Neon Genesis Evangelion Fan Fiction ❯ Acecombat: dawn of Eva ❯ Debriefings and a Romantic Interlude ( Chapter 6 )

Author's disclaimer: I don't own Acecombat 4 and Shin Seiki Evangelion. Namco owns Acecombat 4 while Studio Gainax and its affiliates own Shin Seiki Evangelion.

A/N: This chapter will be Shinji/Asuka centered. You have been warned. The Romantic interludes concerning the other pilots will be done in other chapters.

Acecombat: Dawn of Eva

Debriefings and a Romantic Interlude

Warwick Air Force Base: October 5, 2004

When Mobius Flight finally arrived at Warwick AFB, they came in quite exhausted from their mission. When Misato saw this, she quickly decided that the debriefing would be done tomorrow morning. Once they were inside their assigned quarters, they collapsed to their beds, falling asleep almost immediately.

Warwick Air Force Base: Debriefing Room: October 6, 2004

When the pilots came in for the debriefing the next day, they looked a lot better than they did last night. Since they looked better, Misato decided to start on the debriefing.

"First of all, I would like to congratulate you for making Operation 'Rigley Transport' a success." She said with a genuine smile on her face. The other pilots just nodded and smiled.

"Anyways, you were successful in assisting and escorting Maverick Flight towards Rigley AFB. It was confirmed that the enemy units you encountered were survivors from Rigley."

The other pilots raised their eyebrows at this. "Survivors? I thought we destroyed all of them!" said Shinji as the others nodded their agreement.

Misato just sighed. "Yeah, well, you obviously didn't get all of them in time." She took a folder from the desk and flipped through the pages.

"According to intelligence reports, the enemy that you encountered was the 59th Air Defense Battalion stationed at Rigley." She paused, looking at the documents more closely " It seems that they left just before you attacked the bombers. That means, they were close enough to witness the destruction and at the same time, far enough to avoid your bombs." The colonel looked at the documents for the last time before setting the folder down.

She looked at the pilots thoughtfully. "Pilots, because of your outstanding performance you have displayed in your first tow sorties, I have decided to give you two days off and will not be called to report unless we receive a new assignment from Mission Command." Misato said with a smile.

The pilots, who were initially confused by Misato's statement, now had big grins replacing their confused looks as they finally digested what their CO said.

"Dismissed!"

The pilots and the colonel exchanged salutes before they proceeded towards the exit. One by one, the pilots exited the room, talking about the things they wanted to do during the next two days.

Before Misato could leave the room, she felt a hand on her shoulder. Turning around, she saw that it was Shinji's hand. Asuka was with him.

Shinji, after successfully getting Misato's attention, withdrew his hand and took Asuka's hand in his. "Thank you, Misato." The pilots said sincerely to their friend-CO. Misato smiled.

"It's nothing. Think of it as a well-deserved reward." The pilots just nodded, smiled and exited the room. Misato just smiled to herself as she watched the two pilots walk away, holding hands.

Warwick Air Force Base: Cafeteria: October 6, 2004

When Shinji and Asuka were out of the room, they quickly headed for the cafeteria to discuss their plans for the next few days. Shinji and Asuka both ordered an iced tea and sat in one of the tables adjacent to the door.

"Asuka, what do you think can we do in our day-offs?" Shinji asked as he held Asuka's hand. Asuka thought for a moment before replying.

"I don't know Shinji. Maybe you could give me an idea." Said Asuka as she took a sip from her drink.

"Well, how about a date?" Shinji asked as he calmly sipped his drink. Even though he was quite calm on the outside, he was feeling quite nervous on Asuka's reaction to his suggestion. Asuka stopped drinking and was staring wide-eyed at Shinji.

'D-did he just… ask me out?' Asuka thought in shock.

Although Ikari Shinji and Sorhyu Asuka Langley were dating for 4 months now, they haven't gone out on a date because of the outbreak of the war. Because of their status as pilots of the ISAF Naval Air arm, they only have little free time left. As a result, they haven't gone out to simply enjoy themselves.

Shinji was starting to get worried by Asuka's lack of response. He squeezed her hand. Asuka shook out of her stupor and smiled at him. Shinji couldn't help but smile back.

"I would love to, Shinji." Said Asuka, as she toyed with the straw of her drink. Shinji squeezed her hand again.

"I guess I'll just pick you up at 8:00."

"Where will we be going?" asked Asuka. Shinji just smirked.

"You'll see. I can guarantee you that you'll like it."

Warwick Air Force Base: Pilots' Quarters: October 6, 2004

Shinji fixed his tux and bowtie as he looked at himself in the mirror. He combed his hair and took a look at his watch. 'It's almost 7:50.' Shinji thought. 'Asuka will be furious if I'm late.' Shinji thought, shuddering. He knew how furious Asuka could get on certain situations.

'I hope Asuka likes this.' Thought Shinji with a smile as he exited his quarters and closed the door behind him. Meanwhile, Asuka is pacing back and forth inside her quarters.

"Where is he? Its almost eight o'clock!" exclaimed Asuka as she continued to pace back and forth. She was about ready to go to Shinji's quarters and drag him out here when she heard a knock on the door.

'That must be him!' Asuka thought as she opened the door.

Shinji couldn't take his eyes off Asuka as he saw how beautiful and resplendent she looked in the red strapless dress she was wearing. Asuka, noticing Shinji staring at her, waved a hand in front of his face. He shook out from his stupor and looked at her admiringly.

"You look… very beautiful, Asuka." Shinji said as he searched for the right words.

"Why thank you Shinji. You look handsome yourself." Said Asuka with a blush as she 'checked' him out. Shinji offered his hand.

"Shall we go now, my lady?" said Shinji with a smirk. Asuka took the offered hand with a smirk of her own as they both began to walk towards the parking lot of the AFB. Once they had exited the base, they saw Shinji's car- a Cadillac Cien Concept.

Asuka was shocked to say the least. "Shinji, since when did you have a car like THAT?" Shinji didn't reply as he opened the right door for Asuka. When Asuka had successfully boarded the super car, Shinji opened the left door and sat in the driver's seat.

Because of the sizable sum of money that the Ikari family received through numerous awards and sorties, they were able to live a life of luxury. Of course, the only thing Shinji bought using the money was the Cien. Because of the war, he took the Cien to an uncle of his at San Carlos so that his uncle will be the one to take care of it while he was gone.

The Cadillac Cien Super car Concept is a state-of-the-art vehicle manufactured by Cadillac as the company's flagship for its technology-oriented platforms. The Cien, which was inspired by the F-22 Raptor, is a very impressive vehicle. Technological innovations such as Night Vision, Stabilitrak and Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist coupled with its power plant- a V12 engine, make it such a wonderful vehicle.

As soon as Shinji got into the driver's seat, the computer quickly activated the necessary equipment that will allow him to drive carefully in the streets. When Shinji activated the Night Vision of the Cien, Information began pouring in the Heads-Up Display Unit situated in the windshield. He looked at Asuka.

"Are you ready?"

"Yes."

Shinji quickly reversed, bringing his car out of its parking position. As soon as the car was out, he revved the engines a few times before racing towards the streets. After a few moments of Shinji driving in silence, Asuka asked Shinji.

"Where are we going anyway?"

"It's a surprise."

"Hmph. Fine. I don't wanna know anyway." Said Asuka as she mock pouted at him. Shinji just laughed. After 30 minutes of traversing the streets of San Carlos, they had arrived at their destination.

San Carlos: Der Stern Von Deutschland: October 6,2004

"Here we are." Said Shinji as he stepped out of the car, went over to Asuka's side and opened the door. She steeped out of the vehicle with a lady's elegance and Shinji couldn't help but admire her. Asuka looked at the name of the restaurant and then at Shinji.

"Der Stern Von Deutschland? Isn't this a little too expensive?" Asked Asuka with a tinge of worry. She was worried about how much Shinji would spend for their first date. He just looked at her then smiled.

"Nothing is too expensive for my fair lady." Said Shinji with a smile towards Asuka. As they entered the restaurant, the maitre d' was waiting for them.

"I have a reservation for two, under Ikari."

The maitre d' scanned his list to search for the name. A few moments later, the maitre nodded and quickly got 2 menus from his stand.

"This way ma'am, sir." Said the maitre d' as he led the way. Shinji and Asuka silently followed him. After a few moments of traversing through the tables, they had finally arrived at their destination. The table that the maitre d' gave them was beside the glass wall, therefore giving them a wonderful view overlooking the Warwick AFB. As soon as they were seated, the maitre ' quickly handed them their menus.

"Your waiter will be here shortly." Said the maitre d' before he left.

Shinji kept stealing glances at Asuka as he tried to concentrate on his menu. He couldn't believe that such a beautiful woman exists and is dating him, no less. The red strapless dress she wore seemed to accentuate her curves, hinting and teasing what was underneath. Asuka caught him glancing at her when she put down her menu. She grinned mischievously.

"Like what you see?" asked Asuka in a sultry voice. Shinji couldn't help but blush.

"Y-yes. Very." Replied Shinji as he tried to keep his heart rate down. Any further conversation was halted when the waiter arrived at their table. Shinji and Asuka looked at their menus once again before giving their orders.

"I'll have a Beef Steak platter, a Schaller and Weber Nusschinken and a German Auslese." Said Shinji as he went over the menu again. Asuka followed suit.

"I'll have a steak, medium rare, a Caesar salad and a Spatlese."

The waiter scribbled their orders on a small notepad. After scribbling down their orders, he repeated them one more time before leaving. Shinji took one of Asuka's hands in his.

"You know Asuka, I'm really grateful that you accepted this date with me. I mean there are a lot of guys out there that are more than happy to date you. Hey, don't take me wrong. You know I…" Shinji was already starting to babble when Asuka giggled.

"Baka." Asuka said jokingly. Then she turned serious. "You know that you're the only one I want." Shinji was about to reply when the waiter arrived with their food. They resumed their chatting after the waiter left.

"You know, I think I'm the luckiest guy here tonight." Said Shinji with a smirk as he took a sip of his Auslese. Asuka just smiled.

"Baka. I already know that. Of course you'd be the luckiest guy here tonight. I mean, you're on a date with the great Sohryu Asuka Langley." Replied Asuka with a sly smirk of her own.

"I'll have to agree with you Asuka-chan. After all, no one can rival your beauty." Asuka blushed fiercely.

They continued eating in a comfortable silence. As Shinji took a bite out of his steak, his right hand touched a long box in his pocket to make sure that it was still there. 'I hope Asuka will like this.' Shinji thought as he quickly picked dup his spoon and continued eating. Asuka noticed this.

"Shinji, why did you bring your hand down to your pockets?"

Shinji began to sweat, unnoticed by Asuka. "I just…checked the keys, that's all."

Asuka noticed the fearful look in Shinji's eyes and decided to continue. " Are you sure you didn't put something…inappropriate?"

"No!" Shinji cried vehemently. Asuka just smirked and decided to let it go.

After a few minutes of eating, they had finally finished devouring their meals. Both of them leaned back in their chairs and sighed.

"I swear, if I eat even a pint of chocolate, I'm going to explode!" exclaimed Asuka jokingly. Shinji just chuckled.

"No you're not. You're just going to be fat." Shinji said. Asuka's eyebrow twitched and was just about ready to whack Shinji when she realized it was just a joke. She just mock glared at him and 'hmphed' as Shinji chuckled again.

After paying the bill, Shinji led Asuka to an elevator. Asuka didn't even have to ask where they were going when the elevator doors revealed that they were at the restaurant's rooftop.

"Why did we go here?" asked Asuka but Shinji didn't reply. Instead, he led her near the edge of the rooftop.

"Asuka." He began. "When you came to my life, the world became a happier place fore me. You were always there when I needed you." Said Shinji sincerely. Asuka already had tears in her beautiful azure eyes. Shinji continued.

"I'm glad that you chose me as your boyfriend. After all, there are a lot of men that would like to be with you. I know that it would be a lie if I didn't admit to you or myself to you that your radiant beauty attracts me. Not only am I attracted to your beauty, but I am also attracted by your personality."

"Shinji." Asuka began but Shinji held up his hand.

"Let me finish." Said Shinji with a smile. Asuka reluctantly obeyed.

"Asuka, as a sign of my love, I would like to give something to you." Shinji said as he pulled out the long box in his pocket. He gently placed it in Asuka's hands.

"Open it."

When Asuka opened it, she saw a beautiful necklace with a silver, double-helix design with a diamond in the middle. Asuka looked at it with awe.

"Shinji, its beautiful!" Asuka gushed as she allowed Shinji to place it around her neck. As soon as he was finished, she spun around, placed her hands on his neck and kissed him passionately.

Shinji was shocked. He never thought that Asuka could kiss like this! He gently began to put his hands around her wais as he kissed her back. Their kissing continued on for a few minutes before their lack of oxygen forced them to break apart.

"I love you, Asuka" Asuka smiled. It was one of the sweetest smiles he has ever witnessed from her.

"I love you too, Shinji."

The two lovers stayed at the rooftops for a few minutes before going down to the car. They were holding hands as Shinji traversed the deserted streets of San Carlos. When Asuka was about to enter her quarters, Shinji pulled her for another kiss.

"Good night Asuka."

"Good night Shinji."

They both slept soundly, feeling content and happy with each other. They will face any challenge that might head their way…together.

Author's note:

Special Thanks to:

GundamAzurain

TheLegendaryManHimself

Gah! I finally finished this interlude! The other characters will have their own interludes so don't worry. Anyways, PLEASE VOICE YOUR OPINION ABOUT THIS: SHOULD I OR SHOULD I NOT ADD AC02 AND AC03 PLANES. If you people agree, I might "arrange" for the appearance of the U-4053 Sphyrna Airborne Aircraft Carriers, U-4054 Aurora, ADF-01 Rapier, X-29 Night Raven, XFA-27 etc. If you agree, it would greatly help me in writing this story.(PLEASE! I REALLY NEED THE U-4053 Sphyrna!!!) Umm, please don't forget to review!