August 15, 2021

Shinji looked out the window of the helicopter as it approached the facility, awestruck by the sheer size of the thing. Huge rivers of LCL-rich water flowed into it from the ocean, passing through a series of filters before finally exiting the other side as normal seawater. "This place is amazing," he said.
Asuka shrugged, unimpressed. "How long will it take to restore the oceans, I wonder?"
"Years," he said. "Decades even. But they're actually doing it! I can't believe it."
"You'll be doing it in a few years, won't you?" she asked.
Shinji nodded. "Yeah. Well, something like it, anyway. Misato wants me to be in charge of administering projects like this one."
Asuka snorted. "Well, glad you'll be doing something useful, at least. There's nothing worse than a housebroken male."
Shinji scowled at her. "I thought you liked my cooking," he said petulantly.
Asuka rolled her eyes. "I do," she replied. "But if that was all you were good for it'd just be pathetic."
Shinji sighed, but let the comment pass. Minutes later the helicopter landed, and the Children and their escorts stepped out. They made their way to the facility's entrance, keeping their heads down as they went. A sign near the entrance read "Japan Marine Ecosystem Preservation Research Organization."
Kaji waved at them from behind a window. "Welcome!" he said, speaking through a radio. "You're right on time. Unfortunately, things will get a bit complicated from here on out."
The visitors looked at one another in confusion, but learned what he meant a moment later when they began decontamination procedures. Said procedures began in the Long Wave Irradiation Decontamination Room. After they'd entered, a voice on a loudspeaker said "Please remove all clothing and place it in the available receptacles."
"I still don't understand why we have to do this naked," Asuka grumbled.
"It's a decontamination process, Ms. Soryu," Nagara said. "Since clothing is made of all sorts of materials there's no telling what sort of contaminants it could introduce, so it's easier to focus on decontaminating humans alone and then give them temporary clothing on the other side."
"Yeah, yeah," Asuka mumbled. "Whatever." Asuka narrowed her eyes at Shinji as they stripped down. "Be very careful where you put your eyes, Third," she growled, with a pointed stare at Nagara.
Shinji sighed. "I know, I know," he said. "I won't stare at either of you."
Once the procedure began, they were subject to a brilliant flash of light that disintegrated the top layer of their skin, followed by scalding hot jets of steam meant to clear away the residue. Nagara and Takao endured the process with quiet dignity. The Children did not. Shinji bounced all over the place, while Asuka complained -- loudly. Once the jets turned off she said, "I swear to God, Third, I'm going to make you suffer for dragging me through this!"
Shinji didn't even bother to apologize.
The second procedure took place in the Organic Compound Electrolytic Dissociation Sterilization Pool Treatment Room, and involved their being fully immersed in water. The water had a hint of a chlorine smell to it, and it was very cold. Their discomfort intensified when, after the water had drained from the room, they were blasted with jets of frigid air, for unspecified reasons.
The third procedure took place in the Oxygenated Fluorocarbon Emulsion Pulmonary Infusion Room, and it began with their being forced to drink and breathe a strange, pink liquid. "What the hell is that stuff?" Asuka griped.
Shinji laughed weakly. "Just think of it as LCL, I guess?"
Asuka shot him a dark look, then dove under the rising tide and took a deep breath.
The final procedure actually did involve LCL. It took place in the LCL Infusion A-10 Carrier Decontamination Room. The room filled with LCL, making the Children sigh in misery as it brought up unpleasant memories. Once the room filled, the inhabitants jerked about as a powerful electric charge filled the room, making their hair stand on end. The LCL drained from the room, and they exited to find a number of showers and changing stations in the room beyond.
Finally they entered the aquarium, thoroughly miserable, but their eyes widened in wonder at what lay before them. It was one of the largest aquariums ever built, and it was absolutely teeming with life. Asuka tried to be unimpressed -- she really did -- but even she had to admit the place was awe-inspiring.
"Wow!" Shinji exclaimed. "Are all of these animals that lived before Second Impact?" He ran up to the glass, taking it all in. "What is that?" he asked, pointing to a strange creature with flippers and a shell.
"A hawksbill sea turtle," Nagara said, referencing their guidebook.
"Weird," Asuka muttered.
Shinji pointed out some translucent creatures. "And those?" he asked.
"Jellyfish," Nagara supplied.
"Those are creepy," Asuka said with distaste.
Shinji gave her a peeved look. "C'mon, Asuka," he pleaded. "This stuff's amazing."
She shrugged. "Eh, whatever."
Shinji ignored her and pointed to something else. "And that?"
"A manta ray," Nagara said.
Asuka didn't know what to make of it. "Huh," she said. "That's--" She broke off, her eyes lighting on the biggest fish she'd ever seen. "Holy hell, what the fuck is that?" she whispered.
Nagara smirked. "That," she replied, " is a whale shark." She frowned. "Wait, that doesn't make any sense. How can it be both?"
"I think the 'whale' part refers to its size," Takao said, amused. "Those things are huge."
Shinji snickered at Asuka's reaction. "Why are you so surprised?" he asked. "We fought stuff much larger than that back when we were piloting."
"That was different," she snapped. "We were in Evas then, and those were aliens!" She turned back, looking at the shark. "But that . . . that thing's from here! That's--" She broke off again, noting another shark. "Oh wow, there are more of them?" They looked around the exhibit, noting at least a half dozen of the giant fish.
"I don't believe this," Asuka said. She returned her gaze to eye level, seeing a giant octopus in front of her. "Eek!" she yelled, rearing back.
Shinji laughed again. "Just think of it as takoyaki!" he said.
"Oh, shut up, Third," she snapped. Her irritation faded quickly, though, as they explored more and more of the facility. There were many different tanks and exhibits, each filled with an astonishing variety of creatures. Try as she might, Asuka couldn't help but show some interest after awhile. At one point, they chanced upon an enclosure filled with penguins. Asuka and Shinji turned toward one another, wearing identical smirks. "We should've brought Pen Pen," she said, amused.
Shinji laughed. "Yeah, he'd love it here. He'd have his own little kingdom." They watched the penguins for awhile, then turned to leave. As they walked to another exhibit, he frowned.
Asuka noticed, of course. "What's wrong?" she asked with a huff.
"Nothing," he replied, holding up his hands. "It's just that . . . I wish Ayanami was here."
Asuka glared at him. "And why is that?" she asked, her tone frosty.
"Well . . . " he began. "She created all of this, right? Life, I mean. I guess I just . . . wish she had a chance to enjoy it."
Asuka stared at him, frowning, then shrugged and let it go. "You shouldn't dwell on it," she said softly. "She gave up her life for your sake, so pay her back by appreciating what you have."
Shinji smirked at her. "Like you?" he asked.
Asuka's eyes went wide. "Now wait just a minute--" she began, irritated.
Shinji held up his hands. "Sorry, sorry," he said with a laugh. "I'm just kidding."
Asuka scowled. "Hmph."

"Thanks for the food!" The group had met up with Kaji, and was enjoying a hearty lunch, courtesy of Shinji.
"This is really good," Asuka said.
Kaji nodded. "Yeah. Nice job with the grilling and seasoning."
Nagara took a bite. "How can meat that's 90% artificial taste so good depending on how it's prepared?"
"This is why I make Shinji do most of the cooking," Asuka observed, digging in. She smirked. "Housebroken males have their uses."
Shinji groaned.
Kaji laughed. "Don't feel too bad, Shinji," he said. "After all, it's a fact that men who can cook get all the girls!" he went on, casually waving his chopsticks in Asuka's direction.
Asuka flushed, prompting a round of laughter from everyone assembled.
Takao gobbled his portion down, then said, "It's a useful talent," he admitted. "Though I never quite got the hang of it myself."
Nagara gave him a bland look. "That's because you never bothered to learn," she observed.
He shrugged. "What can I say?"
"You're being old-fashioned," Asuka said. "How stupid."
All eyes turned to her. "My my," Nagara mused, taking a bite of her bento. "Such delicious irony."
Asuka flinched. "Hey!" she said.
"Whatever," Shinji said, trying to defuse the situation. "Just eat, eat!" Asuka took a bite of the food and found she couldn't stay mad for long.

"It's hard to believe the entire ocean was like this just a few years ago," Shinji said. He and Kaji were standing atop one of the barriers separating the LCL sea from the purified water surrounding Okinawa Island. "I feel bad for messing it up," he went on.
Kaji gave him a reassuring smile. "You shouldn't," he said. "Third Impact was very traumatic, but it gave everyone a chance to start over. Billions of people are alive now because of you. You should be proud of that."
Shinji's eyes widened. "Billions?"
Kaji nodded. "Half the world's population was lost in the aftermath of Second Impact. Because of Lilith's efforts, efforts she made on your behalf, all of those people have the opportunity to return. Not all of them have, of course." He smiled sadly. "And in some places, far too many have come back, which has led to some of the same problems that got them killed to begin with. But even so, getting a second chance like that is a wonderful thing."
Shinji nodded. "That's right," he agreed. "Asuka's alive because of that, isn't she? And Misato, and you . . . everyone I've lost is back, apart from Ayanami and Kaworu."
"And now," Kaji went on, "we're restoring the world. Even the simple act of making the world livable again is quite the feat, but we've pooled our resources and begun to make it happen. That wouldn't have been possible without your efforts."
"I'm glad I came here," Shinji said. He frowned. "But I wish Miss Misato had come as well."
"Katsuragi wouldn't come," Kaji said. "The ocean makes her remember."
"Remember what?" Shinji asked.
"Second Impact," he said.
Shinji thought for a moment. "That's right," he said. "Her father . . . "
Kaji nodded. "In the end," Kaji went on, "she was saved by the very father she resented." He turned toward Shinji, giving him a weak smile. "Being a survivor means many things," he said. "You must accept the sacrifices of the dead, and carry on their wills. This is all the more true when you are alone."
"I see," Shinji said. "But," he murmured, "she's not alone, is she? Not anymore. She has us."
Kaji laughed. "That's true," he said. He thought a moment. "I think that, with the Angels gone, she was finally able to let her father go and focus on her own life."
Shinji stared at the water thoughtfully. "Is that true?" he mused. "I wonder what he said to her in Instrumentality."
Kaji gave him a curious look. Any reply he might have given was cut off by a shout from the barrier wall. "What are  you two doing out here?" Asuka whined, standing near the access hatch. "You should be in here, with me."
Kaji laughed. "Sorry, Asuka dear," he said. "Shinji and I were just having a talk, man to man. You don't mind, do you?"
Asuka shrugged. "Whatever. He needs a good talking to." She crossed her arms. "But wandering off without me? Unacceptable."
Shinji gave her a nervous smile. "Sorry, 'Suka," he said, he and Kaji making their way toward her.
She shrugged. "Hmph," she said. She eyed him sidelong. "Well, if you're done with your 'talk', can we get back to the fish and such?"
Kaji laughed. "I thought they were boring!"
"They're weird, but as long as we're here we might as well see it all." She glowered at Shinji. "I didn't endure all of that crap so you two could sit here and jawjack like you do at home!"
Shinji rolled his eyes. "Alright," he said, humoring her. "Let's get back to the fish, then!"

July 23, 2021

Asuka slurped down the last of her ramen and threw the takeout container in the garbage. "Thanks for bringing me lunch, Shinji," she said.
Shinji smiled at her. "No problem," he said. "I know you've been working hard."
She grimaced. "Don't remind me. I don't know how I let Misato talk me into this; grad school really sucks."
Shinji shrugged. "It's not her fault you're a genius," he said mildly.
She stuck out her tongue, earning her a laugh. Both looked up when they heard a knock on the door.
"Speak of the devil," Asuka said. "What's up, Misato?"
Colonel Katsuragi entered the office, a broad grin on her face. "Heya kids!" she beamed. "I have a surprise for you!" She tapped on her smartphone, then held it toward them, brandishing it proudly. "Ta-da! Tickets for two to O-ki-na-wa!"
"Really?" Shinji said, excitement in his voice. "That's great! Thanks Misato!"
Misato grinned proudly. "I remembered that you two were forced to miss your class trip back when you were piloting, so I thought I'd make it up to you." She turned toward Asuka. "What do you think?"
Asuka made a face. "Pass."
Misato reared back in shock. "Whaaaaaat? But you were furious when you missed it before . . . "
Asuka pulled up her shirt, revealing the scars covering her belly. "I didn't have these before," she said. "And I didn't have to worry about being recognized by someone with an axe to grind, either. No thanks!"
Misato held up a hand, urging calm. "Now Asuka, keep an open mind. There's no need to be a stick in the mud."
Shinji nodded. "Yeah. Besides, that's my job."
Asuka scowled at him. "You're supposed to be on my side," she grumped.
Shinji crossed his arms, sticking out his chin. "Not when you're set on hiding out, I'm not. That's silly, and you shouldn't think like that."
Asuka rolled her eyes. "It's reality, you moron."
Misato shook her head. "Not necessarily," she began. "You'll need a new swimsuit anyway, since you've grown a good twenty centimeters since you last wore one. We'll get you a one-piece so you won't have to feel self-conscious."
Asuka scoffed at her. "That doesn't do anything about my arm," she pointed out. "Or my eye."
Misato crossed her arms, giving Asuka a lopsided grin. "Trust me, Asuka," she said mildly, "when you're decked out in a sexy swimsuit no one's gonna notice your arm." She turned to Shinji. "Right Shinji?"
"Yeah," Shinji said, nodding. He had a faraway look in his eyes. Asuka glared at him and smacked the back of his head. "Stop ogling me," she spat.
"Ow!" He rubbed his head gingerly, giving her an aggrieved look. "I wasn't!"
"You were thinking about it," she grumbled.
Shinji just sighed.
Misato laughed at their antics. "It gets better," she went on. "I booked you in to a hotel on Senega island, which has hot springs with . . . " she paused dramatically. " . . . mixed bathing!"
Asuka blanched. "You gotta be kidding me," she squeaked.
Misato shook her head, grinning shamelessly. "Nope! It's very romantic, and very tasteful. And, most importantly," she said, holding up a finger, "it's very relaxed. I hear it's quite therapeutic."
Shinji nudged Asuka. "That does fit in line with our therapy goals, you know," he said pointedly.
Asuka scowled at him. "You just want an excuse to ogle me," she grumbled.
He nodded sagely. "Yes. I do."
"Oh my god!" she exclaimed, incredulous. "You admit it?"
He rolled his eyes. "I'm your boyfriend, Asuka. I'm supposed to enjoy looking at you."
Misato snickered. Asuka shot her a frosty glare, then asked, "what about security and such?"
Misato nodded. "I've already made the arrangements," she explained. "There will be two Section 2 agents stationed at the hotel, and they'll keep a low profile. You won't even know they're there."
Asuka snorted. "Yeah, right." She looked at Shinji. His eyes were big and round, full of hope and pleading. She sighed, rubbing her eyes with one hand. "Fine," she said. "We can go."
Misato and Shinji both cheered.
Asuka stabbed a finger toward Misato. "But you're buying me that new swimsuit," she grumbled.
Misato nodded. "Yes, yes, that's fine," she said.

Asuka followed Misato into the swimwear shop, thinking perhaps about the last time she'd been in such a place. She grimaced as she looked around. "This is a bad idea," she mumbled.
Misato gave her a reassuring smile and she started looking through swimsuits. "It will be fine," she said. "You'll see. Shinji will show you a good time when you get there. He's grown up a lot lately -- give him some credit."
"Tch," Asuka said. "He's not the problem."
"That's enough of that," Misato said. She held up a suit. "How 'bout this one?"
Asuka wrinkled her nose in distaste. "Boring."
Misato arched an eyebrow. She grabbed another suit. "This one?"
Asuka shook her head. "It's supposed to cover me up, not expose me."
Misato gave her a wicked grin. "This one, then?"
Asuka's eyes went wide. "That . . . that doesn't even have a back!"
Misato laughed. "Sure it does," she said. "It's just a thong."
"That's not a back!" Asuka said, shuddering.
And so it went. Suit after suit was rejected, most because they were "boring" but many on account of coverage (or lack thereof). With two dozen suits down, Misato sighed in exasperation. "Man, Shinji really has his work cut out for him. I know you've been through a lot, but you've gotten really uptight these past few years."
Asuka glowered at her. "It's not like I don't know that," she bit out. "But you should understand how I feel!" she protested. "You have one too!"
Misato shrugged. "Anyone looking my way was always too distracted to focus on my scar. It's never really come up."
Asuka flushed. "Yeah, well, some of us aren't so lucky."
Misato stared at her. "Do you really believe that?" she asked.
Asuka shrugged.
Misato sighed sadly. It seemed kind words weren't going to do the trick. "Well, hopefully Shinji can convince you otherwise. He really--" She stopped, her eyes lighting up. "Oh wow," she said. "That's perfect!"
Asuka followed her gaze, and saw a one-piece turtleneck suit. The legs were cut high, and the front and back were both solid. The best part, though, was the color -- red with white trim.
"You have got to try that on," Misato said.
"But--" Asuka protested.
"No buts," Misato interrupted, voice firm. "That will look great on you, trust me."
Asuka frowned, but grabbed the suit and headed for a fitting room. When she emerged she was tugging at the material above her legs. "It's cut too high," she whined, "and it doesn't cover my ass."
Misato rolled her eyes. "Don't be such a prude, Asuka. You have a great ass, it wouldn't hurt you to show it off a little." She zipped up the suit and guided Asuka to a position in front of a mirror. Her face broke into a broad smile when she saw the girl's reflection. "I knew it," she said triumphantly. "You look great!"
Asuka frowned in concentration, studying her reflection. After a few moments she nodded, satisfied. "I do like the cut of it," she said. "And it does make my legs look good." She nodded again. "Yeah, this one's good. I'll take it."
Misato nodded. "Great! Go get changed and we'll head home."
When Asuka returned, suit in hand, Misato checked the price tag. "12,500 yen?" she whined. "You gotta be kidding me!" She glowered at Asuka. "You have expensive taste, kiddo."
Asuka shrugged. "Don't blame me," she quipped. "You're the one who found it. All I gotta do is look good in it."
Misato laughed. "Well, you're doing your job, then." She sighed as they headed toward the register. "I just hope Shinji appreciates it."

January 14, 2016

They sat on the beach, several meters between them. Neither had spoken for quite some time. It was light now, but that didn't make the setting seem any less surreal -- the ocean was still LCL, the shattered head of Lilith still lay on the horizon, the painted moon was still visible, and the ring of souls still surrounded the Earth. She had unwrapped the bandages around her arm, and found it was intact: a scar ran down its length, but it appeared to be entirely cosmetic. She sat now with arms folded atop her knees, her head resting upon them.
Eventually, Shinji felt the need to speak. "Asuka . . . ?" he began.
If she heard him, she chose not to reply.
"I'm . . . um, really sorry that I didn't do anything to help you," he said. "The Eva . . . I mean, I couldn't--"
"Shut up," she spat.
"But--" he protested.
"I already know all of that, you moron." Her voice sounded tired.
"You?" he said, confused.
"I was in your head, remember? I know every disgusting secret in that perverted little head of yours."
"Oh," he said. "That's right, I guess that is what happened. I guess it's only natural that you'd hate me after that."
She gave him a worn, resigned look, then lay her head back on her arms. "That's not why I hate you," she mumbled.
Shinji winced. "Yeah," he said. "Yeah, I guess that's right. I . . . " he trailed off. He looked out at the ocean, and the twisted visage of Lilith. He shuddered. "I wonder if Misato will come back," he murmured.
"Tch," Asuka spat. "That stupid cow! I hope she rots in the ocean forever."
Shinji's eyes widened. "Asuka . . . "
She ignored him, clenching her fists. "I can't believe she did that," she whispered. "She already had Kaji, and then . . . " She briefly recalled watching a conversation between Shinji and Rei, when they were waiting for the train. "It's not like I ever had a chance anyway," she grumbled, "but even so, flaunting her body like that . . . " She narrowed her eyes, then stood up. She turned toward Shinji, kicking sand in his face. "And you didn't even appreciate it!" she seethed. "That's what really burns me up! You get everything handed to you, everything that should be mine, and you don't even want it!"
"I'm sorry--"
"Don't apologize!" she snarled, stamping her foot. "God damn it, weren't you paying attention at all?"
He slumped. "What do you want me to do, Asuka? Would it really make you feel better if I gloated about it?"
She didn't respond. She just hugged herself and turned to look out at the ocean.
"Besides," he went on, "I didn't get what you wanted. I wanted the same thing you did, and I didn't get it. I just . . . I guess I just lost it in a different way."
She sank to her knees, shivering despite the heat. "This is such a fucking joke," she mumbled. "I should have let you finish me off when I had the chance."
He leapt toward her, grabbing her by the shoulders. "Don't say that!" he cried.
A look of fury crossed her face. She brought a foot up between them, planting it on his chest, and pushed, hard. He flew back, sprawling in the sand. "Don't touch me!" she yelled. "Not now, not ever! Do you understand? Do not touch me!"
He held up a hand, placating her. "Okay," he said, "I understand. But please, don't say things like that. I don't . . . " He shook his head. "You don't know what it was like, having no one else around. It was horrible, Asuka. I felt like I went insane. And I don't . . . I really don't want to feel that way again. And I don't want you to feel that way either! So please, just--"
She stood up. "Shut up, you moron." She turned, and started walking.
"Wait!" he cried. "Where are you going?" He started following her.
"Anywhere else but here," she muttered.
"Can I . . .  ?" he asked, pleading.
"Oh, do whatever you want!" she snapped. "Just shut up already!"
He fell into step behind her, and did as she bade.

August 12, 2016

Misato found him in the shelter's common area, noticeably agitated. "There you are, Shinji. I've been looking for you."
"Where is she?" he asked. "She wasn't there when I woke up. I've been looking for her, but I can't find her. Where did she go?" There was an edge of panic in his voice.
"Calm down," Misato soothed. "Asuka's fine. You two spoke with the doctor, do you remember that? Dr. Okada?"
Shinji nodded. "Yes, I remember."
Misato smiled at him. "Okay," she said. "He and Asuka talked about her treatment options, just like he did with you. He asked her what she wanted to do, and she said she wanted to get away from here, to recover on her own."
Shinji's eyes widened. "What does that mean?" he asked. "She can't do that, she won't . . . I mean, who'll take care of her? No one's looking out for her, they'll--"
"It's fine, Shinji," Misato said, placing a hand on his shoulder. He shrank back from her touch; she pretended not to notice. "She went to a hospital in Kyoto. It's a specialized facility designed to help victims of severe trauma. There are many talented doctors there, and they'll look after her."
Shinji chewed his lip. After a moment he said, "But they don't know her, do they? They don't know she likes Western food, or how to treat her after she's had a bad dream, or . . . or anything!" He looked at the ground, despondent. "Why didn't she say anything?" he asked.
Misato laughed nervously. "Well," she began, "if I had to guess, I'd say she didn't want to burden you. This was a big decision, and it was one she had to make herself. Dragging you into it wouldn't be fair to either of you."
Shinji frowned, clearly unconvinced.
Misato coughed, then crossed her arms. "Well, enough about Asuka," she said. When Shinji glared at her, she waved her hand and said, "What I mean by that is, we have to figure out what we're going to do with you!" She smiled brightly. "If you want, you can stay with me again. I've got a place set up, and .  .  . " She trailed off, noting Shinji's dubious stare. She laughed nervously. "Well, maybe that's not such a hot idea," she said. "But!" she said, smiling brightly, "I have alternatives! How would you like living on your own?"
Shinji's eyes widened. "Um . . . "
Misato laughed. "Don't worry, I'm not throwing you to the wolves. There are plenty of apartments available in my complex, and I figured you could live in one of them. You'd be living on your own, with plenty of privacy if you want it, but I'd be right down the hall if you need anything. And I'd take care of all of the arrangements, so you wouldn't have to worry about anything. How does that sound?"
Shinji frowned, considering. "I guess that'd be fine," he said. He looked at her directly. "I don't--" he began. "I mean . . . " He looked down, unable to continue.
Misato took his hand. "What is it?" she asked, her voice gentle.
Shinji stiffened at her touch, but didn't withdraw his hand. "You said . . . " he began. He coughed, and then continued. "You said we'd . . . do the rest when I came back." He blushed furiously. "I mean . . . "
Misato gulped. "I remember," she said.
Shinji withdrew his hand, hugging himself. "I don't . . . " he began. "I mean, if it's alright, I don't . . . " his voice dropped to a whisper. "I don't want to do that." He snuck a glance at her, then looked back at the floor. "I'm sorry, I don't want to be insulting or anything. It's just . . . "
Misato smiled, then touched his shoulder gently. This time he didn't shrink back. "It's okay," she said. "What I said then was . . . " she paused, trying to find the words. "It was . . . inappropriate. I shouldn't have said that. I was just . . . " she sighed. "I was trying anything I could to keep you in the fight, you know? I knew I was dying, and I never thought we'd wind up discussing it." She patted his shoulder, laughing all the while.
Shinji noted her discomfort, but couldn't quite let it go. "That wasn't the first time," he noted.
Misato cringed, then laughed self-consciously. "Shinji, c'mon. I didn't mean it like that, alright?" He scowled at her, and she held out her hands defensively. "Okay!" she admitted. "Okay, I did mean it like that, but it was . . . it was a tactic, alright? I was desperate, and there was so much at stake . . . " She sighed. "That's really no excuse," she went on, "but even so, it's true. Believe me, Shinji, I'm not some . . . " she waved her arms expressively, "some pedophile who's into younger guys. I just thought, 'Maybe this will work,' and gave it a shot. That's all it was. I promise, Shinji, you don't need to worry about that. You really don't."
Shinji frowned, considering. "But you always teased me," he said. "All that sex stuff, and the skimpy clothes, and . . . "
Misato groaned in frustration. "Oh, come on, Shinji, I was just teasing!" She put her hands on her hips, planting her feet for emphasis. "Look, kid, there's only one man in my life, and you aren't him. Don't read too much into things that aren't meant to be taken seriously! I was just teasing you, that's all. I'll admit it went too far, and I'm sorry if it hurt you, but I'm telling you right now that I don't view you that way at all. It's important that you understand that."
"Well . . . " Shinji began.
"And besides," Misato continued, her tone flippant, "what would Asuka think if she knew you were fixated on your guardian like that?"
Shinji scowled at her. "Hey!"
Misato smirked. "She'd be mad, right?" She gave him a sage nod. "Yep, she would be, I'm sure of it. So what do you say we put this behind us and move forward as friends?" She sounded blasé, but there was a note of pleading in her tone.
Shinji just stared at her, then smiled and nodded. "Alright," he said. "I guess that's fine."
Misato brightened, clearly relieved. "Great!" she said. "I'll make the arrangements for your new place right away. We'll have you moved in in a jiffy!"
Shinji frowned. "But Asuka . . . "
"Don't worry," Misato said, consoling him. "I'm keeping tabs on her, and I'll make sure she knows how to contact you. She'll be fine, Shinji. I promise."

April 09, 2021

Asuka padded into the kitchen, trying to escape sleep's  grasp as she made to prepare breakfast. She was searching through the refrigerator when she felt a sharp peck on her calf. "Ow!" she cried. She spun around. "What the fuck?"
Pen Pen looked up at her mildly. "Whark."
"Huh?" she blinked. Then, "Oh." She glanced in the refrigerator. "I don't think he thawed anything for you. Last night was pretty rough for him."
Pen Pen's eyes widened. "Whark!" he demanded.
"Alright, fine, I'll see what we have," she grumbled, opening the freezer. "Well, there's a herring here, but it's much too big--"
"Whark!"
"You've got to be kidding," she protested. It's gotta be 30 centimeters long!"
"Whark! Whark!" Pen Pen was literally hopping up and down with excitement.
"Okay, okay! But it's frozen! How do you plan to eat it?" She held it out for effect. It was stiff as a board.
Pen Pen balked at that. "Whark . . . "
"I guess I could defrost it in the microwave or something . . . " she mused.
"Whark!" he said.
"Fine, fine," she muttered. She stuffed the thing into the microwave. "How long?" she wondered. "Three minutes, maybe?"
Pen Pen shuffled uncertainly. "Whark?"
Asuka shrugged. "Close enough."
They waited a bit. After a minute or so, Pen Pen pointed a flipper toward Shinji's room. "Whark?"
Asuka cocked her head. "What, the idiot?" she asked. "What about him?"
"Whark!" he said.
"Well, of course!" she exclaimed. "A girl has to take care of her toys if she's going to get any use out of them."
"Whark?!" he asked, incredulous.
"Oh my God, are you kidding me? Of course I'm not serious! What the fuck is wrong with you?"
The penguin gave her a deadpan stare. "Whark."
"Get this straight, bird brain," she growled. "I am the cause of, and the solution to, most of Shinji's problems. Of course I'll take care of him!"
Pen Pen looked at her with one eye, then the other, clearly skeptical. "Whark," he said.
Asuka opened her mouth to respond, but was interrupted by the ding of the microwave. She glowered at the penguin before retrieving the fish. She looked at Pen Pen skeptically. "Are you sure about this?" she asked. "It's pretty big."
Pen Pen waddled from one foot to the other, beak open expectantly. "Whark!" he exclaimed. "Whark!"
"Okay," she said. "If you insist." She fed him the fish, her eyes widening in surprise as he managed to down the entire thing. "Well alright then," she said. "Happy now?"
Pen Pen's eyes closed as he sighed in absolute contentment. "Whaaark."
Asuka smirked and turned back toward the refrigerator. "Fine," she said. "Then go away and let me make breakfast."
Pen Pen pecked her again.
"Ow!" she exclaimed, turning around. "Now what do you want?"
"Whark!"
Asuka gave him a puzzled look, then looked around. "Oh, right," she said, spotting a tablet on the counter. She pulled up a newsfeed, then handed it to the penguin. "Now will you please go away? I really need to get things ready for Shinji."
"Whark." Pen Pen accepted the tablet, then waddled off toward his refrigerator. Asuka, for her part, returned to the refrigerator, assembling a breakfast of fruits and cheese while wondering how she would handle an upset Shinji.