Neon Genesis Evangelion: Together Forever

A sequel to After Third Impact

Sailor Star Dust

September/November 2006

Rating: PG-13

Disclaimer: Eva doesn't belong to me, but to the one and only kick-ass Studio GAINAX. Okay?

AN: This is a sequel to my fanfic series Neon Genesis Evangelion: After Third Impact. As such, you should probably read that before reading this. I also suggest that if you did read it already to re-read it as there were various series facts I corrected, mostly things I didn’t catch while writing that. Regardless, please enjoy this one-shot! ;)

“Ich liebe dich” is German for “I love you”. I’d describe it as having equal meaning to the Japanese “Aishiteru.”

Knocking on the door labeled “Shin-chan’s Room”; 33-year old Katsuragi Misato gently spoke.

“Shinji-kun? It’s time to get up. You don’t want to be late for school now, do you?”

With a giggle, the woman added, “Don’t forget you have to make breakfast for us!”

Four years had passed since Shinji’s loved ones and friends had returned from the LCL Sea.

Although a majority of humanity still hadn’t come back, Earth had managed to return to it’s pervious state with all the flora and fauna returning.

The economy was doing relatively well, too.

18 year old high school senior Ikari Shinji blinked.

Yawning, he stretched, rubbed his watery eyes, and got up.

“Alright, I’m up already!”, he called.

Putting on his high school uniform, he momentarily paused as he stared at Misato’s cross necklace in his hand.

With a sudden smile, he put it on his neck, feeling at peace.

The boy wore it everyday as a physical reminder that he was loved.

Not just by God, but by his surrogate family of Misato, Pen-Pen, and Asuka as well as his friends.

Once life became relatively normal again after Third Impact and everyone had to return to the concepts known as “school” and “work”, Shinji had had a growth spurt that didn't stop until he was 5 feet 8 inches.

Taller than Asuka, Rei, or even Misato, his personality had changed as well. Although was still a good boy that cared for others, he wasn't socially awkward anymore and managed to make several great friends in school.

However, he was still friends with Kensuke, Toji and Hikari, and sure enough, once those three returned, Toji and Hikari became a couple.

Sleepily making his way towards the kitchen, he began to make some coffee for himself and Misato.

Occasionally acting like the nervous person he always was, Shinji could only drink decaf.

Not that he cared; the taste of coffee was too bitter for him and he only really drank it to help wake himself up in the morning, anyway.

Waiting for his coffee, the boy sat down to read the paper.

" 'Could this be the REAL ‘revenge’? (This reviewer doubts that, but...) It has been confirmed that the rumors are true: Neon Genesis Evangelion will be remade into 4 new movies. Whether this is Director/creator Anno Hideaki's way of giving the live-action Hollywood movies the finger or just a way to honor this amazing series remains yet to be seen.' ...What the hell?"

For reasons unknown to himself, Shinji blinked and swallowed hard as muttered: "I mustn’t run away."

Shaking his head and sighing, Shinji stood up as he heard the coffee-maker beep.

Misato, dressed in faded jeans and a tight-fitting black t-shirt, appeared from her room.

She sat down, happily gulping the cup of coffee as if it were beer.

She promptly let out her beer-whoop.

"Ah! Life is good! Right, Shin-chan?"

Apparently, some things never change.

Shinji sweat-dropped as his eyes narrowed. "At least you quit drinking for good, Misato-san..."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Anyway, you and Kaji-san are engaged, right? What'll he think if you can't cook for him but only make instant meals?"

She narrowed her eyes, blushing from annoyance. "Oh, shut up! Hey, where's breakfast?"

He smiled at that, serving the woman her food.

"Here. Scrambled eggs with toast. I made some orange juice, too."

"Wow...Looks good, thanks! Itadakimasu!"

Misato happily scrafed the food down as Shinji sighed again.

She eats and drinks like a slob, is lazy beyond belief at home, and can barely look after herself...Still, I'm glad to have her back.

Suddenly looking up, the purple-haired woman noticed the time.

With a mouth-full of food, she asked, “Ah, Shinji-kun? Could you be a dear and wake up Asuka? I don’t want her to be late for school.”

Nodding, he stood up. “Sure. If you’ll excuse me...”

Grinning at him, she good-naturedly teased, “You two are SO cute now that you’re going out! Hehe...any ideas on when the wedding will be?”

Misato winked as Shinji turned bright red, glaring at her. “Sh...shut up!”

As Shinji walked towards the hallway, Misato sighed loudly, looking somewhat sad.

“I’m sure going to miss those two when they’re gone. But at least you and Kaji-kun will be with me, right, Pen-pen?”

Looking up at his kind master, Pen-Pen happily warked in reply.

----

“Hey, Asuka? Wake up! Otherwise you’ll be late for school!”

As Shinji knocked loudly, he heard soft groaning on the other side of the door.

“Oh, quiet. I’ll be up in a minute, so let me sleep a little...”

As if suddenly realizing something, Asuka let out a loud scream.

“Scheißen! It’s that late already? Baka Shinji, why didn’t you wake me up earlier?”

Shinji winced, replying, “Well, I don’t want to disturb you if you’re peacefully sleeping!”

“Save the excuses, Third Children, and get me my clean laundry from the other room! My school uniform’s in there!”

The boy scratched the back of his head.

“Can’t you come out and get it yourself?”

Through the door, Asuka angrily yelled back, “And risk letting a pervert like you see me naked? I don’t think so! Those few times back in the past are already enough!”

Blue eyes wide, Shinji’s face turned red.

“She sleeps naked?”, he muttered under his breath.

Shinji was about to lose himself in a rather naughty fantasy until Asuka’s angry voice broke his thoughts.

“BAKA SHINJI! If you don’t get my laundry this instant, I swear I’ll come out there and kill you, dressed or not! I won’t let you make me late for school!”

With a yelp, he ran into the other room. “Yes, ma’am, right away!”

----

Knocking at the door, Shinji winced as he carried the full basket.

“Asuka! I got your laundry! This thing’s so heavy my arms are about to fall off!”

He suddenly heard a voice from behind him say, “Go and put it in there yourself.”

“Huh?”

Turning around, he was surprised to see Asuka, fully dressed in her high school uniform.

As she crossed her arms, she impatiently added, “Well? Hurry up! We have to get to school soon!”

Extremely confused, Shinji looked at the door and back at Asuka several times before replying.

“But you...said you didn’t have your uniform so you...Augh! I’m lost here!”

“Of course I had it with me! I just didn’t want to bother getting all that laundry when I still had to eat breakfast and all!”

She winked at the boy, an evil smile on her face.

“That’s what I have you for, right?”

Throwing the basket onto the floor, Shinji fumed. “Why you...! How dare you trick me like that!”

The 17 year old girl let out a giddy squeal as Shinji “charged” at her, ending up embracing her.

As the boy wrapped his arms around his waist, he took in the sight before him.

Asuka looked basically the same as she always did, the only real difference was that she was slightly taller (her figure having “filled out” some more, as well) and her red hair was a few shades darker.

She could still be her overbearing self at times, but she had also changed by acting kinder to people, especially Shinji.

Breathing into Asuka’s ear, he said, “I don’t know how I can forgive you for that.”

Giggling, Asuka replied, “Would a kiss be enough?”

Shinji looked into her eyes, smirking. “Hmm. Maybe.”

Turning her neck around so Shinji’s face was near her’s, their lips softly met.

As Shinji held her and Asuka let out a happy sigh of “Mmh...Shinji...”, the couple began kissing.

----

As the doorbell rang, Misato happily replied, “Coming!”

She opened the door, smiling at the person on the other end.

“Hi, thanks for coming all this way. Those two should be ready in a moment, okay?”

“Alright, thank you.”

“So, how’s school?”

“It’s going well, however it’s a bit hard to believe graduation is just around the corner...”

Misato chuckled at that. “Well, you’re smart, so I’m sure you’ll have no problems passing. Don’t worry.”

Checking the time on her wristwatch, the woman blinked. “Goodness, it’s that late already?”

Turning her head towards the direction of the hallway, Misato called out, “Shinji! Asuka! It’s time for you two to go to school! You guys ready yet?”

Asuka scowled as Shinji reluctantly broke away from her embrace.

“Damn.”, he muttered.

The redhead crossed her arms, muttering, “Stupid Misato; she ruined my good mood!”

He offered a weak smile. “It can’t be helped. We don’t want to risk being late and having to stay after, do we?”

Loosely holding onto her warm hand, he smiled at the girl.

“You ready to go?”

She nodded happily in reply, tightly interlacing her fingers with his.

“Yup.”

----

“We’re off now!”, Asuka and Shinji chorused as they walked out the door.

“Goodbye...Misato-san. Have a good day.”

“Have a good time!”, Misato happily replied from her bedroom.

At the sound of the ringing phone, Misato turned to answer it.

“Hello? Oh, Kaji? Yeah, don’t worry, I remember our plans for tonight.”

She let out a giggle at the thought of...spending time with him.

Looking out the window, Misato watched the three friends walk down the sidewalk, laughing and talking together.

“Huh? Oh, well...I want to wait just a little while longer until we get married, Kaji-kun. After all, it won’t be long before my kids go off to college, so I want to devote all the time I can on them while they’re here.”

Her normally calm brown eyes grew sad.

Rei, Asuka, and Shinji-kun...Those three really are like my own kids, especially now, after all that happened.

----

Rei let out a sigh as she looked up at the blue sky for a moment.

“I can’t believe we’re going to graduate soon! So, do you two have an idea of what careers you want to go into?”

Shinji blushed as he replied.

“Well...even though I’m not in college yet, I’m thinking of becoming a cellist. I mean, I know becoming famous would be a lot of hard work, and I’d probably have to do something else to support myself financially, but I want to make my dream come true.”

Rei smiled in reply. “Well, if you apply yourself, I’m sure it’ll happen. As for you, Asuka?”

“Me? Hmm...Though I haven’t given it much thought, but I think maybe something with writing. I’m pretty opinionated, so maybe I’ll write opinion or political pieces for a newspaper or something. How about you, Rei?”

Smiling slightly, the blue-haired girl was lost in thought.

“Probably psychology. I really care about others, and I want to do what I can to help them.”

Asuka grinned at that. “Really? Wow, that would suite you perfectly, Rei!”

Rei turned red at her friend’s compliment. “Thank you...Asuka.”

Since Third Impact had occurred, Asuka, Rei, and Shinji had become the best of friends.

Rei was happy to finally find what she was always looking for, and although she still lived alone, the blue-haired girl wasn’t as nearly as socially withdrawn as she used to be.

The only real physical difference about Rei was that her hair length was slightly longer, and that her skin wasn’t as pale.

Looking straight ahead of him, Shinji’s eyes went wide. “Oh, crap!”

He quickly dove into some nearby bushes.

“This is a good a place as any!”

Asuka promptly scoffed at his antics as Rei looked neutral.

“Baka! At this rate, by the time we get to school, the day will have ended!”

“Shinji-kun, are things still that bad between you two?”

The bush nervously replied, “Of course not! Heh, I just don’t want to see him, that’s all!”

Before anyone could respond, Gendou suddenly walked up to the two girls.

“Asuka, Rei. Good morning to you.”, he regarded.

“Hello, Commander Ikari.”, they replied.

Carefully eyeing the bushes, the Commander of NERV momentarily paused.

“Shinji.”

No response.

“Have some decency. You look like a fool.”

After a moment of silence, Shinji angrily yelled: “You’re the one who’s never had any decency towards me until lately!”

The man let out a long sigh, adjusting his glasses.

“I don’t understand you. I’m finally paying attention to you because that’s what Yui would have wanted, and yet you’re still unhappy. What more do you want from me?”

Getting out of the shrubbery, the boy looked at the ground in silence.

Just your love. I feel as if I still hate you. Why...? Is it really that hard for me to forgive and forget the past?

Somewhat dejected, the young man stared at the ground in defeat.

“...Nothing. That’s all.”

Gendou stared at Shinji for one final moment.

It’s good to know that he’s been growing up by confronting his problems. But I don’t understand why he so desperately wants my attention to begin with. I’m doing what I can for him; isn’t that enough?

Looking at Asuka for a moment (who felt so intimidated by the aloof man staring at her that she looked away), he mentally added, He has love from the people that matter the most to him, so that should help. Perhaps Shinji’s dating the former pilot of Unit 02 will help him mature even more.

He suddenly turned around and continued walking, saying, “I shall see you three later.”

After Gendou had left, Asuka narrowed her eyes at Shinji, her hand on her hip.

Jeez, that really freaked me out! Now I see why Shinji gets so easily intimidated by him!

“Your father isn’t as cold to you anymore, but even if he was, don’t expect me to do anything about it. That’s an issue you have to work on yourself!”

“I know...Asuka.”

She sighed, putting an arm around him.

“Come on, cheer up! So what if you two aren’t as close as you hoped! At least you’re on speaking terms, right?”

He nodded, still looking depressed.

“I know. I...I...just...”

Rei let out a sigh as she loosely crossed her arms.

Because I am not his doll anymore, he seems to more or less respect my individuality now. However, what can I do or say to comfort Ikari-kun?

“Shinji-kun, why not take into account that even if your father hasn’t changed towards you, he has at least been taking responsibility for his actions?”

Holding up a finger, Asuka butt in, “That’s right! After all, now NERV truly is key in helping to rebuild the world! You should be proud!”

“...Yeah.”

As Asuka and Rei’s words sunk in, Shinji looked up and smiled at his friends.

“Yeah. You’re right. I should be proud. Thank you.”

After a moment of silence, Rei, who stared at the ground, looked up at the two. “Hey. Um...will the three of us always be friends? I mean, you two were the first people who really helped me open up, so I...”

Asuka grinned at that. “We went through so much together, how could we not?”

Shinji nodded in agreement.

Feeling relived, Rei smiled warmly.

Winking, she happily said, “Come on! Last one to school has to carry everyone’s bags tomorrow!”

In an instant, she and Asuka both took off, laughing.

With a start, Shinji realized he was left behind. “What the—Hey! Wait up!”

He ran after the two girls as the sun shone down brightly in New Tokyo-3.

----

“Asuka.”

The redhead was inside her entry plug, moments before she had turned into LCL.

The ghost-Rei had turned into Kaji, but Asuka was so happy to see him she didn’t even notice.

Kaji had held her, trying to comfort the girl. “Asuka, it’s alright now.”

As her left eye continued bleeding, the girl whimpered in reply.

As she was embraced, Asuka realized it didn’t feel like Kaji’s arms.

Looking up, her eyes widened at the person who held her.

Shinji!

Stroking her cheek, he had lovingly said, “Believe in me...and I’ll make the right choice.”

Before she could respond, he had kissed her sweetly.

As tears of joy ran down her cheeks, Asuka embraced the boy in reply.

“Shinji!”, she happily, yet brokenly sobbed.

Being held in Shinji’s arms had been her first and last true moment pure happiness.

She couldn’t remember the last time she felt so calm, not worrying about anything.

“Shinji! You’ll always be with me...right?”

As the apparition of the boy held Asuka tighter, she sighed in content.

Her most precious wish of true happiness being granted, Asuka suddenly turned into LCL.

----

The LCL Beach.

As tears ran down her cheeks, Asuka, bandaged and broken, stared coldly.

"You bastard...YOU did this to me! I'll kill you...!"

Lunging for Shinji, she wrapped her hands around his neck as he had done to her only moments before... "I'll kill you before you can kill me!", she cried.

Shinji's eyes widened as he suddenly realized he was losing air.

Hoping some true kindness would help heal her soul as it helped him a few moments ago, the emotionally broken boy tenderly kissed her lips.

Realizing what was happening; Asuka gasped and loosened her grip.

Her eyes widened as she stared at him, shocked...

Only to feverishly kiss him back in reply.

----

With a gasp, Asuka awoke, sweating.

No way...Before I died...the person I really saw was Shinji? Not Kaji-san? Why...would I forget something like that? As her heart sped up and she felt sick to her stomach, the girl knew the reason why.

Because...at that time, I was still in denial about the truth. That’s why I forgot such an important thing. But...why would I have such a terrible nightmare of hurting Shinji? Perhaps, subconsciously, I’m still upset about what happened in Pre-Instrumentality? But I didn’t mean to act cold to him! His acting weak by running away to me and ignoring my feelings are what pushed me over the edge! Though I guess that’s what happened to him, too. He was frustrated at himself for thinking he couldn’t do anything, and my refusing to help him...

Letting out a sigh, she rested her head back on her pillow.

Ugh. I don’t want to think anymore about that, it makes my head hurt. And things are okay between us now, so who cares? We both finally realized life isn’t so bad, and that we have to love ourselves so we can love others.

“I guess what matters now is finding true happiness with him...”

A slight smile formed her lips as she sighed.

Shinji...I really do love that idiot.

She suddenly felt uneasy.

/”I’ll kill you before you can kill me!”/

Eyes widening at her words from the nightmare, the redhead sat up in her bed, worried. “But...”

----

"Asuka!"

She whirled around as she sat in Unit 02, surprised. "Shinji...!"

Similar to what happened with Rei 2's Unit 00, Asuka's Eva was being held down.

But this wasn't an Angel.

Far worse than that, it was one of the Eva Series...

Asuka clenched her teeth in anger.

"Damn it! I won't be defeated! Not again!", she whispered.

Still wanting to prove she was the best and that she could indeed fight alone, Asuka added; "Stupid! Don't come any closer! I can defeat it, so stay ba---AAH!!" The Eva Series unit proceeded to spear Unit 02 as Asuka screamed. "AHHHHHHH!"

Looking up despite her pain, Asuka hatefully said: "How dare you...!"

With those words, she passed out.

Silent at first, Shinji began shivering from shock, too shocked to move.

"Asuka, I promise I'll save you!"

The unit proceeded to rip apart 02 bit-by-bit, savoring the destruction it caused.

It first began by mercilessly hitting 02's core...

Watching it crack, the unit grinned, attempting to eat Asuka's Eva.

Mouth full of 02's right arm that bled LCL, the Eva Series turned to Unit 01, grinning evilly.

Blue eyes widened.

At the sight of his true love near death. "Asu...ka...?"

Something in Shinji snapped.

"UAAAAHAH!"

Berserk.

As red entered Shinji's field of vision, he rammed his Prog knife straight into the demon's core. "UAAA!"

Tears ran down his face. "Die...Die...DIE!"

The unit twitched, its arms flailing.

As the mass-produced Eva began to writher in pain, the hint of a smile made its way across Shinji's face.

As Shinji jammed the knife deeper, blood splattering onto his Eva, making sure this thing would die, his smile became absolutely twisted.

"AHHH!"

The same smile he had when choking Asuka in Pre-Instrumentality, when really getting into killing an Angel, he had now.

His subconscious anger out in the open, Ikari Shinji reveled in the destruction he caused.

----

"NO!"

Sweating, Shinji looked around, first noticing his ceiling.

His heart thudded in his chest as he tried to get his breathing under control.

"Thank God...Just a bad dream; nothing more."

That's it, it was just a bad dream; not reality...

Not how he'd want to act; not anymore...

Hearing a sudden noise, Shinji looked around, noticing the time.

3:15 AM.

Realizing it was a knock, he wondered who in the right mind would need him so early in the morning.

“Shinji?”, a voice softly called. “Are you awake?”

His eyes widened from surprise.

Asuka?

Still half-asleep, he responded, "Uh, it's too early in the morning for me to help you practice Kanji, or for you to help me with science, so..."

She rolled her eyes at that.

"Stupid, do you even think I look AWAKE enough right now to study?"

"I guess not. What's up?"

A sigh. "Well, letting me in would be a nice start."

"Oh, sorry."

Getting up, he gently slid open the door, smiling at her, albeit tiredly.

They couple was now face-to-face.

"Hi." "Um, hi.", Asuka smiled faintly.

“What’s wrong? Did something happen?”

Eyes distant, Asuka stared at the floor.

“I’m, um, sorry to bother you so late. It’s just that I needed to talk to you.”

He shrugged, knowing full-well that Asuka would only talk to people about her problems when she was really upset.

“I don’t mind. Would you like to come in?”

Nodding, she sat down on Shinji’s bed as he closed the door behind him.

“Shinji...do you really love me?”

His eyes widened from surprise.

“Eh? Of course I love you; you know that! And I don’t know how you feel, but being with you, Asuka, is the best thing that ever happened to me!”

Blushing at those words, the redhead quietly replied: “It’s the same with me.”

He smiled at that, taking a sit next to her. “Really?”

She nodded, blue eyes somewhat sad and distant.

Asuka suddenly gasped slightly as she felt something warm on her hand.

Looking up, she noticed Shinji’s hand was atop hers.

Smiling lovingly at her, he sweetly asked, “Are you okay now, Asuka? You still don’t seem happy...did you have a bad dream?”

Eyes meeting his, she nodded in reply, swallowing hard from the memory.

She could still remember the pain she was in as the Lance of Longinus thrust into her eye...

Her arm breaking after her unsuccessful attempt to get her mother into Berserker mode...

The rage she felt inside at that thought of her ultimate defeat by the hand of such soulless and evil creatures...

/“I’ll kill you...I’ll kill you...I’ll kill you...!”/

Presently, Asuka began trembling at remembering all that.

It was still so fresh in her mind, as if it just happened.

With a shiver, she held onto herself, whispering, “I don’t wanna die...”

Shinji an arm around her as he looked into her eyes. “Asuka. Are you okay?”

Touched by his concern for her, Asuka threw herself into his arms as she cried into his shoulder.

Shinji was surprised, but soothingly rubbed her back in reply.

After life had become relatively normal once again, Asuka returned to her state of being the type to never cry.

“Shinji!”, the 17 year old sobbed out.

“Are...are we really going to always live together and be together? I mean, everything’s changing...but I don’t want to be apart from you! Not after all we went through...!”

“What...? Of, of course we’ll always live together! That’s what we both want, right?”

“Ye...yeah. But, still...I’m afraid. I’m so afraid that somehow, things won’t work out between us...”

She clenched her eyes tightly at that, adding, “And I’ll go back to being alone again! But I don’t want to be alone; not anymore! Shinji...!”

Silent for a moment, the boy quietly watched his crying girlfriend.

I’ve finally found the happiness I was always looking for, so I never want to give that up. Never.

“I know. I don’t want to be alone again, either, Asuka. It ‘s painful. But, even if I do end up alone, I wouldn’t mind too much...because I was able to meet you. I’m always going to cherish that, and the memories we’ve made together. No matter what. But, I really do think we’ll be okay. I mean, we’re both seeing a therapist, and that seems to be helping us, right?”

“Yeah, it is helping. I still have my confidence, of course, but at least I’m not arrogant anymore.”

A pause.

“Shinji. Do you think...we’ll be okay as long as we work on our relationship?”

They both remembered when their new relationship really started, on the LCL beach four years ago...

/As Shinji collapsed into an emotionally broken boy after she caressed his cheek to stop him from strangling her, Asuka stared coldly.

She just returned to reality after being LCL, having witnessed the start and eventual rejection of Instrumentality.

Their surroundings of the LCL Sea, the Eva Series and Lillith-Rei...

As well as Shinji, who was strong enough to reject Instrumentality, but was now reduced to acting like his weak self, sobbing brokenly into her chest...

It made her nauseous. All of it.

"...I feel sick."

The girl let out a long sigh, still maintaining feelings for the boy after what they went through. "...Baka Shinji...why are you crying?"

"Because...", he whimpered, voice and body both trembling.

"Because we're really...alive...and...to...get...her. Back...in reality..."

"Anta baka? Of course we're alive! If we have the will to live, why wouldn't we be? Life can be painful, but there are pleasant times, too, right?"

He nodded, face downcast, though his eyes held a serious yet calm light in them.

Holding back an oncoming sob, he replied in a shuddery breath, "...Yeah, you're right."

A moment of silence fell between the two.

His existence having been more than confirmed, Shinji stood, his tears finally stopped.

With that, Asuka sat upright.

Taking a good look at the horrifying destruction around them, the German redhead shivered. "So...this is Third Impact."

Shinji nodded as he stood, looking out as well. "...Yeah."

Silence had reigned once more./

Presently, Shinji smiled warmly at the girl as he held her hand.

“Yes, I think we’ll be okay.”

Reassured, Asuka hugged him as Shinji gently stroked her red hair.

----

Neon Genesis Evangelion: Together Forever

----

Shinji and Asuka were cuddling in peaceful silence.

Neither could remember the last time they felt so happy...

“Asuka. Does the past still come back to haunt you?”

“Only in the occasional nightmare. I’m more or less healed, I think...”

She let out a breath.

“What about you, Shinji?”

“I think I’m healed, too. I can finally love myself and let go of the past.”

A smile. “Good. I’m glad to know we’re both getting through this.”

Sitting up, Asuka untangled herself from Shinji’s arms.

The two were lying in bed together, naked.

The redhead leaned against his chest with her hands, looking into his eyes for a silent moment.

/“Enough already! Whenever I see you, I feel repressed!”

Ironically, their per-Instrumentality mental union was the first time Shinji stood up to Asuka.

Calm, he stared deeply into her enraged blue eyes. “Because I’m like you?”/

“You were right. We are alike.”

“And is that a bad thing?”

She shook her head.

“No. Because I’m glad we’re together.”

“Asuka...
He kissed her as she held his cheek.

As Asuka rested her head by Shinji’s shoulder, the boy hesitantly asked, “Do you...regret what we did?”

“Of course not. You?”

He blushed, shyly replying.

“No. I only regret not making love to you sooner...It was wonderful being with you.”

Turning red herself, she looked at him seductively as they kissed, hard.

Her thoughts wandered to the night’s earlier events...

“Mmh...Watching each other was hot...I’m happy we did that.”

With a pause, the German girl added in a sexy voice, “Shinji...I want you to dominate me later...”

She smiled evilly as she half-seriously, half-jokingly, continued to tease him.

“Though it might be more fun if I dominate you...”

Looking nervous, he stared at her for a long moment before replying.

“I should have known you were that type of girl.”

Asuka turned beet red as she slapped his head, yelling. “You jerk! How dare you suggest I’m into kinky stuff like that!”

“I didn’t suggest anything, you’re the one who said that!”

“Anta baka? I didn’t mean anything that dirty!”

“Oh, I’ll bet you didn’t! After all, you’re the one that’s the pervert; not me!”

“Jeez, you’re uptight, baka! Can’t you tell when I’m joking?”

“Apparently, I can’t.”, he sarcastically replied as he looked away, annoyed.

Suddenly feeling something soft, the boy looked down.

Asuka was laying her head on his chest, kissing him.

Snuggling into his arms, Asuka happily, sleepily, said, “Hugging you feels nice.”

Hugging her back, Shinji knew what he was feeling in his heart for Asuka was pure, true, love.

“Um, Asuka...?”

“Hmm?”

Clearing his throat, Shinji turned red. “...Ich liebe dich, Asuka.”

Blinking, Asuka blushed at those words, momentarily wondering when Shinji learned how to say that.

Smiling warmly, Asuka lovingly replied, “Aishiteru, Shinji.”
Kissing softly at that, they fell asleep, feeling completely at peace with life.

----

Misato promptly crossed her arms as she scowled.

“I can’t believe those two! Running off like that!”

Misato, along with Kaji, Ritsuko, Maya, and Rei were sitting inside in a cafe as it was early in the evening.

Rei shrugged as she continued to stir her tea, not being able to hide the smile on her face.

She was truly happy for her two friends, and knew in her heart that they’d make it.

“Well, at least they waited until after graduating. That’s something to be thankful for.”

Her hands hitting the table hard, the purple haired women angrily narrowed her eyes. “That’s not the point, Rei! Here I was planning on throwing them a huge wedding party, and those two had to blow it off by marrying in private!”

Ritsuko rolled her eyes at that. “You’re just jealous that Shinji-kun and Asuka married before you, aren’t you, Misato?”

Acting like the mature adult she always was, Misato promptly stuck her tongue out at Ritsuko. “Akan Be! So what if I am?”

Calm and cool as always, Kaji replied, “You can’t blame them for wanting to spend the rest of their lives together as soon as possible, can you, Katsuragi?”

Maya nodded in agreement. “Kaji-san is right. Personally, I think it’s very romantic that Shinji-kun and Asuka-chan did that.”

“Who cares about romance! I’m more concerned about all that money I wasted!”

Frowning, she propped her elbow up, leaning her head on her hand and groaned.

“What the hell am I going to do with a live band, money for a wedding dress, and all these blank invitations I have?”

“Well, there’s one thing we could do...”

Misato’s eyes widened as she felt Kaji’s warm hand rest on top of her’s.

“What do you say, love?”

Turning to face him, the woman was surprised to see he was staring at her lovingly.

As they stared at each other longingly, the former Major of NERV realized her mouth wasn’t working.

/”Katsuragi...If I ever see you again, I’ll tell you the words I couldn’t say eight years ago.”/

Blushing at that sad memory yet feeling thankful for the present, Misato could only nod happily in reply.

As tears ran down her cheeks, Misato and Kaji lovingly embraced.

Instantly, the other residents of the table broke into applause.

----

Asuka, standing on the balcony outside her room, looked up at the starry night sky.

Her eyes fell upon the beautiful full moon.

As she stared for a moment, lost in thought, the girl let out a breath.

“I can’t believe everything that’s happened. What’s more amazing is how Shinji and I got through it all together.”

Strong yet gentle arms wrapped around Asuka’s slim waist.

With a content sigh, the young German-Japanese woman leaned back against her new husband’s chest.

Shinji said: “It’s like you said when Mana was here: Love saved humanity.”

Asuka rolled her eyes at those words, smirking in reply.

“Baka Shinji! I was being sarcastic when I said that!”

He kissed her neck, slowly making his way up to her ear.

“Doesn’t matter. Like it or not, you ended up being right.”

Giggling, Asuka inquired: “Do you know how sappy all that sounds?”

He grinned at that. “You think I care?”

Kissing her cheek, the young man smiled shyly.

“You know...Um, Asuka...There are still a few hours of our...wedding night...left...”

There were both red in the face as he said that, though Asuka replied playfully.

“Jeez, you’re crazy! I’m not some nymphomaniac, you know!”

As Shinji reached out to touch Asuka’s breast, they both groaned.

“...I can’t change your mind...Asuka?” “Anta baka?”

Not being able to keep up their serous facade any longer, they broke into laughter.

It wasn’t forced or uncomfortable.

It was real, genuine, laughter.

As their laughter gradually subsided, the couple seriously, passionately, stared into each other’s eyes.

“Baka Shinji...” “Oh, Asuka...”

Embracing tightly, they kissed deeply, exploring the other’s mouth as their figures were bathed in moonlight.

Slowly breaking away after several moments, light blue eyes met dark blue.

“So...You’ve finally found happiness?”

“Yes. Not just because I’m alive, but because I’ve found my happiness...together with you. Instead of running away, I finally took a chance, and ended up enjoying life.”

Asuka smiled brightly at that.

“I’ve found happiness, too. I don’t have to be perfect as perfection is impossible. Besides that, I now know there will always be someone who’ll accept me for me. Instead of dwelling on the past, it’s okay for me to live for today. Life doesn’t have to be gloomy; it can be beautiful and fun, too.”

Turning red from embarrassment, Asuka suddenly asked, “Hey, Shinji, do you think you could make something to eat? I’m hungry.”

“Ok. But, um, you don’t mean you’re going to rely on me to do all the cooking, are you?”

“Of course! After all, cooking really isn’t my thing.”

“Eh? But that’s not fair!”

“Why not? After all, we can divvy up the chores, then everything will be ok.”

“Somehow I don’t believe that. You’ll probably cheat at Jan-Ken like Misato-san used to! I’m the one who always got stuck doing all the cooking and cleaning, remember?”

“Yeah, yeah. Well, you’re a house-broken male, so what else should Misato and I expect from you?”

“Hey, don’t say that about me!” “Or else what?” “Um...exactly!”

As their light bickering ended, Asuka quietly spoke.

“You know...I always cared for you, Shinji. Even if I didn’t act like it, I did love you...”

“I know. I felt the same way, I just didn’t know how to show it...”

Asuka began to stroke Shinji’s left cheek as his eyes grew soft. “Asuka.”

His face was red as he spoke, though the young boy smiled gently at her.

“Thank you for loving me.”

She returned the same loving smile, nodding. “It’s nothing...”

Somewhat self-conscious, Asuka blushed as she hesitantly continued.

“Shinji? Thank you...for needing me.”

“Of course I need you, Asuka! After all, we...both...need each other.”

Kissing softly, they tenderly held hands, feeling loved.

“Asuka, do you want to go back inside?”

“Yeah. Let’s start the rest of our lives together, Shinji.”

As the happy couple went back into their room, they remembered Yui’s words.

/“Anywhere can be Heaven as long as you have the will to live.”/

Through hardships and pain, through joy and pleasure, they would remember.

Asuka and Shinji would remember those words, knowing that life, and living together, was worth it.

FIN