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.
(
geocities.com/Tokyo/9110) (
geocities.com/Tokyo)