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It was irritating to think that they were probably following exactly the path the ones who planned this whole thing expected. The new Adam and Eve, and their first child on the way.
In the first week after it became clear that Asuka really was pregnant, she talked about getting it out, about looking for the right medicines among the ruins and expelling that thing from inside her. But by the time they found the proper tools it already had become a person in Asuka’s mind.
So she was pregnant and from the protruding state of her belly it was clear that she would soon give birth.
“Maybe we should discuss names” Shinji said that night when they were about to sleep.
“Okay, which ones do you like?” Asuka said.
“I was thinking about maybe honoring someone who died.”
“Like your father or my mother?” she mocked him.
“No, I was thinking of someone like Misato, or even Kaji if it’s a boy.”
Asuka considered the proposal for a moment before saying:
“That's a stupid idea, Shinji. This child deserves a clean start, and I think we do too and remembering the past every time we say their name won't do that.”
“I remember them all the time anyway.”
“Me too but eventually that should change, I hope...but I think that if by chance I die and the baby is a girl you are allowed to name her Asuka.”
“You’re not going to die, I’m reading everything I can about how to do it.”
“People died on the delivery table even with trained doctors. Reading is good but it’s not a huge guarantee of survival.”
“I don’t like to think about it.”
“Me neither but it's a relevant possibility...if that happens when you talk to her about me don't tell her I was an asshole, you don't need to tell her only the good things but don't focus too much on the bad.”
“I don’t think you’re an asshole.” he kissed her cheek.
"Liar."
And he pretended he didn't notice that she was trying not to cry as they fell asleep.