"Mein Gott, you have a lot of books," Asuka yelled as she scanned the bookshelf in Rei's bedroom. She was speaking loudly so that Rei could hear her from the kitchen, where she preparing eggs and toast. She could see that they were all older books, a lot of classics as well and unpopular, out of print novels. A few science texts in foreign languages occupied the space as well. Nothing she found particularly interesting. Asuka could never immerse herself in old books, she found the narrative to be dull and rambling. "Pretty lousy selection, though."

"Perhaps you should be more open-minded with your literary choices. You may find something on that shelf that appeals to you," Rei called back calmly.

Asuka grunted skeptically in response. She skimmed through the various titles with glazed eyes; Brave New World, Treasure Island, and even Moby Dick all failed to illicit any interest. Who wanted to read about a mad old man hunting some overgrown sea mammal anyway? It was laughable. She was about to turn away when some title finally caught her eye. She pulled the tome off the bookshelf and brought it back to the bed with her. She smirked as she flipped through the pages. "Well, well! Never pinned you to have such saucy stuff hidden away, Wonder Girl."

Rei appeared in the bedroom doorway. She was only half-dressed in a sweater that was so big it nearly touched her bare knees. She carried two plates of food with her. She set them down on the bed before climbing in herself. "What are you talking about?" she asked, peering over her companion's shoulder.

"Don't play dumb! This is obviously a dirty book, how'd you get your hands on it?"

"That's The Scarlet Letter, Asuka. And I'm sorry to disappoint you, but it's hardly just about sexual promiscuity."

"Oh you're just mad because I found you out. This woman, she-"

"It's actually more focused on the morality of mankind."

"Whatever, but-"

"An excellent take on the psychological part of religion and its effects on people in the seventeenth century-"

"Stop cutting me off, dammit! Look, all I know is that I have never seen a book use the word 'bosom' so many times in my life!" Asuka interjected, pointing to the offensive word in question in the open book.

As she was getting ready to go off into another tangent, Rei brought a piece of toast to the girl's open mouth, effectively quieting her. "Please stop talking. I'd prefer that you eat your breakfast before it gets cold."

Asuka complied without much complaint and the two both ate in silence. After she had finished, Asuka returned to the bookshelf. "There's gotta be something good to read in here."

"There's a copy of Alice in Wonderland there. It's a kind of fantasy novel, so it might hold your attention better."

Asuka found the book and placed it in Rei's lap. "Why don't you read it to me?"

"You know we have school today," Rei replied flatly.

The other girl fell back down on the bed. "Screw that, I'm taking my birthday off."

"Suit yourself. I still must get ready though."

Rei moved to get up, but Asuka grabbed her by the wrist. She pulled the girl on top of her and kissed her. After a moment of shock, Rei found herself easing up and kissing Asuka back. Rei had never been familiar with romantic gestures. However, she found that the more she was around Asuka, the easier it was becoming. It was a foreign but nonetheless rewarding experience. Asuka brought a hand to the back of Rei's head, her fingers running through her hair and making Rei feel warm all over.

They broke apart and Asuka smiled, still fingering strands of Rei's soft hair. "Now what were you saying about school?"

Rei sighed, clearly conceding defeat. "I suppose missing one day won't be too detrimental. Besides, I cannot leave you unsupervised in my apartment."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Asuka asked with a touch of annoyance.

Rei shrugged. "I seem to have this pressing urge to give you a lot of attention." It was a genuine reply.

Asuka must have thought so as well, for she smiled broadly. "Better get to it, then!"

It turned out to be one of the best birthdays Asuka had experienced in a long while.