The Rest of Chapter 2
Author's Notes:Sorry for taking so long ... but I finally got around to finishing up chapter two. I've already started writing chapter three, and it should be due soon. Thanks for putting up with my inorganization!
The First Child's order-like words were received with mild neglect and an occasional muttering from the redhead, whose face now matched the colour of her vibrant hair perfectly. The German pilot cursed in her native tongue, though her voice was reduced to hiss-like whispers from behind the counter where she opened a chilled can of beer. Asuka didn't know why she was taking the 'bullshit' from the Wondergirl, but somehow didn't feel like arguing with her fellow pilot- which came as both a surprise and relief to the Third Child.
"Anyways … they shouldn't strain you physically like this, and I'm willing to bet that you're not in the best of mental stability either." Shinji broke the silence and the tension that came with it. Perhaps he didn't patch things up between the rival girls, but he certainly blinded the truth for the moment being in the small, cramped apartment.
"It is none of your concern." Rei replied automatically, despite the seemingly cold response, her voice held none of the bitter emotion. As a fact, one would be amazed to know that it held any sort of feeling at all – let alone the tingling sensation of slight embarrassment that the blue-haired albino did feel. Ayanami, the silent and often suspected as the 'deep' one, was unused to the concern Shinji was nearly openly admit to having. And although she knew of almost no other alternative to what she could've said, Rei felt obliged to try by the somewhat hurt (but nicely patched up) expression on the boy. "But thank you, Ikari …" Her voice was unsure and the words came out somewhat awkwardly, but Shinji didn't mind and smiled brightly in assurance.
"Godverdomme …" The empty tin can made a alerting sound as it was set (although smashed would have been a more accurate word) on the glass counter, "Spare me the mush, however a pathetic attempt you two are making – it's almost worth me hurling over." Asuka snarled, closed the fridge with a push of her leg and disappeared to her room, pent up complaints half-heard on her way through the decorated doorway.
Shinji blinked, stunned for a mere moment by the negative reaction before shrugging and cleaning up after the mess the German girl somehow managed to create from a simple can of beer. He left the bucket of lukewarm water and the bleached towel close to Rei's side so she could help herself as he straightened up the kitchen nearby.
"Why do you allow yourself to be stepped on by her?" Ayanami questioned curiously. Shinji remained silent for a moment, stopping whatever it was he was doing before he looked her in the eye and responded.
"Why do you submit yourself to the Commander?"
A/N: Alright, there is the rest of chapter 2, sorry it's so short – but chapter 3 is well on its way .