Neon Genesis Evangelion Fan Fiction ❯ Between the Fiery Mind and Cold Heart ❯ A Nice, Sunny Day ( Chapter 3 )

Between the Fiery Mind and Cold Heart

Chapter 3 - A Nice Sunny Day

Legend:

Word - denotes character's thoughts

<Word> -denotes sound effect

[Word] - denotes concept of setting, time

<TICK, TOCK, TICK, TOCK>

"Zzz… not… now…"

<RI----------NG>

"AAH! Grr… alright already!" Shinji exclaimed, as the loud ring of his alarm clock waked him up. Putting it out of its misery, he rubbed off the sleep from his face and washed himself. After wearing his school uniform, he checked a calendar posted near his small desk. What day is it now, he thought. He traced it unmarked by an X, as the rest that had passed were crossed out. Friday, March 10, 2015 (Author: Hmm, I'm still researching what suitable year the story would set in. After reading other authors' Eva fanfics I'll just leave that year as that. Sorry for not being that specific ^_^), good,

I'll be able to relax now that weekend's up after this.

Slowly placing his fingers on his lips he continued thinking. I can't believe it just happened so fast. But then again, I was considerate of Ayanami's feelings. I just couldn't stand to see her heart being broken by my rejection… what the heck am I saying? I should be glad and happy to have Ayanami, er, Rei as my girlfriend; I'll have to get used to calling her Rei instead of Ayanami. He smiled as he thought about her rare smile in his mind as he remembered the event happening last night in her place.

He suddenly frowned at the thought of Asuka. I worry what her reaction's going to be when she finds out about Rei and me. With her dislike to Rei, she'll sure have a fit. Hmm… what should I do? Ah, shoot, can't help thinking about it now, it's giving me a headache. I got to get to school.

After eating breakfast with his parents, he kissed them goodbye and left for school. As he was leaving, a sudden thought rushed into his mind. "Hmm… I'll walk with Asuka this time. I can't have her accuse me of not waiting for her. I should take this chance to talk with her more," he said. He went next door to the Sohryu residence and knocked on the door.

<KNOCK, KNOCK>

"Yes? Who is it… oh, Shinji what a surprise! Please come in," said Asuka's mother, Kyoko Sohryu.

"Ohayo gozaimasu, Kyoko-san," Shinji greeted.

"Asuka's finishing up her breakfast; she'll be glad to see you early. Asuka!

Shinji's here! Shinji, please sit down," Kyoko exclaimed. He sat down on the living room couch, waiting for his childhood friend.

"What? He's here already! Sheesh!" the auburn-haired girl exclaimed from the dining room. "Baka, how dare you interrupt me enjoying my breakfast… huh? How come you're up and early?" Asuka said with surprise, coming out.

"Take a look at the time before you start your usual pep talk at me," he replied.

"What the! 7:30 AM! Mein gott! Why didn't you say so!" she exclaimed after setting her eyes on the wall clock hung at the living room. "Speaking of which, you didn't answer my question before. How come you're up and early?"

"Well, I guess I shouldn't keep a pretty girl waiting, no? Besides from being that, you're also my childhood friend. I'm sorry for not walking with you to school before."

Hearing that comment, a small blush appeared on her cheeks.

"Baka… thanks," she said, giving a mischievous grin at him.

He looked back at her with a confused look and smiled back. "Come on, we'll be late for school," he said.

Carrying a small attaché case containing her schoolbooks and stuff with one hand, she checked at herself on a large mirror posted on the living room. "The great Asuka Langley Sohryu always looks at her best self everyday!" she proclaimed.

Shinji rolled over his eyes and sweatdropped. Always the same, he thought.

"Take care of yourselves, kids, go on, don't be late for school! Study hard, Asuka!" Kyoko said, kissing and hugging her daughter.

"Of course I will, Mama! Take care!" Asuka replied.

As the two teens left, Kyoko smiled and thought. They sure look cute together. I can't remember the last time she's so happy like this; furthermore, since childhood, she's so close to him. Hmm, I'll have to remember to invite Shinji over for dinner sometime.

As the two teens walked on their way to school, Asuka kept stealing quickly glances at Shinji, admiring his features. Aside from them, his personality attracted her the most. Baka… do you see how you make me feel whenever you're near? Damn, how I long to be held in your arms and tell how I feel about you, she thought.

Shinji felt her constant glances penetrating through him. What's with these glances she's giving me? Is she feeling ok? He thought. He then asked her, "Asuka, what's with these glances you're giving me?"

"W-w-what do you mean, baka! I wasn't staring at you! Sheesh, what's gotten into your head?"

"Humph, I was just asking. I swore I could feel your gaze at me all the time as we're walking to school. I'm not being perverted, ok? And here I was hoping we could spend some time together talking."

Surprised by his reaction, she decided to take the chance to open herself. "Okay, I'm sorry. Fine… I was staring at you because you look… nice." She blushed a little at her compliment.

"Eh? I look nice? W-well, thanks," he replied. Had he not looked at her face as he returned his gaze straight ahead, he would've seen her blush brighten and smile. They finally made it to school, went to the classroom, and sat at their usual places. Asuka went to Hikari and both started chatting, while the two stooges went up to Shinji. "Hey Shin-man! What's up?" greeted the jock.

"Nothing out of the ordinary. Had to walk with Asuka to school this time."

"Ah, what did the devil's daughter do to make you walk with her? Aye-aye! Did she worked her 'charms' on you?"

"Nothing like that of course. I didn't want her to think of me as a spineless guy not being considerate of his childhood friend."

"Figures."

"By the way, how did your first date with Hikari go?"

"Ah… it was like a dream come true," Touji blushed at the memory of that date and continued, "we're taking it easy and slowly. She let me hold her hand during the rest of the movie! Before that, we went to that ramen stand you recommended and grabbed a bite there. She has a wonderful personality once you get to know her --- considerate, friendly, and caring. Well, after that, I dropped her off at her place and greeted her good night. But before I left, she grabbed my hand and had that cute-puppy dog look; she closed her eyes and I knew what was going to happen. The rest is history."

"Come on, what exactly happened at the end?"

"We shared our first kiss."

"Ha, ha, I guess I should call you the sly dog, my friend! Way to go!" Shinji said with excitement, giving a hearty pat on the jock's back. The jock smiled and had one hand behind his head. "Shucks…"

"Not bad at all, dude. But that doesn't mean you can escape her punishment when trying to run away from classroom duties," Kensuke added, smirking at the jock. "Urusei!" Touji stammered.

"Ha, ha… how about you, Kensuke, how's your day going?" Shinji asked.

"Well, I was doing my daily Net surfing. When I checked my e-mail, I got e-mail from a long-time friend I've met 2 months ago in a chat room. It said that she's going to fly from the States to study here. She'll be arriving at Sunday," the military-otaku replied.

"I can't believe it! You, meeting a hot babe over the Net! Yeah, sure!" Touji replied sarcastically.

"Well, she's not that type of a hot babe you'd describe, dude. Her name's Megan Kimiko, half American-Japanese. She's also a fanatic like me when it comes to military technology and machinery! I couldn't believe it myself. Even though we exchanged our real pictures with each other online, she still finds me cute and skilled when it comes to my hobbies!" The otaku took out from his pants pocket a picture of a girl. Having purple eyes, dark brown, long hair, wearing a pair of cool-looking eyeglasses, and carrying a smile, she was indeed pretty. Shinji and Touji stared at her with interest and surprise.

"Well I'll be… that's great! Wait a second, she's going to study here in Tokyo-3 High?" asked Shinji.

"Yeah, she is. Man, I can't wait to see her in person!"

"Good luck with her, oh don't forget to introduce her to us, yeah? I'm sure she'll be the latest addition with the girls," Shinji pointed with his thumb at the Class Rep and Asuka, who were chatting and giggling with each other.

"Damn… she's hot indeed! You're a lucky guy to have met a girl like her," Touji said. You're a lucky guy to have met a girl like her; the jock's words carried a reminiscing tone to Shinji, reminding him of the two girls who came close in his mind and heart --- Asuka and Rei.

[Flashback: Rei's place (Author: Refer to Chapter 2: Startling Surprises)]

"Is that so, Ikari-kun? Do you think of me that way?"

"W-well, yes I do."

"I'm not that opened-minded when it comes to talking with others. Ever since you started noticing me each day in class, I began to feel this warmth here," holding her hands over her chest, "your cheerful personality and this is what makes my heart beat rapidly whenever you're near; I've grown to like you."

"When you first held my hand, helping me up when we first crashed into each other at one time, I couldn't forget this feeling of warmth going through me. I enjoyed being touched that way and I longed to experience it again. Your cheerful personality and caring side made me feel safe."

"At one time? You mean that? I, er, woke up late and was really in a hurry to school. I didn't see where I was going and I ended up crash into you as we neared the corner of the street. Gomen."

"Iye. It's ok, I understand clearly."

"Ha, ha, now that we cleared that up, I'd be happy to be your boyfriend, but on one condition."

"What is it?"

"That you call me Shinji instead of Ikari-kun. It sounds formal when you call me by my last name."

"I understand. As long as you call me by my first name also, I don't mind." She smiled and both went close to each other for that kiss…

[End Flashback]

Shinji smiled and wondered how he had opened his new girlfriend up to him.

Speaking of which, he scanned the classroom looking for her. A few minutes later, she stepped inside and went to her place, going into her 'stare-outside-the-window' mode.

"Hi Rei!" he greeted, waving at her with a goofy smile. She smiled and waved back at him.

Upon seeing that action, the two stooges' jaws dropped like falling bricks and they regained their composure. It was the first time they'd seen Rei smile. Looking back at Shinji with bewildered looks on their faces, they barraged him with 'intriguing' questions.

"Is just me, or did Ayanami smile and wave back at you? How'd you get her to smile? You sly devil!" exclaimed Touji, playfully elbowing him in his sides.

"Woah… Shinji have you put your charms on her? So, what part of her attracted you the most --- her breasts, her thighs, her legs, or her behind?" inquired Kensuke, joining in the teasing.

"I-I-It's not like that! Remember the other day when we're on the roof and she appeared out of nowhere, asking me to pay her a visit in her place? Well, I just happened to do that. When I got there, we sat down and talked; as we talked more, she started opening up to me." Shinji left out the part about their relationship; he didn't want a certain German redhead to find out and unleash her fury on him. He knew how jealous she was whenever any other girl could get close to him.

"Really? Oh come on, don't tell me all you two did there was just talk!"

"Unfortunately, that's what we did."

"Sigh… you've a lot to learn," remarked Kensuke. Shinji fixed a quick gaze at

Asuka and thought about her --- how sometimes she could act a bit different from her usual self.

[Flashback: The walk with Asuka before]

"Asuka, what's with these glances you're giving me?"

"W-w-what do you mean, baka! I wasn't staring at you! Sheesh, what's gotten into your head?"

"Humph, I was just asking. I swore I could feel your gaze at me all the time as we're walking to school. I'm not being perverted, ok? And here I was hoping we could spend some time together talking."

"Okay, I'm sorry. Fine, I was staring at you because you look… nice." She blushed a little at her compliment.

"Eh? I look nice? W-well, thanks."

[End Flashback]

[Flashback: 2 years ago, Tokyo-3 park]

"Okay, Asuka, what did you want us to talk about?"

"I'm glad that you could make it, baka."

"Well, let's sit down first to make ourselves comfortable." They sat down on one of the park's benches. In the center of the park, a medium-size water fountain was at its work.

"So, what's up? What's the matter?"

"S-Shinji? I want you to know that those years we spent with each other back then were fun and happy times. You've been such a great childhood friend to me; thank you for putting me up throughout all those times when I just pushed you away from me."

"Hey, I'm here for you, yeah? Besides, you're always special to me in my heart.

I couldn't just leave you all alone."

"Shinji… I… want to ask you," she stammered, pausing to choose the right words, "What do you think of me?"

"That you're a bossy, hot-tempered girl who sometimes jumps into conclusions."

<WHACK!> Shinji received a light punch on his arm.

"Ouch! I'm just kidding. But seriously, I find you to be the prettiest, self-confident, bright, cheerful and friendliest girl I've seen so far in Tokyo-3."

"Arigato," she blushed and smiled, "after my dad died 5 years ago, my mom decided to remarry. I had no problems with my stepfather; in fact, I slowly got to know him better that we happily accepted him into my family. Since then, we've become a happy family. During those times when I lost my first dad, I didn't like playing with the other kids, so I've kept to myself and allowed my pride to take over my heart… until I met you."

"I'm glad that I was able to be your close childhood friend. We've learned a lot from each other until then."

"Shinji… I… want you to promise to never leave me alone, regardless of what happens between the both of us. And if… I never could become more than just a friend to you, I understand; even if you met somebody else, I'll respect your decision."

"Asuka…"

"Even if you have her in most of your heart, will you save a part for me?"

"Yes… you'll always have a place in my heart. I promise."

"Shinji… thank you."

She held him by his arm. He took her in his arms and both drew comfort from each other. Moving her head slowly, she drew her face closer to his, until their breaths felt each other. They closed their eyes and shared their first kiss, a sign of uncertain love for each other. After 5 minutes of kissing they stopped to catch their breaths; Asuka snuggled closer to Shinji and once more closed her eyes, never forgetting the moment.

[End Flashback]

Asuka… do you remember that promise? I feel something from you… a feeling that you still cannot give me up if someone else stole my heart and I happened to accept her instead of you. Even during our walk today, I felt it. Damn… if only you could throw away your pride and open yourself up to me like that before then there might be a chance for us. But… Rei captured my heart now. I'll have to be cautious as to what happens between the both of you, Shinji thought, as his gazed over her beauty and hot-tempered personality.

"Uh, Shin-man? You okay?" asked Touji, waving his hand in front of Shinji's face.

"Huh, what? I'm sorry, I was just thinking," He snapped out of his trance state of staring at Asuka. After being 30 minutes late, the professor finally arrived inside the classroom. Hikari and Asuka stopped their bubbly chat and the Class Rep stated out her "Rise, Bow, Sit" command, signaling the start of class. The professor, a 60-yr-old bearded male wearing thick-frame eyeglasses, began a lecture explaining the various formulas in electricity for their Physics class.

"Formulas again? Aw, man… they're so mind-boggling!" exclaimed Touji, who was scratching his head trying to understand the lecture. Hikari giggled at him, which made him blush and giving her a smile.

Ha, ha… at least those two seem to have hit it off. Sigh… well at least Touji's lucky not to have fallen in love with another than Hikari, Shinji smirked at the cute couple who were seated at the front row together secretly holding hands while listening to the lecture. Kensuke rolled his eyes at the sight of the cute couple and took out Megan's picture, making a small smile as he gazed admirably at it. Looks like Kensuke is so anxious to meet her. I wonder what's she like? Hmm, Shinji thought. He looked back at Rei, expecting her to be still in her 'stare-out-at-the-window' mode --- only to find her looking back at him with a small smile. He smiled back and winked at her; she quietly giggled while covering her mouth.

"Wow…" he remarked. He knew that their meeting last night made her open to him; he was surprised how quickly it took for her to change.

"AHEM… Mr. Ikari, if you're done staring at Ms. Ayanami and fantasizing about her, would you care to return back to the lecture?" the professor stated, catching Shinji staring at Rei. "Huh? O-o-of course, sensei. Sumimasen," Shinji replied, regaining his composure.

The class reacted at the professor's remark; the girls with their eyes pointing daggers at Rei, jealous because she had their object of affections, Shinji, noticing her before them, while the guys snickered and hollered wolf-whistles, intrigued at his action. Rei went back into her usual mode, but with a small blush on her cheeks.

Sighing, Shinji shrugged off the intriguing class environment and listened to the lecture. What's up with everybody these days? Damn that professor for having to say that bluntly. Rei… I can't stop thinking about you, see what you made me get nearly into today? Ha, ha… it was well worth seeing your angelic face again, he thought.

Unknown to him, Asuka noticed the meaning of his staring at Rei. Baka… it couldn't be Wondergirl and him together! Calm down, Asuka, you're jumping into conclusions. Just you wait and see, Wondergirl, Shinji's mine… he was the only one who made me feel what I am now, she thought. She watched at him with a longing heart. After the period was over, the bell rang signaling lunch break. The students left the classroom, eager for the refreshing breeze of the outside and food. The two stooges gathered neared Shinji's desk.

"Hey Shin-man, care to join us?" Touji asked.

"Hmm… sorry guys, um, I'll be eating alone. I've got some thinking to do,"

"Oh well… we'll be seeing ya!" Kensuke said. They left, leaving Shinji alone in the classroom. Might as well go to my usual spot and do my thinking there. I sure am hungry, but thank goodness the obento made by Mom can get me stuffed, he thought. He gathered his obento and went outside to the lonesome sakura blossom tree. After making himself comfortable, he took out his obento and ate in peace, with the gentle, cool air and bright sunshine basking him with warmth. The sakura blossoms danced along the breeze, creating a rhythmic dance. His thoughts were now focused about Asuka and Rei, trying to find a way to deal with the both of them.

No matter how I look at it, it's hopeless. But, I've made my choice, and I intend to keep it. But then again… I… just can't think of leaving Asuka broken-hearted. Rei…I'm surprised how I could unknowingly get you to open yourself. But now, I'll make sure that we'll always have a great time when we're together. How ironic you fell in love with me before I did with you. Asuka… I intend to keep our promise. I just… need some time.

He gazed upwards at the sky and allowed himself to relax, as he leaned against the tree.

Author's Note: How long can Asuka stand seeing Shinji giving more attention to Rei than she does? What's this, the military otaku, Kensuke, having a girl called Megan Kimiko in his heart? Hmm… things are starting to get interesting! How will Rei express herself more now that she and Shinji are now together? Find out more in Chapter 4: A Peaceful Time with Ayanami.

Whew! Finally done with Chapter 3! Sorry it took longer than expected, but it was worth it! All the other EVA fanfics never tell much in the children's school activities (it's quite rare for me to see one having it made longer than usual and interesting), so I decided to introduce them in this story. Expect some more in further chapters. I plan for Shinji to be more involved in school, aside from the boring subjects (hmm, I wonder, are all of them REALLY boring to him? O_o). Anyway, please tell me what you think of it. Feel free to point out the pros and cons of the story and give some ideas if you like.

Thanks for all the reviews I've gotten so far. My thanks to those people who decided to spend some time into reading this fanfic. Keep those reviews coming!

You'll have to be patient for some time, I'm still gathering more ideas to add in this story. Don't worry, it won't be finished soon, I plan to have at least 20 or fewer chapters to be made.

Thanks for your time. Please R+R!