This is a MakiexAko fanfic, i.e yuri/lesbian, so if that's not your thing then don't read on. My usual style will be to run a T rated story to its conclusion and then add an M rated one-shot afterwards so that those who want to stop before the lemon can. I am definitely not the official owner of Negima! or else I'd have paired off most of the girls with each other by now ;)

Healing The Hurt

Makie and Ako sat in their room with the new school term just a few days away. Their class had returned safely, at least physically, from the magic world and Fate's plans had been averted. Now everyone was trying to adjust to life in the Old World including the start of the new school term.

Makie was doodling on her rough book; attempts at science being consumed by increasingly abstract patterns spinning across the page as she thought of new gymnastics moves. A quiet sigh from Ako brought her out of her trance and she cast an anxious glance at her roommate. Since discovering her second crush on a handsome older guy had been doomed to dismal failure Ako's mood had been very subdued. With others around she'd put on a front, but a number of times Makie had noticed her sink into this grey gloomy state as though a cold wind blew through her. This time, bored with her studies and hurting from seeing Ako in pain she decided to try and talk with her about it.

"Ako, is the whole Nagi thing still bothering you?"

Ako's eyes diverted from gazing lifelessly beyond the window to her lively companion, who had swivelled so that her legs were dangling over their study-chair arm. Makie was fiddling with a pencil in her left hand, spinning it round and round as she studied Ako's face with a concerned expression.

"Ah..." a slight blush appeared on Ako's cheeks, giving her face a trace of life. Her hair stirred in the wind and rustled about her face causing Makie's heart to skip a beat. She truly is a quiet beauty, Makie thought as her mind added angrily, and it's so unfair she's been so hurt twice! Once by a cold hurtful rejection and then from an innocent clueless guy. As much as I love Negi he is that when it comes to romance and girls; but then he's only 10 so its to be expected...But for Ako to take the hit of falling for his magically enhanced older self after her last rejection...it's too cruel!

Ako meanwhile was hunting around for some form of explanation. She'd tried really hard after discovering Nagi was Negi and that Negi, if he had feelings for anyone had them for Asuna or Nodoka, to pretend she was fine. She, after all, was the one foolish enough to fall for the alter ego of a ten-year-old kid; even if he was an exceptionally talented ten-year-old. But when she was in the privacy of her own room, or anywhere alone, she often let the mask fall; for she hadn't really found a way to deal with the pain but was too shy and proud to voluntarily share it. I assumed Makie wouldn't really notice being so light headed and cheerful...silly of me...but I can hardly lie when it's so obvious.

Finally she answered, "yeah, but its...I mean I'm over him. It's nothing like pining for him to come back because the Nagi I knew was nothing but a smokescreen."

Makie nodded encouragingly, "so...?"

"Well it's just that I feel so empty. I mean I'm hopeless. I've gone after two guys now, and you know how careful I am in choosing the right sort of guy..." Makie nodded; Ako really did ensure the guy she chose was one who was kind and funny with few bad habits. "Well having done the background work and fallen head over heels for both guys, they crushed my heart: One with patronising comments and the other with innocent deception. How can I even bring myself to trust another guy, let alone love one?" The last sentence was uttered so forlornly that it made Makie's heart ache. Ako's face fell and it was clear to Makie that she was trying to hold herself together and not cry.

Was I like this when I found out I was apparently 'too childish' to reach the gymnastics finals? I ran from everyone, because I didn't want them to feel sorry for me and see my tears, especially when I was usually so cheerful. I know what she needs right now...and it's not advice. Its what my heart is crying out to do.

Makie slipped from the chair to the floor with her usual gracefulness and tiptoed over to Ako's lower bunk where Ako was sitting. She enveloped Ako in a close embrace, drawing her friend's head to her chest.

"Makie?" Ako questioned as Makie's arms encircled her shoulders, resting beneath her light primrose hair.

"I don't know any words of advice," Makie said softly, "but you are my friend and I want you to know that I'm here for you. So if you want to cry, cry. If you want to talk, talk. Let me share your burden." As Negi and you helped me share mine and strengthened me in the past.

"Makie..." this time it wasn't a question but a whispered acceptance of Makie's offer. Slowly at first tears began to run down Ako's face and as Makie slipped down to sit beside her she sobbed the hurt from her body. Makie again brought Ako's head to her chest and ran her left hand through Ako's smooth hair. I said I'd share her burden but I never realised how hard it would be to listen to every sob and feel every shudder of pain she's been through. Tears are stinging the rims of my own eyes! Ako, Ako, Ako...we've always been good friends but I never took the time to know you better – to prevent you suffering this hurt. You've always been the one looking out for me when I fell into trouble...In the future I shall try my very best to get to know you better and look out for you!

As the thought of understanding Ako better crossed her mind it also occurred to her how natural and comfortable it felt to be holding Ako so close and how clean and nice Ako smelt – a kind of fruity fresh smell from her shampoo. I could sit like this with Ako forever...well not forever but it's so peaceful and...Rather disturbingly having Ako's body pressed up against her was making her heart race a little faster. Troubling thoughts began flashing through her mind: You like Ako don't you? Well she is cute, very cute...but she's a girl...so? It's not like boys are all that different, they've just got a dangly thing which is sooo overrated given how unimpressive Negi's looked. And girls are much, much more hygienic, sociable, soft, loving...or at least the best ones are, like Ako...

The more she thought about it the redder she started to turn, but the idea continued to grow in her mind. After all aside from Negi neither she nor Ako had found a guy pursuing a dream or goal that they could admire; so why not admire each other... but would Ako feel the same way? Well there was only one way to find out...

Ako's sobbing subsided and she slowly sat up, rubbing her eyes, but looking much better.

"Thanks Makie, I needed that."

"So have you decided what to do about dating?" Ako's face fell slightly.

"No. The crying helped with healing the wounds but it can't mend trust that easily. I still don't think I could trust a guy with my heart again – at least for a very long time." Makie sat still for a few seconds as her mind balanced on whether to gamble or not. The exhilaration of having been of help, the desire to keep on helping and the thoughts swirling in her mind dared her and she blurted out.

"Then...would you trust it to a girl in the meantime?" Ako stopped rubbing her eyes and looked stunned, as if trying to work out if Makie had actually been speaking English. Oh God what have I said! I could pretend its a joke...no! Better to try and explain things honestly.

"Umm, I mean...would you go out with me in the meantime. I don't mean we have to become intimate or anything but we just agree not to date anyone else without telling the other and until then hang out together until one or both of us find someone... It's just I don't want to see you hurt again, so I want to know you better. And I know I will never hurt you!" Makie said the last part so ferociously that Ako had to laugh.

"Well it's an odd idea. You startled me at first, but yes, I think I could quite safely trust my heart to you for now Makie." Color flooded Ako's face, "if I can't trust you, who could I trust?" Ako paused, skirting back through her memories because something was slightly ajar; finally her eyes widening as she hit the bulls eye. Makie was just starting to stand up when she said.

"You said 'I don't mean we have to become intimate...' does that mean you're open to us going beyond friendship?" 'Lesbianism' was far more open and acceptable in the wake of Konoka and Setsuna's obvious relationship, but still rather taboo outside of 3A. Makie froze and her mind told her to lie, to deny it; she could hear the weight of popular culture and family crying 'shame' and 'abnormal'. But she knew she could no more lie to Ako than she could to herself.

"I honestly don't know, Ako. I only just realised how cute and attractive I find you and so my heads rather confused. What I do know is that I want to spend time with you and be the best friend I can...I mean if you find me as attractive as a pile of potatoes then there's no problem anyway, although I'd understand if you'd rather hang out with someone 100% straight." Ako's silence hung heavy in the air and caused Makie difficulty in straightening up, her head bowed low, afraid to see what the damage was. But before she could take a step away Ako's voice stopped her.

"Makie, you truly are amazing! I know very few people who'd be so honest. I'd rather hang with you than anyone else you know, whatever the circumstances; and we really haven't done it enough of late." She rose from the bed and embraced Makie from behind.

"As for going further than friends, I can't say that I haven't had similar thoughts in the distant past, although they never really crossed my mind whilst blinded by Negi and Kisame. So let's leave that to one side for now and see how things develop as we date."

It's like a role reversal, suddenly Ako's back to being the one looking after me! And I feel so safe in these arms...I wonder if she did in mine?

"Um!" Makie replied happily as Ako released her and she spun round to face Ako.

"Well whilst we have nothing better to do for the afternoon how about we go shopping together! Terms starting next week so the chances to do a weekday shop in Nagoya will be limited pretty soon," Makie suggested and Ako nodded eagerly. All trace of sadness and sorrow gone as she busied herself to go on the trip.

The shopping trip was good fun. Ako and Makie brought a number of new autumnal clothes, and browsed countless stores. Afterwards they ended up meandering back to the station laden with bags, keeping an eye out for somewhere to stop for a drink.

"Some haul huh!" Makie exclaimed cheerfully, after the discussion over teachers and subjects had run its course. "That new store 'Primerk' was impressive! I really liked the purple top with the silver stars you got from there It really suits you."

On Makie's insistence Ako had kept the top on and had to admit it really did suit her. The streets were crowded though, so Ako had little chance to concentrate on how she looked whilst trying to weave through a sea of people and keep Makie in sight; especially hard when Makie kept veering off to check out tea shops. In the end they came across the familiar green of 'Starbooks' that beckoned them inside. They picked a table and dumped their bags before heading to the counter where they ordered milkshakes: Makie going for banana and Ako strawberry. Then they returned to their seats, tucked away in a shrubbery-surrounded corner, where they thirstily attacked their shakes.

This has been a really enjoyable afternoon, Ako thought as the drink breathed fresh life into her system. I was worried after our early frankness that there would be a lot of awkwardness but instead it was good fun...although no different to a normal trip with a friend. Is this what Makie meant earlier about 'going out' or did she mean more substantial changes?

"Umm...Makie?"

"Hmmm?"

"You know earlier you spoke about going out until we find a guy. How's that any different really to popping out to the shops as friends? I mean are there any other practical changes?" Makie finished another mouthful of banana shake and pondered the question.

"Uhhh..." To be honest I hadn't really thought this through, but there'd be little point in 'going out' if nothing at all really changed. I guess then if the aim is to know each other better then that means spending more 'quality' time together... "Well, I think the spending time together, like today, is important...but we should do so more often. Maybe we should have some times each week for doing stuff together?"

"So have some time each week set aside for 'dates' then?" Ako sought to clarify, noting with amusement that Makie went slightly red at the use of the word date. Sometimes she's so easy to tease. Not that I was joking when I earlier said I'd thought her attractive at times in the past; anyone who's seen her gymnastics routine must of! But I can't give my heart away so completely and so quickly again, even to Makie. Ack! What am I even thinking, such a ludicrous idea... But as she listened to Makie, her heart felt otherwise.

"Sure, if we have one evening a week when we're both free then we can take it in turns to organise something. Oh! And how about we take it in turns to cook tea and eat it together each evening?" Ako's face must have betrayed her doubts because Makie rushed on, "I don't mean proper cooking necessarily, even just heating up ready meals or whatever the other one wants; it's the eating together and discussing the day that's important." Makie had become so enthused all of a sudden that a smile subconsciously lit up Ako's own face. Makie's ideas weren't half bad either.

"I'm up for that," Ako replied. "I can draw up a schedule for meals. 'Date' wise I think all day Sunday, or Tuesday or Thursday nights are best for me as I have football practice on Wednesday and Friday and usually a match on the Saturday."

"I'm free Thursday, but not Tuesday as I have gym practice and I often have competitions on the Sunday so shall we agree on Thursday night?"

Ako nodded and so Makie pulled out a coin.

"Heads or tails?" Ako was momentarily confused,

"Tails." The coin shimmered as it spun in the air before landing in Makie's palm.

"Tails it is. Then it's your turn to arrange something for next Thursday then." Makie saw Ako's face fall slightly as Ako started to worry about what to do. "Oh and Ako..."

"Yeah?"

"There's one golden rule – don't worry! I'm pretty sure we'll have some failures of evenings but it's the person I'm with, not the evening, that I'm giving up the time for...and the last thing I want is for her to be worrying."

"Mmm, okay," Ako said happily as they began gathering up their stuff. Today she's been constantly looking out for me, and has been so fun but also kind and thoughtful. How did I miss all this stuff before? I guess its more that before we would try and solve everything ourselves without talking things through, as though a wall divided our private lives from each other; somehow it feels like a very fragile wall indeed right now and...I like it.

They left Nagoya and headed home on the train. A glorious orange sunset swept through the window upon their slumbering forms; lighting up their faces as if a new hope, life and purpose shone within.