From: Strike Fiss Neon Genesis Evangelion Holding Hands Strike Fiss, 2000 Woman was taken out of man -- not out of his head, to rule over him; nor out of his feet, to be trampled under by him; but out of his side, to be equal to him -- under his arm, that he might protect her, and near his heart that he might love her. -- Henry "You want to hit me...don't you?!" I was terrified when she said those words. It was almost as if she was reading my mind. My one, perfectly clear thought that had been surging through every neuron in my skull for almost half an hour straight. I wanted to hit her. Soooooooooooooo badly. "W...NO!" I try. It was a pitiful attempt at acting weak when my voice was almost shivering with anger. I can't remember hearing my voice quite like that before. Maybe once... Father. But never against her. I couldn't bare to think of Asuka in the same thought as my Father. It is something I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy, let alone the... "Of course you do!" she leans forward, smirking. She's SMIRKING at me! I can't believe it! It's almost like she's getting some sick pleasure in reading my mind! It can't be that hard...reading my mind...It's focused into such a laser-tight thought that a chimpanzee without any psychic ability whatsoever might be able to figure out. Still...to have HER inside my head at this moment? I don't know if I should be terrified, or if I should just be even more angry. "What do you mean?! I don't want to hit you!" I almost yell. I'm sure the entire train's occupancy load is looking at us anyway. If I whispered, it would still be watched. Asuka smiles. It is a scary smile. I must admit, she does scare me sometimes. Often, she knows exactly what WILL scare me. I am sure of this also. Damn...she's even doing that thing with her eyes just barely cracked open as she's smiling. She looks like a ghost come to haunt me. "You want to hit me, Third Child." she pauses for effect. "Don't you!?!" I do. I really do. I want to take my fist and plough it through her self-righteous smirk. I want to see how fucking cocky she is with a tooth missing! Yeah! See how she likes THAT! See if she can finally figure out that I'm reaching my limit with this shit. What shit? How about, for a starters, how she smacks me in the back of the head. Fucking bitch. It hurts too! She uses her nails! I have no idea how she keeps them that sharp, but she also hits me with quite a bit of force. She must drink a lot of milk or whatever to keep them so strong. She's been doing it all day. All day. Yesterday, I mentioned how I'd like her to stop. Of course, today, that's all she does. I was a fool to give her such an obvious invitation, but it was worth a try. "Asuka! I don't want to hit you." I try again, taking a step back. It's not enough, obviously. The train's too crowded to offer freedom of movement. Suddenly, she looks almost disappointed. I really don't understand this girl nearly as much as I wish I did sometimes. "Oh yeah? Not even when I do this?" SMACK! Oh...that one hurt. A lot. She's smiling again when I open my eyes. Damn her. Damn her to hell. "WHAT WAS THAT FOR!?!?" I yell. "I was right! You DO want to hit me!" she states proudly. I could have told her that. She continues, looking down at my arm for some reason that escapes me. "See? Every time you get mad, you flex your hand like that. You want to hit me, don't you!" I gasp, actually reaching over with my left hand to stop my right hand's movement. Dammit! I forgot about that... "N...NO!" I beg. "It's not like that!" "I'll tell you what." she smiles in that same scary smile. "I'll let you hit me." What? "What?!" I echo my thoughts. This is all some kind of sick joke. She'll grab my arm out of the way, then wail on me, screaming that I'm a pervert for wanting to beat a girl. "No!" "I'm serious." she won't stop smiling. "If you can bring yourself to hit me, I will let you have one free shot without fear of retaliation." The way she has been grating on my nerves all day, brining myself to hitting her would be surprisingly easy right now. Still, I'm cautious. "You're lying." I say. I know I must sound like a detective, trying to solve a mystery. Why the almighty Asuka Langley would ever let me have a crack at her jaw is a damn miracle. "No I'm not." she nods. "On one condition!" she frowns, then smiles in that same...very...scary way. "I get to hold your hand." I blink. "What do you mean?" "I'm going to prove, once and for all, that you couldn't fight me even if you had the chance." she states with a dangerous hiss. "I dare you. Do your worst...Third Child." I hate being called Third Child. I really do. "Deal." I almost growl. I can see a little bit of worry flash through her eyes. She is beginning to realize she may have underestimated exactly how MUCH I want to hit her. However, her stubborn pride forces her forward. Fine by me. I deserve this. Just once. Just one good shot to that fucking smirk and I'll be good for a few more months of torture. God knows I've earned at least this much. Pleeeeeeease, I beg myself. Just hit her...just once...let me have this one, tiny victory over this stubborn, annoying little girl and I swear I'll be... A warm sensation wraps around my left hand. Oh. Oh shit. I hate you, Asuka. I hate you. Why did you have to figure THAT out as well? No...not that I hate you. The other thing. She smiles as she sees my face soften. She knows she has me by the hypothetical balls. "Well, Third Child? Come on..." she leans forward. "I dare you..." Ohhhh...she whispered. She whispered. Oh god. She. Is. So. Damn. Sexy. When she whispers. I start to whisper something back. I really have no idea what it is. All I can feel is her hands wrapped around mine. "Yes, Shin-kun?" she coos at me. I know it's all just to weaken my resolve further, but damn, is that voice ever going to keep me awake tonight. "T...cen...p-ll...wit...ch..." I really have no idea what I just whispered. Neither does she. She gives me a quizzical look. "Pardon?" "Target centre..." I whisper a bit louder. "Pull the switch..." SMACK! Oh. Oh damn. Did that ever feel good. I can still see the look on her face as she realized my right fist was about to hit her jaw. Thank god for Misato's training. It's really amazing what your body can do even if your mind's gone. "AAAHHHHHHHH!" she yells, almost falling back. I can't help but smile...just a little. The sting on my knuckles only confirms my sweet, sweet victory. She is holding the side of her chin, and obviously in a lot of pain the way she's cringing. "BAAAAAAAAKA!" "Sorry." I say. I really am sorry. But oh...DAMN...I needed that. Asuka shoots more daggers at me with her eyes than I have ever shot at my Father. The rest of the trip is rather quiet. She's not smirking anymore. Oooh yeah. ***** "We're going home." It takes me a moment to figure out that I'm moving. Dammit. I really didn't want to move. "What the HELL are you doing, Baka!" I demand, watching the stunned faces around me. Since when did Shinji get like this? I should have never let him hit me last month in the train. Shit. Now he thinks he can boss me around. I really need to beat the shit out of him. "Stop!" I demand. It comes out about as clear as possible under the circumstances, I suppose. He does understand it, but it's clear he's not about to stop. Fuck him. "I don't wanna go yet!" "Asuka, we are going NOW!" he turns and almost yells in my face. Fuck him and his damn...ugh. I feel sick. The sudden gust of cold, fresh air as we leave the house is enough to send me over the edge. "Oh no..." I think it took the sound of my vomit to make him realize he should have listened to me. It's is own damn fault I threw up on his fucking shoes. I don't care. When I open my eyes next, all I see is his worried expression looking down at me with a horizontal tilt. The nice, cool grass is on my cheek. Luckily, whatever I threw up must have been a short distance away from where I landed. "Asuka! Are you okay!?" "Fuck you, Shinji." I whisper hoarsely. He seems to have taken that last sentence rather badly. A part of me is wondering if I should have said that or not. The part of me that just puked it's guts out, however, feels exactly that way towards him right now. "Why did you drag me out here!" I demand. For the life of me, I honestly can't remember. "You were almost raped!" he yells, equally hoarsely. "For FUCK sakes, Asuka!" "I...I was fine!" I swallow hard, realizing what he said was not just some twisted dream I had been having. Shit...I really have to stop drinking like Misato. I'm not nearly as good at handling it as she is. Shinji knows me like a fucking book. Damn him. He's not falling for any of this. "And that's why you almost smashed that beer bottle over his head when I finally got him off you?" Damn him. "Were you waiting for a more dramatic moment to stop him?!?" Shinji yells at me. His voice...shit...he's doing that thing. It's like he's almost about to cry...but also about to rip someone apart. I can never tell if I'm being frightened...or saddened by it. Shit. I've had fantasies about him after hearing it. I really don't know what to think at the moment, though. "I..." "Well, it couldn't have been much later!" Shinji reaches over and grabs a piece of cloth that used to be my dress' top. It's been ripped clean off. "You scared the SHIT out of me, Asuka! Did you realize how loud you were yelling?" "I..." Shit...it's all back now...I hate that...Fuck...no...god no...don't start, Asuka...don't start...not in front of him...please no... I'm crying. Fuck. "I...I'm sorry...Shinji..." Fuck. I hate myself. Why do I always do this shit in front of Shinji? This was supposed to be a party. Something fun. Something to take my mind off of things. Sure...I wanted to meet new guys...but nothing like what happened. I just needed a break from... Shinji. Damn you, Shinji. Fucking Invincible Shinji saves me again. God help me. I am grateful. I am more grateful than he could possibly know. Fuck you, Shinji. "Asuka..." he's already wrapped his coat around me. Now comes his arms. No. God no. I can't handle this right now. "Everything's going to be okay...just let it out..." I do. I cry. I must have cried for hours. Why the hell is he the only man I can cry around? Weak, baka Shinji. God damn you. No...why is he doing this? Why? He's so small! I probably weigh more than he does! "Come on. I'll give you a ride." he whispers as he pulls my arms over his shoulders. "I can walk..." No I can't. I can barely breathe I'm so exhausted. I don't know if I'm angry or grateful, but he doesn't let me struggle, and gives me a piggy-back ride. He walks for blocks with me on his back. I really can't remember it much. He never once complains though. I hate it when he does this. It only makes things worse. But...I don't want things to get better. All I can feel is his right hand pressed over mine. It's amazing he can do that and still keep me balanced, but I really don't want him to stop, so he's learned to live with it. "Why?" I ask. He doesn't answer. Shit. Why doesn't he answer? It's not like it's a complicated question. He has to have SOME kind of answer. He has to know what I'm asking. I know he knows. It has to be there... somewhere...in that damn impervious shell of his. I know he's thought about it once or twice. Shit...please have thought about it, Shinji... No. Just hold my hand. Don't talk. I swear I'll not do anything, so long as you just do those two things. Just shut up and touch me. Just for this walk. I don't care about later. I need you, Shinji. I need you. You don't need me. But thanks for putting up with me this long. "Thank you..." I whisper into his ear. He knows what I'm talking about. I know he does. I can tell by the way he squeezes my hand in response, but keeps his mouth shut. Fuck you Shinji. Why did you have to read my mind like that? Ugh. I am so drunk... I don't remember much after that, but I think I made it to the toilet in time. ***** "Do you MIND?" Things are getting worse. I don't know how. That's a lie. I'm not exactly helping matters anymore. It's eerie. I could almost sweat I enjoy this now. All those things I have subconsciously mapped out in my mind, all those things I usually avoid doing in Asuka's presence, are coming to the surface. Turns out some of them can really piss her off. She hates it, for example, when I study in the living room. Two reasons. Whatever small bit of guilt she has in that over inflated ego of hers actually kicks into effect, and she feels bad (HA!) about watching TV too loudly when I'm here. That, and Misato always notices, and tells HER to study. She hates having to do both. "It's not that loud, Third Child." she snaps at me. Unfortunately, Misato isn't here right now, and ever since that fucking party we went to last week, she's been extra defensive against my actions. Looks like not even the guilt is working tonight. Well, it's not like I need to study or anything. See? I'm doing it again! I KNOW it's going to piss her off! I don't even have to do it! WHY am I doing it then? Argh! I know EXACTLY why I'm doing it...but if I admit how much I loved giving her own medicine right back at her, I'd never stop. Misato would go crazy from the resulting arguments, and whatever chance I have at... Fuck. Why do I bother? Chance? There is none. Still, now it's stuck in my head. It's that same bloody thought that Asuka thought she could use against me in the train. This time it works, too. "Sorry, Asuka..." I sigh, closing my books. "You're right. I'll go to my room and study." She seems almost surprised at this. This entire week has just been going towards a giant confrontation anyway. Of course, I had to be the one to give out first. When the hell am I going to listen to my own advice? When am I going to stop... "Running away, Shin-kun?" she grins at me with that bloody Cheshire Cat smile. It's almost enough to make me want to hit her again...but I told the truth. That moment in the train was enough to last me for a lot of her abuse. At least for another month or so. "Yes." I state flatly. "You want anything from the fridge before I go?" Dammit! There's that look again! What the hell IS that? Why does she look like a little girl who was just told she can't go to the park and play with her friends?!?! Well SORRRREEE if I disappoint you, bitch. I'm not your bloody toy to bat around. "Uh...yeah...sure." she shrugs, rolling over on her pillow she has propped up on the floor to watch the television with. "Orange juice will be fine." Good. Fine. I walk to the kitchen and pull out the refrigerated drawer that contains the little food that isn't instant or beer- related. Who the hell am I trying to fool? Not her toy. Shit. There are days where I have wanted nothing better than to stay in bed and die...but I always got up...just so she could smack me around. I'm a sick fuck, aren't I? She frowns at me as I hand her the can of juice. "What the hell are you so gloomy about?" she demands. I really have to start making my mind less readable. "Nothing." I say. "Sorry. Just a little tired." Yeah. That sounds convincing enough. She almost buys it too. My voice sounds dead anyway. However, this is Asuka. She's not giving up that easily. Logic...for once...comes to her side. "You slept for twelve hours last night. Why the hell are you still tired?" I really can't take this right now. Shit...I can barely think anymore. Why is she doing this? I'd rather she just got back to smacking the back of my head. Why is she suddenly prying into me like this? "Good night." I sigh, picking up my books from the table. They're not that heavy, but at the moment, it feels like I'm dragging chains to my death. Where's an angel when you need one?? "Okay..." I hear a whisper. "G...good night, Shinji-kun." Dammit. Dammit. DAMMIT! How the HELL does she do that?!? She sounds like a god damn air-raid siren half the time. The other half is dominated with that smug, teasing tone she has. It's like a little five year old who thinks they are your bloody superior. But... She sounds so bloody nice when she whispers. When she does that stupid little 'kun' thing. I don't even care if she says Baka-kun anymore. How does she do that? Every time she does that thing with her voice, it makes me... Want her. God I want her. I want her so badly it hurts to think about it. "Shinji?" Oh no...she noticed. I'm paralysed. Internal batteries read 0:00. I have no ability to move. "Shinji?" she is closer now. I feel her right behind me. "I'm sorry..." I say...oh shit...I'm on the verge of crying, too. The entire week goes down the drain. Whatever self-respect I had clawed and scraped my way for is gone. I would rather throw whatever satisfaction I've gained than think of fighting her at this moment. She is stunned when I spin around and grab her hand. I don't care. I need contact. I need to say this. "I'm sorry, Asuka...I...should never have hit you...or bugged you...or..." shit, I can barely speak I'm crying so hard. What tiny glimpses I do catch of her are filled by her horrified expression. "I shouldn't have...been like that...after the party...I...just...I didn't know what else to do!" "STOP IT!" It takes my frazzled mind a moment to realize what she's said. "W...what?" I look up. She's...crying? Crying? Why is Asuka crying? She yanks her hand out of mine. I instantly miss it's presence, but I regret even that now, as she looks like she has been shocked by electricity though me. "BAKA!" she yells at me. "Don't EVER say things like that!" a tear falls down on my hand that I still haven't moved. "Why are you so STUPID!?!" I really don't believe what my ears are telling me. They're saying that she's crying. That she said those last, all too familiar words, in a different way than usual. Almost like she was worried. I really can't say anything. I just stare at my hand where her tear fell. "Mein GOTT!" she cries. "Every time you say you're sorry, it makes me want to rip your tongue out! Can't you REALIZE when you do something GOOD for a change? Don't you realize what you do to..." her voice catches suddenly. The last look on her face I remember was one of pain. She ran straight past me and into her room. The door slammed shut. Hard. ***** Of course he doesn't. That is the answer to my three days of deliberation. I feel sick. Physically sick. Every time he walks by my door, I can feel him. I know that I was one word away from causing a disaster. Me. Doesn't he realize what he does to me? When he keeps apologizing? When he backs down from me? It pisses me off. It makes me want to throw him into a wall. Doesn't he realize what he does to me? When I see that other side of him slipping away like that? When he turns into that little spineless boy I hate? Shit. It's like someone taking away something you lo... Care about. Yeah. Someone that takes away something you like. It makes you mad. It makes me mad. The night after he finally got a backbone and punched me, I was actually smiling. I thought I had finally done it. Finally edged him on enough. Even if it was to fight me off. It was worth it. I knew the moment he dragged me home from that fucking party. Shit. I wouldn't have carried him home in that situation. It was like four blocks away from Misato's apartment! He did, though. He dragged my heavy ass across Tokyo 3 without thinking twice. I knew this was the Shinji I liked. I almost lost it when he apologized. I couldn't believe he was so fucking stupid. Dammit! I...I shouldn't have pushed...I wanted another fight. I needed it. A real fight. I wanted to show him he COULD fight me. That he was the only one I thought worthy. How do you tell someone that? That you want them to beat the shit out of you for their own good? I should have taken psychology in college. Shit. This is all Misato's fault. It is, you know. I hate this situation. I hate this body. This damn biological clock everyone is always moaning about. I realized, not too long ago, but long enough for me to have time to think about it, that my clock was ticking down. Quickly. And I wondered if I would have to spend my life like this. Living next to Shinji. I'm not stupid. I know what's happening. Misato thought she'd be smart and make us live together to help our teamwork, but that's not all it will end with. Even if I hated the guy, I...well, he's always here. He's always around me. He brushes against me all day. It's not my fault. I...can't help but feel a little...bit...towards him. It's been a year and a half since the last angel, for crying out loud! But, there are always indications that there might be more. That's two years with a guy my own age who...really...isn't all that bad looking. Argh. ARGH! No. I can't keep thinking like this or I'm going to go insane. But...in all fairness, I tried. I really did try to ignore my clock. But it's soooo HARD! Eventually, I came to accept this. I knew that it was possible that I may have to spend another ten years or so around Shinji. I also began to realize I had two options. A kind of choice in the matter. I could spend this time with either the Shinji who apologises, who pisses me off, who is a spineless wussy...or...I could spend it with the Shinji who I l...like. The one who beats the shit out of angels and can actually stand up to me. The one who told his father to fuck off when he begged for forgiveness. The one who helps me out...even when I'm too stubborn to admit I need it. When I realized I may have to fight for that Shinji for as long as I know him, I must admit, I wasn't too happy. I don't want to fight him all the time just so I can stand to look at the guy. Fuck you, Shinji. Both of you, this time. And he held my hand again, too. I was disgusted. What was worse was I didn't want to let go. Even when he's that annoying little boy, I can't help but see his other side. WHY CAN'T HE JUST MAKE UP HIS MIND!!!!!!!!!!! Shit. I mean, it's not like I'm looking for love or anything. If...if it happens, then...fine, I guess. But...I...I just wish I had someone to talk to. Someone to be with. Shinji's almost that...but...he keeps fucking up. The other boys aren't even on the same planet we are. The only world I know anymore is Eva. It's all I've ever had anyway. I'm not about to change just so I can hang out with those pitiful stooges that make Kensuke and Toji look good in comparison. At least THEY know this world too. Dammit. I just wish Shinji would... Even if he is a wuss. ***** "Das geht dich einen feuchten Scheissdreck an!" Err...okay...? I know that's a bad phrase. The way she said it would make paint strip off the walls if it hadn't been right at my face. It comes at the end of the week, after probably the worst point in our...friendship...I have ever known. I finally got enough nerve to ask what was wrong, and she replies with this. That urge to hit something is coming back. This time, though, any inanimate object will do. "What did you say?" I ask, all too aware I probably won't want to know. "It means none of your fucking business, Shinji." Asuka glares at me, then turns around to continue to make a pot of coffee. What does she mean by THAT? Of COURSE it is my business! She hasn't been out of her room in days! Ever since I...uh...we broke down in the hall. If it's for some other reason than me, then I'm going to be very surprised. "Here. Let me help." I offer, reaching past her into the top drawer to get a small measuring spoon for the ground coffee beans. She snatches it right out of my hand before I can do much else, though, and quickly throws it back into the drawer. "I can do it myself." Her voice is low and dangerous. I know I should be scared. Hell, I should be anywhere but right next to her at this point. "Asuka..." I sigh. "I don't want to fight you. Tell me what's..." Oh. Oh shit. Something I just said got to her. I find myself backing up even before I can think of what it was. "That's JUST THE POINT, Baka!" she yells. Despite her obvious anger, she seems almost tired. Fed up and at the end of her rope. "W...what?!" Her eyes...they are glaring at me. I never thought something so beautiful could look so damn threatening. Her lips are thin and curled, like she's getting ready to bite something. I believe it was right about then where I started fearing for my life. "Little Shinji, always so bloody nice and proper..." she began quietly, but her voice was picking up. "But he doesn't realize what a petty, selfish little weakling he is! Everyone's feeding him a string of 'well done, Shinji!' and 'good work Shinji!' so he never figures it out!" She leans back and raises her arms to the Heavens we battle. "THE INVINCIBLE SHINJI!!!!!! Everyone give him a FUCKING hand!!!" The wall hits my back, and I find myself crawling along it, looking for the exit. Oh, but this is just getting started. "Tell me something, Shinji-KUN..." she growls. I am scared, no matter how often I dream of her saying my name like that. "What would you do if I just kissed you right now?" I must admit...I don't know. "Tell me, Shinji..." she glares at me, but there's something new in her voice. "What would you do if I just knelt down and started unbuttoning your shirt with my tongue?" Oh... Oh my... I do believe my heart has stopped. "You want to know what you'd do?" she whispers at me. I swallow hard, trying to remember how to breathe. "You'd apologize." she growls. I blink. "Do you REALIZE how much you PISS ME OF!?!?" she yells RIGHT into my face. "For TWO YEARS, SHINJI! TWO FUCKING YEARS! I have had to listen to you apologize! I have had to listen to you cower away! I have had to listen to you squirm under ANY kind of pressure! Do you have ANY IDEA HOW THAT PISSES ME OF???!!!" I find the door frame, but she pins me with her left arm. Oh shit... "It's like you wasted the LAST bit of your backbone on your Father!" Oh. Now. THAT. Was...not...nice... She sees my reaction, too. I hate knowing it's exactly what she was hoping for. "You heard me, Shinji." she growls. "Tell me, when you watched that bastard's heart-monitor come to a stop, did your spine slip out your a..." S M A C K ! She stands there, completely stunned as a trickle of blood runs down from the corner of her lips. My arm is shaking, but has somehow found it's way to my other side, conveniently crossing over at the height of her jaw. That one did not feel nearly as good as the one on the train. I'm truly angry this time. P H O O M ! Oh...I can't say I was expecting that...nor was my stomach, or I might not be keeling over at the moment. "Ahk...!" I think I remember saying. "Sorry." Asuka smirks, wiping the blood from her cut lip. Her voice makes it clear she is anything but. I don't really know what came over me, but it did. "ERRRAHHHH!" I dive right into her. Head first. I don't care how I hurt her, so long as I hurt her. Fists and heads aren't important. I think I managed to push her into the edge of the table. It probably hurt her a lot, in fact, she let out a sharp yelp as it hit her side. No chance in hell I was going to give up there, though. I all but charge at her when I finally am able to stand. She KICKS ME! That fucking BITCH! I can't believe she just kicked me! In the stomach again, too. I vaguely remember hitting the wall and sliding down to the ground but I can't be sure since consciousness was trying to leave me for most of the fall. "Get the FUCK up!" she coughs. "I'm not done with you yet!" I fight to get up...I really do...but I can't. I can barely breathe. "No way you're just going to keel over like your dad did!" "FUCK YOU!" The next thing I know, she's underneath me, and am struggling to choke her. Dammit! WHY WON'T SHE JUST...GIVE UP! Her hands, however, are not nearly as weak as an average girl's. Time has been very generous to this woman, and I'm wondering if I'm even going to be able to beat her. Not only does she manage to pry my grip off of her neck, but she begins to fight back, pushing me away. If I didn't know better, I could swear she was enjoying this. Bitch... Her knee comes up to my chest. Had she been wearing a skirt, it would have made a very interesting entry in a Hentai magazine. No such luck, however, as she throws me back against that fucking wall with a grunt and a push. I really hate this wall. It's beating me up just as bad as she is. "Come on!" she yells. "Is that all you got?!?" her arms have got mine in a virtual stalemate. I really don't believe how so much strength can come from someone like her. How I'm able to match her is anyone's guess as well. "STOP IT!" I beg. She's going too far. She's not letting me stop! Every time I try, she threatens to bring back memories I want to leave behind. "What the HELL ARE YOU DOING?!" She leans against my shaking arms with her entire weight, trying to overpower me. If it wasn't for the wall behind me, she would have won. ***** I didn't want to bring his father into this. I really didn't. Fuck it. I don't care, so long as he fights. I don't care if he fights me or something else, so long as he FIGHTS! I have made my decision, and I am NOT going to live with that other Shinji. I want MY SHINJI! He finally slides out from under me, and I must admit, I'm a little surprised when he pins me to the floor with his shoulders. He's fighting. REALLY fighting. For a moment there, I was almost scared he was going to try to kill me. But that doesn't matter. I just want him back. The only sounds now are ragged breathing and the sounds of struggle. Fuck talk. This isn't a conversation anymore. I finally manage to elbow him in the head, and he rolls off of me, holding his ear. Honestly, I don't know where this will stop. I'm getting tired. I didn't sleep well last night. He's going to knock me on my ass. I just hope it's not against anything too hard. I get off another punch. Damn it's beginning to hurt. He has a strong jaw. He, in turn, grabs my side and pushes me into a chair. Ouch...this is going to hurt... CRACK! Oh shit...that did hurt. "AAK!" I cough, but it doesn't help. I'm winded. My eyes go out of focus and I can't move even if I wanted to. The Baka is on top of me again, still grabbing my arms like he thinks I'm faking it. "Damn you!" he growls at me. Oh. Oh my. Yeah...I like this Shinji... And he's not done yet, either. I finally manage to get breath into my lungs, and pain is registering throughout most of my body, but I can barely feel it. The Baka's almost lying on top of me and he hasn't figured it out yet. This is rather...interesting.... "Eep!" He actually lifts me up. My arms are too tired to stop him and my legs can barely support myself, let alone a fight. I see stars as he pushes me back against the wall and pins my neck with one hand. And he draws back with the other. Then stops. Probably because he's wondering why I'm smiling like an idiot. His grip relaxes slightly as he sees I'm done. I probably couldn't kick him in the nuts at this point. I'm exhausted. Still...it's worth it. The look in his eyes is priceless. HIS eyes. MY Shinji's eyes. I'm laughing before I know it. I'm relived. That's all. I'm glad I could get him to shed that fucking shell of his. He smiles. Then laughs too. Then the pain registers, and we both stop laughing so we don't hurt ourselves further. "AAAAAAAAAAAIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!" We both cringe. "Oh shit..." I whisper out loud. A very angry Misato runs into the kitchen, taking one look at the mess we've made. I do the same in a measure of some shock. Wow...we really did fight. Everything on the table is on the floor. Some plates in pieces. One of it's legs is busted, just barely keeping it from tipping. The chair Shinji threw me onto is flattened. Splinters are everywhere. I notice for the first time that there is a small bit of blood on the walls, and the floor where Shinji had me pinned. A piece of ripped shirt, and the lack of an arm on Shinji's school uniform fit together. I notice a shattered piece of red plastic, and quickly feel my hair. Damn. I'll need a new head-set. "WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED HERE!!??!!" Misato is almost foaming at the mouth. The groceries she bought are tossed aside as she grabs the collar of my shirt and Shinji's ear to separate us. "Aaahh..." Shinji coughed. "You see, I slipped..." My eyes are wide. He nods at me, knocking me out of my surprise. "Yeah...and then you see, I tried to help him up, but..." "And then fell backwards..." "Hit the table..." "Floor was too waxy..." Poor Misato isn't used to a dual sided attack like this, and her anger crumbles. "Fine." she lets us go. "Clean this mess, then get yourselves washed up." she shook her head, storming off. "Ritsuko's coming over for dinner later." I can't believe Shinji's still smiling. And he hasn't once apologized yet. We just sit against the wall and catch our breath for a while. "I...shouldn't have said anything about your dad." I say. I really shouldn't have. It was low...even for me. "It's okay." he nods, reaching over to take my hand. I find no reason to deny him it. Maybe it's just my imagination, but his is a little warmer than usual. "Good punch." I smile, rubbing my jaw. Damn...I'm going to be sore tomorrow. Shinji actually blushed at the compliment. "T...thanks..." It was worth it. ***** I am officially confused. I mean, it's not that I don't like this new arrangement. Ever since that fight, things have gotten back to normal, if not better than they ever were. But...this is a big step. Even for Asuka. Then again, she's proven to me I don't know her nearly as well as I thought I did. And, though it pains me to admit it, I am probably an open book to her. It's almost the end of summer now. A summer I will never forget. Toji and Kensuke must hate me, but I can't help it. I spent almost the entire two months period with Asuka. It was...out of a lack of a better word...nice. I may not know her as well as she does me, but I have learned a few things about her. Things like her love of video games. We never had any video games back when the first group of angels attacked. Oh, yeah. There were more. Nothing as bad as the last three or four Angels, though. Nothing like Kaoru. Just to keep us on our toes, I think. Maybe they're not even Angels... But that's not what I'm talking about right now. Asuka loves video games. Last Christmas I bought her an old Nintendo. They're really cheep now anyway, so it seemed like a nice gift. She...er...well, even Misato was surprised at her reaction. She actually kissed me on the cheek after almost flattening me against the ground. Keep in mind this is in her house-coat on Christmas Morning. We play it constantly. She's better than I am, but I've been practicing, so at least I can give her a good challenge. Another thing about Asuka is that she's a great cook. Who would have thought? Misato's been promoted twice since Kaoru, and she's almost never home now. Our final months at the High School were hectic, but we got through. She says I taught her everything she knows...but I really can't cook some of the things she can. Asuka still has nightmares. I hate hearing her across the hall. It's almost like her most quiet whisper can get past any music I'm listening too. It...hurts. A lot. I don't want her to have nightmares. That's why when she comes into my room and asks if I want to play some Nintendo, I don't mind. Even if it's in the middle of the night. We usually end up passed out in front of the TV, drooling on the floor, though she'd never admit it. That's another thing. She drools. It's a silly little observation, but I pride myself on knowing it. It's very cute, actually. Not disgusting in any way. You should have seen how embarrassed she was when one morning I took a napkin and dried the corner of her mouth for her. We go shopping together all the time. She even comes when I go with Kensuke and Toji, and follows us into the army stores and the Otaku- Mart for anime movies. At first, I just thought she was humouring me, but once she learned that half the things we look for aren't 'perverted' or 'idiotic' she didn't mind. Even Toji will accept a little clothes shopping now...though it is Kensuke's theory that Hikari is having a direct influence on that decision. Either way, Tokyo 3 is rebuilt, my friends aren't fighting, and Asuka seems to actually be my friend instead of an enemy. I am happy. I really am. So... So...why am I confused right now? Didn't I always want this? I mean, it's not like it's anything to be worried about. Asuka and I have been doing this for the last few years anyway. But... But... Living on our own? She's coming to university with me, though she continually reminds me that she doesn't need to. The apartment is nothing special. Hell, it's basically two bedrooms, a bathroom and a study. The kitchen...to my dismay...consists of an indentation in the wall with a fridge, sink and stove. "WHOO HOO!" she drops the first of MAAAANY boxes of hers at the door and runs in. She's excited, too! I...well...it was my personal belief that once the Eva project no longer required us to live together she would have dumped me like a bag of mouldy tangerines. I follow just behind, carrying a small bag of my most precious items, and two of HER boxes. They are probably filled with clothes, but damn, they're still heavy. "A...Asuka...c...help?" I grunt. She instantly spins around and runs over to help, catching the box just before it slips so I can grab hold of the other. "Sorry. I'm just so excited!" she beams at me. "Think of it, Shinji! No more beer cans and ramen soup cups!!" I can't help but laugh. No wonder she's so eager. At least I'm a CLEAN roommate. NERV paid it's pilots VERY well, but Asuka insisted we should invest in a small apartment. It would better to study in and get used to a normal, struggling student's life. I agreed. It made sense. Though I still wish the kitchen was bigger. She runs down to the car... Yes. We actually have a car, too! She drives most of the time, but I don't mind. It's just a little red (her colour choice again) beat up rust-box, but it was a symbol of our freedom. A new life. Anyway, she returns with a box under each arm. "Well?" she sighs as she sets them down. "Well?" I blink, looking around at the dark room. The power won't be connected until tomorrow morning. "What do you mean, 'well!'?" she frowns, crossing her arms in mock anger. "This has to be done in an organized way, or we'll never stop fighting about it." I blink. I'm also sure I'm blushing. "P...pardon?" She points down the tiny hall. "Because you are the university student, I shall allow you to choose your bedroom first." she leans forward at me, smiling. "Choose wisely, after all, it is the most important choice you can make!" I consider this for a moment. She DID have experience with this, after all. Maybe she's right? "Uh...well, I'm new at this..." I say. "What one would you choose if you had to?" She seems very pleased I am asking her expert opinion. "Well, let me see." she walks over to the both of them and opens the doors. They are right across the hall from each other. I follow. The first room is neat and clean. The second, however, looks to be the unfortunate victim of a party. "This one." she pointed at the second room. "This one will be yours." I frown. Figures. "Fine." I sigh. She hears the distress in my voice. "Don't you trust me?" she smiles. Damn Cheshire Cat. "But..." She leans forward and pins me against the wall with her arms. Oh... "If that room is unsatisfactory, you can always sleep in my room..." she whispers in EXACTLY the voice that keeps me awake at night (among other things). Oh, all right. She has inspired MANY a wet, sticky dream. Happy? I can't even breathe. Finally, though, I notice she's still grinning at me. "Fine..." I squeak. "I'll take this room." She lets me go, but is laughing to herself. "Poor Shinji...you should have seen the look on your face." At least she's not howling in laughter like most times. Just teasing, not torment. I sigh and smile as well. "You should watch out." I warn. "If you keep teasing Hentai like me, you might get hurt..." "Oooh." she replies. "Shinji's got a backbone after all..." she states proudly. "I've taught you well." That little remark makes me stop in my tracks. I turn around to see her smiling softly. Then, she reaches over and takes my hand. "I'm glad." she says. Then, she turns and goes over to the first of her boxes. At first...I thought I was mad to hear her say that. Like the only reason she can stand me at all is because SHE worked for it. But...she wasn't looking at me like I was some project. She was just...happy...I've only seen her that happy a few times. My hand is still warm where she held it. That was not meant for just a job or a challenge. She's...proud of me? We avoid eye contact as she passes back into her room, but I see her still smiling. I am happy. No. I'm ecstatic! "Baka! Are you going to help me with the TV?" "Hai!" ***** "So what gift are you two up to?" I must admit, I'm not quite sure I know what this woman is talking about. Not that I was ignoring her or anything, but up until that moment, she had been yammering on about stuff I wouldn't even bore Shinji with. "Pardon?" The woman smiles. She's a study partner in my psyche class. (Yes, I finally bit the bullet and decided to take some psychology courses) I keep forgetting her name...Tammy...but she's rather smart, and never gets on my nerves, so I'll humour her this far. "Anniversary?" she states, pointing to Shinji, who is in the corner with his cello, cleaning it from it's long month in storage. The baka doesn't hear anything, at least not that I can tell. "Oh, uh...gifts?" I re-state. "What do you mean?" She regards me with a critical eye. "You mean you two aren't married?" I almost laugh out loud. Almost. "O...of course not!" I think I'm blushing. Dammit. I've been hanging around Shinji too long. "No, we're just living together." "Oooh!" she laughs softly. "Sorry, didn't know. You two act like you're so close!" I smile. "Well, he's a good friend. I guess I'm just kind of used to him by now." She leans forward. "So...you two haven't...?" Again, that damn Shinji-Blush. "No!" I whisper back angrily. "We're only seventeen, you know. It's a little early for all that..." Tammy shrugs. "Well, honey...if I were you, I'd make it clear that he's yours." I blink. "Pardon?" "Have you seen his entourage on campus?" she smiles. "There must be at least a dozen girls, everywhere from sophomores to seniors who are pining for him. The fact he's an Eva pilot doesn't exactly turn them off, you know." Oh... Is it just me? Or do you hear something ticking? Shut up, clock! "I...I didn't know..." I admit, stealing a quick glance over at Shinji, who is blissfully unaware of the conversation at hand. "And well, you know he isn't exactly an asshole, and he's not ugly." Tammy says. "If I didn't already think you and he were an item, I would have probably tried myself." "He's off limits." I growl. Ooh...that was a little bit much. Mmm. No. No it wasn't. Tammy just smiles. "Okay, okay. I'll spread the word." she chuckles. "So...how far have you two...?" I swear if I blush again I'm going to smack myself. "Kissed." I say. Actually, it's more of a squeak. "Aaaand?" Tammy leans forward. "T...that's about it..." I stammer. I really don't want to tell her about the Kiss. I still bash myself over the head when I realize how bloody stupid I was back then. Flashback time. I find myself doing that a lot. I keep remembering that kiss. How I squeezed his nose, then just kind of smashed my face into his...but then...I...I began to enjoy it. He...Shinji...has the softest lips...warm...inviting...safe... She giggles. "How was it???" "N...not..." I swallow hard. "Not bad..." That's the truth, actually. Tammy is glaring at me like I'm refusing to share a chocolate bar with her. "Mmm, you're no fun." she suddenly brightens. "But I should get going. It's getting late." I nod. We're nearly done all our papers for the week anyway. It's nice to have her as a study partner. We're both really competitive, so we push ourselves hard to try and beat the other. "You two have fun!" Tammy calls out, loud enough to get Shinji's attention as she puts on her shoes. "Uh..." he blinks, taking in the situation. "Have a good night, Tammy- san!" She turns to me and winks. "See you on Monday." The door closes. How DARE she leave me with him! Especially considering what's going through my mind at the moment. Argh! She must have read that chapter on mental-manipulation twice. Bitch. I try to turn to Shinji only when I'm sure I'm not blushing anymore. "Soo, what are you doing?" He smiles brightly, now that I've taken an interest in his doings. "I'm just re-stringing the old hummer here." "Hummer?" I can't help but smile. "Yeah." he smiles goofily. "I dunno...it sounds like someone humming, don't you think?" he demonstrates by humming as low as he can. Luckily, that's a lot lower than before, or it would be rather comical. Now, however, he has a very nice, smooth voice. "Oooh, you're turning into Barry White." I joke, getting a blush in response. See? He still does that. Even after a month of me trying to desensitize him to all this teasing. I don't mind, though. He's bloody cute when he does that. He turns back to his cello and begins to replace the last string. "Will you play me something?" I flop down on the floor next to him. We always have a few big, fluffy pillows lying around for just such a reason. The only chairs we bother to use are at the table. We usually just flop down on the floor and play Nintendo all day when we're bored. Damn...how did he know I liked Nintendo so much? Lucky bastard. I never told anyone about my Mario fetish. He smiles as I crawl over to him. "Well, I have to get this tuned first, or you'll never ask me to play anything else ever again." Makes sense. "Want some tea? I'm making a cup." I get up and walk over to the kitchen. "Please." he smiles a reply. I think it was probably right about then I decided I was going to kiss him tonight. No real reason why. I just remember standing up, reaching for the cups, and thinking that I was going to do it. By the time the water was boiling, it was a confirmed GO! in my mind. Damn biological clock. It's hard to ignore, ya know. Even harder to ignore when I picture ten or twenty drooling women following my Shin- kun around the classroom. MINE! And to think I never wondered where he got all those cookies and muffins and the like. "Here, Shinji, sit down, want a cookie?" and he's too much of a gentleman not to say: "Ooh, that would be lovely!" I'm not going to be able to wait forever anymore. The first testing chords of his cello break my train of thought and remind me that I'm making tea. Shinji knows exactly how I like it, and I know exactly how he likes it. I'll be damned if I can ever make tea that is as good for myself, though. He knows me better than he thinks. He knows exactly what I like. Where I like it and when I like it. Oh god...yes...I know how that sounds. He...is so attentive towards me...if he's at least half as good in whatever's next, then I'm going to be a happy girl. It's...not like I'm in a hurry, though. Must be that whole "I don't need anything or anyone!" idea I still have in my head. It has cost me a lot of happiness, in retrospect, but still, I still feel it is my guiding principal. I do need Shinji, though. But...I just need him as a partner in life. I don't need him as anything more...for now. Maybe that's the reason why I've waited so long. Here we are in a cozy, lonely room together. The summer heat is pleasant and lets us dress loosely. He looks very nice in that shirt, too. I've finally gotten him to dress less like Kensuke, too. There's no Misato or Pen-Pen. We're all alone, every night. Every night. Oh god...some of those nights...he was very close to breaking my resolve. Often, we'll talk for hours about everything and nothing. I...I've never been able to do that with anyone. Not even Kaji or Hikari. It's wonderful. And I can see it when he gives me those looks. Like, after a long day of studying, I'll treat him to some iced cream or something, and we're just sitting in the park, eating, and he just gives me this curious smile that melts right through all my defences. It's almost enough to make me listen to that damn biological clock...and yet, we still haven't done anything yet. My heart's beating so fast. I'm nervous. Tea's almost done. ***** Asuka sets my tea on the little coffee table that shares space with all the pillows on the floor. "Arigato." I smile. She nods, but doesn't say anything. There's something on her mind...I can see it. She's holding her cup with both hands. She only does that when there's something on her mind that's she's not sure of. Oh well. She's probably just worried about mid-terms or something. And if I keep looking at her like that, I'm going to get caught staring. Shit she's beautiful. I remember when it was only one minute out of a day when I would realize that, but now? It's all I see. She's gotten so nice to me. We're finally roommates, and not constantly fighting for position against each other. We're more than that. We're friends. No. Closer than that. I...can't think about it or I'll end up disappointing myself, but...I still love every day I'm with her. I really do. She gives my life meaning. I have someone to share it with, instead of constantly working towards things I'm not even sure exist. And... I make her happy. I know that now. I see the way she sneaks in those little smiles at me whenever I get mad and yell at a store clerk that's gone too far. And it's not even just me acting like her...though god knows I do sometimes...she also seems to accept that I try to be nice. Some times, if she's yelling at someone about something, I'll interrupt and try to calm things down. Though she shoots me looks that could kill a horse for a few moments, afterwards she just smiles and thanks me for stopping her. My happiness is hers. I love seeing her smile. I honestly do. It's a reason to get up in the morning and live life. She smiles a lot now...often for no other reason than it's morning and she sees me. Every time, though, it loses none of it's magic. "I'm ready." I state, getting lucky and tuning the last two strings almost immediately. The sound is nice. One last test on the bow and my cello produces a nice, low, clean sound. "Mmm." she smiles, sitting down across from me. "Okay. What do you know?" "How about Suiten Fur Violoncello?" I state proudly. It's my favourite song to play. The only REAL song I know, actually. The rest is often just me adlibbing. She laughs. "I have NO idea what that is. Just go ahead." Probably the best thing about this apartment are the neighbours. There are none. Between the stereo (with SDAT player) that she got me for my birthday, and the huge collection of CD's she packed with her, this must be the loudest apartment on the block. The first few chords are tricky, as I haven't played in a long while. Soon, though, I've remembered the whole song. Asuka patiently waits for me to stumble though uncertain waters, and smiles as she sees me finally get it. I have such a wonderful audience. This song is beautiful. It really is. It's soft and complex and flows like honey, even though it's actually a very fast song. Difficult to play, but calming to the ears. It's even, back and forth rhythms eventually blend together into a wonderfully complicated, but soothing sound. I haven't played it in so long that I find myself almost crying half way through. It feels that good to play. I...I have always played this song when I'm happy. I really can't when I'm sad. It always means that my life is going good when I can. I'm not even trying to play it anymore. It's just flowing out now. I can't believe it, really...I just listen to the music. At this moment, I consider this my greatest accomplishment. Not stopping the Third Impact, or killing all those Angels, or piloting Evangelion when nobody else could. This. Right now. Playing the song I love for the woman I love. This is my greatest moment. If I do this again tomorrow, then that will be even greater. As I open my eyes, I realize Asuka is staring at me. Almost like she's surprised. "S...Shinji...what was amazing..." she whispers. "New strings." I smile weakly, wiping a tear away from my eye before it threatens to fall. "No..." she shakes her head. "That...was nothing like how you used to play. That was beautiful..." She's locked onto me. I can't get away even if I wanted to. Like hell I wanted to. Not this time. "I..." I shrug. "I guess I'm just happy." I explain weakly. She blinks, giving me the chance to explain. "This past summer..." I say. "I...I really haven't been happier in my entire life." My voice is threatening to crack, but Asuka doesn't seem to notice. She's only smiling. "Really?" she asks. "Really." Here goes nothing. "Thanks to you." I add after a second. She doesn't respond in words. Rather, she smiles, then quickly takes a sip of tea, again, holding it by both her hands. I join her with my own mug. Occasionally, I'll play a few little improvised songs. One I actually wrote a while ago gets her attention. "Hey, what's that one?" she asks, downing the rest of her tea. "Just something I made." I tell her with a shrug. "It's actually nothing much." "I know." she smiles. "Can you teach it to me?" I blink. Asuka wants me to teach her something? The Forth Impact MUST be upon us. "Uh...sure!" "What?" she mocks, walking over to my chair. "Don't think I can handle it?" "Since when have you played a cello?" I question. "I may surprise you, Shin-kun..." she winks. That's more than enough to kick my heart into overdrive, but I manage to stay calm and relinquish the seat to her, holding my cello until she gets behind it. I walk to her front and wait. SQUEEEEEEEEEEK! We both cringe at the sound. She laughs. "Oops." "You might want to hold the reed flat against the strings." I offer with a grin. "Oh, right." she winks. "Here we go." A few shaky notes are played. Nothing nearly as bad as the first screeching one, but still, I must admit, I'm not impressed. She sees the look on my face and frowns. "Well?" "Well what?" I ask with a shrug. "Show me." she smiles. "Show me the notes?" I walk over to her and kneel down so I'm eye-level with her. "Okay, first, put your hand..." "No!" she sighs, frustrated. "I can't learn anything that way. Here..." she scoots forward on the chair. It takes me a moment to realize she wants me to sit behind her. "W...what?" "Sit behind me." she says. "Come on, it's just like back in Unit 02. You can't show me unless you're sitting with me." she explains. Damn logic. It will be the end of me, I swear. "Ahh...okay...." I shrug, standing. It's a tight squeeze, but I manage to sit right behind her. There's about an inch between us, and I'm determined to make sure it stays like that. This would be too easy to turn into an embarrassment. Her body is slim enough that I can reach around her shoulders without too much touch. The less, the better. I'm already going to have dreams about this situation...the last thing I need to do is get too... OOPH! Well, so much for that inch. She slides back against me and traps me against the back of the chair. "Stop squirming." she commands. "I wanna learn how to play." "Jawohl mein Fuhrer. Heil Asuka!" She blinks. I can actually hear her surprise. Oops. Hehe. "I had no idea you could speak German so fluently." she says dryly. "Gomen." I grin. At least she didn't smash my jaw for that remark. "Teach me some songs and I'll forgive you." she smiles, turning just enough so I can see her do so. "Hai..." and with that, I muster up just enough courage to rest my hands over hers. "Now..." I swallow hard. "Uh...Mmm...okay, how about this..." Trying to concentrate on the cello is probably one of the hardest things I've ever had to do, but I manage, and a nice little scales comes ebbing from the cello's belly. Asuka nods and tries herself. It's close...I'm impressed. "I want to try something harder." she says softly. "Uh...oh...okay..." H...h...harder? Did...she just...NO! Bad Shinji! However...not ALL of me is listening to the No. 'Little Shinji' seems to be quite happy about the situation, and agrees it's time for something harder... The next bit is a little trickier, but I manage to play it by focusing on the music. This is getting harder and har...der to do, though, as I feel a very soft, warm back up against me. Her golden red hair is all I can see, and it looks very soft. I...really...have to stop thinking about how I want to touch it. When I pull my hands away from hers, it's almost with a sigh of relief. Doesn't she know what this is doing to me? She plays it. Again, not too badly. "And?" she asks. "Play it again." I improvise. I need some time to recover. "Try to get it to loop smoothly." She nods and begins to play it again. SQUEEEEEEEK! Ouch...hehe. Maybe she's not that good after all. She grumbles something in German at my cello, but tries again. The first loop is nice...but when she tries to move her fingers to the original note from the last, she makes that same horrible squeak. Of course, that's enough to slide me into music mode again. "No no no!" I sigh, reaching through her arms. "Okay, now, put your fingers like this..." I can feel her tense up slightly, even if only for a second, but she relaxes back into my arms. "Okay..." again, in that soft, sweet voice. I'm just guiding her right wrist, with my hand, but I have taken over her left, and have my fingers intertwined with hers. "When you come to the end of this part..." I urge her to start playing, then stop her at the last note. "You can let go on everything except your thumb, and then slide up to here..." I gently guide her hand up along... I feel something warm against my cheek. It takes me a second to realize it's her cheek. Oh. Oh my. I think I better move...soon... But I can't. It's like I'm paralysed. The temperature in the room just jumped ten degrees, and I find myself unable to think clearly anymore. She's not trying to move, either. She's leaning into me. Right into my arms. Asuka Langley is pressed up against me, and I am so scared I couldn't run away even if I wanted to. "Shinji..." she whispers, gently dropping the bow. I...I can't even say her name. I think I'm holding my breath. "It's okay..." she tells me, leaning forward slightly for a moment, letting my cello rest on the ground. My heart almost leapt out of my chest as she leaned back again, taking my arms in her own. Her head is nestled up against my neck and shoulder, and she's wrapped me around her body like a blanket that she doesn't want to leave. She...she leaned back? She didn't want to leave? No...this is too much...there...must be some mistake...a...horrible joke...teasing me... "Shinji Ikari..." she whispers into my ear. "I am going to kiss you now...if you'll let me." Oh god... I feel her nose brush up against my cheek, then the warm touch of her lips just below it. Her lips...oh...oh my god... If...if it stopped there, I might have been okay...but...it didn't. She kissed me again. This time on the corner of my mouth. "A...Asuka..." I beg. I'm not even sure what I mean, or what I want her to do...stop mostly. I want her to stop. If she kisses me again, I know I'm going to be lost... "Shinji..." she turns away and sits up. That was close...oh god... But...then...she slides her arm around my neck and pulls me forward. The chair falls away, and the next thing I know, I'm propped up against one of those pillows as she descends upon me. She stops, just an inch above my face. Our noses are almost touching as I find myself caught in her eyes. "Shinji..." she whispers. Her breath is hot and sweet as it crosses my tongue. "Mmm?" she asks, mostly with her eyes...but there is a pleading tone in her voice. I mustn't run away... We kiss. Soft, pink lips gently cup my mouth, and without hesitation I kiss back. All I can feel is her body pressed against mine as we gently taste each other. She....tastes... Asuka tastes like music. Complex, but sweet. Completely soothing, but demanding of all my senses. She lets out a soft cry as my tongue finds hers and coaxes it to join. I...really have no idea what I'm doing...all I know is that I can't stop now. Not when she's reacting like this... Oh god... She wants me. She actually wants me. There has to be some mistake...this is all a horrible, cruel joke... "God, Shinji..." she breathes against my neck as we break for air. "Please don't stop..." Never mind... Our lips meet again, this time almost with a fever. We dive into each other and explore. The soft, pebbly texture of her tongue slips against mine. Her entire body tenses as I capture it with my mouth and suckle on it. When I let go, she simply does the same to me. I can't believe it. My hands find her silky hair, massaging at the base of her neck and begging her to stay as close as she already is. "Shin-kun..." she looks into my eyes with heavy-lidded blue orbs. I answer with all the passion I can muster. She whimpers as I capture her upper lip and test my tongue along it. Asuka responds by pressing her hands into my shoulders and forcing my arms down from her head. Then, she holds my hands in hers and stretches out along my body, holding us together by taking away any leverage that might get in the way. I become VERY aware at the heavy weight against my erection, as well as the soft, hot force of her chest pressing against me. "Mmm..." she smiles between kisses. "Do you like this, Shin-kun?" I grunt and have to shift to avoid hurting my groin, but eventually, nothing's getting crushed. I must be blushing something terrible. "Asuka...this is...very..." "Nice...?" she offers, diving against my mouth again. "Pleasant?" she whispers. "Or how about just perfect...?" I can reply only with another kiss. Finally, though, I remember my words. "Unexpected..." I offer quietly. She blinks, letting go of my hands. "Sorry..." she whispers sheepishly. Dammit! Why do you always do that, Shinji! "NO!" I try to make up for it, but she's already picking herself up off of me. "No! I didn't mean I didn't want it...!" Asuka looks down at me from her seated position and shakes her head with a tiny smile still on her lips. "Baka...I can tell." Then, she reaches over and takes my hand. "Just...just shut up and enjoy it, okay?" she takes a deep breath and then... Presses my hand against her... Oh. Oh. My. God. "See?" she whispers. "Me too." I really don't know what I'm finding more arousing. The soft, firm...ahh!...or...the fact she's...it's...erect... "Now..." she says to me. "Do you believe me?" I nod weakly. "Good." she takes my hand away. I wasn't even aware I was holding it there on my own. "Because I only promised to kiss you tonight." she smiles. I lay there, stunned, as she leans over and kisses me on the nose before standing up. My hand is still warm. ***** I wasn't sure until that night. But yes...I Asuka Langley Sohryu, am in love with Baka Shinji. It really was only a matter of time, I guess. Everything we do is. I knew all this the moment I decided we should live together. There really is no other option. For a long...LONG...time, I wanted not to. I knew that if we lived together, something would happen, and if it turned out to be the wrong choice, we would only end up hurting each other. It's like those hedgehogs. The closer they get to each other, the easier it is to hurt the other. However... However... Once they find just the right angle...just the right position...and ease into one another, two hedgehogs can be together and live with all the spines. The last thing I wanted to do was get that close to Shinji and then suddenly have to pull away. I now know I won't have to. And on a less philosophical note... God that boy can kiss. Kiss. Oh god. He kisses me. He kisses me like it's the most important thing in the world to him. It's scary and thrilling to be wanted that badly. It's downright arousing to see him look at me with those eyes. To feel his tongue do that little...oh yeah...that's the stuff. I had to stop it with the kiss. I had to. Forgive me, Shinji. Forgive me, body. If I didn't at that exact moment, I would have never been able to stop. I was honestly wondering if I would be able to stop. Ever since I felt his arms go around me. It felt so perfect. If I live to be a million, I will never know anyone else like that. Shinji is mine. I am Shinji's. If he'll take me, I am his. I used to worry about that...but something tells me he wants me just as bad. It's...It's not that I'm re-evaluating my life. I still exist with or without him. I am Asuka Langley. I have my own dreams and fears. I have goals and desires with or without him. But... Existing WITH him is starting to look a whole lot nicer than before. If I have the choice, I will chose it to be with him instead of alone. Of course, the sweet Baka needs to be convinced this. That is why I am kicking his ass on Nintendo at the moment. The one battleground where we are still equal, yet can battle without breaking furniture. "I don't get it..." he says as he tries to pin my character down to the mat. "I mean...this is all so..." "Sudden?" I growl, flipping out of the way of his fire-ball, then flattening him with one of my own. "HA! Do you think I would have moved in with you if I wasn't thinking ahead?" "You mean?" "About a year." I admit. "I've had a lot of time to think about you, Shinji." I shoot him a smile, getting a chance to blast his character with another fire-ball while he's distracted. "So..." he grumbles, blocking my next attacks. "What now?" I nod. Logical question. "Well, we can either just avoid stuff like that as much as possible..." I offer. "I mean...it's bound to happen once or twice more, but I'm sure we can keep it to a minimum." He nods sadly. "Or, we can just stop worrying and live together." I turn to him and smile. "That includes accepting whatever happens." Shinji's character gets knocked flat on the floor. "If you want me to go, then I will." I state. Despite my calm voice, this is the part I've been dreading to bring up. I...I really don't want to go. Still...this is Shinji's life too. I can't be selfish when it comes to this. Not this time. This is life. Not Eva. What has been decided in these last twenty four hours is not something that children need ever worry about. This twenty four hours will become the next twenty four years. It's scary, but I'm almost wishing for this first moment to be over with and out of the way. Just make up your mind, Shinji. I'll live either way... No matter how much I want to live with you. By the way he's kissing me right now, though, I think I won't have to worry about it. "HahAH!" he laughs suddenly breaking away from the kiss that I have somehow fallen into. I turn to the screen to see my broken and bloody fighter on the ground, KO'ed. I turn to him with a growl, but he just sticks out his tongue at me. Damn I love him. "Please stay." he asks softly. "Okay." I nod as I lean into him again. End. ***** Originally, this was leading up into a slight lemon, but I think I'll save that for a sequel if I ever decide to post it. ^_^ I just needed to get some WAFF out of my system. I think I'm taking Higher Learning entirely too seriously, but don't worry that will pass eventually as well. This story was written on one night, looked over and fixed up over the span of another night, and finally ready to post months later. I really don't know why I wrote it, it just seemed to be needed. I feel kinda bad, and I hope nobody thinks I'm ripping off the idea from "Role Playing", a wonderful fic by Lara Bartram and Ammadeau. In it, they mention how Asuka basically wants someone who can stand up to her and life around her. She wants Shinji to be strong, so she can honestly love him. This fic was actually written before that, so I just want to point out I don't usually take core ideas from other people if I can help it. ^_^ Fan fiction is one thing, but to copy other people's fan fiction is just bad form. I wanted to show the gradual progression, reasons why, and thoughts of Shinji and Asuka as this happened. It's much harder to write than a omni-present story-telling view, but I have been told I can pull it off once in a while, so I'm giving it another shot. Also, all the little story hints, like dealing with Shinji's father, or eventually, even Ritsuko and Maya, will stem from Higher Learning, most likely. I WAS going to have this a part of HL, but decided against it, considering two entirely different plot progressions. HL is still a work in progress anyway. This is a one or two-shot. I hope you enjoyed it! ^_^ C&C can go to: strikef@bigfoot.com If you're interested in my other funky bad-assed stuff, go to: http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/9110 my homepage and dumping ground for all my brain-by-products. Thank you for reading, and don't forget to put on your favourite "Fly me to the Moon" as you leave. ^_^ Strike Fiss, Ninja Crowbotics 2000. Khattam-Shud, EOF. ------------------------------ From: Strike Fiss Subject: [Eva][FanFic][Lemon] NGE: Holding Hands 2 X-Original-Date: Mon, 09 Sep 2002 09:11:42 +0000 (GMT) Neon Genesis Evangelion Holding Hands 2 Strike Fiss, 2002 Misato's Christmas parties are famous, even to this day. They bring back a lot of memories too. I find myself thinking about the last few months, seeing them as a blur that goes by much too quickly for how happy I am during those memories. Asuka and I are finally together, after all. We have a life together. We have comfort and pleasure in each other. Love is finally back in my life, though I know we are both too scared to say it. School is better, but I'm still glad to be done for a few weeks. Asuka doesn't care either way, as she finds it so bloody effortless. I sometimes have to remind myself she is as intelligent as she is beautiful. (If not even more so) Still, she's glad to have the break as well. Misato greets us at the door with Maya, who I've heard is rooming with our former guardian until Ritsuko gets out of the hospital. My Father's work still has a legacy. Even three years later. But, there is hope she'll walk again, and besides weakened legs, she's apparently recovered perfectly. Asuka and Misato share a teary reunion. I am touched at how close they are. We've been so distant these last few months, and yet, the family still exists. We are still connected in ways that my Father would have never understood. I'm just about to join in when the door opens and... "KENSUKE! TOJI!" I almost leap at my friends, who, somehow, catch me with equal enthusiasm. "Well well! If it isn't Ikari!" Toji laughs, slapping me on the back with a strong, albeit, artificial arm. I can't even tell, though. It's so nice to see him! "I hope Devil-Girl is treating you right." Asuka breaks from her hug with Misato to give Toji the finger, but they soon share a brief, but friendly hug. "Nice to see you too, Stooge." "So, how are you newlyweds holding up at university?" Kensuke asks, already recording the reunion on his omni-present camera. I can't help but smile at the 'newlyweds' term. It no longer seems like such a far-fetched idea. The fact I'm blushing like a tomato at the thought, however, is a bit annoying. "Wouldn't YOU like to know..." she laughs. "Hentai." "Speaking of that." Kensuke turns his attentions to Misato. "How is our lovely hostess this evening?" "Not nearly as drunk as you hope I am." Misato flashes a quick, predatory smile at the younger man, then walks off to the kitchen. "Who wants a beer?" Toji and Kensuke share a "Ooooooooo!" together and run off after her. Maya smiles and invites us in. She looks exactly the same as when we left last year. It's like a blast from the past, actually. "Come in, you two. I'll take your coats." We hand her our jackets and Asuka throws her purse in the corner of the closet. "Well, Ikari?" she smiles at me when everyone's got their attention turned elsewhere. "Should we tell them tonight?" "No." I squirm. I really don't feel like having to explain myself to Toji and Kensuke right now. "I just want to enjoy the evening." She seems to understand, but...oh no...she has a twinkle in her eye. "Okay. Maybe next time." Dammit. I know that look. Where have I seen it before? It's making me nervous, whatever it is. I'm so nervous that I don't realize the eggnog is a special 'mix' of Misato's. Not until the second large mug-full. I notice at last because I'm suddenly not putting up any kind of a fight as Asuka leans over me and kisses me. Again. Oh...and again. She leaves my grasp, however, just as I try to pull her in for a more permanent arrangement, and winks, walking off to talk with the girls. My vision is replaced with two very surprised looking friends of mine. "Daaaaaamn..." Toji admits. I blush as I realize that Asuka wasn't just giving me a peck on the cheek. We were...KISSING...damn nice kissing, too. Kensuke is promptly rewinding and making sure he captured the kiss on his camera. "W...when did you two...?" "It's nothing!" I lie. I lie very badly. They don't buy it for a second. "Nothing at all." I smirk, leaning back in my chair. I like this. Yes. This is very nice. I feel warm. All over and inside me. I know it's probably just the fact I'm not used to drinking, but it seems that whenever I do, nothing bad happens. I just relax and enjoy it. The lights and colours of the season dance around me. Friends walk over and I talk to them, though I must admit, I don't remember any words. It's strange, actually. I feel like I've been dreaming. That in a moment, I'll wake up and all of this will be gone. As Misato and Maya sing some kind of Christmas Carol in the background, I catch the words "Merrily" over and over again, until I'm certain the next phrase will be "Life is but a dream." Through it all, however, I see Asuka. Like a point of perfect calm in my hazy vision, she is lit up by the soft glow of candles, Christmas and smiles all around her. How did I ever end up with such a woman? When I'm sure that nobody is around to hear me, I quietly poor myself a fresh glass of eggnog...then...another from the plastic cups on the table. The new glass, I put on the table in front of me, and I find myself slightly choked up. I'm smiling, though. "Merry Christmas, Father." I toast to the glass. Even if this is all just a dream, I'm not going to pass up this chance to thank my Father. Meeting Asuka was the greatest present he could have ever given me. ***** "You two sure you don't want to stay the night over at Misato's?" Maya is a wonderful person. I love her like some cute, distant cousin. However, if she asks me that just one more time...I'm going to kill her. Shinji, the sweet baka that he is, answers for me. "No thank you, Maya..." he hiccups. "Misato will just want me to drink more. I'm done." I'm pretty buzzed myself. "Yeah." I add. It's about all I can manage. No. I am not smashed. I am extremely horny. What? You know the feeling! When your mind keeps shutting down, until all you can think about is being naked, rubbing up against someone? Even better, someone who is probably thinking along the same lines. Aren't I allowed? Damn rights I am. Shinji's not helping. He has been touching me all night. Brushing up against me in the hall. A little nuzzle while nobody was looking. Wrapping his arms around my waist...a little lower during each dance we shared. And while we were waiting for Maya, our designated driver, to come into the car, Shinji actually leaned over me and started nibbling on my ear. On the other side, too, so he had to slide across my chest and lap in the process. And I just sat there, terrified, and moaning despite myself. He knows me. I'm actually in pain right now, while he's not touching me. It's a wonderful, sweet sensation. Wanting something that is seated right next to you, but not being able to take it. Shinji knows, too. God damn if that boy doesn't know, I'm going to show him. Every time I kiss him I want to stay a little longer. 'Making Out' is NOT going to be enough tonight. Not like is has been the last few months. Asuka wants more. Oh yes. She does. She wants whatever Shinji can give her. She's not picky. She already knows that he has at LEAST the required components to give her. Oh yes. Asuka pays attention to those make-out sessions quite well. Asuka likes it so far... Mmm... Yup. I can always tell when I'm truly into Hentai mode when I start thinking of myself in the third person. It's easier to think of the things you're about to do when you can imagine them as happening to someone else. Yes that works. Asuka Langley is going to strip down to her birthday suit tonight. Then, she is going to make Shinji Ikari do the same. Asuka Langley is not responsible for what happens afterwards. Asuka Langley simply has ideas what will happen. It's really not her fault if they do. Much... The car stops, and I almost fall out of the side in the struggle to get out. We're home. Shinji has more patience, however, and helps me up. Then, he turns to Maya and thanks her for the ride. She wishes us a merry something or other, and then drives off slowly. We wait until she's out of sight. Not one second longer, though. Shinji almost engulfs me in his coat as we kiss. Oh yes. Asuka wants more...please don't stop. I don't have to tell him this. I'm sure the noises he coaxes from me are instructional enough. Damn...I've never made that noise before... Somehow we navigate the ice-slick steps up to the apartment and get inside without falling. It's a few agonizing seconds until we can open the door. Both of us try our keys at the same time and end up wrestling for control of the lock. I finally win and we gain entry into the dark hall. He smacks the elevator button and the door opens. We tumble inside right there. I gasp and land against the far corner. He pauses, presses the button for our floor, and then joins me in the corner as the door closes. Shinji's hands slide along my arms and shed my coat for me. Even under the light sweater I'm wearing, I shiver at his touch. I try to kiss him backwards, but he has me pinned, and my efforts are only intensifying the kiss where it is. Wet, passionate sighs fill the tiny car, and I find myself being turned on even more by the sound. Wait...I know it's coming...Ahh. there it is. He stops...briefly...breathing hot, sweet breath against my lips. "Asuka...If you tell me to stop...I will..." "Stop..." I whisper "And I will kill you. Mmm..." That settles that. We tumble out into the deserted hall as the elevator deposits us next to our home. Shinji takes care of this door, leaving my hands free to have his jacket ready to toss as soon as we gain entry. The lights are off, but we easily navigate around the meagre obstacles until Shinji stops at the stereo and fumbles past my waist for a tape to put in. Mmm. Fumbling tickles. Asuka likes this already. The tiny, but bright little equalizer on the side of the stereo can kick up a beautiful effect in a dark room. It looks like blue candlelight as the music plays. Oooh... He does know me. This song is nice... But I didn't come here for the music. Shinji watches in surprise as I take off my shirt. ***** Oh my god. Oh my god. Yeah, I know I already said this, but... Oh my god. This must be a dream. No. It's not. She's real. Oh god is she real. In every way. She gasps as I take her left nipple into my mouth. Her hands are on my shoulders, pulling me closer. "Shin...Ahh!" she swallows hard and the mound of flesh presses up against my tongue as she takes in air. She is so sweet. A hint of salt on her skin mixes in with it's natural, refined taste. It is like the height of the symphony, where all the instruments finally join, getting ready for the climactic force of sound. Asuka lets me taste her breast, and then the other. This is something I never thought I'd do. Something I only dared to fantasize about in my most lonely moments. It's not cold in here, so I know it must be her excitement that's making her so hard. It is the strangest sensation to feel across my tongue. It's something I keep wanting to do again. It can only be replaced by another kiss, or venturing elsewhere. And I do. And she lets me. I pause only so she can take my shirt off. Then, I start to unbutton her jeans. "Oh god..." she whispers anxiously. As the button is undone, I can feel her entire body shiver. Isn't that my line? Not right now it isn't. My mouth and mind are busy elsewhere. "Shinji...I don't know if..." a sharp, heavy gasp fills the air. "Shinji...ahh! P...please, Shinji...mmm...yeah...oh...right there...mmm mmm..." Every sound she makes is music to me. She lays back against the largest of our pillows, and completely gives herself to me as her breathing quickens. All I explore and kiss and touch is burnt into my mind. The musky, honey-ish taste on my tongue is more intoxicating than anything I have ever known. It isn't long until I'm simply lost to it...and I find myself stroking with my tongue, nuzzling and parting and sipping. Words eventually begin to melt away, though, and my mind works on pure taste and touch...two senses that I wasn't aware could produce this much pleasure... "Sh...Shinji..." she begs. "I can't...h...hhhaaa..." I look up, noticing for the first time she is completely naked now. The one window that lets moonlight into this room is making her entire body glow. Perfect, pale white skin sends a soft aura off into the darkness. Her eyes, even now, are sharp and clear, though they are heavier with desire. Her silky, golden hair is just the right mix of messy that I find dangerously sexy. Oh... She used my time staring to her own advantage, and I find myself flat on my back with her sitting just below my crotch. My pants are gone a second later, and she stops for a moment at my boxers. I could swear if I didn't know better, she looked like a little girl about to unwrap a Christmas present. She does. I am helpless as she frees me of my last article of clothing, and she looks up and smiles at me. "Shin-kun..." she whispers. "Is this for me?" Before I can question her, she silences me with a kiss. It is deep and passionate. Given a choice of executions, I would gladly drown in that kiss. "Not so bad yourself..." I reply, getting another kiss for my troubles. Something warm alerts me to the fact Asuka is climbing up on me...guided by my hands, though I swear I didn't know I was controlling them at this point. Asuka positions herself right over me. "Shin- kun...are you ready?" Though I doubt I'm really able to consider the consequences of this, I nod, completely entranced as this beautiful woman leans over me, then gently lowers her hips. We both gasp out as I slide into her. Just a little for now...I can tell she doesn't want to hurry. It's impossibly tight, but instead of being uncomfortable, all I can feel is this glowing warmth wrapping itself around me. "Oh god...Shinji..." she bites her lip as she lowers herself a little more. I feel a barrier and she stops, probably knowing what's next. Never underestimate Asuka when it comes to pain. Also, I see now the wisdom in the many toasts a newly-married couple share before. A gentle, warm haze helps one ignore pain, because she leans over, grabs my tongue with her mouth, and simply impales herself onto me. There is no cry of hurt. Rather another sharp gasp of pleasure. She squirms against me as I ease up into her as far as I can. When I'm finally all the way in, the breath we were both holding comes out The sensation of being completely engulfed by her is nearly more than I can take. "T...that...wasn't so bad..." I hear her whisper against my ear. "Shinji...you fit perfectly..." "You have no idea how long I wanted to hear that..." I say. She smiles softly. "Hentai..." "Mmm...Asuka-hentai...." I reply with a grin. "Oh yeah?" she frowns with mock anger, and begins to life herself off of me. Only about an inch, though. Then she eases herself back onto me. Despite her attempts to look angry, she seems to be enjoying this quite a bit. I'm in heaven. No other thoughts can really penetrate the overload I am experiencing in my mind. Even the mighty Asuka seems unable to manage much more than an occasional cry of pleasure or laboured breath as I push up into her again and again. Our mouths lock whenever it's physically possible to do so, and I can't believe the look in her eyes as we make love. Suddenly the pace picks up. Oh god...don't let this be a dream. Dreams always end just about now... "Don't stop...don'tstopdonstopdonstop!" Asuka begs. Her nails dig into my back, holding on for dear life. "Shinji...don't stop...I...I'm goanna c..c..." I almost forget how close I am as well as she screams out my name and buries me with herself as far as she can. Her entire body tenses and shudders, bringing me along with her as we both buck and moan. Her body eagerly accepts my seed, coaxing everything from me. I can't even breathe as the pleasure threatens to shut down my brain completely. We are one. Finally. And I can't believe the only word I can think of...the only thing that I can say to myself...is "Wow..." My poor brain must just be sitting besides me, gawking at the scene of us, trying to figure our how it came about. Coherent thought finally returns to me as I feel her slide off of me, still gasping for air. "Are..." My voice doesn't sound much stronger, actually. "Are you okay?" I ask. We must have been completely silent for minutes now. I think she actually purred. A long, deep, throaty sound escapes her mouth as she rests against my chest. "Very okay..." she whispers softly. I lean back against the pillows strewn around us like a nest. My head's buzzing, though the alcohol isn't the most of it. Where she touches me is fire, and where she's not is only cool air. My back hurts a little, but considering the source of the pain, I don't mind. We hear a soft click, signalling my tape has flipped sides. "I love you." She looks up at me and smiles. For a second, I don't know who said it, but she repeats. "I love you, Shinji Ikari..." her hand comes up and cups the side of my face. "With all my heart." "I love you too." I whisper back. What else can I say? How can I sum up my true feelings for her in words? I cannot. The closest thing I could ever hope to express is to play more music for her. I find yet more bliss in the way we trace over each other...making sure this is still real. Honest. Us. Half of us are still entwined, aching and dizzy....the other half is perfectly calm. Loving. Tender. I have never felt such a touch as Asuka tracing her hands over cheek, then my back... Suddenly, she looks horrified. "SHINJI!" she brings her other hand out from behind my back. "Oh...I'm so sorry!" I notice the blood and shake my head. "It's not bad." I smile. "Baka! You're too drunk to feel it right now!" she scolds, standing suddenly. Oooh...that was a nice view. She's still naked, after all. "Come on." "Yes, mien Fuhrer." I smile, coaxing the same from her. She holds my hand as we stumble into the bathroom together. I don't think I've ever been as happy to receive wounds in my life. As the door closes to the tiny bathroom, I see her looking forward into the mirror. "Shinji-kun..." she whispers. That wonderful, soft, sweet whisper that got me into so much trouble in the first place. I follow it and find myself wrapping my arms around her. In the mirror I see the most wonderful sight. We're together. Glowing with love and care. I must admit, I didn't think we looked that...perfect. Neither of us move for the longest time, until finally, we meet in a kiss. ***** Hikari got married. I don't believe it. With that Stooge, of course. Who else would she get married to? I suppose, though, I'm no better. I used to think Shinji was simply a higher form of Stooge. Maybe Hikari learned what I have learned with Shinji. It's been another year and a half. A few things have changed. First of all, Shinji and I have bought an amazing studio apartment in one of the older sections of the city that has been rebuilt. There is something truly wonderful about living in a place meant for art. It's so open and spacious...lots of room to corner my wonderful Shinji-kun and make him do all those wonderful things he does to me... oh my... Shinji has a bachelor's degree in Poly-Math, and is probably going to polish off a Theology degree this winter. Turns out Evangelion really is in his blood, as he's first in his class for anything he deems important to the Eva project. As for me? I'm tired of school. One can only take so much. However, I did get an honorary doctor's degree in psychology. That's right! Shinji seems to like it when we play "Doctor". Heheh. Not that I'm a Hentai or anything. Ha! Okay, yes, I'll admit that aspect of our relationship has been rather nice from day one. Damn perverts all around me, how am I supposed to resist? On a side note, however, I was exactly right. He knows what I like, where I like it, and when I like it. And the girls in school know DAMN well I'm not about to give it up, either. My baka. Grr. Hands off. I love my sweetie baka. We're using the spring break to move into the new place. It's wonderful not to have to rush, and because of my VERY smart foresight of not wasting all our cash on the first apartment, we actually have some money still. NERV can't last forever. We're already planning ahead. Shinji's the lead candidate for what will be left of NERV after it's dissolved later on this year. I think it's going to be called Eden now. Ritsuko and Maya will stay on as the head techies, and we will still be in control of the Geofront and the Evas, but we are no longer a military organization. Research now. We'll have to fill out reports if the Evas are needed to kick some Angel ass, but at least the JSDF knows not to get in our way. I'm dreading having Shinji as my boss, but I suppose it could be a lot worse. Not only that, I'll be the head-doctor in the group, and can still boss everyone around in the name of mental health. Ha hahaha! Life is good. But, I admit, there's one or two things I'd like to get done. One in particular is on my mind as drive home from Hikari's wedding. "Ever think about it?" I find myself asking. "Mmm." he mumbles something. Damn him and his sounds. He knows exactly how to mumble so it could be either a 'yes' or a 'no.' I know that getting married now might not be a good idea. With graduation coming up in just a few months, and the start of the Eden project. Not to mention we're going to be on call just in case the shit hits the fan with the old NERV peoples that still might have had a soft spot for the Instrumentality Project. Shinji takes it all much more seriously now. I think Misato finally got clearance to show him the Dead Sea Scrolls or something, and ever since that day, he's gotten a little more serious about the whole idea. Every time I ask him about what's on it, he just mentions I'll probably find out soon, and worrying about it at the moment isn't going to help. Still, I know it's important enough that he's already learned Hebrew and another language I never even heard of, just so he can study them once he's made Project Leader. I decide to stay quiet for the rest of the trip home. I know he thinks about it anyway. I saw how he congratulated Toji, and how he was looking up to his old friend like he was doing something amazing. He was glad at least SOMEONE was getting married...before it was too late... About two weeks ago, we fought another angel. ....it was bad. This was nothing like any of the others. It was like a demon from hell. There was no attacking to the city...it simply wanted to kill us. Me and Shinji. It was bloody. Unit 01 and 02 are still regenerating from the carnage. They're still cleaning up the mess on the other side of the city. Thank god Shinji hasn't lost his touch at piloting. I'm not even afraid to admit, I was severely fucked in that battle. If he hadn't come to help, I would have been ripped clean in half. When we made love that night, it was desperate, passionate. Like we were almost scared that we wouldn't have another chance. Again, we have this possibility of Death hanging over our heads. This can all end tomorrow for all we know. At least it would be with Shinji. "Baka." I sigh as I notice we missed the turn off to go to our house. "You missed the road." "Mmm." he replies again. I HATE it when he lets that damn Gendo shit surface in his attitude. "Fine." I sigh. He's probably in one of his deep retrospective moments. I don't feel like trying to kick him out of it right now. "Just tell me when you get back to earth so we can go home." I really don't mind when he gets like this. He's so far from his Father I feel bad just thinking about "Gendo" in the same train of thought. I...just wish he could include me in those deep thoughts. Maybe he does and I'm just too stupid to realize it. The car stops. He gets out. It takes me a moment to realize where we are. I zoned out for the entire trip. We're on a look-out that has a view of the entire city. The last time we were up here, I showed him where the old apartment would be. The air is cool and damp from a shower that just passed over the area, and I take a lung-full of it in. Mmm...nice. Shinji takes off his coat and hangs it over his shoulder as he looks out over the railing at the city. For a second, I can't help but see the resemblance he has with Kaji. Shin-kun wears a white dress-shirt and a long, silk tie at the moment, but it looks so much different from the school uniforms I can still recall so clearly in my memory. He's turned into quite a hansom man. Sometimes, I'll catch him not shaving for a few days, and he looks very sexy. Even better than Kaji, though I still tease him that Kaji looked better. I don't think he'll ever grow more than stubble, though. He doesn't want to look like his father. I can't imagine enjoying it either. Seeing that monster looking back in the mirror would be enough to make me buy a supply of bulk disposable razors for the rest of my life. And I most certainly do not want the image of his father lying next to me in bed. Sometimes I realize I look a little like Misato, too. My hair's longer now, and I realize I like it a lot better than the annoyingly undecided length I had it when I first came to Tokyo. "It's a nice day." I whisper, sliding my hands around his stomach. Mmm, it feels nice to be able to do that whenever I want now. "What's on your mind, Shin-kun?" He smiles, folding his hand around mine. Then, he takes it up to his lips and kisses me gently on the wrist. I love it when he does that. It's so elegant, but also so easy for him to continue up along my arm and then elsewhere. Shinji stops with just one kiss, though, and returns to his gaze out at the city. "I haven't needed to come up here in a long time." he explains. "My life's been so nice these last two years, I didn't want to jinx it by coming to my old refuge." I smile and hug him tighter. He's had the same effect on me, after all. I haven't felt the need to escape in a long time, either. Sure, we still fight occasionally, and I get in my stupid little moods that make us avoid any kind of human contact for a day or two, but over all? Life is good. It's easier to love life when you have someone loving you. "But I wanted to come here today." "Oh?" I find myself wondering. "I came here because there's something I need to know." he tells me. "Something that I don't know, and have to ask. But, it is not something I can ask this city, or my heart." I nod. "What is that?" "Marry me?" My heart skips a beat. Oh...my... Shinji turns to me and smiles. It's that same damn smile that I fell in love with. The one that shows his confidence and energy. "Marry me?" he asks again, unconcerned at my lack of words or paused breath. And, the damn sweet Baka that he is, doesn't let me have time to reply before he reaches into his pants pocket and pulls out a small, velvet box. Then...he actually gets down on his knee. I think I'm going to faint. Damn...I honestly feel like I'm going to faint. "Yes..." I hear myself say, even before I can consciously pick out the word. His face brightens impossibly. By now, I'm finally aware of where and who I am again, and I jump into his arms. "YES!" I laugh. "And may I add it's about time, baka!" Shinji laughs softly as he slides the ring over my finger...it feels soooo right. A simple, sparkling ring. Nothing fancy. We've learned to save the best for later anyway. I catch myself crying, but I'm too happy to stop now. Besides, I don't care. It's for Shinji. We embrace and stay that way for a long, long time. He knows me so well. But...he probably doesn't know that other thing I was thinking of on the way up here. "Shinji?" I whisper into his ear. "Mmm?" "You have really good timing." I sniff, wiping the tears from my eyes. "A few more months and I probably wouldn't be able to fit into a wedding dress." I can almost hear Shinji blink in surprise. "Shin-kun...?" I suddenly feel very tense. I don't know how he's going to take this... He faints. I laugh. When he comes to, he has a silly smile on his lips. "Did...did you just say you were...p...pregnant?" I nod. "Ahh...good..." he sighs happily. "I was scared it was only a dream." Whatever tension I felt is melted away with his kiss as we look out over the city of Tokyo 3. Angels? Monsters? Evas and Gendo? Bring them on. I'm with my sweet baka Shinji, and nothing can ever take that away from me. ***** Months passes by very quickly, I notice. We're married. Husband and Wife. Damn it feels nice to be able to say those words. Kensuke gave us the most amazing present at our wedding, too. It was a compilation of all our fights in school that he caught, and all the instances where someone mentioned we bickered like newlyweds. I think even Asuka loved it. Proof of all we had to overcome...but also proof that we succeeded where so many couldn't. I'm leader of Eden now. It's a nice job. The Magi have been replaced and upgraded, and our horrible, sterile working conditions are renovated to be more like a giant library. Another two angels are dead and gone. I've finally told Asuka some of the reason why they're still coming. The first batch of angels were actually testing us...these ones are mad we survived.... No. I'm not going to think about that now. It's not important. I am continuing my Mother's work, just not in the way she expected. We are creating a time capsule for Humanity. We shall live forever in Eva...but not before living ourselves. The Instrumentality Project will never go ahead, so long as I live. It's not the way we are meant to continue. We are meant to love. To have children and protect them. To show this world to them, so we might make it better. Teach them so they may know how to prevent our mistakes. Teach them love, so they can do the same to their own children. We are meant to continue like this. No matter how much screaming is involved. Somehow, even though I think my hand is crushed, Asuka screams louder than I do. Giving birth is something I am very glad I don't have to do. "One more push!" the doctor pleads. How the poor man has dodged all the thrown objects so far, I don't know, but I'm very glad I'm not the only one here (and turning this white with fear of her wrath) "SHINJI! I AM GOING TO KILL YOU!" Asuka cries out, growling as she squeezes my hand impossibly tighter. "Ayah!" I can only whimper. Yeah. Nine months is nothing compared to these last two hours. The cravings. The midnight talks. The long weeks of worry. The passionate outbursts both in anger...and in love. I would gladly live through that all again so long as I manage to live through the next few minutes... She's still holding my hand, even as she finally pushes the last time and gasps out in relief that it's over. It's over. Thank God. She gently squeezes my hand. Though it's tender from the hours of torture, I smile at her own tenderness. Our eyes lock and we smile. And as the room is filled by a baby crying, we both take deep breaths. It's not over. It's just beginning. -------------------------------- The End! -------------------------------- To this date, I don't know if it was the right thing to finish this off. Holding Hands is now nearly 2 years old, but I still find myself enjoying it. Yes...I'm a bad bad man. I read my own stuff and enjoy it. :P Must be that whole multiple personality thing. Ahh well. They haven't locked me up yet.... One more to go... Thank you to all who sat through the horribly long and far-far-SO-far from perfect Higher Learning saga/mistake/adventure/laughable/whatever you wanna call it. Maybe this is simply a quick, simple fic to balance it out. At the same time, though, I find myself already knowing it's nice on it's own merits. Hopefully this will bring a smile to the faces of the Holding Hands fans. It's not nearly the same, but then again, you can only do the whole "hate / love" thing so many times before you have to decide on one or the other. I hope you all enjoyed it. And don't be too stingy with the e-mails. I'm getting better with the whole "replying" thing. ^_^ strikef@bigfoot.com or www.studioshinnyo.com or www.geocities.com/Tokyo/9110 Nuthin but love! Ja! Strike Fiss, Studio Shinnyo 2002. Khattam-Shud, EOF.