[timestamp: midnight]

[chosenthird]

[the tv, which was showing static, suddenly goes clear, showing a shot of an empty train showing the seats. The train seems to be moving, and for a few seconds all you can hear is the sound of the machine; but soon there is a quiet lithany of words growing louder as the shot starts panning towards the right]

Can't run away, can't run away, can't run away...

[the shot stops when it finally reaches Shinji, who is sitting with his face facing down and his hands holding his head. You can't see his expression, but it's obvious he's one the speaking.

Suddenly, he sits up and faces the camera]

Just kidding!

[Shinji has a big smile on his face, a look that's particularly uncommon with him, and his arms are carelessly thrown over the back of the seats. Overall, he seems pretty relaxed]

I love it here! I don't have to worry anymore, I can just stay here forever, and not care about anything or anybody. No more [with a pretend voice] "Shinji-kun, you have to fight that angel!", no more "Ikari-kun, ride the EVA", no more "If you're not gonna do it, then just leave".

[Shinji seems angrier after he says the last one, but he shakes his head and he's smiling so widely again that it has to be hurting his face]

They're all probably dead right now in Tokyo-3 anyway, so who cares what they think, right? Serves them right! I bet if I stayed longer at that island it would have been the same thing all over again, so forget about that place, too!

Ah, I hope I can stay here forever!

[he leans back on his seat, and the connection ends]

Comments

[chosenthird]

But now I have no more problems! Isn't that better?

[notdogmatic]

I would have preferred to accomplish that myself.

[chosenthird]

Not like you could, anyway, so why are you worrying?

[notdogmatic]

Ikari Shinji. I have worried about you across universes.

[chosenthird]

What a waste of time! You know I'll probably stop caring about you too eventually, right? You should cut lose now!

[notdogmatic]

I am hurt.

You are as skilled at this as the other Shadows have been, Ikari Shinji's Shadow.

[chosenthird]

You have to take my word for it, I was trying to spare you from that! It would be so much easier if you forgot about me now and let me be happy here, right?

[notdogmatic]

You are incorrect. My existence without you was substantially more emotionally difficult.

I am afraid that the reverse may not be accurate.

[chosenthird]

That my life was terrible until I met you?

[notdogmatic]

That I am a complication rather than a solution.

[chosenthird]

Even I have to admit that's not true at all! If anything, you were a highlight, Kaworu-kun.

[notdogmatic]

Speaking solely in the past tense is premature.

[chosenthird]

Maybe! He is the loudest about you! But you know me, always a big coward - I'll forget you too, Kaworu-kun, and I'll reach true happiness here!

[notdogmatic]

You're aware of the other name for that state of being, aren't you, Shadow-kun?

[chosenthird]

Do you need another name for happiness?

[notdogmatic]

Do you know what the full moon will bring?

[chosenthird]

You seem to know, so why don't you tell me?

[notdogmatic]

You will destroy your other self. The one that is quiet now. And you will be unable to exist independently of him, so it will be the end for you as well.

I would regret such an event.

[chosenthird]

Ahh...

Maybe true happiness can only be found when you simply stop. I guess I'll find out, Kaworu-kun!

[notdogmatic]

I will be coming to stop you.

This is an experience I would have wished to spare you.

[chosenthird]

You can try! But if you really cared for me, you'd just leave me be.

[notdogmatic]

What does your other self say to that?

[chosenthird]

Who cares! He's off on a corner, moping as usual. I'll get him to see my side soon, though!

[notdogmatic]

He is upset.

Has he spoken of why?

[chosenthird]

He doesn't like some of the things I'm telling him.