"Happy Birthday Shin-man," yelled Touji as Shinji walked into his old friend's house.

It had been a month now. Things with Rei were back to normal. In fact, they were better than normal. They were perfect. Of course, they would have their arguments about the little things. But one thing still troubled Shinji. They had never kissed since the first night when he had admitted his feelings. The years of being with Asuka had forced him to develop quite a backbone, but it was quickly eliminated when it came to Rei. It troubled him that here he was her first boyfriend ever, and it still felt like she was too precious for him to take such a thing so lightly.

Touji walked up and immediately had Shinji in a headlock. He started to noogie his best friend, "How's things going with Ayanami huh?"

"They are going well Pilot Suzuhara," came a quiet reply.

Touji turned and smiled as he saw Rei standing there. Hikari popped her head out from the kitchen for the second and smiled, "Welcome you two. Keep it down. Little Mari is asleep right now. And Touji, stop picking on poor little Shinji."

Touji let go and smiled while rubbing the back of his head "Sorry dear."

Shinji couldn't help but smirk, Some things never change.

Shinji looked around the house. It wasn't too big, but it was just perfect for his friend's new family. He heard crying coming from the back of the house. Touji smiled, "I guess she decided she wanted to wake up and meet our visitors." He walked to the back of the house and came back carrying his little daughter. Shinji looked at the little girl and smiled. It was like a little version of Hikari. He smiled, "Hey there little Mari." The little girl cooed at the stranger.

Touji looked down at his baby girl, "See, she likes it when Shinji visits too. Just like my little sister used to."

Shinji placed a hand on Touji's shoulder, "I know that you miss her."

Touji nodded, "Yeah, but I knew it was coming. She acted like nothing was wrong, but she was just so sick. And they had such a hard time stopping the internal bleeding."

Rei stood silent and smiled as she watched her boyfriend comfort his best friend. Hikari looked out of the kitchen and saw Rei. "Um, you mind coming in here and helping me out Ayanami?"

Rei nodded and walked into the kitchen leaving the two men to talk.

"So, how are things going with you and Shinji?" asked Hikari.

Rei blushed, "They are going very well. I am quite happy."

"So, has he told you he loves you yet."

Rei nodded as her blush intensified.

Hikari smiled, "Good. I always thought you two would make a cute couple."

"But were you not Souryu's friend?"

"Yeah, but I mean she's a little too pushy for Shinji. You two just seem to be a much better fit."

"Thank you."

Hikari stirred her soup and then looked up at Rei, "You know, I can be your friend too."

Rei thought about it for a second and smiled, "I would find that most acceptable."

Hikari then started for the cabinet and took out a few things, "Well, as a friend then, I'm going to show you how to make a cake for your boyfriend's birthday."

Rei bowed, "I have already acquired Shinji's gift."

Hikari smiled, "I know, but he has to have a birthday cake."

Rei stared at her blankly.

Hikari raised her eyebrow, "Have you ever had a birthday cake?"

Rei thought for a second, "I have not."

"Not even when you were little?"

Rei shook her head.

"When's your birthday?"

Rei thought for a second, "I believe, I do not have one."

Hikari cocked her head to the side, "But everyone has a birthday."

Rei's expression became cold, "I believe I wish to talk about something else."

Hikari stared at her, "Okay."

---In the other room---

"So, how's things with Ayanami?" asked Touji as he lightly tickled Mari who was sitting on the floor.

"They're okay," said Shinji as he knelt down beside Touji as he saw the babies eyes switch between the two.

"Just good?" asked Touji as he looked at his best friend.

"Well, you know Rei. She's special. I told you about what Misato and I found."

Touji nodded, "Yeah, that will makes things a little harder. But I don't think that's why you think she's special."

Shinji looked away trying to hide his embarrassment.

Touji smiled, "I thought so."

Just then a shout came from the kitchen, "REI! You're about to drop the….bump flour." A puff of white smoke came out of the kitchen.

The two guys laughed which of course made little Mari laugh.

"Sounds like the girls are working on your birthday meal," laugh Touji.

Shinji nodded, "Rei's still learning a few things."

Touji hopped to his feet, "That reminds me, I'll go get your gift."

"You two didn't have too-"

Touji picked up Mari and handed her to Shinji, "Here, keep her company." He then ran out of the room.

Shinji looked down at the infant in his arms with no idea what to do, "So…you're a baby. How's that working out for you?"

Mari giggled.

Touji came back with an envelope. He took Mari and handed the envelope to Shinji. Shinji opened it to see that it was a free dinner for two at the exact same restaurant that he and Rei had gone to on their first night of being roommates. Touji chuckled, "A little purple haired bird told me you liked this place."

Shinji smiled, "Thanks."

"Just make sure you and Rei have a good time."

----An hour later---

Hikari walked out of the kitchen dusting herself off, "Well, the food is ready. Me and Rei have just got to go change."

Rei walked still covered in flour. She blew it off her face and frowned at the two laughing boys, "I fail to see the humor in this."

Hikari took her writs, "They're just being boy. Come on, I think I may have some clothes you can borrow." She then started toward her and Touji's room pulling Rei behind her.

Shinji and Touji continued to laugh.

"Did you see the look on Rei's face?'

"I know man. She was so angry with us laughing. You're in for so much trouble later."

"I know I….hey, wait a second. HOW IS THAT A GOOD THING!"

Touji sobered up, "Um…well…it's funny for me still."

Ten minutes later Hikari and Rei walked back out. Shinji looked over Rei who was simply wearing a Light blue hoodie and a pair of blue jeans. He sat still for a second, Wow, she looks so good. Note to self, get Rei some more normal clothes.

Rei walked up to him, "Are you okay Shinji? You're staring."

"You're just so beautiful," mumbled Shinji without even thinking.

Rei blushed and bowed her head looking at the ground, "Thank you Shinji."

"We'll have to get you some more clothes like that."

"There's nothing special about them. They are simply meant for comfort."

Shinji smiled, "I know. Their nice and simple, and they make you look perfect."

"Come on you two it's getting cold," yelled Hikari from the other room.

The rest of the night was filled with laughter and talking about old memories. When it was over, the four said they would have to make this a regular thing. When Rei and Shinji got back to their place they found a little package at their door. Shinji picked it up and read the note on top, "Happy Birthday from Misato." Shinji opened the package to find a framed picture. The picture was of him and Rei walking in the park with Rei wearing Shinji's coat and Shinji's arm around Rei.

"I hope your birthday was acceptable, Shinji."

Shinji looked up at Rei who was still wearing the same clothes Hikari had loaned her, "It was great."

"But all we did was visit Suzuhara and his family."

"I got to spend it with friends. That's enough for me." He started inside but turned to see Rei standing in the same spot, "Is anything wrong Rei?"

Rei stood for a second as if in deep thought, "I believe I wish to have a birthday."

Shinji smiled at Rei, "Okay, we'll sit down and pick out a day tomorrow."

Rei walked up to Shinji and stood in front of him, "I have one more wish."

"And that is?"

Rei looked at the ground, "I wish for you to not be afraid to kiss me."

"What?"

Rei's eyes met Shinji's, "It is acceptable for two people in a relationship to kiss each other without seeking permission."

Shinji smiled, "Are you sure? I didn't want to kiss you if you didn't want-" Shinji was quieted when Rei pressed her lips to his. She smiled as he started to kiss her back. Shinji quickly wrapped his arms around Rei.

When they broke for air Rei was still smiling, "You talk too much Shinji."

Shinji smiled, "Sorry."

Rei nodded and escaped Shinji's grasp and walked to her room. She came back a few moments later and smiled holding a locket. She held it out to Shinji, "Happy Birthday Shinji."

Shinji looked at it strange, "I like it Rei, but you know I don't wear any kind of jewelry."

Rei nodded showing she knew, "Open it."

Shinji opened it and nearly dropped it in surprise, "Mother?"

Rei smiled, "Ex-commander Ikari sent it to Misato a few months ago. He said it was the only picture saved."

Shinji traced the picture as tears started to form in his eyes, "Rei….this," Shinji engulfed Rei in a hug, "thank you Rei. This is the best."

Rei smiled, "I am glad you are happy."

Shinji kept his arms around her before bending down and kissing her again. Shinji smiled through the kiss. This last part had settled it. This was the best birthday Shinji had ever had by far.