August 11, 2024

"Can I ask you something?" he asked.
"Hmmm?" Asuka gave him a quizzical look, staring at him over the remnants of breakfast on her empty plate.
Shinji squirmed in his seat. "It's kind of sensitive," he said. "I mean--"
"Stop it," she huffed. "You're being weird."
"But--"
She glared at him. "Just spit it out," she said.
"Okay," he said. He took a deep breath. "When you were fighting the Evas--"
He broke off as Asuka's fist hit the table. "You can't be serious," she said. Her voice was barely above a whisper, but that did nothing to diminish the menace in its tone.
Shinji licked his lips, then continued. "I was just wondering," he said. "Your mother was there, right? I mean, she was with you."
Asuka stared at him, her eyes locked with his, then broke off with a sigh. "Not this again," she said, running a hand through her hair.
"Sorry," he said.
Asuka tapped the table with a finger, thinking. Finally she said, "yes, she was with me."
"What was it like?" he asked, leaning forward. "Being with her, having her there with you. What was it like?"
She closed her eyes. "It was nice," she said. "The best feeling in the world. She was all around me, protecting me, keeping me safe." She opened her eyes. "I don't think I've ever been happier than I was in those few moments."
"So you knew it was her, right?" he asked. "It wasn't just some vague feeling?"
She nodded. "Yeah, I knew it was her. She was right there with me, protecting me."
"Of course I was," Kyoko said, coming into the kitchen. "What mother wouldn't be?"
"Mama . . . " Asuka said.
Kyoko frowned. "What? I'm just saying--"
"Mama, stop." Asuka's voice was soft, but the command in it was unmistakable.
Kyoko looked from her daughter to Ikari, who was trembling, and then back again. Finally she shrugged. "Fine, fine," she said, indifferent. She opened the refrigerator and retrieved a bottle of orange juice.
Shinji put his face in his hands. "Why would she leave?" he asked. "I just . . . I don't understand. She left me there, in the middle of . . . of a wasteland, and she just . . . " He looked at Kyoko. "Why would she do that? Am I really that awful?"
Kyoko frowned, then sat down, placing her glass of juice on the table in front of her. "It had nothing to do with you," she said flatly.
"But--"
"A mother loves her child," she said simply.
He blinked at her. "What do you mean?"
"Just what I said," she replied. "A mother loves her child. He might be unpleasant, a failure, even a criminal, but she loves him just the same. It doesn't matter who he is or what he's done. A mother loves her child."
Shinji made to strike the table with his fist, then laid his palms flat against it instead. "Then why," he asked, deliberately, "did she leave?"
Kyoko tapped her chin, thinking. "There was something wrong with her," she murmured. Her eyes brightened. "I knew her once, did you know that?"
He shook his head.
"We went to college together, as I understand it. She and I spent a bit of time together after you and Asuka were born, before Asuka and I left for Germany."
Asuka laughed. "So we'd met before?" she asked. "Me and stupid Shinji, I mean."
Kyoko nodded, smiling. "I actually remember that, too. I remember staring down at you, thinking you were the cutest thing ever, while Yui did the same with Shinji."
Asuka smirked at Shinji. "How about that, eh? The red string of fate bound us together even then." She frowned. "Kind of depressing, now that I think about it."
Shinji laughed weakly.
"Back then," Kyoko went on, "she was like any other mother, and it was clear she adored you. But at some point, after we left for Germany, something changed. I don't know what it was, but I know it had nothing to do with you." She frowned, thinking. "I don't remember the details," she said, "but I think she sent me . . . letters?" She nodded. "Yes, that's right. Langley found them. She didn't say anything specific, of course, but as I recall she wanted to ensure that you'd have a future of sorts, no matter how difficult."
Shinji leaned forward. "So it was for my sake, then?" he asked. "She wasn't some, some crazy person, some lunatic bent on saving the Angels?"
"Well, I don't know anything about that," Kyoko said, frowning. "But it seems she had very few options available to her. I think she just did the best she could under the circumstances."
Shinji closed his eyes and sank into his chair, visibly relaxing. Asuka took his hand in hers and breathed a silent "thank you" to her mother.
Kyoko shrugged uncomfortably and took a sip of her juice.

September 20, 2030

"Well?" she asked.
He fidgeted. "I don't know what you want me to say," he said.
She scowled. "Something other than that."
He made a nervous gesture with his hands. "But you already know everything," he said, frustrated. "You saw--"
"Yes," Kyoko interrupted, "I saw. Even in your own mind, you're a pathetic failure of a man. What of it?"
"Fine," he said, frowning. "If that's how you feel, you never have to deal with me again."
She threw up her hands. "You idiot!" she cried. "Is that what you think I want? Really?" She shook her head. "Unbelievable. That Ikari twerp is positively insightful compared to you."
The man's reply was interrupted by the arrival of another party. "Is there a problem here?" Misato asked, standing in the doorway.
Kyoko glared at her. "No," she hissed, "no problem. This is between me and my future husband. It doesn't concern you."
The man looked at Kyoko in shock, clearly unaware of her intentions. Misato looked taken aback for a moment, then collected herself and moved forward. "Leaving aside the fact that he's my father," she said, "the way you're berating him is unacceptable."
Kyoko's lip twitched. "But--"
"Ms. Soryu," Misato said, her voice full of steel, "we are all broken people. We have made mistakes. We have done terrible things. But we are trying to make amends, to heal our wounds and move forward." She smiled at the woman. "Be kind."
Kyoko's eyes narrowed. "I don't do kind," she growled.
Misato paused, giving the woman in front of her a hard stare. Then she murmured, "I know."
Kyoko's eyes went wide. She glared at Misato, trembling with rage. She spared the man, one Akira Katsuragi, a hateful glance, then stalked out of the room without another word.

"Oh dear GOD, I hate that woman," Kyoko said, pacing back and forth.
Asuka turned over a card and frowned, no closer to resolving her game. "Mother, please," she said, "calm down."
Kyoko scowled at her. "Easy for you to say," she groused. "That woman, she--"
"What did she say that was so terrible, anyway?" Asuka asked, interrupting her.
Kyoko crossed her arms and turned away with a huff. "Nothing specific," she said.
Asuka narrowed her eyes. "In other words, you're just mad because she's right."
Kyoko stiffened, then forced herself to relax. "Well, of course she's right," she huffed. "But that's hardly the point."
Asuka gave her mother a pointed stare, then sighed and stood up.
"Look, Asuka dear--" Kyoko began.
"Come on, mother." Asuka took her arm and headed for the door.
Kyoko stiffened, offering half-hearted resistance, but Asuka's grip was firm. "What?" she asked. "Where?"
"To Misato's place, of course," Asuka said.
Kyoko's eyes widened. "But--"
"You need to apologize."
"I do not!" Kyoko protested. "She--"
Asuka glared at her. "Now, mother." Her tone brooked no quarter for dissent.
Kyoko frowned, but offered no other reply.

Asuka knocked on Misato's door, Kyoko standing sullenly at her side. Presently the door opened, Misato on the other side, answering with a smile. "Heya Asuka," she chirped. "What's up?"
Asuka sighed, then pointed toward her mother. "My mother has something she wants to say," she mumbled.
Misato looked toward Kyoko expectantly.
Kyoko frowned, then said, "No, I don't."
Asuka elbowed her in the ribs. "Mama," she said, "c'mon."
Kyoko coughed. "Well," she said, "It's just that . . . "
Misato smirked. "Yes?" she asked.
Kyoko flushed. "Your father  . . . " She paled. "That is, Mr. Katsuragi, he . . . " She faltered, and went silent.
Misato offered her a soft smile. "It's not like I don't understand," she said. "He's failed me a lot, too."
Kyoko fidgeted. "If only he were  like Ikari," she said. "He's a waste, but at least he tries to make things better. Akira just . . . "
Asuka and Misato shared a glance.
"Oh my God," Asuka said.
Kyoko blinked at her. "What?" she asked. She looked at Misato, then back at Asuka. "What is it?"
"You admire him," Asuka said, pointing an accusing finger at her mother. "You admire Shinji!"
Kyoko crossed her arms. "Don't be ridiculous," she huffed.
Asuka put her hands on her hips, a goofy grin on her face. "You do! You so do!" She turned to Misato. "I'm right, aren't I?"
Misato nodded. "Sure sounds that way to me."
Kyoko flushed again. "I don't . .  . " Then she sighed, giving up. "I don't admire him, exactly. But I do admire his . . . " she frowned, considering. " . . . persistence, I suppose." She tossed her head. "And what of it? It's an admirable trait, even in an obstinate brat like Ikari."
Asuka laughed, pumping a fist in the air in victory. "Woo hoo!" she cried. "Finally, finally, FINALLY!"
Kyoko gave her a bemused glance. "If I'd known my approval meant that much to you I would have offered it years ago."
Asuka grinned at her, absolutely giddy.
Misato smiled at the girl's display, then turned her attention back to Kyoko. "Mrs. Soryu," she said, "my father's been through a lot, and he has a lot to answer for. But even so, I truly believe he's a decent man at heart. Give him time."
Kyoko scowled at her. "I was fucking him when you were barely out of diapers, Katsuragi. I'm pretty sure I know his nature better than you do."
Misato blanched at that. "Mrs. Soryu, please . . . "

Shinji made his way to the incinerator, idly wondering why he was the one who always wound up making the trip. Along the way he spied Akira Katsuragi, sitting on a bench, looking utterly dejected. He dropped off his garbage, and on the way back stopped to consider the man. After dithering for awhile he clenched his hand in decision and approached the man. "Mr. Katsuragi?" he asked. "Are you alright?"
The man started, then looked up in surprise. "Oh!" he said. "Mr. Ikari, wasn't it?"
Shinji nodded.
Katsuragi smiled at him. "I knew your father. He . . . " he frowned, trailing off.
Shinji laughed. "It's okay, sir. You don't have to say anything."
Katsuragi nodded gratefully, then fell silent.
Shinji sat beside him. "Is something wrong sir?" he asked.
Katsuragi frowned, unsure as to how to proceed. Finally he said, "Let's just say I'm . . . not very good with women."
Shinji smiled sympathetically. "Mrs. Soryu is a . . . formidable woman," he observed.
Katsuragi gave a short laugh. "That's putting it mildly."
Shinji laughed again. "I have enough trouble with her as Asuka's mother. I can't imagine how hard it must be to deal with her directly."
Katsuragi frowned. "She's not a bad person," he said.
Shinji shook his head. "No," he admitted, "of course not. But the Soryu women admire strength," he went on. "If you're weak, they expect you to rise above it. And if you're strong, they expect you to push harder in order to excel. The one thing they hate is people who give up, who run away."
Katsuragi frowned, and Shinji laughed. "I'm the same way," he said. "I want nothing more than to run away, but I know I'll disappoint her if I do. So I don't. I keep trying, even if it hurts, because I know that will inspire her to do the same thing."
The other man stroked his chin. "Is that really worth it, though? That's a terrible burden to place upon yourself, and on her."
Shinji shrugged. "Maybe it wouldn't be for some people, but it is for us." He smiled at the elder Katsuragi. "I guess it's up to you to decide, in the end."
Katsuragi frowned again, deep in thought.

Katsuragi knocked on the door before him. It opened, and he found Kyoko on the other side. She said nothing to him, just stared at him sullenly while she waited for him to speak. "I would like to speak with you," he said. He gave her a nervous half-smile. "Perhaps over coffee?"
"Tch," she said. "Afraid to talk to me in private?"
He closed his eyes and sighed. "Kyoko, please."
She stared at him for a moment, then shook her head in disgust. "Fine," she said. She grabbed her coat and stepped outside.
The walk to the cafe was short, and they endured the trip in silence. When they arrived they bought their coffee and sat down in a booth. She stared at the walls, looking at nothing in particular, while he fidgeted. Finally, he mustered up the nerve he needed to speak. "I just don't understand," he said. "Why do you want to pursue this?"
She met his gaze. "Why wouldn't I?" she asked. "Your wife's no longer in the picture, so what's stopping us?"
He flinched at the mention of his wife, but let it pass. "You don't seem to have a high opinion of me."
She deflated a bit at that. "That's not true," she said.
"Everything you say to me indicates otherwise," he said.
She put her head in her hands. She was trembling now.
"And it's not like you don't have good reasons to feel as you do," he went on. "All of us have made mistakes, but none have been as costly as mine."
She looked up at him, puzzled. "What are you talking about?" she asked.
He shrugged. "I am the man who destroyed the world, if you'll recall. Second Impact and everything that came after were my doing. Why would you want anything to do with me after that?"
She shook her head in denial. "That's not your fault," she said. "You were duped."
He laughed. "Of course I was duped," he said. "Because I'm an idiot, as you say."
"That's not why you're an idiot," she said, deadpan. She massaged her temples and took a deep breath. "Look, you organized that expedition to find out what was out there. That was your only goal. You didn't know anything about the Dead Sea Scrolls, or the Seeds, or any of the rest of it. You simply wanted to learn, to understand. And that curiosity, that hunger for knowledge is one of the things I truly love about you. The fact that that curiosity was abused for malign ends is disgusting, but you're not responsible for any of that."
"I disagree. But that aside, how can you love anything about me?" he asked. "You said you don't remember anything before your daughter's birth."
"I don't," she admitted, "at least not directly. But I saw myself through your eyes, remember? That's enough to tell me how I felt back then, and how I will feel again once things settle down."
He looked at his coffee cup. "Even so . . . "
She sighed, then placed her palms flat on the table. "It's not just that," she began. "I don't have many options, Akira; I'm old, I'm foreign, I'm psychologically damaged, and I'm physically scarred." She frowned. "I'm as human as anyone, I don't want to be alone. But I can't afford to be choosy."
"So we should settle for one another? Is that what you're saying?" he asked.
She shook her head. "I don't see it that way. I just . . . " she trailed off, then shrugged.
He sighed, then ran a hand through his hair. He looked back at her, studying her profile as she leaned on the table with her chin in her hand. "Is that why you've been so hostile?" he asked. "You've taken stock of your situation, found it wanting, and now . . . "
He was kind enough to leave the implication unsaid, but she squirmed in her seat even so. "Maybe," she said, shrugging.
He stared at her, considering. "I'm not very good at this sort of thing. You know that better than most."
"Oh, yes," she scoffed, "like I'm some sort of expert." She shook her head. "But we do have a great deal in common. That hunger for knowledge, for one. Our research interests." Her gaze darkened. "Even our failures. That's more than most people have." She leaned forward, her eyes pleading with him. "I can't be kind, Akira, but I don't . . . I don't have to be cruel. I . . . "
He laid his hands over hers. "That's enough," he said. "I'm satisfied. That's enough."

Misato Katsuragi opened the door to her apartment, then made her way to her bedroom. Kaji sat at the desk, poring over paperwork, but she paid him no mind. Instead she flopped down on the futon, dragging the pillow over her head.
"Rough day?" Kaji asked.
Misato groaned. "My father is younger than I am, and he's marrying the mother of the girl I raised as my child."
"Oh my," Kaji murmured. "How incestuous."
"Shut up," Misato grumbled.
Kaji laughed. "That's pretty quick, though," he noted. "He's only been back for a week, and as I recall she doesn't remember anything about him."
Misato rolled over. "I have no idea what's going through that woman's mind," she said. "I thought Asuka was a handful, but her mother is insane."
"Does it bother you?" he asked.
She snorted. "Hell no," she said. "As long as it doesn't hurt us or the kids my dad can marry a turnip for all I care." She frowned. "It's gonna be weird having Asuka as a stepsister, though."
Kaji scratched his head. "Our family tree is getting awfully confusing," he said.
"'Getting?'" she asked. "Don't forget about poor Shinji and Rei!"
"Heh. Good point." He frowned. "But even so, this is . . . well . . . " He scratched his head again. "Hmmm."
"Don't remind me," she said. She smirked. "Heh. Asuka's gonna lose her mind. First I take her crush, then my dad takes her mother, and now she officially has to call me family." She sat up suddenly as inspiration struck. "Oh, man," she said, a devious smile playing about her lips. "This is gonna be fun."
"Now now," he said. "Don't forget, she's your adopted daughter."
"I know," Misato said, gleefully rubbing her hands together. "That just means I get to dig into her that much more."
Kaji winced. "You're a dangerous woman, Katsuragi."
Misato laughed, a low, sultry laugh. "And don't you forget it, mister."

Shinji was playing video games when Asuka found him. He was sitting cross-legged, his face a mask of concentration as he focused on trying to beat the game's current level. But that was of no consequence at the moment; Asuka was happy, and she was going to share her happiness with him -- whether he wanted it or not.
She made her way toward him, mischief in her eyes, and when she reached him she crawled into his lap.
Shinji let out a sound of annoyance. "Asuka, I'm trying to--" The rest of his protest was cut off, as Asuka had covered his mouth with hers and was kissing him deeply. He let the controller fall from his hand, the game instantly forgotten.
Asuka straddled him, twining her arms around his neck and pressing close. When she finally came up for air Asuka flashed him an impish grin, then hugged him warmly. In his confusion he could only think to respond accordingly, wrapping his arms around her back. She gave him another squeeze and drew back, smiling down at him.
He studied her, frowning thoughtfully. "You seem to be in a good mood," he observed.
She nodded. "Mmm-hmmm." She cupped his face with her hands and kissed him again.
Between kisses Shinji asked, "What brought this on?"
Asuka paused for breath and grinned again. "Mama said she admires you."
He scowled at her. "That doesn't sound likely."
She laughed. "I know, but she said it. Misato was there, she can vouch for me."
"That's . . . um . . . huh." He laughed sheepishly. "I don't know what to make of that."
She pressed close, hugging him again. "She was complaining about Misato's dad, and said she wished he was more like you." She closed her eyes. "I was so happy. I didn't know how much her approval mattered, but it does. It matters so much."
Shinji held her tightly. "That's wonderful, Asuka," he said. "I'm so happy for you." They drew back again, and he smiled when he saw the happiness in her eyes. "I love seeing you like this."
She flashed him a wicked grin. "You're gonna see a lot more of me in a few seconds, stupid Shinji," she said, pulling her shirt over her head and tossing it aside. Shinji's eyes widened in surprise, but he played along when she pushed him down to the floor and got to work.

September 13, 2030

The man emerged from the LCL, clad in tattered scraps of clothing. He remembered . . . something. A sense of urgency, of something gone terribly wrong. What was it, he wondered? And, more importantly, where was his daughter?
He turned back, looking across the LCL sea. For a moment, he beheld the visage of a boy, a youth with grey hair and red eyes. The boy smiled at him, a smile of understanding and forgiveness. The man blinked, and the boy was gone.
When he turned toward the shore, he found men there waiting for them. They were armed and they asked questions. What is your name? Where are you from? Do you have any family that you know of? He gave them their answers, disoriented as he was, and wondered what had happened since the world went to hell.

They brought him to the wing of a hospital, something they called the "recovery ward". He looked around, utterly bewildered. His last memory was of Antarctica, how on Earth did he wind up here? And where was his daughter?

It wasn't long before he saw her: a tall woman, with raven-black hair. But that couldn't be, could it? She was his age, and his Misato was only a girl. But then she looked at him, and the clipboard dropped from her hand. "Father?" she asked.

Impossible, he said. She was a just a child, and yet . . . and yet . . .

There were people he had to meet, she said. Family, her family. He'd never been good with family, never done right by them, so it seemed fitting that he have an accounting with hers. He was nervous, somehow. Why was he even here?

She took him home, and he met her "family". A boy, a girl . . . no, that wasn't quite accurate. They were adults, clearly. The Second and Third Children, she said. Pilots? Evangelions? All the fruits of his efforts, somehow. And then her husband, and her . . . nephew? Adopted son? That part wasn't clear. And then . . .

The vision of her struck him like a bolt of lightning. Her honey blonde locks, that imperious expression . . . he'd recognize her anywhere. "Kyoko?" he asked.
She stared at him, the way a regent might stare at a worm. "Oh," she said. "It's you."
The red-headed girl -- Kyoko's daughter, apparently -- stared at him. She shifted her gaze from him to her mother and back again. "Eh?" she asked. "What?" Her eyes widened with horror as the meaning of her mother's words sank in. "WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAT???"

July 3, 2024

Asuka stared at the numbers in front of her, trying to force them to make sense by force of will alone. But it didn't work; the math didn't add up, no matter how she looked at it. She scratched her head, growling in frustration.
Her mother pursed her lips, looking at her with slight disdain. "What are you so upset about?" she asked.
Asuka shook her head. "The equations don't work. The math is all off. I can't figure out what's wrong."
Shinji shot her a sympathetic look, but kept his mouth shut; there was nothing he could do for her here, and he knew it. But Kyoko took one look at her work and frowned in disapproval. "Why are you using an unbounded value for Epsilon?" she asked.
Asuka looked at her, confused. "I accounted for the Earth's magnetic field," she said.
"Silly girl," Kyoko chided. That earned her a frown from Shinji, something not lost on either woman. "What of gravitic and temporal effects?"
Asuka scowled at her. "Those are weak forces, they aren't even relevant."
Kyoko crossed her arms, frowning at her daughter. "How foolish. Epsilon is a progressive value, and that means its interaction with spacetime must be addressed if we are to fully appreciate the utility of the AT Field." She typed a figure using Asuka's keyboard. "Here, try this instead," she said. Asuka reluctantly re-ran her calculations, and her eyes widened when she saw the results. "Holy shit," she exclaimed. "Everything works out. Like . . . everything!"
Kyoko preened. "Of course," she said. "I developed Unit 02, you know. I understand these things."
Asuka grinned in delight. "Mama," she said, "why don't you come work with me? It would make things so much easier . . . "
Kyoko scoffed at her. "Don't be silly," she said. "My knowledge is twenty years out of date. What possible use would I be at a modern university?"
Asuka deflated at that, but Shinji perked up. "I think that's a good idea," he said.
Kyoko glared at him. "When I want your opinion, Ikari, I'll be sure to beat it out of you."
Shinji sighed, and fell silent.
Asuka frowned at her mother. "Mama," she said, "don't talk to him like that. You make me want to defend him, and then I have to be nice to him."
Kyoko smirked. "So tragic," she said.
Shinji bit his lip, then said, "I would be okay with that, actually."
Asuka hushed him. "You be quiet," she said.
Shinji sighed again.
Kyoko pursed her lips, then said, "Well, I suppose I could offer my services as a consultant. I'm sure the University wouldn't object to that."
Asuka smiled in delight. "That'd be wonderful!" she exclaimed.
Shinji nodded in agreement. "And with any luck you'll be able to make sure she eats properly, too."
Kyoko raised an eyebrow. "Oh?" she asked.
Asuka glared at Shinji. "It's nothing," she said.
Shinji frowned. "It's not," he said.
Asuka folded her arms, clearly unhappy.
"Three times in the last week," Shinji began, "you skip breakfast and say you'll make up for it at lunch. Each time I made you a bento, and you brought it home uneaten."
Asuka huffed in frustration. "Stop acting like I have a problem or something," she began. "I just get distracted and forget, that's all. It's not like I don't make up for it later!"
"Well then," Kyoko said, "surely having someone around to remind you would be no great chore."
Asuka laughed nervously. "Mama," she said, "c'mon . . . "
Kyoko nodded to herself. "I'm a consultant," she said. "I clearly have to look after my employers."
Shinji nodded earnestly. "I agree!" he said.
Asuka looked from one to the other and back again. "Since when did you two team up?" she asked.
Shinji looked at Kyoko. "We teamed up?" he asked.
Kyoko quirked an eyebrow. "I was not aware," she said.
Asuka threw up her hands. "Oh, come on," she exclaimed, exasperated.
Shinji couldn't help but laugh.

June 26, 2024

Kyoko Soryu looked up as the door opened. "What do you want?" she hissed.
Misato Katsuragi stared back at her blandly. "We've been getting complaints--" she began.
"Like I care," Soryu spat. "Why are you keeping me here? Where is my daughter?"
"We're not keeping her from you," Katsuragi said. "It's just, your situation is complicated, and she--"
"Stop lying to me," Soryu interrupted. "I want to see her."
Misato laughed nervously. "I understand, but--"
"Now!" Soryu demanded.
Katsuragi sighed. "Very well," she said. "If that's what you want. But she--"
Soryu scowled. "I don't care about what you have to say," she groused. "Only her."
"Alright then," Misato said, resigned. "I'll call her."

When Asuka entered the room, her mother was pacing back and forth like a caged animal. Her head snapped toward her daughter as soon as she opened the door. "Asuka!" she exclaimed, hurrying over to her. "Finally! Why are they keeping me here? What's going on?"
Asuka took her mother by the arms, trying to calm her down. "It's fine, mama," she said. "Things are just a little complicated."
Kyoko scowled at her. "'Complicated' is a word people used to justify bad behavior," she muttered.
Asuka winced. "It's not like that," she said. "The doctors are worried about you. They know how bad things were for me when I came back, so they're being extra careful with you. And we're also trying to get your living situation sorted out--"
"What's to sort out?" Kyoko said, interrupting her. "I'm a grown woman, I can live perfectly well on my own."
Asuka gave her a weak smile. "Oh?  How much have you slept since you returned?"
Kyoko stared at her. "Very little," she admitted. "Every time I close my eyes, those things, those loathsome beasts . . . "
"I know, mama," Asuka said. "It was the same for me. That's why we're trying to be careful."
Kyoko shrugged. "Fine, then. I'll stay with you if that's what you want. Or would that be too much of a burden?"
Asuka shook her head sharply. "No, of course not! I'd love to have you stay with me, I really would. It's just that, well . . . " she hedged.
Kyoko's eyes narrowed. "This is about a man, isn't it?"
Asuka flushed. "Um, kinda."
Kyoko crossed her arms. "Typical. Men are always like that, controlling peoples' lives." She rubbed a temple. "I don't even know why I think that, it's not like I remember anything. But I know it's true. Everyone else, all those other people confirmed it."
"He's not like that, mama," Asuka said. "He's really not."
Kyoko looked at her, chin in hand. "Then what's the issue?" she asked wearily.
"Well . . . " Asuka hesitated. Then she directed her voice to the open door. "Shinji? Could you come in here for a minute?"
Kyoko stared her in confusion, which turned to shock when Shinji entered the room. He smiled nervously at her. She turned back to Asuka. "Have you lost your mind?" She breathed, horrified. "Why would you take up with him, of all people?"
"Mama--" Asuka began.
"After what he did to you? To us? Why would you even entertain the idea--"
"Mama, please--" Asuka pleaded.
Kyoko turned to Shinji. "What have you done to her, you louse? She would never associate with you after what you did. What are you--"
Shinji licked his lips nervously. "Please, Mrs. Soryu, you're upsetting her, she--" He broke off when Asuka touched his arm.
Kyoko opened her mouth, a contemptuous reply on her lips, but a glance at Asuka brought her up short. She was trembling, visibly upset. Kyoko closed her mouth and waited.
Asuka closed her eyes, breathing deeply to calm herself. Then she opened her eyes and met her mother's gaze. "Please don't say things like that, mama. I know he's made a lot of mistakes," she said. Kyoko scoffed, but didn't reply. "But that was a long time ago. He's tried very hard to make amends since, and he's been very good to me. Please, just let me explain. Please, mama."
Kyoko glared at Shinji, then shook her head in disgust. "Fine," she muttered. "I guess I have no choice."

"You can't be serious," Kyoko said, aghast. "Me? Living under the same roof as him? That's insane."
"Mama--" Asuka began.
"Even if things are as you say, that doesn't change my feelings," Kyoko went on. "To me he's still . . . " she clenched her hands into fists, then let it go. "No. Impossible. I'd rather take my chances on my own."
Asuka's face fell. "I see," she mumbled.
Kyoko's head snapped up at the tone in her daughter's voice. "Wait," she said. "I didn't mean it like that." She hurried over to Asuka, and when she spoke there was an edge of panic in her voice. "You have to believe me, Asuka, I would never--"
Asuka smiled weakly. "I know, mama. It's fine. We'll . . . we'll figure something else out." She turned to Shinji. "Come on," she said. "Let's go. We'll talk to Misato, I guess. See what else we can do."
Shinji looked from one woman to the other and back again, chewing his lip in indecision. Finally, he clenched his fist and turned to Kyoko. "Mrs. Soryu," he said, "Please reconsider."
Asuka grit her teeth. "Shinji . . . " she warned, the tone of her voice unmistakable.
Shinji ignored her, continuing to address Kyoko. "This is very important to her," he went on. "She's missed you terribly these past few years, and she was so excited to have you back. I can't bear the thought that I'm getting in the way of that."
"Shinji, that's enough," Asuka growled.
Once again, Shinji ignored her. He got on his hands and knees, bowing low before Kyoko. "Please, Mrs. Soryu. Please give me the chance to prove you wrong!"
Kyoko looked at the man on the ground before her, then turned to Asuka, utterly baffled.
Asuka flushed and hid her face with her hands. "Shinjiii!" she whined.
Kyoko turned back to Shinji. "Get up, you fool. You're embarrassing yourself."
"A little embarrassment is nothing compared to what you've suffered!" he said. "For your daughter's sake and for mine, please reconsider!"
Kyoko frowned with distaste, then threw up her hands. "Fine, whatever you want. Just cease this ridiculous display this instant!"
Shinji stood, keeping his eyes on the floor as he moved to stand by Asuka. He snuck a glance at her, and winced at her disapproving frown.
Asuka turned to her mother, her expression hopeful. "Do you mean it, mama? You'll reconsider?"
Kyoko just waved a hand in exasperation. Then she turned to Shinji. "Your father was bad enough, but you're unbelievable. You really are an idiot," she stated flatly. Shinji blinked, while Asuka looked poleaxed. A moment later she suppressed a giggle. "What is it?" Kyoko asked, looking from one to the other. "What's so funny?"
Asuka gave her a strained smile and scratched her head. "It's nothing, mama. I'll explain later."
Kyoko was not amused. "Tch."

"Are you absolutely sure about this?" Misato asked. "I know you said she agreed, but even so . . . "
"No, I'm not certain at all," Asuka replied. "But what other options do we have? I don't want her living alone, and I'm not about to kick Shinji out of his own home. And besides," she went on, "I don't think I could deal with her on my own, anyway."
Misato bit her lip. "Things have been pretty rough for you since she came back, haven't they?"
Asuka laughed mirthlessly. "What gave it away?"
"The circles under your eyes, Shinji's nervousness, your jumpiness. It would be obvious even if I didn't know you as well as I do."
"Figures," Asuka said.
Misato stood and stretched. "Alright then. If this is what you want then so be it. I'll get your mother's discharge paperwork sorted out and you can take her home today."
Asuka nodded. "Okay. Thanks, Misato."
Misato smiled at her. "Sure. Just be careful, alright?"

Kyoko awoke with a start, breathing heavily. She blinked several times in confusion, looking around her in bewilderment until recognition set in. She lay back down and closed her eyes again. After a time she became aware of pressure in her bladder; she got up, slid open the bedroom door, and proceeded down the hall to the bathroom. When she was finished she came back, and spared a glance for the two sleeping figures in the apartment's living room. They lay in one another's arms, sleeping fitfully. As she watched Asuka murmured in distress; a nightmare, perhaps. Shinji responded by tightening his arms around her, holding her securely, which quieted her down. She nuzzled his chest and pressed close to him. The expression on her face was . . . not content, surely, but at least calm. Safe. Secure. Kyoko closed her eyes and sighed in resignation. "Why him, of all people?" she lamented. She shook her head and headed back into the bedroom and lay down, but sleep eluded her for the rest of the night.