Chapter 25: The Next Day

A/N: This is a filler, I repeat, this is a filler. Don't expect much in the way of a plot

Disclaimer: Seriously, I do not own NGE. The character in this story are my own though

Prereader: YouarenotasrandomasI

Now, on with the show!

The dance was over, and Shinji and Asuka were taking a short walk through the park together before they had to go home. They were holding hands as they did so, smiling as they entered the park.

"Did you have as good a time as I did?" Asuka asked rhetorically

"Since I spent most of it with you, it certainly was," Shinji replied

Giggling, Asuka said, "Then we should do stuff like this more often"

Smiling mischievously, Shinji said, "Like this?" and kissed her on the lips

Surprised, the red-head said after they broke the kiss, "Wow"

Running her hand up Shinji's back she asked, "When did you grow a spine?"

Turning slightly red, the boy replied with a smile, "How did you know I didn't?"

They began to tease one another playfully, stopping once in a while to just hold hands and enjoy each other's presence. After a while, Shinji took a glance at his watch and nudged Asuka

"It's getting late," he said, "Misato's going to be worried if we stay out any longer"

Pouting, she replied, "You're right"

Pulling out his cell, Shinji was about to open a portal, when they heard footsteps behind them. Pretending to be dialing a number, Shinji took a glance backwards and saw that Kensuke had come up behind them.

"Kensuke?" Shinji said in confusion, "What are you doing here?"

Pushing his glasses back up his face, the boy replied, "I could ask the same of you"

In an angry tone, Asuka said, "None of your business stooge"

"It is my business when one of my friends is holding hands with the red devil"

Folding her arms, Asuka replied, "You're just jealous that Shinji-kun has a girlfriend and you don't"

Jaw dropping, Kensuke said incredulously, "Girlfriend! Shinji, how could you?!?"

Both Shinji and Asuka were frowning as Kensuke began ranting about how Shinji was being ensorcelled by the daughter of the devil. After about ten minutes in, Asuka turned to Shinji and whispered into his ear.

"Can I get rid of him?"

Shinji replied, "Don't hurt him too much"

She pouted slightly, which didn't change her boyfriend's mind, "Alright"

Cracking her knuckle, which got Kensuke's attention, the red-head told him, "Okay stooge, you have two options. One: you go away and leave us alone. Two…oh forget the options"

The four-eyed stooge gulped as he watched her step closer, pounding one fist into the palm of the other. Not saying anything, Kensuke took off, leaving a trail of dust behind him.

Smiling now, Asuka turned back around and wrapped her arms around Shinji, saying, "Let's go home"

Smiling, Shinji pushed the portal button, allowing the lovers to go home. They entered the room, finding it dark, and walked to their room.

Being the gentleman, he opened the door for Asuka, "After you milady"

"Why thank you good sir" the red-head replied with a little curtsy

Neither of them changed, being tired from both the dance and the emotional dams broken. They gave each other one last kiss goodnight, and dropped down on their respective beds.

Unknown to them, Misato was watching them, a small smile on her face. Silently, she went back to her room, happy for her charges, but also preparing for the morning, where she'll be having a little talk with them.

Nerv

Commander Ikari was leafing through some documents pertaining to the possible Avatar, Keevan Markan. No information that Section 2 could provide was sufficient evidence that the child was one of the off reality travelers. Sighing, he placed the documents on his desk and stared off, trying to find a logical way to gain proof.

After some thinking, Gendo sat straighter as he went back through the documents. In one of the agent's reports, it was said that the First Child had been in close contact with the child. A plan formulated in his mind, and he placed a few calls in preparations.

The next day

Sunlight filtering through the window, Asuka woke up and covered her eyes against the glare. Sitting upright, the red-head rubbed her eyes as she yawned, wondering if last night was nothing more than a dream. Looking down, she saw that she was still wearing her costume, and that she was also wearing the jacket from Shinji's costume. Hugging the jacket, Asuka basked in the warmth of the memories from last night.

Shinji's bed was made, and the boy absent. Getting up, Asuka peeked out the door to see that he was coming from the bathroom.

"Ohayo, Asuka-chan" Shinji greeted cheerfully

"Guten Morgen, Shinji-kun"

Giving him a peck on the cheek, Asuka went back into the room and grabbed some fresh clothes

"You may want to share," Shinji warned her as she stepped out of the room, "Rikku's already in there"

"That's alright," she replied, "I want to talk to her anyway"

"So, anything special you want for breakfast?" Shinji asked, "Keevan's sleeping in, so I'm taking over today"

Winking, Asuka replied, "Surprise me"

With that, the red-head headed into the spacious bathroom, where Rikku was beginning to scrub her wings

"Ohayo, Asuka"

"Ohayo, Rikku," she replied as she got undressed

"From your glowing face, and the conversation I overheard, I can guess that things went well last night," Rikku said with a sly smile

Flushing a little, Asuka replied, "It certainly did. I have to thank you for your advice and support"

"You can pay me back by helping me wash my back"

"I thought you only let Iak do that," Asuka said in a teasing tone

"I do, but I kept him busy last night, so he's sleeping it off," Rikku said in a level tone

The blonde was sitting with her back to the red-head, so her smile went unnoticed, but Rikku could hear the stream of spluttering Asuka was giving. Turning around, she saw that the pilot was bright red.

Laughing, Rikku saved her by saying, "I'm only joking. Iak and I aren't like that, yet"

Grabbing a towel, Asuka began to wash herself, still red-faced as she retorted, "Oh really, then what happened last time we left you two alone in here?"

Smiling, Rikku teased, "Why, so you can try it with Shinji?"

"You're as bad as Misato," the red-faced red-head mumbled as the blonde Aerolan laughed

In the kitchen, Shinji was making breakfast, while Iak was at the table sipping tea.

"I want to thank you for your advice," Shinji said to the Aerolan

"It is no problem, so what next?"

A thoughtful expression on his face, the boy replied, "I think I'll take her out, see a movie and have dinner"

Iak nodded his agreement as he sniffed the wonderful aroma from Shinji's cooking, "French toast, interesting"

"Thanks, I thought I should try something new"

"Make sure to cook a lot," Iak said as he poured himself another cup of tea, "We Aerolans eat more than regular humans"

"I know," the boy replied, "I've watched the two of you eat, you could each easily win an eating contest"

Smirking, Iak said in a low tone, "But Rikku could cause a buffet to go out of business by herself"

"I heard that"

Rikku had entered the kitchen and had her hands on her hips as well as a mock stern look on her face

"Ohayo"

"Oh none of that, I head what you said, and if you're implying that I'm fat-"

"I would never," Iak interrupted, "You are the most beautiful woman in existence"

"I may want to argue that point," Shinji said, "I think that Asuka-chan is the loveliest"

"Aw, thanks Shinji-kun"

Asuka had heard his comment and gave him a hug and a kiss. Rikku smiled a little as she sat down next to Iak

"Love does change people," she admitted in a low tone

"It appears so, but if you tell Cupid that I agreed…"

Elbowing him, Rikku replied, "I won't"

A hand on her chin, she then said, "Now, about that comment earlier"

Breakfast was served, and the smells had woken up the remaining residents of the place. First to arrive were the ninja twins, both looking quite exhausted. Soon after, Sai made his way done, and, after piling his plate with food, went to work on his laptop, taking a bite out of his breakfast every once in a while. Coming in last, rubbing his eyes as he yawned, came Keevan, who almost fell asleep again at the table.

Once breakfast was complete, everyone sat around the table, talking about their plans for the day.

"I'm going back to sleep," Keevan said while yawning

Joining the yawn, Shara told everyone, "I'm hitting the hay too"

Sai mumbled something about work, and Iak said, "Rikku and I will be going out"

"Sounds good," Asuka said thoughtfully, "It's such a nice day out; it would be a shame to spend it indoors. How about it Shinji-kun?"

"I'd love to, Asuka-chan"

Just then, Misato and Kaji entered the kitchen, with the former looking surprisingly sober. Good mornings were said, and the pair ate breakfast as they were told what the group would be doing today.

"Sounds interesting," Misato said, "but Shinji and Asuka have synch tests today"

Pouting, the red-head said, "Why today? It's too nice to be stuck underground for hours"

Chuckling, their guardian replied, "What if an Angel attacks?"

"What attack," Keevan said in a groggy tone as he rubbed his eyes, "There won't be one for another month"

At this, Shinji and Asuka turned to their guardian, who sheepishly scratched the back of her head as she said, "Heh, wasn't supposed to let them know"

"Baka Misato," Asuka shouted, "Why the hell didn't you let anyone else know?"

Clearing her throat, Misato replied, "Well, Ritsuko, Kaji, and I were technically the only people who were supposed to know"

"Wait a second," Shinji interrupted with a thoughtful look, "how did you know an Angel is supposed to attack next month?"

The two pilots turned to face the Avatars, most of which weren't looking at them. Well, Sai was too busy on his computer to notice much, Shuri and Shara had already gone back to bed, and Keevan had fallen asleep at the table after he told them when the next Angel was to appear.

"Iak, Rikku," Asuka said in a menacing tone, "What's going on?"

Rikku looked away as she replied, "Guess the cat's out of the bag"

Turning back to the pilots, she told them, "We know when all of the Angels will attack, so we can prepare you for battle against them"

Slamming her fists into the table, Asuka demanded, "Then why the hell didn't you tell us?"

Trying to calm the enraged red-head, Misato said, "Easy, the plans were made a while ago, and we don't have to worry about it. But no one else knows, so we need to make it appear as though it could attack at any time"

Grumbling, Asuka said in a low tone, "I hate these tests"

Patting her shoulder, Shinji told Asuka, "Don't worry; we can spend the rest of the day together after tests are done, see a movie or something"

A sly smile on her face, the red-head replied, "Are you asking me out on a date?"

Flushing, the boy stammered a little before Asuka giggled and said, "I would love to"

The two smiled at each other until Kaji interrupted, "This is nice. Looks like my young ward has found her prince"

Both teens flushed as Misato got up and said in a teasing tone, "We better get going. The sooner we finish the tests, the sooner the two of you can go on your date"

There was some laughter as Shinji and Asuka turned a deep red.

Nerv

Rei and the Commander were walking through the halls of the spacious complex. The corridors were empty, and silence permeated the air between the two. It wasn't an uncomfortable one either since both of them were accustomed to it.

After a while, the Commander broke the silence by asking Rei a question, "How is school?"

"It is adequate," she replied in a neutral tone

"There have been transfers of students"

"Yes"

"Section 2 has incomplete information on them," he continued, "Do you have anything to add about them?"

The blue-headed girl was silent for a moment before she answered. She knew that she promised Keevan not to tell anyone about her unless the Commander asked. In all logical sense, Gendo did ask, but something in her made her hold back

"They are individuals who have distinct differences," Rei finally answered in her neutral tone

The Commander didn't comment, sure that Rei had said all she had. It never occurred to him that the girl would purposely withhold information from him.

"Very well," he told her, "see if you can find out more about the new students"

"Hai"

They then entered the room where they would be conducting today's synch tests. Asuka and Shinji were already there, dressed in their plug suits as they waited for them.

"About time," the red head said as she crossed her arms, "let's get this over with, I want to get out of here"

"Easy Asuka," Ritsuko told the irritated girl as she sipped her coffee, "We'll begin as soon as Rei changes into her plug suit"

Once Rei did so, the tests went underway. Gendo sat in the control chair as he watched the proceedings. Misato and Ritsuko were by the windows as they watched the kids on the screens. Each had a look of quiet concentration as the techs analyzed the data.

"Both Shinji's and Asuka's scores have risen by about two points," Maya told them after about an hour of quiet.

Checking the screen, the doctor mused for a second before saying, "Decrease depth by four points"

This went on for hours, with many people feeling bored by the quiet

Somewhere in Tokyo-3

Iak and Rikku were talking with another man in a coffee shop. All of them were wearing formal clothes and were doing an interview.

"So," the man said, "I have read your resumes and I am impressed"

"Thank you sir," Rikku replied in a flattering tone, "Does this mean we get the job?"

Smiling, the man replied, "The two of you get the job. Can you start tomorrow?"

"Of course," Iak replied in a faux cheery tone, "We're ready anytime"

"Good," the man said while getting up, "I'll see you two tomorrow"

Bowing, he left the pair and exited the building. Sighing, Iak turned to face Rikku, who had a triumphant grin on her face

"I knew we'd get it" she said gleefully

Grunting, the other Aerolan said, "Especially since you made everything up on the resumes"

Giggling, she beeped him on the nose and said, "Sometime you have to bend the truth to get what you want"

Arching a brow, Iak recited from memory, "I'm 25 years old, with a Master's degree in high school education, graduated from Todai?"

Sticking her tongue at him, Rikku replied, "Avatar's have to lie a lot during undercover missions"

"Fine," he said in a resigned tone, "We get the jobs. So are we surprising them, or telling them later?"

"Let's give them a surprise"

Now smiling, Iak asked, "Won't they hate us even more?"

"Nothing we can't handle," she replied with a mischievous grin

She giggled as Iak rolled his eyes at her statement

Nerv

The tests were finally over, and Asuka was in the showers, trying to remove the sticky LCL from her hair. She was humming as she thought of her date with Shinji. This would probably the first real date that she'd had in a long time. All the dates that Hikari had set her up before didn't count because she didn't feel anything with them.

I wonder what I should wear, she thought as she poured some shampoo onto her head

Meanwhile, Shinji had finished washing and was waiting outside the women's changing room. He was feeling nervous about going on a date with Asuka, considering that this would be his very first. While standing there thinking, Misato walked up next to him

"Why don't you go in?" she asked with a sly smile, "I'm sure she wouldn't mind"

Turning a bright red, Shinji jumped and stuttered, "M-Misato! D-Don't scare me l-like th-that"

Placing an arm around Shinji's shoulder, she said, "Oh Shinji-kun, you're so cute when you're nervous, but to the point. Do you know what you're going to do?"

Taking a deep breath, he replied, "Just to the movies and dinner after, so don't expect us back till late"

"Sounds clichéd," Misato told him, "but I'm sure she'll love it"

Shinji flushed again when she said that, at the same time that Asuka left the locker room.

"Hey Misato," the red-head said loudly, "What are you trying to do, steal my boyfriend?"

Chuckling, their guardian replied, "Just talking. Do you need a ride?"

"If it's not too much trouble," Shinji asked politely

Misato then walked down the hall, with Shinji and Asuka following behind her, hands interlaced with each other.

There we go, another chapter down. R&R and I'll get back as soon as possible