I

  When Asuka awoke from her nightmare, she made no sound. She was so adept at rising quietly that she didn’t disturb Shinji, who was slumbering serenely next to her in bed. His mouth was slightly ajar, emitting a soft snore. Asuka smiled, got out of bed, and reached for her cellphone, which was resting on the nightstand. It displayed the time: 05:24. ?Yay, Asuka! Another record for sleeping through the night!“

  She used her phone as a flashlight to guide her through her tiny bedroom and into the bathroom to change. The light turned on automatically, revealing a room that was both rustic and modern, with wood paneling on the walls, a sink made of natural stone, a spacious bathtub, a toilet, and a shower. Shinji had wanted to spend their final weeks in Bavaria in a smaller mountain cabin, but why skimp when you can indulge?

  In the mirror, a stranger stared back at her: her red hair was disheveled, she had dark circles under her eyes, and her lips were dry. Asuka filled a glass with cold water and gulped it down, the refreshing liquid helping to dispel the lingering aftertaste of her nightmare. ?Come on, Asuka. It’s your big party today. Pull yourself together,“ she muttered to herself. She splashed more cold water on her face before stepping outside, bundled up in warm clothing.

  As she stepped onto the porch, the frigid morning air immediately hit her face, banishing any lingering remnants of her nightmare. Another motion sensor illuminated the porch and Asuka settled onto a small wooden bench next to the entrance. She took a deep breath, drawing the icy air into her lungs before slowly releasing it; watching as a small cloud formed in front of her face. Disheveled hair and tired eyes were forgotten for a moment as she took in the peacefulness of the wintry landscape.

  Once again, Shinji was the central figure in her dream. He hung from a rope, his eyes vacant as he gazed at her. Asuka wasn’t sure what was worse: the fact that she still had nightmares about Shinji after all these years, or that she had grown so numb to them that they no longer held any significance for her.

  After a while, the light went out again as Asuka remained motionless, and the motion detector had nothing more to detect. She savored the quiet and darkness that followed. She loved the winter and the snow that draped the land like a cozy blanket, burying everything under a hush of silence.

  On the horizon, down in the valley, the city was coming to life. Its lights twinkled and glimmered in the still-dark sky. The moon cast a gentle glow on a narrow path winding down to the valley, disappearing amidst the trees. In the past two weeks, Shinji and Asuka had frequently taken this route to buy groceries or go out in town. Usually, they were driven by their bodyguards and chaperons – the only two people on Earth who could pilot an Evangelion were quite VIPs – but recently, they had also been taking driving lessons from Robert, one of their bodyguards and a former member of Section 7. He had taught them that you shouldn’t always take a curve at full throttle, unlike Misato who always did. Who would have thought?

  ?Hey,“ a voice suddenly said behind her. ?Hey.“ Asuka slid a little to the side so that Shinji could sit down next to her. He had two steaming cups in his hands and a warm blanket hanging over his shoulder. ?Will you hold this for a minute?“ he said, handing her both cups of coffee. Then he sat down next to her and wrapped them both in the fluffy warm blanket. ?Thanks,“ Shinji said, taking his cup again and quietly drinking his coffee. Asuka looked at him for a while, then took a sip as well.

  No ?How are you?“ or ?Did you have another nightmare?“ Shinji was just there for her. Without many words, just through his gestures and attention, he comforted her. And that’s why she loved him so much. She moved a little closer to him.

  For a while, they sat together in silence, sipping their coffee and waiting for the sunrise. The horizon had already begun to glow with a hint of orange. Asuka leaned her head against Shinji’s shoulder and closed her eyes. Her thoughts were slowly winding down as she drifted off again.

  ?Asuka?“

  ?Huh?“ she replied sleepily.

  ?Shall I make breakfast?“ asked Shinji.

  Asuka shook her head. ?Let’s stay here for a while longer.“

  He wrapped his arms around her and kissed the top of her head. ?Or,“ he whispered into her red hair, ?we could go inside and cuddle up in bed some more…“

  She grinned mischievously, suddenly feeling very warm. Shinji stood up and held out his hand to her. Asuka took his hand and stood up, too. ?Hmm… I like that idea.“

  II

  ?Are you coming, Asuka? Our cab’s here!“ Shinji called from the entrance, peeking out through the half-open door onto the driveway. Light snow was falling gently. A car was parked there, its lights momentarily blinding him, cutting through the soft snowfall before the driver turned off the engine.

  The sun had bid goodbye a few hours ago. It was fascinating how quickly time flew when you were just lying in bed and cuddling. Shinji’s heart warmed as he reflected on the day. And it wasn’t just because of the thick winter jacket he had put on. His hand felt in his jacket pocket for a small object to make sure it was still there. When his fingers closed around the small square box, he sighed in relief. He wondered how Asuka would react. He had already felt a sinking feeling in his stomach all day. Well, almost the whole day. Not counting the hours in the bedroom.

  Suddenly, the light in the car turned on, snapping Shinji out of his thoughts. The light revealed the driver, Robert, who waved at Shinji. Shinji waved back. Robert pointed to his watch. Shinji shrugged and pointed behind him to the house. Robert shook his head, but from a distance, Shinji could tell Robert was smiling.

  Robert was a good guy. Shinji liked him, and he was certain Asuka liked him too. Robert was in his late thirties, wore a full black beard that was already streaked with a little gray. He had a young daughter named Anna and an older son named Jonas. When you put those two together with Misato’s daughter, it was best to always have a working fire extinguisher in the house. Asuka was quite fond of the three of them.

  In addition, Robert always had an open ear for all the worries and problems that plagued Shinji and Asuka. In a way, he had taken over the role of their psychiatrist, but in a cool and funny way. Plus, he could easily rival Misato in drinking.

  Suddenly, Asuka pushed past him and planted a kiss on his cheek. ?What are you standing around for, Baka?“ she called out as she dashed towards the waiting car. ?Come on, let’s get to the party!“

  Shinji sighed and closed the door. He hurried to the car, where Asuka was in the process of dragging Robert out of it.

  ?Come on, Bert! Tomorrow is my birthday! That’s when I officially get to drive!“ the redhead said, tugging on Robert’s arm.

  ?I don’t like it when you call me Bert,“ Robert protested.

  ?He doesn’t like it when you call him Bert,“ Shinji added.

  Asuka pierced Shinji with an icy stare. ?Shut up, Baka!“ Then she turned to Robert. ?I’ll stop calling you Bert if you let me drive, Bert.“

  Robert sighed. ?Well, first of all, Misato will kill me if I let you drive again.“

  ?But-?

  ?And second, like you said: You’re not eighteen yet.“

  ?It’s just a few hours! Pleeease!“ Asuka pleaded, casting her dangerous puppy-dog eyes at Robert. However, he remained unmoved. Instead, he just stared at her. Minutes passed, and Shinji wondered how a human could go so long without blinking. He fumbled again for the small box in his jacket pocket.

  ?Ugh, fine!“ Robert said suddenly.

  ?Yeah!“ exclaimed Asuka, punching the air and grinning, still holding onto Robert’s arm.

  ?Wait a minute,“ Robert said. ?Here’s what we’ll do: I’ll drive you there, and then you get to drive back.“

  Asuka’s eyes widened, and she grinned.

  ?But then you can’t drink anything,“ Robert continued.

  Asuka’s face froze.

  Robert grinned. ?I thought you’d react that way. Well, if that’s settled, then—“

  ?Okay,“ Asuka said suddenly.

  Both Shinji and Robert looked at her, puzzled. ?Okay?“ they said simultaneously.

  ?Okay! Agreed! That’s how we’ll do it!“

  ?Are you sure about this?“ asked Robert. ?After all, you only turn eighteen once.“

  ?An Asuka Soryu Langley is always sure! Now, let’s get to the party!“ said Asuka, hopping around the car and getting in the front. ?I will destroy you at bowling, Third Child!“ she declared before slamming the door.

  Shinji looked at Robert. ?Okay,“ they both sighed simultaneously. Then Shinji got in the back, and the car started moving.

  III

  In the first few minutes of the trip, Asuka listed all the possible ways she would beat Shinji at bowling. Shinji smiled, only briefly mentioning ?karaoke.“ Asuka stuck her tongue out at him, and the car fell into a comfortable silence.

  The snow fell harder, slowing down the car. In good weather, the trip would have taken twenty minutes, but now they had been on the road for ten minutes, yet there was no sign of the town, only the dark silhouettes of trees in the headlights.

  ?How are the kids?“ asked Asuka after a while.

  ?So far, so good,“ Robert said. ?Anna is getting her molars.“

  ?Ouch!“ went Asuka. ?Let me see, do you have a picture?“

  ?There, on my phone,“ Robert pointed to the center console. Asuka grabbed the phone and held it to Robert’s face. ?Now, look into the camera and smile.“ Robert turned his head briefly to unlock his phone using facial recognition. ?Oh God, is that a smile?“ teased Asuka. ?I think the phone unlocked because it was afraid of your face!“

  ?Ha ha,“ said Robert.

  Shinji giggled.

  Asuka typed something on the phone and squealed in amusement. ?Oh my god, Shinji, look!“ She turned around and showed him the phone, displaying a picture of a smiling girl with brown eyes, her long hair braided into two pigtails. In her hair, she wore two specific red triangles.

  ?Cute,“ Shinji said, smiling. His chest constricted a bit when he saw little Anna’s smile, feeling like he had lost something he did not yet possess. He handed the phone back to Asuka. ?She’s wearing the synch clips you gave her for her birthday.“

  ?Yessss!“ she said.

  ?Yeah,“ Robert said. ?As often as she wears them, I think they’re fused to her head.“

  ?Well, they’re very fashionable,“ Asuka replied.

  ?Mh-hmm. By the way, Jonas asked me again when Aunt Asuka and Uncle Shinji are coming to play again,“ said Robert.

  ?Hehe, the little rascal,“ Asuka said.

  ?To play ?we-are-two-evas-and-fight-against-angels…’“ continued Robert.

  ?Uh…“ made Asuka.

  ?Shinji?“ Robert looked at him in the rearview mirror.

  Shinji shrugged and screwed up his face. ?I always have to play the angel…“

  ?You’re really cute in that dress, too!“ said Asuka.

  Robert looked at Asuka. ?In the what?“

  Asuka burst into laughter. Shinji grinned.

  ?Don’t worry,“ Asuka said. ?We’ll keep all that bloody psycho-horror stuff from him, too. Shinji’s just a nice angel.“

  ?I should hope so!“ retorted Robert.

  Asuka turned around to the back. ?My nice angel,“ she said, smiling at him in a way that always made his stomach tingle. He mouthed a ?thank you‘ and blew her a kiss.

  ?Oh… I think… I have some vomit in my mouth…“ said Robert when he noticed this.

  ?Oh, shut up!“ Asuka playfully boxed him on the shoulder. ?You’re just jealous!“

  Shinji blushed.

  Robert made some more choking noises and then laughed too. ?No, but seriously,“ he said after a short pause. ?That thing you two have is very special. That something like this could grow in this world… In this environment and with your past-“ He whistled. ?Pretty cool.“

  Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.

  ?Yes…“ Asuka extended her hand backward.

  ?Pretty cool.“ Shinji took her hand.

  ?Urgh, again… Urgh…“ went Robert.

  ?You idiot!“ grinned Asuka, pulling her hand away and boxing Robert on the shoulder again.

  ?Ouch! Watch it, Soryu. I have a black belt in karate!“

  ?Ohh, I’m so scared! And me in jiu-jitsu!“

  Shinji smiled as he listened to the two argue about who could knock out who in the ring. But then something caught his attention. The music suddenly stopped. The clock on the radio read 8:50 pm, still too early for the news.

  ?If you’re done flirting, could you turn the radio up for a minute?“ he asked.

  ?Spoilsport,“ Asuka said, sticking her tongue out at him in the rearview mirror and turning up the radio.

  ?…the latest developments. Terrible news has just reached us about another attack by the fanatical terrorist group ?Mors Caeli‘.

  About an hour ago, a coordinated attack was carried out, covering several neighborhoods of Berlin. The number of victims has not yet been fully confirmed, but it is feared that dozens of people may have been affected. Security authorities have confirmed the exact location of the attacks in the area of the government district, near the Reichstag building, and at Alexanderplatz.

  According to eyewitnesses, several explosive devices detonated in quick succession, followed by armed attacks in various public places. Police and emergency services are on the scene and working under high pressure to treat the injured and bring the situation under control.

  The sect ?Mors Caeli‘ has stated in the past its intention to bring about the Third Impact and believes that the return of the angels is the only way to salvation. Authorities have increased their security measures and ask the public to be more vigilant.

  We will keep you updated as more information becomes available.“

  When the music started again, Asuka turned the radio down and gave him the finger. ?Fuck you, Mors Caeli!“

  ?Normally I’d say watch your mouth right now, young lady,“ Robert said. ?But yes, fuck you.“

  Shinji shook his head. ?I still don’t get it… Why do they want Third Impact?“

  ?Shit, because they’re idiots!“ said Asuka.

  ?Nobody understands terrorists, Shinji,“ said Robert. ?But when the real intentions behind Third Impact became known, I guess some went more nuts than others.“

  ?Hmm…“

  ?Don’t take it to heart,“ Robert said.

  ?Isn’t there anything LICHT can do about it?“ asked Asuka.

  ?I’m afraid not. Not yet. We have our hands full rebuilding the world after NERV nearly destroyed it.“

  ?I thought we saved the world,“ Shinji said quietly.

  ?Shinji,“ Robert said. Shinji looked at him in the rearview mirror. ?You did. And not just once. If it wasn’t for you guys, I don’t think I’d have two little buggers right now.“

  That brought a small smile to Shinji’s face.

  ?Yeah, my baka, we’re heroes.“ Asuka turned back around and blew Shinji a kiss.

  ?Thank you, my darling. Ah think Robert is getting sick again.“

  ?Urgs, too much love talk… Can’t steer anymore…“

  ?Lucky we’re here anyway, Bert!“ Asuka pointed ahead.

  The forest receded on either side and disappeared into the dark snow flurry. Then the first street lamps and lights of Schwarzensee materialized. They transformed the falling snow into tiny, glowing orange balls, playfully dancing around the top of the lanterns. Occasionally, a car glided towards them. The road, once meticulously cleared, was now in the process of being reclaimed by the falling snow.

  On both sides of the main street, an array of stores twinkled through the snow. For many, only the store names remained illuminated, and the windows of the storefronts stared out at them like mysterious black eyes. The bowling and karaoke center Melody Lanes was located pretty much at the end of Schwarzensee in the industrial area and after another five minutes drive they were there.

  As they turned into the almost full parking lot, the grand Melody Lanes sign greeted them, radiating in all the colors of the rainbow. A small group of smokers huddled outside the entrance, their exhales forming a glowing cloud of nicotine above their heads.

  Robert skillfully parked the car in one of two empty handicapped spaces right next to the entrance and turned off the engine. Shinji still harbored reservations about their privilege to park anywhere due to the LICHT special right, but he couldn’t deny the convenience it offered, even if it came with a pang of guilt.

  ?So, you two lovebirds.“ Robert turned in his seat to face them. ?You guys know the procedure by now, so we’ll keep it short.“ Asuka groaned and threw her hands in the air. ?Really now, Bert? Today too?“

  He looked at her seriously. ?You guys stay close to me and we’ll keep eye contact. I want to see you guys all the time. I want to know where you are at all times. And if you have to go to the bathroom-?

  ?-then one of you will wait outside the bathroom with you and the other will go pee pee, yes yes,“ Asuka said, waving her hand.

  ?Good good. Do you have your vests on?“

  ?Jawohl, Herr General!“ Asuka saluted.

  Shinji tugged a little on the light neonite vest under his shirt. ?Yes, Robert, thank you.“

  ?Well then, let’s get to the party.“ Robert checked the fit of his firearm, an HK-207, which he carried in a hidden holster under his jacket, and got out.

  ?Woohoo!“ cheered Asuka, and the three of them entered Melody Lanes.

  IV

  ?Surprise!“ a chorus of voices rang out as Asuka, Shinji, and Robert entered the spacious karaoke box that Shinji had rented for the evening.

  Asuka’s eyes almost fell out of their sockets. Her mouth was wide open, and the words she wanted to say to Shinji got stuck halfway down her throat. Before she could sort out her thoughts, she was embraced by a shrieking Hikari.

  ?Hey, Asuka,“ Hikari said, loosening her hug slightly. ?It’s been way too long.“

  ?What, how? What’s happening here?“ stammered Asuka, her confused gaze wandering back and forth between Shinji and the others. Baka-Shinji only replied with a stupid grin.

  ?Group hug!“ someone shouted from the crowd, and Asuka was once again pulled into the center of a warm hugging circle. This time, Hikari was in the middle. ?Oh, how I’ve missed you!“ said Misato warmly.

  ?Wait!“ gasped Asuka as she struggled to free herself from Misato’s bear hug, giving Hikari breathing room again. She stumbled back a step and collided with Shinji, who placed his hands on her shoulders to comfort her. Only now could Asuka clearly see who was standing around her in the room: a grinning Misato, Hikari with flushed cheeks and slightly disheveled hair. Sitting on the black leather couch, which stretched along the entire opposite wall, were a mischievously grinning Kaji and a gloomy-looking Touji, who waved cheerfully at them.

  ?Surprise,“ Shinji whispered in her ear.

  Asuka whirled around. ?What? When…?“

  He scratched the back of his head. ?Well, I made some calls, called in favors, and yeah… Here they all are.“ He smiled gently. Then he furrowed his brow. ?Except for Kensuke, unfortunately, but Touji better tell you that story.“

  ?Oh yeah, the best story!“ Touji said enthusiastically. ?And hey, long time no see.“

  Suddenly, Asuka’s chest became very tight, and her eyes began to burn. ?Baka…“ She hugged Shinji tightly and gave him a deep kiss. ?Thank you,“ she whispered. He returned her smile lovingly.

  Hikari shrieked again. Misato somehow managed to hug Asuka, Hikari, and Shinji at the same time, and someone behind them made noises like he was going to throw up.

  ?Bert!“ shouted Asuka and Shinji at the same time.

  V

  The next few hours flew by. After more warm hugs (and after Misato had almost crushed everyone), they decided to storm the bowling alley first. And storming was really to be taken literally here, as wildly and enthusiastically as Asuka threw herself onto the lane. You got the impression that she was sitting in an Evangelion and the pins were angels.

  Asuka was really good – neither Shinji, Touji, Misato nor Kaji could hold a candle to her. Only Robert just managed to beat her.

  During the breaks, they all found time to swap anecdotes and stories from the good old days. After all, they hadn’t seen each other for almost four years and online meetings – as good as the technology was now – were simply no substitute for a real meeting.

  At the edge of the bowling lanes along the wall, a dozen or so seating islands had been set up where the group could take a short break and have a drink or something to eat. The food was pizza, which they could wash down with beer or water. The men toasted each other, reminisced about their school days or the good times at NERV and made crude jokes, which the women acknowledged with a roll of the eyes. Except Misato, who told jokes that made even Kaji and Robert blush.

  Touji told them why Kensuke wasn’t there. He had married his partner in the photography course, Takumi. Quietly and secretly. And now they were on their honeymoon. This news caused more than a murmur to go through the group.

  Misato told them about her new job as a security expert at LICHT. She had given up her old job because of her daughter. Her new job was far less time-consuming, and she no longer had to work night shifts.

  ?So who’s going to look after the little monster tonight?“ said Robert.

  ?Mika is with friends in Munich,“ said Kaji. Kaji had devoted himself entirely to gardening and had now even opened his own small mail-order business for unusual melons. Cube-shaped melons were the export hit, he said.

  ?Men,“ Misato then said, after they were all lying on the benches with fat bellies in front of nearly empty pizza plates (no one was in the mood for bowling anymore). ?This can’t go on. I have to get drunk with someone now, after all, Asuka only turns eighteen once! Volunteers first!“ She looked around. ?Kaji and Robert here are already dropping out. Disappointing.“

  Robert raised his glass of water. Kaji grinned, shrugged his shoulders, and clinked glasses with Robert.

  ?Shinji! Touji!“ ordered Misato.

  ?Hai, Major!“ they both said and instantly straightened up.

  ?Come with me.“

  Shinji gave Asuka a pleading look. ?Make sure you can still sing afterward, Baka-Shin,“ she said with a grin, while Misato pulled him by the arm towards the bar.

  ?I’d better go with you,“ Kaji said. ?Someone has to look after Misato.“

  Robert followed Kaji, ?And I’ll keep an eye on Shinji.“

  Asuka raised her glass of water and clinked glasses with Hikari. ?Kensuke and Takumi, can you believe it?“

  Hikari laughed. ?Well, the way the two of them used to look at each other, actually. Haven’t you noticed?“

  Asuka screwed up her face and mumbled something into her glass. ?I thought he was more into girls…“

  ?Well, still waters run deep. Speaking of which: How are things with you and Shinji?“

  Asuka raised an eyebrow. ?What do you mean?“

  ?Come on, Asuka. You can’t fool me!“

  Asuka took another larger sip of water.

  Hikari just stared at her.

  ?It’s going well,“ Asuka said curtly.

  ?Just well?“

  Asuka sighed heavily. ?Fine! It’s going great! He-“ She lowered her voice to a whisper. Hikari had to lean forward to hear anything, as the rolling bowling balls and cheering people around her almost drowned everything out. ?He-“ Asuka stopped again and frowned. She had never really tried to put into words what Shinji meant to her until now. She loved him, of course. But that was just a word. It was more than that. He was more than that.

  ?He is my blanket. He is my bunker in a storm. He is my left and right hand. He is my pain. He is the balm for my wounds. He is my light. He is my shadow.“ Asuka smiled and closed her eyes. ?He is my baka. He is my voice. He is my song. He is… mine.“

  When Asuka opened her eyes again, Hikari was still staring at her, but with a wide smile on her face. She held out a handkerchief to her. Asuka took it and wiped her eyes dry. She hadn’t even realized that she had been crying.

  ?That was the most wonderful confession of love I’ve ever heard!“ said Hikari, sighing heavily. ?I wish I had someone like that…“

  Asuka smiled. ?Thanks. Hm, but what about Touji?“

  ?Touji is… nice.“

  ?Wow. Nice!“

  Hikari stuck her tongue out at Asuka. ?It was a crush, nothing more.“

  ?How long were you together?“

  ?Almost two years.“

  ?Hmm.“

  ?I’m happy the way it is now,“ said Hikari. ?We were young and in love and just too different. We still see each other from time to time, because he works near where I teach.“

  ?Okay,“ said Asuka. ?You, teacher, no surprise.“

  ?Uh, thanks?“

  ?Yes, yes,“ Asuka waved it off. ?But Touji… lawyer? I mean… how? What?“

  Hikari laughed. ?Yeah, that’s pretty surprising, isn’t it?“

  ?Surprising is a bit of an understatement.“

  Hikari took a sip of water. ?What about you guys? Any plans?“

  ?Meh… As long as we’re still getting paid for steering Evangelions… We haven’t given it much thought yet. We’ve just been living like this for the last few years.“

  ?Understandable, after all that Angel War stuff…“

  ?Uh-huh.“ Another hidden space had opened up in Asuka’s stomach, and she shoved in another slice of pizza.

  ?So… Uh… What about family planning?“

  Asuka coughed and almost choked on the last bite. After washing down the remains with a glass of water, she said, ?Hikari! That you’re not blushing?“

  ?Well,“ Hikari said, lowering her eyes. ?Touji and I were friends now, but…“ She coughed.

  ?But?“ Asuka was confused.

  ?Well… friends with benefits…“

  Suddenly it dawned on Asuka. ?Wuha! Hikari!“ Then she grinned like her Evangelion. ?So, did he hear you right? Read you your rights and everything? Do you get handcuffs as a lawyer?“

  ?Asuka!“ Hikari’s face looked like it was about to burst into flames. But then she raised her head and said, ?No, we bought them online.“

  Asuka’s mouth fell open.

  ?You’d better close your mouth again or you’ll swallow a bug,“ said Hikari.

  Asuka closed her mouth with a clink and lifted her glass of water. ?Now I wish this was something high proof. Still waters run deep and all.“

  Hikari just grinned. Then she said, ?But right, why are you only drinking water today?“

  Asuka’s head was still haunted by images of a scantily clad Hikari in handcuffs and a naked Touji wearing only a tie, so she only regained consciousness when Hikari snapped her fingers in front of her face. ?Hello, anyone home?“

  Asuka blinked and shook her head. ?Sorry, had to banish the image of a naked Touji with a tie from my skull.“

  ?Tie? Hmm, I’ll remember that, thanks!“

  Asuka buried her head in her hands and groaned.

  ?But seriously now,“ Hikari said. ?What about getting married? Kids?“ Suddenly she shrieked and Asuka raised her head, startled.

  ?Is that why you only drink water?“ asked Hikari with wide eyes, looking at Asuka’s stomach.

  ?What? No!“ Asuka’s reply was a little louder than she intended, causing a few people from the neighboring table to look at them. But when Asuka pierced them with her patented death stare, they all immediately lowered their heads again, as if they were suddenly experts in dining tables and the table in front of them was the most beautiful table they had ever seen.

  ?No,“ Asuka then said again more quietly. ?I’m sorry, Hikari, it’s…“ She ran her hand through her red hair. ?I can’t have children… I can’t have any more children because of the fucking Evangelions.“ She hung her head. She couldn’t look her friend in the eye. She couldn’t bear the pitying look. Tears wanted to steal into her eyes again. Tears of anger. But she held them back.

  Suddenly, someone took her hand.

  ?Hey…“ Hikari said softly.

  Asuka lifted her head. A few tears had made it through her barrier after all, and her vision was a little blurred as a result. But what she saw she couldn’t really believe at first: Hikari was smiling at her.

  ?That sucks, yes,“ she said, ?but that doesn’t stop an Asuka Soryu Langley, does it?“

  ?How…? What do you mean?“

  ?Well, there’s such a thing as adoption and stuff!“

  Asuka blinked and wiped away her tears. ?Yes,“ she then said quietly.

  ?Well, you see!“

  Suddenly, Asuka realized how big the gap was between them. They were both the same age, but Asuka had experienced and done things that had aged her years. She liked Hikari and had missed her too. But the chasm between them was miles wide and would probably never close again. Part of Asuka was sad, part of her was glad that Hikari had kept her optimism during the hard times of the Angel War. Another part of her was disgusted.

  Of course, Asuka had briefly thought about adoption. But it wasn’t the same thing.

  ?Does Shinji know?“ Hikari asked softly.

  Asuka looked over her shoulder at the bar. Shinji and Touji were grinning and toasting with a shot glass. There were already a considerable number of empty glasses in front of them, but most of them were in front of a wobbling and loudly laughing Misato. Kaji had put his head to her ear and was probably talking to his wife. Robert stood behind them and caught Asuka’s gaze. He shrugged his shoulders. Asuka smiled. ?No,“ she said, turning back to Hikari. ?But I think he suspects something. My baka isn’t such a baka at all.“

  ?Talk to him,“ Hikari said.

  ?That’s probably for the best, isn’t it?“

  ?Exactly!“ smiled Hikari and that was probably the end of the topic for her, as she spent the next ten minutes or so talking about her work, which Asuka only half noticed. Her thoughts were somewhere else entirely.

  In her mind, she stood on the shore of a familiar black lake and took a step towards it so that the icy water cut into her bare feet. The black depths whispered to her, icy-soft and blackish-sweet: Come, sink into me, Asuka. You’re safe down here. Everything is quiet down here. You are safe down here.

  But before she could take another step, a warm hand placed itself on her shoulder and pulled her back to reality.

  ?Hey,“ Shinji said, pressing a kiss to her cheek as he took a seat next to her again.

  ??Hey‘ yourself,“ Asuka said and kissed Shinji. Then she sniffed him. ?Do I smell raspberry schnaps?“

  Shinji grinned. ?Just a little one.“

  ?At least two,“ Touji said and squatted down next to Hikari.

  ?Touji, you traitor!“ Shinji grabbed a beer mat and threw it at Touji, but missed. ?Shinji can take it,“ Touji winked. ?But Misato’s a goner.“ Grinning, he pointed his head in the direction of the counter. Asuka and Shinji turned around. Hikari stood up so she could see better. ?Oh dear…“ she said.

  ?You owe me ten bucks,“ Asuka said to Shinji. He just sighed and shook his head.

  Misato was about to throw herself over the counter at the bartender. Kaji had his hands full trying to stop her. She knocked several shot glasses to the floor and cursed like in Asuka’s best days. Robert came back to their seat shaking his head. ?I’m sorry, Asuka,“ he said as he stood with them. ?But I’m afraid Misato and Kaji will have to apologize for the rest of the evening.“

  Kaji had managed to more or less throw his wife over his shoulder. He waved to them, bowed briefly, just managed to hold his wife in place and formed a ?sorry“ with his lips. Then he disappeared with Misato in tow.

  ?Well then,“ Asuka said, looking at the large clock hanging above the bowling lanes, ?only two more hours today. Let’s go to karaoke!“