Omake Chapter 1-C: Shinji

[Bean Bandit]

Rei's lips turned down...a barely visible movement, but there it was.

"What do you mean?"

[Shukuen]

"I mean... are you content with having to escort me to my quarters? Are you comfortable with what you are doing now?"

[Bean Bandit]

"Is there a reason I should be uncomfortable, Ikari-kun?" Rei replied softly, obviously confused.

[Shukuen]

"Humans are generally uncomfortable when they do something that leaves them unhappy," Shukuen shrugged, not quite sure about human psychology himself.

[Bean Bandit]

Rei tilted her head, turning to examine Shinji closely.

"Are you uncomfortable, Ikari-kun?"

[Shukuen]

Shukuen replied cheerfully, "Of course not, Ayanami." Wisely, he decided to not share the real reason with her. "In fact, even though I've been punished, I feel very pleased. I stopped Sohryu from taking another life, and I get to spend some time with you. Even if you were ordered to."

[Bean Bandit]

Rei jerked in surprise, a slight blush forming on her cheeks.

"..." she replied, turning to face the door again, as she seemed unable to reply. Moments later, the door dinged open again, opening on a much more comfortable atmosphere, though still slightly austere. Green painted walls, and an atmosphere reminiscent of a hospital greeted them, and a short corridor led away from the elevator, and a turned a corner. Light from a distant door danced on the wall from the corner, and the sounds of the street carried into their vicinity...

[Shukuen]

Shukuen resisted the urge to facefault, mainly because this universe didn't have a slapstick effect and it would end up very painful. He'd expected many reactions from Rei (well... technically one, but it had its many uses), but a blush was the only thing he hadn't counted on.

Was it something I said...? he wondered dumbly, at a lost at this new development. His mind was so preoccupied, he didn't even register the fact that his feet were moving on their own. To where, he didn't know, even if he were aware.

[Bean Bandit]

Shinji slipped through the short hall and turned the corner, and saw a utilitarian, military style exit. Just beyond the doors he was heading toward, the fading light of the afternood could be seen, as well as a large console for inserting his security card to enter the building...

[Shukuen]

Shukuen managed to recover his senses, sparing him the embarrassment of walking into something as he spotted the exit. As he approached it, he began going through his memories, trying to recall if the path to Misato's apartment was ever detailed.

[Bean Bandit]

Shinji and Rei passed a guard station as they approached the door. The seated guard looked up briefly, but, recognizing them, returned to his work. The armed guard standing beside him's gaze never wavered as he watched the two children leave...

[Shukuen]

Humming boredly, Shukuen glanced around, trying to spot where the apartment complexes were most likely to be.

[Bean Bandit]

Unfortunately, they had been deposited at ground level in the middle of Tokyo-3. Tall buildings surrounded them, but they were mostly of the commercial variety...

[Shukuen]

Shukuen scowled at his luck, and wondered why the universe seemed to conspire against him. He quickly tried to think of an excuse to avoid any suspicion. "So, Ayanami? Do you have anything else to do, or would you mind if we enjoy this little walk?" he asked, smiling innocently.

[Bean Bandit]

Rei blinked at Shinji, inclining her head slightly. She made no reply, but her expression was curious as she waited for him to elaborate...