The sun was just creeping over the mountains when they set off back to Luna Nova. It wasn't a particularly cold morning, but still, Akko clung to Diana. She told herself it was for warmth.

"I'm sorry about the ritual," she said. "And your aunt. And your cousins."

Diana frowned, just a little. "You have nothing to apologize for, Akko. I told you before, I made the determination to abandon the ritual, and I do not regret my decision."

"You really are, er, what was it? Compassionate?"

"Affectionate."

"Yeah that's the one." Akko yawned. She gave Diana an extra little squeeze.

Morning was spilling over the mountains now, and down into the valley they were flying though. Inch by inch, minute by minute, the dark was being pushed back by a golden dawn.

"I'm sorry," Akko said again. "I've, ugh, never thought of you as affectionate. You always come off as cold."

Diana didn't say anything.

"No, not cold. Serious, maybe?" Akko continued. "Like you're always worried about something. You know? Stuck up. I didn't know about your family, or your mom. I guess I understand you a little better now."

Akko clapped her hands together. "But please!" she said with a tiny bow, "concentrate on your studies!"

"I will," said Diana. "I fully intend to finish my schooling at Luna Nova."

"And please," shouted Akko, "smile more! That smile last night, when you recited the fifth word, when we flew on Chariot's broom – it was a great smile!" Akko beamed just thinking about it. "I want to see that smile again!"

"Please Akko, you're embarrassing me."

But Akko was on a roll now, everything was spilling out uninhibited. "It was such a good smile!" she insisted. "I wonder why? Maybe because a Diana smile is so rare?" Yes, that must be it, she decided. "Not like my smiles. I'm smiling all the time, so they're not as special."

"Akko-" Diana was glad Akko couldn't see her face.

"Ah, but I'm not saying I don't like your other expressions. They're cute too!" Akko said, tripping over her words. "I wasn't trying to be mean!"

She squeezed Diana's side a little to let her know she was serious. "That pout you always do when you're frustrated – that's really cute. I love that pout! Or that tiny, eager look you get when the cafeteria serves parfaits and you're waiting in line for one!"

Akko saw that? Diana wondered what else she noticed.

"Oh, and the way you narrow your eyes when you're mad!" Akko continued. "Your nose gets all scrunchy! So scary, but so cute! Like an angry kitty!"

Akko leaned back and kicked her feet a little. "But your smile – that innocent smile – that's the best."

Diana was very quiet.

"I guess I'm always looking at you, aren't I?" Akko wondered.

They flew on. It was day now; all the dark of night had passed. Just over the horizon Akko could see first hints of the glow from Luna Nova's sorcerer stone. The green magic mingled with the rising sun, and a shimmering morning haze spread out over the valley.

Akko was suddenly filled with determination. "Diana!" she shouted, "I want to protect that smile!"

This was too much, Diana thought, she had to stop her here. "Akko," she said sternly, "my happiness is none of your concern. You have more important things to worry about than me. Please focus on recovering the lost words and unsealing the Grand Triskelion."

And then: "You're always butting into other people's lives."

"Oh." Akko looked away. Maybe she had gotten a little carried away.

Diana sensed her dejection. "I apologize," she said, "I was rude. Please, I know you mean well, but you must be more considerate of other people's feelings. Not everyone will want your help. You can't arbitrarily decide something like that, all by yourself."

Akko perked up. "I understand, Diana!" she said, bursting with energy again. "Please give me permission to protect your smile!"

"I- what?"

"I want to worry about you Diana," Akko explained. "I want to be considerate of your feelings, and I want your happiness to be my concern!"

Diana shook her head. Clearly Akko wasn't understanding her. "We are not particularly close, Akko. We're not related by blood, or in the same coven. There is no relationship between us."

"Then I want a relationship!"

The broom came to an abrupt stop. "Akko – what are you saying?"

"Everyone needs somebody looking out for them. Let me look after you, Diana!" Akko thumped her chest. "As your girlfriend!"

Diana very nearly fell off her broom.

"Yes, it's perfect," said Akko. She rubbed her chin, clearly pleased with her idea. "Then I can make you happy, and see that smile anytime I like!"

She started considering the possibilities. "And not just that one joyful smile, but other smiles too – your smug, self-satisfied smile, your doubled-over-in-laughter smile, your peaceful, relaxed smile – I can't wait!"

Her eyes gleamed with excitement. "Romantic candlelight smiles, sleepy morning smiles – I want to see them all! So what do you say, Diana?"

Diana didn't answer. Because she was dead. She'd died of embarrassment. RIP.