Rei smiled at him as he sat down next to her and handed over her lunch bento.

They ate in silence until Shinji finally spoke up, "What happened while I was away?"

"Can you be more specific? You were dissolved in Unit 01 for 29 days, 13 hours, 26 minutes and 3 seconds. Many things happened during that time."

"Between you and Asuka. Before you barely tolerated each other. Earlier I couldn't have separated you with an Eva and a sonic glaive."

"I spent a cumulative 18 days, 2 hours, 19 minutes and 8 seconds with Asuka between discovering your high synchronisation rate had caused your dissolution and your reconstitution. We could not replace Asuka if you attempted using a glaive as leverage, so please do not do so."

Shinji attempted a more specific question, "What started it?"

Rei moved over and rested her head on Shinji's shoulder, "I missed you"

Shinji wrapped an arm around her shoulder, then when Rei did not continue asked, "I'm sorry. What happened then? I mean what happened next that brought you closer?"

"Asuka noticed. I do not know how. My demeanour had not changed but she accused me of "moping". Then she asked if I missed hugging you, though she once more incorrectly referred to you as my boyfriend. I did. I missed many other things, but that is the one she asked about. Then she insisted on hugging me. This was peculiar, she does not touch anyone unnecessarily. The hug was not like yours. However it did seem to comfort us both. So I tricked her into hugging for a longer period"

Shinji laughed, "You tricked her?"

"Correct. She asked if your hugs were better. Then she asked if her hugs were better. I stated that I required a minute before I would tell her."

"You fooled her with that? Was she feeling alright? Obviously they aren't better, just different. Each hug is different, it doesn't necessarily make one person's better or worse. Unless you don't want one. Or it hurts."

"Yes. I do not believe she was. She was greatly concerned for you but attempting not to admit this to herself. I told her a similar thing about the nature of hugs, although it required many more words".

Shinji wrapped his other arm around Rei's waist. Probably the sort of thing that caused Asuka to call him Ayanami's boyfriend, but right now he didn't care. Rei had missed him. Rei had missed him hugging her. He could at least do that much.

"And this happened more than once, I'm guessing?

"You are correct. Asuka stated that if I desired another hug I just needed to ask her.

Shinji smiled into Rei's hair, "Somehow I don't think she thought that through. How often did you ask?"

"A minimum of once and a maximum of twelve times in a twenty-four hour period. We met in the elevator on the way down to the Eva cages at least once a day. That appeared to be her preferred location for extended hugging."

"Those elevators are slow. Those must have been some long hugs"

"I would like equally long hugs from you. Unfortunately the bell is about to ring for class in 27 seconds. Would you be available this evening? We could share a meal. That is also something I have missed."

"Sure," Shinji replied as the bell rang.