Synchronization

December 15, 2015 — clear skies.

Today, we danced.

NERV's plan was ridiculous — we were supposed to synchronize our attacks to the rhythm of Beethoven's Ode to Joy. I suited up, Shinji got in Unit-01, and we listened to the same beat.

"One, two, three, four —"

On the first synchronized pass, our sync rate shot up to 89%. For the first time, I felt what it was like to be in perfect sync with someone else. Not words, not thoughts — something deeper. Like two people becoming one.

We hammered the Angel in alternating strikes, the rhythm flawless. On the final beat, both Evas landed together, and Israfel's core shattered.

After we climbed out of the entry plugs, I saw Shinji standing there. He looked at me and smiled. Not a fake, ingratiating smile — a partner's smile.

I looked away. Don't look at me. Don't think about it.

I just wish I could stop thinking about it.