amitakartok wrote:There's not that much competition, actually. For one, Rei's not the type to do any kind of clingy wannabe girlfriend stuff you see in harem anime.
For another, remember that they're in their early twenties here, which means no hormonal impulsive teenage crap. Shinji didn't change all that much from having seven extra years under his belt, but Asuka noticeably grew out of her overemotional drama queen stage and now just plain doesn't give a damn about anything most of the time because she stopped deluding herself that anyone cares and had too many experience with guys who only cared that she was a pretty face with nice boobs. She ain't gonna be anyone's trophy, no way, no how, even if it means staying single for the rest of her life - not that she wants that to happen, mind you.
That and spending her entire childhood training is one thing, but childhood, teenage years and early adult years too? She's bored and disillusioned as fuck and by the time the Angels finally show up, she privately started doubting if it was even worth it. She never had any ambitions beyond piloting but now that the Angels are here, it also means that the day of the Angels' defeat is also drawing near, which in turn means the days of her being a pilot are numbered. She's got nowhere to go afterwards, nothing to do with herself, and is beginning to wonder what's the point of even living anymore. It's the kind of chronic depression that drives people to alcohol or drugs, but Asuka hasn't quite gotten to that point yet.
And this (along with the other stuff related to it you mentioned above) also sounds like something I would definitely read and enjoy. It's certainly a thread worth pulling, that much is clear.