji/Hikari: WHAT!!!
Asuka: You get the next turn Hikari 'and I have to pay jock itch back.'
Shinji and Hikari slowly get into position and fullfill the dare.
Shinji/Hikari: 'S/he's good at that.'
Hikari: Its my turn now..Rei, truth or dare.
Asuka: Whu? WHa...Hikar...i, you ...was supposedta.
Hikari: Its my turn so don't but in 'sorry Asuka but I can't be nice after that.'
Rei: I chose dare.
Hikari: 'Smirks at Asuka' Shinji and you must go into that closet for 10 minutes, alone.
Touji: Man Shinji's getting all the action tonight, its not fair.
Rei: Agreed, Ikari-kun this way.
Shinji: 'Blushing furiously, thank goodness Asuka passed out, but when she hears about this.'
are you sure Ayanami?
Rei: Yes
Hikari: Ok, is late now so lets go to bed.
Kensuke: But I thought this wasn't a co-ed sleep over, what about them? 'points to the now
occupied closet.'
Hikari: Do you realy think anything will happen, now lets go, um..can you help me with Asuka?
Touji: No, when she heard we actually touched her, she'd kill us.
Hikari: True, well a blanket and pillow it is then
----------------------------------------------------
Mst auther notes
Hello Its me ZENTRODIE, and yes I know i've been neglection All they needed was each other
but i'll get to it, hope ya liked this story, and yes party games will continue, and for
your info, OTAKON ruled :)
well comments are welcome
ja-mata