Neon Genesis Evangelion Fan Fiction ❯ A Soliloquy of Life ❯ Birthday Party ( Chapter 4 )

A Soliloquy of Life: Chapter 4- Birthday Party

 

It was the Monday after the dance, Hikari and Rei had already talked about what happened at and after the dance before class. Rei left out the stuff about Asuka and Shinji as she figured it would be better if Asuka told Hikari. But Asuka didn't show up till two seconds before the bell when Shinji and her ran in together. Hikari tried to get several chats going with her during class to find out but Asuka would only reply “At lunch.” She even tried to get Shinji to talk but his only reply was “Ask Asuka.” On the other side of the sex line it was pretty much the same situation. Touji bragged to Kensuke about what happened after they left the dance, while Kensuke bragged about being able to dance with Rei not only once but twice. They tried numerous times to get chats going with Shinji during class but Shinji wouldn't say anything, even after numerous threats of beatings by the two boys. The boys themselves even tried to weasel information out of Asuka, much to her surprise, but she would only respond “Ask Shinji.” After getting no answers from the newlyweds Hikari, Touji, and Kensuke turned their sights on the only other person that might know something, Rei.

 

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

 

ClassRep: Since Shinji and Asuka aren't talking, spill it Rei.

Ice: NO.

Allstar: Why not?

Ice: Because it wouldn't be nice.

MilitaryIntel: Please.

Ice: NO.

ClassRep: As class rep I order you to.

Ice: NO.

Ice: Ask Kensuke he came over on Saturday.

MilitaryIntel: What's to tell. I helped you, Misato, and Kaji setup your entertainment center. I didn't even see those two.

ClassRep: Really????? (Hikari then shot over a look at Asuka and Shinji only to see Shinji wink at Asuka and Asuka blush slightly.)

Ice: Hehe…Oh yeah, rule number 12 incident.

Allstar: What?

MilitaryIntel: What?

ClassRep: What?

Ice: Opps, I said too much, gotta go. Bye.

Ice logged off

ClassRep: I don't care what you have to do, but make Shinji talk at lunch.

MilitaryIntel: Yes Ma'am.

MilitaryIntel logged off

Allstar: Whatever my foxy lady wants, she will get.

ClassRep: *Blush* I will talk to you later!!

ClassRep logged off

Allstar logged off.

 

“Stand, Bow, Dismissed” the class rep said so quickly that she beat the ending of the bell dismissing the class for lunch. Hikari grabbed Asuka and pulled her immediately outside to their usual spot at the bottom of the hill. Touji and Kensuke physically picked up Shinji and carried him to the usual lunch spot on top of the hill.

 

At the bottom of the hill. Asuka finally said something “OK, OK, I will talk, but first I want to know what you did after the dance Hikari.”

Hikari answered very quickly “After the dance we went out and had a really romantic dinner, Touji spent the whole time complimenting me, we finished dinner, he walked me home while we held hands, asked me to a movie Saturday night, I agreed.” She slowed down for the next part “He then gave me a really sweet kiss on the cheek.”

“And what did you do on Saturday night” Asuka prodded.

Hikari was now speaking at her normal rate “We went to a romantic movie and held hands the whole time. Then we went and ate at a ramen cart. He walked me home again.” She slowed down again for the next part “We shared a really nice kiss.” She blushed a little and stopped for a second as she replayed that moment in her head. Rei gave her a little nudge and she got back on course. “And then we talked all day on the phone on Sunday.” She stared directly at Asuka and nearly yelled “Now if you don't fess up I will strangle you.”

Asuka then finally told Hikari what had happened with her and Shinji. She did leave out some minor details that she thought Hikari didn't need to know though. As she went on Rei would let out a little smirk every time she noticed Asuka under exaggerate something. “And on Sunday we just watched TV” Asuka said ending her story. The last line made Rei laugh as she knew full well Asuka had left out a lot.

“So are you happy now?” Asuka asked.

“Yes I am” Hikari answered back proudly, then noticed Touji and Kensuke coming down the hill towards them.

“Excuse me, I will be right back, I need to go use the young ladies room” Asuka said and left.

 

On top of the hill. Shinji was still putting up a fight. “Not until you tell me what happened with you and Hikari after the dance.” He told Touji.

Touji answered “OK, man you are persistent. We went out to eat, I walked her home, and then gave her a kiss on the cheek. On Saturday we went to a chick flick, got something to eat, I walked her home, gave her a kiss on the lips.” He spaced out for a second at that point, until Kensuke gave him a little nudge to his side. “Oh.. And on Sunday we talked on the phone. Now fess up or die.” Shinji finally gave in and told them a greatly abbreviated and edited version of what happened. When questioned by Kensuke about Saturday when he was there and didn't see the two of them, he said Asuka was helping him clean up and put away the equipment in the janitor's closet. This was the truth, just not the whole truth. And on Sunday he said they watched TV.

After finishing his explanation he said “I'll be right back I gotta go hit the can.”

 

As Shinji went inside Touji said “Lets see what Hikar…I mean the girls are up to.” Kensuke, after a quick argument with himself in his mind about whether to jump on Touji's slip up said “OK, whatever.”

“So Hikari did you get the whole story, because we did.” Touji said to her.

“I think so, but what was with the smirks and little laughs Rei.” Rei then laughed again and said that everything Asuka told her and what Shinji probably said too was a greatly edited version. She then took a piece of paper and handed it to Hikari. “Misato made me promise to give this to you.” Rei then went through the 50 ground rules with the three of them and pointed out which ones she knew they had already broken.

Kensuke said “Rule 12 explains why I didn't see them on Saturday.”

“And rules 2, 7, and 10, explain your laughter about Asuka's Sunday statement.” Hikari said.

“And rule 21 explains why they were almost late for class today” Rei added.

Hikari then noticed that the two people in question had been absent from the conversation, and should have been back by now. “Just where are those two?” Hikari said in a suspicious tone. Rei pointed out rule number 37 on the list.

Hikari jumped up and ran to the classroom while Touji said “Lucky bastard.” Rei and Kensuke laughed at his apparent jealousy.

 

Shinji was sitting at his desk with Asuka in his lap while they kissed each other in the empty classroom. He then noticed someone and said while still kissing Asuka “You ever notice how much Hikari looks like Misato when she's mad.”

Asuka answered while continuing to kiss Shinji “She must have the list now.”

Shinji answered without stopping his kissing “Yup.”

Hikari yelled in a demanding tone “Get your lips off each other NOW.” Asuka got up and wrote something on a scrap of paper and handed it to Shinji.

She then sighed “I guess we're finished for now.”

“All good things must come to an end” Shinji replied and shot a wink of compliance to Asuka as he read the note.

“Gimme that.” Hikari commanded and snatched the note from Shinji. “You know maybe I should give this note to Misato” Hikari added when she saw what was written on the note.

Asuka countered by saying “Or maybe you should give it to Touji.” Hikari took a step back and froze while turning a deep shade of red when she heard this, but as she thought about it she started to get a devilish little grin on her face. The end of lunch bell then rang and all the students returned to class.

 

“So are we following Shinji and Asuka home to make sure they don't break any more rules” Touji asked jokingly.

“I have a better idea” Hikari said seductively and handed him the note.

“Rule 21, what does that mean?” Touji asked. Hikari responded with a wink a little lick of her lips. Touji's mind figured it out and he said “Now I'm the lucky bastard.”

 

Little Break

 

A couple of weeks later on October 20th, about an hour till lunch, a chat was started up.

 

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

 

MilitaryIntel: So any plans for this weekend?

Allstar: Not really.

Shinman: Nope.

ClassRep: None that I can think of

Ice: Nothing good.

RedQueen: Probably just sitting around the house.

MilitaryIntel: How about catching that new Bond flick on Saturday?

Allstar: Sounds like a good idea to me.

Ice: I can't go on Saturday.

Shinman: Why not?

Ice: I have a Nerv physical.

RedQueen: Man, I hate those things.

Shinman: They waste the whole day.

Ice: I'm not looking forward to it.

MilitaryIntel: How about Sunday then?

Ice: I should be free then.

ClassRep: Good, sounds like a plan.

MilitaryIntel: I can't wait to see the new gadgets and cars he has.

RedQueen: Typical computer geek stooge.

Allstar: But they're always cool.

Shinman: I like them too.

ClassRep: Typical males.

RedQueen: I couldn't agree more.

MilitaryIntel: Well what do you want to see, a stupid chick flick?

RedQueen: I wouldn't mind that.

MilitaryIntel: Please, all your going to do is make out during the whole movie, so why not let some of us others watch something good.

Shinman: Be nice to Asuka.

MilitaryIntel: Man are you whipped.

Allstar: Hahahaha .

ClassRep: Be nice Touji.

Allstar: Sorry.

MilitaryIntel: You're no better Touji.

RedQueen: I think you're just jealous.

MilitaryIntel: Of Shinji and Touji, no way.

ClassRep: I bet you would like a girlfriend.

RedQueen: Like that could happen.

Allstar: Not in a million years.

MilitaryIntel: I could get a girlfriend if I wanted to.

Shinman: I doubt that.

RedQueen: No way.

Allstar: Kensuke wants a girlfriend, Kensuke wants a girlfriend.

ClassRep: That's cute.

MilitaryIntel: I do not, I'm just saying I could get one if I wanted to.

RedQueen: Hahahaha.

Shinman: Maybe for your birthday we will get you one.

Ice: I think I might log off, I'm not feeling well.

ClassRep: (Hikari looked over at Rei and wrote) your eyes are really watery, why don't you go see the nurse.

Ice logged off. (Rei then excused herself from class and went to the nurse's office.)

MilitaryIntel: I hope Rei is all right.

Allstar: There's been a bug going around lately.

RedQueen: Yeah, Misato caught it, she's been sick for the last two days.

ClassRep: Maybe I should check up on her at lunch.

Shinman: Asuka and I will.

RedQueen: Just to make sure she's fine.

ClassRep: OK

RedQueen: I have a awesome idea for this weekend. Let's go shopping.

ClassRep: Good Idea.

Shinman: ...

Allstar: ...

MilitaryIntel: NO.

RedQueen: I want to get a new party dress.

Shinman: Ok.

Allstar: ...

MilitaryIntel: NO!

ClassRep: So do I.

Allstar: Sweet.

MilitaryIntel: NO!!!

RedQueen: Give it up Kensuke, you lost.

MilitaryIntel: Why do I always lose????

RedQueen: Because you're a boy.

ClassRep: Shopping it is then, I hope Rei will be feeling better by then.

RedQueen: Me too, but if she isn't we'll buy her something nice and expensive.

ClassRep: That would cheer her up.

The conversation from there was basically between the two girls and what they thought Rei would like as well as what else they were looking for at the mall.

 

It was lunchtime, and Shinji and Asuka were walking back from the nurse's office towards Hikari, Touji, and Kensuke.

“Is Rei alright?” Hikari asked the two as they walked towards her.

“The nurse sent her home” Shinji answered with Asuka adding “The nurse said she had really watery eyes and probably caught a bug from Misato.”

“So now you have two sick people at your house” Touji said.

“If you want I can bring some home made chicken soup over to help” Hikari said in a concerned voice.

“Thanks, we might need it if this bug spreads through our house.” Shinji said as he remembered the hassle the last time that happened, and that was before Rei was there.

 

Earlier in the morning Misato, Ritsuko, and Kaji left for a UN meeting in Hokkaido. Since neither of them was available, Hikari arranged it so Shinji and Asuka could leave an hour early to check up on Rei and make sure everything was alright. Actually Misato was on her way home as they were speaking because once she heard one of her kids went home from school sick she told Kaji to handle everything and took off.

 

Shinji and Asuka entered the apartment quietly just in case Rei was sleeping. They went over to her room to check up on her, but once they got there they heard a faint sob and both grew confused.

“Rei are you alright?” Shinji said in a concerned voice.

A very weak and sad voice responded “I'm fine, just go away.”

“Rei you don't sound fine to me, are you sure your ok?” Asuka said as she became increasingly concerned at the sound of Rei's voice.

In the same weak and sad voice Rei responded “I just want to be alone.”

This was an unacceptable answer to Asuka and Shinji felt the same way. Asuka now regarded Rei not as just a friend but as part of her family, and there was no way in hell that any member of her family was allowed to feel sad and alone.

Asuka opened Rei's door only to see Rei looking up from a tear soaked pillow with tears streaming down her face.

“What's wrong?” Asuka asked in an extremely concerned manner. Rei could only cry out “Project Completion Date.” Asuka and Shinji rushed to Rei and sat on opposite sides of her and wrapped their arms around her. Rei was crying heavily now as you could tell those three words hurt her deeply.

Shinji in a concerned voice and holding her tightly said “Rei we don't understand.”

Through heavy tears and sobbing Rei struggled but said “I don't have a Birthday, only a Project Completion Date.” These words stunned both children as they realized what she had just said. They thought they knew about Rei's background, as when she moved in she told them about it, but this she left out. Both children held her as she cried to try and comfort her.

 

After a couple minutes she added through more tears “That day is used only as a schedule to track my biological progress.” Both children now remembered what she had said about her upcoming physical and realized just when this date was. Shinji now felt even worse as it was he who mentioned the word birthday, and now he felt responsible.

Shinji said in a serious but soft tone “I don't know how but I promise I will help you.” Both children hugged Rei even tighter to try and give her all the comfort they could. It was then that Misato got home. The first thing she heard was Rei crying and she immediately ran to her room. When she got to the room she saw Shinji and Asuka holding Rei closely while tears streamed down her face.

Misato said in a voice of concern only a mother could do “Why is my child crying?” And in an instant she could tell Rei was not sick so something else must have happened. And to make Rei cry this badly it must have been something atrocious. As horrible thoughts flooded her mind she switched over to intense rage and said ”Who hurt my child?”

Shinji looked up at her and said “We did.” He then noticed both sorrow and rage in Misato's eyes and calmly beckoned her over while saying “Just hold her. Asuka will explain everything while I make some tea.” Misato then wrapped her arms around Rei and held her tightly while Asuka explained what was wrong.

 

When Shinji got back a few minutes later he saw Misato crying as well. She felt horribly responsible as she was commander of Nerv now and should have done something about this already. The reason she hadn't was when she took over she ordered many secrets, even to her, buried and never resurrected. Most of Rei's past was one of them. The thought that she, though inadvertently, caused Rei so much pain caused her to break down and cry as well. Shinji pulled up a chair and set the tray of tea on Rei's nightstand. He then gently lifted the faces of each of the women in front of him until their eyes met his and said. “Rei you won't have a physical on Saturday. And from now on October 23 will be referred to only as your Birthday and nothing else.” He then shifted to a happier tone and said “Now please stop crying little sister.” Those last two words echoed around the room many times until Rei stood up and this time with tears of joy in her eyes, hugged him tightly and said “Thank you, Big Brother.” The other two women then got up and joined the hug.

After everyone had calmed down and got their emotions in check Rei said softly “What are we going to do about Dr. Akagi, she's the one who set this whole thing up?”

Misato answered “Just leave her to me, I want to have a little chat with her.”

 

“So Rei” Misato started as the four of them sat around the kitchen table drinking tea “How large of party do you want?” Rei sat and thought about this for a while and answered softly “A small one, just family and close friends

“Then it is settled, this Saturday we will have Rei's 16th birthday party” Asuka said happily and added “But first I think we need to go shopping for party supplies.” The other girls of course quickly agreed to this.

“Can I stay home?” Shinji asked. All three women answered “Nope.” To which Shinji responded with a typical teenage male groan. While shopping the four had a discussion and decided that they would tell Hikari, Touji, and Kensuke limited information about Rei's background. They would leave out the stuff about Lilith and just say she was a test tube baby of Yui Ikari. And of course there was to be a birthday party this Saturday. (A/N: I chose 16 because she basically had to be recreated after she blew herself up from one of the clones in the tank. Since all the clones were 14 years old she basically got reset, while Shinji and Asuka by that time had to be getting close to 15. That's the logical/bs answer the real reason is that and I like the idea of Shinji being an overprotective older brother.)

 

Touji, Hikari, and especially Kensuke greeted this information with many questions but Shinji just asked them to accept what they were told and keep the information to themselves. Touji and Hikari immediately agreed. Kensuke took a little more time as he had not yet finished asking questions, but he eventually calmed down and realized Shinji was right and that total knowledge would do more harm than good.

Asuka then chimed in “Now that we are in agreement, you guys better get shopping for Rei's birthday presents. And they better be good or else.”

Rei tried to say that showing up would just be good enough but Asuka wouldn't accept this and reiterated her threat. After all nothing is too good for her family. Rei could only smile sheepishly in reply.

 

On Friday after school Shinji, Asuka, Hikari, Touji, and Kensuke were hanging out together after school.

“Does everyone have Rei's present yet?” Asuka asked. She then looked at Touji and Kensuke and added “Hikari you helped the other two stooges out, Right?”

Hikari answered “I helped Touji, but Kensuke said he already had a good idea and wouldn't let me.”

Touji butted in “You know I could have handled it by myself.”

Both girls just stared at him and said in unison “Oh, Please” with Hikari adding “I don't think Rei would have liked an autographed baseball.”

“What's wrong with that?” Touji complained.

Shinji answered him “Think for a second Touji. Rei does like baseball, but you know she is a huge fan of American Football.” Two evil glares were shot at him for that statement. Shinji proclaimed “Well she is.” Asuka shook her head and sighed “boys.” She then directed her attention to Kensuke. “So what is this good idea of yours?” that was asked more in a tone of interrogation than anything else.

Kensuke smugly replied “It's a brilliant idea.”

“Yeah, whatever just make sure it's good and that Rei will like it.” Asuka said as a warning.

“It will be, I just have one more thing to do and I will be done” he said.

Asuka looked at him and told him “It better be good” just to make sure he was clear of what her expectations were.

 

Misato picked up Rei to treat her to a visit to the beauty salon as part of an early birthday present after school on Friday. Not that she really needed it. Since the dance just about every boy in school was trying to get a date with her. They were relaxing in a flower bath at the beauty salon talking and just having a pleasant conversation when Misato asked in a very relaxed voice “So Rei are you sure there are no special boys you want to invite?”

Rei responded also in a very relaxed voice “No, while it was fun at the dance and I met a lot of boys, none of them really stood out.”

“So you don't talk with any of them?” Misato asked.

“Not really. The only boy that I danced with that I really still talk to is Kensuke.” Rei answered.

“He's a nice boy, if not a little eccentric.” Misato said.

“Yeah, but if your not a computer or digital camera he would never even notice you.” Rei snickered.

“Some boys are just like that” Misato commented and then added “Just ask Maya.”

Rei looked over at Misato and asked curiously “Nerv gossip?”

Misato looked back and said “Don't repeat this but….” and treated her to a little gossip session.

 

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

 

Saturday morning at 7:00am, Asuka and Shinji are making out on the couch while everyone is still asleep. Shinji spoke softly to Asuka while she was lying on his chest. “You know, when I bought that pendant for Rei I didn't buy only one.” Asuka looked up at Shinji with a little gleam in her eyes. Shinji then pulled out a ruby heart pendant that opened that opened up to display three little words in golden letters “I Love You.” He carefully put the pendant around Asuka's neck while staring deeply into her eyes and said softly “This is forever.”

Asuka responded by slowly moving her face closer to his and whispered “I love you too, and I always will.” She kissed him deeply as she laid down directly on top of him making sure their body heat could be felt by each other. A purple flash went by them towards the bathroom unnoticed. A couple minutes later they heard a voice “I see he gave you a pendent as well.” Asuka looked up and saw Misato standing above them with an Almandine Spinel pendant on as well. (A/N: It's a rare purple gemstone)

Asuka turned back towards Shinji and said “You can thank him later, I'm not done yet” and went back to her kiss. That was until a tug at her ear told her it was time for her kiss to end. Neither Shinji nor Asuka were happy about this and it was apparent in the look they gave Misato.

Misato just said “I'm sure you will find a way to thank him later Asuka, and I doubt I will be able to stop it even if I tried, but for right now Shinji needs to make breakfast.” Misato then shooed him off to the kitchen while saying “Make pancakes and take out the peanut butter as well.” Now turning her attention back to Asuka she said “Mine says `Thank You Mom' what does yours say?” and added in a sarcastic tone “As if I don't already know.” The two women then sat down on the couch and compared pendants while Shinji made breakfast.

 

“Good Morning Shinji what's for breakfast” Rei asked in a happy tone.

“Pancakes” he replied.

“So what are Misato and Asuka so happy about?” she asked in an inquisitive voice.

“Oh, just a little something” Shinji said avoiding any real answers.

Rei continued “Could that something have anything to do with a sapphire pendant with `I Will Always Be There For You Little Sister' written in gold letters inside, that was on my night stand when I woke up this morning.” She said this while daggling the pendant from her hand.

“Maybe” he only answered.

Rei threw her arms around him and hugged him while saying “Thank you big brother”

He returned the hug and said “Anything for my sister on her birthday. Now go over and show Asuka and Misato while I finish breakfast.” Rei then headed over to the couch but not before stopping at the kitchen table and asking “What's the peanut butter for?”

“Misato wanted it on her pancakes” he replied.

Rei said “Weird” and went over to the couch with Misato and Asuka and they all compared pendants.

Kaji, who had been awakened by the excitement walked up to Shinji. “You're getting pretty good with the ladies there son.”

“Well I learned from the best.” he replied smirking back.

Kaji added “You know about the peanut butter, right.”

“Yup” Shinji answered.

“Good” Kaji replied and headed off towards the bathroom.

 

After breakfast was done and everyone got cleaned up, the girls and Shinji were putting up the party decorations while Kaji and Misato stepped out to run some errands. A little ways away in Hikari's room Touji and Hikari were getting ready for the party as well.

Touji said while kissing Hikari's belly button “So when are we” he moved a little higher up on her stomach “Leaving for Rei's party?”

Hikari giggled as the kisses tickled her “In about 15 minutes.”

“And what did I” Touji continued to question as he moved his kisses to the areas around her bra “Get her again?”

“A cashmere sweater” she squealed as Touji moved onto the more delicate areas of Hikari's skin that her bra did not completely cover.

“What does it look like?” Touji asked as he kissed the outside material of her bra.

“A little like the one..” she let out a little gasp as he got to the most sensitive area of her bra. “You took off...” another gasp as he switched to the other side “…Of me.” Hikari then took control of the situation and led his head back up to hers. “Touji my lips are in need of attention” she told him. He dutifully obliged.

After about 10 minutes of dutiful attention she rolled him off of her and got up. “That was very good Touji but now we have to get going. Umm…. where's my shirt?”

“I don't know” he replied as he was hiding something behind his back.

“Your being naughty, give it back” Hikari said playfully.

“Only if you agree to give it back later” he said and played keep away with the shirt until she tackled him and pinned him down under her.

Hikari then took her shirt back and told him “Only if you behave like a good boy.”

 

Misato and Kaji got home just as the kids were finishing putting up the decorations. “Wow, you guys did a great job” Misato said as she handed some groceries off to Shinji for later. She added “Rei come see the surprise I got you.” Kaji then opened up a big box and showed Rei a big birthday cake with white frosting and blue edging and wording. On the cake was printed.

Happy 16th Birthday

To Our

Very Special Daughter

Rei

Rei got overwhelmed by this and started to cry a little as Misato went over and gave her a hug. Rei was finding that she couldn't hide from her emotions in this family and she was happy about it.

 

Shinji was just finishing setting out the party snacks and other food he was making for the party when Touji and Hikari showed up, followed soon after by Kensuke. They all wished Rei a “Happy Birthday” and the party was officially started. Everyone was having fun playing video games, party games, eating, or just talking to one another. The only real problem that came up was after Touji found out about the pendants Shinji had gotten for Rei, Misato, and Asuka and since Hikari was ohhing and ahhing over them he figured he would now have to buy her one as well. He went over to tell Shinji how “happy” he was about this, but Shinji gave him the last cheeseburger and he quickly forgot about it. When all the food was eaten it was time for the birthday cake, and Kaji brought it out with 16 candles on it. Then they all sang Happy Birthday to Rei, and with little tears of joy in her eyes she blew out all the candles, except for one which made her blush a little as she took a second breath to blow it out. Misato then cut up the cake and served a piece to everyone. After seconds, and thirds in Touji's case, were served it was finally time to open presents.

 

First up was Kaji. “Here you go Rei” Kaji said as he put down in front of her a large and odd shaped package. He then continued “I can tell you have a lot to say but struggle to put it into words sometimes so I figured this would be a very good way for you to express yourself.” Rei was a bit confused, as well as the others, by these cryptic words but as she opened his present to her she understood. Kaji had gotten her an Easel and Canvas paint set. He also included with it plenty of extra canvases, along with about 30 different brushes and tubes of just about every different color of paint you could buy. Rei jumped up and hugged Kaji while Misato whispered to Asuka and Hikari “How can a man who acts so dumb most of the time be so smart?” Neither of them had an answer for her.

 

Next it was Touji and Hikari's turn. Touji had gotten her a blue cashmere sweater and Hikari had gotten her an outfit that went perfectly with it. As Touji turned to sit back down, Rei mouthed a thank you to Hikari as she was a little worried about what Touji would think was a good gift for her.

 

Shinji then stood up and told her he had bought her another gift. She was a little surprised as the pendant was already more than she hoped for. When she opened the box Shinji gave her she shouted excitedly “My favorite team.” She hugged Shinji and asked him “How did you know?”

He responded “A big brother just does.” She then put on her oversized Minnesota Vikings personalized jersey with 00 for the numbers and Ayanami written across the back. Shinji turned around to see complete shock on both Asuka's and Hikari's faces. “What, I told you she liked football” he said smugly and with a grin. (A/N: Ret Nuh puts on his helmet with horns and says “If you got a problem with the team I picked - Deal With It. It aint changing.)

 

Asuka decided that it was her turn next. She handed Rei a beautifully wrapped ornate box. Rei carefully opened the wrapping as she didn't want to tear it and when she opened the box inside, she started to tear up.

Asuka went and gave her a hug while saying “If you ever feel lonely just open it up and remember we all love you.” Rei then showed everyone else what Asuka had gotten her. A sterling silver and gold music box that opened up to a little golden figure dancing in a circle. But what made it really special was what was behind the figure. A picture of Kaji, Misato, Asuka, Shinji, and Rei together, inlaid with a silver border and embossed on the bottom with gold lettering of the word `Family'. Misato started to tear up when she saw this and Rei and Asuka went over and hugged her to settle her down.

Shinji whispered to Kaji “Hormones” and Kaji whispered back “It will only get worse.”

 

Next it was Misato's turn, as Shinji insisted that Kensuke went last. He actually knew what it was as Kensuke had asked him for help getting into a certain place to complete his idea. Misato gave, while still wiping away tears, Rei the first part of her present. A bunch of gift certificates for two to the beauty salon and told her they were to be used for anytime she needed to “just talk.” And the second part was a teddy bear with the word love printed over the heart “and this is for when you need something to hold to remind you.” Misato said. Rei now had a bunch of different items that let her know just how much she was cared for.

 

Now it was time for the final gift, Kensuke's. Everyone, except Shinji, was wondering just what he had up his sleeve and why Shinji was so persistent about him going last. Kensuke walked up and handed Rei an envelope. Rei opened the envelope and first noticed her Nerv personal file.

“I don't understand? How did you get this?” Rei started but Kensuke said “Just read the top. I made a little adjustment.” Rei didn't really understand as her file always said her name and then confidential on everything else, but now there was a difference. Under her name some new lines were inserted.

Name: Rei Ayanami

Birthday: October 23

Family Relation: Mother- Yui Ikari; Brother- Shinji Ikari

Rei stared at this information, `How did it get in there?' she wondered, but before she could ask the question Kensuke said “I took the liberty of changing the info on all the Magi systems from the inside so now no one can prove it wrong because I also got you this.” He then took out a certificate and gave it to her.

“What's this?” She asked.

“Why it's your birth certificate” he said and explained that he had hacked into all systems that would contain this kind of information and inserted it. Then he went onto explain how through `Hospital Sources' he had a real birth certificate created and backlogged so it was as official as anyone else's, and no one would be able to say otherwise. While he explained what he did Misato whispered to Kaji “Remind me to go in early on Monday. Ritsuko is going to freak out and probably try and have him tortured.” He then showed Rei that all the information on her personal file concerning her `Birth' was also on the birth certificate. During this explanation Kaji whispered back to Misato “I wonder which hospital source he has pictures of, they could come in handy.” As the last part of his present he pulled out of the envelope a small ID bracelet.

Kensuke explained “When every child is born they are given an ID bracelet and since according to the records they forgot to give you one, I decided to get you one. Except this one isn't one of the cheap metal or plastic ones that we all got, yours is made out of a platinum and silver blend that won't tarnish or rust.” Rei slowly took the bracelet from him and stared at it. Everyone in the room was in total shock, except Shinji who knew how much something like this would mean to Rei. As Rei put on the bracelet she started to cry. For the first time in her life she was officially no different than anyone else. And there was no way for anyone to prove it differently.

While crying Rei grabbed Kensuke and hugged him while saying softly “You have done the impossible. You have changed me from being Rei Ayanami the project to Rei Ayanami the girl.” She then gave him a small kiss on the cheek and said “I will never be able to thank you enough.” Kensuke turned bright red at the kiss, and since he didn't completely understand Rei's past he did not know what he really had done. He thought he was just doing something really nice but judging by Rei's reaction he realized he did something of a much greater magnitude. Kensuke tried to say something back but he was left speechless by the kiss, and the fact Rei was still hugging him. He didn't get treatment like this from girls too often so he didn't really know what to do.

Rei continued to hug him while the rest of the room remained in shock until Shinji jokingly said “So Asuka was his idea good enough for you?”

Asuka could only stare back blankly and mutter “uh huh.”

 

Eventually everyone got over the shock and Rei let Kensuke go, although he was really starting to like being stuck in that position. Then they all congratulated Kensuke on his noble deed. Once all the congratulations were done the party returned to a semi-normal state. They played a few more party games and all watched a movie together. After the movie it was time for the party to end. Rei said goodbye to Hikari and Touji first. As she watched them go out the door she noticed Touji getting a little excited for some unknown reason while asking “Was I a good boy?.” Then she said goodbye to Kensuke with another little kiss on the cheek, which caused both of them to blush and garnered a quizzical look from the others. Rei now had her first ever birthday party and it was better than she could ever have dreamed of.

 

Now that Hikari, Touji, and Kensuke had gone home and the party was over there was only one thing left to do, Collapse. Everyone was both physically and emotional drained. Misato told them she was going to go to bed early because she needed the rest. Kaji went over to his reclining chair, picked up the paper, and fell asleep within a minute. Shinji, Asuka, and Rei crashed on the couch. Asuka was sleeping on Shinji's chest while Shinji and Rei were sitting on the couch with their heads back staring at the ceiling and talking in a very relaxed and quiet tone.

“So Rei did you enjoy your party?” he asked.

“Yes” she replied.

“Did you like the food I made?” he asked.

“Yes” she replied.

“Did you like the cake?” he asked.

“Yes” she replied.

“Did you like your presents?” he asked.

“Yes” she replied.

“Were the games fun?” he asked.

“Yes” she replied.

“Good movie?” he asked.

“Yes” she replied.

Now with an unnoticeable smirk and without changing tone he asked “So do you like Kensuke?”

Rei responded “Yes….. HEY” with a sudden snap of her head at the end and added “YOU CAN'T ASK THAT.” causing Shinji to start laughing. Rei looked at Shinji and with a playful slap to the back of his head said “I will get you back for that.”

Asuka who had been awoken by the commotion but had not moved said “You can hit him harder if you like.” Asuka was then abruptly disturbed as Shinji got up and started running around the apartment with Rei chasing after him. When they ran by Kaji it woke him up, but when he saw it was just Rei chasing Shinji around the room he put the paper back over his head and went back to sleep. As he ran back by the couch Asuka leaped off it and onto him, which brought him to the ground. Rei stopped and let Asuka do what she wanted to before getting her retribution. Asuka grabbed him by the shirt and led him back over to the couch and pushed him down on it. She then crawled back onto his chest and told him he wasn't allowed to move, as she was very comfortable and didn't appreciate being disturbed. Rei walked up to the back of the couch and said “So now what are you going to do big bro?”

He answered “Buy you something at the mall tomorrow?”

She thought about it for a second and accepted the offering before sitting back down on the couch.

 

After about an hour Rei decided she was tired as well and said goodnight to Shinji quietly as Asuka had fallen back to sleep on Shinji. She told Kaji goodnight as he stumbled groggily towards his own bedroom. Shinji gently picked up Asuka and carried her over to her room and laid her on her bed. He then pulled the covers up, tucked her in, and gave her a little kiss goodnight. Asuka smiled in her sleep. Shinji stood and watched his sleeping beauty for a short time and then went to his own room and happily fell asleep, as he was proud of himself for helping to make his sister happy.

 

Rei was arranging her presents in her room. She had an empty corner were she set up her paint stand and put her art supplies. She hung her pendant from her dresser mirror so it would be very visible and wound up the music box while placing it in the middle of her dresser so that it too would be very visible. She then opened it up and listened to the sweet melody as she watched the golden figure gracefully dance around. She then changed into her new sleep ware, the oversized jersey, and crawled into her bed and held her new teddy bear while looking at her bracelet. The sweet melody from the music box quickly lulled her to a very happy sleep.

 

When Kensuke got home from the party that night he went straight up to his room and grabbed the only copy of Asuka and Rei's fight. He snapped the DVD in half, put it in an old microwave, and nuked it to make sure that all video evidence was now gone and that their was no way to get it back. To make extra sure he snapped the DVD halves again and threw them in the burnable trash bin where they succumbed to a fiery death.

 

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

 

The next morning Asuka, Shinji, and Rei were sitting around the kitchen table having tea and a light breakfast when a purple flash ran by them towards the bathroom. A couple minutes later Misato came out and said “Good morning kids, I trust you all had a good night sleep.” They all said good morning back but Asuka and Rei looked at her funny.

Asuka said “You have been sick every morning this week. What is wrong…(She realized what she just said and a thought started to formulate in her head) ..with…(The thought is becoming clear)…you…(The thought is now perfectly clear)...NO WAY!!!!. Both Rei and Asuka jumped up excitedly and asked “REALLY???” “How long have you known?”

Misato answered excitedly as well “I suspected a few weeks ago, but Kaji and I went to the doctors yesterday and she confirmed it.” The three women jumped up and down and danced in a circle celebrating the fact that Misato was pregnant. After a couple of minutes they stopped and noticed that Shinji was still just calmly drinking his tea.

Asuka spoke up “Umm, Shinji why aren't you excited at this news?” she asked him.

Shinji replied in a calm voice “I already knew.”

Rei looked at him oddly and asked “How?”

Shinji now speaking in a smug tone and with a smirk “I suspected something was up when she stopped drinking the beer I put out for her a couple weeks ago. Then when she started asking for strange foods combined with the fact she has been so emotional lately, I just figured it out.” He then calmly took a sip of his tea, put the cup back on the plate, and bolted as fast as he could towards his room.

 

Tragically he was stopped short of his goal as Asuka said “Stop.” The rules were simple, he could run from the other girls but because of a promise he fully intended to keep forever he couldn't run from Asuka. And since she is the one who said stop, he stopped.

Misato turned to Asuka and said “You have trained him quite well.”

Asuka answered “It's pretty easy to train them with the proper reward system.” Misato gave her an unapproving look as she was well aware of the reward system that Asuka used quite often. Rei walked over to Shinji and gave him a punch in the arm and called him a “Smart Mouth.” Misato walked up and gave him a little rap on the back of the head and called him a “Wise Ass.” Asuka walked up and gave him a pinch on the arm and whispered into his ear “Lover” and gave him a little kiss.

“That's enough of the rewards system for now young lady” Misato said as she separated the two. Shinji then turned and gave Misato a hug and told her congratulations. This caused her to tear up a little.

They then heard a shout from Kaji and Misato's bedroom. “I told you it will only get worse” this was followed by a door locking sound.

“Don't worry” Misato said and raised her voice “Someone is taking me shopping for baby supplies today.”

They all then heard a loud groan from the bedroom and a “Me and my big mouth.”

 

After they had finished their breakfast and cleaned up the house Asuka, Shinji, and Rei left to meet up with Hikari, Touji, and Kensuke at the mall. When they all met up Asuka and Rei told Hikari the good news while the boys discussed how scary a pregnant Misato will be, out of earshot of the girls of course.

“So what are you boys talking about?” Asuka asked as the girls snuck up behind them.

“Nothing” they all said in unison, hoping the girls hadn't overheard them.

“Nothing is rarely a good or a truthful answer, do you care to try again boys?” Hikari told them in a direct voice. The boys tried to look away and pretend they didn't hear what Hikari had just said.

“Maybe they were talking about us” Rei said teasingly.

Shinji jumped on this statement as he could see a possible way out of the mess they were stuck in. “Yeah… we were just talking about how beautiful you three are.” He said this in a totally innocent voice.

“Really” the girls said in an unconvinced tone.

“Really” the three boys said in the most sincere tone they could fake.

“Okay boys, we will let you off the hook this time” Asuka said with Hikari adding “Now let's get shopping.” And the three girls dragged the three boys off with them through the mall. After a couple hours of shopping and an hour of gabbing, they ran into Misato and Kaji who were on a multimall shopping trip, they decided to get something to eat. By they I mean the girls, the boys had resigned to their fates and just followed along like lost puppies while holding all the bags. After they had finished eating Shinji said he needed to go someplace with Asuka for a little while and Asuka added “Touji didn't you say you needed to take Hikari someplace as well” in a very leading way.

“N…” he started and then got kicked in the leg by Hikari and quickly said “Uh..Yes” Asuka and Shinji went one way and Hikari and Touji went the other, leaving Rei and Kensuke together.

 

“That was a really nice thing you did for those two Shinji” Asuka told him and gave him a little kiss on the cheek.

“I just hope Kensuke notices” Shinji said as he was a little worried whether or not Kensuke would even pick up on the obvious setup. He then led Asuka towards a DVD store while saying “And thanks to a certain little minx with red hair I owe Rei another gift.” As they went through the store he found what he was looking for in the sports section.

“You are not seriously thinking of buying her that?” Asuka asked questionably.

“She'll love it” he replied.

“No she won't” Asuka shot back.

Shinji said with a little grin “Wanna bet.”

“Name your stakes” Asuka said stepping up to the challenge.

Shinji whispered something into Asuka's ear causing her eyes to shoot wide open and she exclaimed “But that barely fit when I was 14.”

Shinji said with a very large grin “That's my stakes.”

“Okay, but if you lose” Asuka had to think about this for a minute to make sure she picked something that would be equally as bad as what he had just proposed “You have to strip down to your underwear and sing `I'm a little teapot' in the girls bathroom tomorrow. And I guarantee you, there Will be an audience.”

Shinji said “Deal” although a little too quickly for Asuka's comfort level.

 

On the other side of the mall Touji complained “Why did you kick me?”

“So Kensuke and Rei could have some alone time” Hikari told him.

“That doesn't make any sense. Why would those two need some alone time, they're not dating.” Touji said. Hikari just stared at him until he understood what was happening. Once it dawned on him he said “This could be trouble, when it comes to women Kensuke's pretty dense.”

“Look who's talking, Mr. It took me forever to figure out what was happening.” Hikari teased him, and added “But since you did figure it out, how would you like to buy me a bra?” Touji responded by grabbing her hand and making a beeline for the closest lingerie store. Once at the store he was very engrossed in the selection and how each one would look on Hikari. He ended up buying her one that would give him as much access to Hikari as she would allow.

“Is there any chance I could get a little modeling show later?” Touji asked in a tone that was a mix of excitement and wonder. Hikari responded by giving him a little kiss and saying in a very playful way “Maybe.” In her mind though she was wondering if he might like a fashion show without the bra.

 

Rei and Kensuke sat at the table together, both a bit uncomfortable, for a little while after the others left. Neither one really knew what to say but eventually Rei asked in a very shy tone “So…. What do you want to do now?”

Kensuke responded shyly as well “Well, I guess we could get that dress you liked” his voice then livened up “and I really want to stop by the digital camera store so I can buy some new accessories for my camera.” Rei bashfully agreed and they went off to go find the store where she saw the dress.

 

When the three groups got back together a little while later Shinji rather eagerly gave Rei her extra present. It was a DVD titled `Minnesota Vikings: The Perfect Season.' With an in-depth look at their playoff victories over the Green Bay Packers, the Dallas Cowboys, and their trouncing of the Miami Dolphins for the Super Bowl title. (A/N: After all the Vikings have been through, you have to at least let us fans dream. It's not like it is ever going to happen.)

“I love it” Rei said excitedly, and a big smile came over Shinji's face while Asuka began to blush deeply.

“What's that blush about Asuka?” Hikari teased her as she noticed it.

But Asuka quickly shot back “So what did you two go and do?” Hikari and Touji both started to blush as well. Hikari got even redder than Touji as a certain decision in her mind had been made.

Touji quickly asked “What were you two up to Kensuke?”

Kensuke answered “Well, Rei got a nice dress she will look pretty in” this caused Rei to start blushing but it faded as he then spoke more excitedly “And I got this new vid card etc..etc..” and rambled on as he went in to great detail about all his new accessories. Both Shinji and Touji looked at each other as they figured this was what would most likely happen and they shook their heads in disapproval. Hikari and Asuka just sighed, while Rei pretended to be interested in what Kensuke was saying. When they all finished shopping they split up and headed home. Rei, Asuka, and Shinji in one group, a slightly blushing Hikari and an excited Touji in another, and Kensuke all by himself.

 

When Shinji, Asuka, and Rei got home they found an exhausted Kaji on the couch and Misato examining several different baby outfits.

Kaji's cell phone rang “Hello Major Kaji here.”

 

About 20 minutes earlier. “Subject has separated from the group and is now alone Ma'am” a deep voice said.

An angry female voice answered him “Bring him in, NOW.”

“Yes Ma'am” the deep voice said.

 

Back to the present time. “Hello Major Kaji here.” Kaji answered in a very tired tone, but quickly snapped to attention as he said “Yes Johnson” and then “You said blond hair with glasses” and followed it up with “Good work Johnson.”

He quickly went over to Misato and said “Ritsuko came in today, she has Kensuke.”

“Oh god, she is going to kill him.” Misato said and dropped what she was doing and grabbed her keys as she flew out the door.

“I'm coming too.” Rei yelled and chased after her.