Outraged, Misato burst into the room, only to walk in on Asuka, dressed as Commander Ikari, straightening out the collar of Shinji, dressed as Sub-commander Fuyutsuki. They both turned to look at her in surprise.
Asuka adjusted her glasses and asked, "What seems to be the problem, Misato?"
Misato didn't know how to respond to that. The only thing that she did know was that she needed a beer and fast.
Asuka adjusted her glasses and asked, "What seems to be the problem, Misato?"
Misato didn't know how to respond to that. The only thing that she did know was that she needed a beer and fast.
Role-Playing is a 1999 Neon Genesis Evangelion Comedy fanfiction by then-popular Ranma ½ fanfic writers Lara Bartram and Ammadeau.
One night, Misato comes into her apartment and finds Asuka cosplaying as Commander Ikari and Shinji dressed as Sub-commander Fuyutsuki. Such a sight prompts Misato to find alcohol quickly. The next day, she is telling her story to a very amused but thoroughly disbelieving Ritsuko, and their conversation is overheard by Commander Ikari. Eager to spy on both kids for reasons he will not divulge to Fuyutsuki, Gendo gets a spy camera secretly installed in Misato's apartment.
It turns out that Asuka has talked Shinji into reenacting scenes of Nerv's history, and Rei has joined them after watching one of their performances and finding Asuka's portrayal of the Commander severely lacking. Asuka claims their roleplay sessions will improve their piloting by helping them understand their superiors better, but it soon becomes clear the German pilot has some ulterior motive (and it is not freaking Misato out repeatedly).
This fic can still be found in Lara's -defunct- site
in this link. Extra content can be found here. It could also be found in Ammadeau's site together with “The Very Short and Unofficial Sequel“, but it seems to be irretrievable by the Wayback Machine. It can also be accessed here and here.
Tropes:
- Alternate Universe Fic: The story is set at some point after Shinji telling his father off in the aftermath of the battle against Bardiel, but Shinji is still working for Nerv and living with Misato and Asuka, and there is no mention of other Angel attacks.
- Complexity Addiction: Asuka gets her hands on top secret records, talks Shinji into role-playing as the commanders, gets Rei to join them, carries out increasingly complex reenactments during the course of several days... just so she can finally bring herself to deliver a love confession.
- Crush Blush: When she finally spits her feelings out, Asuka's cheeks turn bright red.Head bowed with a blush dotting her cheeks, Asuka took a deep breath and told him, "I love you."
- Death Glare: Asuka throws a murderous glare at Shinji when she finds him mocking her via roleplay.Raising his voice a few octaves, Shinji probably did the last thing in the world he should have. "Why are you so stupid? Stupid Shinji! Go get me some pie! I said, go make me some waffles, bitch!" he screeched, wagging his finger at the bird.
Pen-Pen released one frazzled squawk, then bolted from the room as fast as he could.
Shinji chuckled and turned around only to find Asuka standing in the doorway. The look of murder in her eyes was unmistakable. "Shinji. Prepare to die." - Didn't See That Coming: Gendo, Fuyutsuki and even Ritsuko's reaction to the Children's final performance is a blend of amazement, puzzlement and amusement since neither of them had seen Asuka spitting her feelings out and kissing Shinji coming.
- Faint in Shock: Misato passes out in shock when she witnesses Shinji and Asuka's final play.A soft thump alerted her, and she went to investigate. She discovered the door about halfway open, and when she opened it the rest of the way...
Misato was there, passed out in the hall. She must have witnessed the reenactment. Apparently, she was not impressed by it. - Grew a Spine: Asuka's plan is built on the idea that she will be able to spit her feelings out if Shinji grows a backbone. Thus, she feels inwardly pleased when he sometimes snaps or talks back.
- Hypocritical Humor: When Gendo wonders why the kids are finding that pastime so interesting that they are going through so much trouble, Fuyutsuki says wryly the same thing can be said about them."You're thinking of something."
"Indeed."
"What is it this time?"
"Idle thoughts."
"Doubtful. I don't think you've ever had an idle thought."
Gendo smiled. "Just thinking what they find so interesting to go through this much trouble."
Fuyutsuki gave an answering grin. "Probably the same thing we do to sit here and watch them," he said with subtle irony in his voice. - Ignored Expert: Ritsuko does not believe one word of Misato's stories about her wards' antics, which contributes to Misato's nervous breakdown.
- I Need a Freaking Drink: Misato decides she nees a beer NOW when she happens upon Shinji and Asuka disguised as the Commander and the Sub-commander.Blinking for a few moments, Misato did the one thing she knew best: she grabbed as much beer as she could and went to her room to get blasted.
She was about two steps from the door when she heard Asuka, quite clearly, yell at Shinji to "get her some pie," and stopped. She glanced at the door, the beer a comforting coolness in her arms, then back at the kitchen. - Jaw Drop: Fuyutsuki's jaw drops when he accidentally finds out that Kaji put spy cams in Nerv's bathrooms."We can blame it on Kaji. He's always up to something anyhow. I wouldn't be surprised if he's got the bathrooms bugged."
"I had those removed. They were... inappropriate."
For a moment, Fuyutsuki went slack-jawed. - Lethal Chef: Ritsuko does not want to try a heap of waffles offered by Misato, not even after being said they should be safe because Pen-Pen made them.
- Love Confession: After Shinji has been able to play his father, Asuka admits she loves him.
- No Antagonist: The story is a comedy with hints of romance where the main characters engage in wacky antics.
- Oblivious to Love: At one point, Shinji is playing Kaji flirting with Ritsuko (Rei) while Misato (Asuka) watches and fumes. And Shinji cannot understand why Asuka looks so angry during their performance...
- Official Kiss: Shinji and Asuka become a couple when she kisses him after their final play.
- O.O.C. Is Serious Business: Maya, Makoto and Aoba become frightened and alarmed when they overhear the commanders laughing.
- Stunned Silence: Neither Gendo nor Fuyutsuki are able to talk after seeing Shinji reenacting the time when he told his father off.The commanders watched in complete silence.
Shock might have been an accurate description.
Just a total stunned pause in their daily routine. - Underestimating Badassery: After several spying sessions, Gendo and Fuyutuski wonder how Asuka managed to obtain the records of everything what has transpired in the command center. They are forced to conclude the kids are more resourceful than they believed.Fuyutsuki: "That's exactly it. The records of..."
Gendo: "Everything that's gone on in the command center up to this point. They've obtained them and have studied them quite carefully."
Fuyutsuki: "But... how? The security..."
Gendo: "They are more resourceful than we had anticipated. Be thankful they are working for us, and not for SEELE." - You Have GOT to Be Kidding Me!: Fuyutsuki believes Gendo is joking when his superior reveals Kaji DID get the bathrooms bugged. Gendo quickly reminds him he does not do jokes."We can blame it on Kaji. He's always up to something anyhow. I wouldn't be surprised if he's got the bathrooms bugged."
"I had those removed. They were... inappropriate."
For a moment, Fuyutsuki went slack-jawed. "You're kidding."
Gendo turned his head, wearing a look of near-amusement. "Do I kid?"
"No, of course not."
