Neon Genesis Evangelion Fan Fiction ❯ A New Beginning/ A New World: Emerald Edition ❯ Chapter 22: The Sleepover ( Chapter 27 )

Chapter 22: The Sleepover

 

A/N: New stuff in the last half of this chapter, look for it! I'm almost done with the reposting, hopefully the totally new chapters will be out soon.

 

 

Sunday January 3rd 2016 10:00 AM

 

After making numerous calls yesterday at Misato's request, Shinji was tired. After a long night's sleep, both Shinji and Asuka wake up and are surprised see that the floor of Asuka's room empty- Misato is not there, and it doesn't look like she spent any part of the night watching them either. Asuka wraps her arms around Shinji and pulls him closer...

 

Asuka: (In a whisper) Good morning, liebchen.

 

Shinji: (Turning red) G-Good morning, Asuka.

 

Both Shinji and Asuka hug each other for a few minutes and enjoy the other's company.

 

Asuka: (Stretching out on the bed) This feels so nice...

 

Shinji: (Dreamily) Yeah...

 

Asuka: (Smiling) Shinji do you think... (Asuka feels and hears her stomach grumble)... damn!

 

Shinji: I guess we should make some breakfast.

 

Asuka: (Sadly) Yeah, we need to.

 

Asuka begins to let go of Shinji but she notices that he is still holding onto her.

 

Asuka: (Blushing) Shinji... we...

 

Shinji stops her by giving her a quick kiss. The kiss startled her in that he was not only being so forward but that it made her feel so good as well.

 

Shinji: (With his face turning a crimson red) We need to get dressed...

 

Shinji realizes that he is holding her very near to his body and turns even redder then before. She notices his red face and looks down at herself, suddenly realizing that at this angle he can see a good amount of her upper chest, due to the fact that the top button of her yellow pajamas has come undone.

 

Asuka: (Teasingly) Do you like what you see?

 

Shinji, not realizing his good view, is trying to keep other aspects of their closeness from becoming apparent to her. Instead of thinking about what she asked and where she looked, he just nodded his head. Asuka smirked at him and pulled herself forward just a little, giving him a better view, even though he did not realize it yet.

 

Asuka: (Seductively) You know, Shinji... Misato's not here and...

 

Shinji gulps and finally looks down at himself, and can only see the way she is pressed against him. His eyes grow to twice their size when he finally notices the view she is giving him. Asuka is about to comment again when her stomach growls much louder then the first time...

 

Both of them eye each for a moment, and then regretfully get out of bed. They wanted to stay together the way they were, but realize that they should not. Shinji heads off for his room to change while Asuka does the same thing in her room. A couple minutes later, both meet in the kitchen and discover a note sitting on the table...

 

Shinji: (Picking up the note) I wonder what it says on here... and where's Rei? (Looks around the kitchen) She never sleeps in.

 

Asuka: (Impatiently) Just read the note, maybe it says something about where everyone is! (Places a hand over her stomach as it starts to grumble) Shinji, I'm getting hungry here... (Places a hand on Shinji's shoulder)

 

Shinji starts to read the note aloud; he has quickly caught onto Asuka's subtle "hint" about breakfast...

 

I will be back around 2 P.M. Please make sure that everyone is here, so I can talk to all of you at once. As soon as we're done, I have to go out again. Rei will be back around lunchtime; she went over to the mall with Kensuke.

 

Misato

 

Shinji: I guess that explains everything...

 

Asuka: Yep! Now that we got that settled, how about working on some breakfast? (Flashes Shinji a smile)

 

Shinji: (Slyly) It would be nice to have some help... (Takes Asuka's hand and gently caresses it) You told me that you wanted to learn how to cook, right?

 

Asuka: (Sighing) I guess. What are we going to make?

 

Shinji pauses a moment before replying- he racks his mind, trying to think of something that she would like to help make for breakfast. A thought soon comes to mind...

 

Shinji: Asuka, why don't we make some Belgian waffles? I think we have some of that real syrup leftover in the fridge... I think it would be a good breakfast. What do you think?

 

Asuka: (Happily) You read my mind! (To herself) Or you remembered that I like these things... he really is looking out for me. Both of us do have the memories of the other; I should find a way to look out for him using his memories...

 

Shinji: (Waving his hand in front of Asuka's face) Asuka? Are you there?

 

Asuka: Huh? (Gently grabs Shinji's hand) Of course I am, my baka Shinji... let's get started!

 

Shinji and Asuka get to work on their breakfast and Shinji has a good time showing Asuka how to make the waffles that she enjoyed back in Germany but never learned how to make. As Shinji and Asuka enjoy breakfast in the apartment, elsewhere Rei and Kensuke are walking around the mall together. Rei is wearing the necklace she got from Shinji and the bracelet she got from Kensuke along with her winter outfit. She has been wearing both on a regular basis, enjoying the look as well as the thought of caring and love that both presents imbue. Kensuke cannot help but take glances at her. He is totally taken by her appearance and her elegance. Rei, of course, is not oblivious to his glances. Her face starts to get a little redder every time he does that. Spotting the arcade just ahead, Rei takes the gift certificate out of her pocket and has an idea. Grabbing Kensuke's hand, she pulls him towards the arcade...

 

After an hour of intense playing, Kensuke and Rei finally leave the arcade...

 

Kensuke: (Out of breath) Where are we going next?

 

Rei: I would like to buy some clothes... let's go over to the store over there. (Points at a store at the far end of the mall)

 

Kensuke: Rei... can we get something to drink? I'm kinda thirsty, and having that one-hour marathon session in the arcade didn't help my thirst, either...

 

Rei: Sure.

 

Rei and Kensuke head over to a nearby vendor and get two pops. As they drink the soda, Kensuke cannot help but think about what had just happened a little while ago...

 

Kensuke: (To himself) She beat me in like two out of every three games that we played! I didn't realize that she was so good. I guess I need to practice more. Still... it's nice to play against a challenging opponent, especially if it's my girlfriend...

 

Rei and Kensuke quietly finish their soda and head over to the department store that Rei was pointing at earlier. As Rei looks around and checks out various clothing items, Kensuke quietly observes her and answers "Looks great!" to every item that she asks an opinion about.

 

Rei: (Slightly flustered at his constant "Looks good" comments) Kensuke... are you just saying that everything looks good on me so we can leave the store?

 

Kensuke: N-N-Noo... of course not, Rei. You really do look good in those shirts and sweaters that you showed me earlier. Those pants looked nice too... especially in the... (His voice trails off)

 

Rei: (Catching onto what Kensuke just said) What was that last part?

 

Kensuke: (Blushing) Um... it was nothing.

 

Rei: I am going to get one more thing... I will be right back.

 

Rei turns around and then grabs a pair of light blue pajamas off of a nearby shelf. She heads into the dressing room and tries on the pajamas. As she stares into the mirror, a smile forms on her face. Her life has never been so good and only seems to be getting better- now that she has a boyfriend. A nervous Kensuke waits patiently for Rei and is relieved when she emerges a few minutes later from the dressing room...

 

Kensuke: (Looking at what Rei is carrying) Are those pajamas?

 

Rei nods in response and starts to walk towards the cashier; Kensuke is right behind her. Before they get there, Kensuke has an idea...

 

Kensuke: Rei, why don't you... um, get those pajamas monogrammed? They have a special on monogramming in the store... I could pay for it...

 

Rei: (Smiling and gently taking Kensuke's hand) Thank you.

 

Kensuke and Rei walk over to the special tailoring area and watch as the tailor puts the initials "R.A." in cursive on the pajama top. Kensuke pays for the monogramming and then goes with Rei as she pays for the rest of her purchases. Kensuke carries the bags for Rei as both of them head back to the Katsuragi apartment. Upon entering the residence, they find Shinji in the kitchen cleaning and loud rock music blaring from Asuka's room...

 

Shinji: I was wondering where you were at, Rei. Did you have fun shopping?

 

Rei: (Nodding her head) Kensuke was very helpful, though I think he preferred just watching me.

 

Kensuke: (Sputtering) I... well.. um... you see... it...

 

Rei decided to save him further embarrassment and asked her brother, "Where is mom?"

 

Shinji: No idea. Hikari and Toji are on their way over right now, they should be here soon. Asuka is in her room listening to one of those old CD's that Misato gave her.

 

Kensuke: I figured that wasn't some of your music...

 

A doorbell chime is heard a moment later. The door to Asuka's room flies open and she steps out, still singing along with the song that's currently playing...

 

Asuka: (Moving her head along with the music) Back in black, yes I'm back in black!

 

A/N: The song is Back in Black, from the album of the same name by AC/DC, from 1980.

 

Shinji, Rei, and Kensuke look at Asuka and have sweat drops...

 

Asuka: (Getting angry) What are you guys looking at?

 

Shinji is the first one to speak up...

 

Shinji: (Trying to look innocent) Um, nothing at all.

 

The doorbell chime rings again a moment later. Asuka starts down the hallway towards the main door.

 

Asuka: (Loudly) Is anyone going to get the front door? Jeez...

 

Asuka opens the front door and finds Hikari and Toji waiting patiently outside.

 

Toji: (Sarcastically) Took you long enough...

 

Asuka takes a deep breath and tries to control herself. Hikari nudges Toji with her elbow, letting him know that he needs to control himself.

 

Asuka: Come in. All we need now is Misato and we can get this "meeting" underway...

 

Hikari walks into the apartment, closely followed by Toji.

 

Hikari: Asuka, where should we put our stuff?

 

Asuka: Hmm... I'll put it in my room for now. (Toji and Hikari hand their bags to Asuka) I'll be right back.

 

Toji and Hikari walk over to the kitchen and start to talk with Shinji, Rei, and Kensuke while Asuka puts the bags in her room. After she drops the bags on the floor, Asuka returns to the kitchen and joins the current conversation...

 

Hikari: (Noticing the bags of clothes in Kensuke's hands) I see you did some clothes shopping Rei...

 

Rei: That is correct. Kensuke and I were at the mall earlier today.

 

Toji: (Putting a hand on Kensuke's shoulder) How you holding up? I know those shopping trips can be brutal...

 

Hikari quickly grabs Toji's ear and drags him into the front room, much to his chagrin. The others just stare as Toji gets an "earful" from Hikari...

 

Hikari: (Getting loud) Are you saying that you think shopping trips with me are "brutal"?

 

Toji: (Sweating) Umm... I guess not.

 

Hikari: (Letting go of his ear) Good answer.

 

Asuka and Shinji in the kitchen begin to chuckle at the current situation in the front room. Shinji is surprised to feel Asuka's arms snake around his stomach and pull him back towards her...

 

Asuka: (Sweetly) You like to go shopping with me, right Shin-chan?

 

Shinji: (Softly) Of course, Asuka... I love picturing you in those clothes that you show me.

 

Asuka: I'm sure you do.

 

Rei: Kensuke, can you come with me? I want to put my new clothes away.

 

Kensuke: Of course, Rei.

 

Kensuke and Rei walk out of the kitchen and over to Rei's room. Asuka and Shinji head into the front room and join Hikari and Toji on the couch. Both notice that Hikari is leaning on Toji, who has his arm wrapped around her...

 

Asuka: Looks like the newlyweds made up...

 

Hikari: (Blushing) Asuka!

 

Asuka walks into the front room and sits down on the couch. Shinji joins her a few minutes later and all four wait on the couch for Misato. Rei and Kensuke soon join the group in the front room and patiently wait for Misato to come home.

 

Down at NERV headquarters, Misato Katsuragi is taking practice shots at her new "targets" down in the firing range. The security camera in the room moves and focuses on the targets, transmitting the image to another part of headquarters...

 

Kozo: I see that Colonel Katsuragi has taken to shooting at SEELE members for target practice.

 

Gendo: Yes, it appears so. Chairman Keel appears to have taken the brunt of her attacks...

 

An smile forms on Gendo's face momentarily and then quickly fades...

 

Gendo: I think she'll play along with our plans- her actions clearly show that.

 

Kozo: Hmm... I suppose. What's the status of the EVA Units?

 

Gendo: Units 00, 01, 02, and 03 are ready to go. A new Unit 04 is being prepared as we speak. Starting next week, we will begin the battle sims and test all five pilots. We are ahead of schedule and everything is proceeding as planned.

 

Kozo: (Nodding his head) I have begun training more Section-2 agents and increased our security in headquarters. New security guards will be here by Wednesday morning.

 

Gendo: Very good...

 

Gendo and Kozo continue to discuss current matters while Misato finishes her target practice and heads home. She arrives home a little while later and finds all six kids waiting for her at the kitchen table...

 

Hikari: (Very concerned) Misato, what's this meeting all about? Shinji said it was important.

 

Misato pulls up a chair and then sits down at the crowded table. With a somber look on her face, she begins to spill the beans on what is going on...

 

Misato: Well, I asked all six of you here because I have some information that I need to share with you. There has been a lot going on lately at NERV, and I thought you should know why they are reactivating the EVA's in the first place.

 

Toji: Well, why are we training?

 

Misato: SEELE. They are still out there, somewhere...

 

Asuka: Those are the same people that attacked us a couple months ago, right? (Pauses and shudders at the memories of the times just before Third Impact) (Misato nods) Then we should find them and make sure that they are stopped! They tried to slaughter us for God's sake!

 

Shinji: (Having a gut feeling about what was just said) This plan... to get back at SEELE... was it engineered by my father?

 

Misato: Yes, it was. Both Commander Fuyutski and your father have set this plan into motion. It appears that your father wants to find the SEELE members who escaped and stop them from doing anything else. However, knowing your father, I suspect that there may be something else going on...

 

Kensuke: So why was I asked to pilot? I know that they needed a back-up pilot and everything, but they only have four EVA's, right?

 

Misato: Actually, they are constructing a fifth one as we speak. You will be the pilot, Kensuke. It seems like no expense is being spared for this "mission" of Commander Ikari's...

 

Kensuke: (Excited) Really? Wow! My own Evangelion! This is so cool!

 

Rei: It seems to me like all of us are being used by Commander Ikari to achieve his endeavors, just like before...

 

Shinji, Asuka, and Rei look at each other knowingly, and then look at Misato. Misato knows that Rei is right, and has some doubts about the true nature of what is going on.

 

Misato: I agree, Rei. It seems like there is a good purpose behind this mission... SEELE could come back and threaten mankind, so Commander Ikari does have a point. I will keep my eyes open and make sure that you guys are not put into danger. There is one more thing I have to tell you...

 

Hikari: (Getting more concerned about what is going on by the second) What is it, Misato?

 

Misato: A Section-2 agent was killed recently, and it was possibly SEELE agents that did it. All of the key personnel are on 24-hour watch by Section-2 from now on to protect them. That includes all of the pilots and myself...

 

Asuka: (Loudly protesting) Are they going to watch us everywhere? What about when we take a shower or something? I don't want any perverts staring at me while I'm cleaning myself!

 

Misato: (Chuckling) They are just watching the outside of the house, Asuka. We're free to talk and do other things inside the house without being watched...

 

Asuka: (Relieved) Thank God!

 

Hikari: Umm... what about me? They might come after me, since I'm Toji's girlfriend... (Blushes)

 

Misato: (Scratching her chin) Hmm, good point. I'll make sure that you and your family are covered, okay?

 

Hikari: T-Thank you.

 

Misato: Do you guys have any questions?

 

Toji: Are we going to be doing any more of those battle sims?

 

Misato: (Nodding her head) Yes. A lot more if I read the orders I was just sent correctly. Commander Ikari wants to make sure that all of you are in top condition when we move out.

 

Kensuke: And just when will that be?

 

Misato: I have no idea. (Looks at her watch) I, uh, have to be going. I'll be back tomorrow morning. You guys have fun tonight and remember, you can order anything you want for dinner. (Stands up) If you have any more questions, ask me anytime, okay?

 

All six kids watch as Misato runs into her room, grabs a few things, and heads out of the door. All are puzzled about her quick departure, especially Shinji, Asuka, and Rei- who know that she has been running around a lot lately.

 

Asuka: Well... (Taps her finger on the table) What do you guys want to do?

 

Hikari feels a tugging at her leg and looks down at the floor. Pen-Pen begins to squawk and has something in his flippers...

 

Hikari: (Sweetly) What's that in your flippers? A deck of cards?

 

Pen-Pen nods his head and Hikari takes the cards from him.

 

Hikari: Well, why don't we play some card games? I think Pen-Pen should play too... (Picks up Pen-Pen and puts him in her lap)

 

All five of the other kids have a sweat drop at what just happened. Toji looks at Hikari and watches her as she handles and talks to Pen-Pen. He can easily see that Hikari has a strong maternal instinct by the way she is talking to and handling Pen-Pen. Toji begins to think to himself... 'She is so cute when she does that... she would be a good mother someday. I really like it when she shows this side of her...' A broad smile forms on his face as he continues to think of Hikari...

 

Kensuke: I guess cards it is... what did you guys want to play?

 

Asuka: Poker, five card draw, nothing wild!

 

Shinji: Sounds good to me.

 

Hikari: (To Pen-Pen) You're gonna help me, right, Pen? (Pen-Pen nods his head) You guys ready? I'll be the dealer.

 

Rei: Okay. Let's play.

 

The six teens and Pen-Pen play cards and talk for several hours, stopping to order some pizza for dinner, at Asuka's suggestion. Shinji and Rei help to set up the blankets and pillows in the front room and then all watch TV and eat pizza together. Hikari and Toji are on the couch while Shinji, Asuka, Rei, and Kensuke are on the floor. Hikari continues to talk to Pen-Pen; everyone can see that she has formed a close bond with him. Toji remembers that she really enjoyed watching him for Misato and she described the experience to him, it was like having a pet of her own.

 

Kensuke: (Very nervously putting his arm around Rei) I still can't believe that Hikari won all of the chips and beat all of us!

 

Rei: (Slightly blushing as she places her head on Kensuke's shoulder) She had some help, Kensuke...

 

Hikari: (Happily) That's right! (Pen-Pen holds up his flipper and gives Hikari a "high-five")

 

Asuka shakes her head and then gently places her head on Shinji's chest. He lets Asuka snuggle closer and then wraps an arm around her. Shinji whispers into Asuka's ear...

 

Shinji: (Softly) It's okay, Asuka... you don't have to win all of the time...

 

Asuka: (Softly with a pouting voice) But I got beat by Pen-Pen again!

 

Shinji: (Trying to calm Asuka down) It's okay... we all got beat. Who knew that Hikari and Pen-Pen could be such a deadly duo?

 

Hikari: Now you know! (Looks down at Pen-Pen) Pen-Pen, could you relax by yourself for the rest of the night? I want to spend time with Toji... (Blushes)

 

Pen-Pen shakes his head and immediately gives Hikari a hug with his flippers and he won't let go. Toji gets mad and begins to shout at Pen-Pen...

 

Toji: Get off of her NOW! (Begins to pull on Pen-Pen's leg)

 

Hikari: (Concerned) Toji! Leave him alone!

 

Pen-Pen continues to resist Toji for a few seconds, and then lets go of Hikari. He looks at Toji and then pecks him in the arm and hops down to the floor. Pen-Pen then heads to the kitchen for a beer and turns in for the night.

 

Toji: Owww! (Rubs his arm) That hurt!

 

Hikari: Well, that's what you get when you try and take my friend away without asking...

 

Toji: (Pleading) But Hikari, I was just trying to get him to leave so I could spend some time with you... he was with you all day!

 

Hikari: (Smiling) I suppose you're right... (Pulls him closer) I'm sorry.

 

Asuka: (Whispering to everyone on the floor) Beaten by a bird... how pathetic. I guess having been pampered by Hikari made him weak...

 

Toji: (Loudly) I heard that!

 

Hikari gently wraps her arms around him and stops him from making a comment in return to Asuka...

 

Hikari: (Whispering in his ear) What, you don't like me pampering you? You know you like it.

 

Toji's face turns a bright red color and he silently places a kiss on her cheek and whispers in her ear...

 

Toji: (Stammering) I-I w-will always like it when you pamper me.

 

Hikari: Good. Let's watch the rest of this movie... together.

 

Toji: Sure.

 

The evening continues on with all three couples enjoying some time together in front of the TV. In another part of Japan, Misato has just arrived at Kaji's apartment. Kaji lets her in and then immediately wraps his arms around her and begins to whisper in her ear. Misato looks down and notices that one arm is around her stomach and the other is a little bit higher...

 

To see a picture of this scene, go to picture 10 on picture page 2 of my website, it will really show you what this scene looks like.

 

Kaji: I was waiting for you to get here... I missed you, yah know...

 

Misato: (Teasingly) I can see that... the way yours arms are wrapped around me is a dead give away.

 

Misato turns around and looks at him intently. Kaji is still holding her close to him. He looks down at her face and he can see that she is really worried about something...

 

Kaji: (Gently caressing her cheek) What's wrong, Misato?

 

Misato: I'm worried, Kaji. A Section 2 agent was murdered and they think it was SEELE. Commander Ikari has ordered 24-hour supervision for all key personnel and the pilots. I'm worried about the kids... and about this mission. I don't want anything to happen to them... (Buries her head in his chest) I've worked so hard to help these kids out... and I don't want to lose them.

 

Kaji: I know what you mean, Misato, but I wish...

 

Misato: (Cutting Kaji off, on the verge of tears) That's just it, Kaji. I need someone to help me out and to be close to me back in Tokyo-3. I love coming out here to visit you... but it'll be risky from now on. It could raise questions about what I'm doing and me. (Starts to cry) I don't know what to do...

 

Kaji gently takes her chin and tilts it up so he can see her face. His heart is stricken at the sight of his true love in pain. He pulls her closer and starts to wipe the tears from her eyes...

 

Kaji: (Softly) I think I do. Can I let you go of you for a few minutes to make a phone call? I promise that I'll be right back, okay?

 

Misato: (Has a weak smile on her face) S-Sure, Kaji. I'll wait right here...

 

Kaji gently lets go of Misato and heads over to another room to make a phone call. Misato lies down on his bed and props a few pillows under her head. She relaxes her body and begins to think to herself...

 

Misato: I wonder whom he's calling? (Sighs) I wish he could come back to the apartment with me... but he has an assignment here and even if he didn't, how would I get him in without raising suspicion? Hmmm...

 

Kaji walks into the room a few minutes later with a smile on his face. He stretches out on the bed next to Misato and snuggles up next to her. She turns and looks at him...

 

Misato: (Trying to smile) Why are you so happy? Who did you call?

 

Kaji: Let's just say... I had an assignment change. I'm supposed to go deep into enemy territory and work undercover again...

 

Misato: (Immediately understanding what he meant) Do you mean...?

 

Kaji: Yes. (Caresses her hand) I can go back with you and I don't have to stay here. We have to figure out how you're gonna get me into your apartment without Section-2 noticing- that's the only problem.

 

Misato: We should think of something and then go back tomorrow morning. The kids are having a sleepover and I don't want to spoil it for them. I want to stay with you tonight, Kaji...

 

Misato rolls on top of Kaji and then lowers her head onto his chest. He starts to run his fingers through her hair. She relaxes and begins to feel tired...

 

Misato: Kaji... just hold me tonight. No "healing"... just some snuggling, okay?

 

Kaji: (Understanding of her request but also a little disappointed inside) Sure... (Pulls a blanket over them) You know... it's been a long time since we've done this...

 

Misato: (Softly) I know... thank you, Kaji.

 

Kaji: No problem. I'll get my stuff together tomorrow morning and we'll figure out what we're gonna do. I don't have much, so it won't be too hard...

 

Misato: (Yawning) Sure... 'night Kaji.

 

Kaji: Good night, Misato...

 

Misato falls asleep and Kaji does as well a little later, after thinking about their current predicament. Back in Tokyo-3, it's almost 10 P.M. and the kids are getting ready for bed. The boys change in Shinji's room while the girls change in Asuka's room. Asuka makes a mental note to herself to get some pajamas like Rei's... meaning with the monogramming on it. Shinji and Asuka are the first to emerge from their respective rooms. Shinji immediately notices that Asuka is wearing the same buttoned yellow pajamas as last night and begins to stare at her. She notices what he is doing and heads over the front room, sitting down on her blanket.

 

Shinji: A-Asuka...

 

Asuka: (Smiling at Shinji) Yes, Shinji? Were you expecting that button to open again?

 

Shinji: (Blushing and also a little disappointed) Umm... no. (Tries to change the subject) Y-You look good in those pajamas...

 

Asuka: (Motioning him to sit down on the blanket next to her) Thank you. (Shinji sits down next to Asuka) I want to see what happens when the other two stooges come out, though...

 

Shinji: (Confused) What do you mean by that, Asuka?

 

Asuka: Well, from what I know, neither one has been to a sleepover and seen their girlfriends in pajamas before. (Rubs her hands together) I can't wait to see how they'll react! They aren't as refined as you, Shinji.

 

Shinji: (Pausing for a moment, he is unsure on how exactly to respond to Asuka) Umm, Asuka, I guess you're right- but I don't think they are unrefined...

 

Asuka: Here we go... (Both Toji and Hikari walk out of their respective rooms and look at each other. Toji is really taken by Hikari's appearance in those pink pajamas of her's) And... now...

 

Toji: (Blushing profusely and also drooling a little bit) H-Hikari, you l-look g-great...

 

Hikari: (Blushing as well) T-Thank you...

 

Toji continues to stare at Hikari, her appearance is strikingly beautiful in his eyes and he can't stop staring at her. Hikari, despite her blushing, is enjoying the fact that he is really taken by her and her alone. A few seconds later, both Rei and Kensuke come out and almost run into each other. Kensuke is wearing a regular shirt and sweatpants, like Toji and Shinji are currently wearing. Rei is wearing her new blue monogrammed pajamas and Kensuke stops in his tracks when he notices what she is wearing. His eyes bulge out as he looks her up and down...

 

Rei: (Noticing what Kensuke is doing) Do you like the pajamas?

 

Kensuke: (Stumbling for words) Y... you l... look... g... gorgeous, Rei.

 

Rei: (Straightens out her pajamas, causing Kensuke's eyes to bug out even more) Thank you. (Walks up to Kensuke and gives him a hug)

 

Kensuke slowly wraps his arms around her and starts to shake, he is very nervous because of Rei's beautiful appearance...

 

Asuka: (Yelling from the front room) Are you four gonna stare at each other all night?

 

Toji: Yeah, what if we want to?

 

Toji blushes a moment later, realizing what she asked him. Hikari also blushes and then looks at her boyfriend thoughtfully. Asuka starts to chuckle at the predicament of the four. Shinji decides to defuse the situation by diverting Asuka's attention away with a hug...

 

Asuka: (Softly) Shin-chan...

 

Shinji: Asuka, I've been thinking about what Misato said...

 

Asuka: I have too, and I'm sorta worried about it. We don't know what we're up against...

 

Toji and Hikari sit down and Toji puts a blanket around them both. Kensuke and Rei sit down and Kensuke follows Toji's example, albeit nervously.

 

Kensuke: I wonder what those SEELE people are making... EVA's? Robot's? How are they gonna fight us?

 

Hikari: What about all of us? I'm worried about these SEELE people being out there, looking for us.

 

Toji: (Places a reassuring hand on Hikari's shoulder) Hikari... Misato's got us all covered.

 

Asuka: (Grabbing her pillow) Yeah, silly... (Hits Hikari with the pillow) Stop being such a worry wart!

 

Hikari: (Getting agitated) This means war!

 

Hikari throws her pillow at Asuka and misses, hitting Shinji in the face. Asuka and Hikari both start to laugh at Shinji. Shinji counterattacks and starts smacking Asuka with his pillow and comes close to hitting Hikari several times...

 

Hikari: Toji, help me out here!

 

Toji: (Shaking his head) That would be helping out Asuka, too... and I don't wanna. Kensuke, my man, help me get Asuka!

 

Kensuke: (Grabbing his pillow) Ready for action! Let's get her!

 

Toji and Kensuke start to advance on Asuka, who is currently fighting with Shinji. Hikari decides to call for reinforcements...

 

Hikari: (Noticing that Rei is just watching what is going on) Rei... don't just sit there, get your pillow and help us!

 

Rei quickly stands up and positions herself in front of Asuka and Hikari, blocking Kensuke and Toji. Shinji backs away from Asuka and joins Toji and Kensuke. All six teens hold their pillows like rifles and are ready to strike...

 

Kensuke: (Shaking his head and complaining) I don't wanna fight Rei...

 

Toji: (Trying to get his friend to help with some careful thinking) Use your war strategies right now, forget about the love strategy. This is war!

 

Asuka: (Sarcastically) OOOhh... we're all shaking! (Looks at Shinji and has an idea about how to get him agitated) Watch out girls, their team has the "invincible" Shinji.

 

Shinji responds to Asuka's taunt by putting his hand behind his back to stop Kensuke and Toji. He quickly thinks of a return comment for Asuka...

 

Shinji: Stand back, guys. (Decides to use the same idea on Asuka that she used on him) I'll take on the "Great Asuka Langley Soryu" myself.

 

Asuka folds her arms across her chest and stares menacingly at Shinji...

 

Asuka: HHmmph! I'll show you... (Grabs her pillow and holds it close, Hikari and Rei do the same)

 

The standoff begins... both sides stare at each other, waiting for the first move to be made. Pen-Pen, who has been watching this whole fiasco from the safety of the kitchen, waddles over to the CD player and turns on a song. The lyrics soon fill the tension-filled apartment...

 

CD Player: MORTAL KOMBAT!

 

Almost on cue, Shinji and Asuka go after each other with the pillows... the other two couples follow their lead a few seconds later. The pillow fighting has begun...

 

The fighting is contained to one on one combat for the most part; an occasion hit is landed on another person. Shinji and Asuka go at it the most, swinging with all of their might. Both of them want to show the other that they are the best. Hikari and Toji are also swinging with much force, Hikari is mad at Toji for not helping her and Asuka out. Toji is mad about Hikari not being on his side in this argument- his feelings about Pen-Pen hogging her attention earlier are also shown it the way he swings his pillow. Rei and Kensuke go at each other, but have less force then the other two couples. Rei is trying to play along with the others and Kensuke doesn't really want to hit her.

 

After a few minutes of fighting, Rei hits Kensuke with the pillow right in the face, knocking his glasses off. Kensuke starts screaming "My glasses!" while putting one hand on his eyes. Rei stops and looks at Kensuke with a smile on her face...

 

Rei: Do you surrender?

 

Kensuke looks at Rei and notices the smile on her face. He realizes that she is having as much fun as he is having with the pillow fighting. Without his glasses, however, he would be fighting blind. Rei would beat him for sure.

 

Kensuke: (With a hint of sorrow in his voice) Umm... I guess.

 

Rei walks over to Kensuke and sits down. She gets his glasses and hands them to him. A relieved Kensuke puts his glasses back on and looks at Rei...

 

Kensuke: (Blushing) T-Thanks Rei...

 

Rei: (Happily) You're welcome, Ken-kun...

 

Kensuke: Ken-kun? What do you mean by... (Blushes and stops speaking- he has just realized that Rei has given him a "pet" name)

 

Rei: I noticed that Asuka had given my brother a special name... so I thought that I should have one for you since... (Blushes)

 

Kensuke: (Pulling Rei into a hug) S-Since we're going out...

 

Kensuke closes his eyes and nervously listens to Rei's soft breathing. He is about to pull back and place a kiss on her lips when she is hit in the back with a pillow, pushing her against Kensuke. He opens his eyes and notices how close they are... her body is pressing against his. He desperately tries to clear his mind of certain thoughts as Rei puts her arms around him and looks longingly at him...

 

Rei: (Very red) K-Ken-kun...

 

Kensuke can feel his heart beating rapidly in his chest. He had thought about what would happen when his relationship with Rei moved forward... but was unable to really imagine what it would feel like to have her this close. Rei is also very nervous... her heart is also beating rapidly. New emotions and desires are flowing through her body at a rapid pace. Kensuke gulps and then slowly moves his lips towards Rei. Rei's eyes close as she feels his soft lips press against hers...

 

Kensuke wraps his arms around her as the kissing continues and pulls her even closer. He can feel her chest pressing against him. Drops of sweat begin to form on his brow. He fights the urge to stop and instead uses this new feeling of excitement to show Rei how much he cares for her. Rei is surprised at the sudden urgency of his kisses and she returns them with stronger ones of her own, loving every moment of these new and deep feelings that she is having...

 

On the other side of the front room, the other two couples keep fighting, totally unaware of the actions of Kensuke and Rei. They are too busy hitting each other and venting their frustrations...

 

Hikari: (Smacking Toji with her pillow, almost without mercy) That's what you get for not helping me! You should always stick by your girlfriend!

 

Toji: (Yelling as he tries to deflect Hikari's blows) I'm not the one who spent the whole day with a penguin instead of me!

 

Hikari: (Offended by his statement) Hey, at least it listens to me!

 

Toji: (Feeling the rage well within him) Oh yeah...?

 

Toji goes on the offensive and starts to counter Hikari's skillful attacks. She is soon overwhelmed by his attacks, however. Toji grabs her pillow and looks at her victoriously...

 

Toji: (Smiling) I win!

 

Hikari shakes her head and then rushes into him, attempting to get her pillow back. In a move of tactical brilliance, he allows her to get very close and then pulls her into a bear hug. Hikari can feel the pillows pressing against her and realizes that he has trapped her...

 

Hikari: (Struggling) Toji, let me out!

 

Toji: Why should I?

 

Hikari tries to think of a way out. She soon has an idea...

 

Hikari: (Sweetly) I'll give you a kiss if you let me out...

 

Toji: (Pauses for a moment to consider her request) I guess...

 

Hikari feels Toji's grip around her lessen and he drops the pillows to the floor. She moves closer, as if to kiss him, and then grabs one of the fallen pillows and hits Toji in the head...

 

Toji: Ow! You tricked me!

 

Hikari: (Shaking her head) That's why you always defend your girlfriend FIRST, Toji... otherwise...

 

Toji is about to say something in return when he notices Hikari's hair looks different. During their fight, her ponytails have come undone and her hair is flowing naturally. A blush forms on Toji's face as he realizes how beautiful she looks at this moment; her hair down and her face slightly glistening with sweat from the battle...

 

Toji: (Stuttering) Y-You look b-beautiful, Hikari...

 

Hikari is taken aback for a moment; she was not expecting him to say that out of the blue. She sits down next to him and runs her fingers through her hair and realizes that her hair is down out of the ponytails...

 

Hikari: You like my hair down? Or is it better with the two ponytails?

 

Toji: (Unable to find a perfect answer in his mind) Umm... I think you look cute either way...

 

Hikari: (Leaning on Toji) Thanks. I guess our fight saved me the trouble of taking down those ponytails like I normally do before I go to bed...

 

Toji: (Wrapping an arm around Hikari) I never knew that...

 

Both sit and watch Shinji and Asuka, since they are the closest and the center of attention. Hikari and Toji chuckle as they watch the last couple go at it. They do not notice Kensuke and Rei on the other side of the room, who continue to slowly kiss and express their feelings for each other. Both Shinji and Asuka are using memories from each other to taunt the other and to continue the fight...

 

Shinji: (Swinging his pillow at Asuka) (Gleefully) Looks like I'm winning... (Starts advancing more towards Asuka)

 

Asuka: (Defending her self with her pillow and in words) Oh no, I'm not gonna be beaten by the "Invincible Shinji"...

 

Shinji: But you were... I passed your sync ratio...

 

Asuka suddenly gets a burst of energy from the sudden anger that has overcome her...

 

Asuka: (Loudly) How DARE you bring that up, you know that was a bad time for me! And it only got worse!

 

Shinji is suddenly on the defensive, as Asuka continues to hit him without mercy...

 

Shinji: Sorry, sorry!

 

Asuka: (Still attacking Shinji) That's another thing... I was getting sick of you saying that all of the time! Why do you think I used to call you "baka"?

 

Shinji: (Trying to make a comeback) At least I didn't shove my chest into Kaji's face on that aircraft carrier...

 

Asuka: (Mad about the fact that he is using her own memories against her) You're in for it now, Shinji!

 

Asuka goes into a frenzy as she tries to punish Shinji for using her own memories against her. She quickly thinks of a comeback that will stop Shinji in his tracks...

 

Asuka grabs Shinji's pillow and takes it away from him after a short struggle. She then pins him to the ground with her pillow... Shinji struggles to get out but in vain- Asuka is very angry at him...

 

Toji: (Softly to Hikari) Looks like Shinji had it there, but he lost...

 

Hikari: (Softly to Toji) He didn't lose, just like you didn't lose to me... (Wraps her arm around Toji)

 

Asuka: (Whispering in Shinji's ear) If you mention anything like that again, I won't want to sleep with you anymore.

 

Shinji: (Nervously) I-I'm sorry, Asuka...

 

Asuka's mood suddenly changes as she notices the look on Shinji's face. He is genuinely sorry for hurting her feelings...

 

Asuka: Since you're apologizing for hurting my feelings, it's okay. Just don't get back into that old habit of yours...

 

Shinji: (Carefully wording his response to avoid saying the word "sorry") I'll try not too...

 

Asuka: (Smiling) Good. (Places a kiss on his lips) That was fun, Shinji... you had me on the run for a while there...

 

Shinji: I guess...

 

Shinji and Asuka sit up and immediately notice that Toji and Hikari are watching them...

 

Asuka: And what do you think you two are doing?

 

Hikari: Oh, nothing... (Starts looking around the room in an attempt to look innocent)

 

Asuka sighs and then looks around the room. Her eyes soon come across the sight of Kensuke and Rei making out...

 

Asuka: (Trying to change the focus of the current conversation) Well, it looks like your sister's growing up, Shinji...

 

Shinji, Toji, and Hikari turn and look across the room at the other couple.

 

Toji: I didn't think you had it in you, Kensuke...

 

Rei and Kensuke stop kissing and turn their heads to look at the other four teens. A bright blush covers both of their faces...

 

Shinji: (With brotherly concern) Rei!

 

Rei: (Very embarrassed) Ken-kun and I were just... expressing our feelings for each other.

 

Hikari: Ken-kun? (Nudges Asuka) Looks like Rei picked up on your pet name thing, Asuka...

 

Asuka: (Defensively) And what's wrong with that? Do you have a pet name for your man?

 

Hikari: (Shaking her head) I don't need one... Toji is just fine with me.

 

Toji feels warm inside and blushes because of Hikari's last comment. He pulls her closer to his body and she snuggles her head into his chest.

 

Shinji: (Still caught up in "big brother" mode) Rei, you should take it easy... you don't want to move too fast with your relationship...

 

Kensuke: (Finally getting the courage to speak) And this coming from someone who can't stop kissing, even in school. (Shakes his head)

 

Rei: (Looking at her brother) You should not do things like that all the time. Something else may happen... especially since both of you sleep together every night. I do not recall the last time Shinji slept in his own bed...

 

Shinji and Asuka become very red in the face as a result of Rei's last comment. Hikari and Toji start to chuckle...

 

Hikari: Is that so? I hope you've been a good girl, Asuka... (Starts laughing)

 

Toji: I didn't know you could be so bold, Shinji... (Joins Hikari in laughing at Shinji and Asuka)

 

Shinji: (Very nervously) Umm... it's not like that at all. We're not fooling around...

 

Kensuke: (Skeptically) I don't know if I believe you, Shinji... we've seen how much Asuka glomps on you sometimes...

 

Asuka: (Exasperated) Will you guys leave us alone? (Looks at the others) If you were in love like Shinji and I are, you wouldn't want to be apart, even at night.

 

Hikari: (Blushing) I-I guess we get to test your theory tonight...

 

Toji starts to run his fingers through Hikari's soft hair. Rei takes Kensuke's hand and holds it...

 

Hikari: (Softly) I'm tired, Toji...

 

Kensuke: It is getting late...

 

Shinji: I think we should all go to bed...

 

Asuka: All right. See you guys in the morning...

 

All six teens exchange "Good nights" and head off to sleep. Rei snuggles up next to Kensuke, who nervous holds her close. Hikari and Toji share a goodnight kiss and Hikari opts for the warmth and comfort of Toji- by snuggling her head into his chest. Shinji and Asuka fall asleep next to each other, hand in hand...

 

Over in Kyoto, Kaji and Misato have one of the best night's sleep that they have ever had. The harsh reality of the next day is soon upon them, however...

 

To be continued in Chapter 23: Voices in the Dark