She hates the fact that he's not perfect.

Worst, she knows he's not perfect, and she really hates the fact that it doesn't bug her as it should.

And it's not like it's a big shocker; if given the chance, she knows he'll cry and whimper and bitch and moan. He'll run away from any responsibility, or ask for forgiveness even when he's not at fault. He's unreliable, and he cries like a girl. (In fact, she's pretty sure that if they were ever in a relationship, she will be the one wearing the trousers)

But there are times she is able to catch glimpses of his true self; how he makes sure both her and Misato are well feed and clothed and this becomes more apparent when she realizes she can't cook (He is better) she can't clean (He does it too) She doesn't even know how her clothes are always freshly washed and pressed (But she suspects Baka will make a great housewife someday); The passion with which he plays, the fierceness with which he'll fight (sometimes).

But most of the times, all she remembers are his eyes; the windows to his soul: eyes do deep and blue and sad and happy…

She knows he's not perfect, and she really hates that fact.

But she still can't help but love him.

----- -----

She loves her red, long hair.

"Asuka, are you almost done?"

It's a symbol, an avatar of who she is. Back at school when she was first transferred here, that was the first thing that made her stand up; against a sea of black and brown she, Asuka Langley Sohryu would stand out (well, Wondergirl would too, but then again she would stand up anywhere, right?)

"Asuka, you're gonna use up all the hot water!!"

She really couldn't blame them all for being fixated on her; tall and thin with long legs that seemed to go on forever (as well as "other" attributes); bright sapphire blue eyes that could pull you deep; but in reality it was the hair: long red tresses, the color of the dawning or setting sun (and you know how big is the sun for Japan).

"Asuka, I really need to pee!"

She would pull it back and use her mother's A-10s; she would let it down after bathing, enjoying the feeling of it's dampness, it's coolness against her skin. She would spend hours upon hours brushing it to perfection, just like her mother used to do.

"All right, all rigth hold yer horses Baka!"

And so, now, as she exits the bath clad in only a towel; she wordlessly, giddily goes over to Shinji and sits in front of him, molding her back to his chest.

She doesn't need words, because he loves it too, and as he smiles silently, he begins to brush her hair.

And sometimes, Shinji can't help but laugh as she moans, like a kitten being pet.