Neon Genesis Evangelion Fan Fiction ❯ Escape From my Darkness ❯ A Chance Taken ( Chapter 2 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

Escape From my Darkness

Chapter II A Chance Taken

Well now, I'm surprised I received 10 reviews. That's decent I suppose. I suppose lack of review was due to either A: The title wasn't very catchy, or B: The story wasn't all that good, or lastly C: The story was too deep. Well in response to A, I'm sorry, but I thought that was the most fitting. As for B and C, well you guys can stop if you don't like it. It's my story, so I'll write it as a please, so to speak. If your criticisms are constructive, I'll take it under advisement. Flames will be ignored.

It was a peaceful morning, as the bright crimson blush of the dawn slowly chased away the darkness of the night as it bathed all of Tokyo in its warm glow. It was truly a sight to behold, and was true to the phrase, “Good morning.” The sun was shining, the birds were singing, and the entire city was silent from the lack of any vehicles of mankind. It was the kind of day one could simply relax and enjoy the bright ethereal glow of the sun. It almost had a romantic feeling to it. Couples could easily be seen sitting on their roofs as they witnessed the slow yet beautiful rise of the sun as he brought forth a new day, which only meant a new day to experience more of what life had to offer. It was a silent, beautiful and peaceful morning. But like all good things, it soon came to an end as the inhabitants of the city began to stir and begin their day.

That morning, Rei woke up early with a certain feeling inside of her. She couldn't put her finger on it for a moment; for it was one of the many emotions she had thought she had lost long ago. It was hazy, fogged by the darkness of her depression, but it was there. It struggled to surface to assert itself from the mass and make its presence known, but was unable to due to the thickness of the mass. She shrugged it off as her past self trying to rise back into its rightful place. Granted it was something she wouldn't mind, but now was not the time for such a thing as soul searching, at least first thing in the morning. She looked over at the digital clock to see it read 6:00 realising that she woken up half hour earlier than she normally did. She smiled slightly as she got out of bed and went into her walk-in closet.

Inside she began to go through her clothes in search for something. Realizing that her search area did not have what she desired bent down, reached to the back of her half and pulled out a box and opened it. Inside were a series of old garments she had not seen nor worn for two years. As she looked through her clothes she hoped that she had not outgrown them just yet. It would be somewhat embarrassing if she were to show up in clothing that did not fit her. She searched until she pulled a white tank top that read, ANGEL in bold blue letters across the chest. A small smile crept up along her face as she gently ran her fingers across the word. Even after two years she could feel the raised texture of the letters, and the letters still sparkled in the light. She noticed that amongst all of her clothing, it was the only one that wasn't folded. Even in her depressed state, she still valued it as her favourite as she did two years ago. She carefully laid down her tank top, closed the box and pushed it into the back before pulling out a second one where she pulled out a pair jean flares, with angels around the waist area and at the hems. She took her cloths and entered into the washroom.

Rei took a moment to look at her washroom. It was a modest one, with a shower cubicle to her left, a counter and sink in front of her, a bathtub to her right in the corner, and next to the sink was a toilet. She wondered why she actually took a moment to actually observe the room, but figured that it was the fact she never really paid attention to her surroundings until now. She laid her clothes on the counter, stripped herself, and entered the shower, and for the first time in two years used hot water as she showered. As she let the warm soothing water beat down on her body, she felt somewhat uplifted. It wasn't much, but it felt a lot better than the cold showers she's had for the past two years. It was agreeable, something she had not felt for anything. Until today, or rather last night, nothing was really agreeable. Wishing to experience the agreeable once more, she reached up to a shelf in front of her and picked up her old bottle of lavender scented body wash. She opened it up and inhaled the alluring scent that she had long forgotten.

As the scent coursed through it brought back many memories. She remembered the good days when she was truly happy and how everyone had treated her with respect. She even had a lot of friends back then, most of which don't even talk to her. It even brought back the few good memories she had with her real mother and father. They were few, but in each of them they were happy moments. She continued to reminisce in the good old days as she squeezed some of the wash onto her hands and began to apply it to her filthy body. She never really cared for her body, doing what was only needed, but she was never truly clean. Soon her body would once again experience the true feeling of being cleansed. Washing one self is much like cleansing one's soul of the day's filth. Outside, Reika began to stir from the faint scent of lavender which she had long so wished to smell again. She smiled slightly as she drifted back to sleep, glad that she would spend a little time with her old sister. She just hoped that things would be like they were two years ago. She cringed at the thought, but drifted back into an easy sleep. Rei soon finished with her shower and dried herself off. As she does she looked in the mirror and gasped at the sight of her.

“What…what happened to me?” she whispered as she slowly approached the mirror above the sink. “I look horrible.” She gently reached out and touched the mirror, as she outlined the reflection of her hair. It was a mess. It was unruly, it was frayed, and it was disgusting. The fact that she recently had done a horrible job with her hair left her a bit disturbed. But it just wasn't her hair that had rattled her. Her face in general was disheartening. She appeared somewhat gaunt, somewhat lifeless. Some of the life had drained from her that her skin was paler than usual.

“Is this me? Is this what I really am? He never would've wanted me to look like this.” The last sentence brought tears to her eyes as she remembered what happened to the person she spoke of two years ago. She sighed slightly as she stared at the locket on the counter. She smiled slightly, remembering the sentimental value of it, and then looked back up at her reflection. It wasn't going to be easy, but figured she may as well try to look decent, even if it was for a week, although perhaps it might be longer, if she had the will. Perhaps resuming her old routine might be the push she needed to go back to her life.

She sighed again as she opened the mirror and pulled out a hair clip, and some hair gel. She squeezed some gel into her hands as she tried to style her hair in such a way that it would look full, yet not like a huge clump. She soon managed to get most of the ends flattened, and also managed to gel her hair in such a way so that most of the hair on her left was either tucked behind her ear, and whatever stray hair there was, was held back by the blue hair clip. The right side was gelled so that the ends seemed more flattened instead of the frayed appearance she's had for a while now. Satisfied with her image, she went about putting on her undergarments and clothes.

As she pulled up her jeans, she smiled slightly, glad that her pants still fit like they did. Although she did grow in height, the pants were fairly long when she got them. At least she had grown into the pants. They were fairly new when she put them away. Now she hoped for the same results for her tank top. When she put it on, she was somewhat dismayed, as her height left a bit of her belly bare. Although she was a simple b-cup, the fact that her height affected the overall coverage of her top left her a bit uneasy. She was never one to wear revealing clothing. Sadly she knew that she might have to go clothes shopping, as it was most likely that most of her tops wouldn't fit her anymore. Seeing that she would have to work with what she had, she threw her undergarments in the hamper, placed her locket around her neck, gathered her pyjamas and opened the door to leave. She opens the bathroom door to be greeted by her sister all groggy as she stumbles into the bathroom.

She slightly smiled, finding herself appreciating her sister's laziness. It somehow lifted a bit of the anger she had towards her, but it would be a long time until she could forgive her. She tossed her clothes onto her bed, and then turned towards the countertop where various draws of make-up and jewellery waited to be opened and used. She approached the countertop, bent down and opened a draw on the bottom, pulling out a box and placed it on the table. It was a simple box really. It was wooden, a bit of a rust coloured, with a simple spiral pattern engraved around the edge of the lid. Rei sighed as she opened it up revealing a series of earrings and studs in a velvet lined case. She smiled slightly remember what it meant to her.

She pulled out a pair of sliver studs with sapphires in the middle and placed them on the table before she closed the box and put it away again. She reached up to her ears where she pulled out two pieces of wood out from her ears, and threw them in the garbage bin next to the counter, and put on the studs. Once she was satisfied with how they looked and fitted on her ear, she walked into the closet, went into her sister's side of the closet and pulled out a jean jacket that had AYANAMI emblazoned on the back of it in white. She smiled slightly as she put it on, before going back to her side and opened up a drawer of socks and pulled out a pair, before bending down and reached back and pulled out a pair of white Adidas sports shoes. Satisfied with what she was going to wear, she turned to her desk, and began packing what she would need for the day.

Once packed, she took her school bag, and headed down for breakfast, and her first day as the person she used to be. She hoped that she would be able to live out the first day without trouble. As she walked down the stairs she hears Naoko cooking breakfast. Her nose suddenly registered smells that soon overwhelmed her. It was something she had long forgotten and ignored during her down time. Despite the fact she still felt horrible, but she was again aware of her world. She savoured the smell of her mother preparing a vegetarian breakfast for her while preparing a regular breakfast for the rest of the family. Another major distinction between the two sisters was that Rei couldn't handle meat while Reika could. It was another special distinction that Rei appreciated. Despite they were twins; they were unique, different in their own ways.

When she entered the kitchen she was greeted by someone saying, “Rei, you look wonderful.” She looked to her left to see Ritsuko looking up from her newspaper.

“How are you Rei?” Naoko asked as she looked up from her cooking. Rei looked between her mother and sister to seeing something she never really noticed before. She could see the concern in their eyes. She was surprised that even now they were still in concerned for her. However what surprised her was how she had missed their concern. But then again with what had happened she couldn't possibly blame herself, but she did anyways for not noticing them until now. But she felt good at the fact that people still cared.

“Arigatou onee-san,” Rei said towards Ritsuko before she turned to face Naoko. “I am fine okaa-san. I am trying.”

Naoko smiled gently as she said, “I'm glad you are Rei. Just don't go too hard, or you might hurt yourself.”

“Hai,” she said as she put her bag down and sat down.

A while later Reiki had finally came down dressed in black jeans, a white long-sleeved shirt with a black t-shirt overtop, and black vest, and hair tied back into a ponytail when she noticed Rei. At first she was speechless. She knew that Rei had taken her deal seriously but sitting at the kitchen table was someone she was not expecting to see. She had expected Rei to wear something less bold, but enough to reveal a bit of her old self. But instead she got the Rei Ayanami she knew two years ago. It was as if the Rei she knew from before had gone on vacation, leaving the quiet depressed Rei she just spoke to last night, and then came back just in time for breakfast.

“Rei!” she shrieked, “you look good!”

“Arigatou, onee-san,” Rei replied before she took the plate her mother handed to her and began to eat. Reika's face fell a bit, recognising a bit of the venom she still had whenever she spoke to her. She sighed as she took her seat next to her, took the plate Naoko gave her and dug in as well.

After a breakfast in a comfortable silence Ritsuko asked, “Say girls, either of you need a lift?”

“I'm good. I want to bike this morning.”

“I shall be taking my skateboard.” All three suddenly looked at Rei. One looked in bewilderment, while the other two were in surprise. They had not expected that Rei would try this. After all she had only begun to heal, and to do something like skateboarding was a bit sudden, even for her.

“Rei, you know what I said about hurting yourself,” Naoko began in a warning tone.

“I am aware okaa-san,” Rei calmly replied. “However I need this. If I plan to, move on, I'd like to do to some things I could do before. It is the best way to remember him in a more, positive manner.”

Naoko smiled gently as she said, “I think he'd like that.”

“I know he would've.” She got up from the table, grabbed her plate and said, “Excuse me.” She quickly placed her dishes in the sink, ran up to her room and grabbed her old mp3 player from her desk. She put it around her neck and held it in her hands and stared at it for a few moments.

It was a sleek, black rectangular piece, with a circular set of buttons on the bottom, and a screen next to it. As she stared at it, she thought about a particular song that she had put into it. It was the most recent song she added before her depression. She remembered why she put it in. It was his favourite song, and he wanted to be able to listen it at night when the nights got warmer. She remembered how he would always tell her to put that song up whenever he was down, and how he would simply sit in her lap while she did homework and listened to the song. The memory brought a few tears which she quickly wiped. She started to leave the room when she turned on the player and placed the ear buds in her ears. She searched for the song and then pressed play. In moments, the buds began to vibrate with music once again as the player played out the song.

The song opened up with a slow vocal intro with two women, one of a high pitched voice, the other more of a bass sound before the song picked up and the higher pitched singer began to sing.

Fall in love...

As she listened, she remembered many things, lot of things for that matter. She couldn't help but feel sad and happy as she listened. A lot of the memories were good, but some were also sad. As she walked down the stairs she remembered her late father who died a year ago, the person she often remembered in sadness, the life she had before she was adopted by the Akagi's, and many other memories.

I need your love in every way

And I feel this everyday

Cause I have too many tears

To fall in love again

When she had reached downstairs she saw Ritsuko and Naoko giving her concerned looks, but smiled assuring them they had nothing to worry about, gave them a thumb up, grabbed her bag and walked out. She reached the closet next to the main door, opened it and pulled out a skate board. She looked on the bottom which had an image of a blue armoured humanoid machine, that had a helmet like head, a green orb on the top, and a red orb, much like a Cyclops would. On the left side was the word, Zerogouki written in Japanese text and Kanji. She remembered receive the gift from her mother as a birthday present when she turned 13. It was an image from the game that her mother and sister were working on at the time. It was a hit game, but she never really bothered to try it. She walked out the door, hopped onto her board and head up the hill as she tried to catch up with her sister.

Now, I am walking around

In this side of the town I just can't hideaway

How can I look in your eyes?

When I feel like to die I have to runaway

As she skated she thought about how she had spent her life during the past two years. The more she thought about it, the more she realized that she had lived a miserable two years. Being engulfed by sadness and grief did that to one. She thought of ways she could've better handled it, but each of them led to the conclusion that there was no way she could've done anything she thought of up. Emotions always had a way of clouding or obscuring judgement and rationality. It can't be helped. She was only human.

Dariri Ram dariram dariram

Darirari rariram

Daririram dam

Dariri Ram dariram dariram

Darirari rariram

Daririram dam

And fall in love again

She quickly caught up with her sister and skated alongside her just as the hill started to level off. They shared a brief look before they continued along the path towards school. As they moved along the sidewalk, passing by other students, Rei thought about how she would be treated in school. But she decided to think about it later. Right now she just wanted to enjoy the feel of skating again. She always skated without her helmet when she went to school, for she liked the feel of the wind through her hair, and the ability to control how fast she went must like biking, except that she used to do tricks as she went to school, such as grinding along railings, or even tried to balance on one spot on her board. There were a lot of good times she had with her board, and she hoped to do some of her tricks again.

Life can be hard so many times

How can I just live it fine?

And I'm trying now to smile

To fall in love again

As the words passed through her ears, she wondered if she could really live out her life normally again. Considering all that has happened to her recently she could only hope that she really could move on with her life. Plus she found herself smiling at the fact that he liked a song about trying to recover from love. It was sort of fitting, as she really loved him and the fact he died because of her and her sister's irresponsibility was something she just couldn't handle, which led to her depression.

Now, I am walking around

In this side of the town I just can't hideaway

How can I look in your eyes?

When I feel like to die I have to runaway

Dariri Ram dariram dariram

Darirari rariram

Daririram dam

Dariri Ram dariram dariram

Darirari rariram

Daririram dam

And fall in love again

Fall in love…

(Disclaimer: I do not own Dam Dariram. Joga and the people of DDR 3rd Mix own the song thank you very much. So now don't you dare, be calling me some sort of copyright infringer!)

As the song finished they quickly dismounted and walked onto the school grounds. As Rei looked ahead, she realized how different everyone really was. Instead of the usual white tops, or black blazers during the winter, it was a wide array of various colours and clothing design. It was a bit of a shock for Rei, especially since she was used to wearing a dress shirt and knee-length skirt, whether it was her uniform or her daily clothes, and ignoring the world around her. Now that she was becoming more aware of her surroundings it was a bit unsettling for her.

She suddenly felt a hand on her shoulder to see Reika looking at her, assuring her that it was going to be okay. Rei felt thankful of her sister's support despite her anger, and graced her with a small smile as she took a deep breath and walked onto the school grounds. Already she was already having heads turn towards her as people began to notice the Ayanami twins. Many were highly surprised to see Rei dressed anything like Reika. Despite the difference of clothing, they stood out brightly amongst the rest of the students. It was a sight to see. Everyone began to ask questions, such as where did Rei go to, or was the Ice Queen and the Skater Queen the same person, and other such questions.

It was an interesting experience to be able to turn heads again for Rei. For two years she had people completely ignore her or ridicule her to no end. But to suddenly have people give her their undivided attention was a bit new to her. She had long forgotten what it was like to have a certain level of popularity. It made her feel a bit uncomfortable to have everyone's eyes on her. To be under the scrutiny of the entire school body was something unsettling, as if she did something embarrassing or something that would be considered odd, she could end up hurting herself even further as news would spread through the entire school fast. She just prayed that nothing of the sort would happen.

As she walked, she noticed how the crowd suddenly gave way revealing Asuka as she walked up to Rei, sporting a red t-shirt, white skorts that had the German flag sown on the bottom right, and her hair was tied up in a ponytail instead of her usual two mini pig tails. She leaned forward with a bored look and gave her a once over.

She sighed slightly and said, “Boring. Jean jackets are so two years ago.”

Rei neutrally replied, “Your point Soryu-san?”

“I'm saying that you were so two years ago. As far as I'm concerned, the Skater Queen is gone. However with me on the other hand,” her tone substantially changing, “The Great Asuka Soryu, I am the new black, the top of the mountain, the queen of the world, so to speak. You on the other hand are just some wannabe who's looking for attention. Now why don't you just crawl back into that hole you were in just yesterday and let us real popular kids get on with our lives.” Reika opened her mouth to speak when Rei suddenly shot out her arm.

“I wish to deal with this on my own, Reika-san,” Rei quietly whispered before directing her attention towards Asuka.

“I appreciate the offer however I am comfortable with where and what I am now. And have you forgotten that I am not one easy to insult?”

“Oh sure, you say you are not easy to insult, but I know you just want to cry your pretty little heart out. C'mon, why don't you show us your true side? I'd love to see the Rei that I've created for the past two years.”

“Do you honestly wish to see the fruition of your work?”

“C'mon, I'm just dying to wait.”

“As you wish,” Rei sighed as she handed her board to Reika. She walked up towards Asuka until her face was just a few inches away from her face and stared straight into her eyes. For a moment it was dead silence as the two stared at one another. Rei closed her eyes as Asuka smirked. However the smirk was suddenly wiped off as Rei backhanded Asuka across the cheek.

“It is a sample,” Rei neutrally said as she took her board back from Reika and left without another word. `So much for the deal.'

As she walked through the halls her mind was in uproar. She was promised that Asuka would be removed as a threat, but now she only made it worse. She didn't know what she was thinking when she had agreed. It was impossible now for Asuka to ever respect her. If she ever did it was only because she was forced to. She understood Asuka. Asuka was one who would not be ignored. Being ignored was the last thing she wanted. Even in her depressed state, she continued to observe her surroundings. But it was only certain things, such as human behaviour. She had long ago determined what made Asuka tick, but never really had the will to actually destroy her. She knew the consequences of such an action. It would be something she would never be able to live down if she ever really did anything.

Throughout the two years, because she had not cared about herself, or about others, nor really made it a point to do anything, she had in a sense blended it. She was part of those who were meant to be ignored. She was in a sense satisfied with that group. After what had happened two years prior she didn't care if she was ignored, she didn't care if she was hated, in general she didn't care. That was her life. She had stepped into the darkness and she didn't really care. She had stopped caring long ago. She had stopped living when-

“Ayanami-san.” Rei looked behind her to see Shinji, in a white dress shirt, navy blue undershirt, black trousers and white shoes, running up to her. Her heart slightly picked up at the sight of him as it reminded her why she had initially accepted the deal. Reika had told her that Shinji might've taken an interest in her. If so, she was willing to try. When she had felt Shinji's powerful gaze, she felt a desire to live. It was a powerful desire, and it was something she couldn't ignore, no matter how sad she was. It was only human nature to want to live when one found a reason to. Perhaps this was the reason that she needed.

“Ayanami-san,” Shinji repeated as he neared her, “why-why you slap Asuka?” Rei took a moment to ponder if she should answer. Right in front of her was a boy who she hardly knew asking her a rather personal question, or rather what she had deemed a personal question. She had half a mind to be blunt and just outright say no, but another part of her wanted to let him down easy and say something nice so that it wouldn't hurt him. It was a rather difficult battle, with the darkness of her depression trying to attain supremacy against the light that was the Rei Ayanami she used to be. The darkness proved to be a powerful force as it had had two years dominance. The incident from two years ago had shattered her ego which left her at the mercy of her depression. However her struggling ego had the help of her heart which had long since lain dormant.

In the end her ego and heart won as she replied, “I'd rather not talk about it Ikari-san. It is rather person, and I'd appreciate it if you do not ask about it.”

Shinji smiled slightly, “It's alright, I understand.” His eyes gave Rei a once over as he said, “You look nice, Ayanami-san.”

Rei looked away in an attempt to hide her blush as she said, “Thank you, Ikari-san.” Many things were happening inside Rei. She had not expected for Shinji to actually arouse something in her that she thought had died long ago. It had left her confused and unsure of how she should act. Before she knew how to act around people and be able to read them. But with Shinji it was a bit different. She was flustered, confused, and even possibly a bit nervous around him. Interacting with people was somewhat of a new experience for her as she did cut herself off from human interaction besides her family.

So lost in her thoughts that she almost didn't notice Shinji gently shaking her as he said, “Ayanami-san, are you alright.” Rei nearly jumped at the sudden human contact, and gently pulled her shoulder away from Shinji. She was more flustered than before, as she could feel the heat in her face radiating now.

“I am fine, Ikari-san. Excuse me; I must go to my locker.” She nodded her head slightly and turned around as she prepared to leave.

She barely took a step when she heard, “Mind if I follow you? You're locker is just a few doors from mine.”

“You may.” She then resumed walking towards her locker with Shinji not too far behind her. However he soon lined up with her and her nervousness started to rise again. She could feel her entire chest constrict upon itself as her heart tried to pump enough blood and her lungs tried to draw enough air. She couldn't help but throw occasional glances towards him. There was just something about him that drew her to him. She was already aware that Shinji was somehow drawn to her; however, was it possible that she was reciprocating the feelings? Or was it only because she longed for human contact that the person she saw just happened to be Shinji? She was unsure, but she was aware that she was thinking about Shinji in some odd way, and she was intent on finding out.

As they walked through the halls, they passed a lot of people, most of them females. Although her face remained neutral and her strides were continuous, she could see the hateful glares that were thrown in her direction. Many of the girls adored Shinji much like how the entire school adored Asuka. However Shinji's popularity was gained through the fact he was one of the top students, and that he was kind to everyone. Somehow that drew people. Asuka was because she was flamboyant, energetic, also a top student, a cheerleader, and a number of other things that made her what she currently was today.

She couldn't help but want to just distance herself from Shinji as so that she could cause less trouble. A lot of the glares she seemingly ignored were very much like death threats, and warnings that there was pain involved should she stay near Shinji for long. She felt compelled to leave him alone, and yet, something kept her at bay. It was as if she was going to tear something out of herself if she distanced herself, as if she was going to destroy what was left of her self if she left Shinji behind. With a sudden burst of resolution, Rei slowed her pace down allowing Shinji to line up with her again instead of constantly falling behind. She felt comforted that Shinji was right there next to her. It was a bit odd that she found solace in the presence of another, but perhaps this was a good sign. Perhaps she could begin the slow process of healing.

“Ayanami-san, don't you feel uncomfortable with all these stares?” Shinji quietly asked. “If you want to go ahead, I understand.”

“Yes I am, however I believe you are also uncomfortable.”

“Yeah I am. But, it doesn't mean you have to-”

“I do this because I choose to.”

“Hai, Ayanami-san,” Shinji replied after a moment of silence. They continued to walk through the halls, passing more people as they threw more ugly looks at Rei. But to her surprise it wasn't as threatening or as painful as they were only moments ago. She was unsure as to why people were doing this, but it didn't matter for her, for at the moment she felt something she hadn't felt for a long time. She felt safe. She felt the kind of protection she had felt when she was around people. She found great comfort in feeling that sense of security once more.

As they neared their locker, a thought ran through Rei. She suddenly remembered what Reika told her, and why she chose to dress as she did today. She had wished to speak to Shinji, and was asked to dress like her original self. She didn't feel like her original self, but some of the aspects of her original self began to surface. One of them was about to kicking.

“Ikari-kun,” Rei began, “when you were at my house, you and Reika spoke of your feelings to me, correct?” Shinji faltered for a moment before he regained his step. Rei looked at him as she waited for his answer.

“Uh…yes, Ayanami-chan and I spoke about you,” he nervously replied, looking away as he tried to hide his blush.

“I see,” she whispered. “Do you like me?”

“Nani?”

Rei sighed in annoyed fashion before she spoke, “First of all, I dislike repeating myself. Secondly, I asked if you like me.”

Shinji remained silent for a moment before he gulped and steeled his resolve as he confidently said, “Hai, Ayanami-san, I like you.”

Rei turned her head forward and looked down to hide her ever increasing blush as she whispered, “Hontoni, Ikari-kun?” She felt good. She felt real good, something she hadn't felt in a long time. She'd forgot what it was like to hear that someone confess their feelings. It was something to be treasured, especially if those feelings could be given a chance to grow and develop.

“Hai, Ayanami-san.” They stopped in front of their lockers as they switched their shoes and put away unnecessary material. Shinji had long finished exchanging materials; however Rei remained at her locker, with the door hiding her face. She was having difficulty suppressing her blush. She was told by Shinji that he liked her, but she was unsure as to how to proceed now. She had forgotten how to deal with boys who liked her, especially if the feelings are somehow mutual. So consumed with her thoughts she didn't even notice Shinji's approached until he placed his hand on her shoulder causing her to jump in surprise. She looked behind herself to see Shinji standing there with a smile on his face. She returned the gestured, with a smile of her own before she closed her locker with her skateboard, and faced him.

Shinji suddenly took a deep breath as he said, “Ayanami-san, I was wondering, if you wanted to go out with me this Friday?” Rei suddenly gasped at the suddenness of the question that her mind came to a stop. Right there she was thrown a chance to go out with one of the `un-dateable popular people,' as most females put it. He just asked her out, and all she could do was stand there, in shock and surprise that he asked her. She was even surprised as she slowly regained her senses as Shinji stood there, waiting patiently for her response. She took a few slow breathes as she tried to calm herself and regained her senses.

Realising that he was still waiting for an answer, she looked at him and smiled gently as she said, “Hai, Ikari-kun, I would like that.” Shinji smiled widely as he nodded, before he raised his arm towards the direction she always took to her math class. She nodded as they walked towards their classroom. In the back of Rei's mind, she prayed that this chance she took to be with Shinji would be worth what would come throughout the day and the rest of the week. Three days until the date and that meant three days of survival, especially if anyone caught wind of their date.

So how was that, was it any good? I did cut back on some of the self reflection and such, but like I said, this story was meant to focus on Rei's mind as she goes through all this. So if you guys are still interested in this ride, please review. So far the reviews have been nice, but I wouldn't mind a bit more in-depth review if possible.

Anyways, next chapter will be bits and pieces of Rei's day as she tries to survive school, and the date. The following chapter will be Rei's contemplation on the week and her decision on weather or not she should try to continue healing, regain her status, and go on another date with Shinji. Stick around and find out what she chooses and see what goes through her head as she does it.

Well anyways, that's all from me

Cheers ^^ Ja ne