Standard Disclaimer

Well first chapter since my father past, sorry for the delay and all but it did do a number on my mind and time. This was an odd story, I really liked it and am a little sad to see it go, but all stories need to end. Did my best to keep the cast down, to many characters makes for little page time for them. Have a few ideas for what to write next Sekirei/Eva, Ah! My Goddess story, few others...thanks for reading and being patient.

X-X

No Alternative

Epilogue

Setting the box down, Makoto wiped her brow with a mixture of relief and growing nervousness. That was the last of her things, she'd officially completed her move from her own place into Ayanami Rei's apartment. Why oh why did she agree to this?

"Where do you want this one to go?" Shinji asked as he held a box in his hands. It was a small box, it held her unmentionables, and Makoto had been very vocal that HE carry it. It was going to be a little joke on the man she knew through and through now was her life-mate.

OH yeah, that was part of why she agreed to this little move, he was next door now, and it would be far cheaper for her. "What's in it? I can't remember that one," Makoto had to fight to keep a straight face and her face from blossoming. Opening the box she had, it contained her cookbooks and a few choice pieces of personal reading, she started setting them on the shelf she brought over first. Heavy things first, boxes last, room by room, that way once a room was finished it was all finished. Waiting for his response, Makoto held her breath and was not disappointed.

"M-M-Makoto-chan! You…you tricked me!" Shinji stammered as he held the box up with one hand and the lip with another. His face was easy enough to read with how embarrassed he was. Gazing into the box and back at Makoto, he soon developed a toothy grin as he shook his head. As her new roommate walked into the larger of the apartments bedrooms, Rei let Makoto have it, the albino helped herself to a viewing.

Reaching in and pulling out what really got most of Shinji's embarrassment, Makoto's own skyrocketed as something just had to play a prank on her as well. Holding Makoto's plastic friend, a very average and cheap white plastic model (it had one speed), like a club, Rei just tilted her head back and forth as she observed it. "It is smaller than mine, you may use Unit-01 if you want. I will wash it after I use it as I have heard some people do not like sharing bodily fluids," Rei was as candid as ever.

"That won't be necessary!" Makoto was up and grabbed both the box and her aid from the two in a matter of seconds! Minako had to have done this as a joke or something! They had a packing party the other day at her place with all of the Senshi and Shinji participating after all. One of them, and Minako was the jokester of all of them, had to have laid this little trap knowing she'd have Shinji open that particular box. Setting the aforementioned box in her closet, she shut the door and turned to see Shinji still chuckling and Rei looking confused. Feeling the need to further explain, "I appreciate the offer Ayanami…Rei-san, but I hardly used it and with how things are…" She was going to be living with this woman and sharing a man with her, better try getting on good terms.

Taking the small step over to Shinji, taking his hand in hers, Rei gave it a squeeze and a small smile graced her lips. With a small nod, "We do not need artificial stimulus while we have Shinji so near at hand, understood. But the offer stands, it is on my nightstand along with a binder of videos. We can watch one later tonight. That is how people start the bonding process correct?" She looked at Shinji so earnestly it couldn't have been a joke.

"Uh…we need to have a talk about this Rei-chan, a long-long talk. Are-are we done here?" Shinji's cheeks were aflame as both girls just openly spoke about their open relationship with him. He was so adorable when flustered, made Makoto want to poke and prod him more! When nobody said anything, Shinji quickly fled the room.

Snickering at the show of 'bravery', Makoto stood up and dusted her hands off. "Hard to see that little display and match it to Shiki's never ending bravery. But I wouldn't have him any other way. What about you?" Makoto approached Rei but not to close. It was going to be odd living with Rei, but Makoto listened to her friends and agreed it was for the best. Why suffer alone when Rei could stand to have more contact with others, and who better than a co-girlfriend?

"Ikari-kun is always brave in my eyes now. Piloting Eva, talking about the commander, and suffering my earlier blindness…bravery," Rei was almost whimsical as she just looked at the doorway Shinji fled from. Turning back to Makoto however, her girl's oft harsh features softened as they always did when talking about the man. Stepping out of Makoto's way, she did look a bit out of sorts, "I do not know if I am fully worthy of what I have received, much was forced on others from Lilith. But I will protect him and those he cares for to the best of my abilities. This extends to you…I shall make my best efforts to follow standard relationship steps but I might be awkward at the start. I have only ever 'ate out' Karen-san, I have much to learn."

Brain train derailed for the fourth time today! Ayanami was an expert at saying private things or peculiar things that send her mind spiraling into unplanned corridors of thought. Life was going to be very different here, but it was necessary. Ayanami needed mental and emotional help while Makoto needed financial help. Walking past the girl into the apartment proper, all the presents Lilith had bestowed upon Rei surrounding her. Rei had all the toys and the best quality of them thanks to Lilith's little hostage issue. But Rei was a good girl, odd but good, and in time with a lot of help maybe she'd not be so strange.

Hugging Shinji from behind as he finished dishing out lunch onto three plates, "You're spoiling us again. I was supposed to cook, payment for you helping." Giving his waist a good squeeze, she didn't like the lack of squishy parts there, he lost more weight and gained more muscle. Pushing Shinji to a chair, Makoto used her strength over him, not that he resisted much. Picking up his chopsticks she grabbed some food and put it in his mouth, "You've lost more weight. You need to eat more or Ayanami might step in."

"His weight loss has been noted last night. During our lovemaking he proceeded to lift me and hold me in the air. It is very penetrative, but I saw his lack of mass. I believe most of it is due to all these moves. Kusakabe-san's move last week, Soryu and yours this week have taken a lot out of him," Rei sat down next to Shinji and gave his prone cheek a quick kiss. Making a mess of herself, Rei was a messy eater, she saw both gazing back at her, pounding her fist to her open palm, "OH yes, not supposed to talk about sexual exploits with strangers. But Kino-kun is not a stranger. If I made a mistake you will have to punish me as Akira said. A spanking?"

Nearly falling into his food, Shinji pounded the table laughing after he recovered. "Rei-san I love that about you, you just say what you want without fear. And it is as she said Mako-chan, just a lot of physical labor. Maron moved in with Karen and Akira, and I've been helping with Asuka's packing too. As for your punishment…we'll talk about that later," Shinji gave Rei a bit of a stare that did more to make Makoto moist than fearful for Rei's future. Whenever Shinji was forceful or commanding it just made Makoto melt, maybe there was something in Akira's collar that Makoto might try.

"So Soryu is moving in with Kisaragi today then?" Makoto favored herself a coffee over soda with her lunch. Ayanami had one of those single cup makers and it was quickly becoming Makoto's favorite thing! It was slow going, but the Senshi, Akira, Karen, and Maron were slowly moving to forgive Soryu for her aiding Lilith. Makoto had seen friends side with their enemies before, mind control and other nefarious tricks could get even the most loyal friend to do bad things. But Asuka was not making it easy, girl was not really welcome into the whole group relationship that they had going on, that was a step to far right now. As such, they didn't like the idea of Asuka living with Shinji anymore, Asuka admitted to loving him (not that Shinji was there for that talk).

His phone chirping that he got a message, Shinji pulled out the device and read it, "Yeah, we moved all her big things yesterday after we finished with yours. Today is the last of her clothing. Going to have to really thank Honey-chan for letting her move in. Asuka and she don't get along to well…Asuka things a little poorly of the age gap." Shinji snickered again at something on his phone, but didn't fight when Makoto reached for it. Shinji never hid anything from them, totally open with everything if they asked.

"Nagisa-kun again? I swear we might have to keep an eye on that boy. Whenever new students used to show up in the past it was the sign of a new enemy coming," Makoto handed the phone back. It had just been a little joke, not even a crass joke, more elementary school type of thing. Continuing to eat she saw fear start to creep into Shinji, "Don't worry, we always have more than one month between enemies. Usually a lot more than that. But we have to keep our skills up, so you up for a patrol tonight? Katsuragi-san and Hokari-san still need a lot of training."

Well into her third soda, Rei's brow hardened as she pushed the empty plate away, "I will watch him. I do not trust him." Rei and Karen, Makoto noticed, where junkyard dogs when it came to Shinji. If given the opportunity would take ALL his time, were the first to think somebody had aims for Shinji beyond friendship, and just overly protective. Tossing the empty cans over her head towards the trash, she missed and it rolled next to the previous can, "Have you heard from Suzuhara?"

"Mari-chan is doing well in her classes, she's made friends with Tomoe-kun if you can believe that," Shinji slid out of his seat taking both Ayanami and his plate. Dropping them off in the sink of waiting water, housebroken wasn't a bad thing, Shinji cleaned up Rei's little mess. The two girls were waiting through for the real answer, Shinji sighed heavily as he tossed Rei's cans into the recycle bin. "Touji is transferring schools. Kensuke and I tried talking to him, but he thinks it's for the best. After what he did, I won't lie and say I fully forgive him yet, just like Asuka, but moving to Kyoto seems a bit much," Shinji's shoulders just slumped.

His heart was so fragile, even after everything and everyone around him, so Makoto went to his side and hugged him. Kissing his temple, "You can't blame yourself for that. He made his own choices, they all did. Things could have gone a lot worse for them than this. Maybe in time he'll move…move…" Makoto bristled as Rei joined in on the hug action, just her hands were not a friendly embrace. Makoto was still getting used to being with women, Ami and she shared another night with Shinji last week, but having Rei massage her bottom was something else!

A knock on the door broke the trio out of a growing sense of oneness, Makoto felt a little miffed at that. She had been hoping for a little sugar after all the heavy working of the day, but was denied…for now. She didn't have a shift at Millers for another two days, she'd have a date night before then. Answering the door, Shinji and Rei following close behind, "Yeah who is it?" she opened the door and her smile faded to neutral.

"Hey is Shinji going to help me move or not? I've a few more boxes that are too heavy for me alone. Misato and Kisaragi refuse to help," Asuka was a sweaty mess, but that only seemed to increase her allure. Unkempt but lovely, a battling Valkyrie finished with her battle and looking for her vassal to tend to her.

Putting his hand on Makoto's arm to keep the girl calm, Shinji stepped out into the hall. He was the peacemaker and the diplomat, never wanting his friends to fight. "Sure, we were just finishing lunch. And are they really not helping or are they busy?" Shinji leaned just a little closer accusingly. From everything Makoto knew of the two older women, they like to drink and tease but never refused to help. Then again, Makoto only really saw them teasing and playing with one another and Shinji…that was a bag Makoto was ok keeping shut. Grown women loved her man, well one grown woman and an android…life was strange.

"They're drunk alright. I don't want to listen to them teasing me so will you just help me idiot?" Asuka huffed and tossed her hair over her shoulder. Something in how she said 'idiot' just bothered Makoto, it was a pet word. Leading the trio back to Shinji and Misato's apartment, the two adults were snuggling on the couch, "OH and they're doing that! You aren't going to be doing that shit at the apartment are you?"

"Oh no, we'll be keeping all the lovemaking over here, you can be sure of that. Shin-chan will be here and we'll need him to help us, right?" Misato sat up and fixed her shirt. Honey's hand had crawled up it and pushed it up and over Misato's respectable bust…even Makoto was a little marveled by Misato's pair.

Fixing herself up as well, cleaning some of the moisture from her face, Honey at least tried to look sober, "Misa-chan, not in front of the others remember. And don't forget we're going out training tonight Shin-chan. Hokari and Misa-chan need to hone those powers of theirs. You're the target tonight, the old industrial complex is the hunting grounds." Honey batted her long eyelashes at the lone male who had just the most adorable smile on his face. Makoto wanted to eat him up right now!

Had it only been a month since the battle against Lilith and Adam? My how the time just flew by! Makoto couldn't believe how much life had changed in such a short time, but she was all too happy for it. Now more battles, no more angels, and a real family now. Some of them were a bit strange, others made her heart melt, and a few made her nether's tingle. Not all was good though, the issues with Soryu and Suzuhara top of the list, but now that the city was recovering it meant more work at Anne Millers, upcoming exams for high school, and occasionally squabbles over who got which date night. But Makoto would take this over how things had been before.

Helping Shinji and Asuka move the few boxes, Makoto saw a small box that Asuka asked Shinji to take…but she took it instead. Yup, red silk and something Makoto had to think was 'Unit-02'. Yeah they'd have to keep an eye on Soryu going forward. After the move was finished they went back to Rei's and watched one of Makoto's Disney movies…Ayanami was captivated. When Shinji went out to help train the two newest Magical girls (Misato actually looked younger in her changed state!), Rei asked again innocently enough to watch another movie. Taking a deep breath, and a drink of one of Misato's pilfered Yebisu, she accepted. Package deal right, when Shinji came back he got an eyeful…they he assisted. A wonderful first night at her new home.

X-X

Sitting on the floor of her apartment, stomach up to the table, Akira just couldn't keep her mind on her studies. A bad thing to be honest, but her heart was all about tonight's actives and not the upcoming test she should be focusing on. The one year anniversary of Lilith's defeat and the yolk of the angels being taken off humanities shoulders. Oh Karen, Shinji, and she was going to have so much fun tonight! Dinner, dancing, and with no work tomorrow they were going to burn the midnight oil! Akira had to do something to combat the Katsuragi's and Akagi's stranglehold on Shinji's Saturday nights! She bought a new slinky little number as did Karen and they were going to…

WHAP! A rolled up study aid bounced off Akira's head and brought her back to reality away from the racy thoughts she was having. "Akira-san, you're drifting again. If you want to get into Tokyo-University you're going to have to focus. You're grades are…alright but the test is much harder," Ami could be very authoritative when wanted. Didn't hurt that she had tried getting tonight as her own little night out with Shinji, but lost the lottery for it. Pouting just a little, Ami unfurled the guide and put it back down, "I know you're excited, but Karen-chan is focusing. You don't want me to tell Shin-chan you're not trying are you?"

"I don't know, he keeps getting better at disciplining me when I mess…" Karen quickly yelped and buried her face back into her book. Already dressed in her finery for the evening, Akira wanted to eat Karen up with how delectable she looked. Time was just doing wonders on her other life-mate. With more support from the other women that rallied around Shinji, Karen was now much more confident and radiant. Still she was shy, soft spoken, and oozed 'protect me', but she had a firmer core and more self-esteem. Peeking at Akira over the book, "If you don't get into Tokyo-U with me…who will be at my side to fend off the others?"

Grumbling and grabbing her pencil again, Akira went back to studying. "Just because you've got your own fan club now Karen-chan, doesn't mean you'll take them up on it. Or is that rumor that you dragged Shinji into the utility shed on Tuesday false?" Akira play gnashed her teeth at Karen who blushed and went back to hiding. Yeah, Karen was stepping outside her shell but it mostly involved just Shinji, Ayanami, and her. Odd how Karen took to 'playing' more with Rei over the year but Akira never went wanting.

Nobody did! Over the last year of their 'open-relationship' it was a dream! When she had given Shinji the ultimatum it had been more to remove him of guilt! At the time everything was so frantic and full of fear. Monster attacks, angels, and normal life just assaulted her beloved master and she didn't want to add to it. As long as he loved Karen and her, she was ok with him getting a little side tail. Little did she know that bit of selflessness on her part would open the gates to improving her own life! Ami was helping her with school, Maron living with them was great on many levels, Makoto was a great sparring partner, Usagi was just adorable, and so much more! Shinji didn't love her any less, she never thought herself as second in his heart, and life was slowly approaching perfection.

"As long as I don't mess this up," Akira ground her teeth as her brain just refused to understand the polynomial equation before her. Math was her biggest hindrance right now! That and Ami was a great teacher, just to firm for Akira to learn well with. Shinji did better teaching her with his little reward system giving her immediate rewards as well as the long term. But college was right on the horizon, she had to focus or Karen would be at the mercy of a legion of smooth operators that wanted into the fresh meats pants. Guys tried, tried hard, to get something started with Karen…scared Akira a little. Her own fan club knew its place after the 'rumor' of Shinji and her in the dojo circulated. Akira claimed it was real, it had been and it had been marvelous, and they stopped harassing Shinji when Akira broke a bully's wrist.

Sitting next to Akira, Ami was stern but fair as they studied. The sailor senshi did tend to stick closer to one another, but they were never negative towards the others. "Better, much better. I guess I can let you go off then if you have to. But we'll have to have a few reviews before your exam. Karen-chan you've nothing to worry about if you can keep calm. S-so what do you have planned for tonight?" Ami tugged on her collar for the fourth time in the last hour. A tell of hers, something was bothering her but she didn't want to say. Akira saw the same fidget in Karen whenever a boy asked her out.

"Thank the gods! No offense Ami-chan, but this was making my head hurt. As for tonight, we have a reservation at an American steak restaurant, going to a dance club, and…" Akira trailed off. Getting out from under table, she tugged on her collar lovingly. It never came off, she never wanted it off! Call it her conditioning, her personality, or just her kink she adored being submissive to Shinji and nobody else. Skipping off to the bathroom, Akira saw Maron's stuff all over the counter, "Maron! You forgot your leotard again! It's going to wrinkle if you…you…" Akira stopped when she noticed the smell and stain on it. Oh that girl put on a private performance again didn't she!

Calling out from Karen's old room, Maron was apologetic, "I have to clean it. It got stained and…just throw it in the laundry bin?" Maron was a little piggy much as Akira was, meant more for Karen and Shinji to clean. But they at least tried to help before their baser wants kicked in and they started playing more than working and…

"Ami-chan, what is on your mind?" Akira asked as she disrobed before the younger woman that hadn't left. Normally after their study sessions, Ami packed her things and headed off. But today she was hanging around and following Akira to the bathroom and watching her change. Not the first time Ami saw her nude, Akira wasn't fazed, more concerned as Ami was the squeamish one in the apartment. Putting on her delicate wrappings, "Something happened didn't it. Somebody ask you out? Say something bad about you? You can tell me, we don't judge remember?"

Ami about turned to flee, but Karen was standing behind her and gently pushed her into the room with Akira and shut the door. Leaning against it, "Akira-chan is correct. I saw you yesterday after lunch and you looked about to cry. Did something happen? Did your mother do what my parents did?" Karen had been disowned for being who she was, and Shinji and Akira caught her and never let go. If anything it made them stronger as a couple, Shinji did help pay their rent, but that didn't matter to them.

"A-A senior…Togusa Ishikawa…he approached me with pictures of S-Shin-chan and me in the music room. He's threatening to publish them if I don't go on a date with him. You've all seen the news reports of girls that have that happen. I don't know what to do…I don't want to tell the others. They'll jump off the handle, Mako-chan might really hurt the guy. It's blackmail and wrong…but I don't…I just don't know what to do," Ami confessed with her head dipped low and with tears threatening.

Knowing the name, a scumbag if Akira ever heard one, she'd heard enough rumors and stories about him to know Ami wasn't lying. "Don't worry about it. Computer genius like you could deal with anything on the net. And we could just ask Katsuragi for a moment of Nerv's time. As for the pictures themselves…you don't have to worry," Akira put a hand on the girl's shoulder. Ami trembled a moment then fell into Akira's slightly larger bust and cried. Finally a reason to transform again, they were going on the hunt rather than dance! Only once or twice a month did she have to transform into Kira to deal with the rare rock-man or monster attack. Times were good, but Ami's predicament was proof that even humans could be monsters.

"Do you feel better now? Don't worry about Ishikawa we'll deal with him and we won't tell the others. Not all secrets are bad," Karen pat Ami's head as the girl calmed. Once Ami nodded and left with much renewed spirits, Karen and Akira prepped for the evening. Make-up was lightly applied, girl had to bring her weapons to bear to stun and bewilder their prey. Shinji wouldn't know what hit him! Putting her ring on, Karen ran her finger over Akira's, "They're like wedding bands, don't you think?"

Unable to stop herself, Akira fully embraced Karen for that little remark. Karen already knew Akira wanted to visit Togusa tonight, agreed that their odd magic imbued rings had significance, and just…Akira loved Karen and Shinji so much! Even if Pen-Pen or Adam or whoever it was had ill intentions in the end, his giving Shinji the first ring was the turning point in their lives. Helping herself to a little pawing of Karen, not enough to ruin the dress, Akira felt her haze rising. Their conditioning would never leave them, but now it wasn't something to be feared…they'd always have somebody near that they trusted.

"We'll miss our reservation if you two keep that up," Shinji interrupted from the doorway. Wearing his butler uniform, they adored him in it, Shinji kissed each of their cheeks. Having that 'I've done something bad' look on his face, Shinji kicked the air, "And while I wouldn't mind staying in…some bad news. Asuka and Kaworu are insisting on joining us for their one month anniversary. Just the restaurant and…" Shinji felt the rings on their fingers and looked down with an eyebrow raised.

Ah the lofty and haughty Soryu, Akira was still certain that Asuka wanted Shinji, but unlike her Asuka wasn't willing to share. Then again Kaworu was always around too, Akira didn't know if she wanted to believe Karen's 'he is gay' or not. Grabbing Shinji's hand, still as marvelous to hold as it first was, "We have a new physical activity after dinner. We'll explain after supper or you won't be able to relax and enjoy it. After that though…" Akira pulled her black evening dress down just enough to give Shinji a peek, "You have duties to perform husband." Her spine tingled and flower moistened at saying it.

"A duty I love to perform my wives," Shinji said with full sincerity and it made Karen swoon into him, tricky girl. Shinji never got a fat head about the situation, always trying to live up to their wants and expectations, overflowing with affection for them. Oh he still got depressed, took the world on his shoulders if allowed, and needed to be reminded that accidents wouldn't drive them away from him. His ring, unlike theirs, couldn't come off and grew with him. Whatever Adam did to him it left part inside that would never leave. Testament to that was one Ritsuko Akagi now had a ring Shinji created. "So ready to go? Play nice with Asuka and I'll reward both of you," he tugged lightly on their collars.

He was going to do a little master play?! Akira suddenly had full attention and stood rod stiff, "Yes sir!" Shinji still preferred to lavish affection on them and not go into full on master territory too often, so whenever they got the rare intimate treat it was ever so much enjoyed. Saddling up to Shinji's left side as Karen took the right, "Let us suffer the princess. She still fighting with Honey?"

"No I am not. We came to an agreement. If they have the occasional accident in the apartment, so can we," Asuka poked Shinji then Kaworu. The German had the gall to grow like a weed and continue to blossom into a rare wild rose. Not dressed as spectacularly as Karen and Akira, Asuka and Kaworu were at least presentable. Flicking Shinji's forehead, "And I'll thank you to keep the molestaion to a minimum tonight. I might have to live with one of your harem, and listen to you go at it, but tonight is for Kaworu and myself as well."

Akira felt Karen's hand going south towards her much enjoyed perch atop one of the twin peaks of the Ikari mountain as she spoke, "One month already. I would have thought you'd like to spend that alone and not have a group date. Who suggested you join us?" Karen would always been the sneaky one, Akira realized. Akira tried it once or twice, but her impatience always ruined it and she spilled the beans far to early for it to be worth it.

"I thought it might do us a little good to see how well you three get alone. Give Asuka-san and myself a few pointers," Kaworu was as smooth as ever. Boy did have an odd nature about him, almost like Ayanami but more refined and focused. Akira had grown to like Ayanami, even found her odd social mannerisms endearing when they weren't focused on her, Kaworu was different though. Eyes on Shinji, Kaworu gestured down the hall, "After you three, and thanks for letting us tag along."

Asuka of course refuted that they should thank THEM for the combined supper date, but nobody really bought that. The Soryu/Nagisa pairing left most of the school a little uncertain, rumors be what they may. Akira didn't put stock in rumors, there were rumors about everything. Many circulated around Shinji, and Akira was glad she was graduating this year so she'd be away from them. 'Shinji is fucking' insert name here were the most prevalent. A few were worse than others, but by the by Akira just let them roll down her back. She knew who her man was with, liked them, and more importantly knew if she ever asked for his time he was there with bells on!

The restaurant was a fiasco, but that's who Akira liked it. At first the maître d didn't want to sit children on a busy Saturday night. Asuka took affront to that, assuming Shinji didn't make the reservations. But Akira was ever so proud of her beau when he pulled out a printed email and flashed his Nerv badge. Nerv still existed, but with a drastically different purpose now. Misato repurposed the organization to an emergency relief organization. Fires, tsunamis, earthquakes, and the occasional good will mission now found one of the three Eva's present to add support. It wasn't an organization to be feared now, but respected and honored.

Well the man paled at seeing not one but two of the world's saviors asking for a table. They were seated, their meals compensated, and it was glorious. Asuka and Shinji bantered like a pair of siblings, though Karen kept pointing out behind her hand how Asuka would touch from time to time and how Kaworu noticed but didn't care. Nope, Kaworu (again according to Karen) kept his eyes on Shinji. They chatted about everything, mostly Asuka talking about how great their relationship was in that extra clingy way that made everybody wonder. When the meal ended, and Asuka asked what was next, Akira ran her finger over her ring in a very overt display. Asuka would know what it meant, let Kaworu think whatever. After parting ways, Asuka upset as she always was, they found a nice alley and transformed. There after they gave Shinji the quick update on the matter, he was all about skipping the dance floor.

Splitting up, Karen was more at ease with it now that the threats were nil, they hunted for the long haired playboy. An hour of hunting, Akira got a call from Shinji, their target was with a girl walking in the park. Akira made it there in record time. Finding Shinji ready to pounce, Akira was reminded that while Ayanami and Karen were the overt defender of Shinji, Shinji was just as ready to defend all of them, did a girl's heart good. "We ready to do this?" Shiki pulled out her lance and flipped it over, not rusty in the slightest.

"Yeah, I hate to think that Togusa might be tricking that girl as well, I have my English class with her," Yumi had her bow at the ready.

Well no time like the present, Akira always thought, and Kira leapt and trusted her allies to follow suit. When she landed before the now very alert Togusa she was not disappointed. They trio encircled the man and his date, Kira held her hand out expectantly, "Your phone now." Cracking her knuckles, Akira was all about intimidation to get results, worked more often then not.

Backing into Shiki the man, just balked at the taller and very exposed ladies before him, "W-what are you talking about? Why should I give you my phone? Magical girls now need to pawn technology now that we're not under attack?" Taller than Shinji by half a foot, good muscle tone, and that longer hair that just screamed 'bad boy' Togusa tried to keep his attitude up.

"Only when we hear that they're being used to black-mail people," Yumi deftly plucked the man's phone from his pocket with a swiftness that made Akira rise her eyebrow. How many times had Karen snuck her hand into Shinji's pocket when she wasn't looking? Applying a new power, Yumi held her hand over the phone and a small burst of magic radiated out and the lock was undone. Wiggling it before the pair, "Care to explain before I find them, or are you going to make this more difficult?"

Shinji not wanting to expose himself as being quite livid, didn't say anything just leveled his spear and pointed it in the man's face. The girl looked at the trio of magical girls, her man, and then ran off into the night leaving him alone. "Ah man you scared my chick away. Going to have to make her pay for that. And what does it matter to you three if I got some picks of that dick Ikari going down on Mizuno? If you act stupid you have to pay the price. Now if you don't give that back I'll post those pics…" Togusa stopped talking when Shinji vaporized the phone.

"Oh I'm sorry did Shiki interrupt you? Were you finished? Good," Kira grabbed Togusa by the collar. Lifting the man off the ground, he had a shit eating grin on his face for a moment then lost it when Yumi pointed her arrow at him. Clearing her throat, "If you're done, allow me to advise you not to. If we see so much as a mosaic image that looks LIKE Mizuno…well you better have eyes in the back of your head. You won't see us coming…on the stairs, at the train station, in your home. You'll never know who we are or what we can do to you."

Knocking Kira's hand away, Togusa fell and stood chest to chest with the magical girl. "Why do you care though? Just one of limp dick Ikari's stupid bitches. Fuck him and his smug ass! I'm a better man than he is, bigger, and know how to use it in ways he couldn't understand, why does HE have all the girls. Hell you're likely working for him since you know about Mizuno. Why not leave him and go for a real man," Togusa dipped his fingers into his belt with a sick yet confident grin.

"Really? You can compete with this?" Yumi had her own phone out and flashed a few pictures at the man. Pale and eyes wide the man just pointed at it and rubbed his eyes not believing what he was seeing. Flipping through a few pictures as Akira kept Shiki from seeing them, best Shinji NOT know what pictures they took of him when he wasn't paying attention. Ending on one of the times they DID make love to Shinji in his their alternate forms, "Can you really compete with this? I don't think you can."

Falling to his knees, he just shook his head, "I never knew. He's so small how can he…how is that even possible? I won't…I won't do anything." Utterly defeated and disheartened, Togusa just stayed there as they left.

Oh Shinji begged and pleaded to see Karen's pictures, but life is better with a little mystery so they didn't let him. Once they got home, Shinji called Misato to say he'd not be home that night, and while he wasn't watching they got a few more good pictures from the night session. When the finally petered out in the wee hours of the morning, Shinji was the meat in the sandwich and the slept the sleep of the content.

X-X

Sweat covered her body yet she felt that rush of emotion and bliss that was neigh addictive…if she wasn't already addicted to it. Minako lay on her side panting in post coital bliss, gods Shinji was just made for this. Not that she was slacking off in the improvement department, she just didn't have as much access as Shinji had. She tried once, Shinji suffered for that and she felt like shit after it. Nobody knew except them about that event though. Reaching out and running her hand down Shinji's spine she got him to turn away from Rei who was snoring softly. "Hey stud," she had to tease, he was made for it, "energy for one more?"

"Of course my Venus," Shinji tried playing cute and succeeded. Rolling over her, they embraced in a deep soul searching kiss, and as they parted just a smidge he slid inside. One hand at the side of her head, the other gently massaged her left breast, Shinji smiled adoringly at her. Between his panting, "Not thinking about Ai are you?"

Damn him for knowing her so well and knowing how to get passed her defenses. Being an idol, six months strong and glowing brighter each day, Minako could lie and act better than most. Save when in such an intimate encounter, when she was with him like this…she just melted and couldn't fib. "I am…shouldn't be…saw her today at the signing though," her moaning was intensifying. Oh he was playing naughty tonight, alternating speed and angle just the way that drove her craziest. Gods she loved this man, loved life!

"Accidents happen, you…we made the choice to go along with her bet. At least it was proof wasn't it?" Shinji increased his speed. Kissing her again before bending his neck just hard enough to capture her nipple, he continued to lavish attention on her bringing her to her peak. A year and half since Adam's defeat he still was a little short, a little on the wiry side, but he was packing down below and Minako was singing. Now going slow and extra deep, Shinji brought her hand to his lips and suckled on her fingers just enough, "She isn't wanting…?"

Words failed her as the flood was approaching, mouth open wide in a soundless scream of ecstasy, her back arched and she wrapped her arms around him in a hug and smoothed his lips with her own. Tongues danced, but her energy was spent and she dragged him down with her, let him stay inside. "I'm glad you still have to pilot that robot…don't think I want to every have you use a condom, stud," her pet name for him wasn't lost on him. He wasn't a 'stud' in the traditional sense, not in the way she used to hunt for guys. Nuzzling his face with her nose, she was so tired now, she peeked at Rei and saw her half laden eyes on her…damn shine maiden coyness. Let Rei be a little jealous or join in on the hug, Minako didn't care, "She did ask for you."

It had happened two months ago, and Minako still regretted it despite Shinji's assurances. Pride, it all boiled down to pride. Minako tried to fancy it up with excuses such as 'he has more women', 'I'm the Senshi of Love I should have more experience', and 'Ai has this coming' but in the end it was all her. It wasn't a secret that idols are forbidden from having public boyfriends, so being so new to the job she kept Shinji secret. He didn't mind, hell he encouraged it since it helped her with her dream of being a successful idol! And she was, spirits she was successful…then again who wouldn't want to see a beautiful high school girl in short clothing singing songs of love?

Well Minako hadn't been too careful after one of the fights against the new wave of monsters that was attacking and Ai saw Shinji and her making out. It had been a hard fight, these monsters that looked a lot like the things Shinji used to fight with his Eva, but afterward she wanted her sugar. Ai approached her a week later with a little bet. 'Whose boyfriend was better? Loser had to go on a date with the winners or drop out of the idol gig.' Minako had a lot of enemies thanks to how bright and fast her star was growing. Seeing a picture of Ai's boyfriend, a suave looking man a full head above her and Shinji, muscled, and the perfect image of the guys she used to go for. Maybe if Shinji hadn't had a date the night before with that Kisuragi woman, and had one planned for the weekend with new college students Akira and Karen things might have been different. Why did SHE have to wait her turn for a date, she should have a legion of men! She took Ai up on the bet.

Problem was Minako didn't know HOW Ai considered to compare the two. Simple enough, Ai only considered sex as the importance to her boyfriend so it took practically begging to get Shinji to agree to it. He was steadfast in the 'if there is no love why have sex' school of life. Minako lied to herself and said she didn't agree. She went so far as to give him the ultimatum of 'do this or I'm done with you', the look of pure unabashed hurt on his face still haunted Minako. Stupid, she had been so blinded by movies, books, and her own popularity that she nearly did leave him, leave them. Legions of male fans claimed to love her, pleaded for even the quickest of hand holds…she mistook that for genuine feelings.

The evening of the bet had been a real eye opener for the young idol. The man she was with that night was nothing like Shinji was. He was a little bigger, but that didn't matter. No style, no class, no feelings. Just a little foreplay and a lot of rough and tumble. Shinji on the other hand closed his eyes and admitted later to pretending he was with her instead of Ai. Minako watched as he adored and cherished the girl that mocked him initially for being a little smaller (well until he got arosed then his little expanding trick made Ai do a double take). Whoever came first was the loser…officially the bet never ended as Minako never did. It was hollow and meaningless, she felt more ashamed the arosed by the act. And when they ended, Ai clinging desperately to Shinji and he looked sick and disgusted with himself…Minako ran.

How could she face him again after that? Forcing him to have sex with a rival just to put the girl in her place and to placate her own ego? There was no date with Minako, Ai, and Shinji, and Minako did not make Ai quit. Minako just wanted to forget it all. Sure that Shinji was going to tell the others what their impromptu movie date really was, that he'd ask her to leave their honest gathering of supportive and loving friends, Minako was not prepared for what happened. He followed her. As she ran, he ran. Where she went, he went. And when she stopped…he caught her, hugged her, and asked with the most sincerity how she was. He was worried about her, worried she was going tired of him, of how things were. Was she upset with him? Funny thing was her answer was to slap him so hard he fell over and start crying. Her mind laughed at how stupid she was, how the great idol Minako Aino had nearly thrown away a great thing for…nothing but a few centimeters and few minutes of unappealing sex.

"I don't think I'll want to do that, no offense," Shinji hummed as he continued his soft petting of Minako's smooth stomach. He was far too forgiving and far too hard on himself. But the others knew that and did their best to remind him. They were with him because they cared, they cared because they all suffered in life and deserved happiness. Normal people couldn't understand life as they knew it. Magical girls were cursed, they had to fight for others happiness. So, thankfully, finding a magical girl that was also a boy at times…well it worked out best that way. Yawning a little as Rei's hands did peak out from over his back and latch on, "Think the others are doing alright? These new monsters…they're getting pretty aggressive."

Minako could hear Rei from behind Shinji, "They only go after Soryu, Ayanami, you or your friends…most of which are capable of fighting them off alone. They'll be fine. Tonight is our night." Rei's leg pushed through between Shinji's in an agonizing display. How could Rei have more energy? They've been going at it for hours now! But she was right, this date night was a reward. Rei had a successful music pagant at the high school and…it was the six month anniversary of her break into idol-dome.

Before Rei could pin Shinji and start the whole mess over, Minako's phone rang. It was a rule, not to call during a date unless necessary. They all froze as Minako plucked the phone off the love motel night stand, "Yeah what is it? Little busy here." She was going to spoil Shinji rotten!

"You can do that after we finish this! Something big is going on at Nerv, we need all three of you here now!" Misato yelled over the line. Woman never minced words when it mattered, something Minako agreed with. Whenever they hung out at Shinji's, Misato was a doll! Funny, charismatic, let them drink a little…Minako LOVED Misato like a big sister…well…maybe not family since they shared a man. But when Misato was business it was ALL business which was exactly how Minako ran the Senshi.

Rolling off the bed, the sudden blast of A/C that hit her body covered her with gooseflesh. Hopefully it was just her being silly, but something about that cold felt different. "We have to go, Shin-chan hope you have your Nerv ID on you as Misato-san needs us there," couldn't she just climb back in bed and forget this? She wanted to, oh so much right now and she didn't know why. Seeing Rei and Shinji cuddling was exactly where she wanted to be, but work was needed to be done.

"Please let it be wrong…please," Rei said under her breath as she stood and grabbed her transformation wand. A moment later she was in her short skirt fuku and ready for action. Shinji did the same and they joined Venus by the window leading out. Storm clouds were forming over Nerv, nasty thunder clouds and the rain was already starting to pelt the window like BB's. Grabbing Shinji's hand, she gazed worriedly into his eyes, "I had a vision a while back, when these attacks started happening. This night…I saw this night. Be-be safe alright?"

Nodding and squeezing Rei's hand, Shinji reached out for Minako and did the same with her, "I'll do my best, and you all deserve no less." With a nod, Minako opened the window and the all jumped out one after another.

They ran without words, each dwelling on their own thoughts and fears about the approaching destiny. Minako hadn't said anything to the others, but suspected they felt the same, but these attacks were different than the others in some odd way. Was this it? Was this finally the event that would jump start the Silver Millennium? Would Shinji be there? Their never spoke to their future selves, other than notes from Usagi and second hand accounts from Chibi-Usa about what happened to them. Nobody mentioned Shinji ever, why wouldn't they mention the person they all loved? Did he die in the transition? Was this…was this the last time she was going to be with him or was it 'why mention what wasn't broken', or 'if we knew we might not let history happen'. Yet he ran on heedlessly towards his own end?

Flashing his badge through the reader, Shinji let the others in as Misato called in their location of Terminal Dogma. Seriously did it HAVE to be named something so ominous? Following behind Shinji since he knew the way to go, Venus found herself lagging. That odd feeling she was getting, was that it? The great cataclysm that sent them all into the distant future where Usagi was to lead them all? If he went…would he die? Once they got to the elevator she held her hand on the door, "Shiki…don't go down there. I have a bad feeling."

"I do as well. I've been having visions of this night over and over and I'm afraid. This might…please sit this one out," Mars was already trying to coax Shiki out.

Shaking her head, they knew it was a doomed attempt, and that was part of who Shinji was and part of why they cared so much. "If I don't go and something happens to you, to anyone and I could have helped stop it. And visions are just visions you said that yourself Mars-chan. Maybe it's another night," she summoned her staff and leaned against the back of the cab.

Wanting to argue exactly the same thing back at him, Venus knew it was pointless. Each and every one of them would fight for the others, everybody cared, everybody wanted the others safe at the cost of themselves…she stepped in and the door shut. Funny thing was Mars stood out longer with that expression of pure stubbornness. Mars would always be the Tsun of the group, but her Dere was just as powerful and they were fighting one another. Shinji reached out for her and the girl caved in and joined them.

Following Shinji as they ran down mostly closed down and abandoned corridors, Minako felt she was in a horror movie. Cobwebs and rusted hallways with half flickering lights encased them as they ran. After the angels and Nerv's purpose changed, according to Misato and Honey, the organization stopped using most of the buildings. More government oversight was in place and a lot of the building was mothballed. This part of it must have been one of the first parts decommissioned. Coming up to a massive door, easily big enough for that monster Shinji piloted to walk through stood cracked open. The sounds of fighting could be heard, and shouting.

If she couldn't stop him from fighting, she could try to take the brunt onto herself. Rushing past Mars and Shiki, Venus flew into the room and nearly skidded to a halt. "Kaworu? What the hell is going on here? How did he get the star?" Venus questioned the present force of women. They were all their, looks like their stay at the hotel made them late to the party. All the senshi were there, Witchblade, Jeanne, Gaea, Honey and bud(Misato named Hikari and it was not pretty), Kira, Yumi, Kagaku-sha (Ritsuko was bad with names as well), and last and non-transformed Asuka. Many were down on one knee nursing injuries as Misato went about healing them. Gaea was an odd bird…mostly skilled in healing but she was the only magical girl that looked younger in her transformed state.

"Kaworu why are you doing this?! I trusted you!" Asuka held her left arm with her right as it bled. Shuffling closer to the teenager as he flew over a very low lake of LCL with the crystal star that held Adam and Lilith incased inside.

Spotting Shiki, Kaworu smiled his odd little grin and his eyes started to mist over. "I am doing what I must, Asuka. The time spent with you, all of you has been wonderful. But my time is over, this is not my place or theirs. Until you told me where the star was I was content to live here. Now that I know though, I must act. Shinji-kun…Asuka-kun…I love both of you and I'm sorry," Kaworu apologized. Holding the star over his head it started to glow brighter and brighter.

Rushing to Shinji, trying to shield him from the light Venus found herself covered by him instead. "See you on the side," he whispered as the light overtook them all. And then she slept. And in her dreams she continued to live and love with all of them.

X-X

Waking in his plush bed, the warmth of Misato filled his front as his hands pulled her closer to him, Shinji breathed in deep the lavender scent of her hair. Always a great way to start the day, then again it was a rare day he didn't wake with one of his wives. Those days were upsetting but life did always necessitate a little bad. Feeling her moving, a wicked little idea popped into his head. She was always so keen on 'surprise' wakings...turn about fair play. Slowly moving away from her, she pouted in her sleep, he stole down to her legs and went under the thin sheet.

"Never suspect she gave birth," Shinji would always find his wives flowers as beautiful. Gently pealing back the petals he began administering a little tongue bath. Skills go rusty if not used, so Shinji kept his foreplay tasks at peak readiness. He was the stay at home father, he had to contribute somehow. Finding the bud and swirling around it, sucking on the petals, and applying just enough finger he got Misato moaning and instinctively grabbing his head to pull him in deeper. It didn't take long before she gushed over his face, "You've become a squirter Misa-chan."

"Because you've become so good at it, Shin-chan," Ritsuko said from a chair by the window. Book in hand, she had watched the whole show but didn't say a word. Clad in her scientist robes, Usagi's new society did love their robes, Ritsuko moved to the king sized bed Misato had in her private room and sat on it. Reaching out for Shinji as he bashfully climbed out, Misato still sleeping, "You keep doing that she'll never wake up, and she has a meeting with the American ambassador today." Pulling Shinji into a loving embrace, the woman that hadn't aged a day in over two hundred years melted into it.

After giving Ritsuko her wake-up special, Shinji cuddled against her and gazed out the window. High over the metropolis of Crystal Tokyo, everything looked so peaceful down below. "Ever think about the past, pet?" Ritsuko did take after Akira and Karen with the whole master thing. Just now Shinji didn't need a teacher and was quite good at his role.

"The Dark Moon war, the dreaming, peacetime, or before?" Misato asked as she sat up. Since Misato had a bothersome day dealing with the Space travel administration the day before Shinji had to give her a 'calming shot'. That equated to several long and sweaty sessions between the sheets, she opted to not put her top back on. Grabbing a can of Yebisu from her mini-fridge (Shinji really did spoil his wives), "I try not to think about how...bad things could have been."

Getting up, his hand trailing along Ritsuko's arm as he went to Misato's wardrobe and started getting her clothing, Shinji shook his head. "We'd not be here if what happened back then didn't. It was a nightmare at times, it was perfect at others, and I wouldn't have it any other way," he set the clothing on Misato's bed and saw Ritsuko and Misato balk at him.

"You are right about that to a point, Master," Ritsuko gave him a lingering look. Taking Misato's can, she helped herself to a little and went to the window. Gazing out over Usagi's capital, the capital of earth and the Silver Millennium, she laughed a little. "Back then I was in love with that bastard father of yours. Was actually planning on helping him destroy humanity because of my blindness. Then you came, you and your magical girls. Now I'm one of them, altering human life with mind bending science, and we'll live for ages unknown….big change," she turned back to them.

Despite having so many wives, Shinji was still bashful of the nude form, so when Misato started getting dressed he turned his back to her. Give her privacy, at least that's what he told himself. "I didn't even know what I wanted back then. Be a cook, a musician, or what. When Gendo summoned me...I just wanted his acceptance, a family. Now I have one, a very big one," almost as if summoned the door opened to Misato's room.

"Daddy, you're spoiling mom again! Mother-Ami said its bad for her!" Yuki came walking over to her father with that haughty manner of a fifteen year old. Only Akira and Makoto had boys, the rest of Shinji's children were daughters, but all his children favored the primary care giver, aka Shinji. The mothers had other tasks to do, running the planet took time and effort, but they all made time for their children, Shinji, and one another whenever they could. Hugging onto her father's side, Yuki scowled at the two older women, "And I thought you weren't going to drink in the mornings anymore. You can't keep using your powers to keep the weight off!"

Pinching Yuki's cheek, Misato was not gentle about it, "It is only one and I had a bad day yesterday! And what about you, you're supposed to be in training right now! Small Lady is going to need a strong team to keep this world safe! Do you need me to pull up the footage of your last spar?" Misato laughed her ass off after seeing that one. Her haughty and top-heavy daughter getting thumped on her butt by Minako's daughter Ruby and running crying to Shinji for succor.

"I'll leave you two to get ready," Shinji sagely left the mother and daughter to finish their business. If he stayed one of them, maybe both, would ask him to side with them. That never ended well. All except Honey and Ritsuko had a child of his...how life was funny. Back before the dreaming, before the change, he didn't think he wanted children, was afraid of being a parent. Now he was one many times over, some of his kids were already skilled magical girls themselves, and in Taro(Akira's) and Tenchi's(Makoto's) cases knights of the realm. Time moved on, they didn't age, but it wasn't all smiles and rainbows.

Attacks still came from all manner of places. The biggest had been the Dark Moon twenty years ago. That had been terrifying for Shinji. The Senshi had to keep the castle protected and Usagi safe. That left him and the others with the guerrilla war against their enemy. Usagi didn't have a standing army, it was protection by Magical Girl, and until then it worked perfectly. Days sleeping in sewers, crawling through enemy lines, and making Shiki into a folk tale by his actions. With so few people actually knowing he was Shiki, they opted to keep it that way. He was just the stay at home dad to the female rulers of the planets and their aids.

"So where are you off to this morning?" Honey tapped Shinji on the shoulder before draping an arm over his shoulder. Honey as well never had a child since she wasn't human. Thumping her chest, "I'm going to go watch the girls practice if you want to NOT cook breakfast for us today? We do have servants that can do that." Honey had given Misato and Shinji a massive scare after the dreaming. Not being put to sleep like the rest, Honey entered power-down mode to wait for them to wake. Her battery drained over the centuries of sleep. When they did wake, it was Ritsuko and Shinji that took the shards of the crystal star to make a new power source, now Honey had a life expectancy the same as theirs.

Thinking about going, Shinji didn't like fighting, never would, but encouraging his girls was something he did enjoy. "I can go for a bit. Is Small Lady going to be there?" Shinji had a soft spot for that girl. Having a mother like Usagi had to be hard on the young princess, and having the curse of not growing. But she had friends with his kids, Tenchi was VERY protective of Small Lady and people were already thinking it might lead to something.

"No, Small Lady is with Soryu at the doctors...she's pregnant. Something you want to say husband?" Honey gave him a raised eyebrow before lifting him off the ground. Despite all the time, living with them, Asuka had for so long kept saying 'he's just a friend'.

Who was it that said secrets are good things, Shinji couldn't remember. "W-well good for her?" Honey didn't buy it at all and flicked his forehead. Yeah, he was stupid to think he'd be able to hide that. Walking into the dojo that Akira ran, Shinji was flooded with emotions that never died down. Their were most of his wives and his children. Moment he walked in loving eyes fell onto him, they never stopped caring about him either. Through thick and thin, good and bad, they'd continue to fight and protect those that couldn't do it themselves. And now they were preparing the next generation to take up the mantle when they did get to old for it. But until that day they had no alternative but keep fighting, keep loving, and keep together. Shinji's have it no other way.

- End-