A HEATED DRY FIRE WHICH PULSES AND CRAWLS

Toji moved 05 on its heels as fast as he could avoiding the spear as it came within inches of his Evangelions face as 03 swung it as they spared on the training ground. All of them were up here apart from Asuka and Rei as they weren’t allowed to train.

He turned swinging the spear upwards Kaworu only to watch as it collided with 03’s face sending the huge crested white Evangelion crashing in to the floor much to the surprise of everyone including himself as he rarely ever got a hit on Kaworu.

He moved his Evangelion forward watching as Kaworu struggled to get 03 back on its feet as Misato’s voice came over the com. “Okay let’s try this again.”

Misato watched the holographic screen as the huge white and red unit with its mini horned crest and horned nose got back on to its feet as she cut off the com. “What is wrong with Kaworu today, he is so off his game?”

Maya breathed in bringing up Kaworu’s read out on her screen. “He’s been a few points down on his bar since his ex and forma abuser showed up but it’s not impacted on his ability. Today he’s a few bars lower but his physical read outs and brain scans are all as normal.”

Misato watched as unit 03 failed to dodge again and was knocked back. “Is he just tired? I mean Shinji and Kaworu are a young couple maybe they’ve been a bit to active.” Maya eyed her read outs. “No I don’t think it’s that plus that doesn’t affect piloting and their water bottles which are specialized to their body and are meant to compensate for that when they’re tired.” Kaji leaned back on his desk. “Must be the ex asshole old boyfriend coming back then. I mean they all have off days but he’s way off today.”

Shigeru eyed her screen. “Well he’s not making good score today let’s pull him back and have Mari take on Shinji.” Sumire nodded. “I agree plus the press do so enjoy it when a pilot has a bad day as I read up on what happened with Asuka after the Alpha test unit accident recently.”

Misato breathed in deeply. “Okay, pull him back and get those two fighting.”

Kaji typed in to his panel. “Okay Kaworu and Toji you can both stop now let’s go with Shinji and Mari.”

Kaworu breathed in deeply as he moved 03 slowly to one side letting 01 and 04 through. He put a hand on his face in frustration, why was he making so many mistakes? He couldn’t seem to focus right on anything right now and he had no idea why.

Despite the cool feeling of the LCL he felt hot and clammy and it was awful and whenever he tried to focus. He just didn’t feel right at all and hadn’t since he’d woken up early this morning at Shinji’s house.

He breathed in leaning his Evangelion against the pillar seeing Toji bring his black and yellow unit to stand opposite with its two massive upward facing woven horns that separated in to two sections and metal sabre teeth which pointed down. He looked up as Toji appeared on his hologram screen. “Hey are you okay?” Kaworu looked at him as he raised 03’s hand. “I’m okay I’m just having an off day.”

Toji raised 05’s hand which had metal claws unlike those of Shinji’s unit which were real. “Happens to us all…” Kaworu breathed in deeply trying to hide his inner annoyance. “Yes I guess it gets the better of us all, at times.”

Maya’s voice came over his com. “Good effort Kaworu.”

Kaworu breathed in deeply. “Hardly, my score was not as it should be.”

Maya’s voice came again. “Don’t dwell on it Kaworu we all get off days all of us have them.”

Kaworu looked up slightly watching as Shinji grabbed Mari’s unit which instantly started to squirm and hiss trying to get out of 01’s grip.

Only for the long tongue to come out of its wide jaws moving across unit 01 face as its tail whip lash tail wrapped around the unit arm only for it be thrown off completely. It barrel rolled landing on two legs using its clawed feet to come to a stop as it pulled its long tongue out to full length as it let out a horrifying air splitting screech causing unit 01 to step back showing pain as it was clearly hurting Shinji’s ears.

Misato’s angry voice suddenly hit the air. “Mari what have I told you about your unit screeching that way? You know the press hate it and it can ruin their recording equipment!” Mari’s voice came back sharply. “It’s not my fault their fucking cowards who hate my units noise and they should bring along ear plugs!”

Misato’s voice came again as the thin unit went back on to all fours. “Your noise goes through ear plugs. I’m not saying you can’t do it but you need to learn how to do a training version that’s less painful and doesn’t shatter glass.”

Maya’s voice came again. “Just don’t worry I’m sure it will be fine by tomorrow.” Kaworu breathed in deeply. “Yeah I guess so.” Misato breathed in deeply watching the screen as she folded her arms turning her channel back to private. “Let’s hope Kaworu’s better tomorrow.” Maya looked up slightly. “I’m sure he will be.”

Misato looked at her. “I heard you had a false positive last night.” Maya leaned back in a chair. “It’s in my full report, we had a Kraken squid show up in Tokyo Threes fishing bay, clearly it had eaten some angel at some point and was giving off a false reading since eating angel tends to leave a permanent signature in some sea creatures.”

Kaji looked up. “Yeah I read it you said hundreds of those River Snakes showed up close by in someone’s rice field it was like a mating ball gone wrong.” Misato shivered inwardly. “Can you not talk about River Snakes I hate those slimy bastards.” Maya looked up slightly. “Ah yes I remember that really big dead freak of nature which hit you when you looking around the Alpha test units bunker in the mountains before the experiment.”

Misato raised her hand. “Yes don’t remind me I fucking hate them, and I hate how they get in to Nerv’s underground systems and we have to catch them and throw them out on a weekly basis. I mean they taste like shit and are no good for eating and there no better than vermin.”

Sumire turned slightly. “I believe their considered a delicacy in China.”

Misato put a hand her face. “Oh please, I’ve tried that dish, it tastes awful.”

Maya was about to speak only to stop as an angry note appeared on her holographic desk tops screen. “Ritsuko just sent me a note. Rei didn’t show up the other day for her meeting.”

Misato walked over to Maya’s desk. “What, really since when does Rei not do that?”

She leaned over eyeing the digital note. “She was in a right foul mood the other day, so this is probably her form of rebellion. It’s weird though at the dinner she lied to us all about going and I believed her as we’ve seen that she normally only lies to cover for Asuka.”

Kaji leaned back putting his feet on his desk. “Yes but that rebellion has been brewing well before she started dated Asuka. So I think it’s more her transforming in to her own person.” Misato eyed him. “So her real self is sassy rule breaker like Asuka that’s not a comforting thought since Asuka can be difficult at times and dealing with Rei behaving the same only makes it worse.”

Maya breathed deeply. “We all knew this was going to happen and it was going happen regardless of us. Like Asuka and Shinji she’s a late bloomer in terms of her real personality coming out and after the capture I told you she might act out and be even more difficult than normal.” Misato breathed in deeply. “Yeah I know you said post-traumatic stress disorder but I’m just not used to her out right breaking rules in this manner.”

She paused. “I know those two couldn’t train today, so what are they up to?”

Maya turned too fully to face her. “I told them this morning they can do whatever they want as that’s protocol they get a few days to rest up then we start therapy.”

Misato looked at her. “Yes but where are they?”

Maya breathed in deeply. “Last I was told they were at the Taito Station.”

8

Rei eased up hand grabbing the wheel of the driving game causing the arcade games car simulator to swerve avoiding another car. She felt a smile form as looked at Asuka. “You know I can see why you don’t have a driving licence for a car.”

Asuka turned the wheel narrowly missing another car as she turned giving the younger woman a wide smile. “I know I’m so scheisse at this, this why I only ride motorbikes in real life.” She swerved again. “But it’s still a fun game.” She pressed the pause as she leaned closer to other woman. “Now, want to show me how it’s done? As Shinji says you’re really good on this game.”

Rei got up as they changed seats she sat down getting conformable as she adjusted the seat. “Oh he’s just being over flattering, I just enjoy this game.” She un-paused the game grabbing the simulation race cars gear stick and pressing the pedals. “I’ve heard your best game is the zombie simulator, like you have a really good score on it.”

Asuka watched as the race numbers started to creep up. “Yeah I guess but we don’t have to do this today I’d rather play what you want. I mean it been ages since we’ve both been here as last time we were both here was before the Alpha unit incident.”

She turned slightly. “I remember that as I did see you up here a week before it happened you were playing on the music game with Shinji.” Rei watched as the car sped through the finish at third place. “Hey we should have a go on that together.”

She pulled her card free of the slot watching as the game reset getting ready for a new player. “It could be really fun.” Asuka looked up slightly. “You know I don’t think that’s such a good idea…I’m really verfickte scheisse at that game, like even worse than I am on this one.”

Rei felt the car simulator lock back in to place as they both got out. She turned grabbing Asuka’s hand walking past the other gaming machines towards the dance machine which was at the very end. “I don’t care if you’re bad, it’s not about the score, it’s about having fun.”

Asuka tensed nervously as she they came up to the machine which had a large holographic screen and two digital mats on the floor filled with bright colours and arrows. Each holographic mat had five places to put your feet, there were no bars and the reality was she knew she was no good at this.

She had mild memories of trying to train on this with Shinji and being terrible years back for Nerv’s dance compilation. She breathed in slotting her card in to the machine ignoring all the Nerv’s staff that had stopped playing and had paused their games just to look at them. “You know this is a really bad idea…”

Rei smiled as she pressed the holographic screens buttons picking the track which was called world is mine and setting it up for two players. “No it isn’t and I think you can do this Asuka, if you can do the gymnastic work out with me you can do this.”

Asuka looked at her for a long moment clearly her girlfriend had way too much faith in her but she was doing this for her, even if she was about to make an utter fool of herself. Rei turned slightly. “Ready?” Asuka tensed sharply. “Yes.” That was such an utter lie the reality was she wasn’t. Rei felt her smile widen. “Just do what you did in gymnastics Asuka and follow my lead.” She slammed the start button on the screen watching as the game sprang to life.

She moved her feet watching as Asuka did the same though she looked uncertain as they both started to copy the screen she turned seeing that Asuka was trying her hardest to concentrate and copy though clearly it was taking everything she had to copy and she was still missing some notes. “That’s it you’re hitting the notes, just relax and enjoy it!” She eyed her as the early scores came up which were average and not perfect.

She eyed the other woman noticing that the light was coming through her patch which meant the emotion was getting extreme as other eye went in to intense focus and her feet started hitting the right notes first time without missing a beat. “That’s it, you’re getting it!”

Asuka felt a wide smile form. “Yes I think I am!” She looked up slightly as the holographic figure of Hatsune Miku which came up above the machine saying perfect score. Since this was a game based on her, as she was one of the most famous Japanese celebrates though neither of them had ever spoken to her in person.

Though they’d seen her a few times at celebrity places over the years and she seemed nice. She snapped out of her thoughts getting her attention back on hitting the right notes as she started following all of Rei’s movements including her arm and hand movements.

Rei laughed as the movements got faster but Asuka wasn’t missing her beats at all she was nailing them perfectly and even imitated her including the part in the track where Hatsune played with her hair as they hit the perfect score again.

She couldn’t believe this they were syncing perfectly for the very first time ever and it just made her heart race with pure pleasure and excitement. Because there had always a mean running joke in Nerv that Asuka couldn’t sync with any one, because her ego wouldn’t let her. How nice it was to finally prove them all so wrong.

She still wasn’t sure if last night had been real but the reality was neither of them cared and she had woken in the best mood possible naked on top of the other woman who was sleeping and realized what ever anger she had from yesterday was gone and it had been just nice to watch Asuka wake up and be in just as good a mood as she was. Which was only made better by the fact; they could do whatever they wanted today.

Frankly she couldn’t care less about training and nether could Asuka. So they’d both agreed to enjoy themselves and they had something to celebrate which was coming out of the utter horror they had gone through and come out alive. The added news that Kyo had said he wanted to be Asuka’s father had also been so thrilled to hear, because she’d known for a while that he clearly didn’t view Asuka just as student and Mari had pointed out the same thing.

So hearing they had gotten to that point was such a good thing for them both they needed it and he might be able to help her with the issue she having over killing those people even though they’d given her no choice. Maybe he could help her see along with Maya in the future that she had been brave and had done the right thing.

She looked up as score came up perfect again they were going to win this and it was going to be glorious and she hoped everyone was watching right now as they so loved to watch them. She slammed the last notes watching as the game ended and there score came up which was really good no it wasn’t top but it didn’t matter as the hologram came up saying well done in Japanese. She turned to the other woman only to be grabbed around the waist and hugged tight by her as Asuka laughed joyfully as she spoke. “I did it I synced!”

Rei moved her hand through her hair. “Yes you did I said you could do this.” She was about to say something else only for the other woman’s lips to meet her own and it wasn’t a small kiss it was long burning and very sensual and caught her completely of guard as Asuka pulled away letting her go gently. She breathed in quickly recomposing herself since she wasn’t used Asuka doing this in front of others as she raised her hands trying to ignore her own blush. “Do you want to get a milkshake to share?”

Asuka pulled the card free. “Sure.” She turned realized people were staring at them she felt a wide toothy grin form as her teeth turned to razors. “You know it’s very rude to stare!” She watched as everyone instantly turned back there games clearly getting the message. She ignored them as she followed the younger woman as she made her way down to one of the seating areas which had food, which was on the other floor of the Taito Station and had vending machines which served snack food and none alcoholic drinks machines.

She felt her teeth go back to normal and the warmth in her left eye vanish as they walked up to the drinks machine which served milkshake. Rei turned to her. “They do vanilla milkshake to share.” Asuka leaned on the machine. “Yeah let’s go for that.”

She turned eyeing the claw machine in the corner which had cute soft toys if her memory served her correctly she’d seen Rei trying for one of those cute toys before the Alpha unit accident.

She looked up slightly. “Hey do you still like those plush toys in that machine?” Rei eyed the claw machine. “Yeah I want the white Llama with rainbow colours stripes but I can’t get it. I’ve tried so many times.”

Asuka eased out her game card looking at it. “How’s about I try.” Rei watched as the machine poured the thick milkshake and adding reflective straws in to a reflective plastic glass which you had to put back in to the machine opposite to recycle along with the straws as she turned to her. “Asuka you never win on those things.” Asuka walked over to the claw machine as the other woman sat down on the padded red sofa. “No I don’t normally Rei but I have a really good feeling about this.”

Rei breathed in deeply everyone knew Asuka was terrible on these machines. She never won and she had a terrible habit of punching them which she’d gotten in to trouble countless times. So she could see her doing the same now.

She smiled inwardly not that she was going to stop her as she did enjoy watching her throw her weight around and it turned her on though that was between them. Asuka eyed her card slotting it in eyeing her three turns as she put her hands on the controls as she turned. “So you want the white one with rainbow stripes?” Rei took a sip of the milkshake. “Yes that one.”

She watched as Asuka started to move the controls then gently pressed the claw watching it lowered only to make instant contact easing up the fluffy toy up bringing it over and instantly dropping it as Asuka kneeled picking it up as she pulled her card out giving her a wide toothy grin as she spoke. “Got it!”

Rei put the milkshake down feeling the shock hit her as Asuka walked up to her raising it gently as she spoke. “Here take it.” Rei slowly took it from her hands ignoring the general employees who had come over to the machine and were now looking it over in confusion, followed by a couple of them even trying it only to fail miserably.

She took the toy looking it over okay even she wouldn’t lie this was a huge surprise even to her. She looked up as Hinata appeared folding his arms as he eyed Asuka in annoyance. “I just saw you win that along with syncing on the dance machine…both these games your utterly crap at. So how’s about you give me your older sisters cheating device right now, the one she used here some days ago?”

Asuka leaned back on the sofa feeling the annoyance take over as she spoke through gritted teeth. “Are you seriously verfickte saying I just cheated Hinata?” She eyed him in disgust. “Because that’s what I thought just came out of your stupid mouth!” Rei sat up slightly. “She didn’t cheat on the dance machine we’ve been practicing together using gymnastics.”

Hinata moved forward he knew Rei didn’t lie she was always honest. “Okay but that doesn’t explain how she just won that toy and she always punches my claw machines even though I’ve told her not to countless times!” Rei eyed the toy okay he was right about that but she wasn’t going to side with him with on this, since he was acting so mean right now. “I was right here. She used her game card I’m sure the people playing over there saw it as did everyone who is using the food vending machines.”

Hinata turned watching the people around the machine who nodded he turned back to Asuka. “That machine is not set to give a prize for twenty more turns so how it gives you that is out of the realms of possibility.” Asuka felt her mouth form a sneer. “Maybe you set it up wrong and you’re blaming me because you can’t fathom that I got lucky.” She raised her hands. “Also, I have never cheated on these machines once. I’ve come here for years and how my sister Mari verfickte messes with your scheisse has nothing to do with me!”

She felt one hand form a fist. “Also don’t ever bad mouth my older sister to my face again or I’ll verfickte rip your intestines out and strangle you with them!” Hinata moved forward raising his hand about to speak only to see the red heads teeth turn to razors as her left eye glowed under the patch and a low pitched booming growl came out though it was anything but human. It sounded like some sort of pissed off big cat and it was so unsettling.

Rei stood up she slowly smiled as she walked up to him as she spoke calmly. “I think it’s time for you to leave Hinata. We both just had terrible things happen to us and we are trying to relax, so we’d like to have that now, without your influence.”

Hinata watched as she lowered her head only for her green eyes to flash a blazing red for a second before returning to normal as the young woman spoke in a truly cold tone that felt like it was cutting like a knife. “Do we understand each other?”

He breathed in wanting to say more as he realized this was not a good time and he didn’t like the unsettling feeling that he was getting from the both of them right now. It was out right scary in a way he just couldn’t describe it was more that they both were giving of this dark foreboding and both of their threats and speech didn’t feel like it was jest. It felt very serious he breathed in backed away slowly. “Yes we understand each other…I’ll be leaving now.”

If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

Rei watched him go she moved back to the sofa sitting next Asuka as she raised the milkshake. “Want some?” Asuka took the straw sipping lightly feeling her teeth and eye return to normal. “That guys such a verfickte idiot.” Rei looked at her feeling a smile form. “Ignore him Asuka, it’s obvious he messed up his claw machine or it had a fault and you won fair and square.”

She leaned closer lowering her voice slightly. “What did he mean by Mari’s cheat card?” Asuka breathed in deeply. “Mari hacked one of the machines here I think it was a spitfire simulator which Maya was in at the time as she was speaking to her but he now thinks I’d somehow do the same.” Rei shook her head. “Well that’s a vast leap, you don’t hack things.”

Asuka met her gaze directly. “I know right…it’s not like I’d even know where to start with these machines and if Mari wants to hack them and show off to Maya that’s nothing to do with me.” Rei took a sip of the milkshake. “You think it was about her showing off?” Asuka shrugged. “Possibly, put it like this if I wanted to show off and I could to you I’d probably do that myself to impress you.” Rei felt a smile form as she raised the toy. “There’s no need, I’m already really impressed.”

8

Shinji watched as Kaworu played with his food clearly this mornings practice had not gone well for him and he was just having a bad day, it happened to them all once in a while. He looked at him as he moved his hand putting it on as he raised it running his fingers over the other mans. “Are you okay?”

Kaworu eyed his half-finished noodles. “I’m not happy with my performance Shinji, it was so bad today.” Shinji eased up his hand running it through his white hair as he gave him a gentle and passionate kiss. “Hey you just had a bad session, it happens.” Kaworu turned meeting his warm gaze. “It’s more than that I have not felt right since this morning, maybe it’s a lack of sleep.”

Toji looked up from his food as they were all eating in their favourite Japanese restaurant. “Yeah you just had a bad session nothing you should worry about Kaworu.” Mari eyed her plate as she eased up her chop sticks. “Yeah I have them all the time but they don’t give a shit unless you’re below a certain range.”

She paused. “Though Maya was telling me mine is getting better, since I stopped drinking. There was also the issue that my water bottle was being laced with drugs like Asuka’s which was affecting both of our ranges badly.” Toji turned eyeing the empty seats. “Where are Asuka and Rei, it’s so not like them to be this late?” Mari breathed in deeply. “Knowing my little sister she probably found the zombie VR simulator and Rei can’t peal her off it.”

Shinji turned slightly. “Well they need to get here soon since my father and Ritsuko wants to see them first thing tomorrow together.” He paused. “Rei missed her appointment with Ritsuko which is so unlike her Misato told me this morning.”

Kaworu blinked in surprise. “Rei lied but she never lies?” Shinji turned to him. “Yes I was a shocked as you are now, it’s just so unlike her.” Toji raised his hand. “Em…I don’t understand why is her lying a big deal?” Shinji breathed in deeply. “She’s not known for lying it’s not something she does and never openly and not to me or Kaworu.”

Mari raised her chop sticks. “Okay but your sister has had something of personality growth recently. You know with getting Asuka off under the table in public and becoming sassy and confident and such could it be you know part of that?” She watched Toji half smirked while Shinji’s look turned to a mix of uncertainty. “Okay the thing she did with Asuka I was shocked at, but she has never missed any session she has ever been called to by our father.”

Toji eyed his half-finished drink. “Look to be fair your sister was well pissed off about going like she did not want be there, plus she was in a real bad mood the other day over the whole deal with Ritsuko cancelling hers and Asuka’s fun time just after quarantine.” Kaworu breathed in deeply. “Maybe it’s a form of rebellion similar to what you had Shinji in that you got angry and started rule breaking as a way to anger the Commander when you were younger.” Shinji looked at him for a long moment. “Maybe your right Kaworu, maybe it’s that.”

Mari felt a sly smile form. “Or maybe my little sister is having a bad influence on your little sister.” Shinji took a slow drink. “At this point I think any things possible, though and I know Asuka has that magnetism about her in that she can make you want to break the rules.” Toji raised his hand. “Oh please tell us more, was that when you dated?” Shinji looked up slightly. “No it was in school and let’s just say she got me to break the rules a few times, she knows how to talk you in to it so to speak.”

Mari looked up. “Yeah I’ve experienced that to with her but it was more she was tiny and cute and she used to look at me with these big blue eyes and I’d give in and just go to kitchen and give her a cookie even though she wasn’t allowed it and couldn’t reach the jar like I could.”

She adjusted her glasses. “But she wasn’t greedy she’d break of half and give it to me.” Shinji looked up slightly catching sight of Rei and Asuka who were laughing about something as they came closer. “Your both late you know.” Rei turned to her brother as she sat down watching as Asuka did the same and she put her toy on the table. “Sorry, we got distracted.”

Asuka raised her hand. “It my fault to be fair I forgot the time and we were having fun up in the Taito Station.” Mari felt a coy smile form. “Oh yes so preparing for real sex with touchy feely right since you’re not allowed to do that until tonight.” Asuka rolled her good eye as she pulled off her patch putting it away since she was among her friend and family. “Oh shut up four eyes.” Mari’s smile widened. “Oh look princess is back to her normal self, what a relief.”

Asuka eyed her. “You know next time you hack the arcade to show off to Maya tell me in advance would you? Because I really don’t like being accused of scheisse like that since Hinata now thinks I’d do the same.” Mari raised her hand. “Please Hinata is a wanker and yes I did hack it but not for the reason he thinks!” Rei turned to her. “What was the reason?”

Mari eyed her as she spoke sharply. “I was chatting to Maya regarding personal matters, I didn’t want any sound feed.” She eyed Asuka as a question hit suddenly home. “And why would Hinata even think that off you anyway, you don’t even have a history of that?”

Rei raised the toy. “Because she won this toy, for me.” Shinji eyed the toy. “Was that from the game where if you punch with the rubber boxing glove hard enough it puts virtual gift tokens on your game card, which you can use to get gift? Because Asuka could do that easy all she’d have to do is get angry and she could keep winning over and over.” Rei looked at him for a long moment as she spoke in annoyance. “No, it was from the claw machine.”

She ignored the surprise on everyone’s faces accept Mari’s and Toji’s since they had not been here long enough to understand why this was a big deal. Kaworu eyed the toy. “Well clearly it would seem you are having a lucky streak today Asuka.”

Shinji blinked as he snapped out of his haze. “Seriously you won that on the claw machine?” Toji eyed the toy. “I don’t see the big deal.” Asuka turned to Shinji as she folded her arms. “Yes I won it.” Shinji spoke before he could stop himself. “So is the claw machines still intact and you didn’t punch the glass out of frustration, because you couldn’t win?”

Asuka leaned forward speaking coldly. “No it’s intact.” Mari smirked as she watched as her younger sister pull up the mini hologram screen as she put in her order and Rei did the same. “So extra brownie points for that mind blowing sex you’re both going to do tonight then?”

She watched as Toji smirked but said nothing. Kaworu breathed in deeply only to feel the pressure in his trousers and boxers which could only mean one thing and it was the last thing he wanted seated here in front of others. Clearly he had an erection and it wasn’t comfortable and he could feel himself shuffling in his seat wishing he could just stand up and adjust.

It was all this talk of sex which he normally didn’t mind but it had set him off and it was so frustrating he leaned forward as much as possible hoping no one would see or realize his issue. Shinji breathed in easing out a gold card looking at Rei as he passed it to her. “Father wants to see you and Asuka in his office tomorrow morning.”

Rei took the card looking at it as she spoke coldly. “Again why is bothering, it’s not like he cares.” Shinji raised his hand as he gave her a look she would understand and the others wouldn’t. “You need to go Rei.” Rei looked up knowing that look which meant she had to go. “No I don’t.”

Shinji felt the annoyance hit home. “Yes you do Rei, you know father always punishes and he’s not going to take any form of rebellion well.” Rei eyed her older brother ignoring everyone surprise over their now very open argument. “You know we are not in school anymore. I’m an adult, if I don’t want to be at my father meetings I don’t have to be.” Shinji felt the anger start to burn. “Yes you do Rei it’s your duty as a pilot!”

Rei eyed him. “Fuck my duty! He wasn’t even there when I came back from being captured or when I was in quarantine.” She paused ignoring her brother’s shock over her words along with everyone else at the table. “Also, as you already know the last time we met he talked down to me and treated Asuka like she’s some kind of sexually driven monster, who I give sexual treats to keep in line.”

She narrowed her gaze. “I bet this time he’s going to blame me for getting captured or blame Asuka for letting me be captured.” She leaned back in her chair folding her arms. “No I think I’ll pass on that plus he thinks you’re useful. I’m just here because I’m what he views as a spare that he can’t stand to look at, because I look so much like mum.”

Shinji stood up leaning over the table. “I can’t change how father feels about you Rei no one can and if you don’t go he will punish you!” Rei eyed him as she spoke coldly. “What’s he going to do lock me in my room without dinner or take away my stuff? The reality is he can’t do anything to me since I’m not a child anymore.”

Shinji turned sharply looking at Asuka. “You’re her girlfriend, make her see sense!” Asuka breathed in deeply as she sat up in her chair as she spoke though her tone was sharper than she wanted it to be. “Look for the record I don’t want to go ether, so I see her point of view.”

She ran her hand through her hair in frustration. “One day you’re going to be in charge of Nerv you along with Kaworu, but that’s never going to happen to us we don’t want the power ladder and we know these are some kind of tests and we want no part in them and she’s right he’s just going to mock us over getting captured.” Shinji knew it was wrong he knew he was going to dislike himself for this later on but he was desperate to get Rei to see sense. “Asuka he won’t punish her. He’ll punish you and it will be worse than anything Ritsuko can dish out.”

Asuka looked at him for a long moment. “The worst Nerv can do to me has already been done Shinji, so I really don’t verfickte care.” Shinji turned pointing at Mari. “You will if he realizes that and does it to Mari because he did it to me once. I didn’t play along so he punished Rei for my actions as a way to teach me to stay in line in my teens.” Rei turned sharply holding none of her anger back. “Are you telling me now that one of the times he punished me was because of something you did?!”

Shinji looked at her for a long moment before speaking. “Yes the week you were denied all Nerv’s liberties was when you were eighteen was because of me because I rebelled like you’re doing now.” Rei eyed him in disgust. “Oh well that’s just perfect thank you so much big brother for telling me that now, shame you couldn’t tell me that at the time!” Shinji breathed in deeply. “I was ashamed Rei and I’m sorry I hated myself for being a coward and I never had the heart to tell you because I was too wrapped up in myself!”

Kaworu looked up sharply no longer able to hold back his frustration it was bad enough having a hard on without everyone fighting. “Can you both stop this right now?!” He watched as Rei and Shinji turned to him. “You’re arguing like children and this is so not like you.”

He watched as the both sat down as he shuffled in his chair only for Toji’s voice to cut though his thoughts as the waitress nervously put down Rei and Asuka’s food then left very quickly. “Hey man you don’t look so good, do you need a pain killer because I have some on me?”

Kaworu breathed in as he spoke sharply. “No, I’m fine thank you.” Shinji sat down he turned to his boyfriend seeing how he was posed as it suddenly hit him what was going on and he felt guilty for not noticing as the other man clearly had a hard on and he was hiding it, which was never easy. He breathed in watching as everyone went silent as they all started eating again hopeful in the silence Kaworu could concentrate and wait for it to go down and clearly when they got home they’d need to talk about it.

8

She’s been in a very sour mood since we got back home, not that I blame her. It’s clear to me now that Rei is unpacking something that’s been bothering her very deeply for a very long time. I feel bad that I didn’t see it sooner but I assumed in quarantine that her words regarding her father and real mother were brought about by stress. We both know our parents souls are in the Evangelions cores but she can’t reach her mother its in 01 and she has Yui’s sister Kiko in hers but it’s not the same and even I can understand that.

It must feel to her that not only does her father not love her but her mother is still out of her reach and she’s told me many times that the only video footage she has is all of her mother at meeting science exhibits and UN talks. She has nothing personal of them being a family and seeing her as a mother nether does Shinji but he was old enough to remember her Rei wasn’t.

She was very young, younger than me when I thought my Mama had her accident which dragged her soul in to 02 and felt a hollow shell. Maybe I’m reading between the lines but I feel for her it’s about much more than finding her own identity outside of her mother. It’s the burning desire to know where she comes from.

I also understand her deep frustrations of being treated like the child. She is the youngest of all of us though there is only a year between us but she has always been treated as the youngest and most protected due to age for years and I think she wants to break out of that and stand on her own two feet.

I guess that is why I don’t step in when she is giving people sassy come backs or comments. Because I think it’s part of her natural growth and though we have not been together long, I do see a lot more confidence in her and I don’t want that to stop I want her be herself, not what others expect her to be.

Asuka eyed the hot chocolate as she poured it in to a mug adding thick whipped cream this was normally something she only made at Christmas but she felt that maybe it would cheer Rei up. She slowly walked up stairs watching as Rei came in to view, she was sitting on the bed though Erika was sleeping next to her stretched out. Her furry little body over her legs as Rei stroked her with the other hand while reading one of her graphic novels. She slowly sat down on the bed raising the steaming mug as she spoke. “I made you this.”

Rei turned sharply instantly smelling the rich hot chocolate which was thick cream covered and something Asuka normally only made at Christmas when her Shinji and Misato had lived together and she had to confess that she’d missed it when Asuka had left. She put down the graphic novel as she took the cup looking at it. “This is your Christmas hot chocolate.”

Asuka felt a wide smile form. “Yeah it’s Heisse Schokolade I thought you’d like some you’ve been down since you got in.” She watched as Rei took a slow sip clearly enjoying it. She looked down before speaking. “You know you shouldn’t be so hard on Shinji he was going through therapy still at that time, the real villain in this is the Commander your father.”

Rei breathed in deeply. “I know, I’m just angry that Shinji kept it from me I thought the week he was talking about I was punished because I’d tried to get my father’s attention. I thought it was due to that.” Asuka looked down sadly as she began to stroke her cats belly listening to the soft purrs. “Look, there was a time when I would have done the same as him and if Mari had been around I might have passed it over to her, to save myself. The difference is I would have ignored my bad feelings, I don’t think Shinji ever did.”

She paused before speaking. “I think we should go to that meeting the both of us, because once it’s over its over.” She looked up meetings Rei’s uncertain gaze as she spoke calmly. “Plus it might just be me but I think there’s more to this than maybe you’re telling me and that it might go deeper. I know you mentioned in quarantine that your father was not there and that you don’t like people making sexual comment about your mother, or you looking like her.”

Rei took another slow sip of her hot chocolate before speaking. “Those comments regarding my mother anger me. I guess because unlike Shinji I never knew her and her soul is in his Evangelion and he still gets to see her I don’t and it makes me jealous and angry. Don’t get me wrong, I love my aunt but it’s not the same.”

She breathed in painfully. “I was so young when she was taken from me I have so few memories of her and all the video’s myself and Shinji have off her is of her as the scientist there’s none of her just being my mother. I find myself getting angry because the people I meet make sexual comments and how I look like this woman, I barely remember. I just want footage of her being my mother. I just want to remember what she was like, so I know where I come from.”

She felt the tears come before she could stop them. “I know I’m not like her and I don’t want to be but I still want to know what she was like as my mother. I have no photos not even ones of her holding me as a baby Shinji always tells me she loved me but he has memories, I just don’t have.” She put her mug to one side. “I know my father has footage I know he has videos but I have never seen them.”

Asuka gently put her arm around her pulling her close as her head found her shoulder as she cried harder. “Then maybe tomorrow you should use the meeting to demand this of your father.” Rei looked up slightly. “He’s not going to give them to me and he’ll punish me if I ask for them, he always does.”

Asuka moved her hand up wiping the other woman’s tears gently. “You and Shinji have the right to those videos Rei she was your mother. You deserve to see the video footage of her your father has.” Rei lowered her gaze sadly. “What if he punishes us?”

Asuka felt a sad smile form. “Then he punishes us both as far as I’m concerned, it doesn’t matter so long as we are together.” She eased up her hand running it through the younger woman’s hair. “Plus you and Shinji shouldn’t fight that way he has always loved you and protected you, even from me. Back when I was an asshole in my younger years.”

Rei looked up as she wiped her tears away. “Yeah I guess I’m not mad at him more the situation and I’ll talk to him tomorrow.” Asuka kissed her lips very gently as she put her head against hers. “I know you can do this Rei. I know you have the confidence to stand up your father, you did it last time in the meeting.”

She moved her other hand down stroking under Erika’s chin as the cat had now moved inbetween them clearly wanting more attention. “So you can do this.” Rei moved her hand stroking Erika’s back as she took in a deep breath, letting it out slowly. “Yeah I can do this, I know I can, I just have to have to courage.” Asuka felt a wide smile form. “Your very brave Rei and no one should ever tell you different.”

8

Why does my little sister have to be this difficult, why can’t she see my point of view here? I’m trying to help her and make her life easier. I don’t get it and all I’m trying to do this to help her so father does not treat her badly.

I know I don’t hear her swear that much but I wasn’t expecting that to come out of her mouth, Asuka’s maybe but not hers. We were all told recently by Maya that we had to be a little delicate with Asuka and Rei since both of them might have post-traumatic stress disorder and both their moods could swing. Maybe with Rei it was that.

I should have told Rei about when I was punished but I was such a coward, I just couldn’t bring myself to do so. I just couldn’t stand the thought of looking in to her eyes and saying I messed up and you’re going to be punished for it.

It was one of those times when I wasn’t a good brother and when I failed and hurt her and watching her not be allowed to use all the Nerv facilities for a week including the Arcade was awful. I should have just told her and not been such a coward but I feared it would turn her against me for a very long time and the reality is we might be grown-ups but I still need her. She’s my little sister and I always promised mother I would always be there for her.

Shinji threw the cut pork in to the wok the reality was he wasn’t angry at Rei he was angry at himself for that week and that he couldn’t go back and change it. He pulled the lever on the cooker activating the Roaring dragon burner which blasted flames up around the pan as he threw in the vegetables which was part of the Yakisoba Pork Stir Fry looking at Kaworu who was sitting on the sofa of his home watching him cook. “I still can’t believe my sister said what she said!”

Kaworu eyed Shinji he was clearly mad and it showed in his cooking he was being much harsher with the wok burner than normal. “She is just angry, she will see sense.” Shinji grabbed the pan opposite draining the noodles before slamming them in the wok while pouring in stock from another pan causing everything to steam. “Father will just punish her like he did to me. Why, can’t she see that?!” He threw the pan slightly watching everything cook. “It’s my fault I was a coward and awful I should have told her the truth.”

Kaworu stood up slowly from the sofa moving towards Shinji surprised and perplexed both by the fact that he could cook angry and it still looked good. Thankfully his problem at lunch had gone away but now it was coming back. He could feel it again in his pants the only difference was now he didn’t care since he was in his boyfriends company and he was finding it a turn on watching him cook this way. “Things will sort themselves out Shinji.”

Shinji slammed the wok down hard looking at the cooked food as he turned all the hobs off putting the food in the wok aside to cool. “I should apologise to her as soon as we see each other tomorrow.”

Kaworu moved behind him slowly wrapping his arms around him as he started to kiss his neck pushing up against him. “But right now I want you to pay attention to me.” He moved his hand up running it through the other man’s hair as his other hand moved to the front of his trousers as he started to push his fingers against the fabric finding the other man dick as he started massaging and pressing on it using the fabric. He started to kiss his lips hearing his breathing getting faster as he felt him turn towards him as the other man grabbed at his shirt starting to unbutton it pulling it off slowly.

He moved his hands undoing his shirt being careful not pull off the cross chain that Misato had given him watching as it hit the floor near his shirt. He could feel Shinji undoing his belt as he pushed him down on the kitchen floor getting on top of him kissing harder as the man’s other hand moved through his hair as his trousers were pulled down.

He tried to work quickly undoing the other man’s trouser seeing that he was as turned on and as hard as he was as he pulled his trousers down. Neither of them had been wearing shoes which meant all that was left was their socks and pants.

He looked up kissing him harder as he ran his hands down his chest speaking softly. “I’ve been thinking about this all day.” He heard Shinji’s moan as his kisses became more frantic and wanting as he pressed his body against his as he moved his hands to his briefs sliding them down slowly and carefully. He watched as Shinji’s sit up sharply as he grabbed the draw above pulling it open harshly as he grabbed around inside tossing a few condoms on the floor followed by the lubrication and a medium sized fleece cloth.

Shinji’s hands suddenly worked pulling down his boxers as he helped get them off totally as he leaned over him again pushing him down slightly. As he started kissing him again moving his kisses down to his body and chest as he pressed his dick against his enjoying the sensation.

He could hear Shinji’s breathing getting faster as their kisses became even more ravenous and passionate the next moments caught him totality off guard as Shinji sat up pushing him gently on to his back as he opened a condom putting it on carefully followed by using the lubrication thickly.

The other man’s hand moved to his dick as he started to massage it once more as he felt Shinji move up close up against him. Shinji breathed in deeply as he began to enter Kaworu slowly despite how turned on he was. He didn’t want to hurt him like he had once at the start of the relationship, as he’d been to forward. He could feel the other man’s legs up against his sides as Kaworu got comfortable. He breathed in as he started to push slowly and carefully keeping his rhythm steady watching as the hot blush appeared on the other man’s face.

Kaworu eased his hands up on the other man’s shoulders feeling the sheen of sweat on his shoulders and back as the sensations became faster as Shinji leaned over kissing him. He looked up only to blink in surprise as he watched the man’s eye slowly turned from a vibrant brown to glowing red.

He moved his hands putting them on the other man’s face as he tried desperately to keep his focus on building up the sensation as he stared in to the other man’s eyes. He’d seen this before on him but never outside of the entry plug and this was such a turnaround as Shinji didn’t normally take control but right now he was fully dominating him and he was loving every moment of it. It was nothing like with his ex and the feeling was that everything was safe and he could stop at any moment and Shinji’s grip was firm but gentle not hard and heavy.

He could hear Shinji breathing getting faster and harder as his strokes became longer and slightly deeper but kept the slow pace to avoid pain. Shinji felt his body start to tense he was getting close to the edge and he could see Kaworu was to by his face it had that look of bliss. He didn’t want to hold on to this anymore and he could feel his teeth grinding together only to feel Kaworu body suddenly shudder as he reached his peak.

He closed his eyes seeing the star blast in front of his eyes as he came only to feel both his hands come down by Kaworu’s sides as his breathing became heavy and laboured along with Kaworu’s as everything became still.

Kaworu breathed in deeply as he took the cloth carefully cleaning him-self as he laughed as Shinji opened his eyes which were still glowing red. “Well look who makes such a wonderful dominator, I had no idea you had it in you.”

Shinji leaned forward putting both hands on his face as he felt a wide smile form. “I love you.” Kaworu smirked as felt Shinji carefully pulled free. “Love you to.” He paused raising the cloth. “You know this is your favourite disk cleaning cloth.”

Shinji laughed as he eyed it. “Well I guess it found another use, which I don’t regret.” Kaworu sat up slightly giving him a gentle kiss. “Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone you used your best kitchen wear during sex.” Shinji eyed him as tied his condom as he walked over to the bathroom feeling the cold air all over his body. He opened the bathroom bin throwing it in as he turned back to him. “Trust me, they’d never believe you.”

He felt a sly smile form seeing their clothes all over the floor seeing that he’d missed a spot. “And that’s my favourite shirt but you seem to have made a mess of it.” Kaworu sat up as he looked at him pushing his white hair back watching as his boyfriends eyes slowly returned to normal clearly like Asuka there was a real sexual beast under there, though he had never realized it until now and now he wanted to see it way more often. “Well I was having such a good time, what can I say.”

End of part 41

Silvermoonlight