Evangelion 2.5 (Shinji X Rei)

Chapter 2:Her Perpetual Reflection

Author's Note: *Phew* Well, it's kind of short, but after a few months on hiatus because, College, I was finally able to full-fill your requests to continue the story. It's a slow burn, but I feel like the characterization here is important. If you have any suggestions for upcoming chapters, let me know!🙂 Happy Spring Break!
Edit: Well, I couldn't fall asleep, so I decided to add to the rather brief chapter. I think the small set of paragraphs really ties things together, and completes the chapter. Hurray, insomnia! Enjoy. (3/19/19) Art done by me.
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A gust of wind sent the apartment door open; creeking on its rusty hinges. It was a dusty little place. A small walkway scuffed with shoe prints lead into a small, sparsely furnished living space. There were a set of bed sheets folded on the floor as a makeshift substitute to provide for the lack of a table, and four yellow cushions arranged around them as to capture the atmosphere of a traditional family meal Rei had so often heard about.

Over the years at Nerv Head Quarters, for as long as she could remember, the first child's entire existence revolved around the protection of humanity against the illusive alien beings known as the 'angels.' Since the appearance of Adam and Lilith and the wave of devastation that was left in their wake, she was born to protect others. Nothing more.

At least, that's what she had thought. In recent months however, Rei's contempt for herself, and the relationships of others had begun to change, and while she still trusted in her previous conviction, something inside her yearned for more. While at first she had dismissed these emotions as unnecessary, somehow she found comfort the more she built on them.

That much she understood since that night a few months ago when her and Shinji had been tasked to destroy the fifth angel in order to prevent the complete collapse of Central Dogma.

As the two pilots sat together waiting for the operation to start, Shinji had asked her why she piloted Evangelion. At first, she had thought the answer would be obvious, but then she realized the truth.

"Its a bond." She had told him. But, had that bond been of her own choosing?

"Its because...I have nothing else."

Those words permitted the back of her mind ever since she had first uttered them. They rippled like how a single drop of water disturbs ones reflection on a still body of water; and now, the first child couldn't see her own reflection anymore.

"Commander Ikari?"

"Yes, Rei?"

She hesitated.

"Do you enjoy eating meals like this?"

The seasoned commander, and single head of NERV HQ's opperations, looked up inquizitively from his plate.

"Yes."

He returned to carving his steak.

Rei's eyes briefly averted from the table before she continued.

"..And other people, they enjoy eating meals as well?"

Once again, she watched the Commander's cold, black eyes meet her mysterious red ones.

"Yes, Rei."

He continued his meal. Once again, the first child found herself averting her gaze from the man whom she had so long trusted with her life. The single candel placed in the center of the white-clothed table, flickered, and danced offering a tinge of warmth to the dimmly-lit room.

"Commander Ikari?"

Again. Slightly irritated.

"Yes, Rei?"

"Wouldn't it be nice.. to sit down, and have a meal with your son, and the others?"

The Commander's arms dropped down lowering his knife and fork back onto the plate. He paused.

"No, I'm far to busy."

Rei's eyes pierced his with sad remorse. She was about to protest, but then something strange happened. Commander Ikari, who was usually unfazed by anything even in a time of crisis, genuinely looked conflicted, or was he afraid? It was only for a moment, but there was no mistaking it. The steely look in his eyes lifted offering a vaulerabilty she had only witnessed one other time during her disastrous test with EVA Unit 00.

Rei, although oblivious as to why, somehow knew the commander wasn't looking at her. He was staring through her, and as suddenly as the ominous sensation started, it ended when the Commander's eyes shifted back to their cold, steely slits.

He conceded. "Alright."

Rei stood alone in front of the stove. She just didn't understand what she did wrong. She had followed the instructions step by step as depicted in the cookbook she had checked out from the library. Dr. Akagi herself assured her that her skills would improve as she practiced when Rei had stopped by her office for a quick check up.

"You're just as replaceable!" A familiar voice reminded her.

Maybe, things should stay that way. Rei stood there distracted. She puzzled over the colorful, pristine photograph of the meal she was working so hard to emulate on the counter beside her.

Siizzz!

Rei's bright red eyes flickered back to the overflowing steaming pot in front of her. She reached towards the dial to lower the temperature, but she wasn't fast enough. The hot, boiling fluids came spewing out the pot, and onto her band-aid covered hand.

"Unghh...Gah!" The first child stumbled backwards, switching the stove to low. The burning liquid seared into her skin, seeping deep into cuts on her fingers.

She slid back into the solitary chair behind her, clutching the injured appendage.

Just like last time. It was funny. She mused to herself. Now, she knew how-

"Rei?!"

The first child turned to the sound of yet another familiar voice. Standing in front of the hallway, was an exasperated boy, struggling to catch his breath. It was Shinji.