Chapter 18:A Normal Day...Sort of

Hey, sorry for the long wait! Had a lot of school work and was a bit too busy to work on this fiction. But here's the next chapter in the story, so enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own NGE, Gainax does, and you know about my characters

On with the show...

School

Shinji and Asuka were in their private spot, having lunch. They were able to relax a little now that Hikari was in on the secret. The plus side to having the class rep helping them makes hiding their 'condition' much easier. The two were going over another session for pretending to be one another.

"Come on, meaner, like this" Asuka was demonstrating to Shinji on how to make her signature scowl

"Right"

The former boy tried, and ended up in making Asuka's face look like she was constipated.

Growling, Asuka said, "Don't you dare make that face in public"

"Gomen" Shinji said cringing

Asuka sighed in frustration; Shinji just wasn't the type to be mean to anyone. Even if there were something to get angry about, he wouldn't really do anything.

Hearing some leaves rustle, they looked up to see Hikari heading towards them. Heaving a sigh of relief, they let her join them.

Seating herself next to them, she asked, "Still not yourselves?"

Seeing them shake their heads, the brunette said, "I couldn't help but overhear you guys. You should know that people are getting kind of suspicious of you two"

Slanting Shinji's eyes, Asuka asked, "What are they saying?"

Shifting slightly in nervousness, Hikari replied, "They're saying that you and Shinji are dating"

Asuka toned down slightly, "I can handle with that after we get ourselves fixed"

Looking very uneasy, Hikari then said, "Well, there are also rumors going around that started when the two of you went missing for the day"

Raising an eyebrow, Asuka nodded for her to continue

Drawing a deep breathe, she finished quickly, "They are saying that the two of you did 'it'"

The two teens were flushing in slight shock before they shouted, "WE DIDN'T!"

Hikari raised her hands in front of her, "I know, but that's what they are saying"

Asuka got up and began pacing around; making it appear like Shinji was pacing like a caged lion

"Those Hentai bakas, what could have possibly made them think that I and baka-Shinji would be like this? Just wait until I get my hands on whoever started that rumor, I'll murder him"

Shinji got up and said, "Calm down Asuka, why should you be bothered by this, you know it's not true"

"I know that, but if this continues my rep'll going down the toilet" Asuka said biting Shinji's fingernails

Placing a hand on his old one, Shinji stopped her and said, "Relax, it's not the end of the world, and you can always fix your rep after we get fixed"

Taking a deep breathe, Asuka slowly calmed down. She looked away from him with a slightly flushed face and said, "I guess your right"

Hikari was smiling happily at the scene before her. Although the roles have been swapped, it was still very touching. The brunette was happy that Asuka was calming down and opening up a bit to Shinji. She was also happy because it seemed that the two were closer together.

Getting up, Hikari said, "Lunch is almost over, we should get back to class"

Blushing as they remembered that she was there too, Shinji and Asuka gathered up their stuff as they followed her back to school

School

Keevan had found that being a kid in a teen's school was not all fun. It could be that this world's education system was worth shit, but there was also the fact that everyone was interested in him. The girls always came over, asking how he was, or if he needed help. Most likely a mother instinct to help the young, but it got embarrassing sometimes. Then there were the guys, always asking him about the girls who keep surrounding him.

Sighing, Keevan reached down for his bag and knocked it over. He looked down and saw his crystal rolling across the floor. Fortunately no one was in the room yet, so he got on his knees and started to look for it. Then he bumped into a leg and had the misfortune to look up. He was now staring up a girl's dress.

Falling backwards, the red-faced mage made ready with an explanation when he saw that it was Rei. It didn't make him feel better about what he did, so he got to his feet

"Gomenasai," he said, "I didn't mean to look"

He was bright red and stood there, head bowed, waiting for the blue-haired girls response. What happened next surprised him

"Here"

And a slim pale hand appeared in his view holding his crystal. Looking up, Keevan took back his crystal and looked up to see her emotionless face. Slightly confused, the boy walked back to his desk where he found Kensuke with his camera

The older boy had a strange look on his face as he looked at the mage.

"So, enjoy the view?"

Flushing a deep red, Keevan said, "Wait, no it's not like that!"

Ignoring the protests, Kensuke slid his glasses up hi face, "Then I suppose it was all accidental"

Nodding furiously, Keevan said, "Please don't tell anyone about this"

Smiling, the four-eyed stooge said, "Sure thing"

Sighing in relief as Kensuke walked away, Keevan sat down heavily in his seat. He was really not yet suited for field work. Sai came by his desk, looking around before saying anything

"So, what happened?"

Flushing, the mage muttered something that he could not hear. Leaning closer, he gestured for Keevan to say it again. Coming closer for the third time, Sai finally heard what happened and let an amused grin appear on his face.

"Nice"

Flushing again, Keevan replied, "Don't say anything, it's so embarrassing"

Waving his hand dismissively, the computer genius said, "Eh, no worries, besides we're coworkers. We look out for one another"

Keevan had a relieved smile on his face, "Thanks"

He looked up to see that Sai had already taken his seat, and that most of the class was back, including Shinji and Asuka. The bell rung and the droning of the teachers put people to sleep faster than anything a doctor would use.

Shopping District

A blonde girl was dragging a taller boy with black hair through the streets. Rikku had finished making a second vest for Iak and was taking him out to see the city. That and get into the fashion of this reality.

"Oh, this looks cute. What do you think?" the blonde girl was pointing at a dress in a window

Iak looked at the dress and imagined what Rikku would look like in it. The dress in particular was vivid orange, the dress reaching the knees with no sleeves. The seams had red thread, causing an interesting effect of making the dress more noticeable. The neck swooped down to expose the breasts, not enough to be indecent, but still drawing eyes to it.

"Interesting, but I'm not sure about the colors"

Taking a moment to glance at Iak, Rikku turned back to the display and imagined herself in it

"Maybe" she said while thinking

She then grabbed his arm and dragged him into the shop. Finding a clerk, Rikku asked about the dress in the display while Iak sat on a conveniently placed stool. He saw Rikku wave a hand, signaling him to wait for her. Seeing his nod, the blonde girl followed the clerk to the back of the store.

Leaning back, Iak closed his eyes and attempted to rest. He was not used to being in public, mostly because there had not been a way to hide his wings and so had never been in this situation before. While waiting for Rikku he heard a feminine giggle. Correction, multiple females. Opening his eyes a crack, Iak saw that there were three women looking at him

One walked towards him, lifting a hand to wake him. The hand was mere inches away before Iak spoke up.

"May I help you?"

Jumping as though shocked, the woman pulled his hand back and said, "Well, we were wondering about what a cute guy like you was doing in a place like this"

Opening his eyes completely, he looked over the women who were curious about him. Two of them appeared to be sisters, the one talking to him the elder. A girl's day out for the three of them, he supposed.

Making sure to sound as diffident as possible, Iak replied, "Waiting for someone"

Out of the corner of his eye he saw Rikku coming back. Returning his attention to the girl in front of her, Iak stood up.

"Excuse me" he said with a sight bow

Walking over to Rikku, he allowed her to loop her arm through his. The girls were looking after him with slightly forlorn expressions.

The two of them left the store and walked in silence. After a few moments, Rikku pulled Iak to a nearby park. Arm in arm, they walked through the park before coming to rest on one of the benches. Neither said anything, letting themselves enjoy the peace

"It's nice, isn't it?" Rikku said, breaking the silence

Iak nodded an affirmative.

Leaning her head on his shoulder, Rikku then said, "Did you enjoy their company?"

This time Iak shook his head in the negative, and wrapped an arm around her shoulder.

"Worried?" he asked

The blonde girl shook her head and leaned into his embrace. They lapsed into silence again after that, listening to the breeze through the trees. The two of them stayed like that for a long time

Nerv HQ

Misato was at her desk, finishing up the paperwork that had been piling up on her desk. Out of the corner of her eye she could see the agent that was assigned to follow her. However, the real agent had already been shoved into an out of the way spot and replaced with Shuri-Shara.

Reminding herself that it was the ninja, and not an agent, Misato relaxed into her work. Moments later, the door opened, allowing Ritsuko into the room.

"So how's life in solitary?" the doctor joked

Also joking, Misato replied, "Pretty nice actually"

Placing another stack of papers on the desk, Ritsuko said, "Well here, have a ball"

"Not funny Ritsuko"

Smiling, the doctor replied, "You said you were having fun"

Grumbling to herself about people not taking a joke, Misato grabbed the forms and went back to work. At the same time, the doctor observed the agent standing in the doorway.

"So, Pete, how's the spouse?"

Nodding back at her, Shuri-Shara played along, "Yeah, we're doing alright"

Smirking, Ritsuko replied, "Peter is divorced"

Frowning, the disguised ninja said, "Knew I should have done more research on the agents' personal lives"

Chuckling, Misato didn't look up from her work as she said, "That and read the agents' guidebook"

Eyebrows raised in surprise, he replied, "There's a guide?"

The women were now smiling broadly at the bemused ninja. Shaking his head, Shuri-Shara returned to normal with a puff of smoke, alarming the women.

"Kid, the camera" Misato hissed pointing in the direction of the said device

Waving a hand dismissively, he replied, "No biggie, set the thing on loop"

Looking up, Ritsuko looked to see an odd device connected to the camera.

"No need to worry, besides, I'm sure you want to talk, right?"

Nodding, Ritsuko reached into her pocket and showed him the card she received. The ninja looked at it and sighed before returning it to the doctor

"I see, so you and Iak are going to talk later"

Curious, the doctor asked, "And Iak is…?"

"Did you hear about the traveler they caught?" Misato inquired when Ritsuko trailed off

Nodding, the blonde doctor replied, "Yes, remarkable person, I would like to learn more about how she flies"

Shuri-Shara said, "He's her boyfriend"

Catching on quickly, Ritsuko said, "I see. Does he have a grudge against us?"

Receiving a shrug in answer, she turned to Misato, who replied, "Possibly, I don't really know him all that well"

Turning to the ninja for some info, Ritsuko saw him hold up his hands

"Don't look at me; this is my second mission with him. You want to know him, talk to him or to his fellow musketeers"

Seeing the inquisitive looks the women gave him, Shuri-Shara continued, "That would be Cairn and Hunter"

Misato tilted her head slightly as she said, "I met the Lieutenant, and I know Shinji has met with Cairn, but I haven't seen them in all the time with them"

Gulping silently, the ninja watched as Ritsuko turned to the purple-haired woman in confusion

"You haven't seen them? They are part of the team, so you should have at least seen messages from them if they were gone"

Shifting slightly, the ninja slowly edged towards the door

"No, that's the strangest thing; it's almost as if the others have completely forgotten them. They never seem to talk of their colleagues, and always seem to have something to direct us from thinking of them"

By this time Shuri-Shara was reaching for the door when the women turned and stared at him. Suddenly pinned by the twin stares, the ninja let a nervous laugh out as he scratched the back of his head while smiling meekly.

"Something you want to share with us" Ritsuko said in a neutral tone

The ninja didn't say anything, looking away to avoid their stares. Deciding on a new tactic, Misato got up and walked up to the boy.

"Come on, you can tell us," she said seductively, "we won't bite, much"

Shuri-Shara said with a wry tone, "I'm half female, remember?"

Flushing in embarrassment, Misato stood back up while Ritsuko had a confused look on her face, "Half female? Are you a hermaphrodite?"

Shaking his head, the ninja lifted his hands together and split apart. Now the doctor could see that there were two kids, one a boy the other a girl.

Raising an eyebrow inquisitively, Ritsuko asked, "Interesting, are you one person with two personalities that can manifest themselves physically, or are you two people who can fuse themselves together?"

The twins looked at one another for a moment before turning back and shrugging their shoulders. Nothing showed on their faces, but inside they were rejoicing that the women were distracted by their ability.

Suddenly Misato said, "See, they do something that totally makes you think of something else"

Catching herself, Ritsuko turned to the twins with a stern look on her face. Shuri stood straighter and tightened his jaw, to prevent anything from coming out. As for Shara, she stood there with a defiant look, daring them to try and make her talk.

"Alright, no more funny business kids. Now tell us what's going on" Ritsuko said in a strict tone

The ninja's looked at each other and seemed to be communicating silently.

"Well, with all the strangeness going on it seems like we should" Shuri said nervously.

Flinching at the glare his sister gave him, Shuri gave a pleading look. Huffing and turning her head away from him, the kunoichi said, "Whatever, it's your funeral"

Shuri took a deep breathe and stumbled into a story that both women listened to with their full attention.

School

Shinji and Asuka had gone through the rest of the day listening to either the boy's cheering 'Shinji' for his 'victory' or the girls disapproving talks to 'Asuka'.

"Es verdammen!" Asuka shouted once they were out of earshot of anyone else

The fuming 'boy' stomped down the street, while Shinji followed as closely as he dared. Keevan and Sai were also following, but at a more safe distance. The raging teen eventually led them to the park, where Shinji was finally able to gather up his courage and try to calm Asuka down.

"Asuka," he began nervously, "please calm down"

Flinching slightly when Asuka swirled around, Shinji held Asuka's arms up to defend himself. Realizing that he was unharmed, he peeked through the slim arms to see that the former red-head was now sitting on a bench. Joining her, Shinji waited for the tirade that was sure to come. Seeing that they were not likely to go anywhere else, Sai sat down on the ground and pulled out his laptop. Keevan also sat down, but decided to watch the older kids.

After what seemed an eternity, Asuka spoke to Shinji, "Hey Shinji?"

Looking over, he replied, "Yes?"

"What do you think of what everyone is saying about us?"

Flushing slightly, Shinji replied, "They don't have all the information like Horaki does, so they're wrong. But they do have reason to think about what happened between us"

Nodding slightly, Asuka said, "Those boys are such pigs. All they ever think about is how to get into bed with the next girl"

Smirking slightly, Shinji said, "Including you?"

Flushing, the 'boy' grabbed Shinji in a headlock, "What was that, Ikari?"

Although the hold on him wasn't that strong, it was uncomfortable. Shinji struggled to pull himself out of her grasp even though he knew she wouldn't harm her old body

"N-nothing! Please let go!"

Releasing him with a satisfied smirk, Asuka leaned back. Keevan was watching the proceedings with interest

"Why do they fight? I thought they liked each other"

A smirk on his face, Sai looked up to see that Shinji and Asuka were talking with each other. Sometimes Asuka would get angry and shout at the former boy, and sometimes Shinji would say something teasing to her.

"Well sometimes people have a hard time expressing their feelings. The two fight because they don't quite understand their emotions and so try to express it that way"

Tilting his head, the boy mage tried to bend his thoughts around that idea and failed

"Why fight? Isn't it better to confess to your feelings?"

Shaking his head, Sai replied, "Hey, don't look at me, I don't have a girlfriend"

Keevan resumed observing the teens arguing with each other with interest. Since he was a little young for romance, the mage had a bit of a hard time understanding why people do things like this, and decided to learn what he could by observing others.

Unknowingly, Iak and Rikku were also in that same park and heading in their direction. The two rounded the corner to see the two teens arguing, with Sai and Keevan sitting a short distance away.

Slipping around a tree, Rikku dragged the male with her, "Oh, this is interesting"

Frowning slightly, Iak asked, "You want to watch them?"

She giggled quietly, "I have an idea, let's go"

She then dragged him off and away from the kids, leaving them unaware of their presence.

And there we go, another installment of Deviance from the Norm. Please R&R, and I'll get back as soon as possible.