Stage 29  "Grave-posts"

Cover page: Dark image of Gendo

Scene: Inside Rei's apartment - Rei in the kitchen boiling water in a
kettle to make tea, Shinji sitting on a chair in Rei's room.

Shinji (thinking): As dull and drab as ever... I should have brought
flowers or something. Still, it feels kind of strange to see Ayanami
standing in the kitchen.
Rei (holding box of 'Earl Grey' tea): I wonder how much tea to put in?
I have this tea, but I've never made it...
Shinji: You really don't have to go to the trouble...
Rei: About this much? (heaping tablespoon)
Shinji: ... I think that's a bit much.
(Rei reaches for the kettle and burns her hand)
Shinji: Are you okay!?
Rei: It's alright... just a little burn.
Shinji: Just a little burn!? We have to cool it at once!
(Shinji grabs Rei's wrist and holds her hand under running water - his
other hand is on her shoulder. Rei's eyes are slightly widened in
surprise. Their expressions become serene, then they realize that they
are in effect 'holding hands' and blush - Shinji pulls away.)
Shinji: Oh... I'll make the tea. You just keep your hand under the water
for a bit.
Rei: Okay... Thank you.
Shinji: We had a party last night.
Souryuu moved into Misato's apartment, and Misato got promoted so we had
a double celebration. Of course we tried to call you but you weren't
answering your phone, and besides-
Rei: That's okay. I'm really not good at parties.
Shinji: Oh... yeah... But I had a good time.
That was the first time I had actively joined in with everyone like that
- I always thought it was kind of stupid before...If we do it again, you
should come. Then-
Rei: Ikari, you're quite talkative today.
Shinji: Huh? Oh, sorry...
(Shinji pours the tea into paper cups.)
Shinji: Ayanami, what do you and my father always talk about?
Rei (looking at Shinji): Why? (turns off water)
Well, I just thought that if my father came to a party like that, I
might be able to talk to him a little... but then he wouldn't come even
if I invited him.
Rei: You want to talk with your father?
Shinji: ... Yes.
I don't think anything would change even if we talked, but I just know
that if things keep on as they are - me hating my father - it will be
hard for me to continue piloting Eva.
Rei: Then, why don't you tell him?
Shinji: Huh?
Rei (turning to face Shinji): Tell him the truth - how you really feel.
(Shinji stares dumbfounded at Rei.)Rei: If you don't do that, then
nothing will ever change.
(Rei blushes slightly - looks at the tea.)
Rei: That's a pretty color. You're good at making tea. May I?
Shinji: Please.
(Rei and Shinji drink the tea.)
Shinji: It's a little bitter.
Rei: But it's warm...

Scene: Shinji in his (cluttered) room in Misato's apartment

Shinji (thinking): Incredible - I can't believe Ayanami would say
something like that. 'Tell him how you really feel'... If I could do
that I wouldn't have such a hard time.
(Shinji looks at the calendar, picks up his portable phone and dials a
number.)
Shinji: He...Hello? This is Shinji Ikari. Can I speak to Commander Ikari
please?
Voice: Just a moment please.
Gendo: Shinji, what do you want?
Shinji (nervous): Uh, well...
Gendo: I'm busy. If you have something to say, then hurry up.
Shinji (disappointed): Do you remember what day it is tomorrow?
Gendo: ...... Should I?
Shinji: *blank look*
Gendo: What about tomorrow?
Shinji: Uh, nothing. Nothing at all.
Gendo: Don't call me just for idle talk! *click*
Shinji (to silent phone): Tomorrow is the anniversary of Mom's death,
father...

Scene: Misato sees off Shinji and Asuka at the front door.

Misato: Have a good time!
Shinji (subdued): We will.
Asuka: ...Yeah, right.
Misato (to herself): Hmmm... Asuka's still in a foul mood from a couple
of days ago, but I wonder why Shinji's so depressed?

(Shinji parts ways from Asuka at an intersection.)
Asuka: Hey, Shinji. Where are you going?Shinji: Oh, I have somewhere to
go today.Asuka: I see... Well why don't you go then?

Scene: Shinji walking through countless grave-posts lined up in rows

Shinji (thinking): How many years has it been since I last came here? It
still doesn't feel like Mom is here... and I don't even remember her
face.
(Shinji is surprised to see Gendo standing and placing flowers before
Yui's grave-post.)
Gendo: Shinji...
Shinji: I can't believe you would pay a visit to Mom's grave.
Do you come here every year?
Gendo: Yes.
Shinji: What kind of person was Mom? Do you have any pictures?
Gendo: There are no pictures.
Shinji: ... You threw them all away?
Gendo: Yes.
And this grave-post is just a marker - there is no body here. All that
remains is in my heart, and for now that is enough.
Shinji: 'For now'...?
Gendo: ... Shinji, don't come to see me any more.
Shinji: What?
Gendo: People live by their own ability, and everyone must grow by
themselves. Only babies need parents - and you are no longer a baby.
Stand and walk on your own feet - that's what I did.
Shinji (shocked): But... I...
Gendo: Don't even think of associating with me.
People for some reason strive to understand each other, but remember
this - people will never be able to fully understand others. That's the
type of pitiful creatures people are.
(Shinji stares in shock at Gendo as a VTOL craft descends.)
Gendo: It's time. I have to go back.
(Gendo turns and boards the VTOL. Rei stares out at Shinji from the
VTOL, which takes off.)
Shinji (staring up at the VTOL and thinking): Father...

Scene: Gendo and Rei inside the VTOL

Gendo: How are you feeling, Rei?
Rei (aroused from her reverie): Oh, fine. No problems.
I'll go to Dr. Akagi's post tomorrow, and then to school the day after.
Gendo: I see. How is school?
Rei: No problems.
Gendo: I see. That's good.
(Rei looks over at Gendo, who stares straight ahead.)
Rei (thinking): All we talk about is work... He appears to care for me,
but he's really thinking about someone else.
I'm the one for which 'nothing will ever change'...

- End Stage 29 -