Chapter 24: Love's First Kiss

Here's the second chapter, the one you've all been waiting for.

Disclaimer: You've read this enough times to now what it's going to say

Now, on with the show!

It was the day of the dance, and everyone was feeling excited. Hikari went to the Avatar base to get ready for the dance contest. Shinji and Keevan left early because they needed to be told, along with the other judges, what they should be looking for.

Asuka and Hikari had dressed up and were ready to go, but were told to wait.

"Come on," Asuka frowned, crossing her arms below her breasts, "What's taking so long?"

The answer came fairly quickly as Rikku came up while dragging Iak with her. The two of them had dressed up in costumes; both were dressed as angels, one in black robes, while the other in white robes

Mouth gaping, Asuka asked, "You're not coming too?"

"Of course we are," Rikku told her, "we deserve to have fun too"

Hikari then said, "But, your wings, shouldn't you be hiding them?"

"Who's going to believe that we actually have wings?"

"One touch and they'll know!"

"Come on, we're young, the night's about to start, and I feel the need to party" Rikku proclaimed

"Don't bother," Iak said, "She is as stubborn as four Calforms in a small pond"

Frowning, Rikku was about to retort when she realized the time, "Crap, we're going to be late. Hey Sai, you coming?"

"Hang on, stupid wires"

Sai came out of his room also dressed in a costume. He was moving very stiffly because he was wearing such a thick costume; Sai dressed up as Robo-cop, and was a bit tied up by the wires he used for the equipment in his room.

"This is why I need to go wireless" Sai grumbled as he shook the remaining wires off, "What are we waiting for, let's go"

School

Shinji and Keevan were in the gymnasium, where the dance was to be held. It was a large place; with room enough for about two hundred people. There were balloons set up on the twenty or so tables on one side of the room, and a podium/stage set on the other for the contest. In between the tables and stage was a wide area for the people to dance on.

The events of the evening would proceed as such: when the gym opened at six, people would be allowed for last minute entries into the contest. About half an hour after that, the contest would begin and continue for the next hour. The results of the contest come at the end of the dance, about eleven.

The pair was currently talking, separated from the other judges

"I'm feeling a bit nervous about this," Keevan said

He had dressed up as a little Dracula, including a set of fake fangs. Shinji had gone as an anime character; Shinn Asuka in his Zaft uniform from a popular show, Gundam Seed Destiny

"So am I," he told the younger boy, "I'll be glad when this is over"

Keevan looked around as kids began to fill the gym, "I wonder how many people are going to enter?"

The answer soon came clear as the entries were tallied up. There were five groups, and eighteen individuals. No one knew how they would dress as until the actual contest began, which was beginning.

"Come on," Keevan said excitedly

They joined the other three judges on the podium as the principal got up to make a speech. It was a little dry, going on about keeping up hope in the dark hours and being able to enjoy oneself. At last it was over and the competition could begin.

"Aw man," Touji said expectantly, "I wonder if there are any girls in cute costumes"

The jock had come as a samurai warrior, while next to him; Kensuke had dressed up as Sousuke Sagara, from Full Metal Panic. It was a very good costume, spoiled by the camera in his hands and the glasses he wore.

"Yeah" the four-eyed stooge replied in a distracted tone

Sensing something wrong, Touji asked, "Hey what's wrong? It's the contest, there's going to be babes in costumes up there for our viewing pleasure!"

Kensuke, however, wasn't feeling the excitement. He was staring at Shinji, who had just sat down at the judges table. Even though the pilot seemed to be normal, Kensuke couldn't shake the scene he'd seen earlier.

"They're starting!"

The first group up on stage was doing a Fandango theme, where everyone was in a large paper bag with puppet faces on them.

(A/N: This actually happened once; during Halloween, a bunch of kids at my school really dressed up like them, and I thought it was pretty funny)

Keevan was giggling at the people dancing around on stage in paper bags, "That's so funny"

For the next hour, contestants passed in front of the panel of judges, some in groups, and others alone. It was near the end, with only two individuals left.

"And next up is a the class rep of class 2-A, Hikari Horaki, dressed as Aeris Gainsborough from the game, Final Fantasy VII!"

Touji, who had come back from getting something to eat from the buffet, had eyes as big as saucers when he saw the class rep. She stood on the stage dressed up in the pink dress and red jacket looking very nervous. Her shyness seemed to make her appear like her character, while at the same time keeping her individuality. Touji was personally cheering on the rep for the win.

The judges murmured amongst themselves as they marked notes on their score sheets. Shinji finished his quickly and took a look around. He had not seen Asuka this evening, and it worried him. Not only that, but she seemed to have completely blocked him out mentally. He was broken from his thoughts when the principal announced the last contestant.

"Now presenting our last contestant, dressed as Éclair of the anime Kiddy Grade, Asuka Langley Sohryu!"

His head jerking up, Shinji's mouth gaped at the beauty that stood before him. Dressed in an extremely short red dress that was cut to reveal her belly button and a modest amount of cleavage, Asuka walked across the stage like a model. Many of the boys out on the dance floor were drooling over the goddess that walked before them.

When his brain finally caught up, all Shinji could think was, She's so beautiful

Asuka heard his thought and suppressed a smile. The contest was over now, and she would have to wait until the end of the dance to find out if she won. In the meantime, she thought she'd keep a promise with a certain someone.

Stepping off the stage, the red-head was about to head over to where Shinji was when she was accosted by a mob of hormone driven boys. She was having a difficult time getting through the crowd, and was very irritated at the way that the boys were hammering for her attention.

"Get out of my way," she growled as she pushed through the mass

She was assisted by Rikku's timely arrival, whom helped her out of the mass. The boys would have followed the pair, except that Iak stood between them, and the look in his eyes told them to step back.

Helping her to a chair, Rikku asked Asuka, "You alright?"

Sighing heavily, the red-head replied, "Yeah. Have you seen Shinji?"

Looking around, the Aerolan replied, "I don't know, Iak?"

Scanning the crowds, the black garbed bird-man replied, "Talking with Keevan near the stage"

"Thanks" Asuka replied

Opening her mind, the red-head brushed against Shinji's consciousness, Shinji?

Asuka? Where are you?

I'm with Rikku and Iak by the buffet

Why are they here?

They said that they wanted a little fun, so they came along. You should be able to see them; they're dressed as 'angels'

Shinji looked up and saw a set of black wings and a set of white wings.

Aren't they supposed to be keeping a low profile?

He could feel the amusement from Asuka as she replied, I guess, but she insisted

Smiling, Shinji said, So, um, what did you want to talk about?

Well, since we have a few hours to kill before they announce the winners, I wondered if you were up for a dance

S-s-sure

Meet me by the side door; I really don't want to march through all these people

Alright

Breaking contact, Asuka got up, "I'm going for a dance"

"Go ahead," Rikku said, "I think we'll go dance as well"

Grabbing Iak's arm, the white robed 'angel' pulled him out onto the dance floor, where the DJ was beginning to put on some music. The pair began to rock with some rock and roll music

Meanwhile, Shinji turned towards his destination and told Keevan, "I gotta go, so I'll talk to you later, ok?"

Waving his hand, Keevan didn't reply as he couldn't hear over the music, but he understood what Shinji meant

Stepping around the crowds, Shinji was accosted yet again by Akemi Etsuko, "Hey Ikari-kun"

Turning, he saw Akemi dressed as Rinoa Heartilly. Remembering how she twirled about on the stage, making people look at her, Shinji wondered if she tried seducing the other judges.

"How are you doing?" she asked

Flushing a little, Shinji replied, "I'm okay"

She giggled as she pulled up next to Shinji, "Hey, how about we have a dance until they announce the winners?"

"I'm sorry, but there's someone I have to meet"

Pouting, Akemi asked, "Aw, can't it wait?"

Before he could answer, the music changed, and along with it Akemi's attitude, "Oh, I love this song! Let's go!"

Grabbing his arm, she dragged him onto the dance floor. Once there, she arranged his arms and brought herself close. She then led Shinji through the dance moves as the music played around them.

"Um, Etsuko-san," Shinji began, "I really have to be somewhere"

Again pouting, she replied, "I'm sure your friend can wait until this song is done"

Feeling Asuka brush against his conscious, Shinji quickly opened up and contacted her.

Asuka, gomen, but she dragged me out here

Noting the lack of anger coming from her, Shinji heard, Stop apologizing baka. I'll wait for you outside

O-okay

Surprised at how calm she was feeling, Shinji looked up to see that the song was done. Pulling himself away as politely as possible, he gave a curt bow to Akemi

"Gomenasai, but I really have to go"

He then walked away before she could say anything. Following the bond between them, Shinji navigated through the throng of dancing and partying kids until he reached the side door. Stepping outside, the closed door effectively muffled the loud music that was coming from inside.

Looking around, he finally caught sight of the person he was to meet. Asuka was out standing next to a tree, waiting for him.

"Gomen, Asuka" Shinji said, scratching the back of his head

"Stop saying that," Asuka said sternly, "you need to grow a spine"

Forcing himself to not say sorry again, Shinji said, "Alright"

Smiling now Asuka extended a hand, "Come on baka, let's go. We still have a few hours till they announce the winners, so let's dance"

Flushing, Shinji accepted the hand and allowed himself to be pulled back into the gym. Inside, they were playing a slow dance, and there were quite a few couples out on the floor. Finding a place, Asuka arranged them properly, with Shinji's left hand on her waist and his right holding her left.

Placing her free hand on Shinji's shoulder, she said, "Relax Shinji, it's a dance, not an execution"

Realizing that his muscles were as stiff as a board, Shinji took her advice and relaxed a little. After a few moments, he found himself enjoying the dance. Smiling, he and Asuka danced to the music, able to forget for the moment the burden they had on their shoulders.

At the same time, Touji was gathering up the courage to ask Hikari to dance. Looking around, he found her sitting on the sidelines. Taking a deep breath, he stepped forward

Hikari was feeling a little lonely at the moment. Although there were many people who asked her to dance, she declined all offers. She wanted to dance with a certain boy, but was afraid to ask him. Rikku had advised her that she may have to go to that person and ask herself, but Hikari was a traditional girl, which meant that the boy had to ask the girl to dance.

Sighing, Hikari was wondering if she should just leave when he heard someone clearing their throat. She was about to tell the person to go away when she saw that it was Touji.

"H-hey Horaki"

Flushing a little, she replied, "Suzuharu, hi"

Not looking directly at her, Touji stuttered as he asked, "Um, I-I was wondering, i-if you would like t-to have a-a dance w-with me"

Smiling, Hikari stood up and took his hand. Flushing, she replied, "I'd like that"

Sharing red faces, the pair went out to the dance floor and joined in on the dance.

Kensuke was wandering around, filming the dance on his trusty camera. Everyone was having so much fun that they didn't seem to mind the geek. Doing another sweep of the gym, his gaze was caught by a certain pair. Zooming in, he nearly fell over as he saw that Shinji and Asuka were dancing together. Looking around, Kensuke looked for Touji to tell him the news when he realized that he was dancing with Hikari. Sighing in depression, Kensuke wondered what it would be like for him to be the guy who got the girl.
Later

There were quite a few murmurs and rumors flying around at this point. Many people had seen Shinji dancing with both Akemi and Asuka, and were wondering what was going on between them. There were also a few questions about Touji dancing with Hikari. But the talk subsided as the principal and the judges came back up with the results of the contest

"Ahem, we have the results and are now going to announce them," the principal said theatrically

"First up, we have the group category. In third place is the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles"

Everyone cheered as four students in green clothes and turtle shells and different colored masks came up on stage.

"In second place, we have the Pirates of the Caribbean!"

Ten people came up on stage, dressed as pirates, as well as Captain Jack Sparrow, Will Turner and Elizabeth Swann. There was more applause and cheers as they waved down to the other kids

"And the winner of the group costumes, Shrek!"

Amidst the loud cheering, the people who dressed themselves as the characters from the movie Shrek came up on stage.

"Let's give them a round of applause!"

After that came the winners in the individual categories, males and finally females.

"Oh I can't bear the suspense," Hikari said in an agitated voice

Tilting her head up proudly, Asuka replied, "Don't worry, when you hear him announce that I'm the winner, you can relax and bask in my glory"

This made the brunette feel better, knowing that Asuka was acting like her old confident self.

"In third place, we have Aeris Gainsborough, AKA, Hikari Horaki!"

Hikari was shocked and didn't move until Asuka nudged her, "Go on, get up"

Shyly climbing the steps to the podium, Hikari smiled and waved at the cheering crowd. She joined the other winners as they congratulated her.

Smiling, Asuka was proud of the accomplishment her friend obtained, and it lasted all of four seconds when the principal announced the second place winner.

"In second place, we have our fiery headed Asuka Langley Sohryu as Éclair!"

There was a moment of shocked silence. Everyone in the immediate vicinity of the red-head quickly backed away. It was well known that Asuka was a very competitive girl, who liked to win. They all waited for the explosion that was surely to come. To their surprise, she only smiled as she ascended the stairs to the podium. When the students realized that she wasn't angry, they slowly applauded her.

The principal, having regained the use of his voice, then said, "Er, yes, congratulations. Um, the first place winner of the females' individual category is Akemi Etsuko, as Rinoa Heartilly!"

There was applause as the dark haired girl happily ascended the stairs. At the same time, a few students were making bets on when Asuka would kill Akemi.

Sai, who was near the back of the audience with Iak and Rikku, said, "Ten to one says Akemi doesn't live till tomorrow"

"Five to one says Asuka doesn't kill Akemi"

Looking at Rikku as though she sprouted an extra head, Sai replied, "You kidding? I saw the profile for Asuka; she's going to kill her"

This time, Iak spoke up, "She may not have won the contest, but she got her prize"

At the ambiguity of this statement, the metal clad Avatar demanded, "What's that mean?"

Iak didn't answer, only joined the crowds as they gave one last round of applause to the winners. Looking to Rikku for an answer was also a waste of time, as she was also cheering.

After the applause, the students on the podium had their pictures taken, and went back to the dance floor. The DJ turned the music back on and everyone began to dance again. Asuka got off and looked around for Shinji. Now that the competition was over, she wanted to talk to him. From their mental link, she knew that he was afraid that he was going to get yelled at. Smiling mischievously, Asuka looked around, hoping to find him.

Shinji was near the tables, hoping that Asuka wasn't too angry. He knew that deep down, Asuka wanted to win for the attention she desired. Even so, she was a prideful person, who didn't like losing, and so tended to be very competitive.

Shinji?

Gah! A-Asuka!

Quit sounding so surprised. Sheisst, you'd think I wanted to kill you

G-gomen

That's alright

Shinji was surprised when she said that. Normally, when he apologized, Asuka would go on about him stopping and growing a spine. This was different, and he sensed some tension and embarrassment coming from her

Can we talk? Face to face?

U-um, sure. Where do you want to talk?

Let's go somewhere private. I'll see you outside, okay?

O-okay

The connection closing, Shinji got up, only to be grabbed by Akemi

"I won! Isn't that great?"

Shinji replied, "Um, yeah. Etsuko-san-"

She giggled, interrupting him, "Please, call me Akemi"

"A-alright," Shinji stuttered, his face flushed, "Excuse me, Akemi-san, but I have to go talk with someone"

She pouted, "Aww, I wanted to celebrate my win. Come on Shinji-kun, your friend can wait"

At this, Shinji took a deep breath and steadied himself, "I'm sorry, but I'm not going to make her wait"

"'Her'?" Akemi said in an accusing tone, "You mean Sohryu"

"Yes"

"Worried about her? That's so cute, but you shouldn't worry about that bitch. In fact, it was a good thing that she was brought down a few pegs, it deflated her oversized ego"

At this point, Shinji felt himself grow angry. Akemi was insulting Asuka, and he wasn't going to stand for it.

Just as he was about to retort, Shinji was interrupted when Keevan came up, "Hello Shinji, Etsuko-san"

The girl turned around in slight surprise and looked down to the boy, "Hello Markan-kun"

She looked down and into the crystal ball the mage held. Staring into it, Akemi's eyes drooped as she leaned against Shinji drowsily. Holding her up, Shinji helped her into a chair, where she slumped down in a deep sleep.

Turning back, he saw Keevan put his crystal away and said, "Arigato Keevan-san"

Smiling back, the mage replied, "No problem, Iak told me that she was bothering you and asked for me to help you"

The older boy looked up to see Rikku and Iak. She gave him a wink and a shooing gesture. The black garbed man only nodded

Smiling at them and waving thanks, Shinji took off.

Rejoining the pair, Keevan asked, "Was that alright?"

Iak replied, "As I have said many times, we are not matchmakers"

"Come on dove," Rikku said, "You don't really like the idea of helping people find love?"

"I didn't say that. I was only stating that our job is not a dating service"

Chuckling, Rikku shook her head in amused exasperation as Keevan looked on in slight confusion.

Outside

Shinji found Asuka under the same tree as before. Walking up to her, Shinji felt a light breeze, making the air drop a few degrees. Asuka was shivering slightly because she was scantily clad. Taking off his costume's jacket, he placed it around her shoulders.

The red-head turned red as she said, "Thank you"

Shinji also blushed a little as he replied, "No problem. What did you want to talk about?"

She bit her lip a little as she turned her head away. Slightly worried, Shinji looked her in the eyes

"Asuka?"

Feeling the concern emanating both from him and his words, Asuka looked back up at Shinji, "I'm alright"

There was a moment of silence before Asuka spoke up again, this time in a small voice, "I want to apologize"

"Asuka"

"Don't stop. I have to say this first. I'm sorry for hurting you so much, for all the hits, hurtful words, everything"

At this point, her shoulders shook as her eyes filled with tears, "I should never have been so mean to you, but I was afraid of being too close with anyone"

Feeling a hand on her shoulder, Asuka looked up to see Shinji with a compassionate look on his face.

"I forgive you"

Seeing the uncomprehending look on her face, Shinji said, "It's alright Asuka, I forgive you"

The tears began to flow again as she leaned against Shinji. At first tentatively, Shinji placed his arms around the crying red-head.

Feeling the warmth of Shinji's embrace, Asuka began to calm down, "Thank you"

Happy to feel that Asuka wasn't feeling so sad anymore, Shinji smiled and held her close. The two shared their warmth as they held each other in silence. After a few moments, Asuka pulled out of the embrace a little and looked Shinji in the face.

"Thank you for being there"

Shinji flushed a little as he replied, "It's no problem Asuka-chan"

Both turned a little red at the –chan honorific. Asuka took a deep breath and calmed her mind; this was the moment she was working up to.

"Shinji, there's something I want to tell you"

Curious, Shinji asked, "What is it?"

"Shinji, I-I wanted t-to tell you t-that I-I, oh mein gott why is this so hard"

Shinji could guess where Asuka was going, and gave her shoulder a light squeeze for support.

"I, I, I l-love you"

After she finally said this, her face was a bright red, and she was feeling butterflies in her stomach. Shinji's hand tilted her face up to his, showing a face of love and care

"Asuka, I love you too"

Heart leaping, the red-head knew that that was the truth, from the emotions coming from the boy. Smiling from joy, Asuka wrapped her arms around the boy and hugged him close. Arms around her waist, Shinji returned the hug.

Feeling his breath on her neck, Asuka turned her head and looked him in the eyes. Blue eyes met blue eyes as they leaned into each other, just as before, coming closer for the kiss. This time, though, there was no interruption, and the pair kissed

The first time they kissed, Asuka had been holding Shinji's nose, making him suffocate, and neither of them could enjoy it. This kiss was different; it was not from boredom, but from true love. And as they kissed, neither noticed that their mental bonds disappear. In effect, it may not have gone at all, as they were bonded by love.

After a few minutes, they pulled away from each other. They still held onto one another as they caught their breaths.

"That was nice"

Shinji nodded his head in agreement; he had enjoyed it as much as Asuka had. They both knew that the spell was broken, but in their souls, they knew that they would always be bonded by love. For the rest of the dance, the two were outside, holding each other lovingly.

Yeah, finally! They did it! Thanks for reading, R&R and I'll be back with more. Oh, and have a Merry Christmas of '06!