A/n: The original prompt was fireplace/candles, but I decided to take a bit of liberty here. While I've got your attention, let me take the moment to say thank you for all the feedback I've gotten for this challenge! Every review, favorite and follow means a lot to me. I'm glad you guys are enjoying it so far! I know I am. Another thing; finals are this week so if I may miss a day or two while I hit the books, but after Friday everything should be back to normal! Now without further ado, your daily dose of Rei/Asuka fluff. ;3
There was no shortage of destruction in Tokyo-3. Crumbled buildings, wooden dwellings abandoned, everything was in shambles. Sometimes the citizens, mostly teens, would host bonfires to clear some trash and debris from the streets. As long as they stayed away from the woods or residences that were actually inhabited, the practice was actually encouraged.
On the outskirts of town, a big pile of garbage had been built up, just waiting to be burned. Mari, Kaworu, Shinji and Asuka stood beside it in the dimming light. The air about them was tranquil; in the midst of this time of war between man and the angels, any moment of peace was relished. All of them were in good spirits as they sat and watched the sun set.
"May I ask what we are waiting for? I was rather looking forward to my first bonfire with you all," said Kaworu.
Asuka looked him with annoyance. "Wonder girl's not here yet."
Mari smirked and rolled her eyes. "You invited Ayanami? She probably won't even come, she never hangs out with us."
"She's still one of us pilots," Shinji pointed out.
"And I ordered her to come, so she will if she knows what's good for her! So we are waiting," she ended with a growl, getting in Mari's face as if challenging her.
The bespectacled girl merely held up her hands and sounded as if she was trying to hold back a laugh. "Okay, okay! Don't get your panties in a twist, princess."
"What did just say to me?!" Asuka shouted. She might have gotten violent, but Kaworu had risen up from his place on the ground and gently pushed the two apart.
"No need for any catfights. We're supposed to be enjoying ourselves this evening," he said pleasantly. The two stared each other down for a moment more before backing down, and Asuka said a few words under her breath in German.
"Besides, wouldn't want to scare away our friend, would we?" he gestured to the right with a gentle nod of his head. Rei had finally shown up, not looking particularly excited to be there. Just as stoic as ever.
This didn't stop Asuka from being excited. "Ha! I know she'd come. Looks like I was right after all," she taunted at Mari.
Mari blew a stray lock of hair from her face nonchalantly. "Whatever. Let's get this show on the road already!" Her eyes lit up as she whipped out a lighter.
Meanwhile Asuka walked up to Rei with a spring in her step. The two had been much closer than usual lately, much to everyone's surprise. Neither were the type to get close to anyone, so perhaps that was why they were drawn to each other. Rei was the only one who could tolerate Asuka's attitude the longest, while Asuka could bring out a lighter (even funner) side to Rei. It was strange how well they complemented each other.
As they all sat around the bonfire, watching the flames leap up and dance in the dark night sky, Rei and Asuka sat with their shoulders touching one another. "Pretty cool, huh?" Asuka asked.
Rei was sitting with her neck craned upward, watching the flaming tower intently. "It's very warm, actually." she said quietly.
"Not literally," came the groaning reply "I meant do you like it?"
Rei exhaled softly. It was hard to figure out what was going on in her head sometimes. Asuka put her hand over hers, lacing their fingers together. It made Rei stop staring at the fire and look down at them instead. "Yes. I'm enjoying myself."
Asuka felt triumphant. "I always enjoy them too. This was my idea-"
"That's not why I am enjoying myself," Rei cut her off before she could brag. Asuka raised an eyebrow at her and Rei continued "I enjoy being around everyone. It makes me feel...like I have more purpose. Besides piloting the EVA, of course."
Asuka's eyes furrowed a bit before she spoke. "Don't be stupid. You've got just as much purpose as the rest of us," she said, squeezing her hand and adding in a quieter tone "especially to me."
Rei didn't say anything at that, and Asuka was about to berate herself mentally. How stupid that must have sounded!
"That goes for you as well." Rei finally replied, a small smile on her face.
Asuka had never let on that she had issues with seeing herself as important beyond being a pilot, but somehow Rei had caught on. It surprised her. It would have made her angry if it had been anyone else, but not Rei. There was something about her that made her understand things beyond what normal people could. And while Asuka could not explain that, she was glad for it.
"We'll see," she muttered, smiling.
