Disclaimer: Same as before.

Chap. 4

For a month, Nerv had been searching for unit 01 and its pilot, only to find no trace of it anywhere. It was as though it had simply vanished from off the face of the earth.

Commander Ikari is rarely seen at all, even to his second.

The only positive thing that happened is when Asuka awoke. Of course, when it comes to her, it's not entirely sure that's a good thing.

Katsuragi apartment…

Misato had just come home after working the night shift. Right now, she just wanted to drop on the bed and go to sleep. But first, she thought she'd check on Asuka for awhile. Cracking the door open, she found that Asuka wasn't in her room. Checking Shinji's room, she saw Asuka standing by the window. In her hand, Misato can see the card Shinji had left her.

"Asuka?"

Asuka instantly turned around and hid the card in her back pocket.

"Mien Gott! You could've told me you were here."

"What are you doing in here?"

Asuka tensed up, "Nothing. I was...uh...looking for something."

"Sure, Asuka."

Asuka strode passed her and Misato gently whispered as she went by.

"We all miss him."

Asuka snapped, "I do not miss that baka. No one told him to run away. That's all he ever does anyway. I don't even know why he was an Eva pilot to begin with."

Misato was about to counter but she notice her eyes beginning to droop. I'll argue with her later. I really need some sleep.

"Fine Asuka."

Asuka turned and went into her room. Misato was about to do the same when a knock came at the door. Who the heck...? Misato went to answer the door. Her face suddenly became one of shock.

"Rei?"

"Major."

"Rei, what are you doing here so late?"

"Is it alright for me to talk with you?"

Misato looked strangely at her. Rei was quite possibly the only person that made her somewhat nervous. Especially after finding out the truth about her origins. Although she understands why Rei is the way she is, that didn't calm her any less. But this... Rei never talks to anybody unless ordered to. With the exception of the Commander and....Shinji.

"Major."

The voice broke into Misato's thoughts, "Huh, oh."

"If it is too much trouble, I will return to my apartment." Rei began to walk away.

"No wait, Rei." She opened the door wider, "Its okay. Come in."

This has to be about Shinji, she mused. That was the only explanation she could think of. He did go to see her before he left.

Rei walked in the apartment and quietly sat down. Misato closed the door and was about to sit herself when....

"Wondergirl?"

Damn. I forgot Asuka was still awake.

"Pilot Sohryu."

"What are you doing here? This isn't your house!"

"I am aware of that. I came to talk to the Major."

"Do it sonewhere. The last thing I need is a doll coming here last at night."

"I am not a doll."

Misato barely caught the almost minute flash of anger in Rei's crimson eyes. What the...? This must be serious. I better stop this before it gets out of hand.

"I invited her, Asuka."

"What?"

"I invited Rei here earlier today."

"What? How could you...? Why didn't you tell me?"

"Because I knew you'd act like this." Misato glared at her, "Now calm down. As you said, it is late and there's no need to wake up anyone else." Truth was after all the angel attacks, it's doubtful anyone still lived there. But Misato was not in the mood to break up an argument, much less a possible fight.

Asuka snarled, but eventually gave up, "Fine. Let the doll stay here if she wants. I don't care." With that, she turned to her room and slammed the door shut. Misato looked to see if Rei would display the same anger, but her face remained neutral. Must have been my imagination.

"What did you want to talk to me about, Rei?"

Rei eyes drooped to the floor and she was quiet for awhile.

"I've been having trouble sleeping." she said quietly.

"Oh?"

"I have been having disturbing dreams. They always come to me almost every night and I find myself unable to sleep for long."

"What happens in your dreams?"

"I am uncertain. But I know that I never had these dreams before Ikari-kun left."

"I see." This is so....unlike her. If not for the conditions, Misato would have been laughing herself silly. "You miss him?"

Rei took a moment to think about it, "Yes, Major. I believe I do."

"Just call me Misato, okay?" It was then that she saw the necklace.

"That necklace. Did Shinji give you that?"

"Yes."

Misato waited to hear something more, but Rei remained quiet. I guess that was that, Misato thought.

"It's late, Rei. You can sleep here if you want."

"I do not wish to impose..."

"No, it's alright. You can sleep in Shinji's room."

"Is that appropriate?"

"No, but he would want you to anyway if he were here."

"As you wish."

Not necessarily a thank you, but Misato accepted it. Misato led Rei into Shinji's room where she sat on his bed. Misato then left and came back with some clothes for her to sleep in. Rei was a little confused, but readily accepted the clothes. Misato gave a stifled yawn. Guess I'm more tired than I thought. She was about to close the door when Rei spoke again

"I really miss Shinji."

Misato's eyes widened. Whoa, that was out of the blue. You are just full of surprises today, aren't you, Rei. Perhaps you are more human than I thought.

"So do I. Good night Rei."

Unknown to them, a certain red headed girl was listening in on them. And despite her earlier reluctance and denial, she missed him as well.

AN: Sorry for the long delay, but I wanted to be sure I portrayed Asuka and Rei well enough.