Neon Genesis Evangelion: After 3rd Impact

Chapter 10: True Love Found/Everything You've Ever Dreamed

Sailor Star Dust

August/September 2006

Rating: PG-13

AN: Lyrics to Everything You've Ever Dreamed (singer ARIANNE) are used in this fic, no infringement intended. The song can be found on track 26 (gasp!) on the Refrain Of Evangelion CD. And, no, Eva doesn't belong to me, as I forgot to write that disclaimer in the last 9 chapters...Ehehe.

"Say..." "What?" "What are "dreams"?" "Dreams?" "Yes. Dreams." Shinji, Misato, Asuka & Rei, The End of Evangelion.

Asuka thought back to a few hours ago when she and Rei had first brought Shinji home.

Shinji let out a groan as he lay on the couch, sweating despite being covered up. "Uh...N-no...I can't take it anymore. Father, don't make me pilot that thing again! Mother, stop! No...NO! Touji! Asuka! Rei! Kaworu-kun! Misato-san! I failed you all...! I FAILED YOU ALL!"

Asuka's eyes went wide.

Subconsciously...he's still hung up on the past? No wonder he's sick; he stressed himself out!

Not caring he was delirious, Asuka angrily replied. "Listen to me, stupid Shinji! You didn't fail ANYBODY!"

She narrowed her tear-filled eyes. "How can you still think that after saving us all? Does receiving my love mean NOTHING to you? Are you just plain stupid or something!"

Right-hand twitching, the boy reached out for the redhead. "Asuka...Help me, Asuka. Don't make me go through this alone. Please help me..."

Kissing his hand and holding it, she nodded. "I'm here, Shinji. I'm here to help you..."

Thrashing about his bed, his breathing grew heavy.

"Asuka...Help me...help me...help me!"

Groaning again, he began mumbling the words "Help Me, Asuka" to himself. "Shinji, it's alright now. I'm here. I don't know if you can hear me in your subconscious or not, but now, things ARE good between us. We both decided to accept the past and live for now by loving each other. Please remember that! Alright?"

Shinji calmed down once Asuka put her hand on his forehead.

"At least he relaxed now.", she sighed.

"Rei, do you think Shinji will be okay?"

"I'm not certain. But, I think he should be fine in the morning, provided he gets enough sleep."

Asuka breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank goodness for that!"

One look at her boyfriend's current state, however, caused Asuka's anxiety to return.

Looking at his pale, shivering, form made the girl sob brokenly.

She buried her face into her hands, crying, "All you want is to help Rei and I get along, but now, we can't even help you in return! Damn it, Shinji, don't die! Not now!"

Eyes narrowing as she sobbed, she frantically held onto the collar of his shirt.

"If you die now, after facing everything else that happened, I won't forgive you! I won't forgive you for the rest of my life!"

Asuka brushed off the feeling of deja vu she had from saying those words and continued to cry into his shirt.

Rei had watched in silence, not knowing what to do or what she could say.

Asuka is sad because she is worried about Shinji-kun, but why doesn't she have Faith that life will take care of itself? Perhaps she just needs comfort?

Finally, Rei hesitantly said: "Asuka?"

Not bothering to look up, the German girl replied. "What?"

Somewhat unsure of her words being reassuring, Rei quietly spoke. "It's alright. Ikari-kun will be okay because he has you by his side."

With that, Asuka began sobbing into Rei's arms.

Rei blinked out of surprise, then slowly put her arms around the redhead.

The blue-haired girl was surprised to realize she was crying, as well.

Asuka tiredly rubbed her eyes.

"I'm sorry about crying just now. The stress is getting to me."

"Don't worry about it, Asuka. Crying once in a while is a good way to release your feelings."

Sniffling slightly, the girl muttered, "Would have been nice if I'd realize that when I was younger...Maybe I wouldn't have ended up with such a screwed-up self-worship and self-doubt complex then."

She abruptly cleared her throat. Come on, say something! You want to get over all this, right?

After a few moments of awkward silence, Asuka spoke. "...I know you've always been only looking out for Shinji's best interests. I was just so afraid you'd take him away from me, that he couldn't be mine, that I..."

She sighed loudly.

"You also reminded me too much of my past, so I hated you. I was afraid I'd end up like a doll myself, or even worse, be all alone like you seemed to be. But now I know how wrong I was to judge you, Rei. You found yourself and became your own person in the end. I respect you now, but I know that's not enough."

Taking in a deep breath, Asuka said, "I...I'm sorry for hurting you, Rei. Could you...ever forgive me for my past behavior?"

Smiling almost lovingly at Asuka, the blue-haired girl nodded.

"Of course I can. You were able to get over your own insecurities and realize life is wonderful. You also now realize being number one isn't everything. That's all I need to know. I don't mind how you treated me."

Asuka looked surprised at that. "Eh? But, there must be some way I can be properly forgiven..."

Rei smiled slightly. "Grant me one request and we'll call it even."

"Sure, anything! What?"

Looking at Shinji, Rei lovingly stroked his cheek.

Gasping slightly as Rei spoke, Asuka could have sworn she looked and sounded like Yui for an instant.

She remembered hearing and seeing the woman in the LCL Sea as Shinji returned to reality...

Only moments after he washed up on shore would she return herself.

"Take care of Shinji for me. He's a good boy, but will need reassurance from time to time that he did the right thing."

Transfixed, Asuka replied after a moment, blushing.

"Of course. I'll always be by his side...Because I love him."

Looking and sounding as herself again, Rei smiled warmly.

"Thank you, Asuka."

Asuka's thoughts were interrupted as Rei came back home.

"I'm home, Asuka. So, how's Shinji?"

Asuka smiled a bit. "Hey, Rei. Shinji seems to be feeling somewhat better now. He woke up about 10 minutes after you left. We talked for a few minutes, then he fell back to sleep. I guess being sick really wore him out."

"Yeah...Oh, I got him some medicine!"

"Wunderbar! Since you're back, I'll add some more wood to the fire . Don't want poor Shin-chan to have a relapse."

"Good, thanks."

Besides sharing the common feeling of caring for Shinji, the two young women discovered other interests they shared.

One was psychology.

"Really? You feel that way about Freud's theory, Rei? I always thought..."

"I know, but Jung made some good points, too, what with..."

"Hmm. Good point. Though what I studied in College seemed to..."

"Ah, that's right, Asuka. You already graduated from College. What was your Major?"

"Oh, my Major was kid's stuff, really. My degree was a combination of science and math. Specifically, it dealt with the Evangelion Program, but with what happened that idea went down the toilet, so..."

She sighed loudly, "Guess I'll have to eventually go to a University and figure out what else I can do."

"Hmm, I see. You're still young, though, so don't worry." "Thanks."

The two girls suddenly heard soft moaning.

Turning, they noticed Shinji slowly beginning to stir. Asuka blinked, stunned. "Shinji!"

The young boy slowly opened his eyes, and blinked.

Words previously spoken by both Rei and Asuka left his lips: "I'm still alive..." Groggily looking around, he was surprised to see Asuka and Rei sitting together, no visible injuries on either.

"Asuka? Ayanami... I must be dreaming. Asuka and Rei are getting along." "Shinji! Shinji, are you okay?" "Shinji-kun, how are you feeling?"

A pause. "I'm not sure yet."

He blinked again, looking from Asuka to Rei. "You two...took care of me together?"

Trying to act cheerful, Asuka rolled her eyes. "Anta baka? Of course we did, Shinji! Why wouldn't we since we both love you?"

He turned red at those words as his eyes became wet. "I..."

Sighing, Asuka hugged him, kissing his head. "It's okay, Shinji. There's nothing to be sad about."

A warm smile. "Right?"

He nodded, regaining his composure. "Yeah. Thank you, Asuka."

Rei gently stroked Shinji's hand for a moment, then sat on the other side of him. "I'm sorry you used to think nobody cared for you, Shinji. We did, but none of us knew how to express our feelings. Asuka, because of her pride and later depression. Major Katsuragi because of her confusion and loneliness after Kaji-san's death."

Asuka visibly tensed at those words, but said nothing.

"And myself, because of not knowing who or what I was. Because I didn't know my identity, I couldn't love myself. Because I couldn't love myself, I couldn't love others. But, things are different now."

Asuka, quietly looking at the floor, nodded slightly in agreement.

"After Third Impact, things became different for all of us." She looked at Shinji, eyes sad.

"Especially for Third Children over here. Please get well soon, Shinji. I worry about you..."

"I'll try." Shinji leaned tiredly against Asuka, knowing he'd probably fall asleep.

He felt so exhausted...

"Shinji-kun?" "Mmh?"

"One last thing. Major Katsuragi, or Misato-san as you call her, did love you. Why else would she give up her life to protect you?"

The boy nodded, weary from the sad memory.

"I know. I love her, too."

Looking at the cross on his neck, he sighed. "I hope I can see her again..."

"I do, too. Despite her sloppy lifestyle at home, Misato was a great roommate and mother-figure for you."

Shinji cocked an eyebrow. "Eh? Asuka, she cared about you, too!"

Asuka smiled, teasing him. "But you were her favorite of us three."

The boy blinked as he closed his tired blue eyes. "Ugh, I feel like I'm going to collapse..."

"Here, Shinji. Let me make you comfortable."

She and Rei both stood up from the couch.

The redhead fluffed his pillow as he sat upright.

Rei checked his temperature then gave him his cold medicine.

She giggled, "Now, be good and don't complain about taking this." Shinji tiredly rolled his eyes at that, sniffling. "Yes, mom."

He laid down, staring at the ceiling in momentary silence.

Jeez! Freaking unfamiliar ceilings! They drive me nuts!

Again taking a seat next to the boy, Asuka put her arm around him, stroking his hair.

Sighing contently, the boy fell fast asleep. He snuggled against her warm lap as if he were a cat. "Asuka-chan..."

Asuka slowly blinked. "Wow. Shinji must be out of it from his meds to add that honorific to my name."

"After taking his temperature, it does seem like Shinji-kun will be okay once he gets some rest."

"Eh, really?"

Asuka watched the sleeping boy in her arms and blushed slightly. "Hey, Rei? Why don't you go to bed? I'll keep an eye on Shinji."

"Are you sure you aren't tired?"

Asuka managed a smile at that. "Nah, I'm fine." "Well, if you say so..."

Walking to her bed, she paused. "Good night, Asuka."

"Yeah. Guten nacht!"

Rei smiled as she got into bed.

Despite her words, Asuka did end up falling asleep soon after.

Her body leaning against the edge of his bed, her head rested on Shinji's chest as she still held onto his right hand.

Waking up that morning, Shinji let out a yawn as he stretched his arms.

Starting today, it's been a week since we returned and this is what we had to go through? Still, at least the three of us are together. "Hmm?"

Looking around, he was startled to see Rei floating near the ceiling.

She watched over a sleeping Asuka, who was at his bedside.

He nervously asked, "Ayanami...?"

As if broken away from a trance, Rei gasped slightly as she floated back down towards the ground.

Staring into his somewhat frightened blue eyes, the girl simply regarded: "Ikari-kun."

Nervous as hell, the boy stuttered: "Re...Rei? What...were you...doing?"

"Watching over you and Asuka."

"Um..."

Suddenly remembering something, his eyes widened as he gasped.

Ayanami Rei...Watching over me...

Seeing her on the street when he first arrived to New Tokyo-3...

Watching her out in space as she looked at Eva Unit 01...

Her floating above the LCL Sea, staring at Shinji in silence...

Having a feeling he already knew the answer, the boy asked:

"Ayanami...who was that girl who appeared before me several times...?"

"It was me. The third one." "EH? How did you-"

"It is my duty to watch over mankind, and make sure the right path is taken."

"I...see."

Silence.

"Um...Ayanami?"

She blinked. "What?"

"Thank you."

A smile as she blushed slightly. "You're welcome."

Rei sat down and the two friends talked.

"Shinji-kun...what is your current view on happiness?"

Ah, yes. Shinji remembered all too well the various trips into his mind. He and Rei, who was trying help him, would discuss various topics together as they sat in a train of Shinji's inner despair.

The last time Shinji was there, not only Rei, but Misato and Asuka were along for the ride inside his most private reaches.

"Being with Asuka, and being alive."

She smiled. "I'm glad to hear that."

"Even if others hurt me, it's okay. Like mother said, happiness can be found anywhere as along as we're alive." "Eh? That's a good point." "Asuka!"

"Morning." She kissed his cheek as Shinji held Asuka's hands.

"I wonder...will anyone else return? It's not so lonely because you and Rei are with me, but...This world doesn't have to be such as a sad place as long as people change."

Rei nodded in agreement.

"Too true. Of course, people need to be willing to change of their own free will..." Standing up, Rei cheerfully said, "Well, that's enough of deep discussions for one day. There's something I have to do, so... Later, okay?"

Shinji was confused, though he responded: "Oh, okay. See you later."

Asuka smirked to herself. Shinji and I will be alone, huh? Chance!

Smiling at Asuka, Rei knowingly whispered, "Good luck."

Rei quietly left, leaving a confused Shinji and happy Asuka to their thoughts.

I'm lost...what's going on here?

Yay! Finally, just some alone time for Shinji and I!

A sudden thought struck her.

Though how can I be in the mood to make out with him under these circumstances?

"I wonder where Rei wandered off to?"

"How should I know?"

Frowning, she sighed loudly at her previous train of thought. "Damn!"

"Huh? What's wrong, Asuka?"

Groaning, Asuka's head rested on the table.

"To think you know all my thoughts and feelings! How embarrassing!"

"You're still upset about that?"

"A little. But that's because it's an emotional thing!"

"I'm the one who should be embarrassed! You know what a nervous wreck I turned out to be after all that!"

"Don't you mean before?" "Shut up!"

She narrowed her eyes at him, somewhat annoyed.

Shinji backed away, nervous. "Wh...what?"

"So, Shinji...Do you know what I meant when I thought that?"

"Eh? That?"

/"Why the hell are you there! You don't know anything! You don't help me! You won't even hold me!"/

He frowned, blushing.

"Of course. I know you wanted my help and love, so, does that mean...Did Instrumentality help you understand why getting close to you was so hard for me?"

/"Asuka never tells me anything. You don't tell me anything but you expect me to understand you! That's IMPOSSIBILE!"/

"It did. Even if we got nothing else out of the experience of Instrumentality, at least there's the fact we're together now. "

There's no need for me to apologize if that all happened in his mind, right? After all, we couldn't do anything to control that even if we wanted to!

She paused. "Um, Shinji, are you feeling better?"

He nodded. "Uh-huh." She smiled wickedly. This isn't so bad, after all.

"Then, if you know my thoughts so well..." The German-Japanese redhead shot him a seductive look. "What am I thinking right now?"

/"Hey, Shinji. Do you wanna kiss?"/

He stammered out, "Um...uh...I don't really know, but I guess...Kissing?" Smirking, Asuka lay on top of him as his cheeks turned red.

"Mmh. Good guess."

The pair kissed softly on the lips, hugging.

Neither really knowing what to do, they experimented a little and did whatever came natural to them.

Asuka began by first gently biting on his bottom lip.

His mouth slightly open, she slowly slide her tongue into his mouth. "Mmh...Asuka..."

She stroked his brown hair, looking into his eyes.

Asuka's playful blue eyes seemed to say, "Pervert. I didn't even do anything yet." As she stroked Shinji's cheek with her free hand, the couple began french-kissing. The boy put his arms around Asuka's back, running his hands up and down. Smirking, she broke away from his mouth.

Shinji looked at her nervously as his cheeks burned. "Wh...what? Am I doing this wrong?"

Kissing his nose, the girl winked, blushing as well.

"Jeez...you really worry too much; you're shaking! Don't be so nervous! And it's okay for you to breath through your nose, you know. I don't want you passing out on me."

Smiling at that, he hugged Asuka.

Kissing his neck, she hugged him back.

As they resumed kissing, Asuka decided to be bold.

Her hand trailed down his back, and she gently squeezed his bottom through the fabric of his jeans.

Shinji groaned, his entire body feeling warm.

Thoughts to all the times he was attracted to her flashed through his mind.

His breathing grew heavy as he grunted softly, feeling his erection press against her stomach.

To his surprise, Asuka moaned loudly at that feeling; she knew she was getting sexually excited herself. "Mmh...Shin...ji...Feels good..."

Gulping, he kissed her neck, breathing, "I love you, Asuka...Uh..."

"Oh, Shinji, I love you, too..."

Throwing her arms around him, the redhead kissed him again.

Hand trembling, Shinji hesitantly reached out for her chest.

As Shinji slowly squeezed one of her breasts through her shirt, Asuka happily moaned.

"Oh, that feels good, Shinji...Mmh...This is fun!" "Ah...Asu...ka... Mmh...Kissing you feels really nice..."

She ran her fingers through his hair.

I love holding you...I feel so safe like this! Shinji...

Asuka...I love you... Being with you makes me realize I'm not worthless, after all...

Asuka's hands leaned against his chest as they stared into each other's eyes for a silent, peaceful moment, both blushing.

As they gently closed their eyes, Asuka bent down to resume kissing him. French-kissing, they embraced feverishly, kissing over and over again.

"Oh, Shinji, I want you..." "Asuka, uh...Me too..."

"Shinji...uh...Do you wanna do it?"

Shinji's hands slipped under her shirt, making their way towards her bra.

Asuka reached out to unzip his jeans.

"I want to watch you. Oh god, Shinji, I want to watch you!"

"Only if I can watch you, afterwards, Asuka...Then, we can..."

Looking passionately into each other's eyes, they promptly froze, realization coldly hitting them.

Shinji slowly broke away from her soft lips.

"I...I think we should stop. I don't want things to go too far."

Sighing, Asuka nodded as she reluctantly sat upright, readjusting her clothes. Shinji soon followed suite while Asuka looked ashamed.

"Am I a hypocrite? I said before I didn't want us to make love, and yet we almost... Shinji, I'm sorry. I..."

"It's alright, Asuka. I was caught up in what we were doing, too. At least we stopped before anything happened."

She sighed, feeling reassured. "Yeah, that's true."

They both still looked flushed, but sat in comfortable silence, holding hands.

Asuka suddenly hugged him, looking somewhat sad.

"Asuka?"

"I'm really glad you're okay now, Shinji. I want to understand you better this time around. I really do."

He smiled in reply.

"I do, too. I really love you, Asuka."

He gently kissed her, drawing her close to him.

She lovingly stroked his now slightly disheveled hair.

Both feeling too comfortable to move, they snuggled in each other's arms.

Neon Genesis Evangelion: After 3rd Impact

Chapter 10: Everything You've Ever Dreamed

Rei was meditating in the Sea of LCL.

Nude, she floated above the water, letting out a breath.

I have the soul of the second Angel, Lillith, mother of humanity. I am here to give the rest of humanity love and hope, as is the seventeenth Angel, Tabris, who has the soul of Adam, the first Angel. Ikari Shinji-kun saved us all, thus allowing us to keep hope and love alive. Evangelion Unit 01, Lilith's only offspring, helped hope and love live on, as well...

Red eyes wide, Rei gasped, suddenly looking surprised.

"The Shekinah are calling me. What is happening here? I don't see anything..." Concerned, Rei snapped out of her daze and swam back towards shore. Putting on a light kimono, she called back home using a working cell phone she recently found.

Hearing the phone ring, Shinji reluctantly broke away from Asuka's arms.

The couple nearly fell asleep holding each other.

Upset that the peaceful moment was rudely interrupted, the girl narrowed her blue eyes.

"What are you answering it for, baka Shinji? It's just Rei!"

"Yeah, but it could be important. She wouldn't call us for no reason."

The boy cleared his throat. "Hi, Rei. At the beach? Uh, okay, we'll be there soon." "Well?"

"Rei needs us at the LCL Beach. Something's happening there, but she's unsure of what. She said something about those Shekinah appearing."

Asuka looked concerned.

"You mean those copies of her that gathered everyone as LCL into Lillith-Rei?" "Yeah, it seems like it."

The 2nd and 3rd children soon arrived, greeted by Rei.

"I'm glad you two are here. I don't think either of you would want to miss this." "Huh?"

Stunned, they looked on, silent.

Before them were none other than Misato and Kaji.

Misato smiled gently at the three former Eva Pilots.

"It looks like we have the will to live, too."

Asuka couldn't help but sob uncontrollably as she saw Kaji and Misato, hand in hand. "Kaji-san!"

She hugged him tightly. "Thank God above! You're alive!"

The man fatherly hugged her in return. "It's alright, Asuka. I...always knew you were strong enough to get through everything. Good job."

Misato tearfully hugged both Shinji and Asuka.

"Shinji, thank you. I promise I'll be a better mother to you both this time around." Shinji and Asuka's eyes became wet at that.

Rei silently watched, smiling. She was suddenly pulled into the hug, as well.

"Rei, know that I care about you, too. I want to help you, as well."

Blinking, her cheeks turned red.

And here I thought I was like a mother to everyone, especially Shinji-kun. "Th...Thank you, Major Katsuragi."

Misato smiled at that. "No need for formality. Just Misato is fine."

A familiar voice behind Misato suddenly appeared.

"It's good to see you all again. Hi, Misato. Shinji-kun, thank you for saving us. And congratulations for finding yourself."

Misato was surprised as she turned. "Ritsuko! Maya, too?"

Hyuga and Aboa were standing nearby, too. "Hi, everyone. Major Katsuragi." "How are you all doing? It's been awhile."

Ritsuko and Maya were meanwhile holding hands as Maya blushed deeply. "Hello..."

Ritsuko smiled. "I didn't know Maya's feelings for me before, but I now know she truly cares for me."

"Of course, senpai. I'd never betray you. I have too much respect and love for you to do that."

Shinji bluntly asked, "Ritsuko-san, um, is it true you were dating my father for awhile?"

The doctor nodded, her voice bitter.

"He used both me and my mother, so it wasn't love on his part. That man did whatever was needed to reach his goals."

Shinji turned pale. "I feel sick...How could he do that?"

Asuka darkly suggested, "If he returns, maybe we should rush him as payback for all the terrible things he did."

Rei crossed her arms, nodding slightly in agreement.

"I know how you all feel. Commander Ikari used me for far too long, as well. At least I realized that before it was too late. Still, I wonder if Yui's words and his admitting the truth changed him."

"Eh? What happened when he saw Mother?"

"Shinji-kun, the reason he was cold to you was because Commander Ikari felt unworthy of being loved. Before he died, he...apologized to you for everything." The boy turned pale as his eyes widened. "No way..."

Ignoring the three children's private discussion, Misato turned to her friend. "Ritsuko, I'm you're best friend, right? Why'd you never tell me you were bisexual? After all, a person's sexual orientation shouldn't matter!"

The blonde sighed in reply. "That's a very good point. But I finally realized that about myself, Misato, so how could I tell you anything before?"

Misato promptly sweatdropped. "Oh..."

Kaji smiled. "Well, I wish you two the best with staying together."

Maya blushed, happy to know her friends accepted her being a lesbian.

"Yes, thank you!"

Shinji muttered quietly, "If Kensuke, Toji and Hikari return, I wonder if Hikari and Touji will be together?"

Asuka hoped for her best friend's sake, Shinji was right. "That'd be wonderful."

Shinji smiled.

"Well, I'm just glad that everything is okay now."

"Not everything."

Shinji's eyes widened at that voice.

He turned, and lo and behold, Gendou was there, staring coldly at him.

Fuyutsuki (a.k.a the only sane one besides Kaji) stood behind him, who's eyes meet Misato's.

"Please pardon my actions, Major Katsuragi."

"Vice-commander?"

His eyes grew sad. "Ikari Shinji-kun, thank you. However...I thought I was doing what Yui-kun would have wanted. I really did."

Gendou turned to his older comrade. "Why do you think I planned things according to my scenario and not SEELE's?"

Shinji narrowed his eyes. "Father..."

"Shinji, are you satisfied? Thanks to you, we all have to deal with pain again. And I can't be with my beloved Yui." Shinji's right hand twitched as he closed it then opened it again.

"Yes, I AM satisfied!", he replied, trying to keep the control in his voice.

"Because if there's no pain or pleasure in human interaction, then what's the point of living!"

Breathing heavily after his outburst, Shinji continued to glare at his father.

You wanted all of us to essentially die just because of your selfishness of wanting see mother again! Even worse, your efforts were useless from the start as mother was against it! Who CARES if you were against SEELE's scenario which was even worse?

"Father, I...I..."

I HATE YOU!

Silence.

Damn it...Damn it...Damn it! Why can't I finally say it now?

"Shinji..."

A pause.

"You've grown. Good work."

With that, the man turned, walking away.

Shinji stared in reply, floored.

"What the...hell just happened?"

Asuka, equally shocked, stood next to him.

"Amazing! I'd say things will finally be ok between you two now. I guess Instrumentality changed everyone including him."

"EH?"

Misato grinned, clasping her hands.

"Awww, how sweet! The father and son will finally do some bonding!"

Shinji's face turned red as he scowled.

"Misato-san, don't say stupid things like that!"

Rei blinked, puzzled by her friend's reaction. "Shinji-kun, aren't you happy? You're finally getting all you wished for."

"Of course I am! This is all just happening too fast that I can't keep up." Asuka playfully hit the boy on the back then put an arm around him.

"Well, no use worrying about it. Now's the time for us-all of us-to finally live our lives the way we want. The past is behind us, so let's just focus on the present."

Not caring he was in public, Shinji gave Asuka a hug at that.

"Yeah. You're right, Asuka."

Misato grinned, spoiling the mood as she whispered: "So...when do you want me, Shin-chan?"

Shinji blushed in reply as Asuka promptly slapped him. "Baka, baka, baka!" "MISATO-SAN! Why did you say that?"

She giggled out, "Just screwing with your mind. It's fun seeing you get mad because you take things so seriously."

Becoming serious herself, Misato eyed the couple critically.

"However, if you and Asuka are a couple, I don't think separate rooms are enough..."

They both turned red. "EH? Misato-san, We'd NEVER-"

Asuka stood in front of Shinji, pissed off.

"We're only 14! Misato, did you inhale too much LCL?"

The girl then held his hand tightly as she blushed.

"Regardless, Shinji and I are a couple now. We want to still live together after everything and that's final!"

Shinji nodded in agreement, too flustered to verbally respond.

Misato blinked in reply. "Of course you two can still live together! I just wanted to make sure you were both okay with it!"

Suddenly remembering something, the woman added, "Oh, and Shinji-kun? Hold onto my necklace for me. After surviving through Third Impact, it's yours now. Okay?"

"Really? It seems so important to you...But if you think I should hold onto it, then okay."

Remembering what Misato did for him, he smiled, touched. "If it weren't for you saving me, I wouldn't have found my answers. I finally realized that I'm okay being myself. Thank you, Misato-san."

Misato smiled in a motherly way as she gently stroked his hair.

"Of course. I'm just proud of you for doing the right thing."

Shinji then silently looked out towards the LCL Sea.

A Shekinah appeared, turning into Kaworu.

Shinji's eyes went wide. "Ka..woru...kun?"

The boy smiled gently.

"I wanted to see you one last time, since returning is impossible for me. Taking the form of one of Ayanami Rei's messenger's is the only way I could do so." "You really can't return, Kaworu-kun?"

He shook his head, red eyes looking sad for a brief moment.

"Of course not. We Angels and Humans had to reject each other, despite being fundamentality the same. My place is in the Sea of LCL..."

Shinji felt himself on the verge of tears. "No! Kaworu-kun, you're my best friend! You said you loved me, so please! Don't leave me for good!"

"Shinji-kun...you still have the others, don't you? Rei is there to watch over you all, and your other loved ones are by your side. Asuka, Major Katsuragi, Rei...they won't betray you. So take heart."

The 14-year-old nodded somewhat reluctantly. Sadly looking at the beach, he quietly began.

"Kaworu-kun..."

"Hmm?"

Blue eyes locked with red. "Thank you."

Kaworu was relived to see Shinji's eyes had hope and acceptance.

"You're welcome. Shinji-kun...Take care of yourself."

With those words, Kaworu had vanished.

Eyes wet, Shinji stared out towards the sea's horizon for a few more minutes. "Shinji?"

A warm hand fell onto his shoulder.

He turned his head to see Asuka staring at him, looking concerned.

"Are you okay?"

Shinji looked deeply into her eyes, then smiled.

"I'm fine. Because you're with me."

Asuka actually blushed at that. "Shinji..."

He smiled lovingly at her, feeling truly at peace with himself and the world for once.

The couple looked around, suddenly realizing they were the only ones at the beach. "I guess everyone else went back home."

Asuka nodded, suddenly holding onto his hand.

The sun began to slowly set behind the clouds.

The only sound was that of the LCL waves lapping along the shore.

As they walked along the shore in comfortable silence, Asuka abruptly asked, "Hey, Shinji?" "Yes?"

"Um...well...Will...we always be together?"

Shinji nodded shyly. "Of course. If that's what you want."

"It is."

Silence.

"Asuka...?"

"Yeah, Shinji?"

His heart thudded in his chest.

Gulping, he seriously, passionately, looked into her eyes.

"Asuka...when we're old enough, could you...will you...marry me?"

Asuka's blue eyes went wide as her heart pounded.

This couldn't be happening.

"What..?"

"Will you marry me, Asuka? Will you always be with me? Always there for us to support and love each other no matter what we go through? I'm not saying we'd have to have children or anything...But, I just want to be near you! You're the only one I want, Asuka!"

Eyes watering, Asuka threw her arms around him.

"Shinji! Yes, I will marry you! And as long as I'm with only you, nobody else, then I do want to have children! Shinji..."

Hugging tightly, the two young lovers began crying softly into each other's arms. "Shinji...I'm so happy right now...! You're everything I could ever hope for."

"I feel the same way. I've never felt happier, Asuka. Because...you're everything I ever dreamed."

Looking into each other's soft blue eyes, the couple lovingly caressed the other's cheek.

As Shinji and Asuka slowly, lovingly, kissed, they knew in their hearts that no matter what hardships or happiness life brought, they'd face it-all of it-together.

What was it she did to break your heart

Betray your heart and everything? Kiss you with a kiss that wasn't true, it wasn't you at all

Hide behind a painted smile, did you know that you would live a lie or two? Pull the very ground from under you And leave you nowhere else to run

You can sail the seven seas and find Love is a place you'll never see

Passing you like a summer breeze

You feel life has no other reason to be

You could wait a million years and find

That heaven's too far away from you

Love's just a thing that others do

What is love

'Til it comes home to you?

Did she promise you the world and did that

Girl just throw your love away?

Leave you like a lonely solitaire

With just despair for company?

Do you think you'd find revenge so sweet

Make it so your hearts will never beat

Squeeze the very last and dying breath from

Everything you've ever dreamed?

You can sail the seven seas and find Love is a place you'll never see

Passing you like a summer breeze

You feel life has no other reason to be

You could wait a million years and find

That heaven's too far away from you

Love's just a thing that others do

What is love

'Til it comes home to you?

You can sail the seven seas and find Love is a place you'll never see

Passing you like a summer breeze

You feel life has no other reason to be

You could wait a million years and find

That heaven's too far away from you

Love's just a thing that others do

What is love

'Til it comes home to you?

FIN

End AN: Well, that's the end! I'd like to thank Jesus, my agent, my publicist, the guy down the street, Mister all abs himself Strong Bad, Hideaki Anno-sensei and my pet goat Bob for making this fic possible. ...Just joking. Though I DO thank Hideaki Anno-sensei & GAINAX for creating Eva! And I thank Jesus, too, for any talent I might have.

I hope y'all enjoyed this story as much as I did writing it.

I might write a one-shot follow up, provided I can think of a good idea. What do you think? Let me know! For those of you wondering why I paired Ritsuko with Maya, it's because not only is Maya a sweetheart, but Rit-chan deserves better than that bastard Gendou. (He's a character I love to hate.)

Personally, some of the themes in this fic such as not giving up (with life), having hope and living for the present are actually more or less cathartic for me. I happen to have depression and anxiety problems myself, so getting these feelings out in a fanfic, Eva no less, helped make me feel somewhat better about life. Anyway, please take care of yourselves till next time!