Neon Genesis Evangelion Fan Fiction ❯ The One I Love Is...Mst ❯ Chapter 3 ( Chapter 4 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

Standard Disclaimer!

I Don't own anything of Evangelion, well their is the pc games he he the
virtual pet game with Rei is neat,even got it translated, have to love
exchange students that want practise transliterating

well I've been getting a few people requesting stories, and I love it, specially
when they make requests I use specific people, its fun to try new things, unfortunatly
if you want to see some you need to go to the requesters website as we made arrangements
so they are based only on their site, well enough of my banter, you came looking for
mayhem and funny stuff, so....

----------------------------------------------------------- --------------------

Kensuke: So lets start, Rei your the sorceress, Shinji the knight, Touji the
Barbarian, Hikari your the Rouge, and...he he Asuka's the thief.

Asuka: Why do I have to be the thief?

Touji: You wouldn't come in when we were making up da characters.

Rei: You insisted you cook the food.

Hikari: Its good though so give her a break, I'll trade with you Asuka.

Shinji: I...I will too if you want mine.

Asuka: I'll take the Rouge. 'Asuka and Hikari swap player info.'

Kensuke: Alright lets start, you all meet in a tavern after you last mission.

Rei: What was it?

Kensuke: Its just how you meet.

Touji: Any women their?

Asuka: I want a beer.

Kensuke: Oh I'm going to love this, yes you see women and yes you get a beer.

Rei: I don't see anybody new in the room, and she is underage to drink.

Shinji: Its imaginary.

Rei: Oh, then I will follow the knight.

Kensuke: Great...great, ok, Shinji an old man approaches you and asks you "I need you
to help save my daughter."

Touji: "Is she cute?"

Hikari: Touji! it doesn't matter if she's cute.

Asuka: I'll take out my bow and set an arrow in it.

Kensuke: What are you thinking? nevermind "Yes my daughter is beutiful, the jewel
of the town"

Touji: "I'll do it!"

Shinji: "I will help"

Rei: I'm going to follow the knight.

Kensuke: The point of this game is to act the part of the character. "She's in the
big mansion at the end of the street.'

Asuka: I fire at the witch's head.

Rei: I'm not a witch, what can I do?

Touji gives her a discription of her abilities.

Hikari: I think this game is going to go downhill real quick.

Kensuke to Shinji: Watch this, "You see the most amazing woman walk into the bar, with
black hair, brown eyes, c-cups."

Touji: MISATO! I'm going to go hit on her.

Hikari: NO your not, I throw my dagger at him.

Shinji: I'm going to finish the job.

Asuka's arrow misses and Rei casts a spell of ice on her.

Asuka: I'll get you for that, fire more arrows.

Touji: Hikari, what its a game! dodge attack.

Kensuke: No, you fail to dodge she hit you in the back of the neck and die
misserable and the woman laughs at you. And Hikari you'r put in jail.

Touji: DAWM!

Hikari: Aw...

Rei: And us?

Kensuke: WHOW! never saw that, Asuka's arrows hit every vital organ while the cold
spell stops you're heart, you both die.

Asuka: WHAT!

Rei: That is not fair.

Shinji: And me?

Kensuke: You save the girl from the mansion, her name is Mana and you get married
and live happily ever after the end, dawm you people suck at this, your not supposed
to kill each other.

Shinji: Well that actually was fun, we'll have to try again.

Asuka: Next time I'll kill you for sure.

Rei: I will be better at this next time, and will stop you.

Touji: Enough of this, lets watch the next part ok?

Hikari: Sounds good to me.

Asuka: I don't know...maybe we should watch another movie instead.

Rei: You just know how it will end.

Hikari:......

Shinji: I put it in so lets get seated.

Shinji sits on the couch Asuka takes the seat next to him, Hikari moves to sit on
his other side when Rei simply glares at her and she drops to the ground.

Rei: I told you this seat was mine.

Hikari: Yes Ma'am.

Kensuke: Not going to stick up for her?

Touji: You want to fight Ayanami?

Shinji/kensuke: NO!

Rei: It is starting.

(standard procedure, mst comments are >>> so there)

The One I Love Is...
Chapter 3 - Breaking the ice

>>>Asuka: Hopefully with a sledgehammer.

Written by Alain Gravel <rakna@globetrotter.qc.ca>
Based on characters created by and copyright GAINAX

http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Teahouse/2236/

(*) See translations notes for details

========================================================== =============

Chapter 3 - Breaking the Ice

One day had passed since that hectic Valentine's Day. While not as
bad, the following day hadn't been a good one either. The only positive
point of that day was a long and quite profitable discussion with Kaji.
Besides that... Asuka treated me as if I didn't exist.

>>>Kensuke: What else is new?

>>>Shinji: Its actually a good thing, I need to worry when she's yelling.

>>>Touji: But its newlywed fights

No thanks to a
good number of rumors, which involved Rei, Asuka, Hikari, and myself,
school had been hell.

>>>Touji: How did Hikari get mixed up in this?

>>>Hikari blushes: How should I know?

>>>Shinji: Not like we made this.

I hated being a center of attention; Kensuke's
and Touji's usual teasing was enough for me. Because of those damn
rumors, Touji had been on my back all day. Who was the baka who came up
with this stupid rumor that I had a secret relationship with Hikari
anyway?

>>>Kensuke: Why are you looking at me?

>>>Asuka: Because he said Baka, and aside from him your the biggest one I Know.

And Rei? Well... she was back to her normal self. Quite frankly,
after what had happened, I wasn't sure if that was good or bad. That was
what scared me the most. She had already shown quite an outburst of
emotions. Who could tell when the next would happen? And what she would
do...

>>>Kensuke: Tie you down and get the funk on.

>>>Rei: It would prevent him from running.

Still, I finally decided to see her again, as promised, to show her
how to take care of her bed sheets.

>>>Touji: They'll need to wash them alot

>>>Hikari: Touji! thats indecent.

>>>Rei: Only if you have a dirty mind.

>>>Shinji: Why are you all talking about it like that?

Everything was now spinning in her old, but apparently working,
washing machine. For a long time, neither of us spoke.
"You did not come yesterday like you said. Why?"
Damn! She was angry. It didn't show, but I was sure of it...
"Well..."
"Did you feel uncomfortable because of what happened?"
How did she do that? Was I so easy to read?

>>>Asuka: Yes

>>>Touji/Kensuke: Its like you have a billboard on your head.

"Umm... I... I guess..."
"Why?"
If it had been anybody else, I would have wondered if it were a
joke. But in Rei's case... There was a genuine innocence about her. Some
things that seemed obvious to everybody else seemed to be unknown to
her. I often wondered why, but somehow, I could think of only one
answer: Father.

>>>Shinji: Thats my answer to alot of questions, like why is my life all
>>>screwed up, who's an asshole, who has a God complex?

>>>Touji: I'm sure if he asked you'd play catch with him though.

>>>Rei: Commander is unskilled in all manners of sports.

>>>Asuka: Again, I don't want to know how you know that.

"Well... I... I guess I was... afraid. I wasn't sure what kind of
reaction to expect from you..."
"You were afraid of me?"
She had kept her usual tone of voice, but in her eyes I could read
that she seemed somewhat hurt.
"No! That's not what I mean... I... it... it just seemed too fast. I
understand your feelings... at least I think I do. It's just... I don't
think I'm ready for THAT yet. I'm... not even sure how I feel about you.
I like you a lot... but enough too... you know... be that intimate...
Damn! It's so confusing..."
"I see."

>>>Asuka: Lucky you, I feel like I have a blindfold on, a bucket over the blind
>>> fold, and cotten in my ears.

>>>Kensuke: If you ask nicely we'll dip you in concrete.

>>>Hikari slaps his knee: Stop being mean, I agree this is a bit confusing.

She turned her head away. Was she upset? Maybe I had said something
that had hurt her.
"It doesn't mean I don't care about you. In fact... would you...
would you like to go out with me next Saturday night?"
She looked at me, curiosity in her eyes.

>>>Touji: Ew wouldn't that burn?

>>>Kensuke: Well she does have red eyes.

>>>Shinji/Asuka/Rei/Hikari: That was the lamest joke I've ever heard.

"Go out?"
"Yes. On a date."
"A date? What is that?"

>>>Rei: A date, noun: a fruit found in arid regions.

>>>Shinji: Um... I don't think thats right.

>>>Asuka: I think she has the right idea, only date she should ever have.

She... she didn't know? I knew her social skills were... limited,
but that much?
"It's... an occasion for a boy and a girl to meet... to be
together... and do something out of the ordinary."
"We have never done the laundry before. Does this mean we are
currently on a date?"

>>>Touji: DAWM! you need to get out more.

>>>Rei: But logic stands, and this would be a date too, would it not?

>>>Shinji: No because were not along.

>>>Rei: You could ask them to leave.

>>>Asuka: I'd sooner throw you out the window.

I blinked. She wasn't joking, was she?
"No... not really. Laundry is hardly romantic..."
Rei's eyes seemed to light up.

>>>Asuka: She's a robot?

>>>Hikari: Maybe she has glass eyes?

>>>Rei: Its easy watch 'makes her eyes flash'

>>>Shinji: Uh....

>>>Touji: What did you do to him?

>>>Rei: Hypnotic suggestion.

>>>Asuka slaps him out of it before he does anything.

>>>Shinji: What happend?

"So a date involves romance between a man and a woman?"
Dangerous ground here.
"Well... not always. Rather, I think its purpose is to help two
people discover if they can make a good couple."
Understanding seemed to show on her face.
"So in asking me, your purpose is to discover if I can be a good
mate for you?"

>>>Touji: Rei seems to be realy interested in sleeping with Shinji.

>>>Hikari/Shinji: Don't say such things.

>>>Rei: .....

>>>Asuka: 'I'll have to put pins on that seat.'

"Er... I... I guess it's one way to put it."
She smiled. Did I love that smile.
"Then, we shall go out together Saturday night."
Wow! That had been easy!

>>>Kensuke: Wonder what else would be easy? 'knudges Touji'

>>>Rei flashes her eyes at Kensuke who then smashes his head off the ground.

>>>Shinji: Think he'd learn.

"Really? Great!"
Again, she looked intrigued.
"This pleases you?"
"Well... yes. I... I've been interested in knowing you better for a
long time now."
"Why didn't you inquire about me sooner?"
I shrugged.
"The occasion never came. Or rather, I wasn't ready, I guess."
"What about the Second? Will you take her on a date as well?"

>>>Asuka: He dawm well better!

>>>Hikari: If he doesn't..he won't survive for second.

>>>Shinji: That was a pun wasn't it.

>>>Rei: Unintentional.

I froze. For a moment, I thought my heart had actually stopped
beating...
"I see."
I didn't know what to say. This was really awkward.
Then, Rei smiled.
"It doesn't matter. I will win."

>>>Kensuke: I hope so.

>>>Touji: No Asuka will win the Ikari-500.

* * *

Finally, Misato got back from NERV headquarters. I had been waiting
for this all day. The plans I had built with Kaji depended on the news
she would give me.
"So? How did it go?"
With a finger, she signaled me to wait. She went in the kitchen,
grabbed a beer from the fridge, gulped it down, then finally gave me
some attention.

>>>Shinji: Well that shows everybody her priorities.

>>>Asuka: Drink,people, Drink, food, ect...

"Very painfully. Paying you means paying Asuka and Rei, and your
father didn't seem thrilled about the idea of Rei being financially
independent.

>>>Rei: He already gives me an allowence.

>>>Shinji: How much?

>>>Rei: He gave me a credit card and said don't worry about it.

>>>Asuka: Ok..now which one of you is his real child?

It took a lot of arguing. However, the idea of one of his
pilots going on stike and telling UN officals that he risked his life
for free finally convinced him that it would be better to agree."
That argument had been an idea of Kaji's. For some reason, he seemed
used to dealing with Father and was better at predicting his reactions.
"Once your father had accepted, it wasn't difficult to put you three
on the payroll," Misato continued. "Congratulations Shinji! You are now
an official NERV employee and as an Evangelion Pilot you have a bigger
paycheck than mine."

>>>Shinji: But we have to take into account she has the bar tab taken directly
>>> out of her check.

>>>Asuka: If she didn't she'd be a millionair in a week.

The fact that Father had agreed to pay us was surprising, but this
was an even bigger surprise.
"I'll be better paid than you?"
"Yes. I aimed for the highest salary I could. Six million yen a
year, more or less one hundred fifteen thousand yen each week. And a
bonus of two hundred thousand yen each time you go into combat and
manage to come back without a scratch on the EVA."
I gasped. So much money... and a bonus?
"You're not serious..."
"Two hundred thousand yen is not much compared to the repair cost of
an EVA..."

>>>Rei: Especially if the second pilots, always excessive damage.

>>>Asuka: At least I didn't lose an arm or get liquidated.

"Wow..."
I could hardly believe it. I was actually worth that much money?
"Each of you will have a bank account opened under his name. Your
weekly pay will be deposited automatically."
"Perfect!"
Misato gave me a curious look.
"If I may ask... why did you suddenly want to be paid? You didn't
care much about money before."
"I didn't have to date two girls before..."
"Oh! I see... still willing to go forward with this idea?"
I nodded.

>>>Asuka/Rei: Two timer

>>>Shinji: Would you rather I pick one of you and leave the other in the cold?

>>>Asuka/Rei: Oh.

"There's not much else I can do unless you want Asuka to stay with
Hikari permanently."
"Still mad at you?"

>>>Kensuke: Mad, well if you consider putting his picture on target dummys and
>>> blowing out the crotch to all of them.

I nodded again. Mad was actually a light term.
"I see... well, all I can say is good luck, I guess."
"I'll likely be needing it."
Yes, luck... This whole plan was crazy. I'd need some indeed...

* * *

Sometimes, I wondered why I bothered listening to Misato's advice.
Sure, it sounded good at the time. Date Rei and Asuka. Quite simple.
Except for one small detail. While asking Rei out had been surprisingly
easy, Misato's plan also involved asking Asuka on a stupid date, not to
mention I still felt it was kinda dishonest toward both girls. And ever
since Misato's Valentine's Day party two days ago, Asuka had not
exchanged a glance with me, let alone words. That whole plan was doomed
to fail...

>>>Rei: I don't mind, I seem to have the advantage already.

>>>Asuka: Hey, its not over yet, I just take my time when I talk.

>>>Hikari: Asuka, you never have before.

>>>Shinji: Asking you on a date...I'd need a lead vest.

>>>Asuka: Maybe 'winks' for a different reason.

>>>Shinji turned to mush as Asuka made lazy circles on his chest with her
>>> finger until Rei slapped her hand with a ruler she 'found'.

Luckily, I showed enough insight to talk to Hikari about my plans,
or at least half of them. She didn't really need to know I planned on
taking Rei on a date a day before Asuka.
In any case, she had been hectic about the news and offered her
help. Since Asuka had been seeking refuge in her house for the last two
days, she promised to find a convenient excuse to throw Asuka out.
It seemed to work, because Asuka entered the apartment shortly after
I had arrived from school.
She was, needless to say, in quite a bad mood.
Our eyes met, but she quickly turned her head away, disgust clearly
on her face.

>>>Kensuke: Oh yeah, thats love.

>>>Asuka: You can see it to?

>>>Hikari: 'She can be so dense'

Oh, God! This would be hard.
She ran into her room where she barricaded herself.

>>>Kensuke: Prepare the JSSDF for Ikari-defense.

>>>Touji: You're weapons are no use against MEGE-PLAYBOY!

>>>Shinji: I'd wish you'd stop with that.

I knocked on the door, but my only answer was silence.
"Asuka... I need to talk to you."
"Go away. You can go talk with your stupid doll."
I felt a hint of anger, but I managed to suppress it. Now was not
the time to have THAT discussion.
Maybe the easiest way would be to simply say it directly.
"Misato has promised us a day off Sunday. No harmonic tests, no
school... Do you... would you... want to go out with me?"

>>>Asuka: I see, he wants practice so when he dates me he do well.

>>>Rei: I feel mixed emotions on that.

>>>Touji: Rei...Emotions??

Well, I had said it. I was shaking, my heart was beating at an
abnormal rate, but I had said it. Seems miracles can happen sometimes.
I heard a loud crashing noise coming from inside her room. Since it
didn't sound like furniture been broken by a furious redhead EVA pilot,
I became worried.
"Are you ok, Asuka?"
I managed to sound concerned. And I was.
"No I'm not! I've just fallen on the floor, you baka!"

>>>Hikari: Why the floor?

>>>Touji: Break-dancing.

I didn't dare ask how she had managed that and why.
Her door flew open and a hand hit my face. Hard. Enough to throw me
on the floor.

>>>Shinji: And she claims to love me?

>>>Kensuke: Loves to hit you.

>>>Asuka: Its just my way of showing affection.

>>>Touji: So if I elbow you in the gut does that make us friends?

>>>Hikari: You best not try.

>>>Asuka: Go ahead. 'Pauses tape'

>>>Touji rushes Asuke,who flips him over the couch and on his head.

>>>Asuka: Wuss.

"How dare YOU ask ME out on a DATE!"
I had hoped she would be happy, but she was clearly furious. I
couldn't blame her though, with what had happened on the night of the
party.
I tried to recall what Kaji had told me about her. If I didn't stand
up to her, she would never agree. I wasn't sure if I was up to the task.
Maybe I should have just chosen Rei...

>>>Rei: Yeah why not?

>>>Kensuke: Because if he did, what would the remaining movies be about?

>>>Rei: Us happy?

>>>Shinji: Do you think that slap will swell?

"Maybe because I wanted to spend some enjoyable time with YOU...", I
replied while getting up.
What do you know... seemed like I had some courage after all.
"Why? Got tired of your doll already?"

>>>Asuka: Or did the batteries die out?

I gave her a deathly glare, but, again, managed to keep my cool.
Maybe Rei's calmness was starting to rub on me.
I took the time to carefully choose my words. I needed to hide my
nervousness. And I didn't want to lie either.
"I'm sure she'd gladly accept. But I don't want to share this Sunday
with her. I want to share it with you..."
I was suddenly struck by inspiration. Damn! Kaji was right. I did
spend too much time with Asuka and Misato.
Time for the coup de grace.
"But I've figured you wouldn't understand... You never try to
understand me... Baka!"

>>>Asuka: HEY!! thats my pet name for you, you can't use it.

>>>Hikari: Anoo, Asuka why not choose a nicer name?

>>>Shinji smiling: I'm used to it.

>>>Touji: Ya sick man.

>>>Kensuke: You just like pain.

>>>Rei: I shall take you to seek therapy.

While I only wanted to make her feel guilty, as I spoke the words, I
realized I had meant them, and that the hurt expression that showed on
my face afterward was actually genuine.
I just left her there and stormed into my room, closing the door
hard with all my strength.
Suddenly feeling drained, I collapsed on my bed and stared at the
ceiling.

>>>Shinji: Escape number 5.

>>>Kensuke: How many escapes do you have?

>>>Shinji: Volume 5 of my series comes out next week.

This had not gone like it should have. For some reason, I had
probably just managed to hurt myself.
I had started to think that Asuka might not have been worth all this
trouble when I heard my door slide open. I looked up to see Asuka, a
soft expression on her face.

>>>Kensuke: Soft-served Asuka, I don't think we have a seller.

>>>Touji: Better than Rei flavored, that be just water on a stick.

>>>Rei: I will hurt you...both of you.

"You really want to go out with me?"
I nodded.
For a brief instant, I could recognize many expressions on her face.
Relief, shame, joy and others I couldn't quite name. This, however, only
lasted a second. When she spoke again, it was with her usual arrogant
air.

>>>Shinji: Thats why I have the Glade plug-in from the U.S.

>>>Rei: I like the "after the rain" smell.

>>>Kensuke: Ok, to much info for me.

"Very well, Third Children. I'll bestow upon you the honor of dating
me, Sohryu Asuka Langley. You'd better make sure you are worthy of my
time!"
I gave her a cocky smile that surprised her.
"You'll see..."

>>>Asuka: How much I love you.

>>>Rei: How much I love Rei.

>>>Hikari: How to make another installment.

>>>Touji/Kensuke: HOW TO GET THE FUNK ON FOR A FULL DAY!!

>>>Shinji: I'm a little tea-pot.

>>>All but Shinji: DON'T RUIN THE MOMENT!

Asuka raised an eyebrow.
"Well, well... where does all that sudden confidence come from?"
It is said flattery can get you anything. Time to check.
"Won't I be dating the most gorgeous girl in Tokyo-3?"
She gave me her most beautiful smile, before reverting to her
arrogant self. If I had not been seated on my bed, I might have fallen
on the floor. For that brief moment, she had really been the most
gorgeous person I had ever seen.
"Indeed you will... Indeed you will..."

>>>Touji: They say the devil can take on even the most pleasing forms.

>>>Kensuke: Maybe a Succubus?

>>>Shinji: Kirei!!

>>>Rei pouts a bit then watches the film: 'I need to smile more.'

* * *

Life can be surprising. Two days ago, Asuka had been totally angry
with me. Now, she was all over me.

>>>Kensuke: It's just Mega-playboy powers.

>>>Touji: When activated the women flock to him.

>>>Shinji: Yeah..what can I say women love me.

>>>Rei 'puts an arm around his back': I agree.

>>>Asuka tries the same move and overlaps Rei's arm: Don't copy me wondergirl.

She insisted we walked to school
together, that we ate lunch together, that we came back home together...
She almost came with me in the guys locker room to change for PE. While
I'm sure most of the guys wouldn't have minded, I was glad I had been
able to talk her out of that idea.
Something was wrong with her.
Was she trying to keep me from talking to Rei? It sure looked like
it...
From the basketball court, I looked toward the swimming pool area.
True to herself, Rei was sitting at her usual place, obviously lost
in her usual thinking. She turned her head a little and her gaze met
mine. Our eyes remained locked for a short time, long enough for me to
blush furiously.

>>>Touji: You just keep checking out the bits and pieces don't you.

>>>Kensuke: Eye candy.

>>>Shinji: Unlike you I look at the whole person.

>>>Asuka: But thats all she is, just outside apperence.

>>>Rei: And your hair is all you realy are, bright and annoying.

We were interrupted by the appearance of the head of a
certain German girl over Rei's shoulder. She gave me a furious glare.
That was bad, really bad...
Trying to salvage things as best as I could, I just smiled and waved
at her. Asuka's features changed from anger to joy in an instant.
"Hi, Shinji!"
She started to wave at me, getting the attention of all the girls
around her and the guys down on the basketball field. Then, I suddenly
felt the target of a lot of glances.

>>>Kensuke: Ah its fencing day.

>>>Touji: Thats got to hurt.

It didn't take time for Touji and Kensuke to start teasing me.
"Look, Shinji, your girlfriend is waving at you."
"She's not my girlfriend!"

>>>Asuka: Just admit it and we'll all be happy.

>>>Rei: But I'm not waving.

>>>Hikari: I can't see anything.

>>>Touji: Hikari!

>>>Kensuke: Maybe that rumor isn't a rumor.

"She did seem happy to see you were looking at her, and she didn't
call you baka all morning long."
Surprisingly, I realized Kensuke was right. Asuka had been much
nicer then usual this morning.
"Don't tell me you didn't enjoy looking at her," Touji continued.
"Your little Asuka in a swimsuit. Look, look! Those legs! Those
boobs!!..."

>>>Asuka: SUZAHARA!!! I'LL.....Hikari?

>>>Hikari standing over Touji with her foot on his neck: What?

>>>Asuka: Good job.

"I wasn't looking at her! I was looking at Rei!"
Damn! I really wished I hadn't said that...
"You sly dog! So you're going for both girls?"

>>>Kensuke: Only natural for Mega-playboy, a girl on each appendage.

Somehow, I couldn't help but to grin.
"Maybe I am..."
That shut both of them up. At least for a few seconds.
"That's not fair! You're getting all the cute girls! I want to pilot
an EVA, too..."

>>>Shinji: You always say that though, even when I say I used the Nerv bathroom.

>>>Kensuke: But the toilet paper is so nice and soft.

>>>Hikari: Ew! you are just to weird.

No surprise Kensuke was still obsessed with that.
"Seriously, Shinji..."
Touji now had a concerned look.
"We'll talk later. Tonight. This afternoon I have to skip class."
"Synchronization tests?" asked Kensuke.
"No... I need to talk to Misato."
"Oh man! He really has all the girls!"

>>>Rei: That isn't possible.

>>>Touji: Why not?

>>>Rei: It just isn't.

>>>Asuka: I'd kill her.

I sighed. Those two could be impossible at time.
"Well, actually, I still need to ask Hikari out..."
"No you won't!"
Touji tried to emphasize his objection by showing his fist.

>>>Shinji: Thats your answer to everything.

>>>Kensuke: Even Saterday nights.

>>>Touji blushing: SHUT UP.

>>>Asuka/Hikari (and Rei to an extent): EW!!!!

"What's the matter Touji? Don't want me to take your girlfriend
away?"
Touji began to blush furiously.
"Speaking of Hikari, isn't tomorrow her birthday?" Kensuke asked
innocently.
Touji went white. I couldn't help but to laugh. Now, it was his time
to suffer.

>>>Hikari: So what did you get me?

>>>Touji: Its not realy your birthday.

>>>Asuka: Stupid, thats a hint!

>>>Touji: Well if it came from you it'd be a hit, ne Shinji?

>>>Rei: Yes.

>>>Kensuke: Ayanami, he asked Shinji.

>>>Rei: I don't care.

* * *

It took me a while to find Misato's office. NERV Headquarters was a
huge place and I had rarely visited her office. When I came to NERV, it
was usually either to go fight Angels or to submit myself to Dr. Akagi's
never-ending tests. Personally, the further away I was from NERV, the
better I felt.

>>>Kensuke: What type of tests does she make you do?

>>>Shinji: This and that.

>>>Rei: She does not ask us. 'looks at Asuka'

>>>Asuka: Hey, thats right, why do you go to the doctors...with Misato.

>>>Shinji: We're missing the movie.

>>>Hikari: 'Wonder what escape number that is?'

How ironic, I was now a NERV employee.
I finally found her office. Luckily, Misato was there, at her desk,
or rather a giant pile of paper, mumbling a few curses involving UN
military bills.
"I need your help Misato."

>>>Kensuke: I'm to shy to buy condems.

>>>Rei: I cannot have children so their not needed.

>>>Shinji: 'Oh my goodness she just....'

>>>Asuka: WHORE!

>>>Rei: Not possible as I've yet to perform such acts and only desire one person.

>>>Touji: Ken get the marshmellows, we'll fry 'em on his forehead.

She almost screamed, obvious startled. Maybe I should have knocked
first?
"Shinji! You scared me! Don't you know how to knock?"
"Sorry..."
She gave me the Misato-Death-Look; the look that said "Do something
that stupid again and you're dead". I just froze.

>>>Rei: If she kills him, will she not in fact kill herself?

>>>Hikari: The angels would destroy the city.

>>>Kensuke: I'd be more worried about you two.

>>>Asuka: Now you're actually thinking.

"What the hell are you doing here? You should be at school!"
"Well, I'm not. I decided to follow your advice so now I need your
help."
Her expression immediately softened.

>>>Asuka: Guess you perverts can't say soft right now.

>>>Rei: You are perverted to bring that up.

>>>Kensuke/hushed Touji: What a babe.

"I see. So... how may I help you?"
I told her. Her eyes went wide.
"You want what? What kind of pervert are you?"
What kind of thought had crossed her mind?
"Hey! I'm no pervert!"
"Then why do you need Rei's measurements?"

>>>Touji: Sexy underwear.

>>>Kensuke: For his book?

>>>Rei: You could use the tape measure yourself Shinji-kun.

>>>Shinji about to faint: 'This is a bit much for me today'

"I need to buy a dress for her."
Again, she looked quite surprised.
"What?"
"A dress, you know, what girls wear..."

>>>Touji: Or sick men.

>>>Shinji: I bet father wears one.

>>>Hikari: Thats a scary mental picture.

She gave me the Look again.
"I know what a dress is! What I want to know is why?"
I smiled.
"Do you know a restaurant called 'Pour deux'?"

>>>Shinji: How original "for two"

>>>Hikari: You know french Shinji-kun?

>>>Shinji: Yeah why?

>>>Asuka: Its the lanquage of love 'bats her eyes at him.'

>>>Touji: Yet another of Mega-playboys powers.

She nodded.
"Yeah, sure. Fancy place that specialized in French and Italian
cuisine. Been there once with Ka... ahem... someone..."

>>>Rei: I have never heard of Kaahem Someone, is he Indian?

>>>Shinji: She ment Kaji.

>>>Rei: Why not say so then?

>>>Asuka: DAMN!! can't you understand even the simplest concept of deciet?

I almost burst out laughing. Why she tried to hide her feelings for
Kaji was beyond my comprehension.
"You have your answer. Fancy place..."
"You don't mean... you want to take Rei there?"
"Yes..."
"But it costs a fortune!"
I shrugged.
"That pay we'll get has to be of some use..."
"But you won't have anything until at least next week."
This would shock her.
"Kaji loaned me some money. A lot of money actually. Enough to pay
for the food, dress, a something nice for me to wear and all the other
bits and pieces."

>>>Kensuke: Bits and pieces huh..like what?

>>>Asuka: Zip it, and zip it fast, 'If he got anything, it best be for me.'

>>>Touji: Unless its for you huh?

>>>Rei: I'd shove it down her mouth.

>>>Shinji: Please...I'm sure he ment touleties.

I had been right. She looked stunned. Again.
"Kaji did that? Since when does he have so much money to spend?"

>>>Rei: He no longer needs secret service to keep Asuka away from him.

"Don't ask me..."
Misato remained silent, obviously lost in thought.
"So? Can you help? I'd hate to have to go peek into her drawers to
find the size of her clothes. And I'm sure that with all those tests we
have to go through, you already have all the information I need."
"Um... That shouldn't be a problem. I'll ask Maya to give me the
last plugsuit readings... Do you know what kind of dress you want to
buy?"
"No idea. And I want it to be a surprise, so I can't ask her to
choose..."
Misato shook her head.
"Um... a boy buying a dress for a girl... It doesn't sound right...
I know, I'll take care of it!"
I frowned.
"I don't know..."
"Trust me!"
"I don't know..."

>>>Kensuke: Why bother with a dress just show up with a jacket on and nothing underneath.

>>>Asuka: If hitting you would do anygood, oh well its fun for me 'smacks him.'

Putting her hands on my shoulders, she gave me a very serious look.
"You really think you can handle it? I'm sure you didn't even think
she would need a pair of shoes to go with her dress..."
Then a silly grin crossed her face.
"... And... some fancy underwear to please her man while we're at
it..."
"Misato!"

>>>Rei: I have some already that she picked out.

>>>All: WHAT!?!

>>>Rei: It was part of the welcome to Nerv basket.

>>>Hikari: Is that true?

>>>Asuka blushing: Yeah.

>>>Shinji blushing: I have a pair too.

She laughed. Not too surprising since I was her favorite teasing
target.
"Just teasing... But I know just the right place. Their work is
great and it doesn't cost that much. They also use a new type of state
of the art holographic technology, which is perfect for this situation.
With our data, it'll be easy for them to make the perfect dress without
the need of a live model, and it'll fit Rei perfectly."
I took some time to think. It did sound good.
"Well... ok... as long as you don't get her something indecent..."
"How could you think I'd do something like that?"
"We live in the same apartment..."

>>>Shinji: And I see what you were to the table.

>>>Asuka: She's lucky she hasn't fallen out of her morning wear.

>>>Rei: You two must breath to live.

>>>Touji and kensuke hyperventilating with "indecent thoughts"

She gave me a nervous laugh.
"Don't worry! I'll make a queen out of your little Rei!"

>>>Asuka fake sneezing: Ice queen.

Somehow, I couldn't help but to worry...
"When do you need that dress?"
"Saturday night."
"Oh my! Not much time to lose! I'll give Maya a call straight away!"
Well, she seemed serious enough. Maybe it wouldn't be too bad... I
hoped.

* * *

It's surprising how difficult keeping a date secret is. Realizing I
could never escape the apartment without Asuka noticing, I had been
forced to ask for Touji's help. A few days earlier, he had, after a lot
of pleading, agreed to hide the formal clothes I bought for the
occasion. Now, I had to fake a visit to his home. That was highly
unusual, but Asuka didn't ask questions, and since she wasn't crazy
about Touji, she didn't insist on coming.

>>>Shinji: Why wouldn't you just do it for me?

>>>Touji: Nothing in it for me, If Asuka found out, Hikari would be mad, then I wouldnt get
>>> a...

>>>Rei: If he askes, you WILL DO IT!

>>>Hikari: If you do, I'LL hurt you.

>>>Shinji/Kensuke: AHAHAHAHA YOU LOSE.

"Man! I tell you, you're making a big mistake..."
"Tell me something I don't already know."

>>>Touji: You get screwed in the end.

>>>Kensuke: You get the funk on before the end.

>>>Asuka: You go to your friends FUNERALS before the end.


I had been trying to put on a stupid tie correctly for ten minutes
now. Needless to say I was getting quite irritated.
"If you know it's stupid, then why?"
"Because I need to know which one I want. Both of them are
pressuring me in their own ways. I've got to find out and fast."
Touji gave me a doubtful look.
"And you think dating them both will solve your problems."
"Well... I hope it will..."
Touji shook his head.
"Man... you're hopeless..."
"At least I'm dating someone!"
I immediately regretted for saying this.
"Sorry, Touji. I didn't mean it."
"Well, you may have a point..."

>>>Kensuke: Yeah, and your target has her eyes on Mega-playboy too.

>>>Hikari: Do not!

>>>Shinji: 'Ken's going to die soon.'

Touji grabbed the damned tie and solved my problems. Now, it finally
looked right. Actually... I looked rather good in formal attire.

>>>Rei/Asuka look starry eyed at the screen: Oiishi.

>>>Hikari: He's not a food dish.

>>>Rei/Asuka: Want to bet.

>>>Touji to Shinji: You won't live through this.

>>>Kensuke to Shinji: Loved to death.

"You know, you only need to ask her..." I told him.
"Why would I want to ask her out?"
I was the one who shook his head.
"We're not at school you know..."
Touji showed me the way out of his apartment.

>>>Asuka: I guess thats a hint.

>>>Hikari: You're so mean Suzahara.

>>>Shinji: Maybe were late.

>>>Rei: Or he is realy incesitive.

"Just go on your date!"
I nodded. If he didn't want to talk now, it was ok.
"Thanks," I told him, then I realized something. "If you're throwing
me out, can you at least call my taxi?"
"Baka!"

* * *

When my taxi reached Rei's apartment, I found Misato waiting
outside. She had volunteered to deliver the dress to Rei and help her
out in preparing for our date. I had been reluctant to accept her help,
but when she said she believed Rei might not know how to look properly
feminine, I couldn't really disagree. While Rei hardly looked like a
tomboy, it was clear by the way she treated her clothes and her unruly
hair that she didn't bother much with her appearance. Unlike Asuka, who
could sometimes monopolize the bathroom for almost an hour.

>>>Asuka: When you look this good, an hour is nothing.

>>>Rei: Whats a tomboy?

>>>Shinji: You act and dress as a boy.

>>>Rei: I'm not a cross-dresser.

>>>Touji: Sheesh, he means you don't act all girly.

>>>Rei: But he still asked me out?

>>>Hikari: Didn't you see it?

>>>Rei: So the Second's time in the bathroom prove pointless?

>>>Kensuke: I guess the do, 'smiles.'

"Your date is here, Rei!" Misato shouted.

>>>Rei: Put it in the fridge with my other vegatables and fruit.

>>>Shinji: She meant me.

>>>Rei: Oh.

It was a good thing Rei didn't seem to have any neighbors,
otherwise, everyone would have heard.
I was about to scold Misato when suddenly, Rei appeared. The words
simply died in my mouth and my heart started to pound.
"Kawaii..." (*)

>>>Touji: WHOW!

>>>Kensuke: I WANT MY CAMERA!

>>>Rei: Is that me?

>>>Shinji:.....

>>>Touji: Say something.

>>>Asuka: He better not 'I'd look better..I realy would.'

>>>Hikari: You look elegant.

>>>Shinji: Kawaii.

I blinked, then rubbed my eyes, but the picture I had before them
didn't change.
She was awesome!
She wore a long blue evening dress, which matched the curves of her
slender body as well as her plugsuit. The upper part, with the exception
of a lace collar, was apparently made of light blue nylon matching the
color of her hair, through which it was possible to see her shoulders,
arms and a nice view of her cleavage. The lower part of the dress, a
darker shade of blue and made of satin, was cut on each side and
revealed part of her nice legs.
"Aya... Rei... you're so beautiful!"

>>>Rei blushing lightly: Do you realy think so?

>>>Asuka: Its like an ice skulpture.

>>>Kensuke: JEALOUS!

>>>Touji: Why does it have to be blue? Why not something different?

>>>Shinji: 'shakes his head' Doesn't matter.

Her cheeks went red, making her look even more perfect, if possible.
"You are very elegant yourself, Ikari-kun."
"Now, now, Rei. What did I tell you?" said a visibly disappointed
Misato.
Rei nodded.
"You are very elegant, Shinji-kun."
I could see Misato smacking her forehead with her palm in total
desperation. But it was fine by me. Shinji-kun. I liked the way it
sounded when said by Rei.

>>>Kensuke: I WIN! I WIN!

>>>Touji: Shit!

I extended my hand to her and smiled shyly
"Shall we go?"
Rei smiled back.
"We may."
I opened the door of the taxi and ushered her in.
"Are you sure you don't want me to drive you there, Shinji?" asked
Misato as I closed the door.
"No." I answered on my way to my side of the car. "It's nice of you
to offer, but I can manage. Besides, I don't want Ayanami to be sick
before dinner."
I joined Rei inside the taxi before Misato could answer back, a grin
on my face.

>>>Asuka: The Misato-500.

>>>Shinji: I've never seen somebody break so many rules of physics.

>>>Asuka: Speaking of physics, want to tell me about thermal expansion again?

>>>Rei: 'I dislike that idea.'

>>>Touji: Huh?

>>>Shinji: Ma..Maybe later.

I knew the Major would probably have her revenge later... but right
now, I didn't care. I was with one of the two most important girls in
the world, and we were going on a date.

* * *

When we entered in the restaurant, I was impressed. While not really
luxurious, the place still looked fancy in what was probably a typical
European style. While the outside looked like any other building in
Tokyo-3, made of highly resistant steel, the interior was completely
different. Like a small house had been built inside.

>>>Asuka: Go figure they'd have a different style inside a builing, I thought
>>> they made them look exactly the SAME! THINK FOR A SECOND.

>>>Shinji: I've never been to a restaurant so how would I know?

>>>Touji: Newlyweds!

>>>Rei: Take that back, I'm winning.

>>>Hikari: 'So many fights..this wasn't my best idea'

The walls, floors
and ceiling were all in timber, probably oak or some other foreign wood.
The tables and chairs seemed to be perfect replicas, at least that's
what I thought, of antique European furniture. There were many green
plants all over the restaurant and even two fish tanks: one that
contained a variety of marvellous fishes, the other holding a few live
lobsters, likely on the menu. All the staff were in formal attire, and
three musicians were on a stage playing a sweet violin melody.

>>>Asuka: Violin's I play that, better than them.

>>>Touji: Yeah, just like you can beat me in a FAIR FIGHT.

The waiter who asked for my reservation looked doubtfully at me for
a while, but showing him my NERV ID settled matters. Rei and I were
graciously escorted to our table, then handed the menus.
"So... what do you think, Rei?"
"It is... unusual."

>>>Hikari: That isn't the best way to describe a date.

>>>Touji: What else would you expect?

I smiled.
"That's the whole idea. It's a way to escape Tokyo-3. Tonight, we're
not pilots Ayanami and Ikari, but rather Ayanami Rei and Ikari Shinji on
a date. No Angels. No EVAs. Just us..."
"It is pointless to try to escape reality..."

>>>Shinji: Maybe a date wasn't the best idea.

>>>Rei looks at her feet: 'I'll need read on dates'

>>>Asuka: She realy knows how to kill the mood.

I almost felt bad about having taken her here when she continued,
this time with a smile.
"... but it is an interesting experience. And a nice thought having
you all to myself."
Hearing this, the word "joy" could probably be read all over my
face.

>>>Touji: Marker or paint?

Then, I took a look at the menu. It was rather big and protected by
a leather cover. I was amazed to see how detailed it was. For each meal,
we could see a tasty picture. How practical!

>>>Kensuke: For those who can't read but have alot of money.

>>>Hikari: How could that happen?

>>>Touji: Spoiled children 'glares at the couch and its pilots'

>>>The pilots: WE'RE NOT SPOILED!

My stomach started to growl. Then, I was shocked to see Rei
giggling.
"You must be quite hungry."
"I am!" I admitted.
Rei took her own menu and started to search through it for a meal.
"I verified before making the reservations. They have a good variety
of vegetarian meals. They even have vegetarian sauces for their pasta
dishes."
"I see. It is nice of you to have remembered."

>>>Hikari: Thats sweet of you.

>>>Touji: All in the name of getting some tail.

>>>Shinji: I just want others to be happy.

>>>Asuka: Vegetariens...whats the point.

Soon we ordered our meals. Rei ordered a fettuccini Alfredo with a
Caesar's salad while I ordered a rib steak with pepper sauce and smashed
potatoes.
"Since when?"
Rei gave me an inquiring look.
"Since when did you have those feelings? For me?" I timidly asked.

>>>Asuka: When she hit her head.

"I... I am unsure. Maybe since the first time. I have always felt
confused by your decision to pilot without any training just to spare my
life. You were the only one, except your father, who had seemed to care
about my well being. And since that day, you never stopped caring..."
I nodded. I did care about her. Probably more than I cared about my
own life.

>>>Asuka: I'm going to skin you alive Hikari.

"It is strange. But sometimes I feel like I have always known
you..." added Rei, half lost in thought.

>>>Rei: I still wonder why.

>>>Asuka: Maybe she's his sister, ew..that be sick.

>>>Hikari: Now Asuka, thats not possible, their both the same age.

I understood how she felt. I sometime felt the same way. Something
about her, something I couldn't quite point out, was vaguely familiar,
yet different. It was a weird feeling.
Soon, our meals came. I gasped when I saw them. They were enormous
plates, enough to feed the two of us on a single order. I took a bite
out of my steak. It was good too! Excellent! A big change from Misato's
cooking, or even mine.

>>>Asuka: Take-out and its many pleasures.

>>>Shinji: Cardboard au grotten

"Oh my!"
I gave Rei a worried look. That was not something she usually said.
"Oishii!" (*)
A ferocious look on her face, she started to literally inhale the
content of her plate.

>>>Shinji: The Rei vaccume.

>>>Kensuke: Sucks a monkey through 20 feet of garden hose.

>>>Touji: I wonder wha...um...sorry

>>>Rei puts her hand back at her side: Better.

That was odd.
"Can I... Can I try some?"
I had just said the words when Rei stood up, her fork just under my
nose. I blinked, then opened my mouth where she gently deposited the
content of her fork. I had to agree with her... it was unusual... but
truly delicious.
We continued to eat for a while, in silence, when I finally found
the courage to ask her something I had thought of since last Valentine's
Day.
"Tell me Rei, why did you... that night... you know..."

>>>Asuka: Get between Asuka and me.

>>>Hikari: Throw yourself at him?

>>>Touji: Let him get away?

>>>Kensuke: Not use restraints?

>>>Rei: Next time.

I knew I was blushing. It seemed to make her smile.
"Because it felt right."
I gave her an inquiring look.
"Because it is truly what I want. To become one with you. Body, mind
and soul."

>>>Rei and Shinji blush just at the thought while Asuka glares daggers.

I pondered the question for a while.
"I never had that kind of relationship before... but I think sex is
just not enough to unite two hearts. In fact, shouldn't it only be done
if two hearts are already united? Otherwise, wouldn't it just be
meaningless?"
Rei blinked in amazement.
"You... you may be right..."

>>>Rei: I don't think it would have been meaningless.

>>>Kensuke: Hell no, most couples are in lust not love anyway.

Then, Rei's face darkened considerably. She almost looked sad. I
couldn't help but to worry. It was the first time I had seen such an
expression in Rei and I knew I didn't like it.
"What's the matter, Rei?"
"If... if you are right... then I... I do not know what I should do
to be one with you..."

>>>Asuka: Jump in a grinder and let him eat you.

>>>Hikari: But that wouldn't be permanent.

>>>Rei: If I did, you'd come with me.

"I don't know myself... but... maybe there isn't anything to do.
Maybe it's just something that happens. You... you just have to be
truthful to yourself. Be who you are, nothing more, and show it to the
world. Accept what you feel. Say it. Then... you will see.. If something
must happen, it will. If two people are made for one another, won't
their hearts call out to each other?"

>>>Asuka: Since when did you know philosophy?

>>>Shinji: You never asked, I've studied many things.

>>>Rei: You are more like me than HER!

>>>Asuka: No more like me HE SHOWS EMOTION!

I shook my head.
"I don't make much sense, do I?"
Surprisingly, Rei smiled again.
"No. You do make sense. I believe you and I is right. It is what
should be. And it will happen. My heart is seeking out yours. And your
heart will answer back, Shinji-kun."

>>>Touji: And if not I'll kill your penquin.

>>>Kensuke: And serve it to you on a silver platter.

"I would like to be as sure as you..."
"You will. Until then, I will wait for you to choose me over
Sohryu."
This said, Rei smiled once more and happily returned her attention
to her meal. I couldn't help but to smile back.
Maybe she was right. Maybe Rei and I were destined to be together...

>>>Asuka: Not if you have any taste.

>>>Touji: Bet thats a 50-50 though.

>>>Kensuke: I don't know.

* * *

'I only dream of you'
I guessed Kaji had been right. That did sound like a romantic type
movie.

>>>Kensuke: But it was realy a porn movie.

>>>Touji: I thought an action movie.

The Tokyo-3 theater was much like I remembered. I had came here
once, after the fourth Angel battle. At the time, I had been quite
confused and only wanted to run away. The theater had seemed like a good
place to avoid reality for a while. Not that it really worked. I had
been quickly brought back to reality by the sound of two teenagers
kissing. I still remembered how lonely I had felt at the time. But now,
as I looked at Rei, I didn't feel lonely anymore.

>>>Touji: Don't do it man, make me some money!

>>>Asuka: Its not worth it, save yourself for me!

For the first time, I realized how large the theatre really was. And
how empty. Beside Rei and myself, there were only around twenty other
customers. It wasn't surprising. With the Angel attacks, the interest
for movies had dropped, like Tokyo-3's population. For a moment I
wondered why the owner had not closed yet. I was, however, glad it was
still open.
I chose what I thought were good seats. In the center, not too close
to the screen, but not too far either. Just at the right place so we
didn't have to make any effort to raise our heads to look at the screen.
Soon, the lights went off, which startled Rei a bit.

>>>Asuka: Chicken-shit.

>>>Rei: 'growls lowly'

It was, after
all, the first time she had ever set foot in a movie theater. I looked
at her and gave her a reassuring smile. She nodded, then looked at the
screen that had now come to life.
At first, I had wondered if it had been a good idea. Rei was looking
at the screen with that far away look of hers. I quickly feared she was
getting bored, but when the relation between the characters seemed to
take place, she showed a look of genuine fascination. Her eyes seemed
drawn to the screen.

>>>Touji: If she mimics that crap...Shinji, you'll need new sheets.

>>>Shinji: TOUJI!

>>>Rei: Tilt head back...close eyes..

>>>Asuka: GOD I DON'T WANT HER TO LEARN THIS!

While I was happy she liked that movie, I was kind
of disappointed too. Guess I had hoped she would pay attention to me as
well.
Then, she took my hand into hers. Her eyes had not left the screen
to do so, but I was quite happy nonetheless.

>>>Kensuke: 'I wonder if she can read minds.'

>>>Rei: No Mr. Aida I can't.

>>>Kensuke: WHAT!

I completely lost interest in the movie. I was amazed by her light
touch, the heat and softness of her hand. For a long time, I forgot the
screen and only gazed at her.

>>>Kensuke: And every five minutes wiped the drool off my chin.

* * *

While I waited outside the theater for Rei to come back from the
ladies room, I tried to get some life back into my body. Watching a
movie was nice, but two hours comfortably seated had that nagging
tendency to drive all your muscles to sleep. Luckily, the weather was
quite nice, unlike the week before when I had walked Rei home. I blushed
at the thought at what had happened afterward. Well... what almost
happened... I had some regrets for my not having acted differently.

>>>Asuka: I'm going to be sick.

>>>Hikari: Ikari-kun, thats indecent!

>>>Touji: Hikari?

>>>Hikari: Not now.

>>>Shinji: And the leash is pulled.

>>>Kensuke: You do have a spine after all.


"Hope Touji and Kensuke never find out about that. Otherwise, I
won't hear the end of it..."
"What secret should they ignore?"

>>>Shinji: Anything related to the Eva's.

>>>Rei: Us included.

>>>Asuka: Life would be good then.

Surprised, I jumped away from the source of the voice. Rei! Somehow,
she had managed to get behind me without making even the smallest noise.
"Shall we go?" she asked. "It is time to head home."
I reached for my cell phone to call a taxi. Guessing my intentions,
Rei prevented me from using it.
"Let's walk."
I didn't know what to think. While not that far, it was at least an
hour's walk from here to her apartment. And from what I had heard from
Misato, on the few occasions she had attended weddings and similar
events, high heels were supposed to be quite uncomfortable. But on the
other hand, she was the one who had asked to walk. Besides... could I
really say no to her?

>>>Rei: You did before.

>>>Kensuke: Yeah, she all but jumped you and you ran.

>>>Shinji: Um...I mean other things.

>>>Asuka: And me?

>>>Shinji: You never ask me anything.

When I looked again at that shy angelic smile, I
realized I could not.
Timidly, I offered her my hand. I didn't know if she would accept
it.
"Let's go..."
Rei surprised me by taking my hand into hers. Again, I was amazed by
the way it felt against mine. For the first time, I noted how it was
smaller then mine and how the fingers looked more delicate.

>>>Asuka: Like a china doll.

>>>Rei: If you say that again, I'll show you kung-fu grip.

Both of us blushing, we headed for her apartment in silence. We
didn't really need to exchange words. The other's presence was all we
both needed.

* * *

When we finally arrived at her apartment, Rei invited me in for a
while, before I would leave to get home myself. I didn't want to go in,
but I didn't want to give her the impression I wasn't comfortable with
the idea. Besides, since that night, nothing had happened the few times
I had visited.
Still...
She looked so sexy in that dress...

>>>Touji: I agree.

>>>Shinji with tiny nosebleed: Did they realy need to use the plug suit data?

>>>Rei: You obviously like it, 'moves right next to him'

"Maybe I'm the one I should be afraid of..." I thought, realizing
the kind of thoughts that seemed cross my mind.
It had been a few days since my last visit, yet the apartment was
still spotless. Apparently, Rei had picked up a fervor for cleaning. I
just hoped she did it for herself and not for me.
Since there weren't any chairs in her tiny place, we both sat on the
bed.

>>>Asuka: Thats a lie, you hid them didn't you!

>>>Rei: If it were me, yes.

Rei started to stare at me. For a while I tried to avoid her gaze,
but my eyes never failed to find their way back to meet hers. Realizing
I needed to break the silence that kept us locked in this silent
intimacy, I said the first thing that came to my mind.
"Did... did you like the movie?"

>>>Asuka acting as Rei: No, it was not real, only real things are important, like
>>> scabs, and my tomboyish apperence.

>>>Rei pinches Asuka's arm so she'll remove it from Shinji.

This had the desired effect, although I thought I'd noticed a flash
of hurt expression on her face before she regained her usual
impenetrable countenance. But then, she smiled and her eyes seemed to
suddenly burn with a passion I had rarely seen in her.
"Yes." Her voice seemed softer then usual. "But there is one thing I
did not understand."
"What is it?" I asked, wanting to help.
Without giving me the chance to react, her body leaned against my
own.

>>>Rei: Close you're eyes.'to Shinji' but you don't have to.

>>>Asuka: If anything happens I'll kill both of you.

>>>Hikari: 'Nothing happens..well nothing realy bad.'

"This..." she whispered, as she wrapped me in her arms and placed
her lips against my own.
At first, I just froze, eyes wide open, not really understanding
what was going on. Then, soon enough, my brain managed to catch on as I
slowly melted into Rei's warm embrace. I held her back tightly and
returned the kiss as best as I could.

>>>Shinji: Oh my!

>>>Rei: That looks pleasing, Ikari-kun.

>>>Shinji: Ye..'Rei mimics the kiss on the screen but not enough to send
>>> him crashing into Asuka.'

>>>Touji: Whats happening 'opens his eyes' DAMN!!!

>>>The other open their eyes at his shout.

>>>Asuka: YOU TEMPTRESS 'pulls them apart and kiss's him as well'

>>>After which Shinji melted into a nice puddle on the couch.

"I think I understand now."
"Are you sure, Rei-chan?"
Again, our lips met, this time with more passion, as we both laid on
the bed. I surprised myself as I realized my hands seemed to wander all
over her, even in places I would never have dared touch in a normal
state of mind. I was rewarded by a small moan on Rei's part and a deeper
kiss.

>>>Touji: MEGA-PLAYBOY ACTION!

>>>Kensuke: You got it, man look at him go!

>>>Asuka: YOu...You...AARRRHHHH HIKARI!!!

>>>Hikari: EEP!

I'm not sure if things could have gone further that night. Maybe.
But I never had the chance to find out.
I don't know why, but I suddenly thought about Asuka.

>>>Asuka: WHAT...ME..HE THOUGHT OF ME, TAKE THAT WONDERSLUT!

>>>Shinji...no wait he's still a puddle on the couch.

>>>Rei: No fair.

I broke the kiss and stood up.
Rei gave me a startled look.
"What's wrong, Shinji-kun?"
I tried to smile.
"Nothing, Rei-chan," I lied. "I just want to make sure things don't
go too fast..."
That was a lame excuse, but it seemed to satisfy Rei. Actually, she
blushed a bit. I guess she had wondered herself how far it could have
gone.
Silently, I cursed Asuka. Damn her! Why did she have to exist?

>>>Asuka: WHAT!

>>>Kensuke: HAHA HAAHAHA A

>>>Rei: Now kiss me again.

>>>Shinji pulls himself together, 'wow, I like this movie'

Then, I made a choice. Tomorrow would be her only chance. I would
take her on her date, make sure she had fun and explain to her that we
could be good friends but nothing more.
Because, in my heart, I knew she had already lost...
I had just fallen in love with Rei.

>>>Kensuke: SWEET!!!!! I WIN

>>>Touji/Asuka: Damn it Hikari.

>>>Shinji still in happy land.

>>>Rei: I love this movie.

[To be continued...]



Next time:

The One I Love Is...
Chapter 4 - Don't play with fire



Omake:

"What is she doing?" I asked myself.
However, in truth, I knew what she was doing. She was looking down
at the basketball field. That bitch was looking at my Shinji, I was sure
of it! Without hesitation I looked over her shoulder to confirm my
doubts. Just as I thought! She was looking at Shinji...
But wait a minute...
He... me was looking at her! My Shinji!

>>>Asuka: Yeah, he's mine, I told you about the reciet.

The jerk! How dare he! How dare he ask me out and then look at her!
Her! That doll! What could he look at anyway? She was nothing compared
to me! My breasts were bigger! My face cuter! I was one hundred times
more interesting than her!

>>>Touji: How would he know about your breasts?

>>>Asuka: Because of this 'takes his hand and presses it to her chest with a sigh.'

>>>Rei: Bigger isn't better 'takes his other hand.

>>>Kensuke: Hell this is getting rather good.

>>>Hikari: Look at yourselves.

>>>Shinji: 'This is a bit much.'

Baka! Baka Shinji!
I was about to scream when he noticed me. Then he smiled and started
to wave at me. I didn't know why, but I felt the urge to wave back.
"Hi! Shinji!" I said, in my cutest voice possible.
I didn't know why, but some times, some rare times, that baka seemed
to make my heart race. It was crazy. He was a wimp. A stupid spineless
jerk. Yet, there was something about him...
And he was mine!

>>>Asuka: I tattooed my name on his ass, he's branded.

I looked down at the First Children. The stupid girl didn't even
realize it. But I had won. I was the one he had asked out. Not her.
"You'll see, First Children." I thought. "I'll show you. I'll make
sure you die of envy. Whatever you try to do, I'll beat you! I can't
lose. You're only a stupid doll."
I took one of her wrists, and dragged her to the pool. No way I
would let her look at my Shinji any longer.
"Don't stay right there, Wonder Girl! Race me if you dare!"
Ayanami Rei. I will never lose to you!

>>>Rei: Looks like you did.

>>>Asuka: Its only just starting, next game, Truth or dare 2.



Author's note:

This story occurs in a quite hypothetical future, more then 16 years
from now. So, when came the time to talk about money, I just took some
numbers out of nowhere. Roughly, I'd say a million yen (in this story)
would be the equivalent of ten thousand dollar US in early 1999. So
Shinji is roughly paid what equaled $60,000 in the US in 1999. My
guesses are that Misato's pay would be around the $40,000 US.

If any of you readers knows about the financial specifics of the NGE
universe, fell free to tell me. I'll adjust the numbers if necessary.

The name of the restaurant where Shinji takes Rei, "Pour Deux" (meaning
"for two" in French), was taken from various Ranma fanfics by Jeffrey
"OneShot" Wong. As hard as I tried to think about a nice French name,
this one just kept crawling back into my mind. I finally decided to give
in...


---


Translation notes:

Kawaii : Cute

Oishii! : Delicious! (in Rei's case, think Lina Inverse in the first
Slayers Movie)



Alain Gravel
rakna@globetrotter.qc.ca
March 23th 1999

Started on February 20th 1999
First pre-reader draft finished on March 11th 1999
Second pre-reader draft finished on March 23th 1999
Final draft finished on March 27th 1999
Revised on May 10th 1999
Final revisions on March 6th 2000
>>>Mst September 12 2001 :( right after the tragic events in New York, I'm terrible
>>> Sorry to all who lost loved ones.

(End mst)

Kensuke: We'll once Shinji recovers..and you take his hands off yourselves...

They release him and he reforms.

Shinji: Um, could you two calm a bit.

Asuka: NO! were playing another game of truth or dare.

Touji: Hey who decided.

Rei: We did your game last time, its my turn to choose, and I agree, I want to
try that again.


------------------------------------------------------

Author notes

well another one down, only 9 or so more to go :)
I'm getting alot of requests but i don't mind.

to see some of them go to www.darkscribes.org their site only

well hope you like this, and i want to know what eva fans i appeal to, are you most
rei, asuka, neither, both, fans? post review with your answer, may make me switch my own fic
"all they needed was each other" so tell :)

zentrodie (zentrodie@secondimpact.com