Neon Genesis Evangelion Fan Fiction ❯ A New Beginning/ A New World: Emerald Edition ❯ Chapter 17: Vacation Part II ( Chapter 19 )
[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]
By: ST Pika 
Random line from chapter: Asuka begins to pass out the cards and also deals Pen-Pen in...
Hikari: (Confused) Pen-Pen plays poker?
Anime/Manga: Neon Genesis Evangelion Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Drama | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 02.25.2006 | Pages: 19 | Words: 13.3K | Visits: 1.2K | Status: Completed
Random line from chapter: Asuka begins to pass out the cards and also deals Pen-Pen in...
Hikari: (Confused) Pen-Pen plays poker?
Anime/Manga: Neon Genesis Evangelion Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Drama | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 02.25.2006 | Pages: 19 | Words: 13.3K | Visits: 1.2K | Status: Completed
Chapter 17: Vacation Part II
A/N: Four chapters in one day, a new record for me. Hope that you are enjoying the redone chapters so far, please let me know in a review or two. Thanks!
A few hours later, Misato, Rei, Asuka, and Hikari finish their aquatic activities. Misato calls Shinji over to take a picture of them... though Shinji nearly drops the camera when Misato bends over... (Revealing quite a bit of cleavage in the process)... and does a pose for the picture.
To see the picture that Shinji took, go to picture 72 on page 9...
Asuka: Well... what are we going to do now?
Shinji: Why don't we go back to the room and relax for a while and then we can eat dinner...
Misato: Yeah, let's go back to our room. I've had enough swimming for one day...
Misato and the kids head back to the room and relax for a while... then go and eat dinner. After a wonderful dinner, they return to the room and play cards...
Asuka begins to pass out the cards and also deals Pen-Pen in...
Hikari: (Confused) Pen-Pen plays poker?
Shinji: That's right. You better watch out, Hikari. He's very good...
Pen-Pen: SQUUUAWWWK! (Opens a beer)
Misato: I guess that means... "Yes, I am good"... (Chuckles to herself)
Asuka: That's one smart penguin...
Hikari: (Shakes her head) I never thought I'd see a poker playing penguin...
The poker games continue... and Pen-Pen and Asuka seem to be winning the most, but Rei is right behind them...
Shinji: I told you, Hikari. Pen-Pen seems to be an ace at poker...
Hikari: I never would have guessed...
Shinji: Hey, Asuka... I forgot to tell you yesterday... Rei unlocked a secret character in Mortal Kombat...
Asuka: (Curious) Really?
Rei: Yes. The secret character was a representation of Adam from the time of 2nd Impact, the "Giant of Light"...
Misato: Se... second impact... (Bad memories flood Misato's mind)
Rei: (Noticing Misato's reaction) Are you ok, mom?
Misato: (Taking a few deep breathes) Y... yeah. I'm fine... (Pauses)... when you mentioned 2nd Impact and a giant of light, it brought back memories of that day...
Hikari: Were you at the South Pole when 2nd Impact happened?
Misato: (Hesitates for a moment) Y... yes I was. I am the only one to survive from the expedition that went there...
Hikari: (Softly) Oh...
Misato: (Guzzling some more of her beer) Don't worry about it, Hikari... it's not something that most people know. (Pauses) Let's get back to the game... I want to get some of my chips back from Asuka...
Asuka: (Confidently) You can try...
The poker games continue. Over in the other suite, Aoba and Maya are sitting on the balcony of Maya's room, relaxing after a day of fun. While she was lounging he was practicing on his guitar, which was something that he had been neglecting far too long. Hyuga joins them a short time later, seemingly worn out, but happy with his day...
Aoba: Where yah been?
Hyuga: Just looking around... have you noticed how peaceful things are here... it's like nothing has happened at all.
Maya: (Looking up at the clouds passing in the sky) Yeah, it is lovely here.
Aoba: (Looks at Maya a moment then up as well) It's hard to believe that not all that long ago... we were all fighting for our lives... and now this.
Maya: (Grins at him) I'll take this any day over a day in the office.
Hyuga: You said it! (Turns on the radio) Let's just relax and enjoy the weather...
Aoba: Good idea...
Maya: What did you guys want to do tomorrow?
Hyuga: How about some swimming and some snorkeling? I saw some of the kids doing that today and it looked fun...
Aoba: Sounds good to me...
Maya: We have that dinner cruise tomorrow evening... I can't wait!
The bridge bunnies continue to relax on the balcony and enjoy the cool night air...
To see a picture of Maya, Hyuga, and Aoba relaxing, go to picture 21 on page 3...
After an evening of fun, Misato and Rei turn in for the night. Shinji heads back to his room and continues to read while Asuka and Hikari have a little chat in their room...
Asuka: Have fun today?
Hikari: (Happily) Yeah, I did. Thanks for inviting me!
Asuka: No problem.
Hikari: I wonder how Toji is doing...
Asuka: Why don't you call him tomorrow morning? I'm sure he'd love to hear from you...
Hikari: That's a good idea, Asuka. I'll call him after breakfast...
Asuka is quiet for a moment, then asks Hikari a question...
Asuka: Hikari... would you mind if sneak out and spend the night with Shinji...
Hikari: Asuka! What do you mean? Misato said you couldn't...
Asuka: (Points to her watch) Don't worry, I'll be up before Misato. (Has an evil thought and decides to play a little joke on Hikari) (Nudges Hikari) Besides, it's not like Shinji and I haven't slept together before...
Hikari's eyes bulge out and she is visibly shocked...
Hikari: You're living in sin! That's awful! (Puts her hands over her face)
Asuka stares at her friend for a few seconds, then rolls around on the bed, laughing like a hyena...
Asuka: Got yah! I remember when you said those words the first time... you even reacted the same way as before...
Hikari: (Regaining her composure) Y... you're not sleeping with Shinji?
Asuka: Well... I have spent the night in the front room with him a few times... but we didn't do anything...
Hikari: (Realizing the true meaning of Asuka's words) Oh... okay.
Asuka: (Tapping the bed) Hikari... I haven't even thought of going further with Shinji. We're both comfortable with our current relationship. I want be with him now because... because when I'm with him, I feel at ease. I had some nightmares recently... but they went away when I was with Shinji... he made me feel so nice and safe...
Hikari: (Trying to get the full scoop on the situation) So... your not... um, doing anything inappropriate... you're just trying to seek some comfort without making out?
Asuka: Yes. Trust me, Hikari...
Hikari: All right... go ahead. I'll cover for you in case Misato asks where you are, ok? Besides... now I get the bed all to myself.
Asuka sticks out her tongue and drops her eyelid at her friend then peeks out the door before sneaking down the hallway...
In the other room, Shinji is awake. He is trying to read his book, but thoughts of Asuka float through his head. `Asuka... why'd you have to say that... why now? I mean it's not like I'm against the idea... it's just that it's a big step... and we're both still... and how would we live and where? Great... now I am really thinking about it... well why not? I mean it's not like it hasn't crossed my mind... cause it has. I mean she is incredible... and I want to hold her again... every time I am near her I just want to be closer... but does she expect me to propose now? Or...'
His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the door opening and he quickly thumbs through the book trying to look busy...
Shinji: Who's there?
Asuka: It's your girlfriend, dummkopf...
Shinji: (Surprised) Asuka!
Asuka: (Softly) Shush, my Shin-chan. You don't want to wake up Misato, do you?
Shinji: (Lowering his book) No... of course not. (Watches as Asuka sits on the bed next to him) What's up, Asuka?
Asuka: (Snuggling up to Shinji) What yah reading, Shinji?
Shinji: Um... well... (Puts an arm around Asuka and gives her a kiss)
Asuka: (Blushing) Shin-Chan... (Gives Shinji a kiss)
As Shinji and Asuka kiss, the book Shinji was reading slides off the bed onto the floor, forgotten. After a few minutes of kissing, Shinji gently breaks the kiss...
Shinji: Don't you think you should get to bed?
Asuka: I thought you'd never ask...
She then proceeds to get under the covers with him, much to his surprise...
Shinji: (Shocked) Asuka! What are you doing?
Asuka: (Innocently) I'm going to sleep, of course...
Shinji: (Stuttering) H... h... here? With m... me?
Asuka: Yeah... it'll be like we're at home, only we're not on the floor this time...
Shinji: (Nervous) B... but I thought Misato didn't want us to share a bed...
Asuka: Relax, Shinji. (Points at her watch) I set my watch alarm, so I'll be up way before Misato gets up. Besides, she had a decent bit to drink tonight, so she'll probably be out until late morning anyways...
Shinji: (Not sure of what to do or say) I... I...
Asuka: (Putting on her best "cute" face) Can I stay with you, Shin-Chan? Please?
Any determination inside of Shinji to send Asuka away melts. He manages to answer her question a moment later...
Shinji: (Smiling) I... guess so. It's just like we're at home, right?
Asuka: (Snuggles next to Shinji, who wraps an arm around her and pulls her closer) Of course. Thank you, Shin-Chan...
Shinji: (Turning off the lights) You're welcome... (Whispers in Asuka's ear) Good night, my angel...
Asuka: (Blushing) Good night...
Both fall asleep moments later, comfortable and content. The day draws to a close and soon it is Sunday...
Sunday December 13th
Hikari wakes up and thinks that all of the others are still asleep, a class rep has to be up early, so she is used to it. A short while later, Asuka and Shinji wake up, courtesy of Asuka's watch alarm. They walk into the main room and find Hikari has already gotten up and is talking to Pen-Pen...
Asuka & Shinji: (At the same time) Good morning!
Hikari: Good morning.
Pen-Pen: SQUAWK!
Shinji: Did Rei get up yet?
Hikari: I don't think she has... I haven't seen her or Misato this morning...
Asuka: Why don't we get some breakfast? Let those two sleep in, we're on vacation here...
Hikari: Yeah, ok... let's go!
Asuka, Shinji, and Hikari eat breakfast together and then return to the room, bringing back some extra food for Pen-Pen. Pen-Pen happily eats the food as they watch some TV together...
Shinji: Rei sure is sleeping in late....
Asuka: (Looks back towards Rei's room) Yeah, it's not like her to miss breakfast.
Hikari: Do you think that one of us should go...
She stops as they all hear voices... two feminine voices, coming from the hall, not the room. The voices stop outside the door, then slowly the door opens as Rei and then Misato enter.
Misato: That was a great sunrise... I've never really watched one before.
Rei: Yes, I find that they are enjoyable...
Both stop as they realize that three sets of eyes are watching them...
Misato: (Noticing Pen-Pen eating some food) Oh, yeah! Breakfast!
Shinji: I was beginning to think that you and Rei were going to miss breakfast...
Misato: Rei, did you want to get some breakfast now?
Rei: Sure, mom...
Misato: We'll be back...
Misato and Rei leave the room and go and get some breakfast. After Misato leaves, Shinji and Asuka have the "Uh-oh we're busted look" on their faces... Misato and Rei were up before anyone else...
Hikari: Did you guys notice something new about Rei?
Shinji gives Hikari a blank look...
Hikari: (Sighing) The necklace... didn't you see it?
Asuka: Yeah, it looked like Misato's... (Dramatic pause)
Shinji: You mean she has a necklace like Misato now!
Asuka shakes her head and then remembers something...
Asuka: Hikari, don't forget to call Toji!
Hikari: Oh, yeah... I'll give him a call now... (Picks up the phone and calls Toji's house)
Toji: (Picks up the phone) (Exhausted) Hello?
Hikari: (Happily) Great, you're up! It's Hikari!
Toji: Hi! How's the vacation going?
Hikari: Oh... it's beautiful down here... the weather is just perfect and I've had a lot of fun so far...
Toji: Do any swimming?
Hikari: Yeah, I did. Asuka and I went snorkeling, too...
Toji: I'm glad you could have some fun this weekend, even though I couldn't be with you...
Hikari: (Softly) Toji... I wish you were here...
Toji: I do too...
Hikari: (Concerned) You sound exhausted... are you ok?
Toji: Well... Kensuke and I had to take these tests yesterday...
Hikari: Go on...
Toji: They were battle simulation tests... it was like I really piloting again. The simulator also tied in our nervous system, so we could feel pain if some-thing happened to the EVA during the test...
Hikari: (Concerned) That's awful! No wonder you sound exhausted!
Toji: I'll be fine. (Pauses) I think after these sims, Kensuke will have a little different view of piloting. He got a taste of how it feels to really pilot an EVA...
Hikari: Oh, okay. (Pauses) Have you said anything to him?
Toji: I made a joke "Not as easy as you thought it was, huh?" He just nodded at it. Other than that, we really haven't talked.
Hikari: I hope that he'll be okay...
Toji: I have to finish up my schoolwork that I missed, since I had to attend those battle simulations. See yah tomorrow when you get back?
Hikari: (Happily) Of course. Bye!
Toji: Bye! (Hangs up the phone)
Hikari sits down and watches some TV. Asuka and Shinji, however, are preparing for the worst as they wait for Misato to return from breakfast with Rei...
Asuka: (Nervous) S... Shinji, do you thinks she knows?
Shinji: Um... I'm not sure, Asuka...
Asuka: What do you think she's gonna do to us?
Shinji doesn't answer and looks at Asuka with a look of fear... she gently grabs his hand and holds it...
Shinji: (Concerned) Will we have to sleep in separate rooms? What if we can't sleep together again, even in the living room?
Asuka: (Distressed) What if she breaks us up? That would be so terrible!
Shinji: Asuka... (Gently squeezes her hand)
Asuka: (Softly) Shinji... I'm so sorry I snuck out... this is all my fault...
Shinji: Asuka, don't worry about it. No matter what happens, I will always be with you...
Asuka: (Blushing) Thank you, Shinji...
A moment later, Misato and Rei come walking into the room, talking to each other...
Misato: (Talking to Rei) You'd think from their looks they thought they pulled a fast one, or at least thought they were the first ones awake this morning...
To see a picture of Rei with Misato's necklace (Rei at this point) go to picture 128 on page 16...
Shinji and Asuka both turn and look at Misato with guilty faces...
Misato: (Noticing the look of Asuka and Shinji's faces) So... did you two have fun last night?
Shinji and Asuka turn to look at each other, sharing the "she knows and we're busted" look. Asuka mutters a quiet "verdammt" to herself...
Misato: (Tapping her foot on the ground impatiently) Well?
Several long seconds pass before a response is heard...
Asuka: (Breaking down) I'm sorry! We'll never do it again!
Shinji: (Begging) We'll do what ever you want... but please don't make us break up!
Asuka: We didn't do anything, we just went to sleep next to each other... I'm sorry...
Shinji: Forgive us...
Misato glares at them, but makes no audible response...
Asuka: (Trying to make a compromise) If you want, we won't sleep in the same bed again but I hope that we can at least still occasionally sleep together on the living room floor...
Shinji: Please, Misato... I can't lose Asuka. She means too much to me... (Both Shinji and Asuka blush)
Misato: (Angry) If I ever find out that you two did anything more than that, you two will not only be in different rooms again, but different apartments. (Points her finger at them) And don't think I won't find out, I am a mother after all and moms have a way of finding things out!
Asuka and Shinji look at each other, both are almost on the verge of tears. Misato moves closer and stands between them...
Misato: (Pulling Asuka and Shinji into a hug, she speaks softly to them) You two don't have to break up... however...
Asuka: However...?
Misato: I think you two are moving a little too fast here. I can't give you the all clear to do this type of thing right now... sleeping in the same bed is just a little too far, even if you are only sleeping and not fooling around...
Shinji: O... okay. I get what you're saying...
Asuka: I understand...
Misato: (In a low voice, whispering in Shinji and Asuka's ears) That means you two can't sleep in the same bed together, at least not until your my daughter too...
Asuka: (Loudly protesting) MISATO!
Misato chuckles to herself and then releases Shinji and Asuka from the hug, causing both of them to fall to the floor...
Hikari has a look of confusion on her face after listening to this little family "episode". Misato stands there, laughing along with her daughter, Rei. Shinji and Asuka remain on the floor due to their shock over what just happened...
Shinji: H... how did you know, Misato?
Misato: I got up early because I wanted to do a family outing to see the sunrise over the ocean. I asked Rei to see if you two were up...
Rei: When I got to your room, Shinji, I noticed that you were sleeping with Asuka and looking quite content. I did not want to disturb you...
Misato: When Rei returned without you, I knew what was going on. I was expecting to see you two together a lot on this trip, but not in bed. (Pauses) Anyways, I just changed the family outing to a mother-daughter...
Asuka: (Blushing and trying to change the subject) Is that when you got the necklace, Rei?
Rei: (Nodding) Yes. She gave me the necklace when we were watching the sunrise together...
Misato: I wanted to get Rei something that showed our relationship... now we have matching necklaces!
Hikari: (Breaking her silence) Looks nice on you, Rei...
Rei: (Nodding her head) Thank you.
Misato: Well... now that all of that is settled, what are we going to do today?
Asuka: Why don't we go snorkeling again?
Rei: I would like to try that...
Hikari: We should all go snorkeling together...
Misato: Sounds good to me. What about you Shinji?
Shinji: Well, I was... uh, going to finish reading my book...
Asuka: (Winking at Shinji) Don't worry, Misato. When we're done snorkeling, I am gonna give Shinji a private swimming lesson...
Shinji: (Blushing profusely) Um... sounds great, Asuka...
Misato: What are we waiting for? Let's get changed and hit the beach!
After changing, Misato, Rei, Asuka, and Hikari go snorkeling while Shinji relaxes in the sun, reading his book. Pen-Pen happily swims nearby...
After she is done snorkeling, Asuka starts to walk down the beach towards where Shinji is. Shinji sees her walking towards him and gets a good look at her new swimsuit. He begins to blush quite red...
To see a picture of Asuka's new swimsuit, go to picture 39 on page 5...
Asuka: (Teasingly as she leans over towards him) I like the color, Shinji.
Shinji: (Nervous) Uh... what color?
Asuka: (Giggling) Your face matches my hair, and it's getting redder. (Leans in closer to him, giving him a clearer view of her swimsuit and her chest)
Shinji: (Moving his gaze up to look at her eyes) Um... Asuka... you look very... nice in that swimsuit...
Asuka: Thank you, Shinji. I bought it on Friday, when Misato and I went shopping. It's a tanning swimsuit... and it's sorta see-through. (Winks) I think you've already picked up on that feature...
Shinji: (Trying to conceal his embarrassment and excitement) Um... yeah, Asuka...
Asuka: (Giggling) I think I've had enough fun flirting with you, Shin-Chan. (Pulls him into a hug) Why don't we go swimming now, okay? It's easy to learn...
Shinji: (Softly) Sure, Asuka... (Gives her a tender kiss)
Asuka: (Blushing) Shin-Chan...
Asuka and Shinji head out into the water and Asuka begins to show Shinji how to swim, starting with how to float properly and going from there. Shinji catches on to the swim moves rather quickly, but one stroke gives him a problem...
Asuka: (Demonstrating a swim stroke to Shinji) That stroke is called the breaststroke...
Shinji: (Turning quite red) The b... breaststroke?
Asuka: (Noticing his reaction and his face) Why are you turning red like that? What did you think I meant? (Puts one hand on her hip and points at Shinji with the other) I swear you can be a baka hentai sometimes!
Shinji: (Shocked) Asuka! I... (Starts to get nervous and thrashes around in the water)
Asuka: (Giggles to herself) Shinji, relax... I was just kidding with you. I think you need to loosen up a little...
Shinji: (Breathing a sigh of relief) Whew! For a moment there, it sounded like you were accusing me of being a pervert...
Asuka: (Smiling) I know you're not a pervert, Shinji. Let's get back to the swim lesson... I only have a few more things to show you, and you'll be pretty well set...
Shinji: Great!
Asuka shows Shinji a few more swim moves and they practice together. A little while later, they take a break and do some tanning...
Asuka: I'm glad Misato didn't freak out earlier...
Shinji: Me too...
Shinji and Asuka exchange a knowing glance at each other as Hikari, Misato, and Rei walk over towards them...
Hikari: (Talking to Misato) I would have never guessed that you planned that out...
Asuka: (Curious) Planned what out?
Misato: Well, at breakfast this morning, Rei and I had a good laugh over what to do once we got back upstairs...
Asuka: What do you mean?
Misato: As I left the room, I noticed that look on your face and on Shinji's face... it was priceless...
Rei: I noticed it as well, it was quite funny, given the situation...
Shinji: (Shocked) You planned out that... that whole thing?
Misato: (Nodding her head) Uh-huh. You two should think before you try and mess with the master next time. (Looks at her watch) Damn! It's already 3:00! We have the dinner cruise at six!
Hikari: We better get back to the room, then... (Misato nods)
Asuka: (Grabbing Shinji's arm) Come on, Shinji! Schnell!
After getting Pen-Pen, the group heads back to the room to get ready for dinner. At a quarter to six, they head over to the dock and board the ship. Soon the ship sails out onto the open water...
Asuka: (Standing on the deck in her yellow sundress and a white hat) Shinji! Take my picture please...
Shinji: Sure, Asuka... (Snaps a picture of Asuka)
To see a picture of Asuka on deck at this point, go to picture 78 on page 10...
Asuka then takes a picture of Shinji. Hikari asks for a picture of her, and Asuka snaps it...
To see a picture of Hikari on deck, go to picture 112 on page 14...
Misato: Come over here, guys! Time for dinner!
The kids and Misato head to the inside of the boat and sit down for dinner at a large table. The bridge bunnies soon join them and they all begin talking as they wait for dinner to be served...
Misato: (Talking to Maya, Hyuga, and Maya) Sooo... what did you guys do today?
Maya: Not too much, just a little snorkeling and some swimming...
Hyuga: We had fun today...
Misato: That's good to hear...
Aoba: Nothing like being out of headquarters on an all expenses paid trip in a tropical locale like this...
Maya: You can say that again... (Looks at the kids) You guys having fun on this trip?
Rei: It has been very nice so far...
Asuka: It's been great! This trip makes up for the one that Shinji and I had to miss because of the Angels...
Shinji: That's right, Asuka...
Hikari: It was nice of Misato to ask Commander Fuyutsuki if I could go with... this whole vacation has been great! I just wish my boyfriend could have come with... (Blushes)
Maya: You mean Toji? (Hikari nods)
Dinner soon arrives and conversation continues around the table. After dinner is done, everyone goes on deck and enjoys the cool ocean breezes...
Misato: (To Rei) I was thinking... maybe we should have a Christmas party at the house. Maybe it could be a formal dance thing...
Rei: That would be nice...
Misato: I'm going to ask Shinji and Asuka what they think... (Loudly) Hey Asuka, Shinji! Come here for a second!
Shinji and Asuka walk over and sit down in nearby chairs...
Asuka: What's up?
Misato: I was thinking that we could have a party on Christmas Eve. You guys could all dress up, and it would be like a formal dance or something...
Shinji: That sounds like fun...
Asuka: We could have Hikari and Toji over, and have some music...
Misato: (Snapping her fingers) Now you got it! Next week we'll figure out what we need and start setting up...
Hikari: (Sitting down next to Asuka) I'm sure Toji would want to come... and I can wear my new black dress...
Asuka: (Having a realization) Oh yeah... that reminds me... I have that pink dress that I still haven't worn...
Misato: That's right... and you promised to show it to Shinji. I'm sure he's been eagerly waiting to see you in it...
Shinji: (Blushing) Y... yeah...
Rei: I will need a formal dress for this party...
Misato: No problem. We'll go shopping and I'll help you pick out something nice...
Rei: (Smiling) Thank you, mom...
Asuka: (Sarcastically) Great, that's all we need... another Misato...
Misato: (Narrowing her eyes) What was that?
Asuka: (Whistling to herself) Oh... nothing...
Shinji: (Trying to diffuse the situation) Why don't we take some pictures, and then sit back and enjoy the cruise?
Asuka: (Putting her arm around Shinji) Good idea, Shinji...
The dinner cruise continues and a while later, the ship returns to the dock. The bridge bunnies go back to their rooms and turn in for the night. After returning to the room, Misato watches some TV with Hikari, Asuka, and Shinji. Rei is her room, thinking to herself...
Rei: I wonder what Kensuke is doing right now? He is like me... lonely. Now he has separated himself from his friends. (Pauses) Friends, until lately I did not even have friends myself. I know how important they are... (Pauses)... this cannot happen. When should I talk to him? (Pauses to try and think of an answer) I have these feelings inside when I think of him... I feel bad... and there is another feeling, what is it?
As Rei continues to think, she falls asleep. The last thing on her mind was "So many questions..."
A little while later, Misato turns off the TV...
Misato: (Yawning) I think it's time for bed... we have to leave tomorrow morning...
Hikari: Okay... good night!
Asuka & Shinji & Misato: Good night! (Hikari walks out of the room)
Shinji: (Pulling Asuka into a hug) Good night, Asuka...
Asuka: Good night, Shinji... (Plants a kiss on his cheek) I love you...
Shinji: I love you, too...
Misato: (Sweetly) Aww... how cute! Well, it's time for bed...
Shinji and Asuka turn and look at Misato...
Misato: Don't worry, you'll see each other tomorrow! (Shinji and Asuka's expressions turn to that of disappointment) Look... when we get back, I'll let you two spend the night together in the front room, okay?
Shinji: (Happy) Thank you, Misato...
Asuka: (Upbeat) Thanks...
Misato: (Yawning) No problem...
Shinji: (Regretfully breaks the hug with Asuka and stands up) Good night, Misato...
Misato: Good night... (Shinji goes to his room)
Asuka: (Standing up) 'Night, Misato...
Misato: Good night, Asuka...
Misato heads back to her room and notices that Rei has fallen asleep...
Misato: It's been a long day... no wonder she's tired... (Puts the blanket over Rei and then turns in for the night herself)
In the other room, Asuka is talking to Hikari...
Asuka: Hikari... I'm gonna miss him tonight...
Hikari: (In a compassionate tone) You'll be fine, Asuka...
Asuka: (Responding a few moments later) I guess... (Yawns)... I'm going to bed. Can you turn off the lights?
Hikari: Sure, Asuka. Talk to you in the morning... (Turns off the lights and both of them are soon sound asleep)
Shinji is the last one to fall asleep that evening. As he relaxes, he looks at the bed and feels a longing in his heart...
Shinji: (To himself) I wish Asuka was here... it always feels so nice when I spend the night with her. I guess I'll see her tomorrow... (Turns off the light and falls asleep)
The day soon draws to a close, and a new day dawns on the world...
Monday December 14th
After a good nights rest, Misato and the kids get up and have some breakfast. Shinji is sitting on the couch when Asuka sneaks up behind him and gives him a surprise hug...
To see a picture of this scene, go to picture 29 on page 4...
A little while later, everything is packed up and the group meets with the bridge bunnies. All of them reboard the bus and are soon on their way back to Tokyo-3...
The train ride home proves uneventful, and soon the whole group is back. The bridge bunnies head home and relax, enjoying the day off. After dropping off Hikari, Misato swings around and takes her "kids" home. They spend some family time together and enjoy some take-out for lunch...
Hikari calls Toji as soon as she finishes unpacking, and they meet on a nearby hill... Toji is on his back, looking at the clouds go by...
To see a picture of Hikari and Toji together on the hill, go to picture 121 on page 15...
Hikari: (Looking at the view) Wow! This is a great spot, Toji. How did you find this spot?
Toji: It was nothing... Shinji told me about it. He said that it was a spot that him and Asuka visited a lot...
Hikari: Oh, okay... (Pauses)... how are you doing?
Toji: I'm doing fine... and I'm a lot happier that you're back and here with me... (Blushes)
Hikari blushes as well and smiles at him…
Toji: So, um... how was the trip?
Hikari: (Laughs as he had already asked her that before) It was fine; Asuka and I went swimming and did a lot of things together, though she nearly screamed when Shinji had to put lotion on my back...
Toji: (Sits up abruptly) He... He... he put lotion on your back? (To himself) I'll kill him for that!
Hikari: It was no big deal, it was either him or some stranger... (Notices he is upset) Are you... jealous?
Toji: Um... no. Jealous... why would I... (She looks at him sternly) Ok, I was jealous... I mean he got to see you and I didn't. And he... he even....
Hikari: He what?
Toji: (Lowers his voice as he speaks) He got to... t-t-ouch you...
Hikari: (Smiles at him) That's sweet.
Toji: It is?
Hikari moves closer to him...
Hikari: (Placing her arm around him) You are so sweet!
Toji: (Happy and confused) I am?
Nods her head and leans in even closer to him...
Hikari: Yes you are... but you don't have to worry... I-I only have feelings for you...
Toji: (Wide grin) You... you mean it! (She nods her head and he places a hand on her cheek, lifting her head slightly) And I-I have feelings for you too...
The two of them sit there, his hand on her cheek, the warmth of her face, the feeling of her skin... all of these things combined seemed to make him lose track of time and his surroundings. All that mattered to him at this moment, was her. Hikari too, did not care what was happening, if anything was, around them. For a long moment the two of them just looked into each others eyes. They were not sure who moved first or if they moved in concert, but before either of them could stop it they had moved to within inches of each other...
Their breaths seemed to ignite the air between them and closing her eyes, Hikari leaned forward just as Toji closed his and leaned forward as well. The kiss that ensued was an expression of the feelings that both wanted to express to each other for so long... feelings for each other and a promise of things to come. In their hearts, both of them wanted this moment to be “just right” when it happened... neither one was disappointed...
Hikari: (Lovingly looking at Toji as they finish the kiss) (Softly) That was...
Toji: (Continuing her thought) (Smiling) Great! (Hikari giggles)
Hikari: Then I guess we have to kiss more often... (Blushes)
Toji: Yeah... (Pulls her into a warm hug)... and more of this, too...
Hikari: (Whispering in his ear) Of course...
Toji and Hikari continue to spend time together on the hill, finally leaving after watching the sunset together... both return to their separate homes and think about the big step that their relationship has just taken...
Night falls, and soon it is Tuesday...
Tuesday December 15th
The kids head back to school and get back into the routine... Asuka causes one noteworthy incident at lunchtime, however...
Hikari is walking across the room, to join Toji for lunch...
Asuka: Hikari! Come here for a second...
Hikari: (Walking over to Asuka) What's up, Asuka?
Asuka: (Nudging Hikari) Soooo... did you kiss him yet?
To see a picture of this scene, go to picture 19 on page 3...
Hikari: (Blushing very red) Asuka!
Asuka: (Teasingly) A simple yes or no will do...
Toji: Asuka...
Asuka: (Focusing her attention on Toji) Maybe you'll tell me, Toji...
Toji says nothing in reply and starts to blush profusely...
Asuka: (Putting a hand on Hikari and Toji's shoulder) It's about time... (Smiles) Why don't we all eat lunch together? Rei and Shinji are over there already...
Hikari: Sure...
Toji: Why not?
Hikari and Toji join Rei, Shinji, and Asuka for lunch and then day continues on without incident. The next day will have it's own surprises...
To be continued in Chapter 18: Christmas Eve
German Translations:
Verdammt- Damn.