Neon Genesis Evangelion Fan Fiction ❯ Between the Fiery Mind and Cold Heart ❯ Side Story: A Childhood Promise ( Chapter 5 )

Between the Fiery Mind and Cold Heart

Note: Curious as to how Shinji and Asuka became close childhood friends? Read on to find out… Oh, as to the dates, I got them by subtracting from March 10, 2015, present timeline (see Chapter 3).

Chapter 5 - Side Story: A Childhood Promise

Legend:

Word - denotes character's thoughts

<Word> - denotes sound effect

[Word] - denotes concept of setting, time

[7 years ago --- January 2, 2008]

<DONG… DONG… DONG>

"Dearly beloved, we're all gathered here…"

<DONG… DONG… DONG>

"… To give our farewell and prayers to this departed soul, Franz Schmidt Sohryu (Author: Made it up, I'm not exactly sure what his full name is). May he find happiness and peace in our Father, the creator of Heaven," the priest concluded. Closing up the Bible, he made the sign of the prayer.

"In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, amen."

He turned slowly around and walked toward the deceased's wife and daughter. Placing a hand over the wife's shoulder, he looked at the wife's teary eyes and nodded. He then left.

Thus, began the separation of a small group of mourners around the grave of Franz Schmidt Sohryu. One by one, they express their condolences to Kyoko Zepplin Langley, who exerted her willpower maintaining control of her falling tears, as she looked on the grave of her beloved husband. The mourners were good friends of Franz, mostly co-workers coming from the Tokyo-3 police force. As the last of them left, Kyoko wiped off her tears with her handkerchief. Motioning her attention to her small daughter, she ruffled her auburn-colored hair. The child reactively looked up at her with teary eyes.

"Mama… where's Daddy now?"

"Asuka… Daddy's going up to heaven."

"Is he going to be there forever?"

"Yes, he is. But I'm sure that he'd want you to be strong no matter what."

"Sniff, sniff… Mama, I… I'll be strong and good!" 8-year old Asuka Langley Sohryu beamed at her mother, with a sad smile on her face. Kyoko gave a small smile and they embraced, with their gaze fixed on their loved one's grave. Franz… I'll do my best to keep our child having a happy life, Kyoko thought.

<DONG… DONG… DONG>

[2 years later --- June 11, 2010]

"BUT MAMA! Why are you dating that man?!" Asuka yelled with worry in her voice. Kyoko adjusted her earrings while checking herself in a mirror, hung on the wall of the living room of the Sohryu residence. She dabbed small fluffs of make-up on her face. "Asuka, dear, he's a friendly person once you get to know him. He's just like your father --- a policeman here in Tokyo-3. He's really dedicated to his job," she reasoned to her irate daughter.

"Is that why you're dating him? Oh come on, Mama, is that all? And you had to invite him here for dinner too?"

"Asuka… I want you to meet him of course. No, I didn't date him just because he's similar to your father, but because I became interested in him. Now, please be on your best behavior once he's here, understand?"

"Fine!"

<DING-DONG>

"Ah, he's here!" Adjusting her elegant dress, Kyoko opened the door, revealing the face of her date. "Good evening, Hejiko, please come in!" she greeted. Asuka observed her mom's date --- a young man around his late 20's, he was good-looking. Having ocean-blue eyes, hawk-nose, a chiseled chin, raven-colored cut hair, he bared a striking resemblance to her dad. Stepping inside, he greeted them.

"Konbawa, Kyoko, it's good to see you again. Arigato for inviting me here to dinner. Oh, this must be Asuka, yes? It's nice to see you. Hmm, you look just like your mother here --- beautiful, charming, nice, and friendly."

Both mother and daughter blushed.

"Oh Hejiko, please! Thank you for the compliment. Please make yourself comfortable," Kyoko said. The three of them sat down on the living room sofas.

"May I offer you anything to drink, Hejiko?"

"Iye, arigato. Mmm… smells good, what did you cook for dinner, Kyoko?"

"German Saukernaut (sausages), roast lamb, with green salad and croissant (French bread). For dessert, we have chocolate-banana split sundae." Kyoko proudly replied.

"Mama, that sounds DE-LI-CIOUS! Let's eat!" Asuka exclaimed. In a second, she dashed to the dinner table. Mataka… always has a big appetite; Kyoko smiled at the thought.

"Well, let's join in before the meal's gone!" Hejiko chuckled. The three sat themselves around the dinner table and began eating the delicious dinner Kyoko made (Author: <stomach grumbling> damn, I'm getting hungry as I type this). As they ate, Asuka frowned at the affection her mom was sharing with her date. Calming down, she inquired Hejiko, "Are you really a police officer like my dad?"

Holding Kyoko's hand, he replied, "Yes, I'm a police officer here in Tokyo-3 like your dad. Speaking of your dad, I happened to meet him on certain occasions, it seems that he's famous with the entire district. Everyone to him was a friend. He maintained a certain level of authority and respect when it comes to handling police affairs."

"I see. What do you think of him?"

"Hmm? Well, to me, I think of your dad as a respectable, hard-working man who's dedicated to his job and family. At some times, it was he who became a hero. For instance, a few years ago, there was a bank robbery in Tokyo-3. The bank robbers, two of them, were about to escape. One held a hostage as the other made his escape. However, your dad shot the one holding the hostage with a paint pistol (Author: I was inspired by Miyuki Kobayakawa's paint pistol used in the first episode of the second series of You're Under Arrest! ^_^), making him releasing the hostage, and he quickly tackled him. Within a few seconds he managed to bring both down and handcuffed."

"Paint pistol?"

"Umm, it wasn't exactly a regular pistol fires bullets. Instead it fires balls the size of an orange containing paint! I heard from inside sources in the district that your dad believed in taking down criminals without taking away lives. So instead, he made weapons designed to just injure a criminal."

"Sugoi…Mama, was that true?" Asuka asked her mom, with a surprised look.

"Yes, it was, Asuka. When your father was alive, he always carried that pistol with him, even while we're sleeping! I always thought it had real bullets too, until I noticed colors of paint splattered at the handle of the gun." Kyoko answered with wonder at the memory.

"Anyway, his actions made him a role model to the entire police force of Tokyo-3. I was so inspired by him, that I promised myself I'd be working hard and became dedicated to my job. That's where I am now." Hejiko concluded. He drank a glass of water to clear his throat, and he continued, "But then came the news of his unfortunate death. I understand that it was a car accident… my apologies for mentioning that." The dining room was at a silence.

"AHEM," Asuka broke the silence, "where did you happen to meet my mom? And what made you attracted to her?"

Kyoko gave a stern look at her daughter.

"Ha, ha… it's ok, Kyoko, no need to worry. Asuka, I know that it was hard for you and your mom after your dad's death. I didn't happen to just take advantage of that to meet your mom and date her. No, rather, your mom and me met each other at a dinner convention at NERV; do you remember the international organization specializing in medical machines and equipment? That's NERV. Anyways, as we talked, we got to know each other --- her a nurse, me a policeman --- and the rest? Well… it was romantic," he held Kyoko's hand and gazed at her and she blushed, "And that's how we ended up dating each other."

"UGH! MAMA! I can't believe you and him?!"

"Asuka! Like he said, it was romantic. We didn't do anything like that if that's what you're thinking. Now let's ju---"

"Mein gott in Hiemel!" Asuka cursed in German and covered her mouth with her hand. She bore killer eyes on Hejiko before suddenly running off to her room upstairs.

"Asuka!" Kyoko exclaimed with a shocked look on her face.

"Sumimasen, Kyoko. How about I talk to her personally, ok?" Hejiko asked. He kissed her on the forehead before following upstairs to Asuka's room.

<KNOCK, KNOCK>

"GO AWAY!" Asuka yelled.

"Asuka… can you at least let me explain? I'll tell you the entire truth. May I come in?"

"Fine…" She opened the door and sat on her bed. Hejiko followed and sat next to her. "Asuka… I know that it was hard for both you and your mom after your father's death. When your mom and I started dating, she told me how she couldn't bear to stand seeing you sad. She wanted you to experience the best in life, even if she started dating other men."

"Really? Is that true what she told you?" Asuka asked, teary-eyed.

"Yes, it is. It was her job as a parent to make sure her children deserve happiness in any way from them. As I listened to her story, I slowly fell in love with her; I expressed my feelings toward her and it happened that she felt the same way with me. After I've known your father, the sad news, etc., I clearly wish that you'll be strong and never be lonely anymore."

"<Sniff… sniff…> That's what Papa used to tell me before he left. 'Asuka darling, be strong for your mother and me. Never let what you feel inside your heart be kept closed. That's what makes you who you are.' You really resemble a lot like him."

"Asuka. Please don't be sad. Don't be angry with your mother for what she did. She didn't simply did this for her own gain, she wanted to fill in the gap that your father left."

He placed his hand on her shoulder and ruffled her auburn-colored hair.

"Can I… call you Papa?"

"Woah there, sport. It's way too soon for me to be called that. But, then again… I think… it sounds good."

"Papa…"

She suddenly wrapped her arms around his chest and cried. Hejiko cooed a soothing melody as he comforted her. From the slight opening of Asuka's door, Kyoko smiled with motherly pride at the loving sight.

[1 year later --- May 3, 2011]

"Dearly beloved… we're all gathered here for this joyous occasion. Today, we're here to unite these two people in holy matrimony. Under the watchful eyes of our Father, the creator, we're here as witnesses to this event," the priest stated with a firm voice. The small crowd gathered inside Tokyo-3 church were a mixture of friends and colleagues. Asuka, dressed prettily as a flower girl, watched at her mom and soon-to-be father with content and happiness, as they gazed at each other's eyes with love, faith, honesty, and other emotions that made up a successful marriage.

"Do you, Kyoko Langley Sohryu, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband?"

"Yes, I do." Kyoko smiled at Hejiko with tears.

"Do you, Hejiko Michi Kusanagi (Author: I created him!), take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife?"

"Yes, with all my heart and soul."

Hejiko stared back at his love with confidence and commitment.

"If there is anyone among the crowd who objects to this union, let him speak now or forever hold thy peace." The priest stated, looking from left to right at the crowd for confirmation.

"Then, by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

As the newly-weds kissed, merry cheers and applause rocked forth, as friends and colleagues congratulated the occasion. Tears filled within Asuka's eyes, as she watched her new family develop. She ran toward them and hugged both. The Sohryu family embraced as the wedding bells rang.

<DONG… DONG… DONG>

[2 years later --- August 18, 2013]

"Why Kyoko, what a nice surprise! Congratulations on the wedding," Yui Ikari said, as she chatted merrily with Kyoko in a family picnic gathering held in Tokyo-3 park by NERV.

"Arigato, Yui. Now Asuka can be in a complete family again. How's your family doing?" Kyoko replied.

"Well, Gendo is really such a workaholic when it comes to that job as a biomedical engineer. Sigh… sometimes he spends little time with Shinji and I. But, both of us understand how important it is to him. As to Shinji, well, he's doing wonderful in school --- there never was a day when a smile wasn't on his face. He's so full of energy… that's what I adore in him."

"Aww, how sweet! Hejiko's police duties take its toll on him --- always up early in the morning, while arriving home late in the evening. Like Gendo, he's really busy, but nevertheless, he's dedicated to his work and enjoys it. He tries to find time for both Asuka and I despite that."

"<Sigh> Men… anyways, how's Asuka doing?"

"Well, it took her a while to get used to the fact that I was getting remarried to Hejiko. At first, she disagreed with the marriage, but after a heart-to-heart talk with him, she changed her mind. However, she'd agreed to it upon on a condition that Hejiko adopt the Sohryu surname instead of his. Nevertheless, he accepted it and that's how we ended up today."

"It seems that Asuka is really happy having a second dad in her life."

"Well, since then, she's back to her cheerful self. There's only one small problem, though. She's not good at making friends. Although she's happy now with the family, I'm not sure if she's giving a lot of time in that."

"Kyoko, give her some time, she'll change. Kids these days are growing up fast, you see! Even my son gets embarrassed whenever I give him a kiss and hug in front of his friends. Sigh… it doesn't mean that he dislikes the attention that I'm giving to him."

"Hmm… I'll give some thought on that matter. By the way, where did Asuka go?" Kyoko asked. "Shinji's with her in the fountain area. He told me that he didn't like seeing her alone at a festive time like this," Yui replied, as both mothers' eyes were set in the direction of the fountain area.

Inside the fountain area, Shinji took his time in talking with Asuka. She was sitting down on a park bench as she watched the water danced in the fountain.

"Asuka, is it? May I ask what you might be doing here all alone?" Shinji asked her.

"Hmm? Oh it's you. You must be Shinji Ikari. What do you want?" she replied.

"Me? Well, too much adult conversation for me to follow back there, so I decided to see what you're doing. May I sit with you?" He again asked.

"Alright, but don't try anything weird with me," she consented.

As he sat down next to her, the first noticeable aspect he caught sight of was her beauty --- auburn-colored hair, light-blue eyes, rosy-white skin, and an attractive curve. His eyes slowly traveled up and down, taking in the attractive sight. Wow… I didn't know she was that attractive. I wonder why she doesn't take in friends? I should at least talk to her and try to be a friend, he thought.

"Why are you staring at me like that?"

"H-h-huh? G-gomen. I'm not being perverted, I was just amazed at how attractive you are." Shinji coughed slightly, shaking off the slight blush on his cheeks, as he realized what he just said.

"Really? I do my best to look pretty every day!" She smiled, blushing as well.

"Ha, ha… well, anyway, your family's wonderful. It must be cool to have a dad working as a police officer. It seems our parents are getting to know each other back there." He thumbed in the direction of the picnic.

"Yeah… it sure is."

"Asuka? I want to ask you something. How come I never see you hanging out with friends? I'd find that hard to believe that a person like you, having the looks and brains, not making friends," he looked at her with curiosity and saw her smile turn into a frown. "Gomen, I didn't mean for the question to sound bad."

"It's… alright. You know it's been 5 years since my dad died and mom remarried. Sigh… well, I don't have a problem now with my new dad, and I'm perfectly happy with my new family. But, I'm not that much in a mood to make friends…" Her eyes betrayed a hint of loneliness and sadness.

"Hey, we all have our rough times in life, yeah? I'm glad you're able to adjust to it and try to move on with a bright future ahead. You know I was like you before, not good at being open to others in order to make friends. Since my dad's job in NERV, my entire family had to move here in Tokyo-3. I was lonely when it came to grade school I felt that there was no one to be with. But now," He gazed slowly toward Asuka, capturing her attention. She stared back with surprise and uncertainty.

"… I'm not lonely anymore. I've met Touji, Kensuke, and Hikari when I started my 1st year in High School in Tokyo-3 Jr. High; after a few chats and introductions, we instantly became friends. Although they were few, they really became good buddies who I could share my fun times with, not just with my parents."

"Humph, well it looks like you're happy with where you are now." Asuka turned her face around, not wanting Shinji to see the lone tear escaping from her eye. "Why are you being so friendly with me?"

"Asuka. To be honest, I'm not sure why. But somehow, I feel something from you and," With his left hand, he gently took hold of her hand while with the other he laid it on her shoulder, "I don't want you to be alone. I want to be a friend who you can share your thoughts and feelings with and who'll always be there… for you."

As she was shocked by his reaction, another tear escaped.

Baka… I… don't want to be alone. How do you know what I long for, she thought. Turning around, she faced him with tears. She noticed that they were very close to each other.

"Asuka, you don't have to push away others. I… can be your friend," Shinji quietly said. He wiped off her tears gently and gazed at her light-blue eyes.

"<Sniff…> You baka."

She wrapped her arms around him and poured her hurt out on his chest. He enveloped his arms around her while stroking her auburn-colored hair.

"It's okay… Asuka."

They hugged each other tighter than ever, taking in each other's comfort and company. From the picnic area, the sounds of festivities proceeded further. The chirping of the birds and the rushing flow of the water fountain were the only sounds bearing this moment.

[4 months later --- December 3, 2013]

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

"I'm glad that you could make it, baka," Asuka replied. The cool wind blew her auburn-colored hair as she looked up the sky.

"Well, let's sit down first to make ourselves comfortable." She motioned for herself and Shinji to sit. 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?" he asked.

"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… w-w-want to ask y-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 liked and loved him that we happily accepted him into the family. Since then, we've become a happy family. During those times when I lost my 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 back 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…"

He was stunned by her request. It had been 4 months since then, and he had gotten attached to her more than possible. But for her to be making a request like this, why, he thought.

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

She gazed at him with her light-blue eyes. Shinji saw the despair and longing etched into them. Half of him wanted to say no and demand an explanation why she'd ask of something unexpected like this, while the other half wanted to give comfort and acknowledge his support as a friend.

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

He took and held her hands into his own. He watched her face for a reaction; surprisingly, he saw a lone tear trailing down on her cheek. Carefully, he wiped it off with his finger. Giving her his best smile, he calmly exclaimed, "You know, I never thought the great Asuka Langley Sohryu would be like this. As a good friend, I'd do anything to help you whatever I can."

"Shinji… arigato."

Smiling back, Asuka held him by his arm. He took her in his embrace and both drew comfort from each other's company. 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.

"Promise, Shinji?"

"Yes… I promise. You'll… always have a place in my heart." With that, they tightened their embrace and savored their moment. Confusion, worry, hope, and love was etched into Shinji's face, as he stared at the childhood friend who had unknowingly snatched his heart.

Author's Note: Many apologies for the long wait. I had to undergone a long writer's block coming up with ideas and concepts for this chapter. Aside from that, I had some HW and projects to finish (I'm in 1st year college in the Philippines). Sniff, sniff… It seems Asuka went through a lot before getting adjusted to a new dad. However, that left her not considering her personal side when it comes to making friends. However, I had Shinji change that :-).

I went through some cumbersome times this week checking the dates. One of the reviewers complained that they were conflicting, so I had to fix that. I noticed a lack of content in this chapter. As I looked back to where I mentioned their promise in Chapter 3, I noticed that I didn't include that as the last part for this chapter <I smack my own forehead for the mistake>. So, what I did was rewrite this chapter all over again, making sure it fitted right. Whew…

Coming up in the next chapter is another side story, The Feelings in the Date, about the date between Touji, the jock, and Hikari, the Class Rep.. Hmm was it really smooth-sailing as the jock told so to Shinji (see Chapter 3)? I'll be finishing that up in a few weeks, so please bear with the wait.

To all those readers who gave reviews for this story, I hope you enjoy this well as much as I do. Without your suggestions and opinions, I wouldn't be able to get this story to go on. Thanks for the support. Keep those reviews coming!