A DiaLotte oneshot because why not?

Diana always spent her time in the library, studying and making sure she had everything done in time. However, lately she has been spending that time outside, sitting on the grass under a tree and reading a book.

It was a habit that she developed ever since she found herself interested in someone.

She glanced at the girl sitting under another tree, oblivious to the prodigy watching her.

Lotte Yanson was peacefully reading the new Nightfall volume, humming to herself and smiling so brightly that the prodigy almost forgot how to breathe.

She has been doing this for two weeks, following her around and sitting somewhere where she can watch her, but not too much so that she wouldn't come off as a creep.

Barbara caught her staring at Lotte in class, and ever since that day she was on her tail, asking her about every little detail and if she made a move yet. She hasn't done anything, and she didn't even know how to do anything.

Diana knew that if there was one thing she was incompetent at, it's romance.

Heck, she was bad at friendship too!

How many struggles did it take for her and Akko to finally get along and be friends?

Hannah and Barbara were the ones to approach her first many years ago.

Barbara told her that she needed to make a move, or at least, be subtle about it. She should start by a small interaction, one that wouldn't come off as weird.

Sighing to herself, and asking Beatrix for courage, she moved from her spot, and walking towards the other girl.

"Hello, Miss Yanson, I'm surprised to see you here." She started, keeping her tone in check. At least she was good with words, and knew how to keep calm in tense situations.

Well, this wasn't a tense situation, but a Cavendish takes everything seriously and prepares for every possible outcome.

"Diana?" Lotte looked up, and smiled shyly, although a little intimidated. "You can call me Lotte, if you want."

First name basis? That sounds like a step forward according to one of the many relationship advice books she read.

"May I sit with you? This tree casts a larger shadow than the others, and I've been looking for a calm place to read this book." She said. She wasn't lying, the tree was wonderful and she has been thinking about using it. She could kill two birds with one stone.

"Oh! Of course." Lotte said, adjusting her glasses. "I don't mind the company." She gave her a friendly smile, knowing that the Cavendish heiress wouldn't be loud and distracting like her teammates.

She loved Akko and Sucy, she really did. It just bothered her how loud they could be whenever she needed to read her book. Reading nightfall was the best thing about her day. It didn't matter how many times she would reread any volume, it was still as magical as the first time.

Diana gave her a grateful smile, before sitting on the other side so that she gives her the space she needed to read peacefully.

She wasn't sure how she managed to keep a stoic face with her heart fluttering and with the strange feeling in her stomach that made her nervous.

What seemed to be a one time occurence between them, became a habit.

Lotte found herself enjoying the silent company, the small talks about random stuff, from professors to homework to the books they were reading. She didn't think she would look forward to Diana's company of all people, not after how she let her friends bully Akko. She did however, prove herself to be a good person and helped them find Akko.

She remembered how she put her hand on her shoulder and smiled softly, reassuring her when she was worried sick about Akko's disappearance.

Day after day, the two sat together, and as time passed, the distance between them closed, and they were right next to each other instead of sitting on opposite sides.

"Hello, Lotte." Diana said, as she took a spot next to her. "Are you doing well?"

"Yes!" Lotte said, excited. She smiled as the heiress sat next to her, closer than she had weeks earlier. "A new Nightfall volume has been released and I'm about to read it!"

"Is that so?" Diana's expression softened at the rare sight. Lotte was usually quiet, and seeing her so happy and talking about something she loves has made her look even more beautiful. There was a sparkle in her eyes.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I forgot to ask about you." She adjusted her glasses, blushing at how she slipped before even asking her about her day.

"I am fine now that I'm here." Diana said, oblivious to the blush and surprised look that showed on the other girl's face. Barbara told her to use that line, although she wasn't sure what it would do.

She wasn't bright when it came to human interactions.

Lotte started reading her book, still flustered by Diana's comment. She quickly found herself immersed into the story, the next chapter of the tale that meant so much to her. She lost herself to her book, while the prodigy lost herself watching her. She wondered if it was time to try and make a move, but she couldn't distract her from a book she has been waiting to read.

They sat in silence, with occasional reactions coming from Lotte, and gasps of shock at whatever plot twists the book had to offer this time. Diana started reading her own book, deciding to use the time to study more. Perhaps she should pick up a Nightfall book one day, even though it sounded ridiculous from what the girl has told her.

Still, maybe she would enjoy it if she gave it a shot.

She watched as Lotte marveled about the book and taking some time to talk to Diana about it, explaining to her plot points that she didn't understand and character she certainly did not know. She found it endearing, to be fair.

Eventually, that excitement died down into a satisfied sigh. It was a book worth reading in the girl's opinion.

"I'm sorry you had to listen to my rambling." Lotte apologized, putting the book away. "It's been a while since the last volume, and it's great as always. I was worried about Annabel because of the backlash she was getting, but she's really an amazing writer."

"It must be hard for her to continue a long running story at such a young age." Diana said, understanding the young girl a bit. Their responsibilities weren't the same but she knew what it was like to have to work so hard as a child.

"Yeah, but she's really brave!" Lotte said. "Like you. I mean… you've worked so hard because of your responsibilities, and it's admirable."

Diana smiled.

"Thank you." She said, looking down at her own hands that were folded on her lap.

Perhaps now would be a good time to ask her. The worst that could happen is that she would say no, and she was too kind to treat her differently if she refused. Diana took a deep breath. She can do this. She saved the magic world along with Akko, so this shouldn't be hard. Asking a girl out shouldn't be hard or nerve wrecking, it was just a question. She has been through more dangerous situations than this.

Yet here she was, once again, asking Beatrix to give her courage to ask one simple question.

"Can I ask you something, Lotte?" She started, trying to play it safe and approach with caution. The girl nodded. Here goes nothing. "Would you like to go out with me, on a date?"

"I.. what?" Lotte answered, startled.

"I like you, and It would be nice if we could go out together." Diana said, then added. "Rest assured please, I won't be mad or avoid you in case you say no."

The other girl blinked, and looked down thoughtful. She then gave her a small smile.

"I like you too, Diana. I'd love to go on a date with you."

"YEAH YOU GO GIRL!" They both heard a voice from the distance that sounded awfully similar to Barbara's, but when they turned, they found no one.

Diana made a mental note to have a serious talk with her friend later.

That thought left as soon as it came, when she felt fingers brushing against hers. Lotte looked shyly at their hands, asking for permission, and with a racing heart, their hands rested on each other.

The two smiled, and leaned against the tree, thinking of how their first date would be like, and hoping that there would be more to come.