A/N: BOY, OH BOY. I DIDN’T THINK THIS STORY WAS GONNA GO THIS WAY, BUT HERE WE ARE, I GUESS? Please do enjoy, I’m not sure about the quality of this chap, but I personally am enjoying this story so far an I hope you all do too!
Again, Enjoy?
~Shintori Khazumi
Day 2: Trust
“There’s no way she did that.”
Diana was seething at her desk, Hannah and Barbara desperately trying to calm down their long-time friend with a cup of tea and some rationality.
She wasn’t having it however. Not even the tea.
“There’s no way. There is just no. Possible. Way.That Akko would so such a thing!” Diana growled, head whipping in the direction of her poor friends-slash-secretaries-and-attendants. “Right?!”
Barbara nodded wordlessly, clearly unnerved by Diana’s foul mood while Hannah sighed, moving the teacup away from the clearly miffed Diana before any mishaps could occur.
“Yes, Diana. We think so too.”
Diana released a heated sigh, nostrils flaring as she slumped against her leather chair. Today just wasn’t her day.
Never mind it being only her second week of being chosen for the grand magical council and being harassed with much work simply because she was the youngest to enter at the tender age of twenty-three. That same council of old pricks were now interfering with her personal life by giving her a case that made her burn deep with rage.
They dared accuse Diana’s girlfriend of magical misconduct when Diana-for a fact- knew that Akko read the terms and conditions of being a traveling magician- yes, ALL the terms and conditions- back-to-back. Back-to-back to back-to-back. Diana had found it both unnecessary and incredibly endearing, and sweet Akko- oh, bless her sweet soul- had wanted nothing more than to be able to share the magic of dreaming to all sorts of people, gain experience as she traveled; and hoped to overall just help people along the way on her cross-country journey.
Sure, she had left her incredibly stable position as one of the council’s security personnel, and the job paid extremely well- especially for people who were relatively fresh from school. It really did. However, Diana knew Akko was far from happy with that job. In a somewhat similar position to Diana, she had been made a lackey by her seniors and superiors, and though she loved helping people through her job, it just wasn’t worth staying. She couldn’t even be assigned to Diana! Thus, Akko had resolved to go independent, under strict supervision and conditions.
That had been five months ago.
Sure, Diana had missed the other woman dearly and hadn’t seen her for all that time, but Diana knew this was what the other woman wanted to do- to make people smile. She loved making smiles blossom from one person to the other. Diana wanted to support her in her endeavor. She believed in Akko and in what she wanted to accomplish.
And anyway, Akko had always made it a habit to send one of her familiars to bring Diana little souvenirs of her travels, accompanied by the sweetest words on paper, reassuring her girlfriend that she was well and good, and living life to the fullest, and that she’d surely be back in a year.
She was coming back sooner than they’d both expected, and for reasons neither had desired.
Diana ran her fingers through her hair in frustration, massaging her scalp to nurse the quickly growing headache.
She hoped Akko would come home safe at the very least.
//
“Miss Diana Cavendish. Could you repeat those words to me one more time? I might have misheard.”
“Isaid. I refuse to vote against Atsuko Kagari’s innocence. I know her, and I know her well.She would never ever do such horrid things.”
Diana watched the council secretary bristle, eyes burning at her response.
“You can never know someone too well. You don’t know what people are capable of. They can cha-”
“And I trust that Akko only ever changes for the better.” Diana cut off, casting her own glare over the two high council members who held the papers and a sum of money in front of her. “I know nothing of what the inner circle of the council has been up to, but I can’t believe they would try something so terribly scandalous such as bribery and false report! Dare I assume you are hiding something worse-”
“One more word from you, and you will suffer the consequences. Not that you already haven’t.”
Diana would have lashed out had she not needed to remain calm for Akko’s sake as well.
“This is our final offer, Miss Cavendish. Push for her guiltiness, or lose your seat in the council.”
Diana’s eyes widened, fists clenching. These people-
“You have no authority over this matter!”
She shivered in repulsion at the grins that grew on their hideous faces.
“Oh, but we do.”
//
Kagari Atsuko, twenty-three years of age, stood at the podium in the courts of magic with steely eyes and a rigid frame. She dared not glare at the jury nor the judge, but she would like to at least show them her determination in proving her own innocence.
Chancing a glance at Diana who was sending her worried looks from the jury stands, Akko reassured her with a gesture that all was and would continue to be alright. Returning her attention to the presider of the meeting, Akko readied her words, carefully crafted by herself and her lawyer who ironically just so happened to be Amanda O’Neill. Akko tried her best to keep a grin from forming at the hilarity of that fact. She was, after all, still on trial. She had to keep things professional.
“Kagari Atsuko. What do you have to say for yourself?” The judge questioned after all her supposed ‘charges’ had been read out.
‘Magical misuse, abuse of title as a former council official, trafficking endangered species across borders, and exploiting my audience, huh… Honestly, what a bunch of-’
“Bullshit.”
Akko’s eyes widened, and so did everyone else’ at the accidental slip-up.
“I-I mean… I apologize, your honor. I didn’t mean to say that. Ehem. I’d like to plead not guilty of these accusations.”
With brows raised, the judge continued on with the ruling, the tension in the room not once lowering. Akko just hoped this would end smoothly, and end soon.
She didn’t know what the council got out of this, to be honest. To go so far as to forge evidence against her, what had she done against them? Honestly, this new council, with almost all-new members weren’t doing a good job in succeeding their predecessors.
If the whole jury hadn’t been bought out at this point, she really could only hope for the best.
//
“Thanks for driving me home, Amanda.” Akko bowed to her friend, clutching her suitcase.
“Hey, hey! None of that. C’mere.” Amanda pulled her shorter friend into a tight hug, patting her back firmly. “I’m just glad it all worked out in the end.” She sighed, running a hand through her hair after they pulled apart.
“No kidding.” Akko chuckled. “You’re the best, bud. Totally fit for this job.” She giggled, as Amanda rolled her eyes with a shrug.
“I know, right? Obviously knew this is what I wanted to do for a living all along.”
They shared a laugh before Amanda had to leave, having work to do the next day. Waving at the car until it had disappeared far beyond what her eyes could perceive, Akko turned to the porch, taking careful steps to the front of the door.
Facing that familiar wooden barrier, she took a deep breath before allowing her knuckles to meet with the hard material.
No sounds, no response. Not even the slightest shuffling could be heard from within. Akko’s brows furrowed, teeth biting her lower lip nervously. This was their house… This was the Cavendish manor… right? Amanda was above pranks as evil as this, especially after what had just happened, so there was no way that-
“Mrrmmhpphhggh! Mmrhg!”
Akko struggled against the hand covering her mouth, desperately trying to reach for her wand, however her assailant had already figured her out, catching her hand and holding it against her back…
-before releasing her completely.
“A-Akko?! I! I’m sor- wait, no time to explain, come.”
And Akko was dragged into the house by Diana herself who rushed her up the stairs and into their bedroom.
“Akko, do you have all your essentials in that suitcase you hold at the moment?”
“Huh? Diana, what is… why are you home already? Don’t you have a council meeting running until late-”
“Grab anything you’d like to bring with you. Hurry!”
“But Diana!”
Akko felt a duffle bag hit the back of her head, and she whipped her head around only to find her prepared glare fading at the sight of a scowling Hannah.
“Do what she says, idiot. And make it quick.”
Diana seemed as caught off-guard by the presence of Hannah and Barbara as much as Akko was.
“You two! I… You can’t be here. Go back to your home, and from this point forward, don’t come back to the manor. I’m relieving you of your duties as my-”
If Akko and Diana’s eyes could widen any more, they’d surely be the size of Diana’s large serving plates. Hannah had clapped her hands against both sides of Diana’s face, shaking her lightly.
“Are you truly going to just leave us?!” She hissed.
“Diana… we know we were wrong to snoop around, but… couldn’t you confide in us for something this important?” Barbara said, teary-eyed. “I know we can’t ever replace what Anna was to you, and when she… when she left, we didn’t know how else to help you after losing your only family. But we still wanted to be by your side.” She smiled, placing her hands on Hannah’s shoulders to rub them, getting her partner to calm down.
“Did you really think…” Hannah sniffed, wiping her tears off her sleeve. “That we wouldn’t make you take us with you?” She finished with a grin. “You are never getting rid of us, honestly.”
Barbara nodded, reaching forward to ruffle Diana’s hair before she was met with a deep frown because of the gesture.
“Sorry, always wanted to try that.” She said, not sorry at all. “To sum all this up, Diana. You are taking us. There will be no further argument.”
Diana couldn’t help the relieved smile breaking across her face, her two longest companions also sporting their own. Tears slipped from her eyes as she pulled them into a long embrace.
“Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.” She sobbed quietly, feeling arms rubbing her back from each side. “Thank you.”
“You better be thankful. We’ll never forgive you if we’re not the maids of honor at the wedding.” Hannah declared, half-joking.
“Wedding?” Diana parroted, pulling away as she wiped her remaining tears away. “Whose?”
Both girls simply rolled their eyes as Hannah walked over to Akko who felt seriously out of the loop. Barbara patted Diana’s shoulder, shaking her head, amused.
“Hannah? Barbara?”
She was promptly ignored from that point onward.
“Come on, idiot. Get packing. I’ll even graciously offer you my superb assistance.” Hannah said with a smirk, opening the closet she knew was designated for Akko’s belongings. “We don’t have all night.”
“I still… I still don’t understand what’s going on.” Akko stated, but began to do as she was instructed anyway. “What are we doing? Where are we going?”
“What part of ‘no time to explain’ don’t you understand?” Barbara quipped, before going over to assist the brunette pair. “I could’ve sworn we informed Amanda about this.”
“Even O’Neill knows?!” Diana continued to be ignored. “Okay, great. So who doesn’t know about this getaway?”
“Calm yourself, Diana. We only told our little circle of friends.” Barbara spoke over her shoulder as they finished closing Akko’s suitcases with a click. “Amanda and Constanze prepared as a cloaked little vehicle until we leave the country. You should be grateful.”
“Jasminka should be here to pick us up any minute now.” Hannah commented.
Diana remained slack-jawed, amazed at the follow-up her attendants had done.
“You didn’t think we’d just let you fly off on a broom in the middle of the night again, did you? Really Diana, we’ve been with you so long, your smarts should have rubbed off on us even the slightest bit.” She grinned. “The magical council really aren’t all that smart, huh? Look at their dullness contaminating our brilliant, Diana.” She shook her head in dismay.
“A shame indeed.” Barbara agreed as they began carrying their luggage out.
“No one’s still told me anything!” Akko announced, scratching the back of her head with her free hand as she followed Hannah and Barbara out with her own possessions.
She turned to Diana at the sound of a lock clicking in place, the former heiress running her hands over the grooves of the wood and the carvings.
Placing her things down momentarily, Akko walked over to wrap Diana in a hug from behind. “I hope we can come back one day. To the place where you began.” She whispered, placing loving kisses against Diana’s shoulders. “I’ll make sure we can.”
Akko’s heart cracked as Diana began to tremble in her arms, a hand going up to cover the sobs that were escaping her lips. All the memories of her family, her mother- they were probably much too painful for Diana to leave behind, but she had to. They had to.
Akko walked the mansion halls one last time with Diana as they locked each door one at a time, Diana embedding every room, every window, every banister into memory.
They finally came to the front door where Hannah and Barbara had awaited patiently, bags already loaded into their vehicle.
“No longer asking where we’re going, love?” Diana questioned Akko who had seemed to accept whatever was happening already.
“Do you trust me, love?” Akko responded with a question of her own, earning her Diana’s smile accompanied with raised brows.
“More than anyone and anything in the world.” Diana replied.
Akko gave her a chaste kiss as they all boarded the vehicle, watching the mansion disappear with an area cloaking spell that would hopefully keep it safe for as long as they were gone.
Squeezing Diana’s hand, Akko spoke. “Then know that I think the same. No matter where we go, how far away we are from here, and what we end up doing, just know… Just like those two dorks there,”
Akko laughed as the two snorted from the seats in front of them, knowing they were rolling their eyes at her.
God, she was thankful for them. For all her friends. For Diana.
Taking Diana’s hand in hers and entwining their fingers together, she placed a soft kiss on the back of her hand, laying all her worries to rest. They would figure things out. They all would- together.
“I trust you with all of my believing heart.”
A/N: WHAT’S GONNA HAPPEN NOW, WHERE ARE OUR BABIES GOING? OOOHHH. SEE YOU ON DAY 3!
A/N: It’s been a while. 35Hrs or school/per week goes brr, but Diakko week is bigger brrr. I’m screwing myself over by doing this instead of my million requirements due, but hey! Happy Diakko week~. I’m planning to make the whole week just one whole story with a few time gaps :> (P.S. I haven’t written in a while so I expect this to be a wreck. Thanks.)
Enjoy?
~Shintori Khazumi
“There’s no way she likes me.”
“How do I get Diana to fall for me?”
Constanze’s brows furrowed as a piece of her sponge cake fell onto the table, off her fork from the force of Akko’s hands that slammed against their usual lunch table.
Eight of the New Nine were seated around it, a mix of emotions across all their faces- irritation, sheer confusion, shock, and indifference. Akko looked dead serious as she shifted her gaze from one friend to the other, awaiting their solicited advice.
Hannah blinked once, twice. She turned her head to Barbara who simply stared right back at her and shrugged. Hannah turned back to Akko before placing her fork down on her plate. Gracefully, she stood up and made her way over to Akko, stopping a foot or two away and staring into her eyes.
Akko cocked her head to the side curiously. What was Hannah-
The next thing she knew, her cheek stung, the sound of a slap still echoing in her ears. “What the f-”
“Oh, so I’m not dreaming.” Hannah muttered, examining her hand with greatinterest.
“What- that’s not how you che- Why did you slap me?!”Akko screeched, perplexed. She hadn’t expected that at all. She had only wanted to ask how to impress Diana enough that she’d maybe say yes to going to the latest Shiny Chariot movie premier with her next weekend.
“Ah, that.” Hannah hummed, looking up at the ceiling for a second, as if the answer was written there somewhere. “I don’t quite know, if I’m being honest. I suppose feeling the sting on my palm makes the situation feel realer. Your cheek against it also helped.” She shrugged, gaze resting on Akko once more.
Akko had so many things she wanted to say, but refrained. She settled for incoherent cursing under her breath, caressing her reddening cheek lightly, wincing as she touched it the wrong way.
“Damn it, Hannah. That really hurt.”
“Sorry, I was just… really shocked.”
“What?” Akko looked at her incredulously. “Why?”
“I mean…” The other brunette looked about their table, meeting everyone’s eyes, each nodding their agreement to a silent message they all seemed to have received except Akko. “See?”
“Seewhat?!”She asked, perplexed.
“See how Diana practically undre-” Lotte successfully clapped a hand over Sucy’s mouth, nervously chuckling as Akko continued to look confused.
“What Sucy meant to say,” Barbara cut in, nodding at Lotte’s grateful look directed her way. “Is that we all thought you were already dating.”
…
“what?!”
“Enough to probably be screwing behind our bac- A-AH! MY BACK! JASNA, HANNAH, MY- MY BACK-”
Akko would have felt sorry for Amanda for what had happened to her- or maybe incredibly angered and flustered at what she said- if she had actually registered anything after the word ‘dating’ dropped from Barbara’s mouth.
Akko turned to Hannah once more, a shaky finger raised up and pointing to herself. “Me?”
A nod.
“A-and Diana?”
Another nod.
“…DATING?!”
“Well, we also thought you were fuc-”
Amanda would contribute no more to the present conversation after that, resting peacefully in her soup bowl (courtesy of Lotte).
Akko, meanwhile, didn’t know what to do with that information, now sinking onto her spot on the bench, head falling on her arms atop the table. The girls felt worry seep in, Lotte reaching over to pat Akko comfortingly and asked if she was troubled by those rumors-
Akko suddenly lifted her head up, a mix of determination and curiosity sparkling in her gaze despite the anxiousness veiling it. Sucy had to reel back slightly at the brightness of her demeanor.
“W-what made you guys think we were dating?” She stuttered out so quickly, waiting for the response intently, teeth worrying her bottom lip as she did so. “I mean, she’s never really treated me any different than you all right? A-and… I don’t think… we’ve ever said we l-lo-like each other a lot… or anything… But…”
Akko looked down at her hands, clenched atop the table, thinking of how to say her next words.
“There’s no way she likes me… right?” She met Hannah’s gaze with a sad smile. “At least not in the way I like her…”
Hannah sighed as she rested her cheek against her knuckle, leaning on the table. “Really?”
“What?”
“You really haven’t noticed?”
“Noticed?”
Akko’s brows scrunched together even more than they already did as she listened to the frustrated groans coming from Diana’s roommate. She barely picked up the quiet muttering of, “I can’t just tell her outright, or Diana will kill me, but this is such a pain-”.
“Hanna-”
“Akko.” Hands slapped onto the table, Hannah mimicking Akko’s actions from earlier. She earned her own frustrated glare from Constanze as another piece of her cake went to waste. But that wasn’t important to Hannah at the moment. The idiot pair they considered their friends needed some serious pushing else they all wither away irritated at their constant dancing around each other without just coming out and saying the obvious. “Kagari Atsuko.”
“Hannah England?”
“No, idi- whatever. Akko.”
“Yes?”
“Do you know anything about love languages?”
“…huh?”
//-//-//-//-//
Akko never quite liked long lectures. Not if they involved getting her ear talked off with topics she couldn’t care a rat’s ass about.
But this… this was interesting… and a little nerve wracking.
She didn’t mind having to try to follow up the knowledge she was supposed to gain from these lecture with practical application, but the knowledge she had just acquired might just make hertoo conscious to really focus on the application that might be going on. It wouldn’t be much trouble to track herown progress- or lack thereof- in terms of integrating her learning, but in this case, she was supposed to observe someone else apply what she had just been told.
And Hannah had spent a good chunk of yesterday after class ‘educating’ her while a certain someone was off doing her usual duties, unable to spend time with Akko in the meantime.
And yes, that someone she was supposed to observe was Diana. Diana Cavendish.
Akko could still hear Hannah’s voice as she pointed to a crudely drawn hand on the board in Professor Pisces’ classroom that they had borrowed for their meeting.
“Do you understand? You, for example, love physical touch right? Why do you do it? Because you want all your friends to know you care, right?” Hannah went off on a tangent, not even allowing Akko to reply to her questions. “That’s your love language. The way you show love.”
Akko could only nod, her hand having stilled from note-taking long ago.
“I’m not too sure myself, but I would like to believe that Diana’s love language involves words of affirmation and acts of service. Maybe some quality time. I mean,” She turned to Akko, tapping the edge of her wand against Akko’s desk. “You must have noticed that she always puts aside time in her ridiculously busy day to be with you in the library, right?”
“I-”
“Don’t answer.” Hannah held a hand out, not wanting to hear another, ‘there’s no way she likes me’ denial from Akko after everything she had pointed out as they went on with their ‘lesson’.
Akko kept mum, sucking her lips in, as she crossed her arms in front of her. Despite having been friends with Hannah for two years already, she still didn’t like getting ordered around by her.
“Okay. Since you now know all of this, but still won’t believe me…” Hannah began, clearing off the board before anyone walked in on them and saw all the scribbles written there. “It’s time for an assignment.”
She heard Akko groan, tutting her immediately. “Uh-uh. No. You don’t get to complain about this.”
“Hannaahhh-”
“You,” She poked a finger on Akko’s forehead, ignoring her displeasure. “Are going to observe Diana.”
Akko blinked. “That’s it?”
“While keeping all we talked about in mind.”
Akko immediately flushed. “Come on, Hannah. What if I overthink things? This is Diana. She’s always like… helpful and nice and stuff. And sweet and kind. What if I do take it as this ‘love language’ thing, but to her it’s just… normal.”
Hannah wanted to roll her eyes, but knew Akko’s concerns were very well valid. She had been there as well. Kinda. She chanced a glance at Barbara waiting outside the door, chatting with Lotte excitedly. Probably about nightfall. She sighed, holding back a smile.
“You’ll know. I can promise you that.”
//-//-//-//-//
And here Akko was now, standing in front of Diana’s door, bright and early. Hannah and Barbara had talked Diana into getting Akko to come along with her on her daily routine, telling her that she was starting to look tired and stressed, and could use the help-whichwas probably true. Diana had been getting busier and busier as graduation day approached, and Akko was concerned herself.
She didn’t know how they convinced other faculty and staff that Akko was assigned to do monitoring as well, but she could safely assume that her favorite teacher had something to do with it.
Akko held up a hand, ready to knock on the door- but it quickly swung open before she could make a sound, a frazzled Diana greeting her sight.
“My sincerest apologies, dear Akko. I- I realized I’d overslept, and on the day that you were going to join me even! I can’t believe I-”
Akko snorted, her still-outstretched hand laying a finger on Diana’s lips to quiet her down. “Diana.” Akko felt her own heart flutter at the way that name rolled off her tongue. “Good morning.” She softly greeted and smiled her gentlest possible smile.
Diana was momentarily frozen, worrying Akko somewhat but that was quickly dismissed as she breathed a relieved sigh, giving Akko her own smile in return.
“Good morning.” She whispered. “Akko.”
And Akko could’ve sworn Diana had kissed her finger before taking Akko’s hand and leading her down the corridor to have an early breakfast.
This was going to be a long day for Kagari Atsuko.
…not that she minded.
//-//-//-//-//
Akko stared at the same board Hannah had written on about a week ago, zoning out of Pisces’ class on the Ethics of magic involving life, reincarnation, and necromancy. While it certainly was interesting enough to arrest the entirety of Diana’s attention, the same could not be said for Akko.
There was a matter of greater concern for her at the moment.
And that was, quite obviously, Diana Cavendish.
Hannah’s list of ‘Diana’s love languages’ floated about Akko’s mind, linking themselves to all that had transpired while they were together this past week.
During that first breakfast when it had all began, Diana had constantly offered to help Akko grab whatever she wanted for her meal, even going so far as to carry both their trays to their usual shared table. She had also went back to the counter to grab Akko a mug of hot chocolate to go with the rest of her breakfast.
After that, she took the emptied trays to the drop-off counter and came back with some wipes to offer to Akko who accepted in embarrassment after realizing she had remnants of food around her mouth (She made a mental note to work on her table manners).
Diana had then extended a hand to her and escorted her to all their locations for the morning patrol.
Akko knew Diana worked hard, but seeing how much work she actually managed for the school made her heart swell in pride, watching her dearest person talk with academy staff to resolve issues from simple things such as calling up plumbers for leaking pipes to reviewing security measures of the school. Diana truly was all sorts of amazing.
As they continued on with Diana’s long to-do list, she had also allowed Akko to help her out with itand take charge at times, and each time they accomplished a task, Diana would compliment Akko and tell her she’d done a great job. This went on throughout the entire day, throughout the whole week.
Those weren’t the only instances that Diana had showered her with genuine praise. When they had their usual study sessions in their own little corner of the library, Akko realized just how much Diana tended to compliment her and give her positive feedback. Sure, the girl would still point out any mistake Akko had made but it was always done with gentlest of criticisms.
Akko had also noticed that whenever she voiced her own admiration for the heiress, Diana practically glowed, showing Akko a beatific smile comparable to that of an angel as she thanked her. Thanked her. Akko wanted to thank Diana for making her feel this blessed.
If they made her that happy, Akko should really let Diana know more often how much she looks up to her, and well looks at her, in general. If only for that smile.
And speaking of smiles… Akko… wondered how she’d never noticed before, but Diana seemed to… smile at her. Well, she smiled at everyone, yes, but-
…
It just… feltdifferent.
She’d first caught it while they were quietly reading in the library. She had looked up from her book to ask a question, but was immediately flustered as she met Diana’s eyes, and the small tip of her lips, her entire expression seemingly veiling Akko with a kind warmth.
She had asked a simple, “Yes?”, but Akko had already forgotten what she wanted to say, opting to return to her book as she mumbled, ‘nothing’. Diana did this as they ate, continued to smile as they walked the halls hand in hand, letting Akko know she was paying attention to whatever chatter the smaller girl had going on by squeezing her hand as she kept her eyes focused on where they were going.
Akko also realized that Diana tended to do a lot of other little things for her that went beyond the common greeting and courteousness she showed towards other students and peers. Even towards their friends.
While Diana would sometimes leave a door open after her if she knew many more students would follow after her, she always held one open for Akko to walk in first. When she could, she’d help Akko carry her materials to their next class, despite possibly having more of her own. Diana would even sometimes have small snacks and bottles of water prepared to offer to Akko if she ever needed a break during their study sessions and patrol.
Akko was beginning to see what her friends had said that they saw. That maybe- just maybe- Diana liked her back to-
‘No.’
Akko flinched, reeling back slightly in her seat, earning her a concerned glance from Diana. She waved it off with a smile, gesturing to the girl to go back to focusing on their lesson, pretending to take down notes as well. She hoped she was at least a little convincing.
‘You’re not enough.’
Akko could feel her face pull into a frown, grip on her pen tightening slightly.
‘You’re not good enough for her. She’s too high up, and you couldn’t even take to sky in the beginning.’
Akko shook her head, ridding herself of the thoughts she had constantly pushed down throughout her years of growing to like Diana. She had allowed those ideas to consume her for a while, pushed her feelings to the side and convinced herself that she was satisfied with staying Diana’s friend if it meant that she could be by her side forever.
But then on a spur of the moment, she had thought that maybe there was the smallest possibility that she had a chance. Maybe she could get Diana to like her.Fallfor her even. What a silly thought.
[“How do I get Diana to fall for me?”]
Would it have been better if she’d never asked?
//-//-//-//-//
“You.”
Akko didn’t even want to look up, already knowing who it was.
“Don’t make me slap you.”
“You do it anyway.” She groaned. Regardless, she gave Hannah her attention, her dull eyes meeting the fiery orbs of her friend. “What.”
“That’s what I’m asking. What. Just what do you think you’re doing?”
Akko winced at the shrill voice, not having enough sleep lately to be able to deal with it at the moment. “What are you talking about?” She asked, rubbing her eyes tiredly.
She yelped as Hannah flicked her forehead with spite, rubbing the quickly reddening area.
“I’m asking why you’re avoiding our Diana, idiot. Enough to come to the class incredibly early, before anyone else.” Hannah sighed, taking a seat in front of Akko. “What happened?”
“Nothing happened.”
“Well, I had hoped something good did, but with how you suddenly left her all high and dry-”
“Did you know that that phrase means ‘helpless or abandoned’?”
“What?” Hannah didn’t get why Akko was cutting her off mid-scolding, but she better have a damned good reason because she had been holding back quite well.
“Diana is amazing.”
“Yes, I know. Obviously.” Hannah didn’t know where she was going with this.
“She’s so capable. She can do everything. Teachers trust her so much.”
“Yes, yes, yes.”
Akko looked out the window, just in time to catch the subject of their conversation taking off for her morning patrol, the early morning sun caught up in her light tresses, coating them in golden glows.
“She’s beautiful and talented. Everyone looks up to her. Underclassmen, classmates… professors…” Akko sighed. “She’s everything anyone could ever want.”
“Yes, and?” Hannah was growing impatient.
Akko turned to her, looking annoyed, as if she had hinted at a universal truth that she should have already known. “And I’m not.”
Hannah blinked.
“Well, of course not.”
Akko blinked, eyes widening as she hadn’t expected Hannah to deny it so frankly. Akko would have said something, but Hannah returned the earlier favor of being cut off mid sentence.
“But you’re everything Diana seems to want, no-” Hannah shook her head, getting up and confusing Akko with her action. “You’re all she really wants.” Hannah said, giving Akko a lighter flick on the exact same spot before walking towards the door.
“Hey! Where are you going?” Akko questioned, but not really meaning to keep Hannah with her there.
“Just gonna give you two space to talk things out. If Diana keeps me up one more night, Iwillget you for it.” Hannah waved, beginning to leave behind a still perplexed Akko. She paused in her steps for a moment to say one last thing. “For the record? I think you’re pretty amazing yourself.”
“Wait, what do you-”
As Hannah reached the classroom door, she opened it a little wider to reveal a Diana stepping in, the sheepish smile on her lips betrayed by the conflicting hurt in those ocean blues Akko loved so much. She felt a weight in the pit of her stomach, regret and a sudden fear of what Diana was here to do triggering her fight or flight response.
“H-hello.” Diana had got out, both witches surprised that Diana had grabbed Akko by the wrist, preventing her from leaving. “So-sorry.”
“It’s… okay.”
Diana still hadn’t let go.
Akko didn’t know what to do. She didn’t know what to say. She didn’t know… why she was even feeling this way. Just over a week ago, she had woken up one morning determined to finally make the object of her admiration and affections look her way, and maybe move a step further from the friendship they’d always had.
But why did she suddenly get scared? What had changed? Had Diana? No. She’d always been the same, probably. So was it Akko? Was it because she saw a possibility in something she didn’t actually think was possible? That Diana could like her back? What was so bad about that? Wasn’t that what she wanted?
Someone as amazing as Diana, and someone as… mediocre as her.
What would people say? Would they talk about them? Would they talk about Diana? Would her family terrorize her again? Would the teachers lose faith in the one they had the highest hopes for? Would all the students lose their admiration for the Diana Cavendish all because she accepted love from someone as lowly and unqualified as Akko?
Love?
Did she… oh. She loved her. Akko loved Diana Cavendish. Akko felt the corners of her mouth shakily tip up, before falling.
It was because Akko loved Diana then, that she couldn’t bear it if anyone thought badly about the heiress because of her. Diana was amazing in every right. But what if Akko was the stain to that sparkle, the one who would bring a star down from her place in the night sky?
What if Diana…
What if-
“I’m in love with you.”
Huh?
“Huh?” Akko looked up at a bewildered Diana, hands shifting from covering her mouth to frantically waving about. “Wait… I- I’m sorry, I wasn’t supposed to… what I meant to say was… no, no! This wasn’t how it was supposed to go. I was supposed to… I mean… well, you know now, but I know that there’s no real way that could love, or even like me ba- Dear Beatrix! Why are you crying?!”
Akko reached up, feeling a wetness against her fingertips. “Huh.”
“Huh???”
“Huh…ha… hahaha… HAHAHA!” Akko began to laugh aloud, rubbing her eyes as she continued laughing through the tears.
“Akko?” Diana didn’t know what to make of this.
“Diana.” Akko wiped a final tear away, laughter dying down.
“Y-yes?”
Diana squeaked as Akko pulled her into a tight embrace, nuzzling her nose against the taller girl’s shoulder, calming down with her scent.
“Diana.”
“Yes?”
“Diana,”
“Yes?”
“Diana… you love me?” Akko whispered so soft, Diana almost didn’t catch it. Yet she did.
“Yes.”
Akko squeezed tighter, head light and fighting against whatever voices were trying to ruin this moment. “Why?”
“…Why? What do you mean ‘why’?” Diana pushed Akko back enough to see her face stricken with dried tears, forehead still red. She chuckled, swiping her thumb gently against the area before placing a kiss there, making Akko blush. “Because you’re all sorts of amazing.”
Akko felt a quiver in her lip, barely managing a weak, “How”?
Diana smiled. Smiled that same warm, admiring, loving smile she had always used with Akko. “With how you see the world and magic with such an innocence; with how you smile so brightly and light up every room you enter; with how you teach people to dream; how you try your best in all that you do.”
Akko’s hands unconsciously balled up Diana’s uniform, listening.
“You’re amazing in how you reach your goals through unconventional means. You’re innovative, and creative. You’re a little too excitable at times for me to keep up, but you use all that energy to help everyone around you. You’re so kind. And… you have such a beautiful believing heart.” Diana leaned her head down to nuzzle her nose against Akko’s. “And I love you.”
Akko released a shaky breath. “What if people talk?”
“Hmm? About me? Liking women? What of it?”
“No, no. Like…” Akko looked into Diana’s eyes, searchingly. “I’m not like you. I… what if they talk badly about you because you’re with… someone like me?”
Diana looked adorably confused by those words, and Akko couldn’t help but smile.
“As in… jealously? Because I’m with the hero who saved the world?”
Akko pinched her side and Diana laughed. “You know what I mean.”
Diana grinned. “I do.”
“And?”
“Must I care about it?”
That actually made Akko’s negativity come to a halt.
“That’s right.” Diana said, pulling Akko back into her embrace, speaking as though she’d read her mind. “I didn’t think you were one to care about such things. You always seemed to go off on your own regardless of what anyone thought, braving the world with your small but reliable form.” Diana placed a gentle kiss to her temple. “What makes this time any different?”
Akko asked herself the same question. She’d always done all she could to defy other people’s expectations, to prove their words against her wrong. But…
“Maybe I was just afraid that you’d be affected by it. That maybe if your reputation went bad, maybe you’d have to… um…with me…” She pulled away from Diana for a bit, putting up two fingers together and pulling them apart.
Diana was still smiling, but Akko could see that she was a little hurt. “Do you really think I’m a person of such character?”
Akko had made a mistake.
“N-no! I… I…” Akko peered down at her shuffling feet against the marbled lecture hall floor. “You’re not. I just… I-I don’t know. I’m just not… I might not be as amazing as you say.”
She heard Diana sigh, flinching as she was ready for any negative reply, or reprimand. Or maybe a comment of how Diana was getting tired of this and had made a mistake of saying that she loved her-
“Are you free this weekend?” Akko nodded slowly, unsure of what was going on. Diana grinned. “Perfect. Then I guess I’ll have to just show you.”
“Show me…?”
“How amazing you are. And hopefully one day, you’ll know it too.”
Akko’s heart warmed, tears pricking at the corners of her eyes. “Thank you…”
“Ah, but before that.” And back was Diana’s sheepish smile. Akko cocked her head to the side, urging her to go on. “You didn’t really… reply? To uh… my confession? It was a confession, I suppose. Aaahh, this was not how I planned it. I was only supposed to take you out to that new Shiny Chariot movie, then maybe go for dinner and then maybe, possibly, probably tell you how I felt, but since I already blurted it out, I guess you could say I’m just expecting an answer, and I’m not telling you that you have to return my feelings or anything like that, or that you should um, I wouldn’t like it if you turned me down either, but-”
As Diana continued her rambling, Akko placed both hands on the heiress face, squishing her cheeks together to get her to stop long enough for Akko to express herself.
“Ohkoh-?”
Akko grinned against Diana’s soft lips, giggling as she felt the heiress go stiff before she pulled away, taking in that dazed expression.
“Someone taught me that people have love languages, and mine was physical touch- or so I was told.” Akko carressed Diana’s face still cupped in her hands. “Do you… get what I mean?”
“…way…”
“Huh?”
“No way.”
“Um, Diana?”
“There’s no way! Did you- you just… you… you kissed me!”
“I-I did!” Akko responded in surprise.
“You kissed me!”
“Y-yes!”
“You kissed-”
“STOP BROADCASTING YOUR INDECENT ACTS TO THE WHOLE SCHOOL, THANK YOU!” Hannah’s voice cut in, making both freeze in place, gazes turning to the door before they burst out laughing.
Maybe they owed Hannah an apology. Or two for all that they’d put her through recently.
As they calmed down, Diana nuzzling Akko’s temple once more, she repeated the words more quietly. “You kissed me.”
Akko nodded against her shoulder, squeezing around her waist, pulling her ever closer.
“So I suppose it’s safe to say that… you love me too?”
“There’s no way I couldn’t.”
//-//-//-//-//
“Awww, so you do care about your friends.” Sucy remarked dryly as she and Hannah peeked in on the scene unfolding while they guarded the classroom entrance from any new arrivals.
Hannah rolled her eyes fondly, shrugging. “Not really. Maybe I just wanted to make my eyes bleed from their insufferable flirting. Who knows.”
Barbara giggled against her hand, the other intertwining with Hannah’s. “Of course.”
Hannah looked away to hide her flushed cheeks, grumbling to herself as they watched over their friends taking the first step to a new relationship.
“If your eyes ever do bleed, can I have some of your blood? For science.”
“No.”
A/N: This wasn’t supposed to be like this :<. It was supposed to be just…. fluffy and cute. I’m sorry. Weeee
A/N: Based on this convo I had with @commieakko. Ah yes, my discord drabbles collection is back to crack. Anyway!
Enjoy?
~Shintori Khazumi
“… I really can’t understand you sometimes, Akko.”
“Aww, what do you mean, sensei?” Akko turned to smile at her mentor, hands and clothing splattered with a few drops of paint as she tossed her brush into the bucket with a satisfying ‘thunk’. “This is a masterpiece!”
“Right… I… I’ll have to disagree with you on that point, but…” Ursula scrunched her brows, still not too keen on seeing Akko walk around with this large sign for Luna Nova’s annual peace rally- a custom that students had made for those who stayed behind during the holidays for amusement after Akko’s little stunt back in her freshman year with the all the fae.
She still could not believe Headmistress Holbrooke even considered this idea- much less approved it.
“Of course, you can believe it, sensei!” Akko cheered, grinning broadly. “After all, a believing heart…”
Chariot sighed, a soft smile playing on her lips. Oh, her sweet little protege that idolized her very mu-
“-Is a hot lesbian!”
…right. Akko was also very gay.
“Akko-”
“Speaking of hot lesbian…”
Ursula followed Akko’s gaze, the sparkle in her eyes- both of adoration and mischief- shining through as they fell upon one particular A’s student.
“A believing heart seems to be My hot lesbian.” Akko chuckled, taking her sign and hauling it over her shoulder as she made her way towards one unknowing Diana Cavendish.
Suddenly, she skidded to a halt in her steps, turning about to wave to Ursula, surprising the woman and catching her off guard with that blindingly innocent grin.
“Thank you for helping, sensei! Love you!”
And she took off.
Ursula felt her gaze soften, chuckling to herself as she shook her head. Ah, Akko. She really couldn’t understand her sometimes-
“Hey, Diana! Did you know? A believing heart is-”
“Akko…what is on that sign?!”
“A believing heart is a hot lesbian?” Akko had replied without a care in the world.
Ursula could just hear the confusion in both their voices. Poor Diana.
“Oh, Also. Did you know, Diana~ A believing heart is my hot lesbian.”
Ursula face-palmed, not knowing what to do as she averted her eyes from Akko’s face that had such a smug expression as she wagged her brows up and down.
“Ey? Ey? Get it? Because Diana, you’re a hot lesbian.”
'Dear Beatrix, help this child.’
“Th-thank you?”
'Good luck, Diana…’ Ursula silently bid, feeling bad about leaving, but being unable to stand this situation, just had to.
A/N: Birthday Quickie for the great jude~ @commieakko . Sorry for the slapdash fic and quality ;-; sorry.
“Diakko dancing in the kitchen” was the prompt~
Enjoy?
~Shintori Khazumi
The pot simmered, steadily heading into a boil. The pressure behind its glass top allowed her dish to whistle along to her gentle humming as she decorated three plates with garnish.
“Hmmhmm… hmmm… aaanndddd… perfect!” Akko nodded to herself in pride as she looked over her cooking. Turning to the pot, she gave it a final taste check before moaning in delight and approval.
Turning the stove off, she reached over to the cupboard to acquire a set of bowls, scooping the steamy soup into servings before setting them on individual trays alongside the plates.
Now, what else did she need… Ah! Utensils-
Before she could turn around to reach for the kitchen’s island, arms slipped around her waist, thumbs rubbing along the fabric of her apron over her stomach. A comfortable weight settled onto her shoulder, against her back.
The tune she had previously been humming- Shiny Chariot’s third anime opening- greeted her ears in a sweet melodic delivery, warm and soft.
Akko smiled. Her hands came to rest on those on her stomach, intertwining their fingers as she felt herself slowly being swayed to the music provided by none other than her lovely wife, Diana Cavendish.
“Welcome Home.” She murmured, heart fluttering as a kiss was pressed to her temple.
“I’m Home.”- was whispered in her ear, alongside a gentle kiss placed there.
Akko felt giggles bubbling from her heart as Diana pulled back momentarily, only to twirl Akko smoothly, making her now face a grinning Diana.
“One, two, three… one, two, three…” She chanted.
Akko laughed, taking a step forward, and two steps back, following the lead that Diana had set.
They continued to dance about the kitchen, carefully navigating around the island and the shelves, sometimes bumping into the sink and cupboards, and laughing away the slight aches they felt, peppering kisses of apology on one another’s faces.
“You are a silly girl, Diana Cavendish.” Akko chuckled, cupping Diana’s face and brushing thumb pads along defined cheekbones, lifted up in a blinding smile. “You look so happy.” Akko remarked, a quiver in her tone and tears pricking at the corners of her eyes.
“I am.” Diana grinned wider, bumping her forehead against Akko’s nuzzling their noses together. “Thanks to you…”
It was like the world stopped spinning, the air stilling, and the music playing in their heads silenced.
They stared into one another’s eyes, occasionally flicking their gazes down to one another’s lips, breaths mingling softly.
“May I?” Diana breathed quietly.
Akko giggled, leaning in to kiss just beside Diana’s lips. “You may now kiss your bride.”
Akko would like to argue that she did not understand the magic of first kisses. After all, every kiss with Diana was just as memorable and magical as the first- each its own unique enchantment of an experience.
Today’s tasted like Miso soup, sounded like a symphony, and felt like a dance- it was encompassing and savory, and kind like Diana always was.
Diana’s fingers played with strands of her hair, and then the lobes of her ear, tipping Akko’s head up to deepen the kiss, carefully dipping her tongue between Akko’s lips as she was allowed entrance by her wife.
Akko sighed in content, hands grasping Diana’s blazer as to not just fall to her knees. An arm came to support her around her waist, pulling her closer until Akko believed there was no distance to close anymore.
They broke the kiss as she lost breath, panting heavily as she leaned against Diana’s chest, kissing her shoulder.
“I love you.”
“I love you most.”
Looking up, Akko felt her held-back tears slip out, gratitude inexpressible as she hoped Diana could see it in her eyes and understand enough.
She did, her own tears escaping, cascading down the side of her face.
“I love you so much.”
“I love you with all of my believing heart.”
As they reveled in that moment, they missed the click of the front door’s lock, and the swift padding of feet against the wood floors.
They only realized they were not alone when a weigh latched onto the both of them from the side, hugging tight.
“I’m home, Mama, Mummy!” Shimmering blue eyes and familiar brown hair greeted them, Akko and Diana holding back a sob as they made space to welcome their precious bundle of love into their embrace.
Everything was in place in Akko’s kitchen- and in her life as well- and she wouldn’t have it any other way.
A/N: Because I love you and this brilliant concept Isa. So i decided to expound on the au… a little. Concept creds go to the ever brilliant @tanuki-pyon
This is a continuation to one of my drabbles. Treat it as chap 1. It’s just gonna be more dumb au stuff so… ayt.
Enjoy?
~Shintori Khazumi.
She Likes Blues- PASTEL Blues (2): It’s A Date!
“I’m your roommate.” Akko managed to lamely state.
The girl in front of her stared at her hand a good, long while making Akko grow more and more nervous by the second.
“Um…miss?”
“Oh, apologies. Yes, yes… Um…” Temporarily placing her phone down on a nearby shelf, Akko watched roommate extend a hand which she gladly took. “Diana.” She curtly said.
“A-Akko.”
“Charmed.” Diana said sweetly, taking her hand back. She gave Akko a quick once-over, and the brunette nervously shuffled her socked feet along the carpet.
“Mi-miss D-Diana?”
“Hmm…” The girl tapped her cheek thoughtfully with a manicured index finger, sucking in the side of her cheek before her expression changed into a friendly smile. Clapping her hands together, she asked, “Ever tried pastel pink or a salmon color?”
Akko stared at her, bewildered.
“What?”
“Clothes. Wearing those colors. Have you ever worn mini-skirts or a sundress? Hmm… Maybe we could find something that would suit you… would Hannah match your size?”
“Um… Miss Diana…?”
“But Barbara might have some nice colors that would match your complexion as well.”
What was… going on?
“You’re ‘all-black’ style looks lovely and all, love-”
‘Love?!’
“But I do believe you could pull off some of the most gorgeous colors, don’t you think so?” Diana asked her, walking forward to lightly pat her cheek. “Okay?”
“…o-okay?” Akko went along with her pace, still not registering what was going on.
“Perfect!” Diana cheered, planting a chaste smooch on Akko’s other cheek before bidding her goodbye with a wave of her fingers. “It’s a date!”
“Date…” Akko repeated blankly, hand touching the place where warm lips had just blessed her. “Date… Date?!” Akko screeched, fingers running up to pull at her hair, trying to prove to her that she wasn’t deliriously dreaming.
[“Oh wow! You just scored a date! Real quick too! Um… congrats, my baby?”]- Her phone sounded from her pocket, and Akko flew inches off the floor in surprise.
“MAMA?!” Had she not hung up?! Wait… did that mean that… her mother had listened in on the entire conversation?! Wait! NO! That couldn’t… this couldn’t… Her heart suddenly picked up speed for a different reason, the organ pounding excruciatingly in her chest. Her mind ran a mile a minute in anxiety and panic.
She wanted to cry, to throw up. Her throat was so dry and painful.
Her mama had heard that. Sure she hadn’t said anything out of the ordinary… had she?
‘Calm down, Akko. Calm down. She might not have thought of it as anything weird. Yeah. Nothing weird. Of course. Except for my very female roommate setting us up on a date.’
Akko took erratic, deep breaths.
‘Oh but that doesn’t mean anything, right? It’s not like you’d normally think it was anything but a friend date unless you know for sure that your kid was… but my mom doesn’t- ’
Wait, but mothers knew these types of things, right? What if she had pieced together Akko’s reaction and figured it all out on her own?
Years of trying to hide it and… but maybe Akko was just that bad at hiding it. And her mom now knew.
Akko hadn’t even told her on her own that she was…
[“Akko-chan? Are you there?”]
No… she… how would she… what would her mom…
“Mama… I’m… I’m sor-”
[“My sweet baby, listen. Listen to Mama for a sec, okay?”]
Akko whimpered, nodding despite her mom not being able to see her.
It was too late. Her mom clearly knew now. Obviously. There was no way she didn’t. She was now going to confront Akko. She was going to tell her, even if it was with a sweet voice, that Akko was in the wrong, and that maybe she’d have to go into that strange therapy session Amanda complained to her about last week. And then she’d say she was disappointed, and that would hurt Akko more than any other thing in the world-
[“Baby, just please be sure to bring her home and introduce her to me during vacation, okay? She sounds like a lovely girl.”]
“…eh?”
[“I love you, my little Akko-chan.”]
Akko felt herself tear up, clutching her phone close in disbelief and incomprehension.
“Mama?” She called out in a hoarse voice, trying to grasp at straws of reality that she suddenly couldn’t fathom.
[“Hai~?”]
Akko sniffed, harshly wiping away her tears on her sweater arm.
“I love you, mama.” She sobbed, trying her best not to outright wail.
[“Mama loves you most.”]
Like a dam, her emotional barrier broke, spilling out in teary mumbles and sobs.
Was it supposed to be this easy? Or was she just so incredibly blessed?
She continued to wail into her phone mic for the next few minutes or so, listening to her mother tell her random stories about geese and laughing at how silly her cries sounded.
She really did adore her mother.
After about fifteen minutes of a breakdown however, a different tune broke through the air. Even her mother noticed it, immediately asking what it was.
“I… don’t know, Ma.” Akko responded, looking around the room to find the source of the grossly cutesy music that certainly didn’t belong to her. “A ringtone?”
And then she spotted it, on the shelf. A glammed-up phone strap, and a case with ears-
“Oh, hell on earth… It’s my roommate’s phone.” Akko accidentally said. She heard her mother belt out a hearty laugh.
[“Well, then I guess you should do what you have to.”] She said.
“Huh? What do you mean? Pick it up?” Akko asked, unsure.
[What?! No! Wait… actually, maybe you should.”] Mrs. Kagari muttered.
“Eeehh?”
[“Hurry! And put it on speaker in case it’s some weirdo!”]
Feeling the urgency in her mother’s tone, Akko felt compelled to pick up, holding the glittery device to her ear, and trying her best not to sound awkward or stupid for her roommate’s sake.
“Hello? Um… the owner of this phone currently-”
[“Oh, is this Akko?”]
“Y-yes! This is indeed, um, Akko… who is… conversing… with you.” She squeaked out. She could hear her mother facepalm on the other line.
[“Oh perfect! Hi! Um, this is Diana. Sorry about inconveniencing you. I was a little foolish and forgot my phone, it seems. Sorry for calling. I was just making sure that I hadn’t actually lost it along the way.”]
“Oh. Oh wow, that’s… that would have been terrible.” Akko responded stiffly. She could just hear her mother’s shame from across the ocean. It wasn’t like she had taught her how to flirt or anything!
[“Yes, indeed it would have.”] She heard Diana’s sweet giggling on the other end, and her heart soared. [“I’m so glad it’s with you, though- in safe hands.”]
Akko was so glad Diana couldn’t see her stupid grin. “Me-me too! I’m… I’m glad too! For you!”
[“You are terrible at this.”] Akko barely heard her mother groan.
“Um… s-so… do you want me to… bring your phone over to where you are or something?” Akko asked, clutching the phone securely in hand.
[“Oh! Oh, dear no. Please don’t feel bothered. I just wanted to check if it was okay. B-but… if it’s not an inconvenience to you…”]
Akko found her bashfulness quite cute. Like everything else about Diana.
[“If you don’t bring the lady her phone, I will disown you.”]
Her mom could be terrible sometimes.
“I’ll… I’ll bring you your phone, no worries. It’s no biggie… um… just tell me where you are and I’ll head on over.” Akko said, grabbing a notepad to take down the address.
[“Really? Oh thank you! Thank you so much! You’re a darling, Akko.” Diana responded cheerily, dictating the directions for Akko to take to get to her. [“Again, you are sucha sweetheart.”]
“No, not at all.” Akko chuckled awkwardly. “Anyone would do this.” She shyly replied.
[“Oh, not at all, sweetie. You’d be surprised.”]
Akko blushed at the pet name, already muting out her mother’s teasing giggles.
[“Tell you what, once you get here, I’ll treat you to lunch. How about that? Oh, and while we’re at it, we could just do our little date! What say you, darling?”]
Akko was reaching the cap of her shyness threshold here. She didn’t know if she could take anymore.
“S-Sure.” She was still afraid to come off as rude to her brand new roommate though. Wanting to make a good impression, she figured she’d accept.
That’s all there was to it.
[“Brilliant! See you soon, love~ Bye.”]
At the dial tone that ended the call, Akko walked over to her bed, grabbed a pillow… and screamed.
[“Send me pics, love you!”]- She heard in the background before her mom hung up as well.
A/N: So since I took a long break from a lot of my fics due to some heavy personal reasons, my mind is pretty like, bugged and just totally lost. So Imma just yeet a self-indulgent intermission chapter for the time being (I’m sorry ;-;). Also, look at me pulling out my rarepair cards again :>
~Shintori Khazumi
“My favorite is Diana~ <3 Oh, but I secretly have a soft spot for Barbara.”
“Wha-?” Akko squeaked, scrambling for the spatula that had slipped out of her hands as she suddenly lost focus. “What are you talking about?” She faced the older woman, slipping the utensil into the bowl she had previously been mixing.
“Oh, just from your girlfriends, I just find her utterly adorable is all. She’s also so polite! What a charmer.” The redhead grinned. “Not to mention her looks-“
“Okay! Okay! I get it! Stop, I don’t wanna hear what you think about Diana. At least, not like that.” Akko groaned, having had this conversation with her adoptive mother-slash-mentor more times than she had fingers.
“Oh? I personally enjoy my little spats with the England brat. She’s a brat, but-“
“Aunt Marj-“
“Call me aunt or auntie again and I’ll kick your ass.” Marjolaine scowled, flipping her hair over her shoulder.
Akko sighed. She wasn’t in the mood to deal with these two adults, especially when they blatantly flirted in front of her and stole her concentration when she had work to be doing.
“Why are you guys here, anyway?” She grumbled, picking up from where she had left off with her batter.
“No reason.” Marjolaine shrugged. “Bored and there are no shows scheduled today so… I dunno about Char though.”
Akko turned to the woman, awaiting her answer.
“I just want to watch you be all sappy while preparing sweets for your anniversary.” Chariot shrugged as well, causing Akko to pout.
“If you had nothing better to do, then maybe you could have helped me out?” She gave them a pointed look.
“Nope.”
“No.”
“And why not?!”
“Because, Akko darling,” Akko glared and pushed Marjolaine away as she pinched her cheek. “It’s part of infusing your love into those yummy little treats is by putting in your fullest efforts. On your own.”
“You just don’t want to help me, do you.”
“Yup.” Marjolaine grinned cheekily, swiping her finger swiftly in the bowl and licking the stolen substance off with a happy hum while she avoided Akko’s reprimanding hits.
“Mom!” She complained to Chariot who simply laughed, leaving the two to their playfight as she two had her own taste test. “Oh, come on!”
//
“Babe, stop sulking.” Hannah poked Akko’s cheek, sighing when the girl’s frown only deepened, brows furrowing further as she smashed her fingers across her phone screen while playing a rhythm game, not winning at all due to how heavy her hands were being causing her to press inaccurately and also not move quickly enough to tap the notes on time.
“Stupid game. Stupid mom. Stupid Marj.”
“They didn’t mean any harm, dear.” Barbara sighed, placing down the magazine she had been reading before getting up from her spot on the floor and plopping down on Akko’s other side on the bed, laying across her lap with her stomach over Akko’s thighs and her head on Hannah’s.
“Still!” Akko exclaimed, frustrated. “Because they kept teasing me and stealing the batter while running around the kitchen, the bowl fell to the floor. It was my favorite one! It was glass too!” She cried out, throwing her phone across the room in her irritation, surprising Diana who had just walked in through the door. “And then I didn’t even get to give you all any gift for our anniversary because I had nothing else prepared and I-! I…”
Akko slumped forward, resting her torso over Barbara’s back. Diana placed the tea she had prepared on the room’s circular table safely before kneeling in front of Akko, taking her hands in her own and placing a kiss on each knuckle. Akko barely managed to keep pouting.
“Sweetheart…” Diana sighed, not really knowing how to make it any better. They knew that to Akko, these kinds of things were a big deal. She was a very thoughtful, hardworking girl who put effort into all the little things and big things. She was also emotional and sentimental. Things like anniversaries meant so much to her and she pulled all the stops on each monthsary they had. What she couldn’t afford financially, she made up for with effort- not that Hannah, Barbara, or Diana ever demanded any gifts from her. They were happy enough just spending time with her and being the ones to pamper and shower her with all the good things that they could give.
Akko just also wanted to repay them all the damn time, almost feeling like she owed them- an idea they regularly tried to get out of her system. They wanted her to know she was deserving and worthy of love at all times, in all circumstances. Why? Simply because they loved her.
The three shared a look, trying to communicate what they could do to lighten Akko’s spirits. Seemingly reaching an agreement, they all nodded, before Diana got up, pulling Akko to stand along with her, forgetting about Barbara sprawled across the girl’s as the said girl hit the floor with a dull thud and pained moan.
“Sorry.”
“I’m fine.” Barbara gave them a thumbs up and a dazed grin before Hannah picked her up and gave her a small kiss on the nose. “Even better.” Diana and Hannah simply rolled their eyes while Akko shifted her gaze between them, not knowing what was going on.
“Guys-?”
“Gee, I’m so hungry. What time is it? I sure wish someone would prepare me a meal~.” Hannah quickly spoke in the fakest tone of voice that made Akko snort.
“Oh, dear!” Barbara, in a nasally timbre, exclaimed, gasping as she exaggeratedly gestured to her watch. “It’s already five-thirty pm! I should have had dinner by now!”
“Barbara… you usually eat at nine pm, and you just order pizza because you’re too busy reading nightfall and too lazy to get up-“
“Shush!” Barbara held a finger to Akko’s lips, suddenly glancing about. “Do you hear that?” She said in a whisper.
“E-eh? H-hear what?” Akko suddenly became wary, also now on guard as she looked around the room for any potential intruders.
Hannah and Barbara shared a grin, evil glints in their eyes and somehow, the tallest of the bunch felt herself sweat. What were they-
“Diana’s stomach~” They sang annoyingly, poking the girl’s sides rather aggressively before bolting for the door as Diana tried to catch them, stumbling over the floor cushions and tripping.
“Wait, was that what you meant?! I didn’t think that our plan was- Hannah! Barbara!” Diana yelled after the pair that were already long gone. “Goodness.”
Diana’s attention was stolen by soft giggling. Turning around to her remaining girlfriend, she felt a tug on her heart as well as her lips, unable to keep herself from smiling as Akko tearily broke out into happy laughter.
“You all are dorks. Elegant, amazing, beautiful dorks.” She sobbed into Diana’s button-up, soaking the material lightly. “I love you so much.”
Diana squeezed the girl tight, fingers playing with the silky strands of hair. “Yeah?”
“Yeah.”
Diana’s cheeks were hurting from how much more she smiled, planting a kiss on Akko’s head before twirling her around and leading her out the bedroom towards the kitchen. “We love you so much more.”
Akko laughed and sniffled.
“Why are you crying, love?” She asked, already knowing the answer that caused her heart to beat strongly in her chest.
“Isn’t it obvious, silly?” Akko glanced up at her, smiling like the angel she was in all her plaid shirt and fitted jeans glory. “Because I love you.”
Diana could just die on the spot.
“I love you too.”
They shared a kiss, content in just soaking in the warmth and gentleness of that one moment-
“Heeeyyy, so I’m actually hungry and want my darling wifey’s cooking~”
Akko blushed, scurrying towards their destination with a dopey-faced Diana in tow. “Who-who’s wif-… Hannah!” She exclaimed embarrassed, flushing even more when Hannah and Barbara flanked her sides and placed a kiss on the corners of her lips.
“What?” Hannah asked innocently.
“Indeed, what is the problem?” Barbara fluttered her lashes. “Did we disturb your flirting with our Diana? You didn’t even give us any kisses yet.” She pouted.
“Or declarations of your undying love for us.”
“You two…”
“Really, you both are so needy.” Diana reprimanded, crossing her arms, earning her two tongues stuck out at her to which she rolled her eyes in response. “At least let us all graduate college. Then we can talk about marriage.”
“Di-Diana?!”
“What?” She said, innocently surprised. “I date with the intent to marry.”
“Aijgdikr?!”
Akko didn’t even have a chance to process that nor recover as she had already been pushed towards the counter, Hannah and Barbara laying ingredients in front of her.
“I want hot pot for tonight!”
“Oh, and maybe we can also make a light dessert. That, or we can have Diana run down to the store and get us a tub of icecream.” Barbara added to Hannah’s suggestion for tonight’s menu. “What do you think, Akko?”
“Akko?” Hannah turned away from the fridge, the rest of the girls looking at their lover, stunned and red, staring blankly at nothing. “Akko…?”
Diana gave Akko a light poke on the shoulder, yelping as the girl fell over onto the wooden floor, immediately curling into a ball, mumbling under her breath.
Two is company, Three’s a Crowd, but Four is the Death of Diana Cavendish (5): The Ones Who Embrace Her.
Akko slumped against Finnelan’s desk in the faculty lounge, finally done with her apology letter and extra work that she had gotten as punishment for leaving in the middle of class without valid explanation.
Not like she could ever turn ‘being a lackey for some assholes and getting them cutlet sandwiches to protect her friend and herself’ into an acceptable excuse. She already learned from high school. These things just happen, and they suck balls, but they happen. Akko figured she would just live with it.
And so, she did.
Begrudgingly.
“I hope you’ve learned from this experience, Miss Kagari.” The professor addressed her- distaste clear in her tone. “You are in this prestigious university to learn, to study, to build your character and mind for the greater future- …” Finnelan adjusted her spectacles with a wrinkly finger, and Akko almost laughed as it looked like she was flipping her off. “-Not that you have one, probably.”
Ouch.
Well, that sure stung.
Akko felt her momentary mirth leave her body, gaze dropping to the floor as she bowed apologetically and possibly in shame too.
“I’m sorry.” She murmured in a voice tinier than she’d expected.
“As you should be.” Finnelan dismissed with a wave of her hand, not even bothering to spare her some encouragement or bid her goodbye.
Akko shrugged internally. Not that she’d expected any of that anyway.
It was just the usual.
Just the usual.
…
Shutting the door behind her as she left the room, Akko felt herself nearly jump out of her skin as she turned around only to come face to face with one Diana Cavendish, blue eyes interrogative and serious, leaning down ever closely. Tooclosely.
Close enough that Akko was finding it a little hard to breathe.
“U-umm… D-Diana?” She squeaked, back hitting the door she had just exited withdrawing from the taller woman in awkwardness from their sudden proximity.
Diana continued to stare her down, lips parting and pulling back into a thin line, Diana seemingly trying to convey something-formulate words- but having difficulty to do so. “A-Atsuko…” She finally got out, swallowing audibly. “I- uh… you… why were you-“
“And…hup!” Hannah suddenly announced her presence by delivering a hard enough chop to Diana’s head, making her bite her tongue accidentally.
Diana turned around quickly, glaring- something that Hannah pointedly ignored as she walked around the taller girl, closer to Akko.
“Hhnnuh-! Whththeheerr!” Diana wanted to berate the girl however, her current speech impediment dampened the effects of her cross aura, rendering it ineffective.
Barbara did her best to keep a straight face, not wanting to laugh at this moment and instead attend to her poor girlfriend, but Diana was making it so hard with her complaints that only flew over Hannah’s head.
Akko, on the other hand, found herself giggling at their antics without reservation.
At her reaction, the trio sighed, Akko finally catching all their attention on her. Their sighs made her worry slightly, panic slowly seeping in as they kept their heads down, expressions all hidden from her sight. “W-what?” She tried asking, if only to ease her anxiety.
“Nothing, we’re just…” Hannah was the first to lift her head, a gentle smile, one that was new to Akko, on her lips. “We’re just relieved.” The girl explained, placing a hand on Akko’s shoulder, rubbing it gently, spreading the warmth of its touch all over Akko’s body as she felt her face heat up from the gesture.
“We heard you got called in by Finnelan.” Barbara piped up, moving closer to take one of Akko’s hands. Akko’s blush only deepened further, before it faded at the next words, her face giving it all away. “We were just wondering what had happened.”
Quick on the uptake, Hannah noticed the shift in Akko’s mood, clasping her other hand and intertwining their fingers, squeezing gently. “Are you alright?” She asked in a near-whisper.
Their eyes, their hands, their voices sweet and tender; Akko felt touched by their genuine concern. With feelings overflowing, she felt a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. With a nod, she replied, “Yeah, I’m good. I’m fine.”.
She saw Barbara search her eyes, a small, “Really?” making her heart feel even warmer than it already was.
“Yeah.”
Soft words and soft smiles, Hannah and Barbara were slowly allowing Akko’s heart to open up to them, and she found that she didn’t mind at all. Leaning her head forward ‘til it lightly bumped against the pair’s, she sighed contentedly, basking in the comfort she was being offered before Hannah piped up to ask another question.
“Have you had lunch yet?” She spoke while rubbing the pad of her thumb along the back of Akko’s hand that she held.
Before she could think to answer, Akko’s stomach rumble. “N-not yet.” She admitted, embarrassed. Hannah and Barbara chuckled at that.
“Perfect!” Barbara clapped. “It’s time for a date then~!” She announced, wiggling her eyebrows up and down, and Akko couldn’t help but allow the grin that teased at her lips to break out.
Hannah faux gasped, pretending to be astounded, features relaying her delight. “My! What a wonderful idea, miss Parker!” She curtsied, engaging Barbara in more of their formal roleplay, pretending they were some aristocratic ladies, preparing for a party.
Their antics drew more giggles from Akko as they offered out their arms to escort her to lunch.
“See? We made our lady smile.” Barbara winked, reaching for a high-five towards her girlfriend and best friend. Akko only rolled her eyes in amusement.
Turning their gazes forward, Akko chuckled behind her hand at the sight of a pouting Diana, looking like an abandoned puppy as she huffed, arms crossed, unwilling to meet their gazes.
“Hey. Diana. Why are you still acting all grumpy over there?” Hannah scolded, moving closer to pinch Diana’s cheeks as she scowled deeper. “Say something useful to make our little girlfriend here feel better.”
Akko blushed at the title, still unused to it.
Diana directed her glare on Hannah, bursting out. “YOU MADE ME BITE MY TONGUE. IT HURTS AND IT’S BLEEDING.”
“Oh, don’t be such a baby, sweetheart.” Hannah rolled her eyes. “There’s an easy way to make it all feel much better.” She said, grabbing Diana’s attention and her curiosity. The poor girl clearly missed the mischievous gleam in Hannah’s eyes.
Walking straight into the trap, she asked, “What?”.
“Kissing with tongu-“
Diana’s jaw dropped, face immediately flushing. “Hannah!”
“KissingAkko, specifically, with tongue-“
“HANNAH.”
Hannah and Barbara descended into laughter at the expense of their uptight girlfriend, Akko unable to stay embarrassed as she laughed along to their teasing.
Diana sighed before wearing a small smile. There was no way she could stay mad when they were all so happy.
And well, she couldn’t say she didn’t want to entertain Hannah’s idea. She felt her heart thump heavily at the thought.
-Just to heal her tongue.
Just for that.
Of course.
//
Sitting about a table in the courtyard for what Hannah and Barbara insisted was a ‘Lunch Date’, the four students peacefully took turns helping each other to their spread of food. Hannah and Barbara would take turns feeding their girlfriends, and consequently making them feed them back, albeit Akko and Diana did so shyly.
As their food disappeared and was replaced by a pile of empty containers, Diana, who was seated next to Akko cleared her throat, nervously glancing forward to her flatmates who subtly nodded in encouragement. They were now going to try to get Akko to tell them what happened.
They would have done so earlier, but it just didn’t feel right at that moment. Asking Akko such a thing when what she needed the most was comfort and a welcome didn’t sit well with them, so they waited. But it was hard to keep waiting, and they believed that if she told them, they might be able to help her through it.
After all,
They were girlfriends, weren’t they?
Popping the question, Akko immediately tensed, her usual peppy demeanor quickly dimming as she directed her gaze to her lap, hands bunching up the ends of her jacket. The other three couldn’t help but frown as well, a sting in their hearts settling.
It took a few moments before Akko’s quivering voice replied, cracking all the while. “I… just… I left class a little early. It was dumb of me.” Akko chuckled, wanting to end the conversation right there without having to explain much or accidentally expose toomuch.
She didn’t want them to know of the harassment. She didn’t want them to know why she was going through with it. She… wasn’t ready for them to know why. Not yet, lest their impressions of her plummet and they realize that… she wasn’t worth it. Not one bit.
Diana, on the other hand, didn’t seem to be having it.
“Why did you leave?” She carefully asked another question. She tried her best to not make it sound probing or pushing. They wanted Akko to feel comfortable enough to tell them on her own accord. It was simply just them asking.
“I… well…” Akko was still hesitant, thoughts running rampant as she tried to come up with something to say.
“Akko? Please tell us? If you’re troubled, we’d really love to help you.” Diana murmured, taking Akko’s hands into her own and pressing a timid kiss to each. “We… we care about you. A lot.” She said, looking up to meet Akko’s eyes pleadingly.
“It’s…” Akko’s throat felt dry. Deep down, she wanted to tell them. Really she did. But at the same time, she wasn’t ready. She was still afraid. “M-Maybe next time, okay?” She managed to say. “I… I just want to enjoy my lunchbreak… with my… g-girlfriends.” Akko bashfully followed up.
She saw Hannah and Barbara beaming, their worried expressions shifting to awe and joy at Akko’s acknowledgement as they scooted a little closer to her from across the table, hands reaching out to rest over her and Diana’s. Diana practically emitted sparkles and glowed, radiating an aura of joy that anyone could see from miles away.
“But of course.”
At the back of their minds, the topic still weighed on all of them. As for the roommates, they knew they would have to give Akko some more time. She did seem extremely uncomfortable about the topic, and they did not wish to bring her unease.
Akko knew she would have to tell them a lot of things eventually, but she just wanted to get away from it all for a while. Even if it lasted only this one brief moment, peaceful and warm, with her girlfriends.
//
If someone told Akko before that she’d be dating not one, not two, but three girls all at the same time, she’d laugh at the incredibly hilarious joke. It wasn’t the idea of being with a girl that she found far-fetched, it was being with someone in general that was implausible to her.
Because who would date Kagari Atsuko? A rumored class clown and loser all throughout highschool? Someone who fell asleep in her lectures and barely managed to turn in her assignments on time? Surely no one would want such a mediocre person as their significant other. There wasn’t much to brag about her, after all.
But no.
Now, she was slowly starting to come to terms with the fact that she nabbed three incredibly intelligent, beautiful, and talented ladies who made her feel special, who appreciated her, and told her that she… she was enough.
…even though she sometimes doubted it.
It had been a few weeks since their lunch date. They had immediately made it into a regular thing, spending lunches together when they could, and being around one another most times after school and between shared classes when Akko wasn’t with her friends with prior plans.
Friends.
Akko blinked, then slapped her forehead as a thought registered. She realized she hadn’t told Lotte and Sucy yet, though she had plans to. She had been nervous to tell them, putting it off constantly. But she knew them, and she knew how great they were as friends. She knew they would never judge her. Despite that, it didn’t make her any less nervous as she imagined how they would initially react, at least.
As she contemplated this thought and planned for her next attempt to come clean to her friend, someone bumped into her as she walked the halls, making her drop all her books, along with the bento box she had carefully prepared this morning in hopes that she could, for once, try to cook for her girlfriends as appreciation. And also to test if they would be into Japanese cuisine. For future reference.
Akko sighed, pushing away her dismay and slight irritation. She hadn’t been very aware of her own surroundings, so she admitted to herself that it was partially her fault, and just an accident. Gathering her things and turning to address the other party, she froze as she came face to face with none other than Chloe and Avery’s squad, displeasure painted across their features.
Akko cursed inwardly. She wasn’t in the mindset to want- or even manage- to handle this alone right now, but she was sure no one in this hall would step up for her, and Sucy and lotte had just split off to get something before their next class, leaving Akko by herself momentarily.
But she could already see this moment dragging on for far too long than she’d like. She really should have gone with them instead.
“Hey, Kagari.” Chloe smirked as she felt the shiver from Akko’s body as she placed her hand around her shoulders. “I see you’ve found yourself a few bodyguards lately, huh? Cavendish and her little bitches?”
Akko instantly felt her anger flare up at the words, but she tried to keep it in. It wouldn’t be good to blow up in Chloe’s face right away. Not now.
“You using them as your shield? Clever little kitten. Expected nothing less from our pet.” Chloe emphasized the word, really popping the t. The girl’s behind her made mocking barking sounds and Akko scowled.
“I’m not your pet.” Akko said indignantly, shifting to get away from Chloe, unwrapping hers arm from around Akko. She didn’t seem to like that action.
“Oh? What do you call yourself then?” Avery chimed. “Always at our feet, at our beck and call.” She smirked, the girls mumbling and nodding their agreement. “Obeying us every time? Hah. If you’re not a pet, then you’re a pathetic little slave.”
Akko didn’t want to answer to that. She knew it wasn’t true. It wasn’t. She just… had to.
Seeing her not fighting back as she usually did, Chloe felt irritation bubbling, having been looking forward to using Akko as her amusement but getting little to no reaction. It was unsatisfying. She needed something.
Grasping Akko’s cheeks with one hand, she squeezed, forcing the girl to look straight into her eyes.
“You’ve made our lives difficult, Akko. We had no one to get us lunch or do our homework.” She said this, sounding sad and disappointed, wiping an invisible tear from her eye, before focusing once more on Akko. “But we still kept up OUR end of the bargain.” She said, reaching into her pocket to flash Akko the photo of the truth she was trying to keep under wraps. “Maybe we should reconsider.”
Akko’s eyes widened, panic flooding in her system as she tried to reach for the image.
“Uh-uh-uh” Chloe tutted, pushing Akko down more.
Commotion began to build in the halls, as more people started to watch, no longer able to play the card of ignorance as things seemed to escalate beyond what normally transpired between Akko and her group of tormenters. Still, they remained fearful of coming between them, and nothing of Akko’s silent begs in her eyes could do much convincing.
Akko felt herself pulled into an awkward sit-up by the collar, Chloe licking her lips as she shook her other hand lightly. “Maybe you need a reminder.” She grinned.
Akko watched her raise a hand, knowing that a slap was coming.
Before Chloe could do anything, Akko watched a tall redhead run forward- someone she realized was one of her classmates, and the person she vaguely remembered to be Sarah, Chloe’s roommate back when they were in high school. Akko watched as she grasped Chloe’s wrist, pulling it away from Akko with anger and disappointment in her eyes.
“Chloe, what are you doing?” She spoke evenly in hopes of calmly diffusing the situation, although Akko knew she’d inevitably fail. Chloe never was one to listen to words, anyway. “Why are you doing this, hey!” Akko watched as she was promptly pulled back by Avery and the other girls, so quickly losing her standing.
“Get out of the way, Bernhardt.” Chloe snarled at her ex-roommate with an odd emotion passing in her eyes- one that only Akko saw- as Avery continued to tug the taller girl away. “You aren’t a part of this.”
Having gotten Sarah away, Chloe returned her attention to Akko who continued to meet her provoked gaze, she repeated her actions, raising her hand up high, prepared to swiftly deal in her ‘reminder’.
Just as her hand was about to come in contact with the skin of Akko’s face, she suddenly felt a forceful push, slamming her head into the nearest locker. Eyes turning redder than they already were, head spinning and confused, Chloe attempted to glower at her assaulter, only to find dark eyes that conveyed emotions that did not match the supposedly amicable smile currently worn. “What the-“
“So, I suppose you don’t mind if we intervene? After all, if Akko is involved, then WE ARE a part of it. Package deal, bitch.” Hannah’s voice rung loud and clear in the corridor, poorly hidden anger underlying her tone as she tilted Chloe’s head up with a long, manicured finger, nails digging slightly into the flesh beneath her chin.
Akko noticed Diana standing next to Hannah, both having probably ran as quick as they could upon seeing her. She watched the girl silently seething as she towered over Chloe’s fallen form. “Wha-“ Diana jabbed a finger to her chest, using it to punctuate her every word that followed.
“Don’t.ever. Touch my girlfriend again.” She growled, pushing Chloe back once more for good measure.
Akko barely registered Barbara gently aiding her up into a proper sitting position , scanning over her body for any injuries as the other two gathered her belongings. She couldn’t comprehend the conversation her three girlfriends were having, and before she could even try, she felt herself picked up by Diana and carried away, led by Hannah and Barbara to an empty part of the courtyard.
They allowed a few minutes of silence to reign over them as Akko tried to grasp her bearings, head still spinning from the previous occurrences.
As she came to her senses, she felt the awkwardness of their silence heavy. Unsure where she should begin explaining, she waited on them to ask first. She knew they would.
And they did.
“Does this occur frequently?” Diana broke the silence, tone wavering despite her calm appearance. It almost sounded as though she would cry, something Akko would have been surprised to see coming from the one known as ‘the Ice Princess’ had she not been dating her now.
“Huh? Oh, uh… I… n-no. Not really… Just…”
“Please.” Diana cut in, taking both of Akko’s hands into hers and squeezing them gently. “Be honest.”
Her kind eyes, usually like a mirror to the clearest of skies were shrouded with clouds of anxiety and concern that Akko knew wouldn’t leave anytime soon if she continued to hide things from her. With a sigh, she reluctantly confirmed, “…yes”.
“Why?” Diana followed up.
Akko stiffened upon hearing the question, immediately pulling her hands away from Diana’s grasp in discomfort as she felt her heart thump madly once more. “I… I can’t tell you that.” She backed off, creating space between them in hopes that Diana would no longer pry deeper.
“Atsuko-“
Diana felt a hand on her shoulder, grasping firmly. She turned to find Barbara shaking her head no. “If she’s not ready to tell us yet, let’s remain patient and not force it, Diana. Okay?” She whispered, casting a glance over to Akko who eyed them warily. “The poor girl looks troubled enough as it already is”
Diana shifted her attention back to Akko, eyes widening as she berated herself for not realizing sooner that she’d allowed her emotions to get ahead of her and not care for how Akko felt about all this.
“I’m… I’m sorry” She apologized straight-away. Akko nervously lowered her gaze, unable to face the trio. Her hands trembled in her lap, eyes wandering about to the things spread out on their usual table- her books and coursework, some crumpled papers, her girlfriends’ other belongings, and the lunchbox that was sure to be all messed up inside.
She felt her held-back sadness bubble at the base of her throat, eventually spilling out in a whimper that she immediately tried to cover up by clasping both hands over her mouth to no avail.
She felt warmth wrap itself around her, that familiar honeysuckle scent calming her immensely as she leaned into the touch, face buried into the crook of her girlfriend’s neck.
“Is there anything we can do to make you feel better, sweetie?” Hannah whispered, stroking her fingers through long brown tresses. Akko loved how she was always so straight to the point, so perceptive. She didn’t ask needless questions, and always knew how to read the situation.
Hesitantly Akko peered upwards, a struggling shy smile on her lips. “H-hold me?” She replied, loud enough for all of them to hear. Quickly flushing in embarrassment as she realized how needy she must have sounded, she added, “O-only ‘til I calm down”.
Having squeezed her eyes shut for the nth time today, she hadn’t noticed Barbara and Diana coming closer, Diana circling around to wrap her arms around Akko from behind, thumbs rubbing gentle strokes along Akko’s stomach, making the girl gasp in surprise initially. Barbara took the side opposite from Hannah and they embraced the pair in the middle, holding gently, yet firmly.
“Of course.” They all murmured into the group hug, taking turns to pepper fluttering kisses on Akko where they could reach.
Akko sat there, basking in the affectionate glow of her girlfriend’s comfort and love, sinking deeper into their arms, feeling herself drift away-
-drift far enough away that she failed to hear the frantic call of her name from across the courtyard, failed to remember that she had friends that she was supposed to attend class with, failed to hear the footsteps approaching, the loud gasp, “Akko? Akk-woah!” and whistle of astonishment. The only thing that seemed to shake her out to consciousness was the familiar chuckle of a teasing peer that always seemed to rile her up in embarrassment and sometimes irritation.
“Well, I guess we shouldn’t have rushed, huh, Lotte? Even though we searched high and low in worry after hearing about what happened in the halls, our little princess here seems fine and dandy.”
Akko’s head shot up, successfully bringing damage to Diana’s face as she covered her eyes and nose, carefully massaging them as she groaned.
“OH MY GOSH, I’M SO SORRY, DIANA-“
Diana waved her off, Barbara attending to her as Hannah shook her head in bewildered amusement. Glancing over to Akko reassuringly, she managed to convince her to speak with her friends, seeing they needed the conversation.
Akko carefully stood up, watching as Hannah and Barbara attended to Diana for a moment, Hannah shooing Akko if once she caught her gaze. Akko joined Sucy and Lotte a safe distance away, out of earshot, but within sight of her girlfriends, nervously thinking of what to say.
After a few moments of quietly dancing around the subject at hand, Lotte broke first.
“So… umm…this is… a surprise?” She tried to carefully broach the subject, not getting much reaction from Akko. Unlike her partner who simply descended into hysterics, slapping Akko on the shoulder with a wide grin.
“Goddamn, Akko. You getting three pussies all at onc-“ Lotte’s reprimand was swift and on point, the hit to the back of Sucy’s head silencing her. “I was just saying…” She mumbled.
Akko stood there, lips still tightly sealed, but face a blossoming shade of red, not really knowing what else to say other than the obvious that she was now dating three incredibly beautiful women without really knowing how she got to that point.
Lotte huffed a glad little smile, hands reaching over to rest on Akko’s shoulders, squeezing kindly. “Hey,” Akko looked into her soft gaze, nonjudgmental and ever sweet. “If they make you happy, then I’m incredibly happy for you as well. You deserve that much in your life after everything you do for me, for us, for other people just to make us all happy.” Lotte said, pulling Akko into a hug she knew the girl needed.
Sucy lightly pat Akko’s back, humming in her own way of assurance.
“Thank you.” She murmured into Lotte’s shoulder.
“Mm-mm,” Lotte shook her head in slight disagreement. “Thank you for always trying your best for us. I know you don’t tell me about whatever things have been going on and why you’re being bullied sometimes, but I know you’re not enduring this for no reason.”
“Mm.”
“But Akko?”
“Yeah?”
Lotte pushed Akko back slightly to look her dead-serious in the eyes. “If this is anything like high school and you’re taking heat for my sake, or Sucy’s sake, or anyone else’s, you better stop and come clean now.”
Akko regretfully looked away. “But-“
“Akko.” Sucy addressed, demeanor a rare pensive one as she compelled Akko to listen to her. “You’re not doing this alone. Don’t selfishly get hurt like this. We worry. If you have problems, let us help. The more of us, the easier it is to carry a burden, don’t you think?” She spoke her profound thoughts that she usually kept to herself. “You don’t have to tell us everything now,” She sighed as she gazed upon Akko’s slumped figure.
“But you don’t have to keep enduring alone.” Lotte finished for Sucy, squeezing Akko’s shoulders once more. “Okay?”
Akko was crying a lot today, wasn’t she?
“Silly girl.” Lotte commented.
“She’s the class clown, after all.” Sucy jested.
Accompanying her friend’s chuckles with her own tearful laughter, she laid her promise to share her sorrows and her pains with them better in the hug she gave them, hopeful that things would only get better from here on.
Yeah.
With the best friends she could ever imagine having in the world, and the most amazing lovers ever- Akko chanced a glimpse to see them watching over her fondly, warming her heart- she knew she’d get by. If these people were the ones… she might be able to tell them-
“Okay, so now it’s time for the customary interrogation of our daughter’s new lovers.” Sucy just had ruin the moment as she always did.
“Since when were you my parents?!”
“Aw, come on. I always wanted to try it out, making people all nervous and panicky.” Sucy pouted. “I wanna see Cavendish flip the fuck out-“
“Sucy!”
“Just saying!”
A/N: I don’t really know what to say. Hope you enjoyed, haha. So many stuff is just happening and I’m trying to escape to writing. whoop. Anyway, til next time.
A/N: I’m late because. I’m dying in school. Thank you. Dw, I’ll finish the story regardless.
Enjoy?
~Shintori Khazumi
Day 5: Afterlife/Reincarnation
“There’s no way she would ever lose her again.”
[“I will be with you in our next life, and into forever… Diana.”]
“-ness. Your highness, please wake up.”
Akko stirred from her slumber, feeling the silken sheets slip from her shoulders as she was aided into a sitting position.
Yesterday’s meeting must have really worn her out if her body felt this heavy the following morning.
“Ugh- Thank you, Anna. May I have a glass of water?” She requested, holding a hand out in waiting while the other cradled her throbbing head.
“Of course, your excellency.”
Having been handed the drink, Akko took large gulps until she cleared the cup of its contents, handing it back to her attendant. “Thank you.”
“I am glad to be of service.”
Akko continued to massage her throbbing temples, trying to think of all she had to attend to today. It was proving difficult however as she felt strange emotions swirl deep within her. Somehow, she felt as though she had dreamt of something important last night. However, she could not- for the life of her- seem to remember.
“Could you call Finnelan for me?” She moaned through the steadily intensifying pain.
“Right away.”
Akko nodded her gratefulness to Anna who quickly went to fetch the person she needed to see. Not a minute later, Akko’s court adviser had walked into the room, some papers in hand.
“You rang, Empress?”
Kagari Atsuko, empress of the continent of Solis, raised her head to greet her subject, trying her best to put on a presentable face.
“Yes. I apologize for my current state, but I’m feeling a little unwell. I’d like to ask if I had anything important that I needed to accomplish today? Anything that needs immediate regard?”
Finnelan gave her a sympathetic smile, leafing through the papers she had brought with her. “Not that I know of, Empress. You are fairly ahead of schedule for most of your work, and anything scheduled for today can be moved to at least three days later with nothing affecting any ongoing or future work.”
Akko sighed in relief, allowing herself to fall back into her covers. “Thank goodness. Would it be alright if I take the day off? I’m feeling a little unwell.”
Finellan laughed at the question. The young empress sure could be considerate.
“You literally own the entire empire, your Majesty. People’s time revolves around you. I mean this in a positive way. You are allowed to take breaks. No one could ever tell you no.”
Akko laughed along lightly with her, glad that she could take a much deserved rest.
“I will take up the opportunity then.”
“Please do. We can’t have our Empress functioning at any capacity less than her best.”
“Understood~” Akko lazily saluted as her subjects shook their heads in fondness.
“We shall be taking our leave then.” Finnelan said for both of them, taking a bow as she did.
“If you need anything, your majesty, feel free to call for me.” Anna reminded before they both finally left the empress to her own devices.
At the sound of the door clicking shut, Akko sighed, draping her arm across her eyes as she thought of what she should do with her free time now. Clearly, resting was at the top of her priority list, but she knew she wouldn’t be able to just keep still and laze around all day.
She decided she’d nap and grab a bite to eat before doing some exploring- something she hadn’t been able to do lately. The forests to the south of the palace sounded like the ideal place to adventure in today.
With her plan in mind, she laid herself to sleep and succumbed to the temptations of her sheets.
//
Akko felt significantly better once mid-afternoon came around. She had satisfyingly filled her stomach and had acquired her much needed rest. Refreshed, she decided to go for a ride into the southern woods, as planned.
Akko walked through the palace halls, first searching for Anna to let her know she was heading out. With the castle staff aware of her whereabouts, she made her way out the back doors and hiked far enough that she’d be hidden from anyone’s immediate sight.
She scanned her surroundings for any presence or unwanted eyes. Finding none, she sighed in relief, reaching into the pocket of her coat and pulling out a small locket- an oddly shaped one. One that looked uncannily like…
A briefcase.
This odd artifact had been with her since the day she was born, apparently. Her parents hadn’t given it to her, that’s for sure. They just said that one moment she was born, and the next they’d seen her, she already had the necklace laid next to her in her crib. She had never parted with it since then.
It wasn’t something they could explain. Maybe a cleric or a mysterious nurse had gifted it to her, who knew. All Akko knew was that one day, she suddenly had many creatures to call family, and somehow, she knew each one by heart.
Whispering a few words against the locket, and planting a gentle kiss on it, the case grew and she was able to open it.
Biting her lip, she weighed a few options in her mind. Who should she call today…
Ah, of course. If she wanted to brave the woods and look for adventure, who better to call on than-
“Florence.”
Immediately, a gentle glow of light filled her area, and a regal-looking creature emerged, basking in the light for a few moments before nuzzling Akko’s side.
The empress giggled, petting her creature before returning the briefcase to its former state and hanging it around her neck.
“Hello, my friend.”
Without her having to say another word, Florence took her up on his own back before quickly ascending to the heavens and flying quickly across the vast lands, giving Akko a gorgeous bird’s eye view of the landscape.
As they sword above the heights of trees, Akko spotted an open area. She was sure that if she had walked the woods, she’d never spot this peculiar looking shack as it seemed cloaked in some sort of… magic.
Carefully, she had Florence glide about the air before silently landing nearby, but not quite in the area. Her intuition had proved right as she struggled for a few minutes to see what she had found from above. Using her general instinct and memory of where she vaguely assumed that place to be, she eventually stumbled through an odd-feeling magical barrier that allowed her to stumble upon a cottage that looked nothing like what she had seen mid-air.
It looked cozy, quite homely.
Akko looked around, hoping to see any signs of a person as clearly someone resided here- what with the well-kept grass and the lively waving by the window.
She followed the dotted stony path leading to the door, reading the sign left there.
[Apothecary Cavendish is closed. Return tomorrow.]
Akko frowned slightly for two reasons. One beint that that odd name caused her head to throb once more. Was she getting sick again? Maybe not. The other reason Akko felt disheartened was due to the fact that she wouldn’t exactly be having a tomorrow to check this place out as she would have to get back to work. She wasn’t quite sure if she’d have any time this week either. Or this month. Or… ever.
She weighed her options.
Shecould sneak out of the castle at some point in the future. Or maybe she could quench her curious thirst right now and try opening the door- have a little peek, that’s all. She could say that it was an inspection since she was sure this place wasn’t on the empire’s map, nor was it registered in any city or town hall.
She was simply investigating, yes. Investigating. For the safety of her country and men.
Akko nodded, knowing she hadn’t really convinced herself of anything. Reaching for the knob, she felt her hands sweat and tremble, throat drying. She really was justifying her actions that could very well be a crime. Empress or not, this was really wrong. But… She just had to know… She just had to reach and turn the knob and take one small look and all would be fine. She’d leave without a trace, and no one would kno-
“Who are you.”
Akko felt her body go rigid in fright, slowly turning around to spot a woman with basket of what seemed to be herbs. Had she just returned from collecting them-
“Ugh-”
“Hey! Are you okay?”
Again. It was back again. The pain in her head.
Akko crouched down, cradling her head in her hands with her eyes squeezed shut as the world spun round and round until she hit the ground. She barely heard the panicked yelling of her companion as all went to black.
//
“You’re awake.”
Akko blinked once, twice. Her visage was filled with soft light and wooden framing across a tall roof. Turning to her side she watched the woman she’d met only moments ago squeezing a towel over a basin before gently laying it over her forehead.
“A high fever, and you had the gall to go exploring in these dangerous woods.” She scolded Akko who couldn’t help but stare, not processing anything she’d just said.
Akko didn’t know why, but something spoke familiarity in just about everything this woman had been showing her. Her manner of speech, of action, the way she was currently scolding Akko with a stern and frank voice that still held a gentle warmth to it- everything about her told Akko that couldn’t possibly be the first time they’d met.
At least… not in this lifetime…?
Akko did a double-take at her thought process. This lifetime? What did that mean? Had she ever been one to believe in something like reincarnation and multiple lives? Well, she didn’t necessarily doubt it either. She simply never thought of it until now.
So… what did she think of it now?
“Um, pardon me? Are you alright? Are you still with me?”
Akko realized her mind had wandered so far that she forgot her manners.
“Ah, my apologies. I just…just…” She had looked up to meet the eyes of her savior to show her sincerity, but so quickly got lost in them. Sparkling blue gems that were framed with long lashes above the gentle slope of a tall nose and healthy pink lips distracted her.
Holy shit. This lady was-
“Absolutely stunning.”
Miss Stunning blinked. As did Akko.
“Thank…you…?”
It was only then that Akko came to her senses, immediately rising from the bed, only to smack her head straight into her companion’s nose.
“CR- CRUMPETS AND SHIITAKE MUSHROOMS-… WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?!”She groaned, nursing her nose and checking for any possible signs of bleeding.
Fortunately for her, their were none. Unfortunately for Akko she was now rather cross.
Akko reached out to assist her, but the woman promptly created distance between them, not trusting Akko anymore in case of any more surprise attacks.
“Miss, I-”
“Just-! If you’re feeling better, please leave. Please. I beg you.”
Akko really, truly felt terrible for causing her so much trouble that she silently complied. With a bow, she gathered her coat that had been hanging off a dining room chair, wore it and said her farewells.
“I’m sorry to have bothered you. And trespassed.” She apologized, head hung low. “I-if it’s alright…” Still, something deep within her told her she still needed to come back. She needed to know of this woman and the strong pull she seemed to have over her. “May I come back?”
Akko could see the woman’s hesitance in her eyes. She watched her deliberate over the decision, before sighing and agreeing, much too Akko’s surprise.
“Fine. I guess I do need a few more customers. Wouldn’t mind that.” She reluctantly gave Akko a smile… and a piece of paper with a few things written on it.
Akko cocked her head to the side, scrutinizing the item. “What’s this?” She inquired, confused.
She watched the other woman crack a grin, finding it somehow incredibly endearing. “The bill.” She stated factually. “For the services I’ve provided you, good miss.”
Akko’s jaw dropped at the words. She couldn’t even tell if she was being teased or-
“I’m dead serious.” She was told. “My ingredients don’t really grow on tre-… okay, some do. But this forest doesn’t exactly grow me any money. Only resources.”
That drew a fit of laughs from Akko who was incredibly amused by this stranger’s straightforwardness.
“Alright, alright.” She was never really short on money anyway. “I’ll come back with your compensation. That, I promise.”
And she swore she died a little at the smile she received just then. Her brain ceased to function and her feet would no longer move.
“Miss?”
“O-Oh! Sorry, just… uh. Got lost in the moment there. Um…” Awkwardly scratching the back of her head, she bid her farewells. “Well, I’ll see you around um…” Oh. She didn’t quite know the woman’s name.
“Hmm?” Akko was given a questioning look before the apothecary caught on. “Oh, right. We forgot to introduce ourselves to one another. Hello there.”
“H-hello.”
“I go by Cavendish…
Diana Cavendish.”
And at those words it felt like puzzles of a piece Akko didn’t know she was solving, suddenly fit. Sparks connected, and her mind ran miles and miles per hour over memories, thoughts, emotions, and a past Akko now fully remembered.
A past where she had love. A past where she had… Diana Cavendish.
She hadn’t even realized when it was she started crying, but Diana had reacted faster than she did, dabbing Akko’s face with a handkerchief while awkwardly consoling her.
“May I… embrace you?” Akko suddenly blurted out.
Diana, already surprised from Akko’s sudden crying, became all the more shocked. Her being a little weirded out by what Akko had requested was also not something she particularly hid from showing on her face.
“May I… Could I possibly embrace you?” Akko repeated to her, well aware of how odd it was to ask that of someone who clearly thought her to be a stranger.
“I don’t even know who you are, sorry.” Diana eventually admitted, the words breaking Akko’s heart just a bit.
Akko couldn’t remember the last time words had hurt her this much, but Diana not remembering the things they’d been through and Akko knowing the things she knew… it was just a bit much.
Maybe… this wasn’t something that was meant to be. Akko decided to plaster on a smile. Maybe she could try again tomorrow? Would Diana be able to remember her as well? Should Akko just tell her? Would she even believe her?
Akko didn’t have much time to think about it any longer as the sun began to set. It was time for her to leave.
“My apologies.” Akko sighed, giving Diana a respectful bow. “That was rather rude of me, wasn’t it?”
Diana gave her a small, suspicious nod.
“I must be on my way, but… um…” Akko felt her palms sweat and she quickly wiped it off on her garments before holding a hand out. “Let us start over again.” She smiled. She could do this much at least. Right?
Diana took her hand incredibly slowly and carefully. Akko kept up her smile despite all the salt continuously being added to a fresh wound.
“Hello, Miss Diana.” She greeted. “I am a simple noblewoman in this country and I go by the name..,” Maybe if she said her name, Diana would remember just as she had.
Or maybe not and Akko would continue to wallow in sadness for a few days more.
Only one way to find out.
“Kagari Atsuko”
Nothing.
There was nothing.
Diana neither flinched, nor blinked, nor spoke a word.
Akko could now actually hear her heart start to crack, ready to shatter. The universe sure could be cruel sometime-
The sunset sky sure looked lovely from where Akko was laying on the ground, tackled by a Diana who now sobbed heavily into her robe.
“B-by gods, Akko… Akko. Akko.”Diana chanted, over and over and over again. “Akko. Akko. Akko.Atsuko. Kagari Atsuko. My Akko.” She cried into the crook of Akko’s neck, placing kisses along that curve and up to her cheek,
Adjusting herself so that she was comfortably atop Akko, she cupped both the brunette’s cheeks, looking into her eyes as if she were confirming this to not be a dream.
Akko felt her eyes water again, the shock of the sudden attack fading away as it all begun to sink.
That Diana remembered.
That they both did.
As though she had found it, Diana’s face lit up into the biggest smile as she leaned down to plant a kiss on Akko’s lips for as long as she could, like she was afraid Akko would disappear again at any minute.
They both laughed through the tears and the kisses, Akko carefully sitting them up with Diana situated on her lap.
Having run out of air, they parted, Akko immediately grabbing both of Diana’s hands and planted kissed on them,
Diana felt her stomach flutter at the familiar gesture, bringing her hands up to brush the sides of Akko’s face, her bangs and hair, and play with her eats that were warm at the tips.
“I’ve missed you.” Diana whispered.
The floodgates opened once more and Akko cried the most she had in this lifetime.
Cradling Diana close to her chest. Showering her lover with her own affections and completely forgetting about her home, Akko just reveled in the miracle that they had acquired, happy beyong measure.
“I’ve finally found you again.” She told Diana, tightening her arms around her as she felt Diana do the same.
Akko smiled even wider-if it was possible as she continued her statement.
“I love you.” She whispered with Diana whispering it back. “And this time, I’ll never lose you. Ever again.” Akko promised, and Diana nodded, wrapped in euphoria and Akko’s arms.
“Never again.”
A/N: I rushed this already, I’m sorry. ;-;. See you last 2 chaps!
