No, I didn't expect this to update either. Surprise!

)(dance dance dance)(

They still dance well together, one of the few things from their time with Evangelion that doesn't make them cringe or fight back tears. It's a bit of a surprise to their college friends, who are used to Asuka's blistering personality and Shinji's still rather apathetic take on everything.

It's at a dance held at a friend's sorority house that their superb coordination catches everyone's attention. Yes, they've spent the evening alternating between waltzes and club dancing all evening, in a seamless if unsophisticated way, but suddenly the DJ starts up an old song, not entirely unusual behavior, but something in its beat is familiar. They make eye contact and before either of them can force any words out ("oh god, is it really?" "I can't believe they actually made us dance.") they're moving in tandem.

It isn't really an aesthetically pleasing dance, but it's fast and it's brutal and everyone around them is completely astounded. Asuka actually kicks some guy in the back of the head but keeps going, and Shinji nearly slips on a spilled drink but somehow ends up right in sync with Asuka. Some unfortunate hotshot freshman decides to try and join them; he gives up within seconds, can't maintain their insane pace and focus.

As the song ends, rather abruptly, they collapse on floor, exhausted and laughing. "Oh my god," Asuka pants, "do you remember how much worse it was the first time."

And though mentioning their earlier days usually makes Shinji go dark around the eyes and tight in the mouth, he wheezes out a laugh. "Yeah, yeah, we fell asleep right there. I bet they still have footage of that somewhere."

"Misato probably has it, I'd bet."

"And she watches it whenever she's feeling down."

"We were pretty amazing, weren't we," Asuka says and she pulls herself off of the floor and offers Shinji her hand.

"Y'know, I think we were."

)(end)(