Misato looked at Rei as they walked around the inside of the mall. She had talked to Shinji the night before. The young man had simply said that there was something wrong with Rei. She had rarely spoken to him since she had her conversation with Asuka. That had been a week ago. Misato could tell two things from the phone call last night. One: Shinji loved Rei more than anything. Two: Shinji was in pain right now, and it would not be better till this was resolved. Misato gave another glance at the pale young woman next to him, "How have things been going Rei?"

Rei kept her eye straight ahead, "They are well. I fail to see we are here though."

Misato smiled, "I just thought maybe we could have a little time for some 'girl talk'. I know this whole relationship thing is new to you. So, I thought maybe you may have a few questions or things you didn't understand."

Rei remained unphased, "Things are going well with Shinji."

Misato took a deep breathe and decided that she was tired of this, "I spoke with Shinji last night."

Rei's walk stopped. I have not spoken with Ikari in a week.

"Maybe we should sit down for a while." She motion to a bench sitting to the side of the walkway. Rei nodded and sat down. Misato sat down beside her. "So, what's going on?"

Rei kept her eyes on the ground, "I am having…doubts."

"Doubts? What about?"

Rei tried her best to control her emotions, "I fear that Shinji may not care for me as much as he believes."

Misato stared at Rei in disbelief, "What gave you that idea?"

"It is common when one is the victim of a very draining break-up, that they find someone else to help keep their mind off their pain."

"You think you're a rebound."

Rei nodded, "Pilot Souryu-"

"Wait, what did Asuka say to you at the airport?"

Rei shook slightly trying to hold back the tears, "She stated that when she returned…she would take Shinji from me."

"And you believed her?"

Rei nodded, "Pilot Souryu is much more attractive that I. She had a much more desirable body when it comes to men."

Misato shook her head, "Rei dear, I know Shinji, and trust me. He is very attracted to you."

"But-"

"No buts Rei, I heard his voice last night. It was like he was missing something. I know what Shinji sounds like when he is in pain, and child, he's in pain."

Rei held her heart, "I am causing him pain? How? I have not said anything harmful towards him."

"That's just it. You haven't said anything to him have you? He probably thinks you hate him."

"I could never dislike Shinji."

"Then go home and tell him."

Rei nodded and stood, "I thank you for your assistance. I shall speak with Shinji."

Misato stood and smiled, "But before that, we have one more thing to discuss."

Rei raised an eyebrow.

"Next month is Shinji's birthday."

Rei smiled, "We shall find an acceptable gift then."

Misato smiled, "Let's go. Shopping happens to be a specialty of mine."

---Later that night---

Rei stepped into the apartment and frown as she saw no sign of Shinji. Misato had volunteered to hold onto Rei's gift until Shinji's birthday. Rei walked into the kitchen then living room and found nothing in both places. She walked into her room and found it empty as well. That left one place. She took a deep breathe and walked up to Shinji's door. She slowly opened it in and looked in to find the apartment's other occupant laying on his bed with his back to the door. Rei walked up. And sat down on the edge of the bed.

Shinji was surprised to hear his door open even more so when he felt the bed sink slightly with the weight of someone sitting on it.

"Shinji?"

Shinji's voice caught in his throat when he heard Rei say his name. He had wanted nothing more all week than for this moment. To her the girl her cared for say anything to him, especially his name. "Rei."

Rei laid down behind him putting her arm around hi nuzzling his back, "I wish to ask for forgiveness."

"What did I do though? It was like I was cut off or something."

"I believed a lie that was told to me by Pilot Souryu.

"Asuka," growled Shinji. "What did she say?"

"She said I was a plaything and that she was only letting me borrow you. That when she came back, she would take you away from me."

Shinji turned around now facing Rei. Rei slowly met his gaze. Shinji seemed almost said, "I would never do anything like that Rei. You're not a plaything to me."

"I wish us to no longer be upset with one another."

Shinji smiled, "I'll take it into consideration."

Rei looked at him and smiled back before engulfing Shinji in a hug, "I have missed this."

Shinji bent his head down and kissed Rei's forehead, " I did to."

"I am sorry for causing you pain."

"It's okay." Shinji slowly felt Rei's breathe slow down. "Getting tired?"

Rei mumbled something but it could not be understood.

Shinji smiled, "Goodnight Rei."

"Goodnight Shinji," stated Rei as her eyes closed.