The next day, Luc wasn't the least bit surprised that he was going to Shinji, Asuka, and Rei's school. But they were.

As soon as he walked into his classroom, he heard a gasp (quickly followed by a "humph") and a chuckle. He looked into the back row and saw Shinji grinning at him, a couple seats down from Asuka. She was glaring at him with a disdainful look on her face. On Shinji's other side was a tall, light-haired boy he hadn't seen before. Next to him was a short boy, a bit nerdy looking. And at the end of the row was a very pale girl with short white hair. Rei Ayanami, no doubt.

Luc made his way back and sat next to Asuka, who turned away from him. He grinned slightly and turned on his personal computer.

He had a new e-mail from Shinji, sent only 30 seconds ago. He opened it.

'Still facing the wrath of Asuka? Don't worry, she'll snap out of it eventually.'

-Shinji

Luc sent back his own message.

'I hope she does. After all I've heard about you two from Major Katsuragi, I'm fearing for my life."

-Luc

Just as his message was sent, another popped up.

'Don't think you're out of the line of fire yet. I'm just getting started.'

-Asuka

Luc chuckled, getting another withering glare from Asuka. She closed her computer with a thump and turned away from him.

Luc frowned. He didn't really want to hurt Asuka's feelings, he was just playing her game.

He sent her a message. Her computer beeped, and she opened it again.

'Okay, Asuka. I'm sorry. I guess I just haven't gotten over the jet lag yet. : )'

-Luc

She smiled, but still didn't look at him.

'Maybe there's hope for you yet. Meet me by the pool during lunch break and we'll continue this little discussion."

-Asuka

Luc leaned back and put his hands behind his head. He was unsure of Asuka's intentions, but glad to be on good terms with her.

At lunch, Shinji looked around for Luc, wanting to introduce him to some of his friends. He was about to give up when he finally caught a glimpse of him, down by the pool. Shinji was about to call him over when he saw someone else waiting for him at the fence. Red hair, defiant posture, even at this distance he could tell it was Asuka. Shinji wondered for a moment why she would want to meet Luc, before she grabbed him by the shirt and pulled him around the corner. Shinji looked back to his lunch, wondering what injuries Luc would have in class later.

Luc was a bit frightened when Asuka dragged him away, but he relaxed when she let him go just out of sight of the school yard. She turned towards him and folded her arms, but looked more pensive than angry.

Curious, Luc spoke up. "What is it, Asuka?"

She regarded him with suspicion for a moment, then sighed. "I just don't get you, Luc."

He raised his eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

"First you act all high and mighty, thinking you've got everything under control, then you go and apologize to me. You didn't have to. It's not like you had anything to gain from it. I just don't get it."

"Oh..." Luc smiled. "Is there anything wrong with just being nice?" He chuckled. "Don't tell me no one's ever apologized to you before."

She returned the laugh. "Oh, don't worry. Baka has had to apologize many, many times."

"Baka?"

"That's Shinji. My little name for him."

Luc grinned wickedly. "Aw, isn't that cute. You've got pet names for each other."

She punched him in the shoulder, quite hard. "Don't even think about saying that. You can ask Shinji what I do to people who get me mad."

Luc giggled. "I think I have a pretty good idea now. Ouch."

Asuka smirked. "At least you're better than Baka. I think I could grow to like you, Luc Benoit." Luc felt something in his stomach flutter as she flashed him a dazzling smile.

"I think this is the start of a beautiful friendship, Asuka. Shall we rendezvous later to celebrate?"

She bit her lip for a moment, thinking. "After synch tests today. I'd like to see how good you are in an EVA." She smiled again.

"Oh, you'll see alright."