Well, it's been a while, hasn't it? I've switched almost entirely over to AO3, but I thought I'd put these here too, just because.

Inspired by this adorable artwork: haruhisato*tumblr*com/post/77600144274

Rei lowered herself onto the couch, clutching an unusually compliant Penpen. She stroked his feathers absentmindedly as she waited for Shinji to finish up in the kitchen.

"The sashimi's a little overcooked," he called apologetically.

"That's fine," she murmured. He worries too much about pleasing people, she thought fleetingly, her hands still moving along Penpen's sides, making him mutter happily. She stared ahead, out the window overlooking urban Tokyo-3. It was strange, she thought, knowing that she had someone special to eat with, even that she had friends in Misato and Asuka. Well, to the extent that you could call someone like Asuka a friend, at least. And Penpen seemed so comfortable in her arms; she wasn't used to having living things want to be around her.

She was stirred from her reverie when Shinji entered, the dishes on his tray clanging slightly as he tripped on his own feet. "Rei?" he asked, a small smile on his lips.

"Hm?" she asked as she and Penpen turned, as one, to look at him.

"You were smiling," he said, surprised. The penguin took the opportunity to wriggle out of Rei's hold and jump to the floor, then waddled away toward his refrigerator.

"I was?" She had wondered what that feeling was that tugged at either end of her mouth.

Shinji nodded. "I don't think I've seen you smile in a long time," he said quietly. "I'm glad."

Rei felt something inside her glow. "I am ... too."