NEON GENESIS EVANGELION: THE CHILD OF LOVE
EIGHTH MONTH
Written by Axel Terizaki (aterizak@club-internet.fr, axelt@fanfiction.net).
ICQ# 34301980; IRCNet: #teri-chan
ASUKA's Notebook: http://asuka.notebook.eu.org/
Retooled by Dave Watson, 1999 5 13.
Polishing and correction of own mistakes by Watson, 1999 5 21.
Further polishing and basic HTML by Watson, 1999 8 13-14, 11 02-03 and 2000 1 13. HTML Version 2.0.
LAST CHAPTER:
Now the crisis is even worse: Due to his failure during an Angel attack, Shinji is full of self-doubt. He doesn't know if he will be able to protect Asuka and their unborn daughter Teri like he promised to. Obviously, Asuka is both furious and depressed because it seems like Shinji is abandoning her and their little girl...
Damn! The situation seems hopeless! Asuka is basically condemned to death, Ritsuko is in prison and NERV Commander Ikari Gendo's whereabouts are unknown. The only two people left who capable of doing something to try to stop the insanity are Misato and Kaji. Our poor couple will need all the help they can get...
Will Misato and Kaji find something in Osaka-2? Will Shinji pull himself together? When will Gendo come back? What is Asuka going to do alone? Knowing that, for the real AXL's Game Center, we use 12 PCs, that there are only two power outlets in the room and each PC needs one for its power supply, that 39% of the machines need their monitors to be plugged in and 43% also need another outlet for speakers, plus, in addition of that, we need outlets for a camcorder charger, a TV, a VCR, a sound mixer, a Sony Playstation, and a hi-fi (plus four speakers with one outlet per two speakers), the question is: How many plug adapters and extension cords will we need? Please structure your exercise and present it in time for next week. Thanks. No, no...I'm not asking for help :-) )
EIGHTH MONTH:
You Are Not Alone
Misato's apartment. The front door slides open and reveals Misato, visibly exhausted.
Misato(to herself): "Damn, these so-called bio-scientists couldn't help us at all! What an enlightening trip that was!!!"
She steps into her apartment and sees that, during the week she was absent, her home hadn't changed a bit. It was as if there had been no one else except her in the house. She goes to Shinji's room, only to see that he's not there. The most worrying thing is that his belongings aren't there, either. Well, most of them.
Misato(to herself): "Where could he have gone?"
She then decides to look for Asuka. She sees the light through the crack at the bottom of the doorway.
Misato: "Ah, at least she's here..."
She knocks on her door.
Asuka(softly): "Who is it?"
Misato: "It's me, Asuka. I'm back!"
Asuka: "Hmmmm...welcome home, Misato."
Misato(to herself): "Uh-oh...Asuka's NOT mad at me because I left without any reason? I fear the worst..." (to Asuka:) "May I come in?"
The answer comes only a second later.
Asuka: "Yeah, come in..."
Misato walks in and shuts the door behind her. She sees Asuka curled up on her bed, facing the wall.
Misato: "Can I sit down?"
Asuka: "...Yeah..."
Misato sits, facing Asuka's back.
Misato: "Hmmm...you...did anything happen while I was out?"
Asuka: "No. Nothing really important."
Misato: "Well...how was your week without me?"
Asuka: "Boring."
Misato: "Boring? I phoned Hikari and asked her to go get you. Didn't you go with her?"
Asuka: "The first two days, yeah...but after that, no."
Misato can see that Asuka's very sad. The exhausted, weary type of sad that doesn't allow any more tears to flow. An uncomfortable pause.
Misato: "Do you...do you know where Shinji is n--"
Asuka throws a pillow at Misato without letting her finish her question.
Asuka: "I DON'T CARE ABOUT THAT DUMMKOPF!!!!"
Misato: "Hey, hey...calm down, please..."
Asuka: "HOW CAN I CALM DOWN, MISATO?!! Seriously! How can I!!!? How can I when I think about that son of a bitch!!?"
Misato: "Hey!! Don't talk like that about Shinji. He doesn't deserve that."
Asuka: "Of course he does!!! Leaving Teri and me alone like that! He's nothing but a son of a--"
Misato(interrupting her): "Please, Asuka. I don't want to hear those words anymore, especially if they're intended for Shinji."
Asuka: "So, do you have any better ideas about what I should call him?"
Misato: "Asuka...what happened? Please tell me. I don't know why you're like this now. I want to know why."
Actually, Misato knows very well what happened, since she was (almost) there when it occurred. She just wants to hear Asuka's version of the story.
Asuka: "After that last Angel attack, that idiot decided that he was no longer worthy to be Teri's father...in other words, he doesn't love me anymore! I can't take it...I just can't..."
Tears finally begin to come. Slowly, but surely.
Asuka: "I...I don't know why I'm telling you all this...you don't know anything..."
Misato: "Do you think I'm blind, Asuka?"
Asuka(sobbing a little): "Huh?"
Misato: "Wait a minute here. My two roommates acting like lovers from one month to another...I'd have to be deaf and blind to not notice that. And I saw you two kissing in the car last week, remember? I bet that you forgot about the rear-view mirror. And what about the many times when I surprised you two? You were so embarrassed...and I also know that sometimes you've slept together in your bed. I'm not stupid, you know."
Asuka: "..."
Misato: "Come on. You can't hide the obvious facts anymore. I know you love him. And--"
Asuka: "I LOVED him. Past tense, Misato."
Misato: "I can't believe you, Asuka. You can't love someone and decide not to love him the next day. All you'll get from that is pain."
Asuka: "So, you're telling me that you still love Kaji?"
Misato(trembling): "Y-yes. Okay...I think I still love him. But that's beside the point. Don't try to change the subject..."
Asuka: "Shinji's a bastard. Nothing more."
Misato: "Asuka...tell me. Do you love him?"
Asuka: "..."
Misato: "Do you love him...?"
Asuka: "..."
Misato: "DO YOU LOVE HIM!?"
Asuka: "N...."
Misato(frowning): "DO YOU LOVE HIM!?"
Asuka(between little sobs): "Yes...I..."
Misato: "You what?"
Asuka(again, between sobs): "I...I do...I love him...with all my heart, all my body, and all my soul..."
Misato(smiling warmly): "Good."
Asuka(screaming): "NO, THAT'S NOT GOOD, MISATO!!!"
The smile leaves Misato's face immediately at this. Asuka's eyes shed more and more tears as the words come out.
Asuka: "I love him! I gave him all the things that I kept in my soul from everyone else! I shared everything with him! Even my pain! And how does he return it to me? BY LEAVING ME ALONE!!! With our child!"
Misato: "..."
Asuka: "I gave him...everything...everything...I waited for that moment...the moment where I could finally say everything to someone in whom I could put all my trust, all my hopes...Shinji was the one. I was ready to love him back. To give him affection like I never did to anyone else. To offer him everything. I finally opened myself, as you told me to. Then I won what I was hoping for...comfort and consolation. He gave me all that. And now I regret it! Misato...I felt so safe with him...I felt so good...I wasn't myself with him but I enjoyed it. I really, really did. Two months later he just destroys all my hopes and my efforts by saying, 'Asuka, please leave. I'm not able to protect you.'"
Misato: "Asuka..."
Asuka: "I was alone! ALONE! I was fine with that! But...now...I don't want to be alone anymore...it hurts! Being alone was nothing but pain! I...I then saw Shinji. The only one who could care for me. I had doubts about how he would see me. Despite all the terrible things I've said and done to him, he cared. I wanted to see what it was like to receive love from someone. I...I...dammit! Misato, why do I need him so badly? Is that love? Really? Is love pain? Why does it feel like a flame's burning into my body every time I'm near him? Is that what we call 'true love'?"
She begins to cry louder. Misato had never seen her roommate in so much pain and sadness before. She lowers her head and puts a hand on Asuka's shoulder.
Misato: "You're not alone, Asuka...I'm here, we're all here for you. You know that...and, yes, this is love. With all the happiness and sadness it can bring to you. Love is like a double-edged sword. One day it can make you the happiest person on earth, and the next day, it can make you cry like you never did before. I know what it is, Asuka. But love isn't a bad feeling. It's up to you to decide what to do with it. If you're prepared, if you want to give and receive it, love will bring you everything except sadness. Believe me."
Pause.
Misato: "Listen. I'll do everything I can to bring him back to normal!"
Asuka(looking up at Misato, face still covered with tears): "W-what?"
Misato(winking): "Yeah! Believe me, we'll have our old beloved Shin-chan back!"
Asuka(sniffling and smiling slightly): "H-hey! I'm the only one who can call him 'Shin-chan'!"
Misato(chuckling): "Who decided that?"
Asuka: "Me, of course!"
Misato(laughing): "Okay, then. Well, get some rest. You'll need it."
Suddenly, the doorbell rings.
Misato: "I'll go and see who it is."
She opens the front door...
Misato: "Yes...?"
Hikari: "Hi, Major Katsuragi. I'm glad you're finally back. I'd like to see Asuka."
Misato: "Welcome, Hikari. She's in her room..."
Hikari: "How is she?"
Misato: "I think I calmed her down...see for yourself."
Misato(smiling): "You can call me Misato, you know..."
Hikari: "O-okay, Misato-san."
Outside. Misato jumps into her car and barrels toward Central Dogma at full speed.
Misato: "Dammit...where are you, Shinji?"
Somewhere else in Tokyo-3, Shinji is in a phone booth, making a call.
Misato's voice on the phone: "Please leave a message! I'll call you back soon!"
Shinji(to himself): "Misato-san...where are you?"
He hangs up the receiver without leaving a message. Toji and Kensuke are waiting for him nearby.
Toji: "So...?"
Shinji: "Still not there. I wonder what happened. She left one week ago..."
Kensuke: "Hey, she's a Major at NERV, she can't possibly be in danger. She's a big girl, after all."
Shinji: "I...I know that."
Toji: "Shinji...ya still don't want to tell us why you're avoiding Asuka, right...?"
Shinji: "No. I already said I don't want to talk about this right now. I won't change my mind."
Toji: "Hey, if ya tell us, we might be able ta help ya!"
Shinji: "Really, I don't think so. Not now."
Kensuke: "Don't force him, Toji."
Toji: "Well, we should go now, if ya don't want to talk. It's time for school now, anyway."
Misato's Office in NERV HQ. She walks in and notices that it's more calm than usual...
Misato: "Well..."
She sits at her desk and sees that there are some messages on her voice mail. She picks up the receiver, enters her access code and listens to each message. All of them are from Shinji. In fact, Misato was sure they would be before she played them, since the only one who usually left messages was Kaji. Since he was with her all throughout their "trip," Shinji was the only one who could have done that. Now, the question is: Why? However, only one message made her really take notice:
Shinji: "Misato-san. I...I'd like to talk with you...on Thursday, at 9:00 PM. You probably know where I want to meet you. You used to let me watch the view of Tokyo-3 from there when I was depressed. Don't bring any NERV escorts or anybody else, please. Just me and you. Thank you, Misato-san."
And with that, she leaves her office, forgetting why she went there in the first place.
A splendid view of Tokyo-3 obscures the beautiful sunset. Misato parks her car and walks to the rendezvous point. It's where she took Shinji after the Third Angel's attack to show him the city he had helped protect. But now...many things have changed. She thinks about what has happened in the last few months. Two Angel attacks, one pregnant pilot, love troubles between her two roommates, and Commander Ikari...nothing really good, she thought. Suddenly, a voice calls out.
Kensuke: "Major Katsuragi!"
Misato turns her head to face Shinji's two classmates.
Misato: "Suzuhara-kun...and Aida-kun...what are you two doing here?"
Toji: "Well, we're here to assure Shinji that you aren't bein' followed by NERV Security."
Misato: "No need to worry about that. I made arrangements. Everything's okay. I'm alone."
Shinji appears from behind them. He has a determined look on his face. Misato had never seen Shinji look more mature than he does now. But, given the circumstances, she knows that looks can be deceiving .
Shinji: "Toji...Kensuke..."
Toji: "Okay, we're leavin'. Later."
Kensuke: "Later..."
The two boys disappear and leave Shinji and Misato in front of the beautiful sunset. The two of them don't speak for a while, until Shinji finally asks a question.
Shinji(softly): "Where were you, Misato-san?"
Misato: "I want to ask you the same question."
Shinji: "Well...I was running away. As usual. You know me, don't you?"
Misato: "That's true..."
Long, awkward pause.
Shinji: "Your turn, please."
Misato: "I was at Osaka-2, with Kaji."
Shinji: "Do you really think it was a good time to take a holiday?"
Misato: "That wasn't a holiday or anything like that."
Shinji: "Ah?"
Misato: "Do you realize what you've done to Asuka, Shinji-kun?"
Shinji(lowering his head): "I already told you. It's no use, a weak, scared little boy like me trying to protect her and her little girl."
Misato: "You're not weak."
Shinji: "THE HELL, I'M NOT WEAK!"
Misato is surprised by this sudden outburst.
Misato: "Shinji-kun, listen to me..."
Shinji: "I failed to keep my promise! There's nothing worse!"
Misato: "Of course there's something worse!"
Shinji looks up at Misato.
Misato: "You broke her heart. THAT is the worst thing I know!"
Misato: "You're SOMEONE, Shinji! You're Ikari Shinji! Designated Pilot of Evangelion Unit 01! Do I have to remind you of all the things you've accomplished?"
Shinji: "..."
Misato: "Shinji-kun, please come back home. Asuka's ready to forgive you. I'm sure of it. She's waiting to hug you and kiss you like you two have so many times! Well, I guess, so many times."
Shinji: "No, Misato-san, I won't come back. Not now."
Misato: "Goddammit, Shinji! If you don't do this for Asuka, do it for Teri, at least! These two girls need you!"
Shinji: "..."
Misato: "I know you, Shinji-kun. I know that you wanted Asuka's love from the very beginning of all this. Maybe even before. I'll bet that, from the first time you saw her, you knew that you had to live with her forever. My question is, why are you leaving your hopes and dreams behind when they've come true now? Are you afraid of them?"
Shinji: "You may be right. I may be afraid. But I won't come back. I'm just pathetic."
Misato(sighing): "You're right, Shinji-kun. You ARE pathetic. I can't believe I'm hearing this from you. Leaving a mother in pain like that, with her little girl...you're cruel, that's what you are."
She then walks back to her car without any further words.
Shinji(after a few moments): "Misato-san, wait!"
Misato stops and turns to face him.
Shinji: "Please tell Asuka that...that I...I...still...care for...for...for Teri. But I don't deserve her mother's love...I just don't."
Misato: "I'll pass on the message to Asuka."
And with that, she gets back into her car and drives off. Shinji walks away, towards Toji's house.
Misato's car.
Misato(to herself): "Damn! Why am I even bothering with all this? Asuka will soon...oh, god, I just can't think about it...it's too sad."
Pause.
Misato: "The only thing I can do now is to wait...and pray. Yes. Pray. Really hard."
Misato's apartment. Hikari and Asuka are sitting on the edge of the pregnant pilot's bed.
Hikari: "Do you want something to eat?"
Asuka: "No, thanks."
Hikari: "I bet you haven't eaten anything since a long time ago..." (smiling:) "And I'm sure Teri's hungry too."
Asuka: "I said I wasn't hungry."
But a call from her stomach tells both of them the exact opposite.
Hikari(laughing): "Okay, I'll make something for you!"
Asuka(reluctantly): "Well..."
Hikari gets up from the bed and goes to the kitchen. Two minutes later, she's back in Asuka's room with a sandwich in her hand. She holds out the sandwich to Asuka.
Asuka: "That's all?"
Hikari(smiling): "Well, I thought you weren't hungry."
Asuka(sighing): "Okay, you win, Hikari. I'm now very hungry, so..."
She bites into the sandwich.
Hikari(chuckling): "I'll be back in a few minutes, then. Just be patient."
She then goes back to the kitchen and returns five minutes later with a tray. On it is a bottle of the orange juice that Asuka used to drink like water earlier in her pregnancy (Teri seems to like that brand :-) ), and a plate with three more sandwiches on it. Asuka devours all of it in short order.
Hikari: "Do you feel better now?"
Asuka: "Hmmm. Much better. Thank you."
Hikari: "How about going somewhere?"
Asuka: "Sounds good, but any idea where to go?"
Hikari: "No...not really. I don't know...AXL's Game Center?"
Asuka: "No, I don't feel like playing video games now. Maybe later."
Hikari: "Okay, if you say so. How about coming to my place tonight?"
Asuka: "Hmmm...why not? Sure. Just let me put something on and leave a note for Misato and I'll be right with you."
Hikari: "Well, I'm waiting, then...hmm, just one more thing..."
Asuka: "What?"
Hikari: "What are these pills on the kitchen table? Are they for you?"
Asuka: "Oh, those? It must be my medication...but I haven't been taking them for a long time now. I hate how bitter they taste, and since Misato doesn't insist I take them anymore..."
Hikari: "I think you should take them anyway. It might be for your safety, or for Teri's, you know."
Asuka: "Who cares, after all? The father of my child left me. It must be my mother's curse."
Hikari: "Hey, don't be so moody, Asuka. We're all here for you."
Asuka: "Lies. You're still here because I haven't found the strength yet to push you away."
Hikari: "It's too bad that you think that, Asuka. I've always been your friend, haven't I?"
Asuka: "Yes. But how long will you keep being my friend, Hikari? Someday, you'll find someone better, more useful, and..." (lowering her head:) "more...well, more friendly."
Hikari: "Oh, cut that out, Asuka! Who said that you were useless and unfriendly?"
Asuka: "Everyone. Can't you see that yourself? I always push everyone I meet away and since I'm pregnant, I can't pilot my Unit-02...damn you, Shinji!"
Hikari: "So you can't pilot your Eva now. That's no big deal. Wait until Teri grows a little and your life will go back to normal soon--"
Asuka: "Nothing will be like before, Hikari! I'm a mother now! You can't understand THAT! I have responsibilities! I have someone to protect, unlike that Ikari bastard! Teri means the world to me, you know...I just love her so much! Even if she isn't here yet, I love my daughter!"
Hikari: "Calm down, Asuka. Let's go to my place now. Okay?"
Asuka(lowering her head): "I...sorry, Hikari."
Hikari(putting a hand on her friend's shoulder): "It's all right, don't worry."
Asuka: "You know, Hikari, being pregnant is so damned irritating."
Hikari: "I can understand, but remember that you're carrying a life in your belly, Asuka. And life is one of the most precious gifts on Earth. You should consider yourself lucky."
Asuka: "You're right...I'm only thinking about myself. All the things I'm enduring now are for Teri-chan's sake. I should think more about her."
Hikari: "I never saw you like this before, Asuka."
Asuka: "Neither have I. I never thought that one day I could not be able to live normally without Shinji. Hikari, I...no, you'll think I'm such a fool..."
Hikari: "Go on, say it. You trust me, don't you?"
Asuka: "Hikari. I...need him. You'll think I'm a complete idiot, but...he's kinda like some drug to me. I can't live a day without thinking about him. And since he isn't here, I feel so bad..."
Hikari: "You've changed, Asuka."
Asuka(sarcastically): "Oh, you noticed that, too?"
Hikari: "Errr...I mean...you're not the impulsive girl I used to know..."
Asuka(nodding): "Hmmm...some people helped me to open myself..."
Hikari: "I'm happy that you've changed, quite frankly."
Asuka: "Really?"
Hikari: "Yes. Act on your feelings and stop lying to yourself. Everything will be much better as a result."
Asuka is speechless for a few moments while she quickly remembers the same words coming from her mother's voice, and from a discussion she had with Shinji once. She lowers her head and starts to cry.
Hikari: "Asuka...? Did I say something wrong? I'm sorry..."
Asuka(wiping her tears): "No, don't worry about it, Hikari. And...thank you."
Hikari: "Well, we should go now, don't you think?"
Asuka(sniffling and wiping her tears again): "Okay. I'll be ready as soon as I put something on."
Hikari: "Hey, where's the overexcited Asuka I used to know?"
Asuka: "I SAID I'M COMING WITH YOU, OKAY!!!?"
Hikari(cheerfully): "Ahh, that's better!"
Even though Ikari Shinji hasn't been at Misato's apartment for the past couple of weeks, he was still going to school. Misato brought some personal things for him to Toji's house sometimes. Even though she was mad at him for leaving Asuka and his daughter like that, she was convinced that his 'runaway' period wouldn't last too long. She was wrong. She decided to help him whenever she could. Shinji wasn't her son, but it felt like he was. She had two children to care about, after all.
School, two weeks later. Hikari approaches Shinji's desk. He's looking outside, like Rei usually does. Rei, in the desk beside her, is, as usual, not really interested in anything, except for the few glances she takes at Shinji from time to time.
Hikari: "Ikari-kun?"
For a moment, Shinji thinks that it's Rei, but quickly remembers that Rei doesn't speak in the tone of voice he just heard.
Shinji: "I wanted to ask you...because I know you two are always together...how is...Asuka?"
Hikari: "You still care about her?"
Shinji: "Well, I'd be lying if I said no."
Hikari(taking a deep breath): "She's disappointed in you. I can only tell you that."
Shinji: "...I understand."
Hikari: "Ikari...she's very upset, you know. You should come back and apologize to her. You know how she is. Always so arrogant and strong. But deep inside she's one of the most fragile people I know."
Shinji: "I won't. Sorry if I'm deceiving you, too."
She stops the conversation and does her "Rise. Bow. Sit down." duty to the class.
Lunch time. Shinji is alone in class. He finally decides to open the letter Hikari gave him earlier.
Shinji(to himself): "It may be important. Who knows?"
The letter reads :
"Shinji, I'm waiting for you on the hill near the swimming pool.
I need to talk to you.
Toji."
Shinji: "What does he want?"
It doesn't occur to him that, since he stayed with Toji most of the time (because he's been living at his place for the past few weeks), he could have told him directly instead of writing him a note. So why did he have Hikari pass a message on to Shinji?
On the aforementioned hill. Shinji is lying on the grass, looking at the sky, probably thinking about something. Then, he sees a large shadow fall over his body. Since the sun is behind it, he can only guess who it is by looking at the shape of the shadow.
Shinji(surprised): "A-Asuka?"
Shinji stands up and looks behind him. Asuka is there, looking down at him with a smile on her face. He tries to take a few steps backwards.
Asuka: "Why are you running away, Shinji?"
Shinji continues to back away from her.
Asuka(walking towards him): "Why are you running away from us, Shinji?"
Shinji finally hits a tree behind him.
Shinji: "I...I'm not able to protect you, you already know that."
Asuka: "And what's the matter with that? I'm strong. I can take care of myself. I don't need your protection. However, I need something else from you."
She advances towards him. Shinji doesn't move, fearful of what might happen if he were to turn his back on Asuka. Their faces are very close to each other. Asuka looks him right in the eyes, takes his head in her hands and then plants a kiss on his lips. A hot passionate kiss. Shinji's eyes open wide, but soon close themselves as he joins her in the kiss. It lasts a few seconds before Asuka releases Shinji's head, only to see him fall on the ground with the release. He probably didn't recover all his senses in time to keep standing upright.
Asuka(grinning and looking down at his surprised face): "Well. I had no idea my lips had THAT much power!"
Shinji: "Ahhh...err...well..."
Asuka(giggling): "You seem to be comfortable here. Can I lay down beside you?"
Shinji(a bit hesitantly): "Well...I don't see any problem with that."
Asuka: "Good."
Shinji then lets himself slide down the tree until he is lying on the ground. Asuka lays down on his left. Pause.
Shinji: "H-how are you, Asuka?"
Asuka: "I'm fine, thanks."
Shinji already had a hard time thinking about what he could say. He hoped that this question would open the conversation. Unfortunately, Asuka's answer isn't what he was expecting from her. It surprises him.
Shinji: "Then I'm happy that you're fine."
Asuka: "The sky is beautiful, don't you think?"
Shinji: "How did you find I was supposed to meet Toji here?"
Asuka(grinning): "My poor Shinji, you're hopeless."
Shinji: "What?"
Asuka: "I wrote that message, not Toji. Didn't you recognize my handwriting?"
Shinji(ironically): "Well, that way of writing kanji so badly could only be yours. I should have guessed."
Asuka(comically furious): "How DARE you!"
Shinji: "Ha ha..."
Asuka: "Shinji..."
Shinji: "What?"
She takes his wrist and puts his hand on her stomach, slowly rubbing their child with it.
Asuka: "I think Teri feels better now."
Shinji: "Asuka..."
Asuka: "Shinji. Can you feel her? Can you hear her? She's begging you to come back home, too."
Shinji is speechless.
Asuka: "It's not important if you can't protect me as well as you want to. The most important thing is that we stay together, as long as we can."
Shinji: "But..."
Asuka: "There's no 'but', baka Shinji! You're staying with me now! Understood!? I need you so badly, you know..."
Shinji(smiling): "Jawohl, mein Kommandant!"
Asuka(laughing): "'Yes, Asuka' will be fine."
Shinji starts laughing, too. Some moments pass until they stop laughing.
Asuka(pointing at Shinji's chest): "Can I rest here, please? I'm so tired..."
Shinji: "Of course you can. What a silly question."
Asuka then puts her head on his chest, and with her right hand rubs it softly. She then closes her eyes, feeling like she's in the safest place in the world. Shinji can smell her graceful red hair. He puts one hand around her shoulder while the other caresses her cheek slowly. He then notices that the ring he bought Asuka is on her right hand.
Shinji: "The ring...you kept it?"
Asuka: "It's one of the only presents you gave me. And I value this like I never valued anything before."
Shinji: "You're serious about that?"
Asuka(smiling and looking up at him): "Shinji...you're so sweet to me. Like no one has ever been before. You succeeded in breaking all the barriers I had put up to protect myself. Even when I was hitting you, even when I was scorning you, you were calm. You wouldn't hurt me, because you loved me. And, for once, I, Sohryu Asuka Langley, am grateful to someone...for that."
Shinji: "You're right...I wouldn't hurt you, I couldn't, and I won't. Never."
Asuka: "And as for me, for the past months, I was with you, I am now, and I always will be, as long as life will let us live together, Shinji."
Shinji(trembling): "Asuka...I don't know what to say, really. Will you forgive me one day for what I've done? For leaving you alone like that?"
Asuka(grinning): "Hmmm...I don't know if I'll forgive you. Maybe, maybe not. We'll see about that later, but I'll make sure you pay the right price for that."
Shinji: "Tease."
Asuka: "Wimp."
The two lovers chuckle. Short pause.
Asuka(softly): "I won't stay here for too long...classes will start in a few minutes. I'll let you go, don't worry."
Shinji: "I don't care."
Asuka: "What?"
Shinji: "As long as you're here, I don't care about skipping classes."
Asuka(softly, almost a whisper): "Shinji, you idiot."
Pause.
Shinji: "Asuka, thank you...for being there."
Asuka: "Thank you, too, Shinji...for giving me something I had never known before. Thank you for caring."
They stay in this position for a long time and finally fall asleep under the tree, while the sun shines over Tokyo-3, and over their peacefulness.
Misato's apartment. The whole place is very quiet. There's only Misato, head buried in her hands, sitting at the kitchen table. A can of beer sits on the table next to her, untouched since she set it down there. It looks like she's sleeping, but definitely isn't, as she whispers 'damn,' 'my god' and 'dammit' several times to herself. She lifts up her head when she hears the front door open, and eavesdrops on the conversation from where she sits.
Shinji: "Pfff...you're so heavy..."
Asuka: "Okay, then put me back down now, we're home! And how DARE you say that? Teri's the one who's heavy, not me!"
Shinji(grinning): "Accusing your child, knowing she can't stand up for herself, is terrible proof of cowardice, Asuka."
Asuka(giggling and putting a hand on her stomach): "Argh, she's kicking me! Teri-chan, I'm so sorry!"
Shinji(chuckling): "Well, she CAN retaliate after all, heh heh..."
Asuka: "We're home now. Put me down, already!"
Shinji(smiling): "Okay, so we're home. But no, I won't put you down yet."
Asuka: "Baka. Misato's gonna see us..."
Too late. Misato is at the other end of the hallway, giving them a lingering and bewildered look. What she sees is Asuka in Shinji's arms, clinging to his neck with both hands, while he supports her with a hand under her back and the other under her knees. Misato is, to say the least, speechless. She even drops the can of beer she was holding, causing it to spill all over the floor.
Asuka: "Misato, is something wrong?"
Misato(trembling): "No...I just..."
She then quickly runs to her room, shutting the door behind her.
Asuka: "What's up with her?"
Shinji: "I don't know, either..."
Misato's room. Misato slumps against her door before slowly sliding down to a sitting position. She then looks up at the ceiling, revealing tears in her eyes.
Misato: "God, why are you so cruel to these children!?"
TO BE CONTINUED
Author's Notes:
Special thanks this time to EBJ for the grammar and spelling corrections and for all the help!
And all of my pre-readers: Al-l-Bus (author of Imagine Normality and A New World for Shinji & Asuka), Alain Gravel (aka Rakna, author of The One I Love Is...), Borderline Case (author of Reflections in Red), Shinji The 10 O'clock Assassin (author of 'Many Fanfics', heh heh :-) ), Sudhoya'da, Sushi Boy, Sammy Sy, Jon Byram (author of Holy Knights), EBJ, Eva_Pilot00, Greg Thomas, Readiosys Fisher, Dave Watson (author of the songfic Victory and fanfic retooler), and Kaworu Nagisa (author of EvaLeSs).
Thanks to all of you, and enjoy the Ninth Month!
See ya soon,
Axel Terizaki
LAST CHAPTER: NINTH MONTH: A Final Purpose, a Final Promise.
