We were only released from the capsule after three or even four hours. Unfortunately, I didn't look at the time when I was getting in. However, the main thing is that Rey succeeded, I even got out once and she was able to synchronize on her own. However, they then drove me back in, and without breaking the synchronization. Extreme scientists, damn them... Also in canon, they put the "acrobatic brothers" in the capsule, who got out of the bunker to watch Eva's fight with Samsiel and were almost crushed by the mechanoid. By the way, I wonder if there was something similar in this reality, in the sense of whether these two got out or not? I'll have to ask when the opportunity arises...
Rei's personal synchronization record was 47%, and when we were together, I easily raised the bar to 80. The result with the AT field was ambiguous, I could easily deploy it, as well as control it, but Rei could only control it, that is, if I create a field and transfer control to her, she controls it and easily maintains it, but if she needs to create a field herself, she can't do anything worthwhile. The exception was the time when she was sitting in the capsule alone, but that was obvious anyway. I don't know what was going on in the control center, I generally tried not to listen too much, but judging by the notes in Akagi's voice, the doctor was on the verge of ecstasy. But Misato, on the contrary, simply longed for someone, so tenderly, literally lovingly, to hit with a frying pan, such a big and cast-iron one. At least her gnashing of teeth at some of Ritsuko's particularly "interesting" proposals was very eloquent.
However, all this did not interest me much. Because after only half an hour in the capsule, something incomprehensible began to happen to my consciousness. It was not that I was flying away somewhere in a drug-induced delirium or that I began to perceive reality inadequately, but such close contact with Rey definitely affected me. That same strange feeling of irrational sympathy, without a hint of carnal attraction. The desire to protect, the feeling of an incomprehensible kinship that I had felt for her before... I don't know if it's possible to say that they passed into a new quality, but from some point I fell into a kind of relaxing and contemplative state, when external stimuli completely lost their meaning. At the same time, I adequately responded to commands, answered questions, climbed out of Eve... but I didn't "come to my senses". Something similar must have happened to Rey, because from a certain point on I stopped distinguishing her emotions from my own, and given my experience as an empath, that was truly synchronicity.
After some thought, I mentally defined this state as "enlightenment" with a smile, and in principle, it really was very similar. After all, Rey is an angel, even if only half, but the Light is still the basis of her essence. While for me, everything is strictly the opposite: Darkness is my soul, my essence, my personality, and opposites, as we know, attract. Of course, this is only a theory and I cannot confirm it with my current capabilities, but the theory is very plausible.
Stepping onto the top step of the access ladder, which provided access for the pilots directly to the contact capsule, I turned around and helped Ayanami out. By the way, without bandages and plaster, in her contact suit, she looked simply amazing, even her hair wet from LCL did not spoil the impression. And in general, girls in tight-fitting suits are something, unlike men, yeah, although my opinion can hardly be called objective.
"Shinji, can you hear me?" Katsuragi's voice echoed over the hangar.
"Yes, Misato, I can hear you, but whether you can hear me is a big question," I said through gritted teeth, scanning the surrounding area for microphones.
- I hear you, I hear you, we have the best acoustic equipment in the hangar, - the girl clearly cheered up. - So, now you go to the shower, then, when you get dressed, come up here. Is the task clear?
- Yes. But...
- All clear. Questions later! - Something clicked and silence fell over the hangar.
"I wonder if she herself now realized what she ordered?" Brushing back the hair that was getting into my eyes, I asked internally and turned to Rey. She, apparently, didn't bother with such questions and glanced at me, nodded slightly and walked forward. "Although, what's more interesting is what her face will be like when she realizes it." Still in a blissful state of "enlightenment," I concluded, following the girl. "It's a pity I won't be able to judge."
Everything was mundane after that. We calmly walked to the shower, took off our overalls in the locker room and rinsed off. Since my first visit, the shower had not been divided into male and female sections, which is what I wanted to remind Misato about before she cut the conversation short. Well, how did I want to remind her? I wanted to ask a clarifying question, giving her a chance to remember this small nuance, but the girl herself deprived herself of this chance and it is certainly not for me to worry about it. However, I was not going to pester Rei anyway, even if I were in a normal state without this "enlightenment", and I had already seen her naked more than once, especially when I helped with bandages, although then she was certainly much less attractive. However, I also admit that there is something strange here. If it were Asuka, Misato or Maya in her place, there would definitely be some intimacy, but here... And she's beautiful and I like her completely sincerely, but at the same time there's no crazy desire in sight, although, thinking soberly, she's completely to my taste. It's all strange...
About seven minutes later, when we were already finishing getting dressed, the entrance door to the locker room from the corridor suddenly swung open and a flushed Misato flew in.
"Stop, you little pervert!!!" the captain announced loudly, so that the command carried clearly far away.
At that moment, I was just fastening my belt on my trousers, standing sideways to my locker, which, in turn, was located directly opposite the door. And therefore, the pose that opened up to Misato's gaze was quite interesting. I would even say - thematic, given her scream. For a long second, I thought: Should I follow the command or not? On the one hand, I knew for sure that Misato was addressing me; but on the other, I did not consider myself a pervert, and as we know, when they shout "fool" on the street, you do not necessarily have to turn around. The decision was made and with a clear conscience I fastened my belt, after which, calmly, I took hold of the button on the collar.
- Did something happen to you, captain? - I addressed the girl without looking up. She seemed to be in a slight stupor from finding me here, why - is clear.
- Um... Where is Ray?
"I'm here," Rey came out from behind the lockers in the center of the locker room. She was dressed a little less than me, but she was already buttoning up her shirt.
- Uh-uh... Have you washed yourself yet?
"Yes," is the simultaneous answer.
- What, together?!
"Yes," again in chorus.
"But... uh..." Katsuragi's enthusiasm completely evaporated and she simply blinked her eyes in confusion.
- Shinji, please help... - Rei turned her back to me, showing the unfastened button on her uniform skirt and the hanging shoulder strap. Under the gaze of the still slightly lost Misato, I silently approached and fastened the button back, at the same time helping Ayanami put the shoulder strap on her shoulder.
"I take it you suddenly remembered that there is a shared shower here?" I turn to the girl.
- Yes... um... Maya reminded me...
- I see. Well, we're ready, what next? - Misato didn't seem too happy about the quick change of topic, but she chose to remain silent.
- Next... - the girl folded her arms across her chest and slightly bowed her head, closing her eyes for a couple of seconds. - Next, Ritsuko wants to see you in the medical office, but you won't agree, will you? - she concluded, half-affirmatively, half-questioningly.
- Naturally.
"And you won't let Rei in?" Misato's voice took on a mischievous tone.
"Of course," I nodded, noticing out of the corner of my eye Rey's intent gaze as she listened attentively to the conversation.
- And on what grounds? - Katsuragi was already openly amused.
- Based on the order of the Chief of Operations and the recommendation of the Senior Pilot and the Ev Consultant.
- So, - the girl shook her head and blinked a couple of times in concentration. - What other order? I didn't give any order.
- Then you will. Based on the urgent recommendation that I will provide it to you.
- N-na... I expected something like this, - Katsuragi raised her eyes to the ceiling. - And what would you do if I refused? - And a sly, narrowed look in my direction.
"I would have shot Akagi."
- You wouldn't refuse.
- Why?
- Because you, unlike Akagi, have a connection with reality and soberly assess it.
"Is that how you complimented me?" the captain narrowed her eyes suspiciously. Ayanami had already lost interest in the conversation and was currently closing her locker.
- No, I was just stating a fact. You know, I remember very well that argument in the hangar, when a single captain-operative tried to explain to the general and the doctor of science that one billionth of a percent is not enough... You see, after that... it's hard to perceive the world in the same colors...
- A-a-a... Yes, - Misato thoughtfully rubbed her chin, even opening her mouth, after which her hand smoothly moved to the top of her head and began to scratch it. - You're right...
- I'm glad you appreciated it. But still, what next?
- Huh? - the girl blinked, coming to her senses. - Nothing. Now to my place, then home. At least one good thing about these tests of yours is that you can leave early, but Ritsuko definitely won't get any sleep at home today. - And Misato turned to the door, starting to move. We followed.
– It's unlikely that this will upset her.
"Yeah, but at least we can gloat," Katsuragi giggled...
Having passed a group of five technicians in the corridor, of whom only one was Asian, the rest were Europeans, we approached the elevator. I had more or less come to my senses, and therefore thoughtfully looked at Misato's legs, fortunately there was a very good view from behind. I was thinking about my attitude towards Rei and, above all, about such an unusual behavior of my body, which was actually experiencing a hormonal explosion. However, the course of not very joyful reasoning was interrupted by Misato's deceptively kind voice:
- What are you looking at, you bastard?
- Your legs and butt, by the way, are very beautiful, - I answered completely honestly. I love answering such awkward questions honestly, it always and without fail puts the questioner into a stupor. - What's wrong?
In response, a fist came down on my head. Knuckles down. It didn't hurt, just symbolically, but Misato, with her eyes closed and her teeth clenched, began to press it into my head with genuine pleasure.
- Shinji, normal guys shouldn't say things like that so calmly!
"I'm not a normal guy," I ignore the pressure. "I'm spoiled... Very spoiled..."
- That's exactly it!!! - the girl said through her teeth with feeling, and her fist, in addition to the pressure, began to make circular movements, like a corkscrew. However, there was no particular malice in her voice, rather her imitation, apparently already accustomed.
"That's enough," I shake my head slightly. "It's already unpleasant."
- Pfft... - the brunette snorted, but removed her hand. At that moment, the elevator finally arrived and the doors began to open. But what we saw inside completely discouraged Misato from continuing the conversation that had arisen.
There were two people in the elevator: a guy and a girl, both in beige operator uniforms, like the ones Aoba and Maya were wearing, only the triangles on their sleeves were sergeant's instead of lieutenant's. And these two were passionately kissing each other. The girl, by the way, was pretty - dark, curly hair with a greenish tint falling on her shoulders, a perfect figure, and her face seemed pretty, too. But from the back, I could only identify the guy as "a standard, average brunette, without excess weight." The guys were so carried away that they didn't react to the opening of the doors, allowing the three NERV officers to examine the entire "depth" of the process in detail. The process itself was so-so, solid but without fire, but Misato's face was a joy to behold. Although Rei was somehow strangely contemplating the couple, attentively and thoughtfully.
- Ahem, ahem. Are we disturbing you? - Katsuragi, having mastered herself, asked in the calmest possible tone, literally burning the couple with her gaze. Then everything was standard. The girl opened her eyes, previously closed in pleasure, recognized the head of the operational department, squeaked and with an elusive movement seeped out of the guy's hands into the corner of the elevator cabin. The abandoned sergeant seemed to have gotten the message in his gut, but since there was no way out, he decided to accept his fate stoically and courageously (albeit very slowly), turning before the bright eyes of his superiors. The superiors deigned to increase the pressure with their gaze and began to play with the fingers of their hands folded on their chests.
"W-we, w-we..." the girl began to timidly squeeze out, but was interrupted.
- I know what you saw. I admired it for a whole minute.
"C-captain... ma'am..." the pale sergeant began to speak, but both he and he were interrupted.
- Get out of my sight! I don't want to see you again in five seconds!
- Yes! - they unanimously exhaled and almost at a trot raced past us into the corridor, while managing to do it without leaving the "attention" position. I almost burst into tears from the overwhelming nostalgia...
"Well, are you coming?" Misato said irritably, impatiently tapping her foot in the elevator and expressing her desire to press the button as soon as possible.
- Uh-huh, - I touched the unusually thoughtful Rei's hand, who, after watching the couple, continued to look at the corridor. Ayanami was distracted and quickly glanced at us, nodded briefly and entered the elevator.
- Shinji... - the elevator doors closed. - Why does this always happen when you're around?
"Karma?" I responded automatically, without looking at the captain, turning on the palmtop I had pulled out of my pocket.
- Really! Who am I asking?! - the girl raised her eyes to the sky.
- You take all this too seriously and emotionally. For example, your view of these two. You were definitely jealous of them.
"Why is this?!" the girl was horrified.
- You want male attention, you just deny it.
- Pfft... Oh no! I feel great as it is!
- A woman doesn't need a man so that she can feel strong. She can be strong without him. A woman needs a man so that she can allow herself to feel weak, - I quoted a phrase of one very smart person, without taking my eyes off the small screen. "I'll definitely have to put the first Doom here, and maybe some other classics. Oh, nostalgia..." - You constantly demonstrate strength, even at home, you are an impudent, aggressive and sarcastic tyrant and deep down this oppresses you...
Silence. You can hear the floor counter clicking and the elevator cables humming. Stop. The doors open, but no one is moving or in a hurry. We wait. I feel my companions' gazes on my skin, but I'm not sure I'll react.
"Shinji..." Misato said in complete silence, but apparently couldn't think of anything else to say and fell silent.
- What? - I look up at the girl who is looking at me with a lost expression.
"Nothing," Katsuragi turned away, suddenly saddened, and walked out of the elevator. "It's just..." she stopped. "Sometimes it seems to me that you're not fourteen, but forty..." and without waiting for my answer, she went on.
However, I wasn't going to answer, since any option would be banal and hackneyed, and this isn't our first serious conversation, so the effect would only be spoiled. And so... let him think, it's always useful.
Here I was suddenly pinched on the arm. And quite painfully. Surprised, I turned to the source of the indignation and met Rey's concentrated and expectant gaze. She stared at me for a few seconds, then turned to the corridor and walked forward.
"And what was that?..."
"Here, Shin, study this..." Misato plopped down at her desk and took a brown folder out of the drawer and handed it to me.
- What is this? - I stop halfway to the sofa by the wall and approach the girl.
- List of personnel of the operational department.
- And why do I need it?
"Because you're an officer and you should know your subordinates and colleagues," having handed me the folder, Katsuragi immediately buried herself in a stack of papers that someone had carefully left on the edge of the table.
- So you teach...
"Exactly," Misato scribbled something sharply on the top piece of paper and took the next one.
- It's stupid anyway. Who can I command while sitting in Eve? - With a folder in my hands, I walk to the sofa and hand my handheld to Rey, who is already sitting there. She has used it more than once, so she will find something to read, I have downloaded a lot there.
- Other Evas, automatic weapon systems, auxiliary forces of the UN troops... And don't distract me at all! You have one folder to look through, and I only have ten to sign!
- As you say...
So, what do we have here? Uh-huh... Names, surnames, photos, ranks, positions... Naturally, no biographical details, only nationality and sometimes citizenship. Okay, we'll learn them by heart, it's not hard... Aha, and here are our heroes of today... The girl is Azumi Ito and the guy is Kado Sakata, both computer operators from the second level of the command center "pyramid". Okay, I'll know. And here I am... Do I really have such a heavy look all the time? No, it's drawn, only the pixels don't match. Hmm... and again in uniform. Photoshop definitely pulls it off. So. Lieutenant Ikari, pilot of Unit 01 and deputy head of the operational department for combat use of Evas, oh my! What's called "unexpected", maybe I have some other positions, so to speak, not provided for by the project? No, I don't have any. Sad... Although, he's a big boss, all that's left is to get white gloves, hee-hee... Ray isn't on the list, which isn't surprising. Maya is also missing. I already know the rest of the people involved... Boring.
I dealt with the folder quickly, and it wasn't that fat. Misato managed to run off somewhere, "for five minutes", after an incoming call to her work device, having previously written out about half of the stack, and even thrown some into the trash. Rei was reading. Idyllic...
The door opened and a man in a black suit, wearing dark glasses and a headset in his ear looked in. The second section - SB, "orderly", although not one of those who rolled the couch with Rei in that stupid performance in the hangar of Evas, I remembered them well. Having looked around the office, he stopped his gaze on Ayanami.
- Ayanami Rei, Commander Ikari is calling you, - said the man, pointedly not noticing me. His movements are abrupt, the pistol handle sticks out through his jacket, his skin is slightly red, there is sweat on his forehead, dark glasses indoors are just dandyism. In short, another talentless person, a brother in mind of those who sit outside. Nevertheless, despite the ostentatious officialdom, he addressed Rei not by rank, he also pointedly ignored me, and he clearly timed Misato's absence, after all, using the Security Service as a courier is bad form. Conclusion? Another talentless production.
Rey hesitated for a moment, but quickly got a grip on her emotions and, putting my tablet aside, stood up from the sofa.
"I understand," she had already started to move, but suddenly hesitated again and turned slightly towards me. "Ikari..."
- Hurry up, - the FSB officer snapped at her, proving once again that everything was staged. Because: "They forgot to ask you. Who are you? You're a courier. What did you say? I said it. So keep your mouth shut while the officers are talking. Because in any case, it's not you who's going to answer, but me, as the senior officer who detained the subordinate." But damn, who cares about logic when it's a production for a child?
"Go," I instruct Rei, while burying my face in the tablet I left behind, pretending that I don't care at all about what's going on. Ayanami nods and calmly leaves together with the talentless fellow trying to feign gloom, who, by the way, cast a "meaningful" glance at me as he was leaving the door, lasting as long as three seconds. Honestly, the only thing missing for the complete picture was some kind of gloomy note and a camera zooming in, hee-hee... Oh, I'm going to laugh now...
However... If you think about it, the production is not so talentless. It is aimed at a schoolboy, yes, but it is not talentless. After all, the facts that amuse me so much, for a fourteen-year-old boy would be... important elements of the action, without which the message might not have gotten through. Oh well, to hell with this bespectacled degenerate, I'd better see what Rey read. Hmm... Physical chemistry, for the fourth year of university in German, not bad, very good. And I once studied something like that... Hmm. Well, let's see what our German colleagues write, that the kawaii Japanese girls are so delighted with this...
- Shinji, are you finished? - Misato flew through the open door. She was slightly flushed from walking quickly, her hair was a little disheveled, but calm...
- A long time ago, - I echoed, glued to the screen. "And how can she even read this? Okay, I'm used to it, and I have experience..., but damn, here she's without half a liter..."
- Great. Then throw the folder in the table and let's go, and... Where's Ray?
– A clown came for her and took her to the authorities.
- Uh-uh... What?
– I'm telling you, a clown came, a thematic one, in a jacket, dark glasses, with a tie, just right for our stuffy corridors with purely symbolic lighting...
- A-a-a, you mean those clowns... - Misato was genuinely happy, breathing a sigh of relief. - So, where did he take Rei? And why didn't they tell me?
- He took me to the boss, you know him - he has the same last name as me. And why they didn't tell me, I can only guess, but I'm too lazy...
- I see... What are you reading there?
– Chalcogenides, physical and chemical properties and applications.
- What language did you just send me in? - Misato narrowed her eyes suspiciously. - Anyway, it doesn't matter, don't speak like that in front of me anymore.
- As you say...
They were silent. Misato walked around the room and took the folder from me and put it in the desk drawer. She sat down... The soles of the girl's boots began to tap out a simple tune on the floor.
- Shinji...
- Mm?
- About Eva-00, - a two-second pause. - Do you want to reactivate it yourself?
- Yes.
"Because of Rey?" the voice was slightly tense and slightly uncertain.
- Yes.
"And a couple of months ago you wouldn't have gone for this," the tension increased, but Misato tried to hide it behind feigned confidence.
- If you expect me to start making excuses or explaining something, then I will disappoint you - I'm too lazy.
- Damn you! You shameless bastard! - Katsuragi exhaled expressively. - But you like her.
- I know.
- And what?
- And nothing. I like you too, but I'm not trying to get into your bed, am I? - I raise my eyes to the girl. - Although I want to... - I added after a few seconds, turning away.
- Damn... You're not even worth beating up for... You bastard! - Misato shook her head in admiration.
- That's where we stand...
At that moment I felt Ayanami approaching, and thirty seconds later she opened the door.
- Finally! - Katsuragi was delighted. - Rei, did everything go well?
"Yes," a slightly surprised look from me to the captain.
- Great! Now that's it, grab this sullen guy and let's go home. I've ruined all my nerves with you today, heroes. And tomorrow there's the same marathon... I want to go on vacation!
The evening turned out to be... strange. At first, everything was as usual: Rei's silent observation of my cooking, dinner, a sluggish exchange with Misato, tea drinking on the balcony, but then... Then two things happened: Rei asked my permission to use the computer, where she spent only a couple of minutes, and after finishing, she was unusually thoughtful for the rest of the evening. At the same time, she did not touch on music or books, which was unusual for her, she only periodically threw "strange" glances at me and withdrew into herself for a long time. But that was the first event, and the second... The second was that for the first time in my memory, since arriving in this world, Misato got drunk. She drank quietly and silently. Regular beer from the refrigerator, only she chose the strongest one from her collection. By the time I noticed this, essentially aimlessly walking into the kitchen, she had already managed to empty half a dozen cans and was finishing another one. She apparently started right after dinner, but usually one jar was enough for her, but then the girl got carried away.
A sad and lost look, a drunken blush on the cheeks, disheveled hair... All the signs of deep depression and a bad day.
I didn't ask stupid questions like "What happened?", since I could imagine it myself, but just sat down opposite. They glanced at me with a sad, clouded gaze, after which they sighed quietly and looked away.
"Don't swear," Misato asked in a tired, slightly guilty voice, after about ten seconds.
- I didn't even think about it.
- And you look as if you are condemning...
- How did they even give you the rank of captain?
- Mm? - the gaze of brown eyes turned to me again.
- You are more of a child than I am. - I smile softly.
"Idiot," he said, still tired and slow.
- So be it... - I smile softly again. - Okay, let's go, - I get up and approach the girl.
- Where?
- Sleep.
- Don't want.
- Want.
Misato silently stared at the tabletop, but after I began to carefully lift her, she gave in and stood up herself. The difference in height is not a big problem, and I am physically stronger due to the crumbs of spiritual energy, so I got her to the room without any problems. By the way, she could walk on her own, but she was in no hurry to break free, only snorting discontentedly.
"Thank you, Sin," the girl pulled away and took hold of the door handle. "Forgive me..."
- For what?
- For seeing me like this.
- Hmm, silly. - I chuckled with a smile.
"But you promised not to swear," they threw a plaintive look at me like an offended kitten.
- I don't swear, it's a diminutive and affectionate term. If only you knew how cute you look now.
- Pfft... Toady, - although she turned away, something like a shadow of a smile appeared on her face. - Thank you.
- Good night, Misato. What time should I wake you up?
- I'll get up myself... - the girl disappeared behind the door. - Calm down... and Rey too.
"Of course," the door to Katsuragi's room closed.
"Eh... I probably shouldn't have burdened her with the topic of her personal life, I'm only stirring up old wounds, although... Maybe something will come of it."
By the time I finished cleaning the kitchen and looked into Misato's room, she was already asleep, clutching the edge of her pillow with her hands. Just like a child. After placing a bottle of mineral water from the refrigerator at the head of the futon and adjusting the slipped sheet, I left the room, quietly closing the door.
"Long day..."
Entering my room, I quickly took off my clothes and tiredly fell onto the futon. By the way, I remember in canon Shinji had a bed, although Misato herself slept on the floor, and after that he and Asuka were lying on futons, strange... "Well, screw it." I close my eyes and relax. "Tomorrow is a day off, although it is doubtful that it applies to us, which means another eventful tour of the Geofront can be considered guaranteed. I wonder what it will be like to synchronize with Eva-00? After all, it seems to have a copy of Rei's soul..."
Thinking languidly, he himself did not notice how he dozed off. Through his sleep he heard the door open and Ayanami entered the room. The girl stood on the threshold for some time, but then finally entered and began to undress. The rustling of clothes, the quiet steps of bare feet, silence...
I woke up suddenly and suddenly, when something soft and warm touched my lips. Slowly, with an incomprehensible internal shudder, I lift my eyelids and see Rey's ruby eyes, just a few centimeters from my face. The girl was half-lying, hanging over me and clumsily pressing her lips to mine, while the color on her cheeks was visible even in the dark of the night.
"I got..."
- Ray? - I move slightly, giving my lips some space.
- Yes, - the girl also moves away, while looking at me... with an indescribable look. Most of all, it resembles her usual one - cold and indifferent, but there is also embarrassment, and timidity, a bit of fear and color on her cheeks... indescribable.
- What are you doing? - "Damn, what an idiotic question! Just the stupidest one, in this situation!"
- Kisses. Did I do it wrong?
- Hmm... - "Well, what can you answer to that question, especially when they look at you LIKE THAT?" - Not that it's wrong... But why are you kissing me?
"I read that this is a very common way of expressing positive feelings towards a close and important person." A hint of guilt crept into the usually calm voice.
"It's all clear. But I didn't expect such a quick development of events... I didn't expect it."
- Is this why you asked me for a computer?
- Yes.
- Because of today's incident in the elevator?
- Yes. And I've also seen students do this at school before.
I exhale, running my palm over my forehead.
- So you think I'm an important person? - She was embarrassed, her cheeks became redder, and her gaze moved away. Kawaii...
- Yes...
"Well, what should I do? Ehhh..." I lean forward and hug the girl, pulling her towards me. Rey doesn't resist, on the contrary, she moves towards me. And so, in a few moments we are already lying in an embrace on the same futon. Rey's nose is resting against my collarbone, I can hear her heart beating, and her body... her body is shaking and pressing against me with effort, as if afraid that I will disappear. "Silly..."
- Don't be afraid. I won't leave you here either. My little angel. - The girl's breathing suddenly stopped and Ayanami, still trembling, slowly raised her head towards me.
"You..." I stop my words, placing my index finger on my pink lips.
- Shh... - I make a characteristic gesture with the same finger. - I told you, don't be afraid of anything, everything is fine, - and touching the top of her head with my nose, I continue: - Just fall asleep and believe that I won't let you go.
- But I... I...
"Sleep," I whisper into her hair, hugging the girl tighter. She didn't try to tell me about her origins anymore and buried her face in my chest. However, she was only able to fall asleep an hour and a half later.
"A truly strange evening..."