I do not in anyway own any content related to Mahou Sensei Negima, this is a fan made story
Secret Santa
It was a Friday, and the morning was filled with a blistering cold breeze, mainly because it was December, and we all know what comes at December…winter. Tree's were dull with brown branches sticking out, making the area seem rather ugly, and the limited amount of flowers that remained didn't help. It was as if December was he worst month of the year, but there was one thing they completely falsified that statement, Christmas. Where families would come together and exchange gifts of love to others, completely forgetting the horrific weather outside.
The greyish blur of the outside smeared through the window, slightly dimming up the occupied room where three girls and one childish boy slept. They all comfortably rested, enjoying the warm bask of warmth that covered them like a blanket. Only when the loud infuriated buzzing sound that surrounded them like a swarm was there slumber disturbed. It was Natsumi's alarm clock, tingling with excitement as the annoying vibrations madly shuffled it across the desk it sat upon.
Natsumi, who's head was firmly laying against the soft pink pillow, drowsily opened one eye. It uncoordinatedly blurred her image, lightly restoring itself back to normal as her pupil readied itself, faintly swiping away the blurriness like a window wiper and allowing her to spot the ringing clock which continue to blast out the same annoying rhythm of buzzing, echoing around her ear. Quietly sighing, Natsumi dragged her head along the soft fabric, brushing her red flowing hair against the pillow as it slipped of the edge while she pulled her head up. She felt light headed, as if on some kind of medication, the usual awakening affects she received…
Only slightly leaning up, Natsumi tiredly slipped her arm out from under the covers, outstretching it and patting her arm along the dusty desk. Eventually, she interacted with the clock and hazily felt around for the button, taking her time before pushing hard again the small round off switch where the ringing stopped, something that drastically relieved her. Using the same arm, Natsumi proceeded to retreat her arm towards her open eye, where they both connected. Wiping her eye as If she had a tissue, she wearily smudged away any yellow crusty sleep that hid itself in the corner of her eye, flicking it away and clearing her sight further.
While doing so, she used her concealed arm to push herself further up, raising her upper torso until she leaned her back against the wall for support. She was now fully awake, giving her the opportunity to perk up as she hoped that her desire had come true. Excitingly turning towards the window to the left of her, Natsumi's eyes widely opened while examining the outside. It was bright and seemingly colourless, bringing Natsumi's cheerful smile down to a frown of disappointment as her hope for snow didn't come.
"Oh…well…maybe tomorrow" she thought, staying positive.
With that out of the way, Natsumi turned to the right, where Kotaro was astonishingly still slouched along the couch, sleeping like the child he was. His hair was frizzy from how he slept, and his deep exhales could be heard from miles away. Natsumi nervously scratched the freckles on her cheek, wondering how on earth she was going to get him awake for school if the alarm clock couldn't get the job done…
Sliding her legs along the springy mattress and revealing her turquoise nightwear, Natsumi hopped out of bed, ready to start another long day at Mahora Academy. She looked down and watched her bear feet slump onto the red carpet, and then looked back up to witness Chizuru walk out of the bathroom, already fully dressed and looking completely refreshed. Unlike Natsumi, Chizuru somehow manages to wake up at unrealistic times without disturbing anyone…it was a mystery really, Natsumi was usually a light sleeper…and Kotaro…well, even he can't fend for himself against Chizuru's orders, which come in handy quite a lot when waking him up.
She wore the usual Mahora uniform, and it fit her perfectly. Chizuru swung her hips about as if happy, but that was just a usual stance for her as she looked over at Natsumi, giving her a sweet smile as both started up a conversation.
"Good morning" smiled Chizuru.
"Ah, good morning…you're up already?" replied Natsumi, relatively surprised.
"Uh huh, I like to prepare ahead, just in case" answered Chizuru.
"What about Ayaka? Is she awake yet?" asked Natsumi.
"Hmm? Oh, yes, I think she left early…something about Negi sensei and setting up a fun activity".
Natsumi flinched "Negi and Ayaka?" she raised her eyebrows with suspense "activity?".
"I'm looking forward to it, she mentioned that it would be revealed once school starts" Chizuru redirected her sights besides her, looking down at Kotaro who looked rather…unpleasant "speaking of school" winked Chizuru.
Swaying herself around the couch, Chizuru knelt down, lowering herself to Kotaro's height where there faces were inches away from each other. The sight caused Natsumi to flinch for a moment while she jolted up, as if offended by Chizuru's close encounter. The only problem was, she didn't know why. She gulped hard, afraid that Chizuru may do something…inappropriate. Then she remembered that Chizuru was more of a motherly figure towards Kotaro, and would never do such things to him…which brought up the question, why as she still reacting like this? It's not as if she has feelings for the boy or anything…yes, that would be preposterous! The thought caused Natsumi to nervously laugh as she hinged herself away from the bed, slyly side stepping across the room to get a better angle of what Chizuru was doing, still unaware of why…
Tilting her head as if examining him, Chizuru continued to smile as she admired Kotaro's adorableness when asleep, but over sleeping on a school day was certainly something she had to take into action. Taking a deep breathe in, she began to speak.
"Koottaarooo" her voice stretched itself out "either you wake up, or consequences are going to be made…" warned Chizuru, still sweetly toning her voice.
Immediately, Kotaro's eyes sharply opened as if it were his instincts. The sight of Chizuru up close startled him as he gasped, sinking his head further back into the worn down pillow while he seeked some space between them. Although, he still showed signs of tiredness as he slurred his words, unwilling to remove his head from the pillow while doing so.
"Uhh…w-what's going on?" mumbled Kotaro, slowly feeling his eyes become heavy as they sunk back down again.
The bags under his eyes were easily visible as they overlapped each other. Chizuru hates it when Kotaro's goes to sleep late at night. For a boy his age, he really should gain much more sleep.
"It's time to get up" Chizuru smiled again, attempting to comfort Kotaro "We have to leave for Mahora soon".
A long groan released itself from Kotaro's mouth as he frantically blinked with annoyance. It was time to get up already? It didn't feel like the time to get up, nor did he feel like getting up. With ignorance, he pulled the pillow he laid on away and pummelled it into his face, where he attempted to hide away his daily routine…and because Chizuru was bound to be staring at him with those manipulative eyes that even he couldn't resist. The pillow became warm as it absorbed the air he exhaled into his…eventually he was going to have to remove the pillow, which agitated him the most.
Chizuru simple giggled, turning back to Natsumi and giving a satisfying nod "He'll be ready soon" notified Chizuru "Trust me" she grinned.
Although relived, Natsumi wondered why Chizuru was so determined with informing her with Kotaro. Sure, they travelled together, but would it really be that different without him? She make's it seem llike nothing exciting would happen if he wasn't there. Truth be told, they do have some fun moments...but still…
"G-Good…I suppose I better get ready" suggested Natsumi, trembling her voice around.
The freckled girl majestically turned and walked over to the bathroom, quickly passing through the doorway and shutting the white door with a loud slam, as if embarrassed by something. She never took long, and Chizuru knew this, which settled her in to the fact that Kotaro was the one who would be holding them up. It was really a daily routine for them, getting Kotaro up and ready…he really was a child.
"Come on Kotaro" Chizuru patted his shoulder while turning "it's the last day" comforted Chizuru, thinking that his childish instincts would confirm the statement as a good thing.
Pushing herself back up, Chizuru strolled over to the TV, hoping that the sound would cause Kotaro to crawl out of his mood into a much more positive person. Lightly pressing the button, the screen flashed onto the news, where she gazed at the weatherman who was wearing a blue jacket and black trousers, like they usually did. It seemed rather interesting, causing her to remain silent as she listened.
Still on the couch, Kotaro tossed the pillow to one side. Right after, he let out a long yawn, opening his mouth wide and revealing his savage teeth that looked quite unnatural, but at least clean. Being himself, he didn't bother covering his mouth up, mainly because Chizuru wasn't looking and Natsumi wasn't in the room, allowing him to do it freely without bother. He slithered his back up against the sofa, pulling himself up and getting a better view of things as they light shining through the window hazardly stung his eyes, which he grunted at with annoyance while swiping at the light with his hands.
"Oh dear…" suddenly panicked Chizuru.
Kotaro didn't respond at first, but rather ignored the sudden comment as he rubbed the back of his neck with soreness…a couch wasn't the best place he had slept before, but it was good enough for him. A short while later, he looked over to Chizuru who had a worried expression on her face, one that he hated seeing. Clearing his throat, he attempted to act polite and check up on what was wrong.
"What's the matter?" croaked Kotaro, still unaware that he looked completely ridiculous with his frizzled hair sticking up, as if he had been electrocuted.
"According to the weather" she turned to Kotaro "It's not going to snow around here".
"Uhh…" he tilted his head with confusion "Is that bad?".
"Unfortunately yes, Natsumi has been looking forward to snow all year, she absolutely loves it. Her hope is always raised in December since it's most likely when snow will come" sighed Chizuru.
"Oh…" Kotaro felt guilty now, and he didn't even do anything! "isn't that a little unfair on her?".
"It is…I don't know how I'm going to break it to her" frowned Chizuru.
"I-I'll do it…I mean…if you want me to. Later on today, when schools over" offered Kotaro.
"I don't know…it's uncertain on how she'll react" replied Chizuru.
"Nah, I can take a few tears or…whatever girls do when there sad. Just leave it to m-".
Before Kotaro could finish his sentence, the bathroom handle jerked down and quickly opened, followed by Natsumi who looked bright and cheerful. She swiftly walked out, reflecting her beauty towards Kotaro who stuttered at the sight of her, completely forgetting what he was going to say as his jaw mildly opened, he was completely overwhelmed with confusion to what was happening and why.
Natsumi's eyes met with his for a few moments as both remained silent, waiting for one another to speak.
"K-Kotaro…" Natsumi tried to break the silence "shouldn't you be getting ready?" asked Natsumi.
Kotaro ambitiously shook his head with concern, trying to regain his senses.
"Uh…sure…I guess" Kotaro replied, turning away and pushing himself off the couch.
The sky was one big ocean of light, beaming down onto the surface of Mahora Academy and scorching the area with light that revealed the beauty of the school. Brown pathways were patterns, swirling around the school with gracefulness and creating an admirable scenery of bushes that planted themselves throughout the outside area, brightening up the colour with natural purity from mother earth.
Class 3-A were all seated, quietly talking amongst themselves as they awaited for the arrival of there teacher, Negi. Gossip of Negi's event had been spread around the class quicker than anyone had expected, and Ayaka could thank the twins for that, since they pleasantly listened in on there conversations without permission. Although it wasn't clear, it certainly had something to do with Christmas, and that was enough to get everyone…well, almost everyone excited.
Without hesitation, the door slid open, making a shrieking sound while doing so as it opened faster than usual. Instantly after, Negi dashed through, looking extremely enthusiastic as he had a rough looking box under one arm. Happily trotting along the floorboards, Negi reached his desk and carefully placed the box on top of it. He turned, where he experienced the usual respects from his class once Nodoka called out to them, referring to "Stand!" and "Bow!" in her sweet, nervous voice that even had Negi lost for words.
The class fell silent as they sat back down, eagerly awaiting Negi's first comment in which they hoped would reveal the event. He looked cheerful, swaying his eyesight from one side of the room to the next as he studied his class, seeing who was in and who wasn't. Fortunately for him, everyone was in, which was a substantial surprise to him.
"Perfect!" he smiled, leaving the class to ponder his response.
Each student glared at him, desperate to find out what devious event he was preparing to unfold. Looking back to the box, then to the class again, Negi rearrange his glasses, cautiously sliding his finger along his nose and pushing the specs further up until they were in a good position again. It was tempting to just shout at him, but neither of the students…well, apart from Evangeline, would want to do it.
"Good morning everyone!" cheerfully shouted Negi "I trust that you are all wondering what the box is for?" he asked.
There was no response, but that usually meant yes either way to him.
"Starting today, each of you are going to be assigned a Secret Santa" his grin grew wider "This means that whoever is assigned to you, some kind of gift must be offered to that person to show your Christmas spirit. I request that everyone participates , including me, by coming up one by and picking a name out of the box" explained Negi.
Expecting a tidal wave of cheers to slam into him, Negi patiently waited as the class remained silent, some looking back and forth between one another as other just continued to stare at him. It was awkward at first, revealing a fun activity and not receiving anything in return. It was as if they didn't like the idea…but…surely that wasn't the solution?
Before anyone could react properly, a voice appeared beside Negi. It withered across the room like an echo, probably because it was so quiet, but the voice was familiar and recognisable. Negi didn't even have to turn straight away before realising who it was. In the doorway, slouching one arm against the door as he leaned on it while he dug one hand deep into his black jacket was Kotaro, looking much better than before.
"Sounds fun, mind if I join in?" grinned Kotaro, obviously interested in receiving a present.
Most of the class unnoticeably turned there heads, all staring at him with obsession as they wondered how Kotaro was getting away with not being put into a class yet. Sure, it was an all girls school, but it was no good if he received no education what so ever.
"Ah, Kotaro!" plumed up Negi, thankful for Kotaro's response "sure, go ahead" he smiled.
With or without permission, Kotaro strolled in, slumping himself over Negi's tidy desk and narrowly avoiding crushing the box full of names. "So…I just need to enter my name or something?" Kotaro dully asked, not seeming bothered.
"Yes, go right ahead" answered Negi as he turned to the class "So, what do you all think?" he questioned the girls.
Unexpectedly, before any of the other girls could give their opinions, Evangeline's voice was heard, calling out to Negi in a harsh way as she found the idea rather repulsive.
"I do hope you didn't put my name in there boy…" she flicked her hair over her shoulders as she continued "I hate being involved in these events and you know it" she growled.
Negi silently gulped, rapidly rubbing the back of his head with nervousness as faint laughter escaped his quivering lips. "U-Uh…well…about that" stuttered Negi.
"You did…didn't you?" her hand clenched into a fist "Bah! Then I demand that whoever receives my name to tear that piece of paper up, because I am not willing to participate!" exclaimed Evangeline.
"I, on the other hand!" Ayaka's high pitched voice completely took over as she jolted up, quickly defending Negi as she gazed at him with lustfulness "think that this is a great idea, and will happily join in" she smiled.
One by one they all began to interact, becoming more positive over the idea. The truth was, almost all of them were excited about it, but as usual, neither of them were prepared for the idea and had no idea how to respond at first, cresting the awkward moment that had Negi in the nervous mood he was in.
Once entering his name, Kotaro nudged Negi, giving him the thumbs up that everything was ready. Negi simply smiled and nodded, offering the open box to Kotaro as he awaited his pick.
"Go ahead Kotaro" said Negi.
Hesitant at first, Kotaro looked up at Negi, watching his eyes flare up with exhilaration while pushing the box closer to him…Negi really was looking forward to the results. Looking back down at the box, Kotaro slithered his concealed hand out of his jiggered pocket, hovering his palm over the table until it slyly moved up and curled itself into the box. His hand rustled through the small bits of paper, digging it deeper into the bottom until his finger gently closed, pinching the flat material and pulling it out of the box.
The piece of paper was folded up, slightly creased from the way Kotaro had gripped it, but still in tact. Raising it so that it was inches away from his face, Kotaro used his over hand to grasp the corner of the folded paper where he slowly pulled it open to reveal an easily recognisable name written in red ink. The name forced Kotaro to raise his eyebrows with surprise, he never expected to pick this girl…
Completely ignoring Negi, Kotaro twisted himself where his eyes once again met with the girl he had picked, and her eyes looked back, where he saw how fascinated she was to the idea. Gullibly, he smirked, quickly waving the piece of paper about as his dehydrated lips trickily opened.
"Yo, Natsumi, I picked out your name!" admitted Kotaro, unaware that telling her was completely the wrong thing to do.
Natsumi flinched with suspense, as if being knocked back by something as he glistening red hair shovelled itself over her shoulders uncontrollably while she shivered…Kotaro…her Secret Santa!
"W-What!" shrieked Natsumi, slightly tentative at Kotaro's comment.
It's not that she didn't hate hm for picking her…it was just rather coincidental…that earlier this morning neither of them could act normal around each other, and now…he's going to get her a present of some sort?
Negi quickly intervened, slightly mourned that Kotaro ruined the game a little.
"Uh…Kotaro. You weren't suppose to tell her that. It kinda provokes the word 'secret' in Secret Santa" notified Negi.
Now only realising what he had just done, Kotaro twitched with annoyance as he turned back to Negi, regretting his decision to join. "Oh…" he turned back to Natsumi "I guess I ruined it for you…I'm sorry…I guess" apologized Kotaro.
Natsumi remained silent as she watched Kotaro lean his back against the closest wall and look down with embarrassment. She wanted to comfort him, she really did, but was unsure on what to say. It took a few moments, but she finally replied.
"Kotaro…I-I'm glad it was you" revealed Natsumi.
His ears perked up, allowing Kotaro to change his mood from sad to relieved as he watched Natsumi quickly hide her face. Did she really just say that! Who says that to the boy pretending to be your younger brother in front of everyone! It was a complete disaster in Natsumi's eyes as she felt sceptical about being around him now…at least, while around the others.
Taking turns, each of them took a name from the box and learned of there assigned student. Most took the name without hesitation…where as others were a lot more tense to who they would receive. One of those students was Nodoka, who trembled closer to the desk where the sight of Negi made her stutter. She nervously turned her head to one side, attempting to keep her loving thoughts about Negi to a minimum, but it seemed almost impossible as she heard Negi's voice call out to her.
"Let's see who you get Nodoka" smiled Negi.
Oh that smile…she could barely resist his charming attitude, it was one of the things that made her lose complete control of her senses as they wildly went mad with shyness around him. She looked back over to Negi, where her eyes remained drawn to his appealing looks. Like always, her emotions were ready to explode while she drastically reached into the box, letting out quiet whimpers of worry. Pulling the name out, Nodoka timidly opened the folded up material. One eye tightly shut itself as the other peeked at the name, immediately forcing her to sharply open both eyes wide as the piece of paper swooped down into her lap, where she began to heavily breath.
"N-N-Negi sensei…I…I chose Negi's name" thought Nodoka, both hands connected as they unsteadily shook by her hip, holding the now crumpled up piece of paper close as if it were something special. Her head tilted down as her face blushed a burning red.
It was a startling discovery. The one she had powerful feelings for was now depending on her to find a responsible gift to give, in celebration of the holiday. It was the last thing she had expected, and was certainly shocked when Negi's name was unravelled. She slightly smiled…the thought of giving Negi a gift was…reassuring…maybe it would somehow bring them closer?
Then, slowly lifting her head up back with shyness, Nodoka noticed Negi looking back at her with a comforting smile, as if he knew that Nodoka had picked him. His expressions were soothing, sending Nodoka into a trans as she admired him further, reminiscing her own thoughts of the past moments that they had…including the kiss during the festival. That special…passionate kiss…she would love to do it again, but the time was never right…not like before.
Regaining her senses, Nodoka returned to her normal self, becoming slightly sceptical at Negi who continued to look back at her, slightly making Nodoka uneasy as the connection of essence between both of them slowly became tangled, unable to resist one another.
Slowly stumbling away, Nodoka managed to respectfully turn away, quickly rejoining Yue and Haruna who patiently waited for her, desperate to learn who she picked. The three made a triangle, huddling around each other so no one else could interfere.
"Who'd you get Nodoka?" grinned Haruna.
"Ah! N-No one…" stuttered Nodoka.
"Come on Nodoka, it can't be that bad" interrupted Yue.
Nodoka knew it wasn't bad, but revealing something so…personal, could lead to trouble, especially with Haruna around.
"W-Well…" Nodoka looked down, squeezing her hands tighter together as her eyes glistened. She watched her hands crumple up as they firmly laid against the surface of her skirt, shaking with alarm "N-Negi s-sensei" her voice turned into a whisper that lightly withered around.
"Really? That's a coincidence" replied Yue.
"W-W-What do you mean?" stuttered Nodoka.
"I mean, you and Negi. This is a good opportunity to improve your relationship with him" informed Yue.
At that moment, Haruna wrapped her arms around Nodoka and Yue's necks, pulling them all closer together as a devious smile planted it self across her face. Nodoka knew that smile…and it was never good.
"And I know just what to do" grinned Haruna.
Meanwhile, Mana calmly escaped her desk, pushing herself against the wooden surface and straightening up as she overlooked the students, being one of the tallest girls there. Without looking bothered, or pleased, Mana made her way over to the box being one of the few students who still needed to pick a name. Much like Setsuna, Mana mostly kept to herself, being rather quiet an intentionally staying out of people's way to avoid contact.
Screeching to a halt at the desk, Mana had the usual blank expression on her face as she looked down at Negi, who now looked rather concerned as Mana noticed the small piece of paper. Keeping her head still, Mana stretched her eyes over to the box where she witnessed two pieces of paper left, each one with a name written on it. Looking back at Negi who was now looking up at her, she managed to pull a smile before speaking.
"Are you ok, sensei?" asked Mana.
It was an unusual question, one that caught him off guard, causing him to recoil himself as he thought of an answer.
"I'm fine…well…shall we pick your student?" replied Negi with another question.
Nodding, she reached out, grasping one of the remaining papers and slowly pulling it towards her. Without warning, Mana sloped her hand into her pocket, dropping the piece of paper and leaving her hand to sink deeper into the blanket of warmth. Then, she turned her back to Negi, making her way back over to the desk while leaving the name unread, as if it were a game to her.
That left one name, and one student remaining. The name was unknown…but the student was the swordsman herself, Setsuna, who was willing to go last so that she would avoid any collisions with other students racing to be next. She leaned against the patterned wall with her eyes closed. Her arms crossed over each other as one finger tapped itself against her skin, making it obvious that she was waiting. Comprehending the fact that she was next, Setsuna pushed herself away from the wall, approaching the troubled Negi and giving him a respectful nod as a sign of friendship before taking the last name.
Using both hands to open it up, only one thought came to her mind when she saw the name.
"Ojou-Sama…" thought Setsuna.
Here's the first chapter of my christmas story.
I found this chapter rather dull and not very enjoyable, mainly because I hate writing openings and similar things like that. So I apologize if the first chapter has made you uninterested in the story. I promise that the next 3-4 chapters will be about the three couples I'm writing about. Each couple will have there own chapter in which I explain how they prepare for the day ect and the romantic experiance they will recieve with each other.
I will be very grateful for reviews that could tell me whether they have a different opinion on this chapter, it will most likely make me more comfortable with the work I believe to have not been my best.
Any reviews will be appreciated!
Thanks for reading!