Written By: Jon L

This Chapter follows the events of Chapter Twelve

"speaking"--'thinking'--<phone>--=dream=

Well, it is now one year later. Many things have changed since the last angel attacked. NERV has been totally disassembled and the remaining staff has moved on to start new lives. After managing to restore certain parts of the MAGI's systems that did not require the MAGI itself, the three head techs were recognized for their excellent work and given jobs in the technology division for the JSSDF. The NERV complex itself was found to be structurally unsafe after the earthquake caused by the last angel and the other events that did damage as well to it in its final days. In the end the UN ended up selling the gutted facility to the highest bidder, who happened to be Kozo Fuyutsuki, his reason being to convert it into a possible university. The Japanese government agreed soon after to rebuild Tokyo-3 both above and below ground where the Geofront still remained intact. The city below has almost been completed in the development, but for the surface above it has been said to be at least another year before they can begin the rebuilding process after seeing the damage up close.

Maya Ibuki ended up moving to Kyoto after receiving a large some of money for her work at NERV. She was also offered many positions at several computer companies but ended up turning them down, her reason being to try and move on with her life in a new direction. Her current job is said to involve something at the South Pole but info on that is sketchy at best, though she has been known to assist in computer programming from time to time. Soon after NERV was broken up, Maya had attended many inquires involving the work she had done for NERV, after about three months of non-stop questioning, she ended up having a breakdown, leading her to attempting suicide. Misato came to visit her about a few days later and did everything she could to help Maya get through the stressful time, for most of the questions brought back memories of Ritsuko Akagi, the person she had considered a hero herself. After another month of questions, she was granted immunity from further questions involving NERV by the UN and paid off for her silence on certain matters.

Makoto Hyuuga moved out of the country of Japan six months after the last angel was disposed of, he was paid off as well for his silence. He currently lives in Germany where he was given a job at the UN headquarters as a computer technician for what used to be NERV HQ there. He had a difficult time for a long while after leaving his native country, but he had decided that it was best to avoid the memories that had haunted him from when the JSSDF attacked NERV. No one has heard from him in a few months though and it is presumed he has buried his past for good.

Shigeru Aoba had moved to Tokyo-2 and had landed a job for a short while as a musician, but ended up breaking down one night during a performance and admitted for treatment at Tokyo-2 Medical Center. He was said to be suffering from severe trauma after recalling many memories of killings. He ended up staying for three months before the doctors determined that he was no a danger to himself anymore and was released. His current job involves writing songs for other singers that he has found to be a good way to relieve stress.

Kozo Fuyutsuki was given a huge sum of money and currently is an advisor on the events that occurred during the time he was apart of NERV. He currently has returned to teaching like he did before Second Impact and is teaching at a university in Kyoto until Tokyo-3 University is ready for him. The subjects that he teaches now is Practical Medicine and History, two subjects he knows well as of late.

Misato Katsuragi was the last one to leave NERV after Fuyutsuki appointed her as the Acting Commander. She was the one responsible for making sure all of the pilots, even inactive ones, were taken care of as far as payment for the service they provided to Humanity. It was a total surprise to the children when they heard that someone had told the UN that the pilots were never paid. It only took a week to work out the right amount for payment after Misato got involved since she knew how much pain the pilots had been through at NERV. She currently works with the JSSDF on tactical operations during missions that are low profile, she was offered a high ranking position but turned it down and said that she had seen enough bloodshed over the past 18 months. She has moved to the city of Osaka where she has taken up a second job as an advisor for various law enforcement agencies.

Asuka Langley Soryu had moved away from Misato after being paid and ended up in Tokyo-2 where she was asked to assist with a special project involving computers, when she arrived she found that she had been paired up with Kensuke somehow. The first 2 months had been hell for the pair but after a while they found that they now had something in common and ended up finding a place of their own. Currently it is said that they are just friends but there have been a few unconfirmed reports of dates and special outings together. Asuka has returned to school again to train in computer programming as well since her job as a pilot has ended for good. She is sad about the fact that the one thing she used to thrive on has been taken from her, but she also sees it as a way for her to start over with her life. There had been a close call on her mental stability about three months earlier when she had started to have dreams of her mother again. Kensuke had noticed a problem as well and had her brought to Germany where her mother was buried, it was during this time that she was given the chance of redemption for what she had considered her mother to be over the past few years. Asuka had also discovered that her father moved to the US years ago and found out he had been arrested for murder shortly after.

Toji Suzahara was released from the hospital with artificial limbs for his right arm and leg. Due to his short involvement with NERV, his sister had been treated as well and now has an artificial left leg. They both ended up finding a place of their own within the city of Kyoto after Hikari offered to assist them. Toji's sister is going to school again and is doing quite well according to the last report. Hikari and Toji are going to school as well nearby and have been said to be engaged, the marriage date has not been set yet, they decided to first finish school before trying to start a family.

Gendo Ikari was charged with several crimes by the UN, including mass murder, murder, attempted murder, destruction of property, and major misuse of funding provided by a world government. His jaw had healed up well after being broken in ten spots by Rei. He was sent Tokyo where the cleanup from the disaster many years ago has begun. Shinji hadn't visited him ever since the JSSDF had arrested him. A week ago, he died from natural causes after remembering all that he had done to everyone, especially his son.

Shinji Ikari, Kei Ikari, and Rei Ayanami, who is now known as Rei Ikari, have been living in the town of Yokohama for eight months now. The parents currently attend a local school and enjoy the area they are living in after finding that the town had been saved from being totally wiped out sixteen years ago, they have also found part time jobs that require little work to be done. They chose a nice little house near the ocean and have been known to take walks every once in a while to think about all that had happened to them at NERV. One month ago, they had another child, this one a boy, that they named Osamu. They have done their best to keep track of their friends, but being in a small town has limited their ability to do so. They haven't spoken to any of their friends for a few months now and are hoping to find out what they can in the near future.

As for the rest of the NERV staff, most have moved on with their lives and decided to erase the past as best they can. Misato had handed over the saved record to their owners and was correct in assuming that most would just destroy them. The world has not forgotten was had almost occurred one year ago, but thanks to the UN the people involved have been able to start over once more without fear of being criticized by others.

****************

It is now late evening and the sun is about to set in the west. Shinji and Rei have decided to go for a quick walk along the beach since they haven't had a chance to in a few days.

"Rei, do you ever have regrets?"

"In what way?"

"Concerning all the stuff that happened at NERV...concerning the angels."

"Yes."

"I have as well...it's like we denied those angels the ability to live, just so we could live instead. I kind of feel bad about it..."

"It was what we had to do. They would have killed us if we hadn't fought back."

"Did you ever wonder if it was possible that maybe they had a right to exist as well?"

"Many times, I still ask myself from time to time whether or not we were right in what we did..."

They both stop and look out into the darkness beyond the water.

"I am glad that we were able to survive though. Things have indeed changed since we moved here...Kei and Osamu have adapted well to the area."

"They deserve a simple life, one where they don't suffer like we did. I am sure they will be good children."

"Rei, with you and I as the parents, they will be happy."

They continue walking again as they listen to the waves crash onto the shore close by. The air is cool tonight since it had been a mostly cloudy day. The local baby-sitter had agreed to watch over the children for a few hours so the parents could enjoy the now clear sky by themselves.

"Rei, I miss our old friends..."

"As do I...but I am sure they are fine."

"I...I wonder what happened to my father?"

"We will have to write Misato soon and inquire about what has happened."

"I have been meaning to for a few weeks now, but have put it off each time..."

Suddenly, Shinji stops as he hears the sound of a helicopter in the distance, "Rei, do you..."

"Yes..."

They turn around and see a bright light turn on as it clears the trees at the edge of the city. When the chopper has spotted the pair it begins to descend onto the beach close by. Right before it lands a few officers wearing UN uniforms hop out and run up to Shinji and Rei.

"Shinji and Rei Ikari?" one asks.

"Yes?" replies Shinji.

"We are with the UN retrieval force. We have orders to bring you to Tokyo-3. We have a van picking up your children right now and will be meeting them at your house to retrieve anything needed."

"Why?"

"I am not authorized to give you that information. Please come with us immediately."

They are unsure what is going on but decide to follow the three UN officers to the helicopter. After a quick stop at home, they are en-route to the city that they had left one year ago. When they arrive they are lead to a waiting van that will take them the rest of the way into the city.

It is several minutes before they enter a tunnel that leads to a lift of some kind. As they descend down, Shinji begins to become worried since he remembers stuff like this all to well, "Sir, what is going on here?"

"I am not allowed to let you know that, it is a matter of security reasons."

"I...see..."

"We will be arriving at your destination soon, please sit back."

It is several more minutes before the lift comes to a stop and the driver pulls out into open. The sight that greets them is one of amazement since one year ago the Geofront was not in the best shape. The van pulls up to an entryway and the occupants rushed into a dark, open area inside right before the doors are closed and locked. Shinji and Rei look around with Kei and Osamu into the darkness and wonder what is going on. The spot they are in right now is what used to be the main entryway for NERV before the JSSDF destroyed it, but now they see it has been redone possibly.

"Hello?" asks Shinji, "Is anyone here?"

They hear nothing as they begin to get worried.

"WHAT IS GOING ON?!"

"Shinji, is that any way to greet your former commanding officer?"

The parents jump the moment they hear Misato's voice somewhere ahead. Moments later the lights turn on and the former pilots are greeted to the sight of a person they have not seen for a while.

"Misato?"

"Welcome to Tokyo-3 University, Shinji. Though tonight we are calling it NERV."

"What is going on?"

"Sorry about the handling of the situation, but I had asked for total secrecy for this reunion. It took a while for me to find you as well since you live in an area that still lacks decent communications."

"So, this was just to get us here?"

"Yup, I wanted to be sure that you didn't pass this event up. How are you Rei, or is Misses Ikari a better term now?"

Rei blushes a bit at Misato's formality, "I am fine."

"I see that Kei is looking good too, but who is this other young one?"

"This is Osamu, he had him about a month ago."

"Two kids, wow. Well, welcome to NERV once again. Asuka, Kensuke, Hikari, and Toji have arrived already and are enjoying a nice swim in the pool if you care to join them. I will be glad to watch over Kei and Osamu if you would like, I will bring them to meet Maya, Shigeru, Makoto, and Fuyutsuki."

Shinji looks at Rei for a few moments before responding, "Well, are you sure you can handle them?"

"Shinji, I was able to take care of you, wasn't I?"

"True, but young children are different..."

Misato starts to become annoyed, "Shinji, I am sure I can handle them."

"Well...I guess it would be nice to meet them again...but where do we go?.."

"Since NERV has been redone in a large way, I did my best to find some maps, only they are not the best things to use..."

"In other words, you still got lost like the first time..."

"SHUT UP!"

"Still the same old Misato..."

****************

After fifteen minutes and eight wrong turns, Shinji and Rei have managed to locate the pool. They see their old friends are not present when they enter.

"What the?.." asks Shinji.

Rei happens to look up at the right time to see Kensuke and Toji above with a bucket full of water and decides to slowly back away right before they drench Shinji from head to toe.

"HEY!!!"

"Look out below." says Toji as he walks over to the stairs with Kensuke in tow.

Rei laughs at the site of the dripping wet Shinji until she remembers that Asuka and Hikari are still missing and runs forward right before the water is able to hit her.

"Wondergirl!!!!" yells Asuka as she and Hikari walk to the stairs as well with smiles on their faces.

Rei begins to wonder what is amusing them until she feels water dumped on her head, "HEY!!!"

"Good shot, Mari." says Hikari as she brings Rei a towel.

"Who is Mari?"

"Rei, I would like you to meet Toji's sister, Mari. Mari, this is Rei Ayanami."

"Ikari, I have changed my surname."

"Nice to meet you, Rei." replies Mari.

"So Rei, where is Kei?"

"She and Osamu are with Misato."

"Osamu?"

"Our second child."

"Rei, you and I have a lot to talk about..."

****************

"So Shinji, how is life treating you?" asks Kensuke.

"Good I guess. Rei and I live in Yokohama now, and we have a boy now named Osamu."

"What?"

"He is a month old right now."

"You sly dog, why didn't you write?"

"Well, the only forms of communication we have are by phone and mail."

"Low tech town huh?"

"We picked out a nice spot by the ocean."

"Well, I would be happy to visit some time, I am sure Asuka would to, she has been worried about both of you since everyone split up..."

"I have been meaning to talk to her."

<Shinji Ikari, please call extension *25. Shinji Ikari, please call extension *25.>

"Umm...Kensuke, where is the phone?"

"Beats me, but I guess Misato must have something important for you..."

After doing a quick search of the area, Shinji finds a phone and dials the number.

<Misato.>

"It's Shinji, is something wrong?"

<Shinji, I just received a letter from Tokyo...addressed to you...It's about your father.>

"What?"

<It even includes a letter from him.>

Minutes later, Shinji arrives at the front desk where Misato waits.

"Misato, is something wrong?"

"Shinji, I have some bad news for you. Your father died a week ago in Tokyo, I just got the notice about ten minutes ago..."

"Why would I care?"

"Shinji! He may have ruined your life but he was still your father!"

"Mis..."

"And he wrote you a letter the day before he died, you might want to read it at least to see what he has to say."

Shinji takes the letter from Misato and opens it then begins to read.

-Shinji,

I know I am the last person you want to hear from right now, but I want you to know that I am sorry for all I have done. It was not my goal to destroy your life in the beginning, it was only an unwanted effect to reaching my true goals. I want you to know that I did care about you even though I did not show it. I only wished to see your mother once again, and in my attempts to accomplish this I ended up isolating others from myself. It was foolish to do and I now realize that I could have been a better father to you, but it is too late now to undo the events done. I only hope that one day you will forgive what I did to everyone. I have missed you over the past few months and would have liked to tell you all of this in person, but I see that it will never happen now, I was a fool to use you the way I did. Please tell Rei that I am sorry as well, for she was considered to be the daughter I never had, I hope you both live a happy life now, for you deserve happiness with your daughter.

Goodbye, Shinji.-

Shinji stares at the letter for a long while before shedding a tear at the loss of the one person he still had left of his parents, "Misato, how did?.."

"It was natural causes according to the report..."

"He, he apologized to me...for all he had done..."

He slides down to the floor as he starts to cry. Misato soon follows and pulls him into a hug, "Shinji, even if he was a bad person, at least he was able to see it in the end, and that tells me that he still was able to care."

They sit there for a while before Shinji tries to get up again, "Misato, I need to go talk to Rei now...My father wanted me to tell her something."

Misato nods and leads Shinji back to the pool. When they arrive he enters and walks up to Rei who is talking to Asuka and Hikari.

"Rei...I have a message for you...from my father..."

Asuka and Hikari pick up on the sad face Shinji has and run off to see what Mari is doing. Shinji pulls over on of the now empty chairs and hesitates before starting, "R...Rei...I have bad news. My father died last week from natural causes, and right before he died...he wrote me a letter."

He holds out the letter for Rei to read and patiently waits for her to finish. Once she looks up he sees that she understands all that was said as she leans forward to hug Shinji, "I am sorry, Shinji. I guess he did understand in the end how much he hurt you..."

After a few moments pass by they break the hug and stand up, "Shinji, I was told that some of our old stuff is still here in our lockers, and we have been invited to join everyone in the pool if the suits still fit."

"Rei, I would enjoy that. Lets see who can change the fastest."

"You're on!"

****************

Located in the old Control Room, Misato has arrived again and sees that Maya and Makoto have managed to find ways to entertain Kei and Osamu, Shigeru has brought along a guitar and is currently working on some lyrics for a song. Fuyutsuki sees Misato enter and walks up to her, "Major, can I have a word with you for a few minutes before it is time to eat?"

They head out of the room and to one of the Eva cages that have been redone as storage bays for supplies once the University has opened. The original cages have been left in place as a way of remembering what this place used to be. They walks along the newly installed walkways until they reach a doorway leading to a set of stairs to go down, "Major, the UN was very hesitant on allowing me to purchase this facility in the beginning. As you might have heard the JSSDF wasted to use it as a training base of some kind, but I was finally able to persuade them into selling it to me and you now see the end result of that sale. I was a teacher in the beginning, one that normally didn't do many things with other people. It was Yui Ikari that started to change that 16 years ago. Now here I am, back to what I originally was doing, and I have enjoyed teaching again at Kyoto. It hasn't been easy teaching again so I have decided that I will more then likely retire as soon as this place can survive without me."

"Sir, if I may as, where are we going?"

"It's a surprise, one that I am sure you will like. But before I show you it, I wanted to tell you a few things that have lead me to my choice recently."

"I see."

"Major, NERV was more then a hope for mankind, it was a means of starting over. Shinji and Rei chose to have life continue, so here we are. But, over the past year I have wondered about how much of an impact Eva really had on the world. I have seen changes in the weather patterns and geological formations lately, things that have made me look for a new beginning. Six months ago I came up with a plan to start the restoration process of the world, I was able to work with the UN in forming multiple projects that our friends have been involved in. Now comes the time where I am faced with a choice. I am unsure what the reaction will be to it, but I am hoping to have good results."

"Sir, why tell me this?"

"Because I have found that you are the best one to ask this question first. What would your reaction be if I asked you to join the University it repairing the damage done from Second Impact?"

"I would first wonder how I would be able to help out, then I would ask why."

"You are still with the UN in a sense, and they have agreed to taking part in the field work. I would be hoping you would be willing to train them as well."

"Sir?"

"I know that you are more a tactical officer then anything else, but it would also be a way to help restart your father's work that he was originally apart of."

"Originally?"

"Your father was the one that found Adam in the first place, but during that time he was doing experiments on the ice, what I hope to accomplish is finding out if there is anything that can be done to undo the effects of Adam. This would mean leaving the work you are currently doing and possibly being relocated, but I assure you it would be worth it."

"Sir, I am not sure, I mean, the current position I hold is for a reason..."

"It would be a pay increase, but it would also be part of a peaceful cause."

"I guess I can try it out."

"Then, I will allow you to let Maya know that she will be working with you indirectly, she is already on the project."

They reach the bottom of the stairs and stop in front of a door.

"What I am about to show you is something that I was able to recover years ago from the South Pole, it is something that belonged to your father."

Fuyutsuki reaches for the door handle and pushes the door open.

"Gendo brought this back with him the day before impact occurred for research purposes. On it is info that states what he was doing, plus he has a diary of personal notes. I am sure you will want to read those too, they have been left untouched for 16 years now."

"Sir, why wasn't I told about this before?"

"Because Gendo did not wish to have you turn against us."

They come to a stop near the back of the room where a small computer sits covered in dust.

"Misato, you are free to look at this if you want, as long as you work for the UN, you have access to this room."

****************

A bit later, after going for a swim, the children have been called to dinner in what was once the area of NERV that held the office belonging to Gendo Ikari, but now serves as a large meeting room, "Welcome all to the office of Gendo Ikari. I have recently discovered that he passed away one week ago, he was a cold and heartless man to many, but if given the chance he could have been caring too. It was Yui Ikari, a former student, and Shinji's mother, that saw that side of him, and I wish to bestow my condolences on Shinji right now. You father was cold, yet warm." states Fuyutsuki, "Now for our reason for being here tonight. As some of you know, This place is soon going to be a university, and the city above will be rebuilt as well starting next year. You all have been invited for two reasons. One, as a reunion of friends that parted a year ago, some of you I have never met before, but due to your relationship with the former Eva pilots you have been asked to join us. A time where we can discuss what has happened to us over the past year. Second, I have been following the paths of most of you as of late and even seen that you are apart of a project that will hopefully restore the world to what it used to be. The projects are indirectly linked as far as you know, but soon you will find out what they are all about. Tonight, you will all be asked to stay in the city, accommodations have been arranged already for one building, a building four people here used to live in a year ago. After we finish dinner, you will all be free to go off on your own, but I ask that you bring along a transmitter in case you get lost, you will be able to be tracked down when it is time to go as well. Well, I think I have said enough, let us enjoy the meal."

****************

Hours later, after doing some recalling of the past, Rei and Shinji have joined the rest of the group in the entryway of what used to be called NERV and headed to the surface again via UN escort.

"Misato, can I ask a favor of you?"

"What is it, Shinji?"

"Well, I was wondering if...if Rei and I could camp out tonight...in that one area..."

"You mean, the countryside?"

"Yes, and maybe even Asuka could join us...with our children."

"Well, it is up to Kozo really..."

"Major, I think it can be arranged...I can have a security detail set up far enough away in case something goes wrong."

"Are...are you sure sir?" asks Shinji.

"Of course, you and Rei are not bound by the same restrictions that NERV had. You are free to enjoy yourselves and bring the other children as well. I will have a few supplies brought in within the hour and have you get dropped off."

****************

About two hours later, the girls of the group walk together along the road ahead of the boys who are carrying the camping equipment.

"So Hikari? How is life with Toji?" asks Asuka.

"Well, ever since he was released from the hospital, he has been happy to see me, and his sister is doing quite well too."

"Has he tried anything on you yet?"

"No...we are engaged of course...but he decided to wait on sex until we finish school."

"That stooge...hasn't done anything?"

"Besides make me happy again, nothing."

"But it doesn't sound like him..."

"I told you that he was compassionate...something that few got to see about him."

"Toji cares very deeply for you, Hikari." adds Rei.

"How do you know."

"Because he sees you as a caring person that deserve the love of another. I believe he fits that description as well."

"Wondergirl!"

"Asuka, you saw only one side of Toji like most of the world, but few were able to look beneath the exterior and see what he really was like."

"I still say he is a pervert, and always will be. So when did you have Osamu, Rei?"

"About a month ago, Shinji and I had finally found a quiet place to live about ten months ago and put Kei to bed, so that night he and I decided to take a walk on the beach, one thing led to another and...well nine months later we had a boy born."

"Well, I doubt my time will come anytime soon, boys are so...hentai these days...except for Kensuke, all he does is drool on weaponry. I doubt he and I will ever hook up."

Hikari looks down at Kei who is walking beside her, "Did you hear that Kei? Asuka has found a non-perverted boy." she giggles.

"Auntie Asuka will find true love in Kensuke soon, she just has to wait a bit longer."

Hikari gasps as Kei finishes speaking to her.

"Hikari, Kei was born with certain areas of my mind apart of her already, she has progressed faster than normal according to the doctor." adds Rei.

"Sh-sh-she can talk coherently already?"

"Yes, remember that she was altered while inside of me so her mind is more advanced than most one year-olds. She even knew what Osamu was going to be eight months before he was born."

"What..."

"Osamu is normal though, he is a healthy normal baby boy."

"Well, I think Kei is mistaken here, I could never like Kensuke that way!" replies Asuka.

****************

A ways back, the boys are doing some talking as well.

"So Shinji, what's it like being a father?" asks Toji.

"Not as easy as it might seem..."

"Well, you are perfect for the job, caring, loving, and dependable."

"You make me sound like a dog." replies Shinji as he glares at Toji.

"Hey, don't give me that look!"

"So what about you Toji? You and Hikari done it yet?"

"No, we thought it would be best to wait till we finish school."

"But he still is a good brother to me." adds Mari who decided to walk with the boys and help carry stuff.

"Well, since dad died when NERV got invaded, and grandpa is too old, I was the only one left who could."

"Toji, have you been to his grave yet?" asks Shinji.

"No, we haven't had a chance to ever since I got released from the hospital..."

"Well, Misato would be happy to bring you there tomorrow if you want, you deserve to at least visit his grave so you know where it is...in case you want to visit again."

"By the way...sorry to hear about your father..."

"It's okay, I just need to let it really sink in over the next few days."

"So Kensuke, what's the deal with you and Asuka, got any plans?"

"Well...the devil wouldn't say anything, but she and I have gone on a few dates in the past few months. She seems to like my company I think, but she also keeps up her shield to people that know her some. It started shortly after she was having bad dreams, so I brought her to Germany the visit her mother's grave. I think it helped her open up some."

"Ahhh, a little romance here I see." adds Toji.

"Well, maybe a bit...but most of the time she is still a devil."

"I wish you luck in taming her man."

****************

After they reach the sight, get everything set up, and build a fire, the group has decided to sit and take it easy for the night while they talk and laugh about what could have been if things hadn't happened. During this time Asuka got to see what Hikari saw in Toji, and Kensuke saw the side of Asuka that he had recently learned about over the past few months. As the end of the night approaches, most of the children have turned in, with the exception of two, the same two that once wanted to have tea together over a year ago in one's apartment. It was after a night of sync tests that they joined each other, only to have a roommate mess up things, the one event that led to many more up to this point. So this time they thought they would do it right.

"Rei, many months ago, I asked you to have tea with me, and due to Misato making an error, you ended up getting drunk. It was a very strange night but it also led to things today. Ms. Rei Ikari, would you like to join me for some tea?"

"I would be happy to have some tea with you, Mr. Shinji Ikari."

Shinji smiles as he pulls out a thermos full of tea and two glasses.

"Why didn't we do this when we moved into our new home, Shinji?"

"Because it wouldn't have been right unless it was done in Tokyo-3." he replies as he hands a glass to Rei, "This is where pretty much everything started to turn our lives up-side-down. It is only right to ask here once again."

She giggles quietly as he finishes pouring himself some tea.

"A toast, to what we are today, for if it wasn't for Misato and her beer, we wouldn't be here right now."

Rei nods as she and Shinji quietly drink their tea together, and this time Shinji made sure it was tea. Once they finish up they kiss each other goodnight and head off to bed, knowing that they have finally had the tea they originally wanted to have eighteen months ago in a small apartment located in the city of Tokyo-3.

The End...Or Is It?