THE CHILD OF LOVE... by Axel Terizaki ASUKA's Notebook Retooled by Dave Watson 1999 5 11-12. -=SIXTH MONTH=- Background: Shinji and Asuka shared their feelings for each other under the Obon Festival's fireworks. It seems that Misato and Kaji did the same, too... Even though Asuka now admits to herself in love with Shinji, she tries not to tell snybody else, much to his surprise. Nevertheless, when they're alone, she's a totally different person... Is she afraid of showing everybody how she feels for Shinji? Does she want to prove to Shinji that she loves him by giving him what she keeps from other people? Why did I make such a stupid mistake as writing "Hoayo" instead of "Ohayo" in the Fourth Month? Why can't I think of something else than Metal Gear Solid? What's stronger, an elephant or a rhinoceros? --- CAPTION: THE SIXTH MONTH CAPTION 2: Prove your love to me Shinji's dreams. Shinji : "Father..." Silence. Shinji : "Father! Why did you leave me alone?!" Silence. Shinji : "Mother! Say something!" Voice : "Shin-chan..." Shinji : "Shin-chan...Asuka calls me like that now...I earned her love. I earned her care. She showed her soul to me, and so did I to her." Yui : "Shinji..." Shinji : "Mother? Is that you? Tell me what I must do! I don't know how to handle this situation...!" Yui : "There's no such thing as a difficult situation if you find someone who wishes to be there with you at those moments..." A still Asuka appears from nowhere. Shinji : "...Asuka? I love her. I don't want to leave her! Her smile, her hair, her eyes, *her*...and Teri...I can't leave them alone. Asuka carries my daughter. I have a duty now. I can't leave them. I must not run away. No, I *mustn't*." Yui : "My son...you'll be a father. I'm proud of you." Shinji : "A... father...no...like..." Yui : "No. Not like the man I no longer consider as your father nor as my husband. I don't see him as your father anymore." Shinji : "We are the same...if I...if I..." (his voice trails off) "...and if I were like HIM?" Yui : "..." Shinji : "And if I were like him...!? I don't want my daughter to suffer because of me! Asuka will never forgive me if..." Yui : "Believe in yourself. You have the will to change everything. You can do it. Nothing is written. You have the power to change any- thing you wish. That's where you two differ. One of you believes that everything can be planned. The other can change everything with his willpower. You are that second one. Don't forget it." Shinji : "Mother...I don't think I'll be able to handle it..." Yui : "I'll always be there. Nothing'll happen to you, my dear Shinji..." Shinji : "NO!!! We're from the same blood! I'll be like father!" Yui : "I am part of you, too. I won't let him hurt you or the mother of your child. I promise. If anything happens to you or your love, I promise he'll regret it." Shinji : "Mother..." Voice : "Shin-chan!" Shinji : "Mother..." Asuka : "Shin-chan! I'm not your mother, idiot! Wake up!" Shinji wakes up in his bed. Asuka leans over him with a reassuring smile on her face. Asuka : "Now, get up, Shin-chan. Or you'll be late for school." With that, she turns back and goes to the kitchen, where Misato is eating/drinking breakfast. Shinji (smiling, to himself) : "She's been like that since the festival... but I still can't get used to her like that...(sigh). She's too nice to me. It's almost too good to be true. Well..." --- In the kitchen. Misato looks puzzled while drinking her Yebichu. Asuka notices this. Asuka : "What's wrong, Misato?" Misato : "Hmm...I think there's a problem here." Asuka : "What is it?" Misato : "You haven't called Shinji 'stupid' for weeks. That's really strange. Are you feeling all right? Asuka : "Humph...and what's wrong with that? I can be nice when I want to be." Misato : "You sure? And you didn't yell at him when he woke up late this morning...huh?" Asuka (trying to find something to avoid possible complications) : "You were probably thinking about Kaji when I yelled at him and didn't notice anything, you fool." Misato : "Watch your mouth, young lady! And I'm pretty sure I wasn't thinking about him RIGHT NOW." Asuka, grinning : "Hmmmhmmmm...." Misato : "Let me remind you that you have to take your medication this morning." Asuka : "Hmph. I HATE these damn pills. They taste so bitter." Misato : "Ritsuko told me to give them to you. She said that you must take them for the good of Teri's health." Asuka : "She doesn't know what she wants. A month ago she told me that I shouldn't take any drugs while I'm pregnant!" Misato : "Listen, Asuka. If Ritsuko said that it's good for you, she has to be right. After all, she's a doctor." Asuka (barely convinced): "Maybe you're right. But that doesn't answer my question. Why do I have to take them? Is Teri in danger?" Misato : "I dunno. Ritsuko refused to tell me why. She just said it was necessary in order to carry out your pregnancy to full term. Maybe it has something to do with your high synchro rate in Unit-02 three months ago?" Asuka (worried) : "I hope it's nothing drastic...it's been a long time since I jumped into my precious Unit-02...!" Misato : "Unfortunately, you can't. You can't even get into your plug suit now." Asuka : "What about when I defeated that Angel the last time?! There wasn't any problem then!" Misato : "We're still trying to find out more about that, Asuka. In the meanwhile, you hsve to stay put right here." Asuka 'humph's. Misato (looking at the calendar) : "I'll talk to her today about it, if you want. I'll try to find out what I can about...hmmmmm!!!!!" Asuka : "What's wrong now?" Misato : "It's February the 14th today." Asuka : "Valentine's Day...?" Misato (teasing) : "RIGHT! You'll have to give something to Shinji!" Asuka : "Why him? I've got no reason to give anybody anything!" (to herself:) "Except myself, of course!" Misato sees the look on Asuka's face and concludes that she really didn't mean what she just said. Misato : "And what about your heart? Will you offer him yours?" Asuka (crossing her arms) : "No way. Why should I after all? It's *their* job to buy things for *us.*" Misato : "You seem to be forgetting something." Asuka, surprised : "What now?" Misato : "We're in Japan, not in Germany. It's up to *us* girls to give *them* something today! You hsve to wait for White Day until he gets something for you." Asuka : "...Anyway, I won't give him anything. I don't see why I should! It's ridiculous!" Misato : "Oh? And what about when I caught you two kissing on the couch two weeks ago? Was that a 'practice' or were you bored again?" Asuka (furiously blushing) : "You saw us!!?" Misato : "Yeah, but something inside me told me not to interrupt you two!" Asuka : "That was because I was...I was seeing if he brushed his teeth well! Nothing more!" Misato (to herself) : "Without looking?" (to Asuka:) "I've got another question..." Asuka : "What now?" Misato : "What's this?" She points to a double-boiler pot with something gently bubbling in it. The unmistakable sweet smell of melting chocolate floats around in the air. Misato (grinning) : "Making chocolates, huh? For whom?" Asuka (furiously) : "It's none of your concern!!!" And with that, she leaves the kitchen, obviously angry. Misato (grinning, to herself) : "Heh heh. You won't resist, Asuka. You won't resist! I'm sure of that! You're a pretty bad liar, ya know...!" --- At school. Lunch time. Shinji notices that Rei hasn't been eating anything at lunch time for several weeks now. He decides to do some- thing. Shinji (going towards Rei's desk) : "Ayanami?" Rei looks up at him. Shinji : "Hsve you been, uh, feeling lonely?" Rei : "I don't know what it is. It may be loneliness." Shinji : "Hmmm. How about coming to the apartment for dinner? I'll call Asuka and she'll cook us something." Rei : "If that's an order..." Shinji : "I'd rather say it's an invitation." Rei (standing up) : "If you say so, Ikari-kun." --- Walking down the sidewalk. Shinji : "Do you mind if we take a short detour?" Rei : "No, I don't care." Shinji : "Thanks." Shinji turns at the next corner. Rei follows him carefully. After a few minutes' walk, Shinji stops in front of a bakery. He stares long- ingly at the 'Valentine' shelf behind the shop window. Shinji : "Which one do you like the most?" Rei, surprised : "I... I don't know." (to herself:) "Ikari-kun wants to give me a present?" Shinji : "You sure? Maybe this one, then..." He pointed at one of the heart-shaped chocolate boxes. Rei (after thinking a moment) : "To the left." Shinji moves his hand to the left, now pointing at a larger box with blue ribbons on it. Shinji : "This one?" Rei : "Yes." Shinji : "Good. Please excuse me." Shinji steps into the shop and talks with the salesgirl. Rei can hear from outside what they're saying. Shinji : "I'd like this one, please." Salesgirl : "Sure. Do you want a message card with it?" Shinji : "Errr...yeah. Please write 'For Asuka-chan'." When Rei heard this, she thought about Asuka. Rei (to herself) : "Sohryu. Designated pilot of Unit-02. Red. Unit-02 is red. Like her pilot. Red. Hatred, suffering. Pain. Red. Blood. Anger. Fury...child...Shinji's...they became one in body and soul. Soul...what is this soul? What am I feeling? Is this...jealousy? Jealousy. A bad feeling. Anger. Blood. Red? A color I hate. Pain? A feeling I hate. Suffering? A feeling I hate. Hatred? Is this hatred? Sohryu...red...I hate red. But I can't hate Sohryu. Why? Is this hatred? Is this jealousy? Is it because of their child? Is it..." Her thoughts are interrupted by Shinji leaving the shop. Shinji : "Is there anything wrong?" Rei : "...No." Shinji : "W-well. Let's go, then." He puts the bagged chocolate box in his schoolbag. --- The front door of the apartment. Shinji unlocks the door, walks in, holds the door for Rei and starts to take his shoes off. Shinji : "Tadaima..." Rei follows him and removes her shoes, too. Asuka pokes her head into the hallway. She's wearing an apron over a red dress. Asuka : "You're here, Shin-chan!" Shinji sniffs the delicious smell that's coming from the kitchen. It seems that everything was ready for their dinner. Asuka approaches. He wasn't very comfortable when he saw the look she had in her eyes...she suddenly hugs him and kisses him hard on the lips. Shinji's eyes widen. But seconds later, he was finally lost in the kiss, totally ignoring Rei, who was looking at them emotionlessly. From time to time, Asuka gives a quick glance at Rei. After an eternity, she finally breaks off the kiss, but continues to hug him tightly. Asuka (eyes closed) : "How was your morning, Shin-chan?" Shinji : "Errr...same as usual..." He glances at Rei briefly before turning his face towards Asuka's ear. Shinji (whispering) : "What are you doing!? You said you didn't want to kiss me in front of other people!" Asuka (whispering) : "Wondergirl won't say anything, will she? And besides, she's a *friend*." Shinji shudders, but didn't know why. Perhaps it's because of Asuka calling Rei a "friend." It wasn't like her. Shinji (whispering) : "You're right." (Now with a normal voice:) "So, what have you prepared us this time?" Asuka : "Ramen with curry sauce!" Shinji : "Hmmmmmmmm...." (to Rei:) "Is this okay, Ayanami?" Rei : "Yes." Shinji : "Well, then, let's sit down at the table and eat!" --- The kitchen table, a couple of minutes later. Shinji notices that Asuka seems very uneasy. Shinji : "What's wrong, Asuka?" Asuka : "I don't...feel well...I...think I..." She quickly jumps up and runs to the bathroom. Shinji then hears vomiting sounds. He wonders why, since the food wasn't that bad... Shinji (to Rei) : "Err...excuse me. I'm going to see what's going on." Rei : "Hai." She doesn't move from her chair and continues to eat. --- Shinji runs into the bathroom and sees Asuka hunched over the washbasin, wiping her mouth. Shinji : "What's going on, Asuka? Is there something wrong?" Asuka (panting and recovering) : "I...just felt faint. Nothing else... don't worry...go back to the kitchen and finish your dinner." Shinji looks down at the washbasin and sees an ugly, unnaturally green matter in it. He then glances at Asuka, who gives him a reassuring smile. A secret smile. A smile that she only shows him. When she smiled at him like that, Shinji felt relieved. He felt calm, appeased, and couldn't help but return the smile... Asuka : "Okay, sorry. I don't think I cooked very well..." Shinji : "Don't say that. Really, the food was excellent." (grinning) "And Rei isn't vomiting. Not yet, anyways." Asuka (smiling again) : "...Baka..." She then hugs him and kisses him again. Shinji's eyes widen and he pushes Asuka away as fast as he possibly can. Asuka (surprised) : "Wh...what the...you don't...?" Shinji (panting) : "No...it's just that...you haven't rinsed your mouth out yet, and that taste...that was disgusting...ugh!" Asuka looks at him, puzzled at first, and then bursts out laughing. Asuka : "Ahah, sorry, Shin-chan!! I'm so sorry!! Hahahaha!!!" Shinji (scratching the back of his head) : "Hmmm...no need to be so sorry, I..." Asuka : "Forgive me. I'll wash my mouth out and we'll pick it up again later, okay?" (With a wink:) "I'll try to make up for it!" Shinji (smiling) : "Okay." Then, they freeze when they saw Rei in the hallway, looking blankly at them. There's an uncomfortable pause, which Asuka then breaks. Asuka : "What do you want, Wondergirl?" Rei : "I've finished my dinner. I was waiting for Ikari-kun. We have to go to the harmonics tests." Shinji : "Oh, yeah, that's right. We're gonna be late, and Misato-san will be furious..." Asuka (frowning, to herself) : "That bitch! She wants my Shin-chan! I have to do something or she'll take advantage of him on the way to headquarters!" Images fly through Asuka's mind, including shooting a bazooka at Rei and putting her into several deadly wrestling holds. She brushes them away, since she doesn't own any guns, and wrestling isn't recommended during pregnancy. A quicker, more peaceful solution to the problem pops up in her mind, and she allows herself a quick, devilish smile while Shinji faces Rei. She then collapses inexplicably in front of Shinji and Rei. They both suddenly turn to see her fall to the floor. Asuka (to herself) : "Heh heh, with this, I'm sure he'll stay with me and tell Wondergirl to go to the tests and explain what happened to Misato! And then he'll be all mine!! I'm such a genius!" Shinji : "A...Asuka!? What's going on?" He runs to her, looking at her face. Shinji (to himself) : "She...collapsed?" He then takes her in his arms. Shinji (to Rei) : "I'm going to put her to bed. Please wait." Rei : "Hai." Asuka (to herself) : "Ha ha! It's working just as I planned! I surprise myself sometimes!" --- Shinji takes Asuka to her room, lays her down on her bed and gently covers her with the blankets. Asuka (to herself) : "Mmmmmmm...stay with me, Shinji. Please stay with me." She then hears the door shutting. Asuka (to herself) : "WHAT!??? He left me alone!?? That...that...Hmph! I'm gonna kill him when he'll be back!" Short pause. Asuka : "Well, I'll take a nap then..." --- Central Dogma. A dark corridor. Misato hangs up a receiver. Misato (furious) : "I'm gonna kill them." Ritsuko : "Don't tell me they won't come..." Misato : "I'm afraid they won't, actually." Ritsuko : "Rei, too?" Misato nodded. Ritsuko : "Damn them! These kids don't realize how important they are to humankind!" Misato (grinning) : "I don't think this is quite so bad as you may think. It's perfect right now, actually" Ritsuko, surpised : "What do you mean?" Misato : "I want to ask you some questions." Ritsuko : "What do you want to know? We don't hide anything from you, Major Katsuragi." Misato : "I'm not doing this for my sake. It's for Asuka." Ritsuko (shuddering s bit at that name) : "Well... I'm listening." Misato (seriously) : "Teri isn't in danger, is she?" Ritsuko (hesitating) : "...Yes and no..." Misato (suddenly grabbing her by the collar) : "What do you mean!? I want answers! I KNEW you were hiding something!" Ritsuko : "Calm down first, and then I'll explain everything!" Misato waits a few seconds before releasing Ritsuko. Misato (sighing) : "Okay, I'm calm. But if what you're going to say may put Asuka, Teri, or even Shinji in danger, I'll make damned sure that you'll regret it!" Ritsuko : "I hadn't done anything, really!... It's Commander Ikari's fault!" Misato (frowning) : "So...? What's he up to now?" Ritsuko : "I... Ikari's a madman. He wants...he wants to kill Asuka." Misato : "WHAT!!? WHY HER!?" Ritsuko (looking at the floor) : "You know that SEELE has began mass production of EVA Units all over the world...?" Misato : "I've heard it from the Special Affairs section. But why are they building EVA Units without us? They won't..." Ritsuko : "Ikari fears that they come with the other Units and..." Misato : "...That can't be! That's insane! Why!?" Ritsuko : "He wants us...to prepare ourselves...to face them in battle." Misato : "And what's the link with Asuka?! I don't understand anything! Talk!" Ritsuko : "No...I can't tell...he'll kill me if..." Misato : "TELL ME, DAMMIT!!!" Ritsuko : "..." Misato (yelling) : "TELL ME!!!" Ritsuko (her voice trailing off from time to time) : "Asuka's daughter... has been...genetically modified...to be able to pilot the EVAs with a perfect synch rate...here it is. (sigh)" Misato : "WHAT!!!? I can't believe this!!! When did that happen!? Did YOU do that to her!?" Ritsuko : "NO! The LCL in Unit 02 isn't the same kind we used in the other units. It contains some substance that...acts as a DNA modifier. I noticed that when I analyzed her pregnancy report! It's not my fault!" Misato : "...that can't be...don't tell me that YOU are in cahoots with him! Don't TELL me! What are the risks!? I hope Asuka won't..." Ritsuko : "I'm afraid she...she may not survive to the childbirth..." Misato slaps her across the face. Ritsuko doesn't even move. Misato : "I've heard enough of this bloody stupidity! I'm leaving!" She leaves the corridor. Ritsuko looks at the floor and rubs her cheek in pain. Ritsuko : "...Misato. That's not what you think..." --- Back in the apartment. Asuka slowly wakes up and sees two red lights shining in the darkness. It's sometime late in the afternoon. Rei : "You're awake." Rei is sitting in a chair by the side of Asuka's bed. Asuka suddenly sits up in her bed, surprised to see Rei here. Asuka : "R-Rei? What are you doing here...?" Rei : "I'm keeping an eye on you." Asuka : "What...do you mean!? Where's Shinji?" Rei : "He's in the kitchen." Asuka (grinning, to herself) : "Hmmm...now is the time! Asuka, attack!" (to Rei) : "So...what's wrong? You're jealous because Shinji's mine, aren't you!?" Rei : "Maybe I am." Asuka (surprised by that quick answer) : "H-how? Don't make me laugh. We're both girls here. I know you have something for him." Rei : "Yes. But that's something you couldn't understand." Asuka (irritated) : "Is that so? You mean that I'm too stupid to under- stand your feelings, doll? What am I saying? I must be crazy! Dolls don't have any feelings." Rei : "I'm not a doll." Asuka : "Of course you are! You're nothing else. You always obey every- thing Commander Ikari says. He has full control over you! I'm sure that you'd kill yourself if he wanted you to!" Rei : "I've just said I'm not a doll." Asuka : "And who could believe that lie?" Rei : "No one could believe that lie, because it's not a lie." Asuka : "You won't take Shinji away from me, you stupid doll! I swear!" Rei : "Who told you that I would take him away from you?" Asuka : "What the..." (calming down a little, to herself:) "That bitch! She's right! I've been lying to myself from the start. What gave me that idea?" Rei : "Your hatred is consuming you, like the fire burning in your eyes." Asuka (realizing that she was lowering her defenses) : "You're not gonna try to teach me any lessons!" Rei : "I won't let Ikari-kun's child be consumed by hatred." Asuka : "What's your problem!? You...you...you..." Shinji : "Asuka! Please stop that!" The two girls turn their eyes towards the doorway. They see Shinji walking towards them with some food and some of Asuka's medication on a tray. Asuka (softly) : "Shinji..." Shinji : "Thank you, Ayanami. I think I'll take care of the rest. Sorry for the trouble. I explained everything to Misato-san. She understood." Rei stands up and heads to the door where Shinji was seconds earlier. Rei : "Sayonara." The sounds of a door sliding open and then closing are heard shortly after that. Asuka's room is silent again. Shinji sits down where Rei was earlier. Neither Asuka or Shinji dare say anything. After a few moments, Shinji finally opens his mouth. Shinji : "What were you thinking about?! You said that she was a *friend*!" Asuka doesn't look at him. Instead, she lowers her head and looks away. Shinji : "Why are you so mean to Rei? She hasn't done anything to you!" Asuka : "I...(sigh)...I don't know...what's up with me. Yeah, that's right. I don't know." Shinji can see a single tear fall from her eye and run down her cheek. Shinji (softly) : "...I'm sorry, Asuka. I didn't mean to--" Asuka (wiping her face) : "Pff..." (chuckling a bit:) "Do you really think that you can be easily forgiven with an 'I'm sorry' for making me cry...?". She looks up at him with her usual peaceful smile. Shinji (surprised) : "Hmmm...then, perhaps you'll like this..." He stands up and heads to the desk where he put down the plate minutes earlier. He comes back towards Asuka with the heart-shaped box he'd bought after school. Asuka is bewildered. She can't believe that he'd done this for her, and it wasn't even White Day yet. He gives her the box. Her hands are trembling. Asuka : "For...me?" Shinji (a bit hesitantly) : "May I be your Valentine tonight?...will you give me your heart?" Asuka was a bit stunned by this. Shinji : "...err...will you?" She looks at him, blushes and accepts the chocolate box. Asuka (softly) : "Of course, idiot..." Shinji's eyes soften. A warm feeling envelops his entire body. Shinji : "Really?" Asuka : "What gave you the idea that I wouldn't? Take a look under the bed, will you?" Shinji : "What?" Asuka : "Don't ask questions! Just do it!" Shinji (a bit sarcastically) : "Yes, ma'am." He complies and takes a quick glance under the bed. Then his eyes widen. He reaches under the bed and pulls out a large heart-shaped chocolate wrapped in red foil paper. Shinji : "You...You made this?" Asuka (softly) : "Yes...I made that with all my heart, and it's for you, baka." Shinji : "But...I thought that...you...you know...I wanted to do this like they do in Germany... I heard that boys usually offer chocolate to the girls they love there on this day, right?" Asuka : "Yeah, you're right. But let me remind you that we're in Japan. It's completely different here. It's my job. I have to obey the tradi- tions of this country..." Shinji (sarcastically) : "You...? Obeying something? Let alone a tradi- tion? You must be feverish!" Asuka : "Ahem, well...if I can't give you presents now, then I'll take this back if you don't want it!" Shinji : "...T-that's not what I meant!" Asuka (feigning sadness) : "Don't try to hide your feelings...you love Rei, don't you? You lout! After what you've done to me! I can't believe this...sob..." Shinji (falling into Asuka's trap) : "No...really, Asuka...really, I don't..." He leans forward and wraps his arms around Asuka before kissing her. Asuka (to herself) : "Whoa! Shinji takes the situation in hand! If he thinks that I'll just let him do what he wants with me...!" She returns the kiss, more deeply than ever, leaning on him. Shinji is very surprised by the sudden enthusiasm coming from his other half... After a while, they break off the kiss and Asuka rests her head against his shoulder. Shinji (softly) : "You see now...? The One I Love Is...You, Asuka." [Author's note : OK, OK, I shouldn't have wrote this, sorry, Kami-Rakna- Samaaaa!] Asuka (feigning her furious mode) : "Hmph. Never kiss me again without my permission, okay!!?" Shinji : "S...sorry." Asuka : "How are you going to make this up to me...?" Then, she burst out laughing. Shinji (puzzled) : "What's wrong...?" Asuka (leaning back and pointing at him, still laughing) : "Ahahah! You just fell into my trap!!! I'm a genius! Hohoho! I can't believe you REALLY can be sooooo dumb!!!" Shinji (standing up) : "WHAT???" Asuka (giggling) : "Yeah, I played the offended girl with a broken heart! And YOU fell for it! I love you, Shin-chan! Ahahahah!" She laughs for a while. When she notices that she's the only one laugh- ing here, she finally calms down. Asuka (panting) : "Ahhhh...okay, seriously...you owe me one!" Shinji (smiling) : "I-I guess...it's now my turn to take you on a date, then!" Asuka (surprised) : "What?" Shinji : "Hm...wanna go somewhere? How about a restaurant?" Asuka : "I...err...well. I can't refuse, after all. Especially if you pay for everything." Shinji is stunned again, but he soon recovers to his senses. He never thought that she could ask him to pay. He had no reason to be surprised, after all; he already knew how straightforward and blunt she could be. He had already decided that he would pay for everything, anyways, so it didn't throw him off that much. Asuka (sitting up in her bed) : "Okay. Where are we going, then?" Shinji : "Misato showed me a fashionable French restaurant called 'Aux Deux Chandelles'. How about there?" Asuka : "If there's European food, I just can't say no!" Shinji (chuckling) : "I'm going to get dressed... errr...what will you wear for the date?" Asuka : "I guess I'll need something fashionable..." Shinji (grinning, with a bad fake French accent) : "De pr‚f‚rence." Asuka, puzzled : "Wh...what did you say?" Shinji : "Preferably, in French. The staff at AXL's Game Center taught me some cool French phrases, you know." Asuka (with that devilish grin on her face) : "Pfff...I HATE boys who try to impress me like that..." Shinji : "Err...sorry...I only thought that..." Asuka places a finger on his lips to shut him up. Asuka : "Stop thinking. Go to your room and get dressed. I'll be ready in a few minutes, okay?" Shinji : "...Okay." --- Two hours later. A foot is tapping impatiently on the floor. Shinji is wearing, for the first time, a dinner jacket Misato gave him for his last birthday. He never thought that, one day, he would use it. But this evening is very special, so... He'd been waiting for Asuka for over an hour and a half, since it didn't take him long to get dressed. He looks at the clock; It's 9:45 and Misato wasn't here yet. Shinji is a bit worried by that... Asuka : "How do I look?" He turns his eyes towards the other end of the hallway, where he sees Asuka in a long red evening dress, with two matching long red gloves. She looked like a fully-grown woman. He blinked. It was funny for Shinji to see her like that. In other words, he was speechless. Asuka makes a slow pirouette to show herself off to him at every angle. Asuka : "So, how do I look? Does it suit me well?" Shinji : "...Yes...very well...I can't find the words to describe you... really. Hmm...maybe except for your stomach, I think this suits you well." Asuka (sighing) : "It's very tight in this, because of Teri...I hope this evening won't be too tiring." Shinji : "Did you do your breathing exercises today?" Asuka : "How do you know that I'm doing breathing exercises daily? Are you spying on me?" Shinji (gulped) : "Well...I-I think it's normal that I...care about the girl I love the most on this earth." Asuka (blushing) : "You don't need to tell me that...I knew how you felt since my mission in the volcano." (giggling:) "The look in your eyes has always betrayed you since then!" Shinji : "I'd rather say it was because you flashed me in your swimsuit when you helped me with my exercise on thermal expansion..." Asuka : "I was so...appealing?" Shinji : "Errr...yeah, but...that's not what attracts me the most about you, you know." Asuka : "And what's my most precious asset, then?" Shinji (blushing) : "Errr...your face?" Asuka (chuckling) : "Thanks, stupid." Before leaving, Asuka takes her purse in her room. Shinji, smiling : "Well, let's go or we'll be late. The reservation is for 10:30." Asuka : "And If I had refused your invitation?" Shinji : "I'd have cancelled everything and then thrown myself out of the window." Asuka : "Baka!" Shinji, smiling : "And why did you just say 'I *was* so appealing'? You're still very attractive now!" Asuka (blushing) : "Oh, shut the hell up!!! You'll make me blush!" Shinji : "Too late!" Asuka : "Shinji, I'm bored. Wanna..." (feigning her 'furious mode' again:) "...get slapped again!?" Shinji chuckles. --- NERV, Terminal Dogma. Misato stands in front of Fuyutsuki, looking very furious. Misato : "What are you DOING to her!? I need answers!" Fuyutsuki : "What do you mean, Major? Who are you talking about?" Misato : "Asuka! What are you doing to her!? Don't lie to me, Vice- commander!" Fuyutsuki (lowering his head) : "You mean...her child." Misato : "As her guardian and Major of Tactical Operations, I have the right to know!" Fuyutsuki : "I can't explain it to you, and I wonder how you gained access to this classified information, Major Katsuragi." He gasps when he heard a *click*. Misato is aiming at him with her handgun. Misato : "Don't force me to kill you." Fuyutsuki : "I don't think this matter is worth a murder." Misato : "It's not you I wanted to see. And it's not you I want to kill. Where is that rotten Commander bastard?" Fuyutsuki : "He left two days ago for a meeting. He won't be back for a few months..." Misato, 'humphing' : "You REALLY think I'm gonna swallow that?" Fuyutsuki : "That's the truth, actually." Misato : "A meeting, huh? With who?" Fuyutsuki : "I can't tell." Misato : "It seems that I won't get anything from you, will I?" Fuyutsuki : "I don't know why he left either. Commander Ikari behaves so strangely these days." Misato : "We'll see that when he'll come back. It would be better for you if he comes back as soon as possible, and it would be EVEN better for you if he comes back BEFORE Asuka's childbirth. You know what I mean, don't you?" Without letting him answer, she puts the handgun back under her jacket and leaves quickly. --- The restaurant. Our happy couple sits at the table Shinji reserved earlier. The room is quite dark, only illuminated by two candles on each table. In fact, the restaurant was like its name described it; 'Aux Deux Chandelles' means 'At the Two Candles' in French. Asuka : "Aren't we too young to be here?" She looks around at all the older couples at the other tables. The waiter comes and takes their orders. Asuka ordered' frogs' legs and Shinji gasped when he saw the price, but nothing is too much for his love's happiness, he thought. Asuka : "I LOVE French food, you know." Shinji : "Yeah, I know. That's what Misato told me." Asuka : "You asked Misato?" Shinji (blushing) : "Well, I really didn't know where I could take you tonight, so..." Asuka (smiling) : "Hm...I understand. You're so sweet when you want to be!" Shinji ordered ribs of beef with sausages on the side. However, he has a bit of difficulty using his cutlery. This makes Asuka giggle. Shinji (frowning) : "What's so funny?" Asuka, giggling : "Haha...you seem to be having trouble with your knife and fork...!" Shinji (blushing) : "errr...well...I rarely use them to eat, and..." Asuka slowly stands up, walks towards Shinji and takes position behind him. She then leans over his shoulder and puts her hands on his. Shinji feels his heart beating faster. He can also feel Asuka's heart going faster against his shoulder, as well as the warmth of her cheek close to his, and from her hands on his, even through her gloves. Asuka : "You have to do it...like this..." She makes him cut the beef with his knife and pick up a piece of it on his fork. Asuka (smiling) : "Understood?" Shinji : "Y-yeah...I guess." Asuka (sitting back down in her chair) : "Well, that's better." Shinji is mesmerized watching Asuka eating with so much ease. Asuka : "I've never had a Valentine before, you know." Shinji (shocked) : "Never? There must have been sombody before me..." Asuka : "Oh, of course, SOME boys were my Valentine for the past few years. I accepted them to please them, but they only cared for what was on the outside, you know." She looks down at her plate. Shinji (shocked again) : "...I-I'm not like any of them...I truly feel something special for you, Sohryu Asuka Langley. If you really want to know, I don't like you for what you do, nor for what you look like. I like you for what you really *are*: A human being and a very attractive young girl, in many ways." Asuka looks up and smiles at him. And he gets another reward... Asuka : "Thanks..." He braces for the eventual insult that accompanies her saying "Thanks." Asuka : "...Shinji." For Shinji, being called 'stupid' by Asuka was a compliment in itself. But, being called 'Shinji', which was his name, was even more... pleasurable. Shinji : "That's really how I feel, Asuka. I want to be with you, as long as possible. I mean it." Asuka : "Even after what I told you when we had sex...?" Shinji then remembers what she told him while she was atop him, several months earlier. He replays her words in his mind. ---FLASHBACK--- Asuka : "I'm only doing this because I'm bored! You're nothing but a toy to me! A toy to please myself, Shinji! Don't even think that I'm doing this because I love you, you pathetic little boy! ---END OF FLASHBACK--- Asuka : "I'm really... sorry...if I did hurt you that time...I REALLY hate to say this, but I'm sorry. There it is." Shinji : "I think that, even if you're mean to me, even if you scorn me, I can't hate you. And I already told you why." Asuka : "I took my time in the apartment to realize that someone was caring for me after all. I didn't want to accept that, but I now know that I can't deny it. I love you, Shinji." Shinji : "So do I, Asuka...so do I." Asuka : "Well, then, how about another promise?" Shinji : "Hey! I'll have to write these all down on a piece of paper or I'll forget them all!" The two burst out laughing. Asuka (giggling) : "May God protect us on the battlefield! Neither one of us is gonna die in battle, okay? For each other's sake! And for Teri's!" Shinji (cheerfully) : "Yeah! And I swear that I'll protect you if anything happens!" Asuka (giggling) : "And I'll do the same for you, too, I swear!" Shinji : "Deal!" Asuka : "Deal! Let's celebrate that with a drink!" Shinji, fearing : "Errr...do you think it's wise to drink alcohol...at our age?" Asuka : "Oh come on, you're a man, aren't you? So, It'll be your first drink, won't it?" Shinji : "Yeah...sort of...before you arrived, Misato used to tease me by switching the drinks around in the fridge..." (blushing heavily:) "I once got drunk from only one can of Yebichu because of that..." Asuka (giggling) : "Oh oh! So, you're a real man!" Shinji : "By the way, I don't think having alcohol is really recommended while carrying a child. Besides, they wouldn't serve that to us anyways." Asuka (a bit less cheerful) : "Ah, you're right. Forget about that idea, then. Damn!" --- In someone's messy room, a phone rings. Kaji stirs in his bed and tries to pick up the receiver. He finally succeeds in this (hard) task. Kaji (in a slurred voice) : "Hmmmmm? Whozit?" Misato (over the phone) : "Kaji. We need to talk." Kaji : "Mi-chan...do you know what time it is?" Misato : "Yeah, one o'clock in the morning. But that's not the point. I hate to say this, but...I need your help." Kaji : "What's the problem? Trying to choose one of two new brands of gaijin beer? I recommend..." Misato : "Kaji. I'm serious. Our three proteges are in great danger." Kaji (more serious) : "What's going on?" Misato : "Commander Ikari is insane." Kaji : "I already know that." Misato : "What?" Kaji : "Hm, never mind. Well, I'm listening." Misato : "Asuka's gonna die during her childbirth...and I'm afraid that we won't be able to do anything to save her." Kaji : "What the...?" Misato : "Ikari's playing genetic engineer." Kaji : "Don't tell me that...he WON'T do what I'm thinking about right now...will he?" Misato : "I'm afraid so." Uncomfortable pause. Misato : "Listen...I've got a plan. I hope you'll help me." Kaji : "I think we've got no choice." Misato : "Yeah, no choice at all. Besides, there's no time to waste." --- Somewhere in a park. Asuka and Shinji are walking silently side by side, hand in hand. Shinji (softly) : "Asuka..." Asuka : "Yes?" Shinji : "You remember when you asked me why I pilot EVA:01? I told you I didn't know. But I think I've found the reason why I'm piloting now." Asuka : "So, what is it?" Shinji (hesitantly) : "T-The reason, Asuka...is *you.*" Short pause. Asuka can't find the words. She wants to say something, but remains silent instead. Shinji : "I'll fight these damn Angels for you, Asuka. And for Teri. I want to fight in order to provide a peaceful world for our daughter!" Asuka : "..." Shinji : "I really love you, Asuka. I want to protect you. But...I don't know how to express my feelings towards you with words..." Asuka : "We don't need words for that...I mean..." She looks at him and sees that he has tears in his eyes. She takes a handkerchief from her purse and holds it out to him. Asuka : "Baka...you're so sensitive sometimes..." Shinji : "Y-yeah...I know..." Shinji wipes his tears with the handkerchief. She kisses his cheek. He blushes. Asuka (smiling) : "I like you because of that. You're always honest with me, even when I'm mean to you..." Shinji : "We still have so many things to learn about each other, you know..." Asuka : "Yeah, and we've got plenty of time to do that..." Pause. Asuka (closing her eyes) : "We should thank Teri for everything..." Shinji : "What?" Asuka (teasing) : "After all, it's her fault that I fell in love with you!" Shinji : "Hey! It was YOUR idea at first!!!" Asuka : "Yeah, I know. I wanted to give you a chance to seduce me. It seems that it worked pretty well!" The two of them laughed heartily at that. Minutes later, the apartment is just in front of them. --- The apartment door opens and closes quickly, but quietly. They're still laughing. Asuka : "Honestly, if you had SEEN your face that time! It was sooooo funny!" Shinji : "It was YOUR fault at first, mind you!" Asuka : "But Sensei didn't punish me, did he?" Shinji : "You were just lucky because Kensuke took your defense, and I bet you didn't seen how red his face was...!" Asuka : "Well...errr...I think we should be quiet. Misato may be sleeping. What time is it?" Shinji : "Three o'clock. That walk in the park took us quite a long time." Asuka (grinning) : "Hey Shinji..." Shinji : "What?" She approaches him and whispered something in his ear. Asuka (softly) : "I don't want to feel lonely in my sleep..." Shinji gulps. Shinji : "What do you mean?" Asuka (softly) : "Wanna...stay with me tonight?" Shinji : "Well, you told me, no sex until Teri's birth, remember...?" Asuka : "Baka! Just sleep, nothing else! Were you thinking with your other head, you hentai? I just want to feel you next to me while I sleep." She does her 'Kawaii Asuka Heart-Melting Special Attack(TM)' at this moment. Asuka: "Please..." Shinji (unable to say anything but--) : "...How could I refuse?" Asuka (smiling broadly) : "I think that this'll be a beautiful Valentine's Night, wrapping up an ordinary Valentine Day, Shinji. Thank you." --- Early in the morning. Misato steps into her apartment and quietly takes off her shoes. The night she just spent had been very exhausting. Misato (instinctively, in a quiet voice) : "Tadaima..." She looks at the clock in the kitchen. Five o'clock. Misato (to herself) : "I have to talk to her...she has to know, after all...now...how do I tell her?" She heads to Asuka's room and knocks on the door. No answer. Misato (to herself) : "I HAVE to tell her..." (to Asuka, through the door:) "It's me, Asuka. I'm coming in!" She opens the door, and then stands there, completely speechless. Under the covers, there are Shinji and Asuka, both dressed in pajamas, holding each other close but gently. Asuka is resting her head on his chest. The expression on their faces show that they are sharing a great moment of true happiness and peace in their lives. Misato felt very weird all of a sudden. For someone who was unaware the situation, this would be a beautiful and cute scene. However, Misato was facing, in complete horror, what she dreaded since she heard about Gendo's plans: Her two roommates caring for each other, truly loving each other. She knew how Shinji would react if he knew what was going on. Yes, she knew that well. Too well, actually. But would it be worse not to tell him now and let him face Asuka's fate? Would it be wise? Misato couldn't tell at all. Still, she's a Major. She has to make decisions quickly and thoroughly. But now, this is too difficult for her...too difficult for a Major. This was definitely too difficult for any human being, to choose what to do now. She quickly leaves the room and shut the door quietly. She then heads to her own room, tears in her eyes. Misato (to herself) : "This HAS to be a nightmare...!" --- TO BE CONTINUED... Next episode: "I am not worthy." Author's notes: The wait was hard and long, huh? I had exams to prepare for, you know, so...I was a little lazy about writing the series, but now I'm back!!! Ideas are running around in my mind in order to prepare a great Seventh Month for you! As always, thanks to all my pre-readers: Alain Gravel (aka Rakna), AI-l-Bus, EBJ, Greg Thomas, Shinji Ikari The 10 O'clock Assassin, and of course, Borderline Case who gave me some great WAFFy ideas. The Child Of Love is archived on RAAC, SDAT, Rakna's Fanfiction archive (http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Teahouse/2236), Addison Godel's Evangelion Fanfiction Archive (http://www.unmmagurau.com/evafic.htm) and of course, on ASUKA's Notebook (http://perso.club-internet.fr/aterizak) Don't hesitate to send C&C! I read every E-mail, even ads! :-) (no, just kidding, ads just get a quick DEL strike on my keyboard!) Well, I think that's all I wanted to say to my beloved readers, heh heh :-). See ya soon! Axel Terizaki