After coming from work, Shinji had left flowers at his father's grave just like his mother for each year. Having overdose on medications, Gendo Ikari had suffered an unfortunate death, much to everyone's satisfaction. It seems like something had indeed changed for Gendo inside. His gravesite stood next to Shinji's mother, Yui, as a last request he made. Even if he didn't deserve it, Shinji encouraged the funeral people to obey his last request.

The tears would not come out, but Shinji's remorse did. Whether his love or hate clouded his mind, he could not deny the fact that he was still his father. Never had he ever condemned his father for everything he had suffered in her hands. He could only hope that he would finally be reunited with his mother as he left the gravesite.

"I'm home." Shinji called out that morning.

Excited, Hikaru rushed to the door and held his daddy by the legs like a tree hugger. "Welcome home papa." Hikaru greeted with his carefree smile. As Shinji rubbed on his tiny head, he started to admire Hikaru's growth.

"Your growing up everyday little guy. I barely event recognize you."

"Welcome back dear." Misato gave him a quick kiss as she felt the stumbles on his chin. Already, she didn't like it. "You are going to shave that off, right?"

"Sure anything for you."

As their bounds had increase so did the years? The Nerv days were completely behind them. Everyone they knew had moved on with their lives towards different goals and ideals. Over the years of working had furthered his position and income, thus moving into a small two-story house in Tokyo for both his wife and child.

Shinji was twenty-three as Misato was now thirty-eight years old. And the child had just turned three today. And just like any child of that age, Hikaru was young active, and full of life. Shinji and Misato may have not had a present childhood, but they had a chance to give it to somebody else now.

As the doorbell ringed, Hikaru was the first to the door. There he was greeted by Ritsuko. Just like Shinji, he also greeted her in a tight hug. "Aunt Ritsuko."

"Have you been a good little boy lately?" Ritsuko inquired, embracing him back.

"Yep, I've been going to school and getting good grades. And I'm even making myself new friends both male and female."

"Oh, is that right?" Ritsuko replied as he sat on her lap.

On the tube, it seemed like Aoba's band, the Death Angeles, had made its first gold album. They were now the talk of the town and worldwide. They were getting more and more gigs as their popularity spread. Shigeru had even made his way on an American talk show.

The TV show Hostess interview Shigeru and his gang. "So Shigeru, this is the fast growing band in the world now. What do you hope to accomplish in this successful run?"

"We just hope to continue to inspire the new generation in their goals and that there is no limits to their journey ahead of them." Shigeru said talking to the Talk Show hostess.

As Misato and Ritsuko talked in the living room, Shinji had checked the mail. He had received a postcard from Asuka. It labeled "wish you were here" on the postcard. But from the German setting and structure, it seemed like she was doing well. She was still single and still the loner Asuka had stayed. She became a German school teacher, much to Shinji surprise, since Asuka was anything but a positive role model. But he was still happy for her nonetheless.

From the next photos and letters, Maya Ibuki, had give given birth to a daughter. Like Hikaru she was now the active playful age. Ironic that Shinji never considered Maya the social type, let alone the proud parent. Still, he had no reason to doubt she was able to stand on her own feet. Maya and Misato were able to talk more and see each other more.

Speaking of improvement, after the latest visit with Makoto Hyuga, he had evolved from security to government agent. Now he was working for a higher power in across seas. Any organization that needed his service, he was there like a fireman.

Shinji also still kept in contact with his old friends Kensuke and Toji. Kensuke had now stepped up from reporter to staff level. Now he was working from the top of the largest Newspaper building in the country, while still trying to find his Mrs. Right. Toji continued his coaching career to the new freshmen and sophomore kids of his old school for teams. Plus, he had Hikari to always come home to as he lady to be.

From what was heard on Rei Ayanami, she had developed and chosen her own life to life through her schools, collage and above. From the cold and emotionless distance Rei to the more sociable, while still calm Rei, she now worked as an accountant in a small office firm in America. And even if she would not show it, she was happy deep down, happy to be free and no longer bound to anybody's will. Not Nerv and most of all, not Gendo Ikari, Shinji could not be any prouder of her accomplishments.

From the desk, Shinji glance from him and Misato's wedding photo to Hikaru baby picture. It brought great joy and satisfaction to the man as he had a happy life. He would not trade this life for anything in the world.

"Shinji; what are you doing back there?" Misato called. "Come here, Hikaru is missing you."

"I'll be right there Misato." Shinji set a new family photo and left the room to join his new family. It featured Shinji, Misato, Hikaru and Ritsuko all into one picture. All the good memories they had would forever be treasured. Together they were going to assure that little Hikaru will have the life that he deserves, a life to enjoy and look forward to, a life free from restrains of major organizations or systems, and better yet a life where he could make his own choices.

And thus, their future was bright just as their child.

END