The Difference of an Instant

Disclaimer: I do not own Negima or any of its associated concepts or characters. However if I did, Negi would have gotten laid many times over by now.

AN: Negi will have a harem in this fic. So far the girls include (not in any particular order) Nodoka, Kaede, Ku Fei, Kazumi, Yue, Mana, Zazie, Chachamaru, Chisame, Ako, and Makie.

AN2: Anything that comes from a real source like a book or song will be written in Italics. Italics will also be used for words of extreme emphasis.

AN3: I will be removing the poll on my profile about adding two (or three depending on how the poll goes) more girls to the harem. The top two (see previous parentheses) will be added, and your choices range from the remainder of the class (Asuna not included). I will be removing it after the fourth chapter is posted, which will also contain the completed harem.

AN4: I use Takamichi and Takahata interchangeably, which ever I feel like at that point.

….

Chapter 3: Ending the Pain

….

Six days have passed since Negi began teaching the class. Using a combination of small tests, and constant repetition he started to break through the horrible grades of the self proclaimed Baka Rangers. It was a slow process but he was making noticeable progress. Now it was time to strike while the iron was hot and bring in a boost that would raise their grades a whole five percent.

"Alright girls, today after class I will be holding an optional tutoring session. The subjects will range from math, science, reading comprehension, writing, English, and Japanese. Now as I said this is optional though I would like to see a number of you here, most specifically the Baka Rangers" Negi said as the bell rung, letting the class free.

.…

(At the class for tutoring)

Negi looked around and smiled at seeing all who showed up. He saw Ku, Kaede, Yue, Makie, Zazie, Ako, Chizuru, Setsuna, Konoka, Akira, Madoka, Sakurako, Misa, Nodoka, and Ayaka. All of them seemed to be slightly nervous, but at the same time excited.

"All right, you all came here to be tutored on whatever you need. Now I have here a report of what each of you needs the most help in. Now this is not meant to be an embarrassment, but you must first admit your faults. You all need to improve in one way or another; even Chao who has the highest grades in the class could improve in her reading comprehension and English. There is nothing to be ashamed if you need to improve. Even I need to improve on some subjects" it was a speech meant to drive a point home. One that lit a fire in some of their hearts, an all consuming blaze known as curiosity. With that simple speech he had awakened a want of knowledge, a need to improve, a desire to better themselves. He had awakened a love of learning.

Over the course of the next five hours Negi used every trick in the book to help the girls learn. He taught them every acronym, every algorithm, logarithm, and equation he knew in math. He taught them how to write the same paragraph using different points of view, and different writing styles. In Japanese he used the same methods he taught himself, and continued with his method in English. By the end of it he couldn't have been more proud. With each section he had a mini test at the end to see just how they fared. All of them improved by a tremendous amount, at the very least seven percent each.

….

Negi awoke to once again feel arms encircling his neck and the impressive assets of his roommate press against his chest with her head nuzzling against his shoulder. He couldn't help but sigh silently in exasperation. He couldn't deny he liked Ku, but at times she seemed to suffer from a depression that was caused by something in her past. Still he would never say no to having a beautiful woman pressed against him so intimately. Unfortunately all good things come to an end, in this case from the beeping of an alarm clock startling the woman awake.

"Sorry Negi kun. I don't know why this keeps happening aru" she said quietly to his small chuckle.

"You don't need to apologize Ku chan, however you do know why it keeps happening. After all you are the one who keeps sneaking in after you think I'm asleep" said Negi with a good natured smirk. Ku Fei seemed to flinch at how easily he seemed to find her out.

"How did you know aru" she asked dejectedly.

"I told you I'm a light sleeper. The slightest thing wakes me up, and that includes my roommate slipping into my arms and nuzzling my shoulder. Ku you know you can tell me anything right" answered Negi.

"I know aru. I also know you see more than I'm showing don't you" she replied.

"I do, but I'm not going to push you for information. When you're ready you'll tell me, and I'll listen."

"It started with my family back in China. I have three older sisters who have always been…better than me. Su Mei my oldest sister was the valedictorian of her classes and MVP of her Soccer team. The second oldest Lu Rei was in the top five of her school and the star player of three different sports clubs. Finally the one closest to me in age Ju Hei the last I heard she was second in her school, the MVP and captain of her Lacrosse team, the star player of seven sports clubs, and she is also the most popular girl in school. Compare them to me aru. I'm one of the five worst students in the entire school; the only thing I'm good at is martial arts.

When I first came here I had a hard time making friends aru. Because of my trouble with Japanese people don't like talking to me. Some of them said it was like talking to a retard, how they put it aru. The only friends I made before Chao were Kaede, Yue, and Makie but that was only because of the Baka Rangers. We're not very close because of it, and I only became friends with Chao and Satsuki because we all like to cook Chinese food. None of us are really close so you can barely call us friends. I can still hear the mocking from my sisters, 'Little Ku all alone, no friends here, and nothing there,' 'Always the disappointment, no wonder mother and father want to get rid of you.'

Then there are my parents, they don't even acknowledge me. When they do it is usually with an insult aru. But then you came along. You came along and right away you were kind. You spoke to me and treated me just like everyone else. Then you stayed with me, you took away my loneliness. Even now when you know I have been purposefully slipping into your bed, and holding you as if we were lovers. Why? Why are you so kind to me" she asked as she broke down and began sobbing into his chest.

'This has gone on long enough. No one should be forced to go through that' thought Negi.

"Ku chan, you ask why I'm so kind? It's because I know your pain. I know how being ridiculed by those you care about feels. I know how it feels to be all alone. I'll never make anyone feel pain like that from me. Now dry your tears, they don't suit your beautiful face" said Negi as he gently lifted her chin and wiped said tears away with his thumbs. Gently smiling as he gazed into her Kelly green eyes (yes it is actually called Kelly green I looked it up and compared shades of green). She stared back into his chocolate brown eyes, her mouth on a small o at what she saw. They could feel a shift in the air. What they did next could alter their very destinies in a way they never believed possible.

Slowly she began to lean forward her eyes half lidded. Her breath began to labor as the distance between their faces grew smaller. Negi started forward his eyes slowly closing. They met half way, their lips gently brushing once, then again for longer, and again with more fervor. His arms encircled her waist as hers wrapped around his neck as they kissed again and he began sucking on her bottom lip.

Soon Negi took it a step further and tenderly licked her lips asking for entry. Without hesitation she opened her mouth allowing him to deepen the kiss their eyes closing in bliss. She could feel his tongue wrestling with hers sending electric arcs through her body. Then his tongue brushed the roof of her mouth making her moan appreciatively. Liking the sound he licked it again this time intentionally and with more force, making her toes begin to curl as she turned into a puddle of happy goo in his arms. When air became a necessity they broke apart a thin trail of saliva still connecting their lips. Their faces flushed and breath labored.

"That was…unbelievable" said Ku Fei after a moment.

"Yeah" and without another word they went right back to making out.

….

(Later with some of the girls)

Yuna, Akira, Ako, and Makie were using their free time before gym to have a little fun in throwing around a dodge ball. While having their fun they decided to have a talk about their favorite subject in other words Negi.

"So Negi kun has been here a week…what do you think of him?" asked Makie as she bumped the ball over to Akira.

"Well he has that kind of cute thing going for him. He really tries and actually cares if his tutoring session last night means anything" said Akira.

"Yeah he wants us to succeed and is willing to sacrifice his own time to do it" agreed Yuna happily.

"Though I really think Asuna should have been there. She needs his help the most" added Ako a bit perturbed at the hatred showed by the bell wearing girl.

"Yeah, though Negi kun did say he didn't think it would be possible with Asuna. Right from the get go she demonized him and despised him. I think he knew from how she treated him it would be difficult to impossible to help her" added Makie showing the fruits of her tutoring already.

"I think I'm happy we have him for next year. He's a teacher that would help us get into the best of schools" chirped Ako with a small blush.

"True, and as an added bonus he's reliable enough to talk to about personal problems and ask for advice" said Yuna with her own blush.

"Yeah Negi kun is like the perfect boyfriend. I think I could be a good girlfriend" said Makie her face cherry red.

"Not compared to me you wouldn't" said a voice behind them. They turned around horrified at who they saw.

"Yo-you're…" stuttered Ako frightened.

….

(With Negi)

Negi sat in the teachers' office looking over the progress reports from teachers. Many of them had exemplary remarks, congratulating him for his work, and asking him for advice on how to emulate his success. He smiled to himself at how hard his students are trying.

'They'll go far' he thought to himself.

"Negi sensei" called Shizuna from behind him.

"Ah Shizuna sensei, how are you" asked Negi.

"I'm fine, I just saw you and figured now was as good a time as any to ask if you were ready to fly solo" she asked kindly.

"That's how I usually fly…oh you mean as a teacher. To tell you the truth I've been ready since day one" replied Negi with a chuckle.

"Well that's good to know, I'm happy for you" said Shizuna as a loud crash resounded in the room. A panting and crying Makie and Ako rushed up to Negi.

"NEGI SENSEI WE NEED HELP" shouted Makie as the two girls reached him

"Please sensei use your authority" begged Ako. Up close Negi could see things that made him mad…no…he was beyond mad, he was beyond pissed, he was beyond LIVID…he was ENRAGED. Both Ako and Makie had several bruises along their faces and Ako had a bloody lip.

"What happened" asked Negi his voice infused with pure power. The three women would swear that they saw the iris of his eyes glow an unholy red.

"W-w-we were a-a-att-attacked by the high school students" stuttered Ako. It was plain to see she was more affected by the recent attack than her senseis anger, since she knew it was directed at their attackers.

"Show me" it wasn't a request, it was an order.

….

"Ha how do you like that" shouted a girl with long black hair that flowed down her back. She wore the uniform of the high schoolers and had a cocky smirk on her face.

"This isn't fair, we were just relaxing. Why are you doing this" asked Akira as she held her swollen wrist.

"Why? You ask why? It's because this is our free period and you are in the way of where we want to be" said the leader, the girl with long black hair.

"That's mean, we weren't doing anything" shouted Yuna.

"Come on, crawl little babies. Show the world that you are inferior to us" shouted the leader as she grabbed Akira by the hair and started dragging her.

"AHH! Stop let me go" shouted Akira in pain as she held her hair and tears streamed down her face.

"She said let go" Negi's voice echoed from seemingly every direction as he stormed towards them. To them it looked as if a harbinger of death was descending upon them.

"Who are you" asked one of the high school girls.

"I am the teacher of the students you are currently assaulting" said Negi as he forcefully separated the leader from Akira. She immediately latched on to him and began crying into his chest. While he wanted to be angry, his heart melted at the sight of her so broken like this. She needed his comfort more than his anger, so taking a deep breath he calmed down.

"Sensei! Thank god you're here. Please we need help" begged Yuna as she moved to hide behind Negi.

"I know. You! High schoolers! This behavior is beyond unacceptable, it is absolutely reprehensible, and I will be speaking to the dean about your actions…all of you" said Negi directing the last at the girls who were standing back.

"What! Why us we didn't do anything" shouted one of them indignantly.

"EXACTLY! YOU COULD HAVE STOPPED HER! YOU COULD HAVE TRIED, BUT YOU DID NOTHING! THAT MAKES YOU JUST AS GUILTY" shouted Negi some of his anger returning. Most of them cringed, but the leader stood her ground. During this time the rest of Negis' class gathered around them.

"Sensei, do you need assistance" asked surprisingly Mana as she moved up next to him.

"No Mana chan, thank you for asking, but no" replied Negi.

"…?" asked Zazie moving beside Yuna

"I would be appreciative Zazie chan. Please keep them safe, Makie chan is with Shizuna sensei already" said Negi as he gently shifted Akira to her taking note of her swollen wrist.

"U-u-um, s-s-s-s-sen-sens-sensei, p-p-lease be careful" said Nodoka her stutter worse than before. Now many would see that and just assume it was because of what they did to her classmates, however Negi could see something in her eyes. Something that sent warning bells in his head.

"Nodoka, would you please come here for a moment" he asked.

"Yes s-s-sensei" she asked as she stopped next to him.

"Nodoka, I want you to be completely honest with me. I cannot stress enough that your honesty is, needed" whispered Negi to her more serious than she had ever seen him. All she could do was nod.

"Are any of these girls responsible for why you are uncomfortable around men? Did any of them say or do something that gave you Androphobia" he asked in that same serious whisper.

"…No…but they d-d-did make it w-w-worse" she admitted quietly. Quelling his anger slightly he decided to follow through with his threat. He would bring them all to the dean.

"Ku chan, Kaede chan, Mana chan, Setsuna chan, Chao chan, Ayaka chan, please restrain the high schoolers. We have a meeting with Konoemon about their actions and attitudes" ordered Negi as commandingly as he could. At once said girls jumped to action and surrounded the perpetrators. They would have led them away if there hadn't been an interruption.

"Now now, Negi kun, don't you think this is a little excessive" asked Takahata with his usual smile on his face.

"Considering they attacked my students with no reason other than space I believe my actions are appropriate, Takamichi" he replied with venom.

"I'm sure you're just misunderstanding the situation. Why not let them off with a simple warning and be on your way" said Takamichi placating.

"Misunderstanding…MISUNDERSTANDING! Four of my students have been sent to the infirmary for injuries that could only be obtained by intent to cause harm. They wanted to hurt my students, and would have done much more damage had Makie chan and Ako chan not come to get me. The one who does not understand the situation is you Takamichi" ranted Negi as his patience was beginning to wane.

"Takahata sensei would know better than you. He has more experience with these things, and knows everything" Asuna put her two cents in. Most of the class flinched as a bolt of stupid lightning hit Asuna again making her speak when it would have been infinitely wiser to just keep her mouth shut. This time however instead of keeping her mouth shut another decided to intervene.

"And Takahata has a doctorate in what subject? As Negi kun has told us before there is always room for improvement and if you ask me Takahata could use a LOT of improvement" said Ku as everyone's jaw drops. The normally obliviously happy girl they all saw was gone, and in her place was this calm, collected, and apparently angry woman.

"How dare you" Asuna began, as she moved towards Ku angrily.

"I dare because I know what Negi kun went through because of Takahatas screw up. Takahata could have saved Negi Kun so much pain, but instead he caused it" replied Ku without changing her tone or posture. She was fearless in the face of a wrath that would make many a person cower. Asuna grabbed Ku by her shirt collar and lifted so they were eye level.

"Say that again. Give me a reason to mess your face up" Asuna said threateningly.

"Now that's enough both of you" said Takahata as Ku Fei moved at a speed nearly untraceable and pushed Asuna away and jumped back herself. Not even a split second later a single foot crashed into the ground in a devastating ax kick that cracked the ground from the point of impact to the full width of the path. All eyes followed the foot to its owner, one Negi Springfield.

"I'm disappointed in you both. Especially you Ku. While I am grateful you saw fit to defend me, you needn't have taken it so far. Now let's all calm down and get these high school girls to the deans' office" said Negi as he turned to see said high school girls gone.

"Umm Takahata sensei sent them off while you were scolding Ku Fei and Asuna" supplied Konoka flinching at the look on Negis face. Negi was obviously fuming, but after taking a DEEP breath calmed down considerably. Ku Fei moved next to him and set her hand on his shoulder and gave it a firm squeeze and one of her usual smiles. He couldn't help but smile back slightly.

"Alright I can't undo what Takamichi has done so we'll have to make the best of it for now. I was hoping to surprise you girls later but I'll be subbing for your next period, so go get ready" said Negi with a chuckle.

"…"

"Zazie chan, Ako chan, Makie chan, Yuna chan, Akira chan? I thought four of you would be in Shizunas' office, what do you need" he asked in curiosity. Ako and the other three injured looked down in slight shame and dejection.

"Takahata sensei came by and told us to get to class. He wouldn't even let us stay to get passes out of gym" said Yuna sadly.

"Akira can't do anything with her wrist sprained like it is, and Yuna has a sprained ankle. But the sensei is VERY strict about passes out of gym" said Makie.

"I think I can help, you just do what you can to get ready, except you Akira chan. You just sit down and relax. I'll help you when it comes to other classes" said Negi with an honest but sad smile.

"Thank you sensei" she said with her head down. Negi couldn't help but sigh. She showed classic signs of blaming herself for something well beyond her power.

…

Negi scanned the scene in front of him a scowl returning to his face. The bullies from earlier were there preparing to start their shit again. Enough was enough in his opinion, it was time to take the bull by the balls and make it submit. He stepped in-between Asuna, Ayaka, and the high schoolers in time to stop things from getting physical.

"Alright that's enough. This is twice in one day you have caused trouble for my class…IT ENDS NOW" shouted Negi startling some of them back.

"Oh and how do you propose to do that, huh? Takahata sensei will just step in like last time and-"the leader started but was cut off by Negi.

"He will do nothing, because this time I intend to deal with this as it always should have been…in MORTAL KOMBAT" he started holding up an old SNES game cartridge. His sentence finished with an echoic yell that seemed to come from everywhere, but at the same time nowhere.

"What the hell" asked one of the girls in confusion and fear.

"What you never watched the Mortal Kombat movies? I'll make this easy for you then, you each play a fight in this game against me and when you lose you will accompany me to the dean's office to face your punishment for your actions. Each one of you that beats me will get off scott free. Do we have an accord" Negi explained, as he placed the cartridge in the slot of an already set up SNES and Projector and turned on the game. Mortal Kombat flashed across the screen before it went to a character selection screen. Negi immediately chose a character dressed in black and yellow (if you don't know who this is, commit seppuku now for you have just failed at life.)

"Fine this will be over quickly" said one of the girls as she grabbed a controller and selected the only female character. She was right it was over quickly…with Negi gaining two Flawless Victories. Another stepped up to the same result. Again and again they stepped up and lost to a Double Flawless Victory, always ending with a Fatality (both extremely hard to do in the SNES version of the game, especially against another person). Finally it was down to just the ring leader and Negi.

"Alright teme, I watched you enough to learn your style. Now it's time for you to see why I'm the Regional Mortal Kombat tourney champ two years running" she boasted selecting the same fighter as Negi. He just chuckled and began the fight. It was easily the longest fight up to date but in the end the result was the same. Negi still decimated her ending with him sending a jet of flame and leaving her fighter as nothing more than a skeleton.

"Oh did I forget to mention that I was the Mortal Kombat World Champion six years running. I chose the oldest game to give myself a bit of a challenge. Looks like I win. Each of you will follow me to the dean's office for punishment" said Negi over the cheers of his own students. The other girls looked like a mixture of shame, anger, disappointment, and annoyance. They lost fair and square, and worse they couldn't dispute agreeing seeing Kazumi held up a video camera and replayed their acceptance of the deal.

Negi led all of them to the deans' office a smile on his face. Now was the time to set things right and show he is not to be taken lightly.

"Oh ho ho, come in" a voice called from behind the door as Negi knocked.

"Konoe san, I come bringing several troublemakers that have been harassing my class" said Negi formally holding the door for said troublemakers and his students.

"Hmm, I assume this is not something you feel you can deal with on your own" said Konoemon stroking his beard.

"Not while remaining objective. I would have brought them to you earlier but Takamichi seemed to think the situation did not warrant this" he responded.

"And just how can you say it does" said Konoemon slipping into full dean mode, his hands interlacing across his face.

"The sheer damage done and the intent to cause more. Makie chan and Ako chan were covered in bruises when they came to get me. When I arrived on the scene Akira was being drug around by her hair, as they taunted her and Yuna. Akira was also given a sprained wrist while Yuna sprained her ankle. If that does not indicate both actions and intent to hurt than I question your judgment" Negi replied coolly, while several girls gasped at what he was insinuating.

"I see, and just how was it you were able to round them up after Takahata interfered"

"They seemed inclined to try again during my class's gym period, one I was fortunate enough to be subbing. I hear the usual sensei won't allow you to sit out without a pass? That could have resulted in a few rather nasty breaks, considering Takamichi blocked them from getting passes from Shizuna sensei"

"I understand there has also been a slight rift within your own class, mostly between Asuna chan and the others for her attitude towards you, more specifically Ku Fei chan for defending you"

"I cannot say I didn't see it coming. I knew from how Kagurazaka san acted there would be some dissent in the ranks. I however can say I'm glad there are students who respect me enough to stand up for me"

"It was my pleasure aru" Ku interjected making some girls laugh.

"Be that as it may I'm glad you brought this to my attention"

"There is…one more thing"

"Oh, well out with it boy. Anything they did must be known so I can properly decide a punishment"

"The reason I hesitate is out of respect for the person in question. I won't use any names, but I will say these…despicable beings…mentally tortured one of my students making a fear of hers much worse than it should have been…and making my job much harder because of her fear of me"

Haruna gasped once she put the pieces together and a look of raw fury blazed to life in her eyes. She would have lunged had Zazie and Mana not intervened and held her back.

"LET ME GO! LET ME TEAR THOSE BITCHES A NEW ASSHOLE! IT'S THE LEAST THEY DESERVE FOR HURTING HONYA CHAN"

"Haruna calm down. This is a matter that can only be dealt with by going through the proper channels. I can assure you the punishment I think fits will be much worse than any physical pain" commanded Negi taking on his full sensei persona, one that demands the respect one of his position has earned.

"I will take your suggestion into account Negi kun. Now please tell me what you think is fitting"

"Expulsion and disassociation" he replied making a few who knew what he was saying gasp.

"The expulsion I am familiar with, however disassociation I have yet to know about"

"If I may sensei" Yue asked stepping up.

"By all means, please show the dean "said Negi with a smirk.

"Sir, disassociation is a relatively new addition to some Japanese school punishments. It started in England as a way to show just how far some of the students have gotten out of line. It's used most often as turnabout. Some look at it as being cruel, others look at it as being life. Simply put after expulsion the school goes a step further and denounces those expelled. Letters are written to different schools labeling the behavior of the students, most of the time ensuring they will never further their education beyond that point. In essence depending on when it happens it can make life extremely hard, or ruin it completely. However worst of all, is the sheer dishonor that comes with it. Most families are so shamed by it they disown whoever was expelled, on the spot. It's only used when someone's life has either been ruined already, or there is a great chance of it being ruined because of their actions" Yue explained for once her voice filled with a slight fear instead of the usual monotone.

"I see…Negi are you certain such a harsh punishment is required"

"Sir let me ask you this, what is the predominate gender in positions of power"

"Male of course"

"And would you not say that having Androphobia, a FEAR of MEN, would severely dampen a person's chance of doing anything in this world for a career. In a male dominated society like ours life will be exponentially harder. So to answer your question, yes I think it is fitting"

All but one of the girls was sweating bullets at hearing just what would happen, and they were even regretting their actions. Only the one seemed to be cool as a cucumber. In fact she even smirked like this was all playing into her hands. Not even three seconds later Takahata barged in a look of consternation on his face.

"Are you up to this again Negi, I thought you understood this was all a misunderstanding. 2A get back to class, you high schoolers you too" he said giving Negi an angry look. To his immense surprise however no one moved, the high schoolers because the door was blocked, and 2A because…he couldn't tell. "I thought I told you all to get back to class."

"Oh Takamichi I'm sure your just misunderstanding the situation" said Negi making several girls snigger at him throwing Takahatas words back at him.

"How so" he asked narrowing his eyes.

"There are only two instances where a student will choose to ignore an order from a teacher. One is they have a contradicting order from a teacher with more seniority, the only possibility here being Konoe san. The second is if they have no respect for the teacher giving the order, what I believe is the case here. You have the respect of only one student in 2A, that being Asuna Kagurazaka. My students will not listen to you"

"Then detention for all of you. Two days from now, the art room" he said using the only power they had to respect from him, punishment. Though it would cut into his relaxation time, he felt it would at least make them listen in the future.

"Sorry Takamichi but my students will be unable to attend your little soiree. You see every night for the foreseeable future I plan on having tutoring sessions to help my students in their problem areas. I think prepping them for the school placement test is a bit more important than your pride"

"Grr…fine then. The day after placements are announced they will serve their detentions" Takamichi stormed out of the room not even glancing at the reason he attempted to intervene in the first place.

"That was a very risky gamble Negi kun. The longer Takahata san stews over this the worse he will be when the time actually comes. He hates disobedience from a student to a teacher"

"I know Konoe san. That is why I would like you to leave all disciplinary actions to 2A completely in my hands"

"I'm not entirely sure that is a good idea, many would claim leniency and favoritism"

"Sir I can vouch for sensei he will show neither" Ayaka spoke up a serious look on her face.

"And what proof do you have Ayaka kun"

"During an altercation between Asuna and Ku Fei he scolded both without discrimination, despite that Ku Fei was defending him and is also his roommate" Ayaka explained looking Konoemon in the eye.

"I see, and how do you feel about this Ku Fei"

"While I wish I was not reprimanded, I understand that sensei has his reasons and feel shameful that I antagonized Kagurazaka san, falling to that level" she said stunning everyone that she even knew what those words meant.

"Is this the same Ku Fei, who should be in the so called Baka Rangers? Because I don't have any other Ku Fei on my register"

"Yes Konoe san, this is that Ku Fei. You know it's amazing what a person can be taught when the teacher is willing to put a little extra effort into teaching them the basics. Most of Ku chans problems originate from having problems with Japanese. Once that is rectified the rest of her grades will improve by leaps and bounds. She is smart, but some things get lost in translation"

"I see"

"Said the blind man" Evangeline interjected with a snigger.

"Oh ho ho, Eva kun seems to forget who controls her lodgings" Konoemon said a slightly sadistic gleam entering his eyes.

"Empty threat old man, empty threat"

"Umm…Eva chan it really isn't. I know for a fact that if Chisame chan hadn't offended him in her first meeting she would have gotten a single room. Instead she 's now lodging with Satomi chan" Konoka said making Eva chuckle.

"Be that as it may it's still a bluff and he knows it"

"As humorous as this conversation has become I think we have gotten a little off track. So Konoe san, have I been proven trustworthy enough to be given complete control over 2A's disciplinary actions"

"Ah of course. My decision is…"

…

(Later that night)

After another good tutoring session in which the whole class, sans Asuna, attended an exhausted Negi and Ku Fei stumbled into their room, neither in the mood to do more than eat and go to bed.

"Uhh…I don't know what to make" Ku whined from the fridge. They had the ingredients to make a number of dishes, but neither wanted to do more thinking right now.

"He he, how about you leave the cooking to me tonight Ku chan" Negi offered grabbing a few things off the shelves of the fridge and cupboards.

"I didn't know you could cook Negi kun. What do you plan to make"

"Chef surprise"

"What kind of surprise"

"As in I'll be surprised if you like it" that got a laugh out of both of them. Soon enough however Negi had whipped up a masterpiece of leftovers made into its own meal.

"This looks great Negi kun"

"Thanks, I hope it tastes as good as it looks"

They ate quickly and quietly not feeling the need to talk, just enjoy each other's company. Things felt different, but comfortable. It was like the difference between cool and warm. One feels nice in certain circumstances; the other feels nice all the time. Once they finished eating they cleaned up and looked to the beds. Again they felt that shift that told them of a life altering decision. Looking into each other's eyes they saw something lying just beneath their own insecurities. It was that…flicker of something…that set their choice. Smiling brilliantly Ku nodded and gently led him to the bed where they both stripped down to their undergarments, lay down next to each other and snuggle in close. Ku raised her head from Negis' shoulder looked him once in the eye and kissed him deeply on the lips, him reciprocating.

"Good night…Negi"

"Good night…Ku"

…

(AN: For those of you who do not get the significance of the last two lines I'll explain. There are only two reasons a person would stop using the suffix at the end of a name. 1: When the person speaking intends disrespect, such as Negi to Takahata. 2: When the speakers convey a closeness of beyond friends, usually this is reserved for spouses, fiancées, or in some cases a girlfriend or very important friend.)

…

(Next week in class)

A soft melodious tune floated in the air, sad yet at the same time encouraging. It was as if the very music itself was urging you to show your grief to the world. This sound, created from an acoustic guitar resonated from within the classroom of 2A. Here we find the sensei Negi playing the song, with a skill that is seen once every few years. He had been playing the song so long he failed to realize that his class was already seated and just watching him raptly.

Then the song changed. It was still sad, but this time telling the world of another's pain, instead of trying to reveal your own. Negi seemed to completely zone out the rest of the world as his music began to affect those listening, somehow awakening a part that some of them had forgotten or never even knew existed.

'This feeling, my chest is constricting. It is like the gears are tightening, it makes me leak fluid' thought one of the girls as she reached up and wiped coolant from her cheeks.

'Sensei…you have been through so much. That fact that you can be as kind as you are…I never knew it was possible. Money seems so…insignificant…compared to this' thought a certain dark skinned gunslinger as tears slowly carved tracks in her cheeks.

'I felt this way…when gammy and gramps died. I…wanted to stop feeling like this. Why does sensei know this feeling? He shouldn't know this…he's too kind…too emotional. But he does know it…maybe…maybe it is alright to feel' thought a blue haired bookworm as she let tears flow down her face for the first time in years.

'This pain, it…reminds me of my own. But I didn't know a man could feel like this, the hopelessness…this despair…it's greater than my own. Perhaps…not all men are bad' went through the mind of a purple haired human bookstore unashamedly letting her tears flow.

'Is this what he remembers from that day? The sorrow…the desperation…to be accepted…to be…loved? I forgot that no matter how weird a person still wants to be loved like everyone else…have I really become so callous as to forget they are human as well? Have I really become so cruel' thought our resident hacker as she violently wiped the tears from her eyes.

'The boya has been through much more than I thought. This misery…this wretchedness…rivals anything I have been through. No…perhaps…he has been through worse. I don't know if I can actually kill him. To think his own father let this happen to him" thought a blond haired chibi as a single tear fell down her porcelain face onto the desk.

The song ended with Negi opening his eyes and jumping at the sight of his class.

"Ah…Hi all I didn't expect you here for another few minutes"

"Sensei where did you learn those songs? That was…amazing" asked Misa Kakizaki her jaw nearly to the floor.

"Well in all honesty I kind of…wrote them myself"

"Whoa! Sensei what else can you do" asked Fumika stars shining in her eyes.

"Well I'm pretty good at the violin, I can play a mean ocarina, and my singing voice isn't half bad. Usually I try to avoid things like that in public though" he replied scratching the back of his head nervously. It was then the girls noticed something different about him. His hair was flowing free instead of tied in its usual ponytail. Several girls blushed at seeing the change in his looks. He looked so…relaxed.

"You'll have to play again for us sensei" Fuka cheered.

"Maybe after the placement tests are over in a few days" Negi said before a knock on the door interrupted.

"Ara ara, Negi kun, the dean wanted me to give this to you. He said something about a final test for you" said Shizuna sensei from the door as she handed Negi a letter addressed to him.

"Thank you Shizuna san, I appreciate you coming all the way down here to inform me" Negi smiled and accepted the letter. After waving good bye he opened the letter to see what his task would be. It was so simple he almost face vaulted.

Negi, for your final test you must ensure that 2A is not the worst scoring class in placements this year.

"Umm…sensei, what did Shizuna sensei mean by a final test" asked Ayaka seeing her sensei give the letter a deadpan look.

"Well, as you know, I'm not a real teacher yet only a temp. If I can pass the deans final test I will be declared a full teacher, if I fail I'll be sent back to Wales" he replied folding the paper and putting it inside his suit pocket.

"WHAT!" came the cries of half the class.

"What is this final test, beating a gang of thugs? Rescuing a hostage from dangerous situation" asked surprisingly Mana as she prepped a rifle to assist her favorite teacher.

"Ha ha oh nothing of the sort. Now settle down all of you. I don't want you worrying about this until AFTER the placement tests. I was given no time limit so I have plenty of time to make a strategy to pass. However for now I will make sure you are all prepared for the test. Please open your novels to page 233 and we will begin translating where we left off, with Kaede Chan"

"Sure sensei" she replied. Negi listened and couldn't help but smile. He was hearing less and less mistakes every day, and best of all from the worst in the class.

"Near perfect translation Kaede chan, I only notice a few grammatical errors here and there. Now can anyone tell me where her mistakes were…"

…

(With some of the girls in the bathhouse)

"Ahh this is terrible, terrible I tell you" Makie exclaimed to everyone as she rushed in.

"What's so terrible Makie" asked Konoka.

"I heard a rumor that the lowest scoring class get's broken up this year, and the five worst get sent back a grade" she cried with tears in her eyes.

"WHAT! Konoka please tell us this isn't true" begged Haruna with a pleading look.

"I don't know. I remember when I met grandpa last night he mentioned a possible punishment for the lowest scoring class…' If I can pass the deans final test I will be declared a full teacher, if I fail I'll be sent back to Wales'…OH KAMI! I know what he plans to do now" Konoka exclaimed as she remembered Negis words earlier.

"Spill it! What's going to happen" Ayaka ordered.

"Think about it. Negi sensei gets a letter from grandpa with a final test, Makie hearing about a rumored punishment for the worst class, I hear my grandpa considering it. If we score lowest Negi sensei…GETS FIRED" Konoka shrieked. Many may think she is overreacting, but she really likes Negi as a teacher. He made learning fun, and even tried more than Takahata to help them. That was a keeper in her book.

"Oh really, the pervert gets sent packing? This is like a dream come true, I'll finally have Takahata sensei back" Asuna crowed happily.

"Out of the five worst of us Asuna will drag us down the most…Ku Fei, Kaede, Makie how much have you three improved since Negi sensei arrived" Yue asked hoping they may be able to make up for Asuna if they all buckle down and work their asses off.

"I'm not sure, but I do know my test scores have gone up by 25% since Negi sensei arrived" Makie offered.

"My scores have gone up by at least 30%" Kaede said proudly.

"I improved a whopping 45%" Ku boasted happily.

"And I rose 35%. We're doing much better but we're still the bottom of the rosters. It looks like we will need IT" Yue said cryptically.

"It?" questioned Makie.

"Rumor has it that in the depths of Library Island there is a magical book that if read will make you super smart" Yue explained while sipping a weird concoction of Pineapple juice and green tea.

"Will it work" asked Ako curiously.

"It should, we just need to find it" Yue responded with a nod.

"Alright then, let's go to library island" Ku called happily.