Yui woke up, and for the first time since she had started on the project full time, Gendo was still asleep next to her. Gazing at him for a few short moments, she let her eyes close and went back to sleep.

The smell coming from the kitchen was heavenly. It was accompanied by a gentle humming that was music to his ears. Gendo sat up and scratched his head. He didn't regret what they had done, but...

That was it. They were as good as hitched. At least that was probably what Yui was thinking. He certainly didn't... Well, not just because they...

What was the use in denying it? Sighing, Gendo got up and put on some clothes. Before exiting the room, he tossed their discarded clothing into a pile against the wall and fished their undergarments out of the blankets as well. It was a small thing, cleaning up, when Yui did so much more.

"How did you do this to me, Yui?" he asked himself, not even aware how she had taken over his life so completely.

"Well good morning!" Yui almost threw herself into his arms as she kissed him. "Glad to see you awake finally."

"And why is that?" Gendo asked, putting his arms around her waist.

"Because you're so much more entertaining when you're awake," Yui said, grinning at him.

"Who would have known you'd turn out to be such a..."

"Quiet, you."

Gendo smiled as Yui put her fingers over his lips. "Okay," he said and kissed her fingertips. "So how are you this morning?"

"Better than fine," she replied and moved back into the kitchen. "It might sound silly, but I want to thank you."

Gendo followed and poured himself a glass of juice. "Why?"

"For not pushing."

"Well, I don't know about that. I mean, it's a two step process."

"Not that! You _know_ what I mean!"

"Yeah, but... I like to see you riled up."

Yui blushed and turned her attention back to breakfast. She tried to reply with something, but was just too embarrassed.

"I... I just made you speechless?" Gendo gasped. "I need to write this on a calendar. Quick! Get me a calendar!"

"Ha ha. Very funny. But I'm serious." She turned and smiled. "It really was right."

"I'm glad." The sudden cross look on her face made him rethink his words. "I'm happy it worked out then."

"You make it sound like... like some plan when you talk like that. Like you've lost your emotions and can only respond with logic and ration." Yui looked up from the still-cooking breakfast.

Gendo was looking at her flatly. He arched an eyebrow. "I see."

Yui grinned in spite of herself. "As long as you don't try that tonight we won't have a problem."

"Eager too. That's definitely in your favor." Not that she really needed anything else in her favor, but he thought it would be tasteless to mention a thing like that to her.

"What's that look on your face? What are you daydreaming about?"

"Not a thing," Gendo answered, trying not to think too far ahead. He would have to wait all day, and that wouldn't be fun.

Yui wasn't fooled. "Ruled by your hormones," she said, shaking her head. "Just as I thought."

"It's not hormones, Yui. It's emotion. I've... done the hormone thing, and this isn't it."

"And you didn't love those others?" she asked, skeptical.

"Not the way I love you. Not even close."