Something new...
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In Tokyo-3, there were certain things that one accepted as day to day realities. Some of these were occupational hazards, like the frequent emergencies that resulted in massive property damage or crowded public transport.
For Misato Katsuragi, it was the need to self-medicate with alcohol. She knew the dangers of drinking that amount of beer every night, but the drinking helped her sleep.
Tonight, however, she had a good reason for drinking to excess: Shinji had finally come home.
For what had felt like the longest time, the Third Child has been trapped inside the entry plug of Unit-01. It had only been thirty-one days, but the fact that it was Shinji who was the one who kept the Katsuragi household running had made things worse.
Asuka, for all her claims of brilliance, lacked any domestic competence.
Misatos was somehow even worse.
Beer cans and takeaway containers were piling up. Laundry was being washed on the most basic setting. Pressing the uniforms wasnt even attempted.
For all the claims of adulthood from Misato and Asuka, they needed supervision. And it was Shinji Ikari who provided that supervision.
Misato opened the door to her apartment and led Shinji and Asuka inside.
Sorry about the mess, Shin-chan, the Major apologised. Ive been a bit busy lately.
Its alright, Misato-san, Shinji replied. I understand.
Anyway, lets celebrate! Misato beamed as she held up the beer shed bought on the way home from NERV. I dont normally do this, but tonights a special occasion. Im going to let you and Asuka have some beer!
What? Seriously? the redhead asked. No strings attached?
Well, if youre sick, youre cleaning it up.
Fair enough, Asuka shrugged. She reached into the bag and cracked open a beer. After taking a long drink of it, she turned to Shinji. You want one, Shinji?
No, thank you.
You alright, Shinji? Asuka asked.
Im just tired, thats all, Shinji answered. Do you mind if I go to bed early?
But you have to eat something! Misato insisted.
Im not hungry, the young man insisted.
Ok, but were still celebrating, right Misato? Asuka asked, hoping to milk this permission for alcohol for as long as possible.
Hell yeah! the Major declared. She opened a beer for herself and nearly drained it. Thats the good stuff. So, are you really going to go to bed and leave two ladies alone?
Im sorry, Misato-san, I just dont feel like celebrating, Shinji answered. Sorry
As the young Ikari entered his room and closed the door, Asuka felt something she wasnt used to feeling. She may have declared her hatred for Shinji on several occasions, but that didnt mean she wanted to see him suffer.
Misato
Let him have his space, Asuka, Misato said wisely. Hes tired and Hell, I have no idea what happened to him while he was in Unit-01.
But the redhead protested weakly. Shed needed her own space after Shinji had been trapped. If someone had come knocking on her door, shed have unleashed a torrent of abuse upon them. Ok, Ill leave him alone for tonight.
Thats better, the Major smiled before killing the rest of her beer. Besides, our foods getting cold.
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