My heart beat faster as the door to the office opened up, and I smiled as Rei came in.  My Rei.<strong>"You're as beautiful as ever."</strong>I told her, my gloved hands sitting on the table.  Rei had always had a calming effect on me.  I couldn't help but feel happy when she was around.  My eyes were drawn towards the book she held, and I smiled again.<strong>"That book is one of my favorites."</strong>I said.  It was somewhat of a lie.  It was actually one of Yui's favorites, but by extension, it was my favorite.  I leaned back, simply enjoying Rei's company.  Sometimes we would sit like this for an hour on end, simply giving each other attention.  I was never certain if she enjoyed it the way I did.<br/><br/><strong>"I'd like you to accompany me back to my quarters for dinner." </strong>I said, quite casually.  It wasn't unusual for us to engage in such behavior, even if it did make Ritsuko look strangely at me, suggest the things she had suggested.  I still needed Rei, and perhaps she needed me.