Rei had considered Touji and Kensuke's offer to help her in her 'mission'. She had tentatively agreed, knowing that there was still many things she didn't know about romantic relationships. They were also Ikari-kun's friends and could have valuable information on him. The three teenagers had found a spot in the school's courtyard to eat and discuss strategy. Various tactics and approaches had been devised and rejected already.
First, Touji and Kensuke had assured her that waiting for Shinji in his bedroom completely naked and offering him to become one in mind, body and soul with her wouldn't work. This plan had the merit of being simple and direct but Ikari-kun's shyness (a concept she had trouble understanding) would doom it to failure.
There was also this rule about the boy taking the initiative. Apparently, Ikari-kun had to be the one asking her to be his girlfriend, not the other way around. This complicated matters but Rei was sure she could 'convince' him in time.
The 'seduction' of Shinji Ikari would have to be slow, nice and subtle, according to Aida and Suzuhara. Ikari-kun had to be treated as a skittish animal (the result of living with the Second Child and major Katsuragi, no doubt). At least, his past relationship with the spy Kirishima proved he wasn't gay.
"I know!" declared Touji "Ya could ask him to help you do yer homework! Ya would be alone with him in his room and..."
"Touji... Ayanami's a straight A student. That lame excuse won't fool anyone..." countered Kensuke.
"Er... Maybe swimming...?" Touji proposed, remembering the girls having P.E. class at the pool on the school's roof.
Kensuke snickered then laughed out loud "AHAHAHAHA... Shinji... Haha... Shinji can't swim...! HAHAHAHAHA!! Find another... idea! HAHAHAHA!!!"
"Well... At least, I'm trying, all right! Think of something if ya're so smart!"
"Um..." Kensuke remained silent. They had run out of ideas pretty quickly...
Suddenly Rei spoke "Aida-san, while your assessment of me being a straight A student is flattering, it is not completely true. There are subjects where I have... difficulties"
"Ah ah! Now we're making progress! Which ones?"
"I have trouble with literature and home economics" The first required a modicum of creativity she had not been encouraged to develop while the second seemed so useless to her.
Touji and Kensuke brightened. They had found the way "Private cooking lessons!" Shinji wasn't a literature major but this, he could do.
"Cooking...?"
"Yes, it's perfect! Shinji told us he does most of the cooking at Misato-san's house. He got a nearly perfect grade when he was partnered with Mana. Hell, he's the best boy at this subject in our class, period!"
"Don't remind me..." Touji scowled. It had been just his luck to be with Asuka for this class. Their team had not performed really well, thanks to their clashing personalities "Hikari's the best cook I know and she said he's really good"
Kensuke's glasses shone, his head filling with various scenarios "That setting will give you plenty of occasions to grow close, Rei, trust me!"
Rei, for her part, imagined the possibilities along another line. Thinking back to several movies she had watched this night, especially when the protagonists did all sort of things in a kitchen except cooking, Rei's mouth quirked into a small smile. Too bad Touji and Kensuke were too busy congratulating each other to notice.
"Yes, I think I will ask Ikari-kun for personal cooking lessons..." And there would be no one to disturb them in her appartment. It was a starting point she would take advantage of "But what shall I do if he refuses?" she wondered out loud.
"Shinji saying no ta you...? Not a chance!" answered Touji "He's been mooning over ya since he came here. He seems to pay more attention ta Devil-girl only because they live under the same roof"
Another thing to consider, thought Rei. Maybe arranging for Ikari-kun to move in his own appartment would cut him off from potential stumbling blocks to their relationships (pilot Sohryu being the biggest one). Being his neighbor would facilitate matters, she would have to talk with the Commander about this.
Kensuke remembered something and frowned "By the way, Rei, I heard Asuka mentioning an accident at NERV yesterday. Is Shinji all right?"
"Yes"
"That's good to hear. Er... Why would he need new clothes before returning here?" Kensuke had listened to Rei and Asuka's little talk. It wasn't everyday that the normally silent and aloof Rei started a conversation with someone on her own and curiousity had done the rest.
"I... cannot tell you. You will see for yourself when Ikari-kun returns"
Now the two thirds of the three stooges were worried "Rei, do you know where is Misato-san's appartment?"
"I am familiar with its location though I have never been there. Why?"
"Oh, we know where it is and it would be more practical if we took you there. Don't you agree?" Of course, it would allow them to see if Shinji was really all right and talk to their goddess, Misato Katsuragi, as well. Touji smiled and backed up his friend's proposal, nodding vigorously. Maybe running interference with Asuka too...
Rei considered Kensuke's offer "Very well, you may lead me to major Katsuragi's appartment after school"
Rei, Touji and Kensuke realized that recess was nearly finished. They stood up, their lunches finished, and walked back to class 2-A. They had their plan. In a few hours, operation 'Kitchen of Love' would begin...
Meanwhile...
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(Posted Tue, 16 Dec 2003 23:56)
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