Shinji woke up a few hours later to find a pair of red orbs staring back. He gave Rei a smile, "Have a good sleep?"

Rei nuzzled his chest and smiled, "It was most acceptable. I believe that I have never rested so well."

Shinji rubbed Rei's back with the arm wrapped around her. He smiled. It was so different than it had been with Asuka. He had his morning where he would wake up and find Asuka curled up next to him, but when he would ask her about it, she would simply say that she had a bad dream or it was cold in her room. She never once admitted to just wanting to be near him. And here was Rei. Rei wasn't the best in putting her feelings in words, but she was so open about them. She very rarely did anything selfish. She would often just sit there and watch Shinji cook or do dishes. She would offer to help, but he would always state that he was used to doing things on his own. She never liked that answer. He smiled, I'll have to remember to teach her to cook a few dishes. And let her help around sometimes. I'm not used to people wanting to help with the chores. Shinji pulled Rei closer and smiled, "Thanks Rei."

Rei looked up at him, "What for?"

"For just being you." He then looked to Rei's alarm clock and realized it was time to get up. He reluctantly took his arm from around Rei. She took the hint and sat up as did Shinji. Shinji stretched his arms up over his head and was quickly reminded of his injured ribs. He winced and grabbed them, "Time for more pain killers." He slowly got out of the bed and stumbled towards the door. Rei quickly was too her feet and grabbed one of his arms draping it over her shoulder. She then balanced him as she walked him towards the Kitchen, she then sat him down in a chair before starting lunch. She then brought him his pill and a glass of water. Shinji blushed slightly, "Thanks Rei."

"I am very much capable of caring for us until you are recovered. Do not forget that," stated Rei in a stern voice.

Shinji gave an apologetic smile, "Sorry, I guess I'm used to having to take care of myself."

Rei raised an eyebrow, "Did Pilot Soryu not help you when you were injured?"

Shinji shook his head, "I still had to make her breakfast and do most of the chores."

Rei's eyes narrowed, "That is very unacceptable. I do not approve of her."

"She's just a little high maintenance. Once you get used to her, she's a really great person."

"I do not like her."

Shinji sighed and decided to break the news, "Well, you won't have to see her for 6 months. Misato is sending her to Berlin to set up a NERV system there. In fact, I was going to go to the airport today and see her off."

Rei frowned, "You wish to see her?"

Shinji bowed his head refusing to look at Rei, "She's been a very important part of my life. I just want to wish her a safe trip."

Rei scowled and then went back to fixing lunch, "I shall escort you."

"I don't know if that's such a good idea."

"I do not wish for her to cause you further injury."

"Misato will be there if anything-"

Shinji was cut off when Rei looked over her shoulder at him the scowl still on her face, "I shall escort you."

Shinji bowed his head, "Okay, but you have to be good."

Rei nodded, "When does she leave?"

Shinji looked over his shoulder, "About five hours. Misato called her while we were at work yesterday. She wasn't to happy that she had less than 2 days to get ready."

---Later at the Airport---

Asuka frowned as she marched through the terminal. Misato walked beside her while Shinji staid a few steps behind with Rei beside him and keeping a close eye for 'acts of aggression' from Asuka.

"I don't see why I had to leave all of the sudden."

Misato smiled, "I thought you would be happy to be going home."

"Of course I am. This stupid country is backwards anyway, but I would have liked a little more time to pack."

Misato showed a teasing smirk, "You're only going to be there for 6 months. You didn't need to pack your whole room."

Asuka stuck her nose into the air, "I was just trying to be well prepared. You never know what you will need." She looked back at the other two, "Not that I don't appreciate you coming to se me off Baka, but why did you have to bring your doll with you?"

"She's-"

"I am not anyone's doll," stated Rei firmly. "Shinji and I may be in a relationship, but he does not have ownership over me."

Asuka smiled knowing she had hit a nerve, "Who would want such a little pail thing anyway? I'm sure in a few days Shinji will realize how stupid he has been and come crying back to me."

Rei gave a quick glance to Shinji. But he quickly reassured him with tightening his grip on their intertwined hands. Asuka smiled at this, Bingo.

They soon arrived at Asuka's gate. She turned and looked at the group, "Well, try not to fall into depression without my gracious presence. And Misato, I better not come home to fine the floor replaced with beer cans."

Misato frowned, "I don't drink that much."

"No," countered Asuka, "you drink more." She then walked up to Shinji and lovingly touched his eye, "I'm sorry for being so angry the other night Baka. Please forgive me."

"It's okay Asuka," stuttered Shinji.

Rei clenched her fist at this sign of affection from Asuka.

"I promise when I get back we'll make everything better," stated Asuka before kissing his cheek.

"They already are better," stated Shinji as he lovingly looked at Rei.

Rei blushed slightly.

Asuka stood in front of Rei then back at Misato and Shinji who looked like they were ready for a war to break out, "You two go get something to drink. I need to say something to Wondergirl here."

Shinji stepped forward, "I don't think-"

"Go Shinji," stated Rei. "I can defend myself if the need comes."

Misato then drug a reluctant Shinji off. Asuka stare directly at Rei, "I don't know what kind of trick you have pulled on the Baka, but when I get back, I will win him back. You're nothing more than a little phase. A plaything. And when he's done with you, he'll run back to me. I'm the constant in his life, not you." Asuka turned to leave.

"Shinji would never hurt me."

Asuka turned and smiled, "Oh, you think that huh? Funny thing is, I said the same thing when he started dating me. And we both know one of us is going to get hurt at the end of this, the question is who he's lying to." She started to walk off, but then looked one last time at Rei, "Enjoy the next 6 months Rei, because I'm just letting you borrow Shinji till I get back." She then turned and walked to the entranceway of her plane.

Rei stood there for a second, Can Shinji be lying to me? Him and Pilot Souryu did have a very long relationship. Am I what they call a rebound?

Shinji walked up happy to see his girlfriend in one piece and unharmed, "What did Asuka want to say?"

Rei looked away and started towards the exit, "It is unimportant."