A/N: What? Did you seriously think it was over?

Shinji woke up the next morning and growled sat up only to be reminded of his injured ribs. He had to go to work today, and this time he was slated to work with Asuka. He knew that all hell was going to break lose when he got there. He slowly moved to the edge of the bed and stood and moved to his closet. It was at this point he was thankful that he had a clean button-up shirt. Nothing would hurt more than putting on a sweat shirt right now. He picked out a shirt and put it over his shoulder. He then found a pair of pants before starting the grueling process of changing his clothes. He knew Rei would worry if she woke up and he was already at work, but he knew she would worry more if she knew how much pain he was in. And to add to the damage, his eye was almost swollen shut now. Asuka had really gotten in a good hit. And that was probably not the last of them. He walked out of his room and started down the hall.

"You are still going to work?"

Shinji smiled as he turned around. There stood Rei in light blue sleep pants and an old t-shirt. She was leaning against the door still trying to wake up completely. Shinji walked back before enveloping her in a gentle hug, "Yeah, have to go police the city."

"But you are injured." Rei slightly pressed his sore ribs to emphasis her point.

Shinji winced and took the offending hand in his, "I've dealt with worse." He looked over Rei's shoulder to her alarm clock and noticed the time 5 am. He pressed a hand against Rei's cheek, "You go back to sleep okay? We'll have plenty of time together when I get off my shift today."

Rei shook her head, "I am working after you."

Shinji frowned. Both of them only worked 2 or 3 times a week but they were 12 hour shifts. And if Rei worked after him, this would be one of the few times he would see her for the next 24 hours. He kissed her forehead and put on a smile, "I'll have breakfast ready when you come home tomorrow." He then started for the door.

"Please try not to anger her more than needed."

Shinji nodded, "I will." He walked to the door and opened it. He stepped out and was reminded how much it hurt to breath in the cold morning air, especially with hurt ribs. The weather had slowly turned back to normal after the past few years, this year it actually felt cold during the winter. He knew he had about 4 miles before getting to the bus stop. He walked to the elevator and took it to the ground floor. He started to turn towards the bus stop when he heard a car horn. He turned to see a pair of headlights stopping. Touji stuck his head out of the car and smiled, "Hey Shin-man. Need a lift?"

"I wouldn't want to be a bother."

"No trouble man, hop in."

Shinji climbed into the car and Touji started back down the rode.

"How's the baby?"

Touji smiled, "Oh she's great. Got a laugh just like her mothers. I tell you she's going to be a little heart-breaker when she grows up." Touji let out a loud laugh.

Shinji smiled, "You're a lucky guy."

"Yep, luckiest guy in the world. Good wife, healthy baby, and the school's team is going to the championship.

Shinji smiled, "I hope you don't work them too hard coach."

Touji laughed again, "It matter who you ask. They're kind of upset cause I'm throwing a 6:30 practice."

Touji had had a good life for the past few years. Hikari had helped him with his physical therapy. He could walk with little trouble now. He had gotten into coaching the high school basketball team since he had graduated. He wasn't rich or even well off, but if you asked him, he would say he had a wife, a new baby and enough to provide for them.

Shinji was taken out of his daze when he felt a gab to his side. He winced in pain.

"Wow, what happened to you man? You and the little Red Devil have a fight?"

Shinji smiled, "You could say that."

After a few moment Touji prodded on, "And?"

"Well, Asuka and I kind of split ways after I found out she was seeing another guy. I went to Rei. Asuka took it as a threat and tried to get me back. Then, I made my choice between to two."

"I take it Asuka didn't take the news that well?"

"She never liked losing."

Touji smiled, "So, you and Rei huh? Well, all I can say is that it's about time." He stopped at the NERV entrance and smiled, "Well, good to see you Shin-man. Come by and see us soon. Oh, and bring Rei too."

Before he could give an answer he was shoved out the door, and the car sped off. He stood and slowly made his way to his station. He made the final turn and opened the door to the surveillance room.

"Shinji! Oh look what she did to you!"

Shinji was immediately engulfed in a hug. He thus entered a world of pain, "Misato?"

Misato let him go and smiled, "Yes?"

Shinji rubbed his ribs slightly, "What are you doing here?"

Misato smiled, "You don't think I would let the two of you work the same shift do you? I took Asuka's place and Maya took mine tonight." She then bent down and rubbed Shinji's swollen eye, "She sure did land a good one this time. Anything else?"

"Think I may have bruised a few ribs."

"I see, then it seems I have a choice to make as NERV's acting commander."

"A choice?"

Misato sat down at her station, "I'll watch the camera and you can man the radio."

Shinji took his spot, "What did you mean by 'a choice'?"

"Well, I had an interesting conversation the other day with the current head of the German government. Seems they want to set up a system kind of like this in the capital, and they wanted one of our people to come over their and head it up. I was thinking of asking Ritsuko to go and have Maya stay over their after Rits came back, but I may just send Asuka instead."

Shinji frowned, "You don't have to send her out of the country just because we had a fight."

"Well, she already knows the language, and her heritage may make it a little easier for her. And she has been saying she's been a little homesick lately."

"But-"

"And I can't have two of my people constantly fighting."

"I would never fight back."

Misato laughed, "I know Shinji, I was talking about Asuka and Rei. You know they never really cared for one another. This may give then both a little time to cool off."

"How long will she be gone?'

"5, 6 months tops."

"That's a long time."

---Next morning---

Shinji hurried around the kitchen. Misato had had Ritsuko looked over Shinji's injuries after their shift. She had said they were just severely bruised. She had wrapped them and given him a few pain killers. It still hurt, but it was feeling better. HE quickly put the finishing touches on breakfast as he heard the apartment door open. He looked out of the kitchen and smiled to see the sleepy face of Rei.

"Hungry?"

"I require rest."

Shinji laughed, "You can have it after you eat. I cut up some fruit for you and made you some rice."

Rei walked into the kitchen and sat down eating her breakfast. After she was done Shinji cleaned the dishes and turned around to see Rei standing at the door.

"I thought you wanted to get some sleep."

Rei walked up to him taking Shinji's hand and walking back to her room. She then pulled him to her bed and sat down. Shinji took the hint and sat down as well.

"You really need to get some rest. We can spend some time together after you wake up."

Rei remained silent for a few more minutes, "I wish you to rest as well."

Shinji smiled, "I may do just that." He started to get up to leave be Rei's grasp on his hand grew firmer.

"I meant for you to rest here with me."

"Rei?"

Rei laid down on her bed and scooted over . She then gave Shinji a pleading look, "I like the feeling I have when you hug me. I wish to feel it more often."

Shinji sigh and knew he had been beaten. He laid down next to her. He had just enough time to get settled on his back before Rei laid her head over his heart and the took his arm and wrapped it around her. She then lazily placed her arm over Shinji and used the other as a pillow for her head.

"I find this most acceptable. I believe we no longer require you to sleep in your bed."

Shinji stuttered.

"Do I make you nervous Shinji?"

"Well…we've just now became a couple and-"

"I do not wish for anything to happen. Just for you to simply be here."

Shinji slowly calmed down and soon he felt Rei's breathing even out and slow down. He was comforted when he saw her smile in her sleep and nuzzle into Shinji's chest.