A/n: Just a quick welcome and a few little notes about this series! I won't be using any one set universe for the oneshots; meaning they could be set in the original series, the Rebuild, maybe even the universe from that short sequence in Ep. 26. Who knows! I am going to try to update this daily, providing that schoolwork doesn't kill me too much. But even if I don't, rest assured that I will be completing all 30 days of the challenge. :) My dedication to this rare, precious pairing cannot be wavered! With that outta the way, hope you all enjoy!

There was a great thundering of feet as many the students of Tokyo-3's middle school were released from classes. Everyone was in a hurry to leave for the day and there was a lot of excited chatter as the students filtered out of the building.

Asuka lagged behind. She hated being shoved and jostled about by a bunch of loud, obnoxious classmates. She lingered in the doorway of the building for a while, finishing up a level on her handheld game. She finished and stuffed the device in her schoolbag, then walked outside. She almost cried out as a gust of wind hit her square in the face. The air had gotten quite chilly and the sky was a pale gray. Winter was here. She zipped up the jacket she had been wearing and continued on her way.

She looked around for Shinji so that they could walk back to Misato's together, but he was nowhere to be found. Probably already run off with Kensuke and Toji, that idiot. Never can commit to anything. Asuka huffed and started walking more briskly towards home.

She noticed another figure up ahead of her. It had to be Rei Ayanami, Asuka had never seen anyone with the same shade of pale blue hair. She was walking a few feet ahead of Asuka, dressed in only her school uniform as the wind continued to blow relentlessly. What was she doing out here so poorly dressed for the weather? It annoyed Asuka. Did Wonder Girl think she was too good to wear a damn coat? She narrowed her eyes and stormed up closer to Rei. "Hey, wait up!"

Rei slowed her pace and turned to Asuka, who was now walking alongside her. "Oh, Asuka. I didn't notice you from behind."

"Yeah, yeah. Whaddaya think you're doing out here without a coat on? It's gotta be below freezing out here," Asuka said, as another gust of wind hit the two girls, emphasizing Asuka's point.

"Actually, the temperature is thirty-three degrees Fahrenheit. I checked the thermometer as I was leaving the school," Rei stated matter-of-factly.

Asuka rolled her eyes. "Fine. Shouldn't you have a coat on or something?" She looked over at Rei's arms and found that they were covered in goosebumps. So it does bother her, Asuka thought.

The other girl shrugged. "I don't own a lot of clothing. I remember Commader Ikari gave me a coat a few years ago, but it was stolen."

"You don't own any jackets? How do you stay warm outside?"

"By walking quickly to get to the nearest building. It's not a huge matter, really."

Asuka was incredulous. "Like hell it isn't..." she muttered. Rei's one arm had moved to the other, where she began rubbing it slightly to keep warm. She almost felt bad for her.

"If I was meant to have a jacket, I'm certain I would have been provided with one. Otherwise I must not be deserving of one."

"Alright, that does it! You're coming with me to Misato's. I might have something I could lend you." Asuka reached over to grab Rei's arm, but she pulled away.

"Are you ordering me? You are aware that you are not authorized to do so."

"Do you know how stupid you look wandering around without a coat on? What if you get sick?"

"I can always be replaced."

Asuka wanted to slap her forehead. Why was this girl so damn difficult?

"Can't you decide that you need something for yourself for once? I'm just trying to help you."

"And why is that?"

Asuka's head was starting to hurt. She had to think about. Being so concerned about someone, especially Rei, was definitely new for her. They had stopped walking by now and Asuka considered for a moment, crossing her arms. She finally responded "Maybe I know what it's like. Not having anyone give a shit about you. But you can't let it take over your life, it makes you weak. Don't you get that? Can't you understand one thing without someone forcing you to do it first?"

Rei was silent, looking at Asuka with the same blank look that she always had on her face. "Forget it," Asuka growled, turning on her heel to walk away.

"Wait."

Rei stepped beside Asuka. "I understand. So, if you are certain that you would like to help me..I suppose I would accept. Does the offer still stand?"

She was surprised her words had made any impact. Asuka's lips curled upwards in a small smile. "Yeah, it does."

It turned out that Asuka had not brought over an extra coat from Germany. After a diligent look through the rest of her wardrobe, she found a sweater she had received at college. It was the standard school colors of blue and black with 'SORHYU' emblazoned on the back. She never wore it, hence it was perfect for Rei's use. It fit the girl just as well, and Asuka was pleased with her work and sent Rei home.

At school the next day, Asuka saw Rei wearing the sweater. She tentatively waved at her and Rei smiled back. The two usually didn't interact in school, so it was business as usual. The students however were excited at this interaction, whispering among themselves.

"Why is everyone so hyper today?" Asuka remarked to Hikari.

Hikari's eyes widened at her. "You mean you don't know? Asuka, Ayanami's wearing a sweater with your name on it."

Asuka raised an eyebrow, evidently not catching her drift.

Hikari continued, "Normally in school, if another student wears something like that it means...well.." she smirked conspiratorially. Before she could elaborate, Toji placed himself in an empty desk beside the two girls.

"Soooo you and Ayanami eh, Asuka? Can't say I'm surprised, you two had some great tension goin' on there for a while." He was grinning widely.

"Just what are you on about, creep?" Asuka challenged.

"Saw Rei wearin' your sweater! Bet you guys had a nice sleepover at your place am I right?" He gave an exaggerated wink. "Speakin' of which, you got any pictures?"

It finally clicked in Asuka's brain and she flushed a bright red. "Shut UP! Rei and I..we're...NOT...like that, okay?!"

Hikari rolled her eyes at Toji, but nudged Asuka lightly. "Aww come on, Asuka. We don't judge about that stuff."

"There's nothing to judge ABOUT!"

"Yeesh, looks like someone's getting a little defensive!" Toji quipped.

"I'll show you defensive-"

"What's going on?"

All three of them turned around surprisedly to see Rei standing there. She must have heard the commotion from across the room. Asuka huffed and elbowed Toji roughly in the stomach, who had been snickering again at Rei's arrival. "Nothing. Toji here is just being more of a perv than usual today."

"Nu-uh! I was just complimenting how, uh, cute you look in Asuka's sweater, Rei!"

Hikari crossed her arms and gave Toji a look. "Excuse me?"

Toji blanched. "Hikari, you know what I meant!"

"See you later, girls. Me and Toji need to have a little talk," Hikari said, grabbing Toji by the ear and dragging him to the other side of the room while he protested in pain.

Asuka laughed triumphantly. "What a dummkopf, eh?"

"What were you all arguing about?"

Asuka stood up beside Rei. "Never mind. Nice sweater, by the way. Whoever you got it from must have impeccable taste."

"You gave me this sweater, Asuka."

She rolled her eyes. "Looks like we're gonna have to work on your sense of humour next."