As an anticipated easter egg (because I'll be taking the weekend off) here another one for all of you.

She hates saying she's sorry just as much as saying thank you, and it's not because she is ungrateful (although lately it seems so hard to be grateful about anything at all).

It's just that, for her, to say thank you is a sign of accepting someone's help, and that's something she'll never do; she's the great Asuka Langley Sohryu, she doesn't need anyone, in any way, or any form.

And saying sorry is accepting she messed up, and that's something that'll she never accept; she's perfect; she was born to be perfect; she might be Japanese, German and American, but deep down inside, she's like a Spartan; born, breed and raised to never give up, to fight no matter what.

So here she is, standing outside the men's bath, wrapped in a thin Yukata (so thin she can feel the cold air on her skin giving her Goosebumps all around) wondering if it's the right thing to do, if it's not a sign of failure, of accepting she's not that good.

And when he walks out and catches her fidgeting and flasher he a warm, comforting smile,

And she can't help but feel alleviated.

His smile will do that to her.

----- -----

She loves the chilly nights of Tokyo 3.

Mama will be at work, which means she'll be able to go to Shinji's place. She smiles at the idea, and dresses up quickly, putting on some drawstring pants and a red sports top, a light jacket offering protection to the wind that blows on the corridors.

He will open the door and smile at her, and she'll see him blush when she flashes a smile (and probably something else) and then she will call him names.

And they will spend the rest of the night playing video games and watching movies and as midnight rolls over they will both go out to the veranda and watch the city lights against the black night.

The wind will pick up and they will both enjoy the view, the sounds and the night. And she will shiver and sneeze, and he turn to look at her with concern. She will smile and wave it off, but he will gently, oh so gently, hug her by the shoulders to share their body heat.

And she will rest her head against his shoulder, close her eyes and sigh.

She really does love the chilly Tokyo 3 nights.