Chapter 28: Birthday

Hello, hello, I'm back with another chapter. This is a long one, I just couldn't stop typing becaus it's Asuka's birthday! Woohoo! I'm following what most sources say, and having her birthday on December 4, for those who were curious

Disclaimer: I do not own NGE, Gainax does. OC's are mine, and if there are any similarities to real people or to any character in other stories, it is coincidental

Preread by YouarenotasrandomasI

Now, on with the show!

Avatar Base

For two days, Shinji planned out everything for Asuka's birthday. No matter what the red-head did, she was unable to get him to tell her. In a way, she was happy for this, because it meant that Shinji was becoming more confident and comfortable with other people. On the other hand, Asuka really disliked not being able to get her boyfriend to talk.

In a bit of desperation, she went to Rikku, because she had seen Shinji talking in private with the bird woman.

"Rikku-chan," the red-head began, hands on her hips, "I know Shinji-kun was talking with you, and I think it was about my birthday"

In an evasive tone, the blonde Aerolan replied, "Oh, no he just wanted to know some recipes that he could learn"

Eyes narrowing, Asuka huffed as she asked, "What is Shinji up to?"

Placing an arm around the frustrated girl's shoulders, Rikku told her, "Relax, you know that Shinji wants to give you the greatest birthday you've ever had, so give him the chance"

"I suppose," Asuka said with a small sigh, "It's just that I haven't seen him around that much"

"I suppose you have that," Rikku said thoughtfully, "especially since you've only recently become a couple"

Nodding, Asuka turned to see Iak leading Hikari in through the door to the outside. Surprised, the red-head walked over to her friend and gave her a hug.

"Hikari, what are you doing here?"

A mock stern look, the brunette replied, "It's your birthday, Asuka; I came here to spend some time with you"

Expression softening, Asuka said, "Thanks Hikari"

Hooking arms with the red-head, the brunette asked, "Hey, how about we go out?"

"Sounds like a good idea," Asuka replied before turning to Rikku, "How about we make this a girls' day out?"

Smiling, the blonde Aerolan replied, "I like it"

Without looking, Rikku caught the small wad of cash that Iak tossed her way. Winking at him, she changed into something less conspicuous, with the vest to hide her wings under her clothes.

"I'll see you later"

She then led the three girls out, leaving Iak to turn to where Shinji was in the kitchen with Keevan, "She's gone, we'd better get started if we want to finish in time"

"Alright," Shinji said, "Keevan, can you help get the decorations set up on the roof?"

Nodding, the mage said, "I'll get it done faster if I can get Sai and Shuri to help"

"Shuri-Shara," Iak corrected as the combined ninja walked in, "will help with decorations"

"Right" the ninja said, despite being a little lost, "I'll get on it"

Once Keevan and Shuri-Shara had gone, Shinji turned to Iak and saw him leaving, so he asked, "Where are you going?"

"To get my gift," the dark-winged Aerolan replied, "It may take a little bit longer than planned, but it should be done in time for Asuka's arrival"

Smiling in relief, Shinji told Iak, "That'll be fine. You do your thing while I prepare everything else"

With that, the teen put himself to work by putting on an apron and began to whip up a feast for Asuka's birthday party

Downtown Tokyo-3

Asuka, Hikari, and Rikku were having a good time out together. The Aerolan had plenty of stories of the adventures and missions she and Iak have been on. The one she was telling now was how she and Iak had to go undercover into a private mansion.

"The only way the two of us could get in," Rikku was telling the two, "was to disguise ourselves as a couple of servants"

Scratching her head, Hikari said, "I find it hard to imagine that Iak could act like a servant, let alone disguise himself like one"

"It shouldn't be," Asuka told her, "he's our new history teacher"

"What!"

Chuckling, the blonde informed the two, "Iak and I are masters of disguise. You should see me do a male pirate captain"

"Wow," Hikari said in awe, "that must be why you're so good at making clothes"

Nodding, Rikku then said, "As good as I am though, Iak's always been the better at hiding who he is"

"Wait a minute," Asuka interrupted, "Didn't you say you just recently made those vests to hide your wings? How were you able to hide yourselves before?"

"We are masters of disguise," the blonde explained, "Our wings may be large, but that doesn't mean that they're hard to hide"

Both girls turned to stare at the Aerolan in disbelief, "Really?"

"Yep, and Iak is the best, he's even the teacher for Advanced Class for Espionage, and Advanced Non-Specialist Combats," the blonde told them, "Iak's a very well known teacher, just about infamous"

"Why's that?" Hikari asked, "He seems like a nice guy"

Snorting, Rikku began to laugh loudly, attracting the attention of a few passerbies. The teens took the laughing woman to a secluded location until she recovered. It took a few moments, but Rikku pulled herself together, wiping away a few tears of mirth.

"Sorry," Rikku said in a breathless tone, "but I have never heard Iak in the same context as kind. He's a great guy, and a better love, but you will never hear a student of his think him 'kind'"

"And why's that?" Asuka demanded

"Only three out of every fifteen students have ever passed in either class of his," the Aerolan explained, "And those students are usually worked to the bone"

"Wow" both girls said in amazement

"Though to be fair to him," Rikku continued, "the students that do pass become top notch Avatars, the best of the best"

Smirking now, the blonde then said in a conspirator whisper, "Also, if I hear he's being to rough, I have a few photos that he wouldn't want circulating, no matter how detached to his emotions he can get"

Grinning, Asuka asked, "Can we see?"

Holding up a small envelope, the Avatar said, "Of course, but only if you never mention any of this to Iak"

The girls huddled around Rikku as she opened the envelope and pulled out the pack of photos inside. The first picture was of a comely dark-haired woman caught in the process of dressing.

"This is Iak," Rikku said, smothering her mirth, "as he was putting on his guise as servant of the mansion I mentioned earlier"

They all began to laugh as they realized that it really was the dark-winged Aerolan. In between bouts of mirth, Rikku flipped to other pictures, each one showing Iak dressed in something embarrassing, humorous, or both.

Gliding across the sky, Iak suffered from multiple allergy attacks, "I know Rikku is talking about me, and I think I know about what"

Sighing, he continued on his way, making a mental note to ask which pictures his girlfriend showed and to whom.

After getting a good laugh, the three girls went out shopping. They spent three hours, and nearly all of the money that Iak had given them, shopping before they stopped at a café for lunch.

"So Ikari is planning something for you?" Hikari asked excitedly

Asuka flushed a little as she replied, "He insisted, I wasn't able to find out what he planned"

"That sounds so sweet"

"It certainly is," Rikku commented, "you're one lucky girl Asuka"

Smiling, the red-head boasted, "Of course, Shinji is the perfect gentleman, unlike some people I could mention"

Puffing her cheeks, Hikari said, "Asuka, I would appreciate it if you didn't make fun of Touji"

"I know," Asuka sighed, "I don't have any say in who you like, but I'm sure you could do better than that stooge"

"Asuka," Rikku said in a light tone, "You are dating one of the 'stooges', so you had better watch what you say"

"You're right," the red-head said in a contrite tone, "Gomen Hikari-chan"

Taken aback by her apologizing, Hikari said, "It's alright Asuka-chan"

"So," the blonde said in an attempt to change topics, "where do you want to go next?"

Avatar Base Rooftop

Several globes floated around as Keevan directed them with his wand. In one corner, Sai was setting up the music system and was putting up the surround sound. The ninja was now a duo as they set up poles and made tent like canopies across much of the open roof.

"Sounds system is done," the bright-haired boy said, wiping his forehead, "How's the dance floor?"

"Done," Shara replied, jumping off of her brother's shoulders

Rubbing where his sister's feet were, Shuri said, "We're ready for almost any weather conditions"

Readjusting his glasses, Keevan asked, "Is there anyone who was invited besides Hikari?"

Sai replied, "Only her and Rei"

"Ayanami-san is coming?" Keevan asked, "I thought she wouldn't be allowed"

Shrugging, Shara said, "We asked, she said she'll come, so I didn't think much about it"

"Oh"

"Anyway, you'd better finish those glow-orbs," Shuri said, reminding Keevan of his job

"Hai"

In the kitchen downstairs, Shinji was putting the finishing touches to the cake he made from scratch. Wiping his forehead, he got up and stretched, getting the kinks out of his back from staying in one position for so long

"There, I hope Asuka-chan likes this" Shinji said to himself

"I'm sure she will"

Jumping, the boy turned to see Iak standing in the doorway, wings stretched out slightly, "Iak-san! Are you finished?"

"Hai"

"That's good," Shinji said, "But, I kind of want to know what you have planned"

"Don't worry"

Turning around, the Aerolan took a step out before saying to the boy, "I promise that you and Asuka will like what I got prepared"

Shinji watched Iak take off from the balcony, gliding out before ascending to the roof.

"So odd," he said quietly, remembering the sensitive hearing Aerolans have.

Setting the cake in the fridge for later, he went out to the hallway with the doors. Stopping in front of Iak and Rikku's room, he stepped in, as always surprised by the way the wall and ceilings were designed to look like open sky. Getting his wits back in order, Shinji walked over to one of the walls, gingerly touching to solid surface. Finding the hidden groove he was looking for, he pulled on it, revealing a hidden drawer containing a small gift-wrapped box.

"Good thing Rikku was willing to help me hide this" Shinji said in relief

Flashback

Shinji peeked around the corner to the living room, seeing that Asuka and Misato were conversing. Making sure his red-headed love didn't see him, he snuck up to the Aerolan's room and knocked quietly on it

"Hai," Rikku said, opening the door, "Oh, hey Shinji, what's up?"

Holding a small wrapped box to her, he asked, "Could you hide this for me?"

"Oh," taking the box, she gave a small smile, "For Asuka, right?"

Flushing, he replied, "Yeah, and I need someplace to hide until then"

Gesturing for him to come in, she said, "No problem, I know where we can hide this"

Inside the room, Shinji had a moment of disorientation, seeing that the room looked like it was a square floor floating in the sky. Shaking his head, he caught up with Rikku, who was tapping the 'sky'.

"I know I built one in here," she muttered, running her hand across the wall and finding an invisible groove, "Ah, here it is"

Pulling, Shinji stared in amazement as the sky wall opened up to reveal an open drawer. Smirking, the Aerolan put the box into the drawer before closing it.

"It'll be safe here," she told him bringing him back to earth, "Do you mind telling me what you got Asuka?"

Flushing, he gave a small grin, saying, "Something I'm sure she'll love"

End Flashback

Smiling, Shinji took the box and went to the roof. Once there, he finds that the entire surface was decorated beautifully. Floating among the various balloons were small glowing orbs of various colors. At each of the corners of the roof was a big speaker, with a big music player at the west side of the roof. Along the south side was a long table with food that Shinji, Keevan, and Rikku had prepared beforehand. The center of the roof was cleared for dancing and games and it had a canvas roof. The canvas roof was in case of rain, which the weather man put at about sixty percent.

An impressed look on his face, Shinji exclaimed, "Amazing! You guys did a great job with the decorations!"

"Arigato," Shuri said, slightly embarrassed, "I hope that Asuka appreciates it"

"You bet she will"

Kaji had come up on the roof and saw all the decorations, "I'd be surprised if Asuka couldn't see this from where she is now"

"No biggie," Sai said while tinkering with some wiring, "I have stealth shields across the entire rooftop. No on will see any of this"

"That's good to know," replied the rough-faced man, "is everything set?"

"Just about," Shinji told him, "I only wonder where Iak might be"

"Oh?"

Just then, they spotted the shadow from the black wings of the Aerolan as he passed over them, carrying a flat parcel. Kaji watched as Iak flew down and landed without ruffling his feathers through the gaps in the canvas roof.

"Here," the dark-winged man said, putting a wrapped box on a table, "As I said, I will be here before Asuka's arrival"

"Okay," Shinji replied, "Kaji-san, could you get Misato-san so we could get set everyone up to surprise Asuka"

Later that day

Five in the evening, the three girls returned to the apartment to find that the complex was quiet and empty.

"That's weird," Asuka said, scratching her head, "Where could everyone be?"

Looking around, Hikari stated, "Maybe they went out"

"Guess so," Rikku added, taking off her vest and allowing her wings to stretch out, "Hey, I feel like a flight, would you like to watch?"

"Oh I'd love to," Hikari said delighted

Ever since she became part of the secret, she visited a few times and always loved watching either of the Aerolans flying around in the sky, seeming to dance in the wind.

"Sure," the red-head said with a sigh and a frown.

"Something wrong," Hikari asked when she noted the slightly disappointed expression on her friend's face

Shaking her head, the red-head replied, "Nothing"

The trio climbed the stairs leading up to the roof, Asuka finding herself at the end of the line. Rikku exited to the roof, followed closely by Hikari. The door stood on uneven hinges, so it always quickly closed when someone lets go of it. Being a few seconds behind, the German girl had to reopen the door to get to the roof.

Sighing, the red-head turned to look back down the stairs, wondering where Shinji was. Shoulders drooping slightly, she turned back around and opened the door to the roof.

"SURPRISE!!"

Jumping straight into the air, Asuka stood wide-eyed at the set up before her. Balloons and glowing orbs floated around as everyone had jumped up and surprised her. Looking up, the red-head saw that there was a banner that said 'Alles Gute zum Geburtstag Asuka' in bright colors.

"Mein Gott," she said dazedly, "You guys…"

She was lost for words, a first for the girl, and she was brought back to reality when Shinji came up and took her elbow

"Come on Asuka-chan," he said smiling, "the party can't start without you"

"Shinji," the German girl said, "did you set this up?"

"He did," Rikku answered, "Everything was planned and put into place by your little prince"

Asuka stared as everyone before turning to see that Misato, Kaji, Hikari, and even Rei were there with the Avatars. A few tears welled up in her eyes as she smiled.

"Alright," the red-head shouted, "let's get this party started!"

They began to have fun as everyone partied. Sai was DJ as he played dozens of songs, from slow dances to the loudest and fastest tunes. Asuka and Shinji danced, often stopping to watch as the other couples danced as well.

Their guardian Misato danced like she drives, wild and all over the place. It was fortunate that Kaji, who was her dance partner, could keep up with her and with a smile too. Iak and Rikku were dancing and prancing about, like a pair of mating birds. Unlike the others, they danced with grace and seemed to know each other's next move. Keevan was timidly dancing with Shara, while her brother seemed to be praying that she wouldn't hurt the young boy.

After the dance, they had dinner, which consisted of a menu from the west and the east, as well as some otherworldly meals. Everyone ate heartily and conversed between servings. Asuka was having a blast, especially when Shinji came up with the cake he made especially for her. The red-head was red as everyone gathered round to sing happy birthday. There was a loud cheer as she blew out the candles, and the cake was cut and divided amongst the party goers

Taking a bite, Asuka gave a low moan as the sweet taste hit her taste buds, "Shinji-kun, this is delicious!"

Flushing in embarrassment, Shinji replied modestly, "Domo, I'm glad you enjoy it"

"Aw, so cute," Misato teased, causing the others to laugh and the teens to blush

After that, came the gift giving. First up were Hikari and Rikku.

"Wow," Asuka said as she pulled out a beautiful red kimono that had blue wave designs on it, "Hikari-chan, this is beautiful"

Smiling, the brunette replied, "I had help, Rikku-chan taught me how to work with a needle, I'm glad you like it"

Surprised, Asuka asked, "You made this?"

"She insisted," Rikku told her, handing her gift over, "We worked together to make you something you'll love"

Opening the blonde Aerolan's next, Asuka pulled out a dress that was designed similar to the types of clothes Rikku sometimes wears when around the apartment. It was blue-green with yellow on the hem on ends of the sleeves. The hem itself was made uneven, and gave the appearance of flight even though it lay there in her arms. In the back, in place of the slits normally for wings, was special embroidery that made a pair of wing-designs on the back. Oddly enough, there was also a pair of what appeared to be stylized bike shorts. Blue-green like the dress, it had a green wave motif on it.

"I like the dress, but what's the pants for?" Asuka asked curiously

Chuckling, Rikku replied, "I went a little overboard and made you some Kailos, flight pants the women wear with their dresses"

Confused, the red-head asked, "Why wear pants with a dress?"

At this, the Aerolan was red with embarrassment as she attempted to make a reply, "Well, you see…"

"What do you think happens when a woman flies in a dress?" Iak said, a meaningful look on his face

The German girl understood now, "Oh, well thanks anyway Rikku-chan, I appreciate the gesture"

"You're welcome," the blonde replied before punching Iak in the arm

Rolling his eyes, Sai stepped up, "No idea what to get you, so here"

He then handed her an envelope which contained a gift certificate for the local clothes department. Asuka thanked him, even though he had already turned to leave. Coming up next, Keevan handed the red-head his gift.

"Hello," Asuka exclaimed in surprise, "What's this thing?"

The 'thing' in question was a clear lens that was attached to a short silver chain. It appeared to be a monocle, so Asuka held it to her eye and looked through it. Looking through, she jerked in surprise at what she saw. Through the glass, she was looking at the mage, who appeared to have a light around him that was a light blue color.

"Truth Lens," Keevan explained, "they allow you to see if the person you're looking at is trustworthy. It shows you colors that depict if a person is untrustworthy or honest"

Looking through the glass, Asuka trained her eye over everyone. Each time, a blue light was around them. Taking it away from her eye, she smiled

"I guess either I can trust everyone here, or you're all out to kill me," she joked

Everyone had a good laugh; even Iak smirked a little at the German girl's humor. Misato then got up and handed her gift over the red-head. Tearing off the wrapping paper, Asuka revealed a music box. Opening it made a light and beautiful song play, and on the inside of the lid was a picture of the red-head, Misato, and Shinji sitting together smiling.

"Misato-san, this is beautiful," Asuka said, getting up and hugging the elder woman, "Arigato"

Smiling, Misato returned the hug and replied, "I'm happy you like it, it's to remind you that you still have a family"

When the two pulled apart, Asuka said again, "Arigato"

Kaji's turn, and he pulled out a large bouquet of white roses, "I know you have another man in your life, but I hope you'll accept these"

"Of course," taking the flowers and taking a sniff, Asuka said, "It isn't like I'm going to forget you"

Kaji only chuckled as he sat back down. Rei then got up, holding a small wrapped gift. Apprehensive, because the blue-haired teen didn't know much about social life, Asuka peeled off the paper and was surprised by the contents. Inside was a box containing a charm bracelet with a star charm on it.

"Wha-?" Asuka said in confusion

Tilting her head, Rei responded, "I did not know what to get you, so I spoke with Keevan and asked for his advice"

Shyly scratching the back of his head, the boy mage told everyone, "I only gave her a few suggestions, she chose it herself"

Shinji nudged Asuka with his elbow, giving her a meaningful look.

Seeing the look he gave her, Asuka took a deep breath, turned to Rei and said, "Wonde-Rei. I want to thank you for the gift, and there's something else"

Holding out her hand, Asuka asked, "Can we be friends?"

Misato, Kaji, and Hikari were surprised by the red-heads gesture of kindness

"I want to apologize for all the insults and put downs you had to go through," Asuka explained, "and I thought we could start over again, and be friends. What do you say?"

Everyone turned to Rei, to see what her response would be, though Misato and Kaji were certain about what the blue-haired girl would say.

Looking at the hand, Rei stared at it for a long time before she extended her own and clasped hands with the red-head, "Very well, friend"

Misato stared wide-eyed as the two girls shook hands, "I never thought this would happen"

"That's great, I'm glad that we could put aside our differences," the red-head said jovially, "since I made amends with Shinji, he wanted me to do the same with you. I'm glad that we can be friends"

"Oh, one last thing," Asuka added as an afterthought, "Friends or not, if you dare try to take my Shinji you'll face my full fury"

Guess some things never change, Misato thought with a relieved smile

Shuri and Shara came up next, each carrying a big scroll. Confused, Asuka opened the scrolls to see that they contained directions and diagrams of various martial arts moves.

"Wow," the red-head said, looking at the directions

Smirking, Shara said, "We know you're tough, so we figured that you might like to learn a couple of new moves"

Shyly, Shuri added, "Maybe you and Shinji could train together"

"Sure," the red-head said, turning to said boy, "you could do with some beefing up Shinji, I'll be sure to kick you into shape"

Nervously smiling, Shinji said, "Iak, I think it's your turn"

"No, you first, I insist"

Gulping, Shinji stepped up and handed Asuka his gift. Giving him a reassuring smile, the red-head opened the gift. She gave a slight gasp when she saw what was inside, causing the others to gather round to see what Shinji got her. Inside was a beautiful necklace; a red ruby in the shape of the heart hanging from a thin golden chain. Small diamonds crusted the edge of the heart and studded the chain. Picking it up, Asuka turned it around to see that it was engraved on the back.

It said: To my dearest love, with all my heart

Asuka bit her lip as she looked up to Shinji, who was looking at her, a worried look on his face. Smiling reassuringly, she set the box aside and flung her arms around him, giving him a hug.

"It's beautiful," she said, pulling back a little, "but how did you afford it?"

She peeked at Iak, who shook his head, "Pilot's wage"

Misato elaborated, "As pilots, you, Shinji, and Rei all are given a large sum of money on a monthly basis. At the moment, as I am your caretaker, all transactions need to go through me. Shinji asked for me to withdraw some money for him so he could get you a gift"

Smiling, Asuka hugged Shinji tighter and said, "How generous. I love it"

Pulling out of the hug, the boy took the necklace and put it around her neck, "And I love you"

Kissing him, Asuka told him, "You're such a romantic"

Hearing the chuckles around them, Shinji flushed as he turned to Iak, "Um, o-okay, Iak-san, its y-your turn"

Smirking at the return of Shinji's shyness, Misato refrained from teasing the boy, both because she was happy for the boy and that it wouldn't be nice thing to do to the boyfriend of the birthday girl, "Yeah, show us what you got"

The dark winged Aerolan picked up his package, which was wrapped in regular brown paper. Wondering what might be inside it; Asuka ripped the paper and revealed a magnificent painting. Shinji looked over her shoulder and gaped along with her at the image painted onto the canvas.

It was a painting of them, except that they were years older. The picture Shinji looked a bit like his father, but was softened in his features, and had a smile on his face. He was sitting on a couch with a red-headed woman sitting in his lap, arms wrapped lovingly around her waist. The woman was obviously Asuka, and in her arms was a child, carefully bundled up and held lovingly.

Everyone looked up to see Iak casually sitting on the low wall that encompassed the roof's edge. His face held no emotion as he stared back at them. Rikku only snickered as the teens got up.

"Where did you get this from?" Asuka demanded

"Do you not like it?" Iak asked evenly

Shaking her head, the red-head said, "No, it's great, but I want to know how you made this"

Shrugging, the Aerolan replied, "Time is a river"

Before he knew it, both Asuka and Shinji said, "Domo arigato" and grabbed him in a hug

Now laughing at the expression on his face, Rikku said, "Alright, we know you love it, but could you not kill my boyfriend?"

Everyone, with the exception of Rei, laughed now, as Iak turned red-faced and turned around.

Later

Hikari was escorted home by Sai and Rei was escorted by Keevan. In the living room, Iak and Rikku were having some tea before going to bed. The twins had long since gone to bed, and Kaji and Misato were out on the roof for one last glass of wine. In their room, Asuka set up the painting that Iak had made for them on the wall between their beds.

The red-head stared at the painting as she felt Shinji step up behind her, "Shinji-kun?"

"Hai, Asuka-chan"

Leaning back against him, she asked, "Do you think that that's our future?"

Wrapping his arms around her waist, mimicking the painting, Shinji replied, "I think that if we really try, we can make that true"

Closing her eyes, Asuka leaned her head back as she fingered the necklace Shinji gave her, "That's pretty deep, did you hurt yourself thinking that up?"

Stuttering, Shinji wasn't able to make a reply when the red-head in his arms twisted around and kissed him. Returning the kiss, he calmed down as he placed a hand in the small of her back. When they broke for air, Asuka laid her head in the crook of Shinji's neck, him stroking her hair gently.

"Arigato, for the party, the gift, and for being there"

Recalling his trip into the memories of Asuka's childhood, Shinji replied, "It was the least that you deserved"

Another kiss, then the two separated to prepare for bed. Once they changed, Shinji found that Asuka was joining him in bed.

Spotting the redness in his face, she retorted, "Baka hentai, I know what you're thinking. I just want to be near you, that's all"

Relaxing, Shinji held up his arm and let Asuka snuggle up against him. Pulling the blanket over them, he wrapped his arms around the German girl.

"Gute Nacht, Shinji-kun"

"Same to you, Asuka-chan," he replied, kissing her forehead

Rooftop

Kaji and Misato were sharing one last glass of wine before they went to bed. Already inebriated, the woman leaned against the man as she downed her wine. As she gulped, Misato looked up and placed a hand on the rough-faced man's stubble

"Kaji-kun," she slurred, "You really should shave, that stubble is pretty rough"

Chuckling, he replied, "Sure, whatever"

Bringing her head up to his, she said, "You're just saying that to get me to go away"

Tilting her chin gently with his hand, Kaji replied, "I would never do that to the ones I love"

Teary eyed, Misato asked, "Really?"

Kissing her, the rough-faced man said, "Really. I would like to start over, get back together again. Is that alright with you?"

The drunk woman replied by wrapping her arms around his neck and pulling him down for a passionate kiss. Tonight, even if the woman he loved wouldn't remember tomorrow, he was happier than he'd ever been in so many years.

Translation:

Alles Gute zum Geburtstag Asuka: Roughly translated from Happy Birthday Asuka

Alright, another chapter down. Did you like the end when I put Kaji and Misato together? I thought I focused too much on the Shinji/Asuka pairings, so I decided to put a little something for those two. Anyway, R&R, and I'll get back as soon as possible.

Later!