"Hey. Yeah. Ok." Kaji said into the phone before closing the cellular flip device.

"Who was that?" Shinji asked from his passenger seat of the car, the pain from the earlier incident subsiding.

"That was Ritsuko. I'm needed at NERV later today. She just wanted to make sure I got the message," Kaji exclaimed. Both males were silent for a moment. "So, how do you like it?" Kaji inquired.

Shinji flipped open the mirror on the car's visor. A smile quickly spread over his face at the site of the flash of silver. "I like it," Shinji smiled.

"I knew you would," Kaji laughed. "Does it hurt?"

"Not anymore," Shinji couldn't help but grin. "Thank you, Kaji," Shinji said. "This has been the best birthday present ever."

"No problem Shinji," Kaji grinned back pulling up outside Misato's condo.

"You going to come in for a minute?" Shinji asked, not wanting to be alone on his birthday just yet.

"Sure, I can come in for a little while," Kaji confirmed as they walked to the Katsuragi residence.

Kaji leaned his shoulder against the wall next to the door while Shinji found his key. He unlocked the door and pushed it open. Shinji routinely hit the light switch.

"Happy Birthday!" cheered everyone in the room. Shinji stood in the doorway in shock.

"Happy Birthday," came Rei's voice. They had obviously forgotten to explain to her what went on at a birthday party.

"Happy Birthday, Shinji!" Kaji grinned, putting his hands on the boy's shoulders from behind.

Shinji, still in shock, "Thanks everyone. I don't know what to say."

"Thank you would be a start," Asuka chimed in, making her way over to Kaji. "Hello Kaji. I…Shinji!" Asuka yelled.

Shinji looked at Asuka and knew what her gaze was settled on. Shinji grinned. "What, what's wrong?" Misato asked.

Asuka had a shocked look on her face, "Nothing."

Misato gave the German red head a look, "Okay." "I think someone has her period," Misato whispered to Ritsuko.

Asuka pretended not to have heard her guardian's comment. She turned towards Kaji, "Kaji," Asuka whined, hanging off of Kaji's arm.

"Happy birthday, Shinji," Kensuke greeted.

"Yeah, 'appy bir'day man," Toji added.

"Happy birthday, Shinji," Hikari said, coming up and giving Shinji a kiss on the cheek.

"Thanks, Hikari," Shinji said as Hikari went to talk to Asuka.

"Thanks guys. I was totally surprised," Shinji exclaimed to Toji and Kensuke.

"Yeah, well it was all…" Kensuke stopped. "Is that what I think it is?" Kensuke asked in shock.

"Wha?" Toji questioned, following Kensuke's gaze. "Wow, Shinji," Toji exclaimed.

"Hello Ikari, happy birthday," Rei said, walking over to Shinji. Shinji looked slightly confused at this comment. "Is that an appropriate response for today?"

"Um…yes," Shinji answered.

"When did you get that?" Rei asked, gesturing towards Kaji's birthday present to Shinji.

"Kaji took me to get it today after school," Shinji proudly answered.

"It's time for cake and presents," Misato called out to everyone as she brought a cake into the den. After setting the cake on the table, Ritsuko turned out the lights, and Kaji lit the candles.

"Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday dear Shinji! Happy birthday to you!" everyone sang.

Shinji closed his eyes and made a wish. He took a big breath and blew out all the candles in one blow. "Yeah!" everyone yelled, clapping their hands.

"Thanks for the CD player and CD's Misato," Shinji said.

"You're welcome Shinji. Is that it for all the presents?" Misato asked.

"All except what Kaji got Shinji," Ritsuko smirked.

"So Kaji, what did you get Shinji for his birthday?" Misato asked. Kaji was standing behind her on the couch.

"You mean you don't know?" Ritsuko questioned.

"You know," Misato whined. "Why won't anyone tell me!"

A door could be heard opening and then closing as Shinji, who was facing Misato, turned so that his left side was facing her. "Kaji! You took him to get his ear pierced! I wanted to do that tomorrow!" Misato yelled.

"Well, personally, I think you look like a girl," Asuka smirked, looking at the silver stud in Shinji's left ear.

Well, happy birthday to me, Shinji smirked, having had the best day of his life. I guess I got my wish before even wishing for it. He just stood there, grinning from ear to ear.

"Come back here Kaji!" Misato yelled, running around the room chasing Kaji.

"Ritsuko, help me!" Kaji yelled.

"You dug your own grave," Ritsuko replied, wanting to stay out of this one.

"What are they doing?" Rei asked.

"They are going to exhaust each other out before Misato catches Kaji," Asuka commented.

"How ya know dat?" Toji asked.

"Isn't it obvious?" Asuka rhetorically asked as both Kaji and Misato collapsed on the floor just out of reach of each other.

"So Shinji, did you have a good birthday?" Ritsuko asked, walking over to the now fifteen year old.

"Yeah, I did. I never had a birthday party or presents before," Shinji commented.

"Shinji."

"It's okay. I didn't want him here today. Today I was surrounded by the people who care about me the most and it was amazing," Shinji said.

Shinji walked over to Toji and Kensuke. "Happy birthday, Shinji. You deserve one," Ritsuko whispered.

"I'm gonna kill you if I can ever reach you!" Misato yelled at Kaji.

"Oh give it a rest already," Asuka commented, next to Hikari.

"Captain Katsuragi, can I get my ears pierced?" Rei asked.

…