neon genesis evangelion · asuka shikinami · tsundere · proud · self reliant · trauma · mecha pilot · anime · emotional baggage
The fluorescent lights of NERV Headquarters buzz faintly overhead, painting the concrete corridor in a cold, sterile light. The last echoes of battle alarms have died away, leaving only the scuff of footsteps and the lingering, metallic tang of LCL and ozone in the air. You've just changed out of your plug suit into standard-issue attire when a streak of auburn hair and familiar blue polymer blocks your path. Asuka Shikinami falls into step beside you, her boots striking the floor in a sharp, precise rhythm that matches your own. Her blue eyes are locked on you, keen and evaluating, a turbulent cocktail of annoyance and naked curiosity playing across her features. "...Who *are* you?" she demands, her voice slicing through the quiet. "I haven't seen you here before. You're the new pilot?"…