Negi's summer 'vacation'

Negi: Now that that's decided, I suppose class is really dismissed. I'll see all you girls tomorrow.

Everyone in class except Negi and Asuna shuffled out, angry or depressed.

Yue: I thought Nodoka had this one in the bag.

Fuka: I can't believe Asuna gets Negi-kun! It's so unfair!

Fumika: I always knew Negi-kun and Asuna would be lovebirds someday.

Asuna: WE ARE NOT LOVEBIRDS!!

The twins ran out shrieking at the terrible monster Asuna reminded them of.

Asuna: Little brats. Speaking of which...

Ayaka: I bet you think this is funny, don't you?

Asuna: Oh, you mean because I won a date with the boy you like? Or maybe because after what you said earlier you have to eat crow?

Ayaka: Very funny, bells! If you so much as touch professor Springfield, i'll...!

Asuna: Chill out, will ya? I'm not gonna touch him. I'm just gonna find out where he's been and then throw him back to you wolves.

Ayaka: What?! You've been given a date with Negi-sensei and all you're gonna do is ask him where he's been!? Are you insane or just a lesbian?

Asuna: I AM NOT A LESBIAN!!

Ayaka: I knew it.

She chuckled as she strolled out, winking at Negi as she went through the door.

Ayaka: When you get tired of the creature from the orange lagoon, like I know you will, give me a call.

Negi: O..k.

Asuna growled as she simultaneously heard Ayaka hit on Negi and got the insult she walked into when she said 'im not a lesbian!' She relaxed when she heard Negi stammer near her.

Negi: I um...I don't know exactly how to do this, but i'll try. Asuna...do you want to...go out with me tonight?

Asuna paused then laughed.

Asuna: No.

Negi: NO!?

Asuna: No. Didn't you hear me earlier? I'm not interested in dating you. I'm just trying to find out where you went and why you look older. After that, I'm giving you to 'bookstore'. She actually seems to want you, for some reason i'll never understand.

Negi: Oh...I see.

Asuna: Don't tell me you're disappointed. Nothing personal, but you know i'm saving myself for Takahata.

Negi: Yes, I know.

There was a long silence.

Asuna: So...?

Negi: So what?

Asuna: sigh Where have you been and why do you look older? Try to keep up with the conversation, Springfield!

Negi: Oh, right. Well it will be much easier to explain since you know i'm a wizard already. You see, i've always liked you girls, but I couldn't help feeling like you all looked down on me because I was so much younger than you all. It sometimes seemed like I was more of a little brother or something than your teacher. So, over the summer, I climbed the World Tree and put myself into a trance that accelerated my growth. Between the last time anyone saw me and yesterday, I aged three years. Now, i'm the same age as all of you girls, so I should start being treated as an equal.

Another long silence. Then Asuna thunked him on the forehead.

Asuna: You dope.

Negi: Ow! Asuna, what was that for?!

Asuna: We DID treat you as an equal! You weren't like a little brother, you were our friend! I can't believe you didn't realize that. I thought you were some sort of genius!

Negi looked at her, saying nothing. She sighed and picked up her bookbag. As she walked out the door, she stopped but didn't turn.

Asuna: Still.....it's...good to have you back.

She left before the words registered in Negi's ears.