Neon Genesis Evangelion Fan Fiction ❯ Between the Fiery Mind and Cold Heart ❯ A Boyfriend's Worry: Cancelled Plans (Part 1) ( Chapter 9 )

Between the Fiery Mind and Cold Heart

Note: FI… NA… LLY. Excuse for the late update, readers, for I was busy uploading Chapter 1 of my Gatekeepers fanfic, A Rising Power: Your Heart (Rated R, Action/Adventure/Romance). I've managed to get that story started, so why don't you readers give a look and post your reviews on it? Classes have resumed for me weeks ago here in the Philippines, so I had some awkward starts with my new class --- and filled up with loads of homework to boot! Sigh….

<DING! A light bulb appears over author's head. He realizes something and smacks forehead> Oh yeah, before we start, I'd like to thank the following reviewers (along with their respective pick of the two teens who're currently battling over Shinji's heart ^_^).

This might take up a big part of space of this chapter, so I hope it fits o_O! If you're impatient for this, then skip it and head straight for the story.

For Asuka fans,

Jack: have you checked it out? I'm at hard work on it…

Too lazy to log in: hmm… you're quite right that it's somewhat easygoing, but I had planned that to be in that way from the start. However, I'm changing it to be at a normal pace for everyone to catch up and understand.

Keyblade-00: so what do you think of Asuka's past? Sorry it had to be sad, but I had to set a different family theme for our red-haired beauty. I had Shinji help healing her emotional wounds :-). As to Rei's past, hmm, I'm at work on that. I'll post it in further chapters to show readers that she had also ran some hard times back then, and leading it into her love for Shinji.

Zidane Lightning Saix: don't worry about her getting deceptions, I'm already getting Shinji to be honest to her in later chapters. A slight example of that would be in Chapter 7: Fiery Confession, A Casual Date.

Bobert: thank you! More power to the Red One.

^_^ (Whoever you are, next time fill in a name please): S/R weird? But it'd be kinda boring to me if I made the story into just simply a S/A fiction.

Th1rd-Ch1Ld: thank you for those kind words for both girls. Yeah, this story is still alive and kicking… but slowly. Sorry for my untimely habits! Writer's block gets to my head now and then, and I also have college to deal with :-s.

Thundermage: sir, I don't appreciate it you think that I'll just simply screw Rei off the picture (not in the perverted sense, but I mean as in choice of the pairing). I have utmost respect for both girls and I support them both. But your loyalty to the Red One is appreciated ^_^.

Arturus luminae: woah… sounded a bit like Gendo in the beginning when you mention it as 'the Scenario'. Hmm… Rei is at first the monotonous type, but after opening up to Shinji, she slowly develops to be a friendly and reserved person. Misato is Shinji's teacher now :-D, and I introduced Megan Kimiko as well in Chapter 8: A Newcomer in Class. I myself wish that childhood friendships would mean true love. But the present situation has complicated things for myself in the meantime.

Seawolf: thanks for the support.

Ishagu: so you really think that Asuka and Shinji are meant for each other, hmm? I don't mind you jumping into conclusions, but I think you should re-read the story once more and think about it carefully. Oh, Rei isn't something to shoo away O_O.

Bam_Magera: thanks always.

For Rei fans

DDR Freax: :-) BTW, how'd you manage to gather so many S/R fans? Now that's support!

Leo: Don't worry about Asuka getting a bad ending (presuming IF she's not picked by Shinji). If she does, I'll be inventing a new character to heal her broken heart. I honestly got a bit emotional as well after I re-read the part of Shinji's time with Rei in Chapter 4: A Peaceful Time with Ayanami.

Light's darkness: hmm… as to grammar and the slang, my apologies if some parts of it are incorrect. I'm currently re-checking all the chapters so far for any grammatical mistake. Hmm, your idea of Shinji getting both Rei and Asuka sounds VERY tempting…

A Fan of NGE: why do you think Rei's the better one? No, I'm not objecting your opinion, I just wanted to know more that's all :-O. That could help me out decide which girl he should get.

GC-eva-fan: I wish I could make it into a S/R fic, but I can't! Not just now… I plan for this story to last longer for the meantime. So please bear your patience, but don't expect too much…

Vanimal: O_O I'm at loss for words after reading your 2nd review. Not only was it long, but it was like you really pushed it to make your point to other S/R fans out there. Now that's character loyalty! I read the fanfic 'The One I Love is…' and I agree with you. Don't worry, S/R fans are building up in figures to S/A fans. Don't despair, but continue believing…

Krnkaesaeki: Asuka seducing Kaji? Been there, seen that in all other authors' EVA fanfics in various web sites. Personally I think it's way out of age range in that category. Don't worry about Asuka taking Shinji away from Rei. I'll get them to understand each other better and be good friends. But then, the competition for Shinji is still on…

Shinji-Ikari: Yeah… it's as if Rei's out of the picture in every EVA fic I read in the Net! Thanks for supporting the blue-haired angel.

For the rest of the reviewers

MARUI: at that time, I was at hard work for the other chapters. I've got 8 chapters posted so far, so take a second look before thinking that there're no elements of S/A.

Warpwizard: hmm, so it's kinda WAFF in the content, huh? Yeah, there're are enough problems in relationships without lying and deception.

To the rest of the other reviewers, my deepest thanks for your on-going support for this story. I wish I could include the rest of you, but I fear you'd lose your patience in this section.

On with the story!

Chapter 9 - A Boyfriend's Worry: Cancelled Plans (Part 1)

Legend:

Word - denotes character's thoughts

<Word> - denotes sound effect

[Word] - denotes concept of setting, time

[Tokyo-3 High, back to the gang's lunch gathering]

"Well, well, it looks like Shin-man has heated up the ice princess! Yowza!" Touji exclaimed intriguingly.

The military otaku seated beside him joined in the teasing. "Shinji, we never knew you could be such a smooth casanova, dude!"

A shade of tomato etched onto Shinji's cheek as he joined the two stooges.

"You guys, it wasn't what you think! Sigh… what's the use explaining it to you both?" he retorted.

"Come on, pal! Don't leave us in the dark now! It's juicy news! Seriously, we never thought you had it in you to get to her, eh?" Touji said, having the unfortunate boy into a headlock, giving him a 'noogie'.

"Spill the beans, dude. No use hiding it from us!" the otaku added, laughing.

"Alright, alright! Jeez, you guys are sure nosy. You're lucky you two are my good friends or else. Ack… can you let go of me now, Touji?"

The jock released his hold on him. Shinji ran his hand through his hair and took a deep breath. He then described to them the events between him and Rei in her place. After hearing it, a questioning eyebrow was on their faces.

"Just like that? Woah, it was kinda hard for me with Hikari back then," the jock commented.

"Uh-huh, until Kensuke and I had to force you to ask her out on that date a few days ago," Shinji noted.

The jock blushed and smiled awkwardly. "Ok, ok, I get your point, bud. But why did she just ask you out of the blue?"

"I was really surprised when she did. I just thought it was the right time to let her know how I feel about her. There was something in her that I couldn't describe. It was like a feeling that it felt right for us to be together in a relationship and get to know each other better. When I looked at her crimson colored eyes, she looked anxious and nervous for my answer."

"Woah… I got to say, that answer was either something you just made up right now or it's the complete truth. So that leaves to the all-important question: do you love her?" Kensuke cautiously asked.

The two stooges looked at Shinji with uneasy looks on their faces. They wanted to help him out even more when it came to his love life. Back then, Shinji wasn't the least bit interested in having a girlfriend, despite being such an instant heartthrob to all the girls in the school. Many of the girls asked him for a date, but he turned them down, simply uninterested. Shinji furrowed in his mind, picking the right answer as he looked on the once-enigmatic blue-haired angel chatting normally with the girls on the other side. She then noticed his gaze and smiled back at him with a blush on her face and waved at him.

"I do, you guys. I really love her." He waved her back and returned with his own smile.

The two stooges jumped in joy at his answer.

"However…"

They stopped and looked at him with disbelief.

"She's not the only who carries a piece of my heart as well. But I also… love Asuka."

<CRASH> The two stooges facefaulted.

They couldn't believe that their friend could also love the one they consider the 'red-headed German devil'. The otaku snapped out of his shock.

"Y-Y-You serious? How in the world could that be? Woah, Shinji, looks like you're not only satisfied with one hot chick but with another!" he exclaimed.

Touji recovered and added, "I wonder Shin-man, two for the price of one? When are you going to do with them?" He juggled his eyebrows up and down on him.

One could have sworn that the color of Shinji's face resembled that of a tomato.

"I-I-It's not like that! I'm only interested right now in having them as close girlfriends, you know!" Shinji shrugged off their perverted tendencies by waving his hands hurriedly in front of them. The two stooges laughed their heads off at their friend's vain attempt in denial.

Meanwhile from the girls' side…

Hikari and Asuka asked Megan more on her background after she explaining her situation to them. Rei studied her intently as she observed their curiosity on their new friend. The four girls were seated close to each other on a nearby spot of soft grass.

I think it's time that you should open up to others. Why don't you listen in on their conversation? You should show them you have an open personality as well, Shinji's words rang through the blue-haired angel's mind. She neatly arranged her skirt of her school uniform and moved closer to listen in their conversation.

"So, how's it like in America?" Hikari asked.

"Oh there? Well, it's just like any other place in the world, but with a LOT of variety in everything, from people to objects, etc," Megan replied with a cheerful smile as she was somewhat proud in describing her home country (Author: ah, talk about nationalistic pride, eh? Well, we all have our country to be proud coming from ^_^).

"How about shopping malls? I heard that there were lots of them!" Asuka exclaimed gleefully. To her, the word 'shopping' brought a special meaning and requirements: time, place, and money. Hikari rolled her eyes over upon seeing her best friend's reaction. Based from past malling experiences with her, she definitely knew it'd be the first place to come into her mind.

"Ha, ha… yup, there're many shopping malls back there, ranging from small to large. I'm not kidding when they're large --- there're so much stores placed inside to make you spend the entire day just exploring around each of them! The most popular are clothes shops. They've many popular brands of clothing for you to choose from --- from Armani to Versace. They're every girl's idea of fun. Concerts, music groups, etc., you name it!" As she looked into the fiery German/Japanese redhead's eyes, they were turned into cute chibi-looking eyes sparkling with joy. Megan laughed at Asuka's daydream state, while Hikari rolled her eyes again and shrugged her shoulders. Rei, well, had a questioning eyebrow on her face.

Hmm… it seems that Asuka has a deep passion for going to malls. Speaking of which, it has been a long time since I really went out anywhere else other than school and home, she thought. Since meeting with Shinji, she felt that he opened up her entire self and eyes to reality. She turned her gaze towards him, where he was fending off the two stooges' antics. No other person had made her feel more… alive… than ever. As he then turned his face to meet her gaze, he smiled at her. Rei felt her heartbeat quicken as she returned his smile back with hers plus with a slight tinge of red on her cheeks. Asuka noticed it while she was in her daydream state. Grr… Mein gott! Why must she always steal his attention? The battle isn't over yet, Wondergirl. I'll do whatever it takes to make Shinji mine, she thought.

Hikari waved her hand in front of her, snapping her back into reality.

"Asuka, are you okay? Gee, aren't we all overjoyed in malling," she sarcastically said. Megan giggled again, amused by her remark. She then turned her attention towards Rei.

"So you must be?" she asked.

"Ayanami. Rei Ayanami. Nice to meet you Miss Kimiko," she monotonously said. She tried putting in a cheerful tone as she answered, but thought it'd result into a weird change of her voice.

"Hee, hee! We don't need to be formal with ourselves now, you can call me Megan. We're all good friends here, no?"

"I see. Very well… Megan."

Megan took the time to study Rei's physical assets --- blue, short hair, crimson eyes, clear, fair skin, and a slender figure. What mystified her most was Rei's crimson eyes. It was the first time she'd see a person having such a color. She felt a space of feeling as she studied her eyes; it was as if they were looking deep inside a person. Hmm? There's something about this girl that I can't quite put it… I feel a sense of mystery from her, she thought.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" Rei asked.

"Oh! Ha, ha, well, please excuse me for my staring at you, it's a habit of mine that I can't stop. I just like observing people before I start talking with them," Megan replied. She arranged her hair with her hands and continued, "So how did you end up here in Tokyo-3 High, Rei?"

Rei was caught off-guard by that question. "I… my mother is a genetics doctor, who's working regularly at Tokyo-3 hospital. Back then, we used to live in Kyoto, but her job made her decide for us to settle here in Tokyo-3."

"Hmm. Is that so? Well, that must be some job your mother's working at. What about your father?"

"My father? He…" A flash of memory popped into her mind.

[Flashback: 7 years ago, (2008) a residence in Kyoto]

<CRASH> A flower vase smashed onto a wall.

"NGH! <Sniff, sniff> A------H!"

<SMASH> A china plate was reduced into pieces after being thrown against the wall.

"Damn you! This is for leaving me, you bastard!"

<CRASH> A small horse statue was broken against the wall once more by a throw from a weeping, hysterical woman. She was in a mess --- small blood stains appeared in parts of her white gown; her short, blond hair ruffled; her green eyes clouded with tears. After mustering all of her willpower to let her anger go, she broke down and cried. She couldn't muster her strength to move than where she was now.

"Why? Why did you do this, Kein? Am I not a good wife for you? What about your child? Damn you… <sniff, sniff>" Her tears continued trickled forth from her eyes as she cried out in deep, emotional pain.

"Mom?"

An 8-year old Rei Ayanami appeared from her room upstairs. She made made her way down to her ailing mother and asked, "Why… are you crying?"

"<Sniff, sniff> Rei… I'm crying because… your father… is going somewhere."

"Daddy? Where is he going?"

"To a place far away… for a long time."

"Why?"

Ritsuko Ayanami produced a small smile to her curious daughter. Sigh… I just can't tell her yet… it'll hurt her more today than in the future, she thought. She continued, "He's travelling to meet some special people, Rei."

"Special people? I'll… miss him." With that, she walked and embraced her mother.

Ritsuko embraced her reactively and sobbed a few more tears. While running her hand through her daughter's blue hair, she quietly concluded, "So will I, Rei. So will I…"

[3 years later, Ayanami residence in Kyoto]

Ritsuko sighed after sipping from her cup of coffee. She was enjoying the peaceful silence in the kitchen.

"Are you sure about this?" inquired a wise, aged voice coming from an old, refined woman sitting along her. She was enjoying a cup of herbal tea.

"I'm sure. And besides, I think that it's best for me and Rei to move on in a new life, mother."

Naoko Akagi shook her head in disbelief. "Sigh… I should have known that something like this should happen. You had trust him too much, I say, Ritsuko. Men are alike when it comes to a third-person party."

"Mother!" Ritsuko slammed her hands down on the table. "Gomen. I… didn't mean to lash out on you. I guess it was mistake in my part. But still… I can't believe he'd leave us for another woman…"

<TAP, TAP, TAP…>

Both women held their breath in surprise. Ritsuko's eyes went open wide at the shocked face of her 11-year old daughter. Naoko could only continue drinking her tea to remove her surprised look on her face.

"Rei… I… I didn't mean to hide it from you…" Ritsuko gently spoke to her daughter. Anger, shock, disappointment, and surprise etched into Rei's face as she took in the words her mother last spoke about her father.

"No… it… it… IT'S A LIE!" she exclaimed. She took off running upstairs to her room. Inside, she locked the door, lay down on her bed and pulled her blanket around her. Then, she cried.

Outside Rei's door, Ritsuko could only stand in defeat. She was at a loss for words…

[End flashback]

"Rei? Hello? Are you alright?" Megan asked worriedly. She hoped she didn't intend to step into a delicate matter after asking her question. She placed her hands on Rei's shoulder and gently shook them to bring her out of her trance.

"Huh? W-What?" Rei asked, confused.

"I said are you alright? I hope I didn't intrude into a personal matter of yours."

"N-No. It's OK. I… was just thinking about what happened to him some time ago. Anyways, the last time I heard from him, he was doing fine."

It was a quick fib at the last part. She knew what really happened to him. After getting her mother to explain the entire situation, she finally understood. She was angry with her father for leaving the family behind.

"Hmm, I see." Megan then turned her attention to the Class Rep and German/Japanese redhead to find them in the middle of a conversation on the guys. From the looks of their expressions, they were having a fun time. Hee, hee, just like back then in the States. Hmm, I wonder… should I get them to show me in one of the malls here in Tokyo-3? She thought. "I'm sorry to disturb your chat, gals, but, I was wondering… how about we go out malling this weekend?" She broke their conversation.

"Why not? How about it, Hikari?" Asuka asked her.

"Well…" the Class Rep looked towards her boyfriend who was in a happy mood as he chatted with Shinji, "Alright. But let's get the guys to come along just in case."

"I'd never thought they were into that as us," Megan said.

"The two stooges go there to hang around in the arcades usually. As to that baka Shinji, he rarely goes there, just prefers to stay usually at home," Asuka added. But then again, when it came to their date back then, he'd usually ask her out there given his free time.

"Would you like to join us also, Rei? It'd be better if we get together in a group," Megan asked.

Rei paused to consider her decision. She thought about what Shinji told her earlier. But she remembered him asking her out on Saturday. I hope Shinji-kun can change the time for our date together at a later time, she thought. "Very well. I'll join you too," she answered.

"Good! When should we go then?" Megan said.

"How about this coming Saturday?" Hikari suggested. Rei frowned at the suggested time. She recalled her love telling her a while ago, how about I take you out this Saturday? My treat, anywhere you suggest.

This is unacceptable… and I wanted to spend some time alone with Shinji-kun at that date, she thought. She looked on her love chatting merrily with the stooges in the other spot.

"That's great! Hmm… I wonder if the guys aren't busy at that time? Asuka, can you tell them about it? We should let them know," Megan said to the redhead. Asuka stood up from where she sat and went to them.

"Uh-oh. Speaking of which, here comes the German devil. I sense she has something planned for us," Touji said cautiously, dreading the explosive personality of the redhead. Shinji and Kensuke looked on her with uneasy looks in their faces.

"I heard that, stooge. You're lucky that I came here to ask you idiots for something," Asuka retorted. She balled up her fist and shook it in front of the jock as a threat. Shinji rolled over his eyes. Oh boy… I wonder what she'd ask us for? Unless… oh no, he thought. A terrible predicament came through his mind.

"Anyway, I was wondering if you three idiots are free this coming Saturday. You see, Megan there planned for us to go out for an outing in the mall, and she was wondering if we could get to show her around there. So, what do you say?" She asked them.

Yappari, if I had known it sooner. But wait, I was planning to take Rei out on that day! Oh man… I don't believe this, Shinji thought. He slumped his head and shoulders down in disappointment. The two stooges looked at him with curious looks in their faces.

"Hey Shin-man, you okay? You look kinda disappointed," the jock asked him.

Asuka saw Shinji's reaction and worriedly asked, "What's up with you today, baka? Well?" She was hoping for him to come along. It felt quite boring malling without him once in a while. Please say yes, Shinji, she hopefully thought.

Shinji got himself back together and gave some thought on the matter. Then he answered, "Alright. I'll come. Besides, I've got nothing much to do at this coming Saturday." The jock and otaku nodded themselves in agreement as their response as well. Asuka felt happy knowing he'd be coming along. Thank you, baka. I was hoping you'd say that, she thought. She flashed a smile at him and walked back to the girls. Shinji felt an uneasy feeling in his backpocket, where his wallet was tucked in.

"The three bakas will be there to keep us company. I guess they couldn't bear leaving us defenseless girls walking freely around the mall," Asuka proudly said. Hikari moved her hand over her heart. Maybe this will be the right time to spend some time with Touji, aside from shopping, she happily thought.

Megan beamed at Asuka with an anticipated look in her face. "Great! Well, I hope you girls can show me around. I've gotten bored with the shopping malls back there in the States," she said. She gazed at the otaku with a sparkling light in her eyes. The other girls wondered why she had that look.

<R----------ING>

The bell rang, signaling the end of lunch break. The gang went back to their classroom and resumed the remainder of their classes.

<R----------ING>

After their last period, the bell rang once more, signaling dismissal. All the students rushed about outside, eager to return to their homes. The gang gathered in front of the school gate for a confirmation in their outing in the mall.

"Well, I guess it's all set from here. Are you sure you guys are free by that day?" Megan asked.

"Yeah, no problem. I'd be glad escorting Hikari all the way," Touji said. He blushed as he tried putting up a straight face at going on first-name basis with his girlfriend. The Class Rep giggled at his response. He looks so cute when's he like that, she thought. Asuka smirked at their attention.

"Same here. I'd be happy to also show you around as well!" Kensuke replied with confidence. I mustn't screw up this opportunity to keep my friendship with Megan closer than ever, he secretly thought. Megan smiled at the reluctant tone of his answer.

"I don't mind going along with you guys. I sort of planned for something at that day, but decided to cancel it," Shinji replied. Rei frowned at Megan for ruining her schedule with Shinji together. But then again, I think that another time is suitable. I wish Shinji-kun could find another time for us alone, she hopefully thought.

"Are you sure you should be canceling it, Shinji? I don't want to ruin an important plan scheduled," Megan asked Shinji worriedly.

"It's alright. Besides, me and the guys should be there to protect you just in case." Shinji waved off Megan's worry with his hand .

"Thanks, Shinji."

With that said, the gang exchanged good-byes and split off in their paths going home. Only Asuka, Rei, and Shinji remained standing. Shinji looked on the two loves of his life and was at a predicament at choosing whom to walk home with. Asuka stared at him with an annoyed look, while Rei watched him with earnest. Her eyes looked about to plead him to choose her.

Uh-oh. Now whom should I walk home with? He worriedly thought.

Author's Note: Whew! I must say, this is my best effort to put in this chapter. I'm slowly starting to doze off into sleep as I thought of how I'd finish this chapter. I now decided to set this chapter as 2 parts. The continuation will be on the next chapter. Many thanks for your reviews I've received so far, readers. I appreciate your support for this story. Until next time, ja ne! I'll try to update soon.