Neon Genesis Evangelion Fan Fiction ❯ A Soliloquy of Life ❯ Please Don’t Call Me Doll! ( Chapter 2 )

A Soliloquy of Life: Chapter 2- Please Don't Call Me Doll!

 

 

“He Did What?” Asuka shouted at Hikari.

“Touji asked me to the dance” Hikari repeated very excitedly.

“You didn't accept did you?” Asuka questioned.

“Of course I did” Hikari answered.

“Why?” Asuka said looking at her funny

“Because I like him” Hikari stated proudly.

“But he is the dumbest of the stooges” Asuka admonished.

Hikari warned her, “Be nice Asuka.”

Asuka answered the warning with one of her rants “This is completely unacceptable.” “Didn't you stop bringing him lunches like I told you to?” “Touji???..Have you snapped or something?”

“Settle down Asuka, besides he is not nearly as bad as you think he is. He's strong but gentle, he's smarter than you think he is, and really kind if you get to know him. Also he is a very good and responsible big brother to his little sister. His little sister tells me this every time I baby-sit for her and that is something that is important to me.” Hikari said trying to calm down and stop Asuka's rant.

Asuka was not giving up without a fight though, “Touji?… Touji?… C'mon Hikari that is about as low as you could go, and I know you can do a lot better”

Normally Asuka would not be as upset as she was, she had known that the two have liked each other for about 2 years now, but there were still some problems with this.

Touji was a stooge.

She had figured it would have taken him until their senior year to get up enough guts to ask her out, and now she lost her bet to Shinji who had said Junior. This meant she would have to do the dishes for a week. This wasn't so bad, but she just hated to lose.

Originally Hikari and her had planned to go to the dance together without dates, and she had just picked out a dress she was sure was going to get the attention of every boy in school. And the concept of now going alone wasn't very appealing to her.

 

Hikari decided to take the battle to Asuka and changed the flow of the conversation by saying “I think you're just jealous Touji asked me out before Shinji asked you.” Hikari knew there was a lot of truth to this statement even if Asuka would never admit it.

Asuka stared at her for a second before saying while shaking her head “You really have snapped haven't you?”

Hikari now in a teasing voice “I still think you're jealous” knowing there was a mutual attraction.

Asuka shot back quickly “It's bad enough that I have to live with the perverted stooge, there is no way in hell I could even think about going on a date with him without puking.”

Hikari shot back just as quickly “I don't believe you” in her teasing tone of voice. Asuka gave her the evil eye for that last comment.

Hikari backed down and said “I don't know why you are always so down on him, there are a lot of girls who would accept a date with him if he asked them.”

Asuka scoffed at that and replied “No way, there isn't one girl at this school who wouldn't laugh in his face if he asked them.”

“Do you want to bet?” Hikari challenged.

“Name the stakes” Asuka said.

Hikari set her terms “If I win you have to go to the dance with a date.”

Asuka then asked “And what happens when you lose this bet?”

Hikari answered “I will break my date with Touji.” She only proposed this because she had already picked the person she wanted to ask, and knew she would win.

“Deal. But you only get to ask one girl and I get to tell Touji.” Asuka said, adding a devilish little grin at the end part.

Hikari agreed “Fine, one is all I need anyways.”

 

Now with the deal finished Hikari got up and Asuka followed her around while Hikari searched the lunch yard for a certain person.

“How much longer is it going to take Hikari before you give up and let me crush Touji's spirit?” Asuka said getting impatient.

Hikari stopped and pointed at the girl she was looking for. “There she is down the hill under that tree” Hikari said.

“But the only person down there is….Rei….Ayanami.” With this Asuka's face had turned white as a ghost. In her mind she never even envisioned Hikari would ask her, and the thought not only disgusted her but also filled her with rage.

“Hello Rei, may I ask you a question?” Hikari asked politely. As Rei looked up she was greatly surprised to see who was talking to her and a little frightened as well due to the look in Asuka's eyes.

Very hesitantly Rei answered “Yes.”

“Rei, if Shinji asked you to the dance would you accept?” Hikari asked.

Rei could not believe she was just asked that question and the only thing that she could do is stutter “W..wh..what?”

Hikari repeated herself “Rei, if Shinji asked you to the dance would you accept?” Rei still could not believe what she had heard and hesitated.

“Well spit it out 1st, we don't have all day” a now furious and impatient Asuka demanded. This backfired on Asuka as Rei was about to say no, more out of embarrassment than anything. But since Asuka was basically challenging her, Rei knew that “No” was the answer Asuka was looking for and her little mean streak showed up. Rei thought on how to correctly say her answer for a second and then with a smile said “If Shinji asked…I would go with him to the dance as a friend.”

“So is that a yes?” Hikari said still in a polite tone.

“Yes” Rei replied with an even bigger smile, and a small spark in her eyes. At this moment Rei really wished Kensuke was there so he could record the look of absolute horror and rage on Asuka's face.

“Then you lose Asuka, now you have to go to the dance with a date” Hikari said triumphantly.

Asuka didn't even hear what Hikari said, she only heard Rei's answer and there was only one response Asuka could think of “Shut Up Doll.” Asuka knew exactly how damaging this particular word was to Rei, and she also knew that Rei knew that she knew this as well. She actually hadn't used the word in over a year and a half as last time she did Misato caught her, lectured her for 4 hours, and grounded her for a week as punishment. But at this point in time she felt it fit the situation perfectly.

“Please Don't Call Me Doll” Rei shot back in a deadly serious tone. Hikari while not surprised at Rei's answer, was greatly surprised and troubled at what this light hearted event she created had now turned into. The two polar opposite woman were now starring at each other with an intent to kill look in their eyes.

“Come on now Asuka we got our answer, lets go” Hikari said trying to diffuse the situation, but to no effect.

“What's wrong Sohryu, did I answer incorrectly?” Rei growled while the two were locked in their stare.

Asuka screamed violently “FUCK YOU” and then turned her back to the both of them and stormed off.

 

Hikari was now very frightened, she had never seen Asuka this angry and for that matter she had never even seen Rei angry. When she looked over at Rei she was greatly surprised again, Rei was no longer scowling but instead had a wicked little grin on her face. Coming out on top of an argument with Asuka always gave her a good feeling and she knew she had just won this one.

Rei spoke up “Do you want to make a bet on when she tells Shinji he's taking her to the dance?”

Hikari, still in a state of shock and not really knowing what she was saying, uttered “Tomorrow Afternoon.”

“Two days from now” Rei said as her answer.

Hikari now coming to terms with the situation and figuring she would be able to talk with Asuka later today and straighten it all out decided to go along with the bet she was now in. “What are the terms?” She asked.

“If I win you take my cleaning duties for the next month” Rei proposed.

“And if I win you have to come to the dance as well” Hikari said as she figured this would make Rei uncomfortable.

And it did as Rei became very uncomfortable but was also trapped. Since she initiated the bet she knew she couldn't back down now. Plus she figured there was no way Hikari would let her so she reluctantly said “Deal.”

 

“So you finally asked her out. PAY UP Kensuke.” Shinji celebrated.

“Aw man, couldn't you have waited a year you stupid lug” Kensuke complained as he paid out $50 dollars to Shinji.

“You guys bet on when I would ask Hikari out?” Touji yelled at them.

“Yes and I'm a double winner too. I got $50 dollars from Kensuke and Asuka has to do the dishes for me for a week.” A very happy Shinji bragged, and then said “This is going to be a good day.”

“I can't believe you would bet on something like this” Touji stammered.

“Why not we bet on when Shinji will finally ask Asuka out on a date, Hint 6 months from now Hint” Kensuke said with a wink at the end.

“THAT'S CHEATING, you can't tell him that” Touji yelled. With that a now surprised Shinji and an angry Touji chased Kensuke while threatening to depants him and throw him into the girl's bath room. After a long chase the 3 boys tired themselves out and all were lying down on the grass.

“Don't forget Kensuke you owe us a huge favor for letting you off easy” Touji pointed out.

“Yeah don't worry I'll remember” Kensuke said figuring it would be paid back by the end of the week when he would have to fix Touji's computer.

“So Touji” Shinji asked “What are your plans for taking Hikari to the dance?”

“Umm…I'm going to…or…umm” this was pretty much all Touji had. It had taken all of his nerve just to ask her and after she said yes his mind was in a dream world. So he hadn't really thought of anything after actually asking her.

“Do you know what to wear? Are you going out to eat before or after the dance? Do you even know where she lives?” Kensuke started and then continued to assault Touji with questions that unfortunately for Touji he didn't have the answer too.

`I need a good plan if I'm going to impress Hikari' Touji was now thinking to himself as he realized how totally unprepared he was. “Shinji, do you have Kaji's work number? I need to ask him some questions.” That actually made Shinji laugh, as he now knew Kaji was not really the huge ladies man he let people believe he was. That was all an act to cover up his true intentions. Truth be told he was just about as hen pecked as he was in his private life.

 

The three boys got up and started to walk around talking about what Touji was going to do when suddenly they all heard a very loud and violent “FUCK YOU” and saw an extremely enraged Asuka storming across the schoolyard. As Shinji looked around to see what had caused her to explode like that he saw Hikari and Rei, and Rei had a wicked little smile on her face. At that point he knew that Rei and Asuka had gotten into another argument and that Rei had won. He also knew at this point his day, which was starting to look very good, would now be extremely bad.

 

“Rise, Bow, Sit” the class rep said as the rest of the school day began. Almost immediately though a chat group was started.

Shinman = Shinji; Allstar = Touji; MilitaryIntel = Kensuke; RedQueen = Asuka; ClassRep = Hikari; and Ice = Rei.

 

Allstar: What happened Hikari?

MilitaryIntel: And where's Asuka?

ClassRep: I don't know if I want to talk about it, and I don't know where she is.

Shinman: She's at home.

ClassRep: How do you know?

Shinman: I just do.

Shinman: Right now though I want to know how you are involved with this Hikari.

 

Shinji was not in a very good or forgiving mood at this point. He could pretty much figure out what had happened between Rei and Asuka, but did not know how Hikari fit into this. He was going to find out though. He also knew what Asuka was really like and what was happening at home right now and this angered him greatly, because to him it was a strictly forbidden rule for anyone to hurt her in any way, and someone had just broken that rule.

 

ClassRep: I kinda started it.

Shinman: Why the hell did you do that?

Allstar: Don't swear at Hikari.

MilitaryIntel: Just cool down Shinji.

Shinman: Shut the fuck up you two and get the hell off this chat, I need to talk only to Hikari

ClassRep: I think it would be better if you two left.

MilitaryIntel: OK, if you say so.

MilitaryIntel Logged off.

Allstar: If he is going to act that to you, NO WAY.

ClassRep: Just log off please.

Allstar: Are you sure?

ClassRep: Yes, it will be OK.

Allstar: OK Hikari, but Shinji you better watch it or else.

Allstar Logged off.

ClassRep: I didn't mean to start this.

Shinman: You did though.

ClassRep: When Asuka calms down I promise I will talk to her and apologize.

Shinman: That's not going to work this time.

ClassRep: Why not?

Shinman: Asuka's not angry right now, she's hurt.

ClassRep: I don't understand.

Shinman: Asuka's not nearly as strong as everyone thinks she is.

ClassRep: ?

Shinman: Even though you two are best friends there are a lot of things you still don't know. And a lot of things she won't tell you about herself. From all the shit we went through in the angel wars I have learned what she is truly like and that's why I let her treat me the way she does. It's her defense against any chance of further pain. That is also why she treats everyone else the way she does. You somehow caused a situation in which that defense failed and now she is at home crying.

ClassRep: She can't be, not over a stupid bet. Are you sure?

Shinman: YES.

 

It was at that point that Hikari finally realized the full levity of the situation she had created, and the thought of something she started had actually caused Asuka to break overwhelmed her. As tears formed in her eyes she could write only one thing.

 

ClassRep: Please tell Asuka I'm sorry.

Shinman: I will, but only if you tell me everything that happened NOW.

 

Hikari then told him everything that had happened. Shinji did not care about the stupid bet that created this situation, he knew that was not the real problem. All he really cared about was Asuka. And he needed to know everything to have any chance of helping her. After he got all the facts he responded.

 

Shinman: I will tell Asuka you're sorry, but that may not solve anything and this problem may take some time to mend.

ClassRep: Thank you Shinji and I'm sorry to you too.

Shinman: That's OK, now go tell your goon to calm down, but do not tell him anything about the situation.

ClassRep: OK.

ClassRep Logged off

 

Hikari still felt very bad about the situation she had started, but now had hope because she could see how much Shinji cared and that he would stop at nothing to help solve the problem. She then started a chat with a thoroughly confused and angry Touji. After explaining that everything was eventually going to be alright, and it didn't concern him, she warned him not to bring this subject up. This calmed down Touji but he still wanted to know what was going on. Kensuke who was left out of the loop tried to talk to both of them but Touji said he didn't know anything either, and Hikari warned him to stay out of it.

 

During this whole time Rei was quietly sitting at her desk with a little smirk on her face savoring the small victory she had just won. Then a message appeared on her computer from Shinji that told her they needed to talk. Her smirk disappeared instantly. She turned around to take a quick look at Shinji only to be meet by a pair of intensely angry eyes. She quickly turned back forwards. With some trepidation she started a chat with him.

 

Ice: Hello Shinji.

Shinman: Rei we need to talk…..

 

Shinji didn't even let her respond before he started his tirade. For the next hour he chewed out Rei for what had happened and her involvement with it. Rei knew this was coming though, but did not expect the intensity level of Shinji to be so high. As the tirade went on Rei finally realized just what Asuka meant to Shinji. She had always suspected Shinji had a huge crush on Asuka from the start, but from the verbal beating she was getting she realized his feelings for her were way beyond infatuation. This wasn't the voice of someone with a school boy crush, this was the voice of an angry lover. When Shinji finally finished Rei was on the verge of tears. Shinji knew this and wrote.

 

Shinman: I'm sorry Rei, we are still good friends but you needed to hear that, and I needed to say that.

Ice: It's OK, I understand….and I'm sorry.

Shinman logged out

Ice logged out

 

The rest of the day went quickly and quietly. There was no one in the room who couldn't feel the tension, and since that tension was emanating from one of the nicest kid in school everyone was a little afraid. Even the teacher had stopped his lecture and told the class to quietly study by themselves. He was a little frightened as well and was thinking to himself `The school board never trained me for this.'

 

When the end of school bell rang the class rep said “Rise, Bow, Dismissed.” Shinji immediately got up and left. Kensuke and Touji were about to give chase even though they were warned to stay out of it. But being in the dark the whole time was eating away at them and this was their chance to get some answers. They intended to catch Shinji and grill him for answers, but as they got to the door leading out of class they were stopped by a blue haired girl with an angry look on her face standing in their way.

From behind a brown haired class rep said “It was Asuka's and Shinji's turn to clean the class room, but since they are gone I need two volunteers to take their place.” She then pointed her finger at each of them as they turned around.

“But…But..” was all Kensuke and Touji could utter before both girls took one step closer to them to emphasize their point. Hikari shoved a mop and broom into their hands and told them to get to work. Both girls stuck around to make sure they did a good job.

 

To Hikari's surprise Rei started a conversation with her. Rei had only helped out Hikari in this situation as a way to help out Shinji, and since she was now stuck here for a while she thought maybe she could pass the time with a little conversation. Rei wasn't nearly as antisocial as most people would have guessed. Since the end of the angel wars she had grown into a pretty normal girl if you gave her half the chance to prove it. This time to both their surprises they found out they had some things in common, and enjoyed their conversation.

“Shinji chewed you out good didn't he?” Hikari asked Rei.

“Yes” Rei answered wincing a little as tirade of angry words replayed in her head.

“He was pretty mad with me as well. I had no idea making Asuka upset would make him so angry.” Hikari said.

“I sort of knew it would but nowhere near the level he was at today.” Rei responded “Very rarely have I ever seen him truly angry.”

“Can I ask you a personal question that I have always wondered?” Hikari said, as that statement revived something she had always wondered about.

Rei looked at Hikari with a little mistrust but said “Yes”

“Is the animosity between you and Asuka about Shinji?” Hikari said this hesitantly as this was actually a very bold question.

“That is only part of it. A lot of our tension goes back to the angel wars” Rei replied.

Hikari continued as she was still looking for more answers “When you said you would go with Shinji to the dance, you added as a friend. Why?”

“That is all we ever will be… but please don't ask why.” Rei said with a little hesitation of her own on the last part.

“OK I won't, but I do have one more question for you. Is that your real hair color? I have always liked it.” Hikari said as she lightened up the mood of the conversation.

“Yes and Thank You” Rei said with a light smile. Hikari then yelled out at the boys that they missed a spot and to slow down as haste makes waste.

Rei then asked a question herself. “When I looked at the chart for cleanup I didn't see Asuka's and Shinji's name for today. Did it change?”

Hikari laughed a little and whispered “No I made that part up as a way to keep the boys here.” Rei laughed a little at this as well. The two girls then continued their conversation while taking turns telling the boys they missed a spot and to slow down to draw out the torture. When they were finally done Hikari went up to them again and in a very serious voice said “Listen to me this time, Stay Out Of It.” This time the two boys listened as they could tell that the punishment for next time would be much more severe than simply cleaning the room.

 

---- Helpful Story Break: Remember to blink so you don't strain your eyes. ----

 

At Nerv headquarters everything was boring as usual. Ritsuko was playing solitaire on her computer, Maya was just sitting around reading the latest computer magazine while asking Makoto little questions, Makoto was half-heartedly answering the questions and playing the latest version of EVA VS. ANGELS #5, Shigeru was playing his guitar quietly, and Fuyutsuki was just wandering around aimlessly. At noon that changed though. Kaji burst into Misato's office and said there was a problem.

“What is it?” Misato questioned.

“Asuka and Rei had an argument” Kaji answered.

“About what this time?” Misato questioned with a sigh.

“Shinji” Kaji said in a worried tone as this was a much more serious topic then usual for the two to argue about.

“This is bad. Very bad. Who won?” Misato questioned again.

“Rei” Kaji simply answered.

“Tell Fuyutsuki to get his ass up here and take over, I'm going home.” Misato ordered.

“Wait Misato” Kaji said “If you go home know you will just make things worse.”

“How would helping Asuka make it worse?” Misato said in a frantic voice.

Kaji answered her. “You know she needs time to figure this out for herself and her feelings for Shinji is something she has to come to terms with. When she is ready she will come to you.” Misato hated this answer but knew it was true. Asuka was 16 and there are just some things she had to work out for herself. Kaji went on “Also there is the problem of you showing up and already knowing what happened, that in itself would cause an even bigger mess right now.”

“But she's one of my babies” Misato tried to argue.

“I know. I want to go and help her now as well, but that is not the right answer.” Kaji said back.

“Shit, I Hate This!” Misato screamed out loud enough for anyone in the area to hear it.

“So do I, but we were told when we adopted them that raising these two would not be easy.” Kaji said trying to calm her down. It didn't really work that well as the two spent the rest of the day talking about how to best handle this situation and Misato kept getting more and more frantic.

 

Eventually the bridge bunnies knew about the situation as well. Unlike the old Nerv nothing stayed secret for long among the main staff.

“This is exactly why I never want to have kids” Ritsuko proclaimed.

Makoto responded “They seem like a lot of work.”

“I think they would be worth it, but is it really the right decision for those two to stay here and not go home to her?” Maya asked.

“They would know better than us” Shigeru said and then added “Beside how would they explain that they already knew?”

“That would propose and interesting question” Makoto said.

“Yes it would” Ritsuko started “Asuka has no idea what personal security is for. Rei might be a little suspicious, but I doubt she really knows anything. The only one of the three that knows is Shinji.”

“What?...how long has he known? That's like the only real secret we have here.” Maya said with shock.

“Pretty much the whole time, although he doesn't let on and hasn't told the others.” Ritsuko answered.

“Why not?” Shigeru questioned.

“Because it would just upset Misato and you know Shinji would never do that.” Ritsuko said sarcastically.

“That's sweet” Maya said nicely.

“So Shinji knows, but lets Misato and Kaji believe he doesn't.” Makoto said as he tried to figure the situation out.

“Oh, Kaji is well aware that Shinji knows what his department is about.” Ritsuko stated.

“If Kaji knows why doesn't Misato.” Makoto said now even more confused.

“Because Kaji won't tell Misato either.” Ritsuko said.

“Why?” Shigeru said as he was now just as confused as Makoto.

“For the exact same reason as Shinji.” Ritsuko said and then returned to her game of solitaire.

“What a strange family” Shigeru said shaking his head.

“You won't get a disagreement out of me” Ritsuko said back while playing her game.

“I don't get it, and don't think I want to” Makoto said and returned to his game as well.

“I still think it's sweet” Maya proclaimed against the others.

 

The whole way home Asuka was screaming to herself about what had happened, and that her best friend had set her up to be embarrassed. And not only just embarrassed, but embarrassed by Rei. That was the worse part. Once Asuka got into her room though she broke down and started crying. It wasn't so much that she had lost an argument to that doll, or even that she felt her best friend betrayed her, it was the fact that Rei had said “Yes.” This had hurt her more deeply than anything else and she didn't know why. `I don't like Shinji, but why did it hurt so much when Rei said yes.' `I can't like him, it's unacceptable.' `But why did Rei saying yes hurt me so much.' `It's not like it would do any good to like him, Shinji probably hates me.' `Sure he is kind and polite to me, but he is like that to everyone.' `And the way I treat him, there is no way he could like me.' `No one could truly like me, let alone love me.' `My father abandoned me, my mother killed herself just to get away from me, and Misato and Kaji only take care of me out of pity.' `No one will ever love me' `I will always be hated and alone.' These thoughts were going through Asuka's head over and over as she cried and each time they did it hurt her even more. What was worse is that she believed all the thoughts.

 

As Shinji got home he shut the door just loud enough to let Asuka know he was home, but not hard enough to disturb her. He actually was still mad and had the urge to slam every door in the apartment while screaming obscenities at the top of his lungs, but he knew this would just make matters worse. Shinji then made a short phone call to Kaji to make sure they already knew about the situation and grabbed his s-dat out of his room and sat on the couch trying to figure out if there was anything he could do. He desperately wanted to rush into her room and say something to take Asuka's pain away but could not figure out what. He was as lost in this situation as she was.

Misato and Kaji came home about an hour early, as Misato could not stand sitting there and doing nothing any longer. Misato asked Shinji if Asuka had come out of her room yet and he shook his head no. Misato first thoughts were to rush into to Asuka's room and hold her tightly, but she held back knowing it was up to Asuka to decide when that time would be. Shinji didn't know what to do either so he quietly got up and made dinner to try and distract himself. After they had finished Misato made a little tray of food for Asuka. As Misato brought the tray over Shinji stopped her to put a note on it first. Kaji and Shinji both went to their rooms then.

 

Misato said in a soft and caring voice outside Asuka's door “Asuka I have some food for you. Do you want any?” There came no answer.

In the same voice she said “Listen honey, I just want you to know I am here for you. And if you want to talk you can come to me any time your ready.” She softly slid the door open enough to slide in the tray and then closed it again.

A very soft and sad sob was the only thing Misato heard. This absolutely broke her heart and as she headed back to her own room she started crying. Kaji hugged her tightly in an effort to try and comfort her. Shinji was lying on his bed, staring up at the ceiling in his room hoping that somehow his note might help her in any way possible. He felt horrible about himself that he didn't know what else to do. He cared so much about Asuka yet at the same time he couldn't help her when she really needed it. It was eating him up inside.

 

A long while after Misato had left Asuka the tray of food, Asuka finally pulled her head up from her tear soaked pillow and looked at it. She was not hungry at all. Her emotions were so tied in a knot right now that she was feeling nauseous. But as she looked at the tray she noticed a note on it. She carefully read the note and started crying again.

 

Asuka- I deeply care for you and wish I could take your

pain away from you, but I can't. I want you to know

I have always been there for you and always will be. If

you ever need anything, please ask, and I will be there.

This I promise.

Shinji.

 

After she read the note again she slowly got up and put the note in her dresser drawer and left her room.

 

Misato was awoken from her sleep by a very light voice. “Misato can we talk?”

Immediately Misato got up and hugged Asuka and they both started to cry in each others arms. Misato knew that Asuka needed privacy right now so she led her out into the living room and sat Asuka down on the couch while she held her closely. They talked for a very long time during the night about what was going on with her and her feelings. Misato even started to cry again when Asuka said she felt truly alone.

“Asuka please listen to me, you are not alone. Kaji, Shinji, and I love you and always will. We may not be the most traditional of families, but the love we have for each other will keep us from ever being alone. And please don't ever let yourself or anyone else ever think or tell you differently.” She then held Asuka even tighter to make sure Asuka believed what she had just told her. She just desperately wanted to make her baby fell loved. She was well aware that the true Asuka was just a lost and lonely child much like herself when she was that age.

As Misato held her Asuka said softly “Thank you Mom.”

This caused Misato to start bawling, but she didn't care, she had just helped one of her babies get through a very tough time and that with time things would start to get better. When Misato finally let go and said goodnight to her, Misato asked Asuka what was in the note that Shinji had put on the tray.

“A Promise” is all Asuka would answer.

 

Before Asuka went to bed she grabbed a piece of paper and wrote two words on one side and two words on the other. She then took the piece of paper and slid it into Shinji's room. Shinji was awake when this happened, but did not notice. All throughout the night he had heard small sobs coming from Asuka's room and each one pierced his heart. His only defense was to turn up his headphones all the way to drown out the sound and hide. A couple minutes later he turned his head and noticed the piece of paper on the floor. He got up and read it.

 

On one side it said `Thank You'

And on the other `French Toast'

 

Shinji carefully folded up the note and put it in his drawer. He then laid back down on his bed and finally fell asleep.

 

The next morning Shinji got up early. He grabbed a book, looked up how to make french toast, and practiced a little to make sure what he would serve Asuka would be good enough for her. Misato had gone to work early with Kaji, as she figured this morning would be best if it was just Shinji and Asuka. She also figured since nothing was going on at work she could just fold out the cot she had hid in her office and sleep there for a while. Before she left though she put a note on Asuka's door that said `If you need to talk some more, just call me and I will pick you up from school.'

 

As Shinji got breakfast just right Asuka walked into the kitchen. Shinji said in a quiet and polite tone “Good Morning Asuka.”

Asuka held her finger up to her mouth and just responded “Shhhh.” She still had a lot more thinking to do and had not come to full terms with her emotions yet, especially the ones concerning Shinji. After they finished breakfast Shinji cleaned up the dishes while Asuka went to get a shower.

 

It was a very quiet walk to school and as they got there Asuka bypassed everyone and went straight to the classroom and her seat. Hikari wanted desperately to go over and apologize to Asuka but Shinji stopped her and told her “Not yet.” This just made Hikari feel even worse.

“Rise, Bow, Sit” the class rep said in a quieter than normal voice, as Hikari was not feeling very happy at that point. The first half of class was very quiet as no one was really in the mood to talk, and this continued thru lunch. Asuka had made it quite clear to Hikari with her body language that she wanted to be alone during lunch so Hikari joined the boys.

“So has she said anything yet?” Kensuke asked just to try and break the silence.

“No” Hikari said sadly.

“Just give her some more time, when she's ready she will respond. Pushing it will just cause problems.” Shinji told them.

“Man can she be hot headed” Touji spouted out and then was met with two intense glares from Hikari and Shinji.

“Sorry” Touji said sarcastically “It's getting so a guy can't even say anything around here.”

“Just shut up and eat your lunch” Hikari told him. The rest of lunch ended as quietly as it had started.

 

“Rise, Bow, Dismissed” the class rep said and then added “Girls to the pool and boys to the track.” Since it was Tuesday it was time for gym. (A/N- Gym is on Tuesday and Thursday, and yes I am writing this little plot hole just to give me another tool I can use later.)

After running around the track a few times Kensuke and Touji sat down on the bleachers for a rest. “Where did Shinji go?” Kensuke asked.

“He's helping coach put away some equipment” Touji answered.

“I guess things are finally starting to go back to normal around here” Kensuke said with a sigh of relief.

“It's about ti…..” Touji couldn't finish his sentence before he heard a scream from the pool area. They looked up and saw a circle of girls forming up there. As most of the boys raced up to the caged in pool area to see what was happening, one of them yelled out “Cat Fight.” The rest of the boys then raced up to the area as well.

 

Asuka was standing by herself when both Hikari and Rei approached her. Hikari at this point could not stand feeling bad any longer and had to go and apologize. Rei was actually feeling a little bad as well and thought maybe an apology from her as well would help the situation and improve Shinji's mood.

“So what do the two new best friends want?” Asuka said in a very cold and accusatory voice and then answered her own question “To embarrass me in public again.”

“We want to apologize” Hikari started out but was interrupted by Asuka's sharp tongue.

“I don't need your worthless apologies, especially Wundergirl's.”

“But I'm really sorry” Hikari pleaded.

Rei added “I am sorry as well.”

“So the doll can speak. What, did Hikari just pull your cord.” Asuka snapped back knowing this would infuriate Rei.

“Asuka, we're trying to apologize” Hikari continued pleading not noticing the growing tension around her.

“Shut up Hikari, can't you see I am talking to the doll.” Asuka said as the fire in both girl's eyes grew immensely. Asuka then added “Or does the doll need Hikari to pull her string again?”

Through clenched teeth Rei growled “Please Don't Call Me Doll.”

Now suddenly noticing the tension Hikari pleaded once again “Asuka please listen.”

She didn't and said “D-O-L…” (SMACK).

 

Asuka, with a stinging bright red cheek, now stood right in front of Rei with Hikari being the only thing standing in between them.

“Your not going to win this time Wundergirl” an enraged Asuka screamed.

“Please stop it” Hikari begged the two.

“Stay out of it” two voices screamed at once and two hands pushed Hikari out of the way. Hikari screamed loudly as she fell into the pool.

 

(SMACK) “See how you like it.” Asuka growled immediately afterwards. Now both girls had a stinging red cheek and were face to face with no one in between them. Years of training as well as their Eva experiences had shaped both women into superb fighters, as was evident as both women threw various round house kicks, jabs, and even uppercuts at each other. All the girls that had formed around them, along with the boys outside of the fences and even Hikari, who had gotten out of the pool but was too afraid to step in now, were astonished by what they were seeing. Rei, the blue haired, red eyed, quietest girl in school was in a fierce fight with Asuka, the red haired, blue eyed, brashest girl in school. No one had ever seen anything like this in real life. The kicks, punches, and insults were flying so fast that if you blinked you would have easily missed one of each. It was definitely noticeable that there was some deep history behind this fight even if you didn't know what that history was.

“You've had this coming for a long time you red eyed freak” Asuka screamed as she landed a kick to Rei's side.

“Fuck you, you loud mouthed hussy” Rei screamed back as she returned the kick with a backhand to Asuka's face.

“Bitch” Asuka screamed back while delivering a kick to Rei's stomach.

“Whore” Rei screamed with a low kick to Asuka's legs.

Asuka responded by screaming “Blue haired piece of shit” and landed a right cross to Rei's face.

“Fucking wench” Rei screamed back and landed a side kick to Asuka's lower chest.

Asuka returned with left cross and yelled “At least I can bleed” This fight continued on back and forth for ten minutes as neither girl would give in or go down to the other. There was no one in the area that could believe what they were seeing, forget real life most fight scenes in the movies weren't this vicious.

 

As Shinji finished putting away the last of the equipment in the sports shed he walked back out to the track and saw no one around.

“Where is everyone?” Shinji said out loud as he looked around. It wasn't until he got to the other side of the track that he noticed all the boys were up at the cage surrounding the pool.

“Some girl must have lost her top again” Shinji sighed to himself as he walked up to the cage to see for himself what was going on. Due to the circle of girls and the boys surrounding the cage he could not see what was going on. The only thing he could hear was indistinct cheering. He spotted Kensuke and Touji and walked up to them. “So who lost her top this time guys?” To his surprise both boys turned around and looked like they had just seen a ghost. They then slowly stepped aside from the area of the cage to let Shinji see what was happening.

 

What his eyes saw was incomprehensible to his mind. There, on the other side of the fence, Rei was throwing an uppercut to Asuka's face while yelling “At least I don't want to ride Shinji's Baloney Pony.” Followed by Asuka screaming “WHAT” as she returned the punch with a jab to Rei's face. Shinji's mind snapped. The images he saw just could not be handled by his brain.

 

In a dark, stern, and menacing voice that perfectly matched his father's he yelled “STOP IT NOW, I FORBID THIS TO HAPPEN.”

 

Everything fell silent. Even the breeze seemed hesitant to blow. And as the two combatants heard this, a huge shock shot up both their spines and instantly changed their mindsets. When they turned their heads they saw the same look and mannerism of the man they both hated passionately. Except it wasn't Gendo, it was Shinji who was displaying them. Both of them took a step back and froze with absolute fear in their bodies and souls. Everyone else who was unlucky enough to see and hear Shinji also froze. The combination of the fight they had just witnessed and the transformation of the nicest boy in school into someone who inferred absolute terror was simply too much for them to take. Like Shinji, their brains could not handle this and snapped. There was absolute silence and everyone was a statue. Shinji's mind started to catch up to him during this silence. He then realized what he just said and also became acutely aware of his posture and mannerism. He began to shake in fear, he had become the one person he hated the most in this world.

 

A pair of unusual voices broke the silence.

“I thought I told you to never sound or act like that man again, Shinji Ikari” came from a deeply disturbed Asuka.

“I also requested that as well” Rei said in a matching tone.

Asuka then asked Rei “Did you threaten great bodily harm if he did?”

“Unfortunately no, but it is crossing my mind right now.” Rei answered.

“Well, I did” Asuka said and continued “If you will excuse me Rei, I have a promise to keep. When I get back I hope we can continue our conversation in a more lady like manner.”

“Agreed” Rei said.

This whole conversation was said as two pairs of eyes were locked dead on Shinji, who was now becoming very frightened of them. Everyone backed out of the way as Asuka made her way to the fence door and kicked it open. Only one thought entered into Shinji's head now, `RUN.'

 

As Shinji ran down the hill and onto the far side of the track out of view of everyone else he turned his head slightly just to see a red feline form pounce on him and pin him down to the ground on his back.

“Now Shinji, I am going to be a nice girl and let you decide which organ I am going to rip out of you first.” Asuka said glaring directly into his eyes as she had him pinned.

“I'm…I'm Sorry…. I…couldn't stand the thought… Rei, one of my closest friends…..and you, the women I care for the most….Fighting…I'm Sorry Asuka… I'm so sorry” Shinji cried out desperately, not really knowing what he was saying as he was talking through pure emotion. A drop of blood dripped from Asuka's lower lip onto Shinji's chest as these words fully impacted her. She then remembered Shinji's note and his promise to always be there for her.

“I will forgive you this time Shinji” she said coyly “But on one condition. I lost a bet to Hikari and now I have to go to the dance with a date”

Asuka continued as another drop of blood dripped from her lip. “You will be that date, and you will dress nicely, and you will act like a perfect gentleman at all times. Oh and also you will bring me a dozen roses. That part is very important. Do I make myself perfectly clear Shin-Shin.”

“Y…Yes Asuka” Shinji said as the recent turn of events rattled around in his brain and confused him greatly. A final drop of blood dripped from her lip onto Shinji's chest.

Asuka then said teasingly “I bet you would like to kiss my boo boo away, wouldn't you Shinji.” Shinji's eyes opened widely and he started to sweat at this comment.

“I knew it, you are a pervert” She said as she continued to tease him. “You are just like all the other boys.” She then got off him, much to his dissatisfaction, and got up. As Shinji laid there in the field with Asuka standing over him, she kicked him hard in the shin.

“OW, what was that for, I thought you forgave me” he cried out.

“That was for running away from me” Asuka said and added in a more serious tone while putting her foot on his chest “You will never do that again, Right Shinji?”

“Right Asuka” Shinji said nervously.

“Promise” she said.

“I promise” Shinji replied.

“Good” she said and took her foot off of him and helped him up.

 

As Shinji helped Asuka back to the pool area, by now both Rei and Asuka were feeling their injuries, everyone noticed Shinji was limping but had a huge grin on his face. Which was surprising to most of the school kids as they believed the only way Shinji was going to leave school today was on a stretcher. As they walked towards Hikari, who was holding Rei up, Asuka said “Rei I think our conversation might need to be continued in the nurse's office.” Rei replied while wincing in pain “I think you're right.”

 

Just then they heard a siren followed by a loud screech, and several horns honking. They watched as a black ambulance with a Nerv logo on it skid into the parking lot, jump the curb, and drive straight up to the pool area. Misato then jumped out of the ambulance and ran over to the two girls now being held up by Shinji and Hikari.

“Ritsuko hurry your ass up and get the stretchers out here, NOW!” Misato ordered. And quickly the two girls found themselves being loaded onto the stretchers and into the ambulance.

Hikari looked at the big smile on Shinji's face and shouted out to Rei before the ambulance door shut “See you at the dance.” Ritsuko then jumped into the ambulance and shut the doors as Misato tore off for Nerv headquarters.

About a minute later most of the kids were starting to disperse, when a blue car skidded into the parking lot, jumped the curb, and drove straight up to the pool area. Kaji jumped out of the car. “Where are Misato and the ambulance?”

“She already left with Asuka and Rei towards Nerv headquarters” Shinji answered

“How in the hell did she beat me? I left Nerv before her, drove like a madman, and didn't even see her pass me. What did she do, take a shortcut and drive through all the buildings.” Kaji proclaimed.

As Shinji limped his way towards the car he said “Probably.”

“Well we might as well take our time getting back to Nerv, there is no way we are going to catch up with them now. Oh, and what's with the limp, you OK?” Kaji asked as they pulled away from the school and headed towards Nerv.

“I'm fine, but do you know how to act like a perfect gentleman Kaji?” Shinji asked him as he drove.

Kaji looked over at Shinji and let out a “Uh oh.”

 

Back at school Hikari was getting everything back in order when a very confused Touji and Kensuke walked up to her.

Kensuke asked “Hikari what just happened?”

Hikari said in an upbeat tone “Remember that situation I told you two to stay out of yesterday.”

“Yes” they both said eagerly as they figured they were about to learn everything.

“It's over, now never bring it up again.” She said.

“But…” the boys started but were interrupted before they could ask anymore questions.

“Today it really was Asuka's and Shinji's day to clean, and I need two volunteers to take their place. See you boys after class.” Hikari said. Both boys then let out a large groan, cleaning the room two days in a row when it wasn't even their turn just wasn't fair. Kensuke stormed off before he was volunteered to do anything else.

Touji though stayed around and said “You look very nice in that bathing suite Hikari.”

Hikari blushed as she realized she was in her bathing suit standing in front of Touji. She let out a very shy “Thank you” and ran off with a huge smile on her face. Touji continued to watch her as she ran off and smiled greatly as well.

 

In the back of the ambulance Rei and Asuka had guaranteed Ritsuko that there fight was over and that they just wanted to have a private discussion. Reluctantly Ritsuko went to the front of the ambulance with Misato and shut the causeway door to give them some privacy.

“Rei” Asuka started “It was wrong of me to call you a doll, and I want to say I'm sorry for it.” Rei looked over at Asuka surprised. She knew how hard it was for Asuka to admit being wrong, let alone apologize for it.

Rei replied though “Apology accepted and Thank You.”

With the ice broken a now extremely curious Asuka asked about something Rei had said “What did you mean about that Baloney Pony saying? I always thought you cared for Shinji.” Rei laughed and explained a little of her background and that biologically she was basically Shinji's sister and that they would never be anything more than friends. Asuka just stared at her in amazement for a minute. This was something she had not known about before. She then said in a half serious, half joking tone “You know if you would have told me this earlier we could have avoided a lot of arguments and trouble throughout the years.”

Rei looked at her again and said “I know.” she then turned her head to stare straight up again as she laid on the stretcher. “I kind of didn't let it be known on purpose.”

Asuka thought about this for a second and started laughing “We have much more in common than either of us would like to believe.” Rei started laughing as well because she knew Asuka was right. They both could now tell that they were actually more similar then either of them previously believed. One of the things they especially had in common right now was pain, and when they laughed it made itself very obvious and they both had to stop laughing and wince.

After Asuka caught her breath she asked “Rei could I ask you a little favor?”

“Yes” Rei answered back.

“Could you not mention that Baloney Pony line in front of Shinji again, I don't want to give him any ideas.” Asuka said with a smile. Rei laughed very lightly this time and agreed.

As Asuka was thinking about what each of them had said again she added “I'm also sorry for bringing up that bleeding business.”

“That's ok” Rei said “Don't believe all the rumors. Dr. Akagi not as smart as she thinks she is, and the box of tampons under my bathroom sink proves it.” Asuka gave her a curious little look after that statement. Rei really was a girl full mysteries, and the biggest one was that she was a real girl now.

Rei then asked Asuka as her mind thought about the end result of the situation. “Does Hikari ever lose any bets?”

“No, and it's really annoying, and I have no idea why I keep taking them.” Asuka sighed.

As the two young women continued their conversation in the ambulance, the walls that once stood between them came crashing down and a definite friendship was built in their places.

After talking for a while Rei asked one final question “Does Misato always drive like this?…..I feel sick.”

“Yes and I know the feeling well” Asuka said as they both started groaning while lying on the stretchers, hoping the ride would soon be over.

 

----Helpful Story Break: Get up and stretch.----

 

Ritsuko was reporting to Misato in her office “Well no broken bones or internal injuries, just some bruising and cuts. They will be sore for a few days, but overall they will be fine and can go home anytime now.”

“That's a relief.” Misato sighed. Misato then pulled up the video of the fight that one of the personal security people had taken. They both watched it and wondered how the two girl's injuries were not worse.

“At least this explains why Shinji refuses to take self-defense classes with either of them” Misato said as she watched the tape.

“Poor Shinji would get slaughtered” Ritsuko laughed while watching as well.

Misato then asked “So how long till Kensuke gets his hands on this video?” It was common knowledge among the Nerv staff who hacked into their system and leaked the pictures of the Gendo/Misato fight to the public, but since they couldn't really prove it was him, they never took any action.

“Considering Maya and I put in all new encryption codes this morning, I'd give the little punk two days.” Ritsuko said. Ritsuko was actually quite impressed with Kensuke talents, but since he used them to hack into her system her only goal now was to catch him in the act and give him a flogging for showing her up.

 

“Now that I know the girls are alright, I think it is time for a little Talk.” Misato said and then headed over to their hospital room. When she entered the room both Asuka and Rei tried to look as innocent as possible to try and get out of what they knew was coming. Two hours later their look was anything but innocent as Misato had read them the full riot act. When she was done she said she did that because she cared for them, was not happy with the animosity between them, and never wanted to see them fight again. Both girls agreed that it would never happen again. She then brought up an idea she had been thinking about for some time now and since the girls were now friendly to each other, she proposed it to them. The two girls and Misato discussed it for a while and agreed upon it.

Asuka added after the agreement “How did you know about the fight and get to the school so fast?”

Rei added “Does this have anything to do with those 4 boys who mysteriously disappeared a while ago?” Misato stared at the girls for a second and said her beeper was going off so she had to leave, and that Shinji was waiting outside and she should let him in to see them. She then ran out the door, grab Shinji, threw him into the room, and shut the door behind him.

 

Shinji was now in another odd situation and stood there like a deer caught in headlights.

“Shin-Shin” Asuka cooed nicely “Do you know why Misato was able to know about our fight so quickly?”

With Rei adding “And remember it's not nice to lie to girls, especially ones you care about.” Shinji looked at them for a second trying to come up with an answer.

When he couldn't he asked “Do I really have to answer that? Can't I just run away.”

“Did you forget your promise already Shin-Shin?” Asuka said.

“No, but I was hoping you did.” Shinji said as he looked down at the ground knowing he was losing this battle.

“I think he is hiding something from us Asuka” Rei said as they both noticed he was getting very nervous.

Shinji then thought of a new tactic “Why are you two cooperating against me, and acting like friends?”

“Because we are friends now Shin-Shin” Asuka said “Now stop stalling”

“Yeah, spill it Shinji” Rei added.

“But I don't want to” Shinji cried out.

The girls shifted their tactics and started to play dirty. With big sad eyes and pouty voices they both said “Please.”

Shinji caved in. He was no match for them and got a chair and placed it between the two beds. He then told them everything he knew about personal security. When done he asked them not to say anything to Misato as it would make her feel very bad, and she was only doing it because she never wanted to see any of them hurt again. He also told them it was OK to go to Kaji if they had any questions. After some deliberation they both agreed.

“Can I ask you two another little favor?” Shinji said very politely.

“What is it Shinji” Asuka said as she was suspicious were he was going with this.

“No more pouty voices and big eyes, it's not fair” Shinji said.

“But that is why we do it Shin-Shin” Asuka answered. The girls then ganged up on Shinji and started teasing him. It was quite fun and Rei learned she had another thing in common with Asuka.

 

“What are we going to do about Rei?” Misato asked Kaji.

“What do you mean?” Kaji questioned back.

“We can't just let her go home to her empty apartment in her condition” Misato said in a sympathetic voice.

“Why not? She can take care of herself” Kaji replied knowing full well were this conversation was heading.

“Since Asuka and Rei are now getting along, I think for safety reasons it would be best if all the pilots were together.” Misato said with a little smile.

“Sorry Misato we don't have any more room in our apartment, it is crowded enough already.” Kaji said hoping this would put an end to their conversation.

“You know that two room apartment next to us has been vacant for a while now.” Misato said as the smile on her face grew.

“No Misato” Kaji said.

“And we have run out of storage room, so we could really use that extra bedroom.” Misato eyes were now getting bigger as she said this.

“NO Misato” Kaji said a little louder.

“And we would have a second bathroom, one for the guys, and one for the girls.” Misato was now getting more and more excited.

“Are you even listening to me?” Kaji said gruffly.

“You and Shinji can easily tear down the wall between the two apartments to connect them.” Misato said ignoring Kaji.

“I said NO” Kaji replied in a stern voice.

“We can tear out the other side's kitchen and put in an entertainment center, I've always wanted one of those” Misato said.

“NO” Kaji yelled.

Misato picked up her phone and made two calls. The first was to buy the apartment next to them and the second was an order. “This is Commander Katsuragi, I want all of Rei's stuff moved out of her apartment, and moved into the one next to mine immediately.”

Kaji heard “Yes Ma'am” come from the phone.

He finally said in his most serious voice “I am putting my foot down and saying NO.”

Misato got up and said “I got to tell the girls the good news.”

“Misato!!!” Kaji pleaded, but to no affect.

“We will connect the two apartments, and build me my entertainment center this Saturday, ok Kaji?” Misato said

Kaji finally admitted his defeat and said “Yes dear.”

“I knew you would agree” she then gave him a kiss and whispered “Later on I will show you my full gratitude.” She then walked out of her office towards the girl's hospital room.

Kaji yelled a loud “NOOOOO” that could be heard throughout the whole building.

 

“What was that all about.” Shinji said to the girls. They just looked at Shinji and smiled. Misato then poked her head into the door and said the move was a go. Shinji looked at Misato and the girls and asked “What are you hiding from me?”

On Nerv's bridge, the crew was laughing heavily, but Ritsuko stopped them and said “Wait one second” They then heard a loud “NOOOO” come from Shinji and started laughing again.