So two things: first, how are they going to arrange for the whole watching crowd to read a book at once? Dramatic reading from Kensuke and the Puellae?
Someone will be narrating it, of course. I'm thinking about reducing the number of people who experience it though, since last Chronicles had upwards of 16 people, and while it was quite a bit of fun juggling them all around, I don't think it'd be appropriate to let that many people in on some really... private details that The 2nd Try goes into.
Of course, Kensuke and the Puellae know already, I'm sure they'll only find that concerning after they read through it
It's just The 2nd Try for now, though maybe in the future. Similar to what I did with Madoka, how I just covered the anime and not the sequel movie, but it's still on the cards for the future.
Someone will be narrating it, of course. I'm thinking about reducing the number of people who experience it though, since last Chronicles had upwards of 16 people, and while it was quite a bit of fun juggling them all around, I don't think it'd be appropriate to let that many people in on some really... private details that The 2nd Try goes into.
Of course, Kensuke and the Puellae know already, I'm sure they'll only find that concerning after they read through it
It's just The 2nd Try for now, though maybe in the future. Similar to what I did with Madoka, how I just covered the anime and not the sequel movie, but it's still on the cards for the future.
That's one of the scenarios I had planned. The 2nd Try almost exclusively focuses on Shinji and Asuka, so they'd want to know. Rei and Kaworu, on account on being their close friends, would want to be there for whatever shit happens. And to everyone else, it either isn't relevant, they're busy doing other stuff, or both.
Maybe I'll have them doing something on the side; most of them would probably want to catch up on what was watched previously after all.
That's one of the scenarios I had planned. The 2nd Try almost exclusively focuses on Shinji and Asuka, so they'd want to know. Rei and Kaworu, on account on being their close friends, would want to be there for whatever shit happens. And to everyone else, it either isn't relevant, they're busy doing other stuff, or both.
Maybe I'll have them doing something on the side; most of them would probably want to catch up on what was watched previously after all.
In regards to your omake Matt R, I assume the plug suit in question is from Rebuild 2.22. Mari running an event. That's just asking for trouble. How the might have fallen to be buried in an unmarked grave on the dark side of the moon. Speaking of, Kaworu mooning them on the moon is rather silly yet poetic.
A wise person once said: "Nothing like the end of the world to make you rethink your life choices." Maybe she'll think something along those lines; when you're trying to survive and carve out a living, thoughts like that fall to the wayside. Hell, maybe it'd be better to come to a certain kind of peace with those thoughts; lifts a weight off your shoulders and allows you to focus a bit more on surviving and looking after both your love and the child you had with him.
Maybe A&T!Asuka will see it like that. It'd be nice for a Asuka to forgive her parents (being step-mother and father I presume, cause she certainly has a good relationship with her biological mother in Chronicles). Cause she would probably never forgive them for what they did, both to her biological mother and to herself. Remember, (in A&T continuity) her step-mother tried to drug her into a placid doll (hence her almost hysterical fear of pharmaceuticals), and after Kyoko's fall, her father neglected her. Probably severely. I'd hazard a bet Kaji was more of a father to her.
I don't think A&T Asuka will completely forgive them. More like she will come to feel that holding a grudge will be pointless and that it would be better to move on.
I don't think A&T Asuka will completely forgive them. More like she will come to feel that holding a grudge will be pointless and that it would be better to move on.
In my opinion, it's quite likely to go that way. Something like "I'm not even angry with you anymore, all this anger and hatred has faded. I still don't like you much, though."
After a long break and with the holiday season giving me some time to write, I present another chapter of the PilOT4 story. Or, more precisely, one of the Pilots having a talk with Misato.
This is a direct (and interweaving) continuation of Evangelion: the Hangover and reading the Hangover is needed to enjoy this one properly. A summary would not do that story justice, so I suggest you go back and read it before starting Four of Us from the beginning.
The summer day was in full bloom. Strong sunlight was beating on the streets, fought only by the wind that barely managed to keep the temperature on a mostly-bearable level. There were only a few people in the streets.
Misato Katsuragi and Rei Soryu-Ayanami were sitting at a shaded table outside a small café on a side street, enjoying each other's company – and the delicious ice-cream the place was famous for.
"Rei", Misato started, "I must say I was a little surprised when I got your text. It is… hmmmm…"
"… unusual of me to reach out?", Rei offered, taking a sip of hot chocolate; she closed her eyes, clearly enjoying the taste and the sensation. "Yes, to put it mildly. Unheard of, I suppose", Misato confirmed. She cringed internally at temperature difference Rei's teeth had to experience right now, even if the younger woman seemed to enjoy the sensation.
"As you said before: we all… changed", Rei put the cup on the table, opened her eyes, and looked at Misato with a serious expression. "And to why I asked you to join me: I wanted to apologise… and explain."
Misato tilted her head: "For what?", she asked in a confused tone.
"My behaviour at the dinner. I was… a bit unrestrained due to what happened before", Rei explained. "I am aware it is difficult to offend you, but for sake of my own conscience – please accept my apology."
Misato's head tilt turned into a straight owl-like impression. "Apology… accepted", she managed to say after a moment of immense confusion. "But Rei, please – it is entirely unnecessary. I am glad you learned humour. It was good-hearted. And funny. I know you are never mean towards me."
Rei blushed faintly and smiled a small, warm smile. "I am not. Thank you."
Misato smiled in turn, still feeling uncomfortable. "You're welcome… really. Please, don't suppress that. But I appreciated you stopped before answering a question I asked without thinking", she added with a more crooked smile.
"Ah, yes. That is the subject I owe you some explanation about – if you wish me to elaborate, of course", Rei offered.
"Please do. I am pretty sure I never spoke of my… dating past… to any of you. Except about dating Kaji, of course."
"Not to any of us, indeed. But you did speak of it in my presence", the bluenette explained. Not that it helped; Misato just stared in confusion.
"It was more than five years ago; before I started to… live. You were talking to Doctor Akagi about work scheduling problems; you mentioned 'that time when you had two of them', implying you were talking about boyfriends. I was there too, in the tank."
Misato clenched her teeth and dropped her gaze. 'Of course. The time when I paid her no attention and spoke as if she was not there. Sins of the past, welcome into my life once more', she thought with shame. "I am sorry, Rei. I am so sorry", she managed to say in a small voice.
She felt a jolt; a small, warm hand touched her own. "There is no need to be sorry for anything, Misato. It was a lifetime ago, from my point of view."
Misato looked up; Rei was surprised to note tears in her eyes. "There... There is. For treating you like… like furniture? Lab equipment?"
Rei shook her head, her expression serious. "I apologise for bringing it up, then. It was long ago, and I was not much more then, to be honest. You were among those that lifted me from that state. And this I will never forget. Please, don't blame yourself", Rei offered a small smile.
Misato took a deep breath and looked Rei back in the eye. "I just… well, let's say feel stupid about it now." She wiped the tears away.
"And please do not worry: your secrets are safe with me", Rei added in a reassuring tone.
"Secrets? Plural?" Misato raised her eyebrows.
"Well…", Rei smiled enigmatically. "There was a time where I was in that tank for extended periods of time, and you were visiting Doctor Akagi regularly. But as said – they are safe."
Misato let out an exasperated sigh. "Thank you. I appreciate it." Rei answered with a warmer small smile and returned to the thermal rollercoaster that was the result of alternating between ice cream and hot chocolate. Misato cringed again at the thought how this had to feel.
"Rei…" she started with an unusually meek voice.
"Yes?" the girl's eyes rose from the cup.
"Doesn't this… hurt?"
Rei tilted her head. "I am not sure what you are referring to, Misato. If you mean the activity we engage in one the daily ba-"
Misato threw her hands in front of her body in a defensive gesture. "Don't. Please. Don't. There are some illusions about you all I'd rather not have brutally shattered", she protested with notable insistence. Rei just smiled again.
"Of course, Misato. I can assure you I have no intention of fuelling your imagination… allow me only to say that most things you suspect are likely true. Now, could you explain what did you refer to with your question?" she inquired.
Misato took a deep breath and released it slowly, looking the blue-headed girl in the eye. The impression of innocence Rei was pulling would fool virtually anyone… except for someone who recalled the events from a few days ago, when Misato made her leave a small orgy to assist her. 'Wait. It did happen. I did not remember it. Why… argh, I still have to grill Ritsuko over it', she shelved the thought and refocused on still innocently-looking and patiently waiting Rei.
"You are eating ice-cream and taking hot chocolate. The temperature difference must be more than fifty centigrade. Don't your…" she cringed at the mental picture. "Don't your teeth hurt?"
"A little bit, yes", Rei admitted. "But it is also a fascinating sensation. I must admit that I have grown fond of… experimenting over the years. The pain was never an effective deterrent for me. This has been useful when I was actively piloting. It is also very useful in my quest for experiences", Rei explained calmly, keeping eye contact with Misato.
"That… that actually makes a lot of sense", Misato admitted. "What other-" she started before nearly literally biting her tongue. 'Nope. Nope. Nope. I'm not walking into that one', she chastised herself.
"Mm?" Rei tilted her head at her interlocutor's strange expression.
Misato shook her head. "Nothing, nothing. I just… never mind. Have… Rei, do you have any plans for next Saturday?" she changed the subject as naturally as she could manage.
"Not any I am aware of; my next expedition is several weeks away. Why?"
"There is a new boutique opening, and… I thought it may carry some clothing in a style you might enjoy wearing."
"Oh. Thank you, that was thoughtful of you", Rei smiled a small smile again. "I will gladly join you on a shopping trip."
Misato started to relax as they moved towards discussing fashion and other, less weighty subjects.
***
Of course, it was not to last.
"Can I ask you a question? A… more complicated one than one at the dinner?" Rei steered back to serious business after a while of conducting small-talk.
"Sure…" Misato replied with only minor hesitation. "That's what big sister Misato does best, giving advice… although I don't think I am the best role model ever, not when it comes to relationships – if this is what you want to ask", she smiled sheepishly.
"You are in a successful relationship. That is an indication that you are doing it right", Rei protested the objection. "And yes, it is about relationships."
"Or I got lucky with a very patient lover who puts up with my bullshit", Misato smile turned wry. "But this is not about me now. Fire away", she tented her hands and started to stare at Rei intensely, intensity mellowed a bit by a smile.
"How do I ask for something from my beloved without freaking them out? How do I ask for heart's desire without causing them to run away, to see me as too forward? As… controlling, demanding, needy, obsessed?" Rei's face was serious, even a little bit… fearful?
Misato rested her chin on her hand ponderously. This was a serious one. 'What boils underneath this collected and calm façade, Rei? What heart's desires tumult there?', she wondered for a moment, before returning to the present.
"There are two answers to that", she started and reconsidered.
"One complex but correct, other simple but false?" Rei quipped with a tiny smile, causing Misato to raise her eyebrows.
"I… was not going to get that philosophical", she smiled, overcoming the confusion. "No, the simple answer is true, but not really helpful, and it is 'talk to them'. But you deserve some more elaboration, I think. You do trust your beloved, correct?"
"With my life", Rei replied with utter conviction. Misato shivered, suddenly feeling horribly chilly despite hot surroundings. She remembered all too well when this answer held very literal meaning, and failure to uphold this trust could have meant a horrible death. She closed her eyes and clenched her teeth. 'Deep breath, slow exhale, as I was taught. Deep breath, slow exhale, you got this, Katsuragi. Deep breath–'
Her eyes shot open at unexpected stimuli. Rei was holding her hand. "I am sorry, Misato. Have I… startled you?"
Misato shook her head. "No." Another deep breath cleared her mind a bit. "Bad memories, nothing more. Stupid of me", she shook her head again, smiling a smile that would look forced even to someone far less observant than Rei. Still, the bluenette knew better than to dig deeper into the subject.
Misato took yet another deep breath. "Of course you trust them. I can't tell you what to do, or how to do it, but I will tell you what not to do", she paused; Rei cocked her head. "Please", she requested. "This shall be useful as well."
"So – first thing", Commander Katsuragi, the Self-Appointed-(Not)-Great-Specialist-in-Relationships, started the lecture. "Don't do the 'we need to talk' thing. This makes men – women likely too, just men never use it – run faster than Olympic sprinters – or have a heart attack." Rei nodded: "Makes sense", she commented in a focused voice, listening intently. Most people as serious as she was on the subject would be taking notes now; she never needed that – her memory was sufficient. Especially when fuelled by a strong motivation.
"Second, don't dance around the subject. If you want coffee, don't ask whether someone has seen the cup, or whether anyone goes to the kitchen. I know, I know" – Misato rose her hand – "that this is exactly how we are taught to act. But it wastes so much time that… well. Drop it at home, if not anywhere else."
Rei nodded, and Misato continued: "Third: don't overdo it. If you want them to drink coffee, don't drop the whole pot on the table or deliver them large cups. If you want to go to the cinema, don't throw them in the trunk and drive them there without warning." Rei chuckled softly at the last part. Misato smiled at the reaction; from Rei, this was like a full-on laughter. "I know this contradicts the second point, but it is about finding the middle ground."
"Fourth, and final: jokes usually mean discomfort. If the talk slides immediately into joking on the subject, soften it, maybe try to handle it in one-on-one talks, if feasible. I suppose that's it", Misato finished. "Oh, one more thing, I guess I don't have to tell you that, but just to be sure: they love you, and they will be willing to at least try things you ask for, just to make you happy. So, don't be afraid to ask. Unless it is something outrageous, like hogging all the chocolate in the house to yourself", she finished with mock horror on her face, eliciting another smile from Rei.
"Thank you, Misato. I guess this is how 'asking big sister for advice on love' feels like", Rei responded with amusement. Misato seemed uneasy for a moment; Rei continued: "Out of curiosity, you sounded convicted about what you said; is that your practical knowledge?"
It was Commander's turn to chuckle with a note of embarrassment. "Generally, yes. Kaji is… brash, and forward, but way too often we… struggle a bit. But I promised myself not to kick him out ever again. I almost did, when he proposed. I thought he was joking…" Misato drifted with her thoughts away again; Rei waited patiently for her to return.
"So", Misato snapped back after her reverie; had she paid attention to her surroundings, she would have noticed Rei was already done with her ice cream and was browsing the menu for something more. "Jokes. If they make jokes about given situation, given question, this means they are uneasy", Misato continued; Rei put the menu down and took a look around, looking for their waiter.
"But humour helps to in relieving tension. Is it not natural to joke about matters that make you uncomfortable?" Rei inquired.
"It is, yes, but it also means they are not taking it seriously, or they are scared of it", Misato replied, taking a sip of her coffee.
"Ah. Yes. Like during the Spring Dinner Incident", Rei noted.
"A what?" Misato tilted her head slightly.
"I believe you will remember better if I jostle your memory. It happened on a warm April day…"
***
A Saturday in April 2019
Four people were sitting at the dinner table: Asuka and Shinji, acting as hosts, and Rei and Misato, being the guests. Kaworu was somewhere on his voyages, having tasked Rei with watering his plants – a task she would do gladly, if not for the fact that some of them were poisonous. Kaji… well, his work was always taking him places, strange places, and Misato spent that time throwing herself into her work. Being Commander was a job that could easily cause a heavy case of workaholism. The dinner was actually at the end – they were sitting there and enjoying the remaining wine; the platters were already taken away; dessert was this time not on the menu, on Misato's request.
The entire dinner almost did not come to pass – Misato was quick to make an excuse when invited, which was no surprise, considering that last time they invited her, everything had blown up horrifically and ended up with about a month's worth of separation between the culprits. Unfortunately for Misato, Shinji saw through the excuse; she was not sure how, but she suspected Rei has somewhat managed to get access to her calendar and Shinji knew the "important meeting" she tried to excuse herself with was a lie. He did make a promise then: he would not allow this one to end up that badly. And thus, Misato agreed.
Looking back, she really wished she did not accept – or at least thought before she spoke.
"So, I ended up having both kids clinging to me, with their 'Aunt Misato, just one more story!' for all the evening", Misato laughed. "And it kept going until their father came home and pried them away from me. Kimiko is an old friend, a good parent but really, she lets her kids walk all over her… and everything and everyone else for that matter", she finished with a sigh. The listeners just nodded in agreement, having only dim knowledge of the person in question, Misato's college friend she had recently reconnected with.
"I just hope your kids won't be as much a pain in the ass" she smiled at Asuka and Shinji.
She immediately knew she said something wrong when Rei's usual calm and soft expression turned into a tense one, worry clear in her expression. Shinji closed his eyes for a second and sighed softly. Asuka's face was the hardest to understand, as it was a mix of several emotions, none of them too clear; Misato might not have been the best person to read emotions, but she did learn to do it passably in last few years, a necessity for being in a command position. She saw both hope and fear in that mix, both longing… and anger.
Suddenly, all that was replaced by a derisive, unpleasantly smiling face. "Nah. No worry about that. Considering how Shinji is eager at it", she underscored the meaning with a lewd face, "we won't have any in… well, ever." Her voice indicated slight intoxication, but everyone that knew Asuka was aware this was not the alcohol talking.
"Asuka…" a soft protest came from the side of the accused. Misato's ears started to get red: 'me and my big mouth…'
"Not to mention, we'd have to have a serious conversation about it, and that is my kryptonite", she continued. "So, he would have to be pushy, determined, and persistent! In other words, not spineless." Asuka rose her glass of wine. Both Misato and Rei looked uncomfortable; Shinji was beyond 'uncomfortable' and rapidly approaching 'mortified'.
"And we all know", she went on mercilessly, "this is about as likely as the sun to rise in the West!" she finished, gulping down the wine.
Shinji was just sitting there, his eyes fixated on the table. Rei made eye contact with Misato, clearly unsure what to do, and Commander sighed internally. She was aware that both by the virtue of her age and custom – as well as the semi-parental role she played towards them – it was on her to defuse this situation. She glanced at her watch.
"Oh, I'm sorry – look at the hour. I'm sorry, I have to go", she started to rise.
Shinji immediately restarted and went into his host-persona: "No, Misato, please – it's still early, could you not stay for a little longer?" 'Step one: break Shinji's Asuka-induced brooding – done', she noted.
"Sorry, Shin-chan, duty calls", she scrambled towards the exit. Rei shot her a look of gratitude and started to clean up the table discreetly. 'Step two: break the assembly – in progress. I know this is hardly the best solution… but this is the best I can do at this moment', Misato cringed internally at her rather inept manoeuvring.
She left in a hurry, leaving the potentially explosive situation behind.
***
Present day
"Oh. That" Misato scratched her head. "Yeah… It was a little bit ugly."
"It was. I was not able to do much then, and while your departure stemmed the ineffective attempts at humour from Asuka…"
"They fought later, didn't they?" Misato sighed.
"Yes. It was rather… violent, and then they separated for eleven days" Rei confirmed. "Shinji tried to explain to Asuka why this was 'not nice', while she accused him of having 'a thin skin'. I believe she was angry at herself, actually, and projected it at him."
"Maybe. But while I did not have this in mind, this is an extreme example, I think you understand what I had in mind. Asuka is less… prone to such behaviour now, I suppose", Misato sighed.
"Yes", Rei smiled softly. "And Shinji is far more likely to… fire back. Or even shoot first, as I recently witnessed."
"Oh?"
"Too many personal details, I'm afraid. Marital confidence clause is in effect, not to mention, you objected to details a moment ago", Rei smiled with a hint of mischief, taking another sip from her nearly-empty cup and wrinkling her nose to the smallest degree. She took another look around, finally catching the eyes of their waiter.
Misato smiled and shook her head. "Of course, Rei. God, you're suddenly all so… adult now."
"This has not happened overnight, I believe", Rei noted in a deadpan voice and turned to the waiter that has just reached their table. "I would like a Vienna-style coffee and a piece of apple pie… anything for you, Misato?"
Misato shook her head. "No, thank you, I already ate far too much for my current die- food plan."
"Indulgence, applied once in a while, is quite good for motivation. Are you sure you have not earned that reward?"
Misato shook her head once more, with far less conviction, but stuck to her version of events. "Yes, I'm sure. Nothing for me, thank you."
Rei nodded and turned her attention up again. "Thank you, that would be all."
"Of course, ma'am" the boyish-looking waiter – likely a student on a part-time job – left.
Rei turned her attention back to Misato. "Thank you for your advice. You have been helpful."
Misato smiled. "You are – you, all of you – as close to children I ever had. So… as a semi-parent, I guess I am doing something right when I am helpful."
Rei did not reply for a second, her out-of-focus eyes scanning the Commander for a second or two. The thoughtful expression vanished a second later. "Of course, Misato. You are certainly doing something right", Rei winked with amusement. Misato rolled her eyes, still, she was unable to hide her own smile.
Their attention was diverted by the arrival of the cake. Misato looked at it, clearly having a moment of weakness; she could have sworn she heard a voice telling her 'you know you want it, indulge your desires'. She shook her head. It was impossible. There were no voices in her head.
But there-
"Rei. Was that you?"
All that answered her was a sheepish smile from over a fresh cup of coffee. "A piece of cherry pie for me, please", Misato sighed with resignation.
The waiter nodded; Rei set the cup down. "A wise decision, Commander. Trust me on that."
"Rei. That was… underhanded."
"Just a little bit under… voiced, I believe. I hope this was not too… forward? Transgressive?"
Misato sighed with resignation. "Not to a degree I would have an issue with… but I am starting to understand why half the time Asuka looks like she wanted to choke you, and half the time she looks like she wanted to kiss you senseless."
"Those activities are not mutually exclusive", Rei stated in a deadpan voice.
"Too. Much. Information. Thank. You." Misato rattled the words through her teeth.
"Apologies. I thought you knew that", Rei replied with perfect innocence.
Misato just facepalmed and remained like that until her 'cherry-flavoured capital sin', as she silently named the pie, arrived. For a few minutes, they enjoyed their cake in silence.
"But what is your heart's desire, Rei? What do you truly want?" Misato decided to finally break the silence.
"It's… hard."
Misato stifled the inexplicable urge to make the obvious dirty joke. This was a serious matter. Rei looked at her, smiling a small smile.
"You didn't ask 'whose of the two' or 'congratulations, but what does it have to do with this?'. I was honestly expecting you to", she smiled a bit wider.
Misato facepalmed once more.
"Rei…"
"Yes, inappropriate", Rei's face turned serious again. "It is, actually, hard to express. I… I want to make them happy", she finally admitted.
"This is an admirable goal, but also a very generic one – defined by their reactions, their motivations. What do you want?"
"I want to devote my every waking moment to ensuring they are happy. To guess their wishes before they are even aware of them. To give them things they did not know they wanted before they are able to feel they lack them. To serve them, forever, and to bind them together. I want to give them love, and I want to feel their love."
Misato's face showed something between surprise and stupefaction. Rei statement was spoken with utter conviction, the words of a person that was absolutely certain of their goal, of their reason. Not something she expected from a twenty-year-old girl who actually lived for far less than that.
"And", Rei resumed with far more flippant voice, "I want to have a lot of sex with them, and obey their every command, as long as it does not put them in danger."
That broke Misato out of her stupefaction and made her chuckle.
"Your sense of humour is… sometimes… strange, you know that?"
"Yes", Rei smiled, her eyes dreamy.
"What you declare is… serious. But, knowing you, I see no reason to question it, I guess. Just… keep in mind that if you focus too much on their happiness… you may lose your own from the sight."
Rei shook her head. "No, Misato. I know what I want. Was this what you asked about?"
The Commander sighed. "Yes, it was, thank you… although I got more than I bargained for. Not that I mind, I guess it's the 'parental risk'", she smiled again. "And if you want to discuss it…"
Rei shook her head again. "Not now. Maybe in a few years."
"You know where to find me", Misato replied with confidence.
***
The cups were empty, the platters cleaned, the bill paid – after a short argument about splitting it, won by Rei with the major argument of 'I invited you here, you can pay on another day', and they were going their separate ways.
"Thank you for your company… and Misato….", Rei turned and called after Misato.
"Yes, Rei?"
The bluenette took a small paper-wrapped package out of her bag and handed it to Misato. "You may consider unpacking this today and making use of the content. I apologise in advance for the potential awkwardness, but I believe this is necessary."
Misato looked at Rei with confusion. "All right… As you didn't give this to me once we met, I assume it can quite well wait until evening?". 'Likely one of her… practical jokes once more. She's learning fast, even if the attempts are… strange at times. Well, there's no harm in humouring her', Misato smiled internally.
"Of course, Commander, that would be a good idea. Take care, Commander", Rei bowed and walked away with a pace far faster than her usual one.
Misato shrugged. Her kids – 'Kaji may poke fun at that, but they are mine. More than any of their parents'…' – were certainly a source of insanity in her world.
After a long break and with the holiday season giving me some time to write, I present another chapter of the PilOT4 story. Or, more precisely, one of the Pilots having a talk with Misato.
I'm interested in how they react to 2Try!Kaworu is a bit... off due him being an Angel (and being a bit of a dick) as He finds humans thinking and emotions -such like fear- alien and disconcerting, and people also finds him weird and even unsettling. Asuka defined the mere fact of meeting and talking to him like "unsettling". Maya found his utter unguardedness disturbing and somewhat eerie. He also told to Shinji life and death are as unimportant to him as are time and space.
He finds humans thinking and emotions -such like fear- alien and disconcerting, and people also finds him weird and even unsettling. Asuka defined the mere fact of meeting and talking to him like "unsettling". Maya found his utter unguardedness disturbing and somewhat eerie. He also told to Shinji life and death are as unimportant to him as are time and space.
Could be an early instance of him. Or a future instance. Either way, Kaworu would understand how different he could be; the only reason he's as he is now is because this time around, he got sent to Tokyo-3 early and he had the advantage of somewhat emotionally stable people to learn from and love.
Of course, how he was raised by SEELE is also up for debate. That would have some influence in how he's like. A&T!Kaworu would think it par for the course that different instances of him were different. He is he, after all, not anyone else.
Rei might find it rather disconcerting. Then again, it's much like the anime. And they know it's not them.
Not like that would help their feelings on the matter when they see certain events play out.
Could be an early instance of him. Or a future instance. Either way, Kaworu would understand how different he could be; the only reason he's as he is now is because this time around, he got sent to Tokyo-3 early and he had the advantage of somewhat emotionally stable people to learn from and love.
I don't think the latter was ever really possible with 2Try!Kaworu because humanity of that world had a Primal Fear - TV Tropes of him. The only one who didn't care about that was Shinji and even he admitted that Kaworu was kinda creepy.
Rei, hate to break it to you, but your husband is a bit of a goofball. Probably due to the weight of the world no longer being on his shoulders. He spent the first half of his life knowing he was doomed to die or kill the world. Now that's gone, and he feels a little bit more... silly.
"Shinji tried to explain to Asuka why this was 'not nice', while she accused him of having 'a thin skin'. I believe she was angry at herself, actually, and projected it at him."
I am starting to understand why half the time Asuka looks like she wanted to choke you, and half the time she looks like she wanted to kiss you senseless."
"Those activities are not mutually exclusive", Rei stated in a deadpan voice.
I'm guessing the package was something along these lines?
EDIT: Probably brings up some interesting mixed feelings in Misato. On the one hand, it's fanon in some circles that Misato suspects she's infertile due to her injuries in Second Impact; finding out she's not could be a pleasant surprise. On the other hand, well, unplanned pregnancy.
Probably brings up some interesting mixed feelings in Misato. On the one hand, it's fanon in some circles that Misato suspects she's infertile due to her injuries in Second Impact; finding out she's not could be a pleasant surprise. On the other hand, well, unplanned pregnancy.
The initial reaction is what you just read - panic. Then, she will start to think about it and may arrive at conclusion that "wait, isn't that what I wanted?"
Doesn't mean she is not going to have doubts all the way.
But knowing Misato's sense of humor, if she doesn't have quadruplets the first time (and doesn't decide it's too hard work to birth them), she'll ambush Ritsuko for more of the Ale to make this joke...
