Neon Genesis Evangelion Fan Fiction ❯ A Soliloquy of Life ❯ A Perfect Gentleman ( Chapter 3 )

A Soliloquy of Life: Chapter 3- A Perfect Gentleman.

 

It was Thursday afternoon at the end of class. “Rise, Bow, Dismissed” the class rep said. “So where are you and Rei off to in such a hurry?” Hikari asked Asuka catching up with the two outside the classroom.

“Ritsuko said she made some adjustments to our plug suits, so we have to go to Nerv to test them out.” Asuka said with Rei adding “She is always making us do stupid tests that aren't even necessary anymore.”

Hikari commented “Those suits seem indecent.”

“You won't get a disagreement out of me” Rei grumbled.

“Yeah, they don't leave much to the imagination” Asuka added.

“Shinji won't be there too will he?” Hikari asked with a concerned look on her face.

“Yes” both Asuka and Rei said together.

In a very disapproving voice Hikari said “That's very indecent.”

“Tell me about it” Asuka started “All the perv does is smirk the whole time we're in them” then in a much quieter voice she added mischievously “He does have a cute butt though.”

Both Hikari and Rei were shocked by this and exclaimed “Asuka.” while staring at her.

She acted like she hadn't said a thing and just asked “What?” but the smile on her face was evidence of her thoughts.

 

Asuka, Rei, Shinji, and Touji were all on the train to Nerv headquarters. “Why is Touji coming along? I thought he was dismissed from Nerv after his near accident.” Rei asked Asuka. (A/N: Touji is perfectly fine in this fanfic.)

“Shinji said he had a meeting with Kaji.” Asuka answered her.

“What could he have a meeting with Kaji about?” Rei asked.

“I don't know, all I could get out of Shinji was boy stuff.” Asuka answered back. The girls then decided they were going to try and get some more information, but Touji was zoned out and writing something in his notebook and Shinji had his headphones on and wasn't paying attention. So they decided to talk about the upcoming dance instead.

“Now that you have to go to the dance, what are you going to wear?” Asuka asked.

“I don't know. I basically only own school clothes. I don't have too many others. I don't even own a nice dress.” Rei said sadly.

Asuka's reaction was different and her eyes brightened at this. “You do know what this means don't you?” she asked excitedly.

“No” Rei answered.

“It means after we get done with these stupid tests we can go shopping. And from the sound of it you don't need just a new dress you need a whole new wardrobe.” Asuka said getting more excited. After hearing this Rei got excited as well, she had never really gone shopping before but it was something she definitely wanted to. Touji meanwhile hadn't heard a thing the two girls said during the whole trip because he was writing and going over a notebook with -Plan Of Attack- written on the cover. He had spent the last two days meticulously planning out his date with Hikari and now wanted to talk with the ultimate ladies man, Kaji, to make sure everything was perfect. Shinji meanwhile was just sitting there listening to his S-Dat the whole train ride trying to hold back a little grin as he thought ahead to the upcoming tests.

He eventually lost this battle and when Asuka saw him grin she asked “So what are you smiling about?” in an accusatory tone.

Shinji thought for a second trying to come up with an answer that wouldn't get him hit. “I just really like this song that I am listening to.”

Asuka glared at him for a second and since she couldn't prove it wrong she let him go with a warning. “OK Shinji, but I'm watching you so don't do anything perverted.”

 

“Misato why exactly did I tell the kids we were doing tests with the plug suits? I haven't done a thing to them in years.” Ritsuko asked.

Maya thought about the upcoming tests and added “And with all their bruises won't they hurt the girls when they put them on.”

“That's exactly why I ordered these tests. I don't ever want to see them fight again and this will stress my point.” Misato said and added with a laugh “Also I think Shinji deserves a little reward for what he has to put up with.” Both Ritsuko and Maya looked at Misato strangely as they didn't understand the Shinji part.

Misato expanded her statement “Believe it or not Rei is very much like Asuka at home. With it now being two girls on one, poor Shinji can't get a break. He wasn't even doing that well against Asuka but now with Rei there as well he is totally whipped and has no say in anything.” That got a little snicker from the chorus but she continued anyways “And if that wasn't bad enough he has even more cleaning to do. Rei is a huge slob.”

Ritsuko laughed “Look who's talking.”

Misato looked at them seriously and said “She is much worse than even me.”

“Poor Shinji” Maya said as she thought about his situation.

“Well if he would ever grow a backbone maybe they wouldn't be able to treat him like that” Ritsuko said.

“HEY” Misato yelled back as she didn't like the insult Ritsuko had just thrown out.

“You know I'm right” Ritsuko said.

“Yeah, but he's my Shinji and you don't need to say that.” Misato replied.

“Yes, whatever ubermom, the kids are here so let's get going.” Ritsuko said as she grabbed her clipboard.

`Ubermom' Misato thought to herself `I kind of like that.'

 

Rei and Asuka were talking about their upcoming shopping trip, where they would meet Hikari at the mall, and some things about the dance that was coming up in the locker room. That was until they both pushed the pressurizing button on their suits. Two loud and anguishing screams were heard throughout Nerv.

Misato poked her head into the locker room and said in a motherly tone “Now remember what I said about fighting.” This was responded to by two looks of absolute evil.

Asuka and Rei were limping and wincing down to the test area when Shinji came up behind them with a huge smile on his face and said “Hi.” His “Hi” was replied to with two sharp elbows to his stomach.

Rei then said “Asuka you have been living with him for two years and he still doesn't know when to keep his mouth shut.”

“Nope, he's stupid that way sometimes” Asuka responded. Rei just shook her head and mumbled “Boys.”

 

The tests consisted of mainly stretching exercises to see how the suits fitted. And as you would expect the testing session did not go smoothly at all. Both girls complained every time they had to do the slightest movement, and poor Shinji took many hits over the back of his head every time Asuka caught him looking at her and smiling as she stretched. He knew he shouldn't be doing that but he just couldn't help himself.

Near the end of the session she caught him again, but before she could hit him he said “I can't help it, just look at yourself in that suit.”

Asuka stopped in her tracks and looked at Shinji a little differently. “I'll give you that one Shinji.” She said and then gave him a wink instead of a smack.

Ritsuko on the other hand thought `Maybe he is developing a backbone, too bad it's Kaji's.”

 

When the test was over Rei and Asuka were running to the locker room, not to get to the mall sooner, but to get out of those damn plug suits they were wearing. When they pressed the pressure release valve they both let out a huge sigh of relief. Misato's lesson had been delivered extremely effectively. After changing back into their regular clothes they told Misato of their plans and ran off to meet Hikari at the mall, but not before Misato gave them a small blue card as a reward for what they just had been put through.

Shinji was waiting for Touji to finish his meeting with Kaji outside his office. When he came out Touji was praising Kaji for his genius.

“So did Kaji give you any good info?” Shinji asked.

“Oh Yeah, my date is going to be awesome” Touji said with exuberance. He then noticed Shinji rubbing the back of his head.

“Why are rubbing the back of your head, you fall down during the test or something?” Touji asked.

“No, Asuka hit me a couple times for looking at her” Shinji said with a smirk on his face.

“Is the pain really worth it just to see her in those stupid suits?” Touji said with distaste as he wasn't really found of anything to do with the Eva's.

“Absolutely” Shinji said and added “I know you hate those suites but just think of Hikari in one for a second.”

Touji did and answered “Maybe they aren't so bad.”

Misato and Kaji then walked up. “Do you boys need a ride home?” Misato said dangling her keys from her hand.

“Only if Kaji's driving” Shinji and Touji said together.

“What's wrong with my driving?” Misato huffed. But before they answered, Kaji snatched the keys out of Misato's hand and took off running for the car. The boys were closely behind as Misato yelled at them for their deception and to give her back her keys.

 

After they dropped Touji off at his place, Kaji asked Shinji if he was ready for his date tomorrow night. Shinji responded by pulling out a small note pad from his pocket labeled `A Perfect Gentleman' and said “Yes.”

Misato whispered to herself “Asuka is one lucky girl.”

“What was that?” Kaji asked.

“Nothing, lets go out to eat tonight, I don't feel like cooking.”

“Good” both Kaji and Shinji replied. Misato gave both of them a dirty look.

 

----Helpful Story Break: Remember to blink to avoid eye strain. ----

 

At the mall Asuka and Rei meet up with Hikari. “So what's our mission this evening?” Hikari asked.

“To find Rei not only a wardrobe but also a dress that will make all the boys drool over her.” Asuka answered. Rei blushed a little at that and then a little shot of pain shot through her and she realized a slight problem.

“Umm.. Asuka, Hikari nothing backless or without sleeves” she then looked down “and it can't be super short, at least ¾ thigh” she said as she thought of the areas she still had some bruises.

Asuka quickly got on the same wavelength as she realized her current dress would show off some unsightly bruises. “You know I think I need a new dress as well” she said.

“Well if you two are going to get new dresses I should too” Hikari said happily as she wanted to wear something that would definitely get Touji's attention and she knew her current dress wasn't enough. They then all set off together to accomplish their new tasks.

 

At the food court they were all giggling to each other as they went over their decision on picking three identical outfits, different colors though. They knew with these outfits they would be the sole attention of all the boys at the ball, and the absolute envy of the girls.

“Hikari what has been with Touji the past two days? All he's done is look at you and then write something in that stupid notebook of his” Asuka asked.

“I don't really know.” Hikari answered “I tried to see what he was writing once but all I saw was the title on the notebook “Plan of Attack'.”

“That make no sense, what is he doing planning a take over of the school at the dance.” Asuka said.

“Be serious Asuka” Hikari said, and then Rei added “besides every time he looks at you he blushes, so it's probably about you.”

“Then it's probably some cheesy plan to hit a homerun with you on your first date” Asuka kidded.

“Touji's not like that” Hikari admonished.

“He's a boy is he not?” Asuka said in a smart mouth tone

“Duh” Hikari replied.

“Then he's like that” she said in the same tone.

“Well is Shinji like that?” Hikari said with a little grin. Asuka didn't give a verbal response as all she could do is blush at the thought.

“You know, I saw Shinji writing in a small note pad as well” Rei said in the same tone that Asuka had used against Hikari. This caused Asuka to blush even more.

“Can we change the subject please?” Asuka asked sheepishly.

Hikari and Rei both giggled a little as they knew they had trapped her, but since she asked nicely they changed the conversation to talking about what accessories they now needed, and what else Rei needed for her new wardrobe.

 

At about 8:00pm the two girls came through the door of the apartment. Asuka had three large shopping bags and Rei had seven. Misato jumped off the couch yelling “Let me see, let me see” And the three women ran into Asuka's room for an impromptu fashion show. Kaji sat on the couch silently thinking to himself `First the extra apartment, plus the cost of renovation, the new entertainment center, and now another large shopping trip. These women are going to put me in the poorhouse.' This wasn't really true as since Misato was the commander of Nerv she made a ton of money and Kaji as head of a department made a lot of money too, it was just that spending so much money at one time was too much for him.

“Kaji” Shinji started “How can Asuka and now Rei buy so much stuff? Misato rations out our trust funds pretty strictly.” To answer this question Kaji pulled out his wallet and opened it up to an empty sleeve. “There used to be a shiny blue credit card in this sleeve. But every time shopping comes up Misato gives it to Asuka, and now with Rei, I fear I may never see it again.” Kaji said sadly and then added one of his lessons “Shinji my boy it's time you learned one of the most important lessons about women.”

He said the next part very clearly “Women Are Expensive.”

“I heard that” Misato shouted from Asuka's room.

Thinking quickly he added “But they are definitely worth it.”

“Smart move Kaji” Misato shouted back. In a quieter tone he reminded Shinji of his lesson that it is sometimes better just to keep your mouth shut.

“Yeah, I relearned that one earlier today” Shinji said back quietly. They then went back to watching TV, and PenPen walked up holding three cans. He gave Shinji a root beer, Kaji a beer, and kept a beer for himself and joined them on the couch.

 

Later after the fashion show had ended the three women left Asuka's room and saw Shinji, Kaji, and PenPen staring zombie like at the TV drinking from their prospective cans.

“There Rei, is man in his most basic state” Misato pointed out in a sarcastic tone.

Asuka added “Get used to it.”

Rei giggled a little and said “It doesn't take much to make them happy does it?”

Misato and Asuka both answered “Nope.”

“But what about PenPen?” Rei asked.

“It doesn't matter what species it is, if they are male that's it.” Asuka answered.

“Living with men is odd” Rei said back.

“You can say that again” Misato laughed.

“Since the male bashing is showing no signs of letting up, I think it is time for bed Shinji.” Kaji said. Both Kaji and Shinji then got up and went to their bedrooms to escape the tormenting. PenPen got up as well, headed over to the girls, let out a “Wark” at them, and then went into his fridge.

“Did he just insult us?” Asuka asked Misato.

“That or he said goodnight” Misato answered and added “It's getting late for you two as well, so now it's time for bed for all of us.”

 

Little Break

 

(BZZT BZZT BZZT) “It's 6:00 in the morning on a beautiful Friday morn(SLAM). “I really hate that guy.” Shinji said as he woke up to the annoying morning DJ.

`I will be happy when we finally get the two apartments together. That way there will be two bathrooms and I won't have to get up early just to actually be able to use one.' Shinji complained to himself as he dragged himself to the bathroom. Rei had been staying with Asuka, due to contractually they didn't own the other apartment until Saturday, and living with 2 teenage girls and Misato in such close quarters was proving difficult to him. Every time he wanted to use the bathroom it was occupied and he had to wait, and now he was forced to wake up even earlier just so he could get a shower. As he shaved, more for the act than the need, and showered he started waking up and couldn't help but wonder what was going to happen tonight. He had his `A Perfect Gentleman' plan, but what if he blew it. Would Asuka hate him? What if she liked the person he pretended to be better than him, would he have to play it forever just to keep her? For as much as he liked Asuka he wanted her to like him for who he was. Maybe he should scrap his plan? But then Asuka might be mad. Now that the first step was about to be taken could he do it, or would he just get pushed back down or worse yet run away. These thoughts kept going over and over in his head until there was a knock on the bathroom door outside.

“Um…I'll be out in a second” Shinji said as he quickly finished up, wondering if he had lost track of time. As he opened the door he saw Asuka standing there `Great, I finally get a date with the girl of my dreams and I screw it up right away by taking too much time in the shower' he thought but told her “I'm sorry Asuka, I lost track of time.”

“No you didn't Shin-Shin. I just got up early so Rei could get a shower before school as well.” Asuka said sweetly and then kidded “Anyways, what were you thinking about that made you think that?” Shinji answered by turning a dark shade of red. “That's what I thought, well at least you have good taste.” She teased him and then asked nicely “Could you please make bacon and eggs for breakfast this morning?”

A thoroughly embarrassed Shinji just let out a stuttered “O-ok.” Asuka then closed the door and got her shower. While getting everything out and ready for breakfast Shinji played through his mind over and over what had just happened and couldn't figure it out. `No threats, she's being nice, she said please, is she just setting me up for a fall?'

His train of thought was interrupted by a sleepy “Good morning.”

“Oh…a… Good morning Rei” he said snapping his brain back to reality.

“What's for breakfast?” She asked.

Asuka came out of the bathroom and said “He said he was going to make us bacon and eggs. Bathroom's all yours.”

“Sounds good. Thanks Asuka” Rei responded and headed off to use the bathroom. Shinji at that point was totally confused. A week ago if you told him that Asuka and Rei would be acting so friendly to each other, let alone living together with him and that he would be going out on a date with Asuka at the same time, he would have died of skepticism. He then thought of something Kaji had told him and decided he could either stand there confused or he could just accept everything that was happening and go with the flow. He chose to go with Kaji's advice and just accept it. He then finished making breakfast and set the table.

 

“So Shinji did Misato leave early?” Asuka asked as she wondered why a purpled haired madwoman was not running around the house at this point.

“No, she's going in late today, so she's still asleep” Shinji answered.

“So no mad dash today?” Rei asked.

“Not today” he answered.

“How can she do that almost every morning?” Rei said as she couldn't understand how a person could survive like that.

Asuka answer was simple “Because she's Misato.”

“Weird” Rei commented.

“You have no idea how weird, but trust me your going to find out.” Asuka told her

Shinji then remembered something Kaji told him last night “Oh… I almost forgot, Kaji said he and Misato are going to take a half day today.”

“So, what does that mean?” Rei questioned.

“It means we knock on the door really loudly and wait a minute before we come home from school today.” Asuka said with a little grin.

“Oh” Rei said and then blushed slightly as she finally got the meaning of Asuka's answer a second later.

 

“Rise, Bow, Sit” the class rep said as the teacher came in. “Today class..” was about as far as he got before all the different groups in the class started their own chats. They were all about the same thing, the upcoming dance.

 

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

 

The boys chat room.

Allstar: I'm so excited I can hardly wait.

MilitaryIntel: So you finished your master plan?

Allstar: Yup.

MilitaryIntel: You sure it will work?

Allstar: I got advice from Kaji, it can't fail.

Shinman: You might want to be careful, he's good at advice but not that good.

Allstar: How can you doubt Kaji?

MilitaryIntel: He's like the ultimate ladies man.

Shinman: You haven't seen him at home.

Allstar: Just because he's married now doesn't mean he's lost it.

Shinman: It's hard to lose something you never really had.

MilitaryIntel: Didn't he help you with your plan Shinji?

Shinman: Yes, but I don't know if I am going to follow it.

Allstar: You have too.

Shinman: Why?

Allstar: My plans depend on it

Shinman: Why did you do that?

Allstar: Because I did, you have to follow your plans.

Shinman: I don't know.

Allstar: C'mon man.

Shinman: Well…..

Allstar: You have too.

Shinman: Um… I still don't know.

Allstar: I'm begging you.

MilitaryIntel: Shinji stop teasing Touji before he has a heart attack.

Shinman: OK, I will stick to my plans.

Allstar: You Better.

Shinman: I just thought of something. My plans are in a little notepad that I can fit into my pocket, but yours are in a large notebook. What are you going to do carry that thing around the whole time.

Allstar:……

MilitaryIntel: Houston, we have a problem.

Allstar: What the hell am I going to do? I have to have my plans, but I can't be seen walking around with a notebook all night.

Shinman: Relax Touji just leave it with Kensuke.

Allstar: What good is that going to do, he's not even going.

MilitaryIntel: What… you already forget? I am going to be the DJ at the dance.

Allstar: Since when?

Shinman: Since he has the largest song play list in the city

MilitaryIntel: Yup, and I'm downloading more as we speak.

Allstar: Ok so you're the DJ, but how does that solve my problem?

Shinman: Asuka may be right about you.

MilitaryIntel: Do we really have to spell EVERYTHING out for you?

Allstar: YES.

Shinman: She's definitely right.

MilitaryIntel: Fine I will explain it to you. Memorize the first part of your plan, and then give me the notebook. During the dance whenever you need it you can come over and look at it.

Allstar: See, I told you my plan can't fail.

MilitaryIntel: brb, getting paged.

 

Hikari, Asuka's and Rei's chat.

ClassRep: Asuka I am having second thoughts about the dresses we got.

RedQueen: Why? They're perfect.

ClassRep: But they're so… you know.

RedQueen: Don't worry they're fine.

ClassRep: They might be too much.

RedQueen: They're not. They're just a little showy that's all.

ClassRep: Maybe too showy.

RedQueen: Don't you want the other boys to drool???

ClassRep: NO.

RedQueen: Well what about Touji?

ClassRep: …Maybe a little. (Hikari blushed when she typed that.)

RedQueen: Good problem solved.

Ice: I kind of want the boys to drool.

RedQueen: Trust me, they will.

Ice: How are we going to show up? What's the plan?

RedQueen: Knowing Shinji he will be exactly on time, so we will show up first. Then I think Hikari and Touji should show up. Since unfortunately we both are taken we will just have to be eye candy for the other boys.

ClassRep: That's not a very nice thing to say about Shinji.

RedQueen: I was talking about you.

ClassRep: Be nice Asuka.

RedQueen: Hehe… That is when you should show up Rei. The boys will be in a state of full drool, and you will have the pick of the litter.

Ice: I like that plan.

ClassRep: Sounds good.

RedQueen: Yup red, white, and blue. I like the sound of that. (A/N: waves a little stars and stripes flag and says “Yeah”)

RedQueen: Now let's see if Kensuke did what I told him to.

(Asuka then signaled for Kensuke to join their chat.)

MilitaryIntel: What can I do for you three lovely girls?

RedQueen: Did you pirate some slow songs like I ordered you to?

MilitaryIntel: Yup, I just finished downloading the 50 most popular slow songs a couple seconds ago.

RedQueen: That's a good computer geek stooge.

Ice: Kensuke, I heard a nasty rumor at Nerv about a video file that Asuka and I wouldn't like. Do you know something about it?

MilitaryIntel: I know nothing!

RedQueen: Make sure it disappears. (Both Rei and Asuka turned around and glared at him to make their point.)

MilitaryIntel: Yes ma'am. (This did not make him very happy, sure it gave him a reason to hack into the Magi system but he already had the file, put in a musical score, and burned a DVD. He was also planning on making copies of the DVD and selling them, but after that glare he knew it was best that all the files disappeared. Well except for his personal DVD maybe, it was fast becoming one of his most watched DVD's.)

Ice: There may actually be hope for you yet Kensuke.

RedQueen: Very little though.

ClassRep: Time to cut the chat short, it's time for lunch.

They all then logged off.

 

Lunch and pretty much the rest of the school day went as followed. The girls talked about their outfits, Touji was furiously studying his plan, and Shinji was having panic attacks about all the things that could go wrong. Kensuke on the other hand had more important tasks to accomplish. First he downloaded another 50 slow songs, just to be sure he would avoid the wrath of the girls, and then hacked his way into Nerv.

 

----Helpful Story Break: Remember to stretch.----

 

Alarms were going off at Nerv headquarters.

Maya yelled while sitting at her computer “Ritsuko the intruder is already in Casper's video files.

Ritsuko ordered “try to block and isolate the signal”

“Too late three files have been wiped out. Wait, no six, now ten. How can someone be this fast??” Maya shouted.

“Have you located the source yet” Ritsuko yelled out at the crew.

“Sorry, Ma'am we lost the signal somewhere in Moscow.” Makoto informed her.

“How many files are gone?” Ritsuko asked in a very ill tempered voice.

“17” Maya said.

“Damn it!!! That's all of them” Ritsuko shouted.

Misato was watching this whole sequence from above the bridge, she found it quite amusing. She shouted down “Did he get them all.”

Shigeru answered “Yes Ma'am.”

Misato then said in a teasing voice “I thought you said you were ready for him this time.”

Ritsuko just growled “I will catch that little punk one of these days” and stormed off towards her office.

 

“Stand, Bow, Dismissed” the class rep said quickly and all the children took off towards home to get ready for the dance. As Rei, Asuka, and Shinji got home they were met by a very dressed up Misato. “I kinda got jealous of you guys for getting to go to a dance, so I convinced Kaji to take me out dancing tonight too.” she said and then with a wink “We will be out very late so don't wait up.” She then grabbed a dressed up and grumbling Kaji from the couch and told him it was time to go. “Bye kids and have fun, but not too much fun” Misato said as they went out the door.

“Why did Kaji look so depressed?” Rei asked.

“Because Misato dances like she drives.” Asuka answered.

“Poor Kaji” Rei said with a little giggle.

 

Asuka then told Shinji “Rei and I need to get some things ready so you can have the shower first. Just be quick about it and go straight to your room afterwards.” She added in a playful tone at the end “And no peaking Shin-Shin.” Shinji did what he was told and quickly cleaned himself up and got a shower. He even used some cologne that Kaji had let him borrow. Once he was done he told the girls and went straight to his room. For the dance he put on his best black suit and tie combo. And accented it with a dark crimson vest he had bought especially for the occasion. (A/N: think groomsman type of vest). He then inspected the dozen roses and the rose corsage he had Kaji get for him while they were at school to make sure that they were all perfect like he requested. After that he pulled his notepad out of his dresser drawer to make sure he had everything he needed to become a perfect gentleman. To his shock and horror all the pages were torn out, except one. On it was written.

 

Shinji-

Forget everything I told you.

Above everything else, a perfect gentleman is

HIMSELF.

Kaji

 

Shinji let out a huge sigh of relief, this new advice was exactly what he wanted. He desperately wanted Asuka to like him for himself and not some phony suitor he was about to play. He tore out the last page and taped it up to his mirror and threw the note pad into the trash. As he finished getting dressed and checking his roses again to make sure they were perfect he thought to himself. `When something is really important, Kaji is always there for me. Just like a real father.' After checking the flowers for a third time Shinji sat on the side of his bed waiting for Asuka to call him out. This felt like an eternity for him. It was only about a half hour but his mind was going through hell contemplating all the things that could go wrong. And the thoughts ranged from tripping and falling on top of her to an angel attack and everything in-between. He pretty much knew he was his own worse enemy when it came to things like this but that didn't stop his mind. Then he heard one of the greatest sounds ever.

“Shinji you can come out now.”

Shinji got up and opened his door. There before him stood the most ravishingly beautiful, breath-taking sight he had ever seen. He only said one word “Exquisite” and promptly fainted.

“Umm Rei, I think Hikari might have been right about these outfits.” Ten minutes later Shinji came to due to some gentle prodding. “Not the compliment I was expecting, but very well appreciated” Asuka said with a happy voice, this time wearing a full length red velvet coat over her dress.

“My roses” Shinji said as he suddenly realized that he did not give them to her yet.

“I already put them into a vase” Asuka said and then added “They were perfect.”

“Not as perfect as you” Shinji replied smoothly as he finally got his senses back.

“Than…Thank you” Asuka stammered while blushing at the comment.

“I'm sorry I fainted…” He started but was stopped by Asuka.

“None of that tonight Shinji. What happens, happens and there will be no sorry's.” Asuka said as she herself was regaining her composer. She then added teasingly “And this pretty rose corsage, you can put that on me when we get to the dance, presuming you don't faint again, when I take off my coat.

“I can't promise you that, you are just too beautiful” Shinji teased back.

Asuka slid her hand into his and said “Good answer Shinji, now lets go. We have a good night ahead of us.” And with that they left for the dance hand in hand, blushing slightly every time they looked at each other the whole way to the school.

Rei said to herself after they left “I think I should come home late tonight.”

 

When Shinji and Asuka finally got to the dance, they were enjoying their walk so they took their time, Hikari and Touji were already at the school waiting for them.

“You're Late” they both said in unison and with a hint of malice.

“We know” Asuka and Shinji said together.

“So Hikari, has Touji seen you without your jacket yet?” Asuka asked inquisitively.

“No, why does that matter” Hikari said still frustrated at her for being late.

“Oh, just a hunch” Asuka said with a smile.

Hikari proceeded to take off her overcoat while Touji started saying “We don't have time for thi….” (THUNK)

“Wow Asuka… you were right about these dresses” Hikari said now quite happy.

About five minutes later while Touji was still out cold, but with a huge grin on his face, Asuka said to Shinji “You know I think I want my corsage now” and she flung off her coat. To her surprise Shinji didn't even become light headed.

“What I'm not pretty enough to faint over again?” Asuka said in a pouty voice.

“If I faint, I will have to take my eyes off of you, and that would be too much torture.” Shinji said as he took the corsage and put it on Asuka's wrist. He then took Asuka's hand and gave it a kiss. Although you couldn't see it, Asuka got a little light headed herself as he did this.

She quickly recovered though and said with a little smirk “You have been living with Kaji way too long.”

After another five minutes Hikari was finally getting Touji to snap out of it. Well sort of because for the next half hour all Touji could say to Hikari was one word sentences, but since that word was “Beautiful” she was still very happy. Rei walked up and saw Shinji with his hand around Asuka's waist, gently holding her, and Hikari helping Touji back to his feet.

“Umm.. Asuka what happened to our plan?” Rei asked although not seriously as she had already guessed the same thing happened to Touji as Shinji.

Without even turning around Asuka said softly “They changed.”

 

The five of them decided on a new plan. Well actually four as Touji was just staring at Hikari goggled eyed and repeating the word beautiful over and over. Shinji and Touji entered the dance first and walked up to Kensuke where they told him of their new plan. It was now the girls turn to make an entrance. Touji and Shinji took the opposite sides of the gym doors and swung them open as Kensuke put on `Foxy Lady'. The three women all entered together. The attention was immediate as there stood the three most beautiful women in the school all wearing the same outfit. A rather tight fitting dress that perfectly sculpted each girl's body, with sleeves that extended to shortly past the elbows and a bottom that cut off at ¾ thigh. To top it off there was a heart shaped cutout just below the neckline that showed just enough skin to make the dresses very intriguing. Asuka was in red, Hikari was in white, and Rei was in blue. This caused a three-fold reaction among the people at the dance. The boys all had their eyes popped out of their skulls with their jaws dropped to the ground while their tongues cleaned the floors. The single girls all had evil glares as total and absolute jealousy overtook them. The girls with dates had the same evil glares, but they were directed at said dates and conveyed the message of great bodily harm if their dates didn't stop drooling.

Shinji walked up, took Asuka by the arm, and lead her to the dance floor while she announced “Sorry boys, I'm taken.” The other girls at the dance felt a little relief at this while the boys felt a bit of searing pain.

Touji walked up and escorted Hikari to the dance floor as she announced “Sorry, me too.” The other girls at the dance felt even more relief while the boys felt even more searing pain.

Rei then stepped forward and said with a false pout “Hello, I'm all alone.” The girl's relief was now replaced by a loss of all hope, while the boys were filled with overwhelming joy. Those quiet girls can be full of surprises sometimes and Rei just demonstrated an unknown ability, even to her, of being able to play a crowd.

 

When the two couples got to the dance floor Kensuke put on a slow song. The two couples wrapped their arms around their dates and stared into each others eyes as they danced. Rei on the other hand was wandering around looking for her first dance partner. She didn't have that much trouble as there were many offers. The dance then returned back to normal under the watchful eyes of the chaperones, who were by a weird coincidence either large and strong men in black suits or very serious and fit women in black dress suits. As the dance continued Kensuke switched from a slow song to a up-tempo one and back again as requested by a certain trio of women. During the slow songs Asuka and Shinji would dance together with Asuka laying her head on his shoulder while Shinji held her close to him. This felt so right to the both of them. Rei on the other hand was walking around looking for her next victim. And when the up-tempo songs came on Asuka and Shinji would sit down and talk to each other while they waited for the next slow song. Rei was very busy during these dance songs as she was very eager to try out all the new dance moves she had just been taught a couple days earlier. Unfortunately for the boys not all the dance moves were taught to her by Asuka and Hikari. A good bit of them were dance moves were taught to her by Misato. Hikari and Touji though stayed on the dance floor for the whole time. They danced closely to the slow songs, and thanks to the outfit bringing out Hikari's wild side, they got down during the dance songs. This was very surprising to Hikari because Touji was a really good dancer, of course he later admitted that it was because he had been practicing every night for the last month in preparation for the dance. As the night passed by the five different kids all felt like this was the best night of their lives. (A/N: I think I just buried the needle on the sappy meter with that line. I will try not to do it again, but don't hold me to that.)

 

Hikari and Touji left the dance first to go out to a fancy restaurant, this was about the only part of Touji's plan that had survived the night. Shinji and Asuka left about an hour later.

When Rei had seen them leave she went up to Kensuke. “Kensuke now that Hikari and Touji, and Asuka and Shinji have left how about you play mostly dance songs.”

“I don't know Rei, there are still a lot of girls here that still want slow ones.” He answered her.

Rei then offered “You can have the next dance if you do.”

Kensuke jumped at this and set up his computer to play mostly dance songs and joined her out on the floor. After all he was doing this DJ thing for free, he might as well get to have some fun too. And thanks to his DDR skills he was one of the few boys who could keep up with her.

 

Asuka and Shinji were walking home from the dance hand in hand when Asuka said “I had a really good time tonight Shinji, did you?”

“Anytime I am with you is good” he answered back.

“Shinji Ikari are you trying to sweet talk me?” Asuka said playfully.

Shinji returned in a playful voice himself “Maybe.”

“Well keep it up, your doing a good job” she told him.

“You know Asuka you really are the most beautiful girl in the world.” Shinji was very honest about that one.

Asuka gave him a little beep on his nose and said “That's a good one.” And as the two walked home Shinji continued to sweet talk her while Asuka happily soaked it up. After taking the long way, they finally got home. Inside the apartment they both got very quiet. It was the end of their first date and neither one really knew what was going to happen next.

Shinji, summoning up all his courage leaned in towards Asuka and said “Thank you for a wonderful night Asuka” and gave her a light kiss on the cheek.

Asuka wrapped her hands around the back of Shinji's neck and leaned in close to him and said “No, thank you for being my perfect gentleman tonight Shinji.” And returned his kiss with one of her own on his cheek. Asuka then moved in even closer, making sure Shinji could feel her warm breath on his lips. She placed one hand on his cheek and tilted his head slightly and said “And this is for being yourself.” She kissed Shinji deeply on the lips. Shinji, using instincts he did not know he had, wrapped his arms around her and pulled her closer to him while returning the deep kiss. They stood together in this pose for as long as they could, neither one of them wanted this moment to ever end. It was another thing that just felt so right to them. Finally as the urge to breath overwhelmed them they separated and stared into each other's eyes while trying to catch their breaths.

After she had caught her breath Asuka turned around and whispered sweetly “Good night Shinji. I hope we can continue this conversation tomorrow.”

Shinji answered in a quiet and a bit flustered tone “G-goodnight Asuka.” They both then went to their bedrooms.

 

Rei was lying down on the coach when Misato and a half dead Kaji got home. Kaji went straight for his bed while Misato went over to Rei.

“Rei, why are you sleeping on the couch?” she asked and quickly followed up as a thought popped into her mind. “Shinji had better not be in Asuka's room.”

Rei calmly replied “Don't worry Misato, I already peeked. They're both in their rooms staring off into space. Shinji was staring up at his ceiling with a huge smile plastered on his face and Asuka was sitting in her bed fingering her lips.”

Misato breathed a sigh of relief. “So we know their date went well, now what happened to you at the dance, and I want full details.” Rei then told her about what happened at the dance and how many cute boys wanted to dance with her and other details about what happened. Misato listened intently as Rei sounded almost enthusiastic while describing the events. With her curiosity now settled Misato went to go check on the other two and found that both of them had fallen asleep. She then said “I think we all had a good time tonight, but it is time to go to bed. Goodnight Rei.”

“Goodnight Misato” Rei said, and they both went to their rooms to get some sleep.

 

Little Break

 

Shinji was the first to wake up. `Was this all a dream or did it really happen' was the first thing he thought. He got his answer fairly quickly as he noticed he was still wearing his suit. A now extremely happy Shinji quickly changed out of it and into some work clothes in preparation for the apartment project that was going to happen later in the day. Seeing as he was the only one up he sat down on the couch and turned the TV but put it on mute. The TV was on more for the sake of being on that anything as the only thing he could concentrate on was the events of last night. He was definitely going to use his spine more often as it really paid off.

 

About a half hour later Asuka quietly snuck up behind him and wrapped her arms around his chest and whispered into his ear “Good morning Shin-Shin, did you sleep well last night.”

“Since I dreamed about you, Yes” he said and reached back and pulled Asuka over the couch and into his arms. Asuka let out a little “Eep” as Shinji's bold move surprised her.

“Shhh, we don't want to wake the others, now do we” he said quietly and then gave her a little kiss on the head.

“No we don't” Asuka responded and gave him a kiss of her own and added “I think we have a conversation to finish Shinji.”

“Yo..You were serious about that?” Shinji stammered.

 

About a half hour later their conversation was disturbed by a “Wark, Wark.”

“PenPen, I am going to blink and if you are still there when my eyes open, penguin will be on tonight's menu.” Asuka said through the side of her lips as the rest were currently occupied.

“And I'll do it” Shinji added in the same manner as the rest of his lips were occupied as well and he was very much enjoying this conversation. PenPen then proved that penguins can indeed run as fast on land as they swim under water with the proper motivation.

“That penguin is smarter than he looks” Asuka said and returned her full focus to her and Shinji's conversation.

 

A half hour later, “Wark, Wark.”

“That's it penguin udon” an irritated Asuka said.

“OH REALLY?” came back a reply causing both children to jump sky high.

“M.. M.. Misato” Shinji stumbled. “W…We were just….” Asuka stumbled as well. “T.. Talking” Shinji tried to say. “N.. Nothing else” Asuka finished. Then both together “REALLY.”

Misato picked up both children by their ears and sat Shinji down on one side of the couch and Asuka on the other, with her in between both of them. “Since you two have decided to be so Friendly.” She put great emphases on the word friendly. “There are going to be some new ground rules in this house. Number one….” Misato started and kept going. There were 50 ground rules all together and the first 49 could be summoned up in this simple equation Asuka + Shinji ≠ Alone Together. The 50th rule was No threatening PenPen that he is dinner. Misato pretty much knew that when Asuka and Shinji finally got together a lot of pent up emotions were going to be released and she would find them like this, so her pre-planned speech was well rehearsed.

 

“Now that the rules are settled” Misato started in a serious tone but quickly switched over to an excited one. “Asuka go get Rei up. Shinji go get the ladder and tools from the Janitor's closet and I will go get Kaji. We have an apartment to renovate.”

Asuka went into her room to wake Rei up but found her already up and changed. “How long have you been awake?” Asuka asked her.

“Since rule 37” she answered with a little grin.

“You heard then?” Asuka asked bummed out that her fun had been stopped.

“Yeah” Rei answered but had to ask “Was it worth it?”

Asuka's eyes flashed and she said “Definitely, and probably the million more rules we get when we break the first 50.”

From the other side of their apartment they heard Misato yell “Kaji get your lazy ass out of bed, you have work to do.” Followed by a large groan.

 

Two hours later Misato had the girls in the other apartment. “Girls I brought you over here away from the boys for a reason.” Misato started “Asuka I gave you the sanitized version of this two years ago and Rei this will be your first time but since you're both attracting attention now I want to have a serious talk with you about all the details.” Thus began `The Talk.' In the other apartment a while later, Kaji and Shinji were preparing to knock down part of the wall to connect the two apartments when they heard Asuka and Rei yell out “The Pill” from the other side.

“That reminds me Shinji, Misato asked me to talk to you about something” Kaji started. “Do you remember that long and thorough birds and the bees talk we had a while back.”

“Yes, it's kinda hard to forget.” Shinji said back embarrassed.

“Good. Repeat it in your head, remember to use a condom, and hand me the circular saw” Kaji said and then added “And Shinji, pray there are no wires behind this wall.” He started up the saw and unfortunately five minutes later (BZZZZZT, THUMP).

 

Eight hours later. One wall removed with decorative trim put up, a kitchen torn out and replaced with an entertainment center, a much needed extra bathroom in possession, and two apartments are one. Along with Kaji having a big band aid on his head.

“Okay part one of my plan is done” Misato said.

“What do you mean part one” Kaji replied in a grumpy voice.

“Don't worry your part of the plan is done, now it is time for a little move.” Misato assured him. The kids though knew that last part was directed at them. Misato announced “Effective immediately Rei will move into the other side of the apartment as planned, but Asuka you will also move into the other side too.”

“Why?” Asuka asked defiantly.

“Because I said so” Misato said in a matter of fact way.

“I don't want too, I like my room” Asuka said still defiant.

“But the other one is bigger” Misato argued.

“I like my room where it is at” Asuka answered still defiantly.

Misato then raised her voice a little “And that is why you're moving.”

“That's not fair” Asuka cried out.

“Tough” Misato answered her.

Shinji spoke up “Misato I have an idea.”

Misato raised and eyebrow and said “I bet you do” in a discouraging way.

Shinji continued anyway “What if you and Kaji move to the other side and Rei takes your guy's room. That way you two would have more privacy.”

Misato just stared at him for a second, before saying “And you and Asuka's room would remain beside each others and out of sight of ours, Right.”

Shinji could only answer with an “Ummm.”

“Nice try Shinji” Misato said and continued “Now you three get to work moving Rei's stuff to her room and Asuka's stuff to her new room.

“Ok Misato” Rei said in a happy tone as she had her own room once again.

“Yes Misato” Shinji said dejectedly. Asuka just answered by sticking out her tongue at Misato.

 

After everyone was now in their assigned places Misato decided she was a little rough on Asuka so she made it up to her by talking her and Rei on a little shopping trip to get decorations for the newly renovated apartment. This made Asuka happy again and Shinji was happy as well as when he thought about it, it would be just as easy for him to sneak into Asuka's new room as it would be her old, considering how heavily Misato slept. Kaji on the other hand wasn't happy as he thought of what his next credit card bill was going to be.