I'm sorry that this chapter took so long as well as the last one. Well...it gets busy around the holidays ya know. Guess what! I have another pre-reader! Woo hoo! another highly acclaimed fic writer, Alain-sama! All disclaimers apply. EVA, it's original plot, and the characters aren't mine...they're copyright their owners yada yada. I wanna thank my pre-readers who helped me a lot: Axel Terizaki author of "Child of Love" and more Cherry author of "Evangelion Totally Screwed" Koala Killer author of "It Only Takes One Night" Alain-sama author of "The One I Love Is..." Enjoy! ________________________________________________________________________ Lil' Asuka Home Maker Chapter 4 [the final stage] ________________________________________________________________________ Asuka [yawning]: It should be against the law to give EVA pilots homework. How do they expect us to go to school, do our work, do MORE work when we get home, have a social life, and...save the world? Shinji: They don't expect us to have a social life. Asuka: I'd like to see them do what we do. And they think they're so tough...hmmpf! Shinji [sighing]: That would be a site. Shinji pictures an SD Gendo piloting EVA 01. Then an angel rips it's head off. Shinji giggled to himself. Asuka: What's this say? Shinji gets up and peers over her shoulder, where her finger is pointed at the screen of her laptop. Shinji: It's says study your kanji. Asuka: Ha ha. Very funny...now what does it really say? Shinji: A tangent is a line or line segment that meets the circle in exactly one point. Asuka: Oh...I already knew that. Shinji: Then why did you ask? Asuka [in a matter of fact tone]: I already knew the information, I just couldn't read what it said. Shinji: I think you should study your kanji more instead of going out with Hikari so much... Asuka [sticks her tongue out at Shinji]: Shut up! Shinji walked over to where he was sitting earlier, but he didn't take his seat. With his back turned to Asuka he thought. Shinji [thinking]: I'll do it. I'll ask her out. I do like her after all...yeah! I do! I like her! I like Asuka...now's a good a time as any, I guess... Shinji gathered up all of his courage. Now was his chance to ask her. They were all alone in the apartment. It was now...or maybe later. No! Now is the best time. Shinji: Asuka...I have something to ask you...w-will...you...I mean...I...uh...would you [turning around] wake up so you can hear what I'm asking? He had turned around to find a sleeping Asuka, head cradled in her arms on top of the table. He walked over to her. She didn't have her interface head set clips in...and she looked like she was wearing her pajamas. Her hair fell into her face, leaving only her nose and eyes visible. She looked so peaceful. Shinji reached down and brushed the hair out of her face. Beautiful...if she was only this quiet when she was awake. Shinji: I guess I'll have to wait until tomorrow. With that he took her in his arms and carried her to her room. She wasn't very heavy...but heavy enough to the point that it was really hurting Shinji's back. He laid her down on the bed...he didn't want to wake her up. So he carefully pulled the covers up to her chest and left. As he reached the doorway he looked back. Shinji [softly]: Peaceful...like a child. ________________________________________________________________________ Shinji sat slumped over at his desk. He only got about three hours of sleep from the night before. and he was still recovering...so he was worn down. he looked over at Asuka, who seemed rather well-rested. She didn't say anything about her being in her room when she woke up. So either she didn't notice or she didn't care. Touji: Hello? Anyone home? Earth to Shinji! Someone was calling his name...but who was it? He turned his head to see Touji aimlessly waving his hand infront of his hopeless friends face. He either too tired or intrigued with Asuka to notice. Touji: Did you hear what I said? Shinji: Huh? wha...no... Touji [sighing]: I said did you ask her yet? Shinji: No...but why do you care anyway? Just the other day you were ready to kill me when you found out I liked the "red-headed demon form hell" as you put it. Touji: I just am...now answer my question. Shinji [turning to Kensuke]: Do you know why he cares so much? Kensuke: You got me... Touji: Well? Shinji: I tried. Kensuke [raised eyebrow]: You tried? What do you mean you tried? Shinji: Well...last night we were doing our homework...and it was really late...and when I started to ask...she kinda...well...feel asleep. Touji and Kensuke has huge sweatdrops at this moment in time. And quite odd expressions on their faces I might add. Touji: Pathetic... Shinji: Hey! It's not my fault! Touji: You gonna try again? Shinji [mumbles softly]: Yeah...maybe... Touji: What was that? Shinji: I said yes! Touji: Oh. Kensuke: You know Shinji, if things don't work out with the demon child...you could always ask Rei... Touji: Rei? Shinji: A-Ayanami? Kensuke: Yeah. Why not? She's kinda cute. Touji: Yeah well she's kinda weird too... Kensuke: But, she won't boss you around the way witchy woman will. Shinji: I-I dunno you guys... Shinji then pictured what he saw in that dream. Rei turning into his mother...he shivered. The thought of dating his mother was sick. Why did he always have such strange dreams? Shinji: I've felt kinda weird about her lately... Touji: Haven't we all? That really was the strangest dream he had ever had. Or at least that he could recall. He couldn't figure out what it meant. And the more he thought about it...the queasier he felt. ________________________________________________________________________ Asuka sighed as she and Shinji walked home from school. She raised her arms and put them behind her head, briefcase dangling from her right hand. Shinji walked behind her and was slightly slumped over. Asuka: today was so boring...but at least Sensei didn't give us a lot of homework. Shinji: Uh huh. Asuka: It's too bad Hikari had to go home though... Shinji: Yeah. Asuka: I really wanted to go to the mall today too. Shinji: Great. Asuka noticed his tome of voice...and turned slightly to see him looking very out of it. Asuka: And you sure are quite dull today. Shinji: I bet. Asuka: Shinji...there's an angel behind you...it's gonna step on you. Shinji: Yep. She turned completely around and stopped, cause him to almost run into her. Asuka: Were you listening to a word I said?! Shinji: Well...no. not really...sorry. Asuka [turning back around]: You're strange. Even more than wonder girl sometimes... She started to walk again, but Shinji did not follow. Shinji: Asuka? Asuka: What is it third child? Shinji: Will you...umm...well...this is hard to say... Asuka [still walking]: Just say it. The quicker it's said the quicker it's over. Shinji [catching up to her]: Ok then...Asuka. Will you go out with me...sometime? Asuka immediately stopped in her tracks. She almost dropped her briefcase on the pavement as her arms fell to her sides. Asuka: Wh-wha-what? Shinji [squeaking slightly]: Would you like to go out with m-me sometime? She turned around to face Shinji. The expression on her face was not one of pure disgust like he had expected. But one of pure surprise and sadness. Suddenly he got a bad feeling. This was not heading in the right direction, not at all. Asuka: I...I... She choked on her words. Tears welling up in her eyes. She bit her lip, as if to refrain herself from crying. She looked down at her feet. Shinji saw a single lonely tear roll down her cheek and drip onto the cold pavement. He tried to put his hand on her shoulder, but she backed away. Shinji: Asuka...are you o-- Asuka: Gommen nasi Shinji...gommen nasi! Her voice was full of sadness. She turned and ran away from him, towards home. He could only watch as she slowly ran out of sight. Shinji [whispering]: Asuka...what have I done? ________________________________________________________________________ Shinji slowly slid open the door to Misato's apartment. He stepped inside and removed his shoes using his feet. He didn't say his usual 'tadaima', he wasn't in the mood to announce his presence. He walked into the kitchen where he found Misato, drinking a beer, as usual. Shinji: Hi Misato. Misato: Oh hi Shinji! I didn't hear you come in. Do you by any chance know what's wrong with Asuka? Shinji [looking around]: She's here? Misato: Yeah...she came home crying and went straight in her room...and hasn't come out yet. I've tried to talk to her...but she locked the door and told me to leave her alone. Do you know what's going on? Shinji: It's sorta my fault. Misato: You're fault? How? Shinji: Well...for a while I had been debating about my feelings towards Asuka. Whether she was a friend...or more than that... Misato: Uh huh. Shinji: And I finally decided that I wanted her to be more than just a friend, so I...uh...asked her out...on a date... Misato: And what did she say? Shinji: That's when she started crying...and just ran off. She headed toward home, but I wasn't sure I she actually came her...I'm really worried Misato. I've never seen her cry before...never. Misato: I was wondering when this was going to happen. Shinji: What? When what was going to happen? Misato: you and Asuka. Shinji: Huh? Misato: I knew their was a chance for romance between you too. Shinji: But we used to hate each other. Misato: You can't honestly say that, can you? Shinji: Well...uhh... Misato: I didn't think so. You guys just fought because of rivalry...you really didn't hate each other. Shinji sat his briefcase on the table. His hands grazed the clasps as he thought. Not a word was said between the two of them for a moment. Neither of them moved. It seemed they were both doing some thinking. Shinji: I'm gonna talk to her. Shinji started to walk toward the door, when Misato grabbed his wrist. He looked down at her. Her expression was serious, yet calm. Misato: I don't think that's a good idea right now. Shinji: Why not? Misato: Asuka's the type of person that needs...time. ________________________________________________________________________ Asuka tossed and turned in her sleep. Her mouth and eyes twitched in pain as she lived through her nightmare. She was sweating profusely. --Asuka's Dream-- Voice: It can't be so. Asuka: Who are you? Voice: Don't let it. Asuka: What are you? Voice: Don't let it die. Asuka: Die? Voice: Love. Asuka: Who are you? Voice: You ask questions you already know the answers to. Asuka [angrily]: Who are you? Voice: you already know. Asuka: God damn it!! I said who are you?! Voice: I am part of you...you are part of me... Asuka: What? Voice: Don't love him. Asuka: who? Voice: The one that cares. Asuka: Cares? No one cares for me. Voice: He cares. Asuka: He? Voice: The boy... Images of Shinji suddenly flash through her mind. Was "he"...Shinji? Asuka: Shinji... Voice: He cares...for you. Asuka: Him? He's just a boy, what does he know? He doesn't care for me...he doesn't... Voice: He loves you. Asuka: No...not me. Voice: He cares. Asuka: Not for me. Voice: If not for you then who? Asuka: I dunno...wonder girl...or Misato even! Voice: He cares for you...do you care? Asuka: No. Voice: Do you love? Asuka: No! Not him! Not Shinji! I won't! Voice: Then why do you see him...when he isn't around. You see him...only him. Asuka: I...I...I... Voice: You desire? Asuka: Yes. Voice: You lust? Asuka: Yes. Voice: You want? Asuka: Yes. Voice: You need? Asuka: Yes. Voice: You care? Asuka: Yes. Voice: You...love? Asuka: ... Voice: you love...him? Asuka [softly...near tears]: Yes... Voice: No! You can't love! Love cause death! Love causes depression! Asuka: Death...depression? Voice: Love kills...it is your curse. Asuka: My...curse? Voice: Those you love...leave. Asuka [softly]: No. Voice: Those you love...turn away. Asuka [normally]: No. Voice: Those you love...die. Asuka [shouting]: No! Voice: Die... Asuka: No! Voice: End the curse...die... Asuka: No! Voice: Die... Asuka [screaming]: Noooooo! --End Dream-- Asuka: No! Asuka woke up screaming. She was doused in a cold sweat. Her heartbeat was rapid and her breath was heavy. She had to end this...this pain. The pain she felt. The pain she brought everyone around her. It was going to stop, and it was going to stop now. ________________________________________________________________________ Shinji rolled over and looked at his clock, 1:47 am. He still had quite a few hours of sleep yet. But he wasn't getting very much sleep. It was off and on. He slept a few minutes here and there, constantly waking up. His mouth felt like he had a whole field of cotton growing in it. He decided to get something to drink. He made his way, blindly, through the dark hall towards the kitchen. There was a dim light coming from inside the kitchen. He swore that he turned it off when he left, but maybe not. Either that or Misato had turned it back on and forgot to turn it back off again. He shrugged as he entered. There was Asuka, crying, knife in hand. Her shaky hand held the knife to the opposite wrist, threatening to slice it. The slick shiny metal was a complete contrast to her pale skin. Shinji: Asuka! He ran over and grabbed the wrist of the hand that held the knife and attempted to free it from her grasp. Shinji: What are you doing?! She struggled with him. he finally won and got the knife from her hand, as he tried to keep her still. Asuka: Let me go! Leave me alone! I want to die! Why won't you let me die?! Her screams were more like loud cries. Tears streamed down her face like tiny rivers. Her cheeks were tear stained, and her eyes were red from crying. Her hair was matted to her forehead with sweat. she looked so sad, so scared, so helpless. She had never expressed this type of emotion to him. This was something he never wanted to see again. Shinji: Why are you trying to kill yourself?! Why are you so desperate to die?! He shook her...making her cry more. Asuka: You! You care for me...and I can't care back! Shinji gave her a confused look. Shinji: What? Asuka: You'll only get hurt! I don't want to hurt you! Shinji: Then you already care... Asuka [thinking]: ... Shinji: ... Asuka: NO!!!! I CAN'T care. I can't! Shinji: Why can't you care? Asuka [sobbing]: Everyone I cared about...everyone I...loved...left me...they're gone...and it's my fault! They cared for me and now they're gone! Shinji took her into his arms and held her close, so she couldn't get away. She sobbed into his shirt. She was trembling heavily. She seemed very scared. Asuka: First my father, then my mother, then...Kaji...now you! Shinji: ... Asuka: I lost them! I don't want to lose you! Shinji: How is killing yourself going to solve anything? Asuka: It will end the curse. Shinji: Curse? Asuka: Everyone I loved is gone! I wanted to stop hurting people...stop them before it was too late...before they could care...for me... Shinji: But that would only make it worse...and besides it's too late for me anyway. Asuka [looking up]: ... Shinji: I don't know what I'd do if I lost you. I'd be hurt...and I care about you too much to worry about myself...I think I can handle your "curse". Shinji felt tears well up in his eyes. He didn't hold them back. He just let them flow freely from his eyes. Asuka wrapped her arms around him buried her face back into his chest and wept. Asuka: I'm so sorry Shinji...I'm so sorry... Shinji: Shhh... He placed his hand under her chin and raised her face to his. He looked into her beautiful, yet bloodshot, eyes. He could get lost in her eyes. They were like an abyss, drawing him in. He brought his face closer to hers, until, he brought his lips together with her. They were warm and soft. She trembled still, but returned the kiss. It was a gentle kiss. After what just happened Shinji didn't want scare her. They mutually broke the kiss after a while. When they pulled away they both of them blushed a little. Reality hit Asuka. Asuka: Shinji...I...I...almost...I almost committed suicide! She began to cry again, her face once again finding comfort on Shinji's chest. Her body started to go limp, and she began to collapse. Shinji held on to her tightly. they both sank to their knees, still in a tight embrace. Shinji gently rubbed her hair and back, attempting to soothe her. It worked, he thought he had almost put her to sleep, but she wasn't. After about 15 minutes of tight embrace, Asuka spoke up. Asuka [lightly sobbing]: Sh-Shinji? Shinji: Hmmm? Asuka: Does the offer still stand? Shinji: Of course it does. Asuka [in a sweet voice]: In that case...I would love to go on a date with you, Ikari Shinji. [THE END] ________________________________________________________________________ Author's notes: Well...I hope you enjoyed the last chapter of LAHM...yep. That's what I said. LAST CHAPTER. Please don't email me asking for more! Writing fics takes up time that I don't really have. If you wish...you can write a side-story or something...but give me credit for the orginal please. Thankx. And BTW...Asuka isn't really cursed or anything...don't think she is. That was just for drama ^_^. Bye now! ~chibineptune8 http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Fountain/1152/ chibineptune8@netscape.net