Ritsuko was a bitch. But, I already knew that, so her comments were really no surprise. I also had realized quite some time ago that being her verbal punching bag was one of the few joys remaining in her miserable life. So, I took it, but I couldn't stop myself from grinding my teeth, especially since her entrance had stolen away my immediate chance to get a kiss from the drone-girl.<br/><br/>I stood up, setting Rei on her feet.<strong>"Well, let's do what the tardy wench wants then, eh?"</strong>My hand stayed on the small of her back as I led her into the lab area.<br/><br/><strong>"Coming, Shinji?"</strong>