Saturday, February 07, 1998 Well, here it is: Shin Seiki Evangelion: Foreign Relations All standard disclaimers apply. We all know why we fanfiction writers write what we do, so let's not linger on known information. Rather let us travel onward to the actual work that so many of us talented Otakus enjoy. -------------------------------------- And now, AniRoura(tm) productions presents an Evafic by a true hedgehog: Shin Seiki Evangelion: Foreign Relations Episode 3: Shinji sat in the front room in a daze. He couldn't believe how he had gotten himself into this position. A streaking Asuka flew by him,(no, not that way, hentai ^_^) warranting the action of his neck snapping in the direction she was headed as he heard several screams of frustration coming from Asuka's room. Shinji grew a sweatdrop and put on a confused look. The impulsive redhead shot from her room with two different outfits in her hand, one casual, on the safe side; the other more mature. "Shinjiiii! Which one do you like better?" she asked, holding each outfit to her body for referance. "Uh-oh, Misato warned me about this..." Shinji thought, deciding to take the easy way out.(when has he ever taken the hard?) "Both." he answered, folding his arms and smiling, proud of his answer. "Ohhh no you don't!" Asuka thought. "I'm not going to allow you to be indescisive and 'nuetral' around *me*!" she added. "I know you like both..." she said with a smug smile. "...but which do you like better?" she finished. "Ha. Let's see yah worm out of this one..." Asuka thought, proud of her answer. Shinji immediately gulped, trapped. Asuka's eyes fixed on him, expecting an answer. In a panicked last resort, Shinji's mind went back to a small piece of advice he picked up from Kensuke. -Flashback- Shinji and Kensuke stood, overlooking the fortress-city Tokyo-3, thier eyes travelling over a landscape that could be readily changed into a battlefield that humanity many of times barely survived on. Kensuke snickered, which put Shinji into immediate alert mode. "What's funny?" he asked, suddenly turning to look at his comrade. Kensuke faced him and laughed once more. "I've heard that your foreign relations have gotten much more complicated recently, if not better." he chuckled. "What's funny about that?" Shinji asked, truly not knowing. Kensuke gave him a look. "You mean you don't know?" he asked, laughing even more. Shinji nodded. "Listen, Shinji, your life is about to be complicated by something called woman. Sure, it seems easy now; but just wait 'till they pull out the manual." he began. "The manual?" Shinji asked, beginning to become attentive. "You ever gotten to the botom of a woman's purse? Do you know what's down there?" Kensuke asked, waiting on an answer. Shinji shook his head. "Certain sources, have determinded this to be a manual entitled 'Mindgames: How to Screw a Man's Mind to Hell.' I'm telling you, you think piloting an Eva is torture...*whew* you ain't seen nothin' yet. Shinji, I have one piece of advice for you..." Kensuke trailed. Shinji leaned in, waiting for his needed nugget of knowledge. "ALWAYS give them the answer they want... it's how we survive." Shinji stared out over the city, confused as to what all this meant. -End Flashback- Now, he understood fully. "I think you should wear the casual one, Rei will be wearing casual. You wouldn't fit in if you wore the other." he answered, putting on a nuetral face, waiting to see if his tactic worked. Asuka froze. "I don't believe it... he shut me down. What does the manual say about this?!?" Asuka asked herself, turning away from Shinji and diving into her purse. Shinji stood and tried to look over her shoulder, a sweatdrop growing on his cheek. Asuka pulled out a small, but thick book from her purse, flipping through it until she found what she needed. Shinji took this oppurtunity to read the title. "Mindgames: How to Screw a Man's Mind to Hell..." he read silently. His eyes widened and he face-faulted; utterly stunned. Meanwhile Asuka read the line: If shut down... turn to page 345. Page 345: He beat yah... consult on-line version. "I'll wear the casual one...*sigh*" --------------------- Shinji knocked on Kensuke's door and waited for a few moments before the boy appeared at the door and walked out, closing the door behind him. "Okay, let's go." he suggested and took up a position next to a much-irritated Asuka. No matter how hard she tried not to seem irritated, it showed on her face and in her eyes. she wanted to remain in a light and cheery mood for Shinji, so she could get closer to him; but it was all spoiled by Kensuke. No way was she going to remain in the least cheerful mood with Kensuke together with Shinji, and he would be a constant obstacle to getting closer to the younger hedgehog. Shinji was one stooge, and that was okay, Shinji and Kensuke are two stooges together, and that was one stooge too many for the redhead. "Okay, we're going to pick up Rei now." Asuka grinned carnivorously. ---------------------------------- Shinji knocked on Rei's door and waited, as he had with Kensuke, albeit nervously. After a few seconds, the door opened and the blue-haired girl stepped out, planting a kiss on Shinji's cheek; smiling slightly. This instantly set Shinji into a light mood, he didn't know why; but he always got that feeling when she got close to him. It was like a ghost kiss, strangely invigorating even though lightly done. He smiled slightly as he looked the girl over and was glad he didn't tell Asuka his truthful answer, because the girl was indeed dressed casually. Wearing a pair of blue khaki pants with a blue vest, striped in white across the chest, and a white long-sleeved dress shirt with the tails hanging out the bottom of the vest; it seemed that Rei had some sort of taste in the way of casual dress. Asuka hmmphed. The fourteen-year-old woman walked up behind Shinji and leaned on his shoulder, beginning to speak. "Shin-ji, shouldn't we be leaving for the movie; it starts soon..." she spoke sweetly. Shinji's attention jerked back to Asuka and his mind reeled when he realized he'd made a mistake in spending too much time on one girl. Kensuke snickered in laughter, amused. Shinji turned and glared at the boy, slightly angry. If he wasn't going to help take one of the girls' attention off of him, he could at least not add to it. "Right." he answered as the group turned and walked away; Rei on Shinji's right, Asuka on his left, Kensuke on her left. "Oh yeah; I'd like to say both of you are very pretty..." "I'm pretty!" "I'm pretty!" In unison: "He thinks I'm pretty! Luuuccckkkyyyy!" Both girls latched onto one of Shinji's arms. Shinji startled and shot Kensuke a look. Kensuke shrugged. Asuka growled at Rei and Rei simply turned up her nose and ignored her. Shinji walked on, in the middle of a brewing catfight. -------------------- Shinji reached for the tickets and smiled, turning to the rest of the group. Things had quieted a little between the two girls of the group on the way to the theater; maybe it was just they way the night was pretty nice that got them to calm down, or maybe each finally forgot about each other and remembered who they were really there for. "Okay, let's go in; it starts in a few minutes." Shinji announced, holding the tickets out. Rei glanced at the tickets and blinked; surprised, she had been ready to pay for them herself; money in hand. Shinji smilingly gave Asuka a ticket and proceeded onward to Rei. Rei took the ticket and smiled slightly. "Arigatou." she said quietly. Shinji smiled and handed Kensuke a ticket, then placed his in his pocket. The group began to walk towards the theater, Rei bringing up the rear. "That's the second time I've used that word for him." As the group neared the theater, Shinji branched off and headed for the concession stand to buy a few snacks. Kensuke followed him instinctively, automatically snatching up the chance to check in on the younger hedgehog. Shinji stood in line as Kensuke stood behind him and waited for his turn. "What do you think so far?" Kensuke asked the boy. Shinji glanced back at Asuka and Rei, who were waiting at the inner theater doors for the two boys to return. "Well, it's going okay; no thanks to you though." Shinji answered as he stepped up to the stand's counter. Kensuke laughed lightly and tried to play off his embarassment. "Sorry guy, it's just that I'm pretty much surprised you managed to pull this off." he apologized. Shinji handed his money to the woman behind the counter and took up his snacks as he admitted, "Yeah, me too." Kensuke stepped up to the woman and made his order while Shinji situated himself with his wide assortment of snacks. Kensuke raised an eyebrow. "You sure are spending a lot of money on her." "We Eva pilots do get paid." "What a cool job..." Shinji shot Kensuke a look that said 'you're insane.' Kensuke took his snacks and the two walked off towards the girls. "Good luck, we're going in." Shinji took a deep breath. --------------------------------- Asuka and Rei watched the two boys they had come with head off for the concession stand as they waited for them at the inner theater doors. It seemed that the boys were talking about something, most likely about tonight; and Asuka would have given anything to know what they were saying. Rei found herself wanting to know what the two boys were saying to each other too; and she tried her hardest to hide this from the redhead standing next to her. After a few seconds of silence from both parties, Asuka got curious as to why Rei was willing to just let her 'accompany' her and Shinji; and what she wanted to talk to Asuka about... so she spoke up. "Wonder Girl?" "Would you please call me Rei?" Asuka frowned. "Oh, yeah; of course. Sorry." "Rei?" "Yes?" "Shinji said you wanted to talk to me..." "I do." "About what?" Rei faced Asuka. "About Shinji." Asuka's look changed. "Okay." "I invited you on this...date, because I wanted to let you know something." "What?" "I don't want to fight over him." "What!?!" "Who'd wanna fight over him?" "You don't have to hide for me, I found you long ago." Asuka looked away and frowned. "She knew." "I don't want Shinji to be in the middle of something like that... besides..." "I don't think we need to be enemies." Asuka stared Rei in the face. "Maybe." "I know that neither of us will ever just give up on Shinji without trying..." "...but that doesn't mean we have to drag out a fight, and hurt him in the process." Asuka marveled at these words of wisdom... coming from Rei; this was divine. "Asuka, do you see what I'm trying to say?" Asuka thought for a moment. "Yeah." "Can we agree on at least this?" Asuka thought again, longer. "Yes." "Good. This will probably be something that makes Shinji happier..." "...which makes both of us happy." "You're right about that." "I know." Shinji and Kensuke start walking towards the girls. "Let's just enjoy this, okay?" Rei gave Asuka a slight smile. Asuka blinked, surprised; then smiled back. "Won--er, Rei?" "Yes?" "May the best woman win." Rei smiled brightly at Asuka. "As you wish." Shinji and Kensuke walked up to them. "Okay girls, we got food now let's get seats." Rei took to Shinji's arm and winked at Asuka. Asuka took to Kensuke's arm and winked back. Kensuke looked down on Asuka, surprised. "Asuka!" She giggled. "Just go get some seats, baka." Kensuke smiled, in a lighter mood. The world seemed a little brighter then. ---------------------------------------- The scene was like watching a firecracker in the intense seconds before it blew up and fizzled its bright existence away during its purposed explosion. The area where the four were seated was filled to the brim with nervously rampant hormones. Although, one wouldn't know it from just watching; they'd have to get inside the group's head.(as I will know attempt...*hold on*) Rei was siting in the furthest inner seat, the wall on one side; Shinji on the other. Next to Shinji sat Asuka, and on her other side sat Kensuke; who strangely, did not seem to be affected by the contagious hormone-attack. Shinji was trying as hard as possible not to do or say anything truly and utterly stupid, as Asuka often reminded him he was really good at. For now, he didn't have to do anything, as Rei seemed to be content to sit next to him and watch the movie, while Asuka was patiently chewing on some gummi bears."Thank God for food and the Tenchi Syndrome!" Shinji thought to himself. Although, he knew that sooner or later he would have to make a move, and that fact was pressing itself into his mind harder and harder with every minute that went by. Suddenly, that minute came. Movies, especially good ones, have a weird way of actually making you feel the way the scene was intended to impart upon you. Tenchi Muyo was one of those such movies; and was currently using this rare and awed power to charm Rei into sighing very dreamy-like and collapsing onto Shinji's shoulder after watching the make-up scene between Ryoko and Tenchi on the roof. Shinji flinched slightly from the suddeness and spilled a few kernels of popcorn, then looked down onto his right shoulder to see Rei staring up at him with big, wide eyes; smiling. Asuka, who had been oblivious to this,(partly because movies with no mecha and testosterone-ladden heroines hardly turned her on.) picked that exact moment to try and offer Shinji some of her very-precious-to-her-would-never-give-anyone-else-any gummi bears. "WHAT!?!," Asuka's mind shouted as she turned to offer Shinji some gummi bears, "I can't *believe* she's acting so, so, *cute*!" Asuka was about to do something about the blissfully wide-eyed look Rei was working over on Shinji when she decided to think a little harder for once. "Hmm... two choices: crash the scene and play the possesive role, orrr, remain calm and prove to Shinji that I really am a mature woman." Asuka pondered to herself. The wheels in Asuka's head went into overdrive and she was caught between a rock and a hard place. She tried hard to focus her vision on something other than Shinji and Rei while she tried to end her inner debate. Unknown to her,(because she couldn't read minds) Shinji was currently in the exact same process. "What'll I do? Should I kiss her? Should I put my arm around her? What?? AHHH!! This is hard!" Shinji's mind screamed. He made the mistake of glancing down at Rei again, to see her still holding that look on him. "If I have to hold this look for five seconds more, I think my eye is going to pop out..." Rei thought to herself. Shinji repeated his mantra to himself while Rei steadily held her gaze on him. Asuka continued to munch gummi bears at a rather frenzied, nervous pace; while Kensuke drooled over the LightHawk Ken in Tenchi's hand. Suddenly, Shinji was blessed by God with a rare moment in which he used his reserve backbone to make a descision. He kissed her. Asuka almost squeeked in shock, and Kensuke missed it completely; but Rei on the other hand... Let's just say that she was wearing that silly-type of mischevious grin usually reserved for guys. Shinji sat back finally and sighed, the strain lifted from his shoulders. However, it wasn't long before a large sweatdrop placed itself on his cheek as Rei cuddled up next to him and purred in his ear. "Uhh.... do I hear a cat?" Shinji thought. He laughed nervously and scratched the back of his head as Rei nuzzled her cheek into his shoulder. Shinji found his arm up in the air from scratching his head and a very comfortable-looking Rei under it, so he found himself forced into resting it on her very-warm, petite female form. He glanced at Asuka nervously, who looked back at him kind of disappointed-like; but managed a smile anyway. Asuka gave him an O.K. signal. "Round one goes to Rei, round two is *mine*." Asuka stuffed her mouth full of gummy bears. ------------------------- It was silent, except for the slight clicking of shoes against the pavement as the group walked on under a slightly cloudy full moon. Shinji was pleasantly walking along, enjoying the sudden silence that had set in; it was the first time the whole night that he didn't feel on edge. Rei had a warm smile on her face, and Asuka was strangely quiet. This, may have have been the one thing on Shinji's mind at the moment. Usually, Asuka had a very loud and outgoing demeanor, it wasn't like her to just let things happen, or stay the way they were. He glanced in her direction, and she flashed a small smile at him; but nothing more, she said nothing. Shinji blinked, still looking at her; when he felt Rei latch onto his arm. He glanced from Rei back to Asuka; whom had taken to studying the moon. Kensuke stared at Asuka. "She's quiet?" "Jealous maybe??" Kensuke shook his head as if clearing his thoughts. A few more silent minutes passed and the qaurtet reached Rei's home. They stood outside Rei's door as she said goodbye to Shinji, giving him a hug, but no traditional kiss. Asuka raised an eyebrow at this action and made a mental note of it for future referance. Shinji watched as she opened her door and waved, going into her home. As she closed the door, he was able to catch a glimpse at her apartment, which under normal circumstances would have been no big deal...but... Shinji blinked as he caught a glimpse of what looked like an immaculately clean apartment. This was a surprising thing to him as he thought the only way her apartment would ever be clean was if he himself cleaned it, as he had once done. The thought of Rei cleaning suddenly brought a sudden flashback to his mind. The sight of two hands, deftly wringing out a cloth as the water dripped from the cloth into the bucket it was poised over. The words "You look like a mother." breathed themselves into his head as the scene progressed into one of himself, standing over his mother's burial sight; his father at his side. He blinked as the assault ended and stepped away from Rei's door, which was now closed. He turned to face his other two companions as he asked "Did you see that?" "See what?" Kensuke asked. Asuka shrugged and shook her head 'no.' "Hmmm..." "Well, I better be going now. I live close to here. See yah, Shinji; Asuka." Kensuke left the two standing in the hall and entered the elevator on the right. Shinji took Asuka's hand and asked "Home?" Asuka startled out of herself and glanced at the hand that was enclosing hers. Shinji gave her a reassuring smile and began to lead them to the other elevator. Asuka's low mood melted and she smiled a little, not a huge grin like she usually wore, but it was one of those quiet smiles that said you were comfortable and maybe even happy.(like the Mona Lisa) The two stepped out of the elevator and exited the building together, headed for home. Shinji felt a burden lift from his shoulders as he walked with Asuka, hand in hand. He felt, well, comfortable to be with her. "I never thought I would ever feel comfortable with her near me.." "Perhaps this isn't so scary after all... I don't have to run away." The moon glowed in silent agreement. ---------------------------------------- Shinji opened the door to his home and ushered Asuka in, then he stepped in himself and closed the door behind him. Misato didn't seem to be anywhere is sight, so Shinji figured she was either gone, or had went to bed already. The boy went to the refrigerator and grabbed a drink, then he glanced at the couch and saw a lone Asuka sitting on it. Making a descision rather quickly, and with minimum fear,(something he was getting quite used to) he grabbed another drink. The boy walked over towards the couch Asuka was sitting on with a slightly confused look; he handed her the drink from behind; startling the girl slightly. "This is so strange, she's never quiet like this." Shinji thought as he took a seat a few inches away from Asuka. The girl stared at her drink's lid, then she popped it open with a *hiss.* Asuka turned to face Shinji, then took a long sip from the soda she held in her hand. Shinji, not knowing the meaning of this gesture, watched cautiously. Asuka stopped drinking, and turned her blue eyes on him. Shinji, feeling the pressure to say something; placed his hand behind his head nervously, and opened his mouth. "Ano... how did you like the movie?" he asked. Asuka took another sip from her drink and focused on the can, then answered "It was okay, I guess." "Okay?? I guess? There is no 'gray' area with Asuka; what's wrong?" Shinji asked himself. "How did you like it?" Asuka asked, a hint of hesitation in her voice. "Well, it was nice..." "I see..." Asuka trailed. "Okay, *I* get it..." Asuka thought. "I see you and Rei have gotten a little cozy, ne?" Asuka teased, using a small sprinkle of sadness in her voice for effect. Shinji startled a little and stuttered slightly, "Well, um; I...I..." he started. "Gotcha." Asuka told herself. "Well, she did a good job..." Asuka mused, sarcasm evident. "Hmm?" Shinji let slip. "...But I could have done better." Asuka finished. "I just didn't get a chance to use my womenly charms on you...." Asuka trailed again. "Oh well!" she added, as if she had washed her hands of the whole thing. Shinji, now starting to catch on a little,(it takes a while; he's a novice.) decides to play Asuka's little 'game' as well. "Oh really... what if I suddenly decided to give you that chance?" "Yeah right, you're just bluffing..." "That's it... I got yah right where I want yah, *Shiiiin-kun.*" "Oh, Big Shot Shinji's a coward, he's afraid of Asuka's little 'charms.'" Sarcasm dripped from his words. "You're askin' fer it; Shin-kun..." "Try me!" "Fine, don't say I didn't warn you... now; here I come." Asuka scooted over closer to Shinji, and Shinji scooted closer to her. "Okay, now pretend we're in the movie. If I can get you, I win, sound fair?" Asuka asked. "What do I get if I win?" Shinji asked, not willing to end this game empty-handed. Asuka thought for a moment. "If you win... I'll admit that you're a real man; and I'll go out with you. If I win... I'll think of something." Asuka answered, a trace grin edging itself onto her face. "Okay," Shinji prompted, and sat back on the couch, "do your best." he added. "My best? Oh, so you want me, hunh," Asuka toyed, "allllll of me; ne?" she added; turning a coy grin on him. "Um..." Shinji sputtered. "You are *so* naive, Shin-kun." Asuka thought. "Well, yeah! I do, all of you!" Shinji suddenly let out; and quite enthusiastically; it was more like a declaration. Asuka startled slightly. "Where did that come from?" "You can't handle all of me." Asuka pushed his buttons. "I'll play your game..." Shinji kissed her, without hesitation, or restraint. At first, Asuka's mind overloaded with shock, and her eyes were wide as his breath became her own. Gradually, however; she began to get used to the idea of an aggressive Shinji, who wanted her; all of her.(which he was clearly demonstrating by playing 'tongue-tag' with her.) She leaned in on him, and wrapped her arms around his neck, as he held her around the waist. This caused Shinji to lose his balance; as he had not expected her to lean in on him. The two lowered slowly towards the couch, still kissing until Asuka was on her back and Shinji was poised over her. It was at this point that they stopped, frozen. Shinji stared down, into her eyes. Asuka stared up, into his eyes. The game was over. The two started moving towards each other again... They could feel each other's breath on their faces... And then a door opened rather abruptly. Both scrambled apart and stood rather quickly. "Well, um, Shinj-- Shin-kun; there's a real woman for yah." Shinji smiled slightly. Asuka mirrored this action. The girl disappeared down the hall, passing a just-now-stepping-out-the-door Misato. Asuka darted into her room, giggling; then shut the door. Misato grew a sweatdrop. "Kids shouldn't drink..." Misato rubbed her stomach as was her custom and walked down the hall towards the kitchen for a drink. She reached the living room and saw a not-sleep-like-he-should-be Shinji sitting on the couch, looking kind of confused. The Japanese bombshell walked sleepily over to the boy and sat near to him, he greeted her as she sat. "Shinji-kun, why are you still up?" she asked. "To tell the truth, I don't really know." Shinji answered. "Oh. Hey, didn't you have a date with Rei today?" Misato asked, wanting to catch up with her rapidly maturing 'Shin-kun.' "Yeah." Shinji answered, "Asuka came along too." he added. "Oh, I see." Misato replied. "*Whew* so it wasn't alcohol." "So Shinji, how do you like all the attention?" Misato asked, point-blank. "Misato!" Shinji scolded, making an irritated face at her. He answered her anyway, though. "Well, it's nice, but it's a little complicated...confusing. It's still a little scary. every time I think that I am finally getting comfortable with it; something happens that makes me feel like I'll never be comfortable. I still..." Shinji trailed. "Feel like you want to run away?" Misato finished for him. Shinji nodded. "Sometimes." he specified. "Come here," Misato said, patting the spot next to her, "closer." she coaxed. Shinji glanced at her, then moved next to her. Misato put her arm around Shinji, and hugged him closer to her. "Relax." she cooed. The boy did exactly the opposite and tensed up, Misato could feel him go rigid under her arm and against her side. "Do you feel like running away now?" she asked, whispering. Shinji answered 'Yes' back to her. "Well, that's okay. Sometimes it's okay, and even when you do feel like running away; just relax, and it will be very comfortable." she whispered to him. "Now, relax." she cooed again. Shinji listened to her quiet words, and they made him feel better. Soon, he was warm from her body heat as he found himself relaxing against her; he was... comfortable. Misato's voice: ...it's very, very comfortable... There was silence as the two rested together. Shinji was very quiet, Misato could barely hear him breathe. She hugged him closer with a slight frown on her face that she did not show Shinji. She sighed. She looked away. "My Shin-kun is growing up..." ************************* -End Episode Three- ************************* -Author's Notes- Well, I know that I said there would be a lot of different things taking place in this episode; but I think I like the way it turned out better than I had planned.(and just to let you know; some of those things are still in store; just not in this episode) This episode was supposed to show the way changes are affecting the way the three pilots act towards or for each other. I also wanted to show the relationship between Misato and Shinji in a little more of its true light. To me,(as I watched the series) it seemed like Misato was everything rolled into one for Shinji. Misato regards Shinji as hers, her everything. I think that if Misato were to lose Shinji instead of Kaji; we would see a far worse Misato. No mother can live the same life after losing their child, and that's part of what Misato is; a mother. Well, these are just my observations; so draw your own conclusions, it's far more rewarding. Anyway, the next episode may take a little while to get out. School has started and I'm a Senior in High School so, you know how that is. "Awakenings," my other Eva series, may or may not be put on hold after I finish and ship Episode 2; depending on the time I have. Well, that's all for now. Look at my web page for future postings at: http://pages.whowhere.com/arts/ikari-shinji/index.html Until next time, Ja ne! -Shinji-kun ikari-shinji@mailcity.com