Chapter Thirty-Seven

Eh? Next move? Me?!

"They're at it again," whispered Fuka, glancing from beneath the covers. Next to her, Fumika was staring at the bed above.

"So? It's probably nothing…"

"Fumika, they…" Fuka's voice trailed off.

"What is it?" yawned the younger twin, trying to stay awake.

"They're…kissing!" answered Fuka, barely suppressing a yelp of surprise.

"Big deal so they're kiss-" replied Fumika, stifling another yawn before realizing what she just heard. "Wait, what?!"

"Look!" hissed her twin, pulling the covers up slightly higher to reveal the scene in front of them. The twins goggled at what they saw. Kaede and Luke were sitting on the couch, kissing. It wasn't particularly passionate, more like…innocent. The Narutaki's shared a glance and giggle as the pair broke apart, Luke's face one of shock mingled with pleasure, and Kaede's one of victory. A soft silence filled the room, the twins waiting with baited breath for the next move.

"Ahem…well…this is awkward," said Luke, almost immediately regretting his choice of words. Smooth move Romeo.

Kaede simply raised an eyebrow and smiled. "You really don't know how to go on from this do you de gozaru?"

"Hey! This is a new experience for me, so how am I supposed to know what's next? You're the first girl I've kissed…that I remember," he added as an afterthought.

She laughed softly, standing up. "Well, then I'll leave you to work something out by the end of today." She turned and went into the bathroom, smiling broadly, leaving behind a seriously confused youth.

Alright…what the hell is going on? First of all that talk, and then… a goofy grin plastered itself on his face before he shook himself. Let's not dwell on that. But honestly, what is with this girl? Being so forward like that…that's not exactly normal…

But since when has anything in this academy been remotely like normal?

Luke found himself smiling again. Life in Mahora had just gotten better.

Morning came, illuminating Mahora like a treasure. The autumn leaves shone gold and the water glittered as if diamond. But as always, there was one place were the joyous light was denied entry.

Izashima's shop.

The blinds were drawn, and the musty darkness seemed to shift around lazily. Behind the counter, Makoto Izashima was carefully studying a card by the light of a single candle. He was looking past the card, into the past. A past in which he had been just another partner, another warrior bound to a mage. Life had been much simpler back then. None of this secrecy, hiding the truth for the greater good.

He sighed heavily. He was getting old. Encountering Luke had finally made him realize that. This was no longer his time. He no longer had a purpose. And so Makoto Izashima wiled away his days running a magical shop stocking everything one could ever need. His time had passed. And he was grateful for that. He threw the pactio card down onto the counter and snuffed out the lonely candle.

"Morning Sir!" reported a cheery voice.

Izashima's eyes flew open, and he looked to the door with a smile on his face. "Morning Luke. How are you?"

"Fine, fine," said the youth, happily humming to himself. He strode over to the counter and dumped his bag in the usual spot before striding over to the windows and opening the shutters.

"You're in a good mood today," continued Izashima slyly, peering over the top of his glasses at the blonde boy.

"Oh, am I?" replied the boy, walking back to the counter.

"Alright, what happened?" asked the old man with a grin. "And don't leave out any of the sordid details."

"Sir! It's not like that! I swear!" cried out Luke, turning red. "It was just a kiss! That's all!"

The elderly shop keeper threw his head back and laughed heartily. "Well it's about time! Honestly, with all the girls here one would be spoilt for choice, and yet you took your time!"

Luke was now face down on the counter groaning. "Sir, why do you always do this? Would it kill you to do something normal? Like a crossword or something…"

His employer scoffed. "And where's the fun in that? Now come on, who was it?"

He was answered by silence.

"So it was Miss Nagase after all. Heh, should've known. You two hit it off pretty well from what I heard…"

"Heard?! From who?!"

"Three names. Three guesses," replied Izashima cryptically.

Of course, Luke jumped to the right conclusion. "Mahora cheerleaders, right? Sir, you really need to find a better source of information."

The man shrugged in response. "All information is good information."

Luke stared at the man before groaning again and collapsing onto the counter. "Instead of making fun of me, why not help me out here? I need to make the next move apparently…"

"Oh, that's easy. Tell her you love her."

"…why do I even bother?"

"Not just like that, it has to be a special moment," continued Izashima, stroking his stubble.

"Yeah, I figured. Though I doubt that's the right thing to do…"

"What?! Luke, listen-"

"Do I have to?" countered the boy, his vice muffled by the counter.

WHAM

"Listening!" continued Luke, his head jerking up.

"Look, do you like her?" asked the elderly shop keeper, leaning down and glaring into the boy's brown eyes.

"Erm…y-yes."

"Do you like being with her?"

"Perhaps…"

"Luke?"

"Alright, I do."

"Do you think you could live with her?"

"I already do…"

"You know what I mean."

"…yes," replied Luke in a small voice.

"Luke."

"Yes Sir?"

"Tell her."

"Tell her what? 'I love you' and that's all?"

"Don't look at me! This is your love life!"

"I thought you were meant to help me!"

"I'm pushing you in the right direction."

"Off a cliff more like…"

WHAM

"Respect your elders!"

"Sir Yes Sir!" intoned Luke in a parade ground tone, rubbing his sore head.

It was going to be a long day.

The birds were singing softly. The park was peaceful, and that's why she enjoyed it. It reminded her of the mountains were she carried out her training. Peaceful. Kaede smiled as she watched nature run its course. Soon it would be winter, and another school year would begin. She sighed and leaned back on the bench, calmly watching the clouds above roll lazily past.

I wonder what he'll do…she wondered, smiling slightly at the memory of the expression on Luke's face. He really was clueless when it came to relationships. Still, that's what makes it fun she added, her smile growing wider as she let her mind wander. She herself wasn't an expert on the subject, so it would be nice to learn along with someone else. She closed her eyes and inhaled deeply. Life was becoming so…interesting lately.

"So we're set?" asked Misa, glancing about to make sure no one overheard in the noisy classroom.

"Of course! All that's left is to hand out the invitations to our guests of honor," replied Sakurako with a smile, rolling up a list of things to do.

"And who are they?" asked Madoka.

"Well, Natsumi's brother, Negi and Luke of course."

"They'll never accept…" said Madoka with an exasperated tone. She had explained this to Sakurako numerous times before.

"Ah, I'm sure they will! After all, Negi would have to be there as we're his class, and Natsumi's brother does whatever Chizuru tells him to. As for Luke, would a gentleman turn down an invitation?"

"Well, no, but it feels like cheating somehow…" admitted Madoka.

"Aw come on, it'll be fun! And it's been ages since we had a party! Last one was to commemorate Luke's arrival, remember?"

"And why this one then?" asked Misa playfully.

"Well…do we really need a reason?"

"We have a reason for you," cut in a pair of voice suddenly. The cheerleaders glanced down at the Narutaki twins.

"Oh really? And what would that be?" asked Misa dubiously.

Fuka and Fumika shared an evil glance. Life was going to be interesting from now on.