Neon Genesis Evangelion Fan Fiction ❯ Between the Fiery Mind and Cold Heart ❯ A Peaceful Time with Ayanami ( Chapter 4 )

Between the Fiery Mind and Cold Heart

Chapter 4 - A Peaceful Time with Ayanami

Legend:

Word - denotes character's thoughts

<Word> - denotes sound effect

[Word] - denotes concept of setting, time

[Tokyo-3 High, lunch grounds]

Relaxed under the sakura cherry blossom tree, Shinji was in deep thought of Asuka and Rei. He finished his obento his mom made --- curry rice, onigiri (packed rice shaped into Chinese buns with a flavor inside), small slices of sashimi sushi, and chicken tempura. For desert he received one chocolate cupcake --- as he took comfort in contemplating the peaceful atmosphere of Tokyo-3 High, outside lunch grounds and play area.

One thing was sure to him --- his mom never ceased to amaze him when it comes to making de-li-cious packed lunches. She never decided making them in small quantities; she wanted her son to be growing up healthy eating a LOT of food. Shinji smiled and pondered the many instances she showed her love, care, and support to him. She deserves 'the Best Mom in the World' award. I mean, what more can I hope from her? She's the best mother I have since I was a baby. She cooks fantastic foods, always save some time for me, cared and worried about me whenever I do something, etc. As to father, well, though he doesn't show it often, I know deep inside he loves me a lot, he smiled. He thanked kami-sama that he had a loving family to go to.

As thoughts of his family came into his mind, a gentle hand rested upon his shoulder. He turned around to see Rei, his new girlfriend; she smiled and reached for his hand and held it. So warm… she's an angel, Shinji thought, as his deep-blue eyes dipped into her beauty --- short, light blue hair; crimson eyes; albino-like, gentle skin; an attractive curve; smooth, sexy legs. Masaka… I must not think of her like that, he blushed at the memory where he and Rei unexpectedly crashed into each other on the street. Rei's heart threatened to burst, as his eyes showing love and interest made her feel warm inside. A small blush appeared on her cheeks as she smiled again and held his hand to her cheeks, feeling warmth and comfort.

"Shinji-kun…"

[Flashback: A particular street in Tokyo-3]

"Huff, puff… kusou! Not again! I can't believe I woke up 10 minutes late!" Shinji exclaimed as he ran for dear life trying to get to school. He had been dreaming again about Rei. He always wondered why she seemed so distant from the others in class, constantly gazing out the window everyday. He decided to gather all his courage to talk to her today… that is, if he made it in time.

His short, brown hair was uncombed, his polo opened with a shirt inside, while his pants threatened to drop down --- he hadn't enough time to wear his belt. With his left hand holding his pants while the other carrying his backpack containing his schoolbooks, he was a funny sight.

"<Huff, puff> See what you got me into, Ayanami? Ha, ha… your eyes make you so pretty and irresistible to gaze at… <huff, puff, huff, puff…>" he exclaimed once again. As he neared around the corner of a building on the street, someone suddenly walked in his path.

"Oh no! Ahhh!" he yelled as he tried putting his brakes while his arms flailing motioning the person to stand aside.

"Oh!" the person exclaimed.

<WHAM! CRASH>

"Ugh… g-g-gomen nasai! Daijoubu ka?" he inquired the unlucky person who broke his fall. He turned his face to see the person's face and was greeted by a beautiful sight --- an angelic, blue-haired beauty with crimson eyes. It was none other than Ayanami. Unfortunately, to make matters awkward, as he shifted his attention to her face, his hands grasped at something warm and round --- her breasts. A small amount of blood oozed out of his nose as a big blush formed on his cheeks.

"Oh my… g-gomen Ayanami!" he apologized, cautiously getting off her.

"Mmm… who… Ikari-kun? This is unexpected."

"Er, daijoubu desu ka, Ayanami? I'm on a hurry to school… woke up late and well, ran into you just now!"

"I'm fine. I… would like to ask something from you."

"Nani? S-sure, Ayanami. What is it?"

"Can you accompany me on my way to school as well? If that's all right with you…"

"U-u-uh, s-s-sure. I'd… be happy to."

"Ikari-kun? Why are you having a nosebleed?"

"O-oh this?! U-um, this is nothing, I-I-I just got my nose hit hard that's all!"

He wiped off his obvious nosebleed with his handkerchief. Then, he offered his hand to Rei, and she gladly accepted it; however, as both their hands held each other for around 5 seconds, a surge of warmth rushed into their minds. She's warm… I-I can't believe I got to hold her hand! I must be in heaven, Shinji thought. This… feeling… it's nice. I haven't felt this for such a time, Rei thought.

"Shall we go?" Shinji asked. They wiped the dust around their school uniforms and gathered their belongings. As they were about to resume their walk to school, Rei noticed Shinji's messed-up state. The sight of him unprepared suddenly made her giggle and break down into a small laugh.

"Huh? What's so funny, Ayanami?" he asked with a confused look. "I understand how late you must be to school, Ikari-kun," she pointed at his messed-up state. "Oh! Er, well, I didn't have enough time to check on myself. I really had to leave! Masaka…" he said dejectedly and embarrassed. He then decided to check himself up for a while --- taking out his small, compact comb, he arranged his hair. After, he buttoned up his polo while hooking in his belt around his pants, which were slowly sliding down.

Rei's heart was starting to beat rapidly as she noticed his body; although Shinji was an average boy, he did some exercise to maintain himself fit. She slightly blushed upon seeing his inside shirt as he buttoned up his polo. Although the shirt was covered, she could slightly see his well-developed chest. As her view focused on his face, she saw his deep-blue eyes and slowly became attracted by them.

"Well, Ayanami, shall we?"

"Hai."

They then proceeded on their way to school. Oh man… great Shinji, you just had to run over the girl of your dreams. Now I'll definitely be late for class. Sigh… but it's not a total loss. At least… I get to be near her like this, he thought as they walked on. Unknowingly to him, Rei slowly came closer, covering their short distance from each other. She then brushed her hand against his. Nani?! I, I, I can't believe this is happening… this is pure bliss! Does she want me to? I mustn't run away, he thought. He decided to take the hint and gently held her hand over his. He looked at her face for any reaction, but there was none. So he returned his gaze forward; but, had he been more observant, he would have seen the slight blush on her cheeks brighten and her lips curving into a small smile.

They walked hand in hand this way until they reached school.

[End Flashback]

"Rei-chan… I'm glad to see you. Please sit down."

He motioned her to sit on his lap. Although embarrassed by the position, she happily consented with a blush and smile. As she sat on his lap, she wrapped her arms around his waist and snuggled closer. He reactively wrapped his arms around her shoulders and both basked in the comfort of their embrace.

"Shinji-kun, why are you out here alone?" she asked.

"Oh, I wanted to be alone so that I can think straight. I've got a lot in my mind to think about. How did you know I'd be here?" he inquired.

"I can see that it's your favorite spot whenever you're not with Aida and Suzuhura."

"Ha, ha… my aren't you the observant one? But anyways, what's up? The lecture today was sure boring."

"Nothing out of the ordinary."

"Have nothing to do, huh? Well, I guess we could spend time with each other like this. Mmm… you smell refreshing, Rei-chan," he added with a sly grin as he inhaled the delightful scent of shampoo and conditioner in her hair.

She giggled softly.

"Shinji-kun… I'm happy to be like this… I miss you."

"Me too, Rei-chan. I miss you too."

He gently held her chin and looked deeply into her crimson eyes; his gaze melted her inside. They then slowly went to each other for a slow, deepening kiss, feeling their love within each other. Their tongues slid past each other's lips and frolicked themselves against one another. Rei held her arms around his head while Shinji brought her closer by wrapping his around her waist. Under the watchful eyes of Heaven, their love flowed. Time seemed to stand still as the two teenagers held each other for support. Finally, for around 10 minutes, they broke the kiss and paused to catch their breaths.

"Aishiteru, Shinji-kun…"

"Aishiteru, Rei-chan…"

Rei closed her eyes and snuggled closer. A smile was plastered onto his face --- proof of their starting relationship. This… I cannot forget. Ah… this is heaven. Hmm… I mustn't screw this chance. I finally found someone I care about and love. But, I'm not sure about Asuka. What should I do, Shinji thought deeply while holding Rei close. He took her hand and intertwined it with his. He brought them close to his heart.

"Shinji-kun? Do you think it's wise to make our relationship in public?" She asked as she gazed at his face with her penetrating, crimson eyes.

"I'm not sure. But there'll come a time when we cannot hide it any longer. But rest assured that I do want everyone to know that you and I are hands-off to anyone else." He smiled at her and she returned it.

"Rei… I… want you to know that if ever there comes a time when another person falls in love with me and I happen to feel that way with her, it won't mean that I'll leave you. But rather, I'll end up deciding who I should go with, and I'd end up loving one and hurting the other."

"Shinji… I understand. Don't worry. If you don't mind me asking, would that another person happened to be Asuka?" His jaw dropped and surprise showed on his face.

"I asked Hikari personally how Asuka came to be close to you. She made me promise not to tell Asuka. How did she come to like you so much?"

"Are you sure you want to hear my reason? I don't want to make you angry."

Deep inside, she was a little jealous. But she was really curious and understanding. "I'll be alright. Please, go on."

"I'll be honest with you, Rei. Yes, I fell in love with Asuka a few years ago --- we were close childhood friends. At that time, she had no friends. Her father died and her mother remarried; however, she made her stepfather promise to keep the Sohryu surname instead of his family name in terms of agreement in the marriage. Her stepfather agreed; he was really in love with her mom and cared her and Asuka deeply. Since then, they've become one happy family. Although it was ok in the family side, on her personal side, she was lonely. She developed her pride to cover up her loneliness --- she's good with certain talents. As a result, it ended up her pushing others who'd befriend her away. That was where I came in. Both of our parents were good friends and we happened to meet each other by that way."

"As the years passed, we understood each other. She told me why she'd seem like she was bossy, mild-tempered, and egotistic when it comes to proving herself. One time at grade school she was in a fight with another student because of a competition to see who was better in Mathematics. Obviously, she couldn't bring herself to defeat and worked harder. She won, but the other student was jealous at the way she won, and they ended up nearly into a catfight, had I not step in to stop it. Fortunately nothing serious like that happened ever again. Though she's like that today in high school, deep down she's a good person."

"When we reached into 1st year high school, she wanted me to meet her in Tokyo-3 Park. When I got there, instead of the bossy, mild-tempered Asuka I usually see in school, I saw a different Asuka who seemed like she was about to emotionally break down. We talked and I was surprised that she made me promise just like the one I made to you today. She held me close, fearing that I'd leave her, but I returned her hug with mine." He left out the part where he and Asuka kissed, seeing it'd make Rei more jealous, "Since then, she lets her pride take over her heart when in front of others, but when it comes to me, she opens up."

"I didn't know she would feel about you this way. I see now," Rei said, her voice sad. "Rei-chan, why are you sad? Please don't worry, I know that we're boyfriend and girlfriend now, but I don't want to hurt both you and Asuka. It makes my heart ache whenever I see her throw her usual mockery at you. I think that she does that because she sees you as competition for my heart. If things were different, I'd be the happiest guy on Earth having you by my side until the end." His voice shook with regret and confidence.

"Shinji-kun… I don't want to be away from you, now that we're together. I understand. I can only hope that you wouldn't change your mind… and heart." Tears suddenly came within her eyes as she finished the sentence. She cried onto his chest as she held close to him once more.

"Rei-chan… I want you to know that whatever the decision I make to choose you or Asuka, I… will always love you from the bottom of my heart. I'd rather kill myself than hurt you deeply and leave you. There's always… hope. Don't despair…" He comforted her with those words.

"Shinji-kun…" Rei looked up teary-eyed at his face and noticed he was crying as well. "I will wait for your decision. Arigato for making me feel more alive."

"Rei-chan… Let's enjoy our time together, ok? It's not over between us. Come on, let's go back to class."

Shinji smiled at Rei, who returned it with her own. With that, they kissed deeply again. After, they wiped each other's tears off their eyes and embraced, taking in each other's comfort and support. He stood up and extended his hand to her, who lovingly accepted. They walked hand in hand as they entered back into the school for the remainder of their classes.

Author's Note: Damn… this chapter really made me teary-eyed… <sniff, sniff> Don't worry folks, Shinji and Rei are still together. He just decided to be honest with her, besides I think it's good that he lets her know of the promise he made with Asuka. But now that he lets the truth out, he's faced with a dilemma that'll force him to decide carefully who he should choose to stay! Sorry I had to complicate things a bit, but I wanted to add a situation where his heart and mind are tested.

Well, if you're still wondering whom Shinji should choose, feel free to share your views and reasons why you picked her. Who should it be --- Asuka, his close childhood friend about to snatch him away, or Rei, his quiet, reserved classmate whom he made feel more alive and loved?

I'm really starting to get emotionally affected. Hmm… reminds me of one of those romances I've seen in other anime <cough, cough>. But I won't stop of course the story must go on! I'll be adding side stories about Shinji's promise with Asuka during their childhood and the date between Hikari and Touji to satisfy your curiosities. As to Kensuke's new girl, she'll be coming soon in later chapters.

Coming soon: Chapter 5 - A Childhood Promise / Chapter 6 - The Feelings in the Date. R+R! Thanks for your support.