Summary: Akko tries to plan the perfect birthday for Diana. Turns out, she didn't have to think so hard. After all, when was the last time Diana looked forward to her own birthday anyway?
Author's Notes:
Hi everyone! It is finally the 30th here! Anyway, I would like to dedicate this oneshot to the character who owns my heart and soul for the past… year actually wow. So happy birthday, Diana Cavendish. I cannot promise that I'll spare you anymore pain, but I do hope you continue to fuel my motivation to write.
Well, maybe not too much. I really do need to prep for grad school stuff…
This technically takes place after Heart of Steel and its (as of now) nonexistent sequel. Therefore, Diakko is an established pairing, Diana is alive, her father (Arthur) is dead, there is no evil Witch of Corruption, and Diana has all of the anguish that a girl her age should never have.
I guess you can read this without having read any of my previous stories, though this does serve as a continuation in the "Mending Hearts" series. Just know that Diana's other side of the family is a family of knights. Oh, and that Diana has a lot of sadness when it comes to her family and anything regarding her childhood. So nothing new, right? XD
Finding Happiness Once More (with you by my side)
It is a beautiful, spring day. The sun is shining and the sky is clear save for a few white clouds decorating the blue. The soft breeze feels cool against the skin. It isn't too humid, nor too dry. The birds are singing with a few spirits, the crops are watered, and everything is fine. Everything is clear. There is absolutely nothing wrong. Everything is great!
"It's going to be WHAT?!"
Of course, there is always an exception when it comes to Atsuko Kagari.
Hannah and Barbara, for one, are completely unamused.
"You didn't know?" Barbara asks with her arms crossed over her chest. "How do you not know? You're her girlfriend!"
"Well it's not like these things just come up! And Diana doesn't talk about herself a lot! You two should know this!" Akko argues.
Hannah scoffs. "Still, you'd think her girlfriend would know this. Diana's been talking about your birthday since the new school year started."
"As much as we love Diana, it's getting annoying to hear her mumbling to herself at her desk about planning the 'perfect birthday date' or something along those lines," Barbara says.
"Sometimes I think Diana forgets we can hear her."
"Oh, I don't think it's just sometimes."
Akko butts in before the two can continue their discussion and ignore her. "Wait, so April 30th. That's Diana's birthday."
"Yes, Akko. How many times do we have to repeat it?" Barbara sighs.
Hannah rolls her eyes."Geez, how many times do we have to say it for you to understand?"
Akko groans. "Alright, alright, I get it. I'm a terrible friend and girlfriend. You don't have to be gremlins about it."
"WHAT DID YOU CALL-"
Akko ignores their outbursts. "So what are you two getting for Diana?"
Hannah clicks her tongue. "Nuh uh. You can't cheat by asking other people. Your present has to be genuine."
"Oh come on, I'm just asking!"
Barbara shakes her head. "Since you already forgot about her birthday-"
"I keep telling you that I didn't know at all! How is that my fault?!"
"-then you have to think of your own present."
"I can think of my own present! I'm her girlfriend; of course I know what to get Diana!" Akko crosses her arms over her chest, lifting her chin up to snort. "I was just asking to make sure I get something better than you guys."
Hannah nods without believing a single word. "Uh huh. Okay. Yeah, sure."
"Then we'll leave you to find the perfect gift," Barbara teases. "Good luck!"
"Toodles!"
With their business done, Hannah and Barbara continue on their way. Akko watches them go with a scowl before stomping off with an annoyed huff.
"Stupid snooty busy-bodies," Akko grumbles to herself as she stalks through the corridors. "Just because they're Diana's roommates doesn't mean they can shove their oh-so great knowledge down my throat! I'm her girlfriend! I bet I know a lot of stuff that they don't. Like how Diana makes that cute little crinkle when she's asleep. Or how she actually likes to hold people but won't admit it. And there's that one time she refused to admit she had no idea how to use a blu ray player. And-"
Akko stops in the middle of the hallway. Her tirade halts for about two seconds before she throws her hands up to her head and groans.
"Great, now I'm talking to myself. Why does anything that has to do with Diana have to drive me insane?"
Her continuous grumbling doesn't help considering the passing students stare at her even more after this outburst. But Akko pays them no mind and stomps the rest of the way back to her room.
Akko throws open the door to her bedroom, startling Lotte but Sucy doesn't even bat an eyelid at her desk. Lotte looks up from the book she is reading on her bed.
"Welcome back, Akko," Lotte greets. "Did you return the books you needed to?"
Akko's sour mood lifts a bit thanks to Lotte's cheerfulness. "Oh, yeah that was fine. But then I ran into Hannah and Barbara on the way back and got yelled at for no reason!"
"Sounds like normal," Sucy remarks.
Lotte doesn't even try to admonish Sucy this time. "What was wrong this time?"
"I didn't even do anything! They just asked me what I was planning to do with Diana on the 30th because Diana didn't say anything about having plans. I told them I wasn't doing anything special and then they yelled at me!"
"Isn't the 30th Diana's birthday?"
Akko stares owlishly at Lotte. "Eh? How do you know?"
"How do we not know is the better question," Sucy drawls. "Not with Barbara talking about her gift so much around Lotte."
"She's very happy with the quill set that she bought in town the other day. Perfect with its own automatic ink refills powered by a small philosopher's stone." Lotte says. "Barbara was showing it to me the other day. It must cost a good amount of our pension."
"Diana's team is a group of rich girls. They're fine. They could probably buy Luna Nova based on how the school handles its finances." Sucy grabs the finished vial and turns around in her chair. "Akko, try this one."
Akko scrunches her nose up at the foul smelling potion. "What, why would I do that? What is it anyway?"
"It's supposed to make you fall in love with your crush. Who knows for how long, and what side effects it'll have?"
"I don't need it! I already love Diana. Besides, I need to have a clear head to think of the perfect gift for Diana!"
"Do you have any ideas so far?" Lotte asks.
"Nothing specific. But I can think of a lot no problem!" Akko nods proudly to herself. "I'm her girlfriend, after all."
Sucy raises an eyebrow. "Oh yeah? What's one gift idea?"
"I could get her a-" Akko opens her eyes as her mouth stays open. It flaps closed and open a few times as her mind fumbles for an answer. The problem isn't that she has none. It's just that she has so many that she can't pick one.
All the while, Sucy waits for Akko's answer. "And?"
"Uh… what do you get someone who's rich enough to have anything they want at any time?"
"Of course."
"Hey! I bet I can think of something if I really sat down and thought about it!"
"It's okay if you can't think of anything big," Lotte reassures. "I'm sure Diana will be happy with anything you get her."
"She might also be fine with you just spending the day cuddling with her. Or asleep against her chest. She seems to really like that," Sucy says.
Akko's cheeks flush pink. "You guys are never going to stop bringing that up, are you?"
"You two fell asleep against the Jennifer Memorial Tree in broad daylight. Amanda still has the evidence."
"But I was drooling! All over Diana's shirt!"
"That just makes it better," Sucy giggles with an evil grin. "It's not like Diana minded."
"Diana cares so much about you. She wouldn't let a small thing like messing up her clothes or a birthday gift change her opinion of you," Lotte says as she comes down from her bunk. "If you do need any help, I can try to think of good ideas with you.
"No! I should get Diana a gift on my own. I should be able to do this much as her girlfriend." Akko crosses her arms and stews. After thinking so hard that her face starts to turn red, Akko looks up and glances at the vial in Sucy's hand with a twinkle in her eye. "You think I'll get ideas faster if I fall in love with Diana all over again?"
Lotte promptly grabs the potion before Sucy can utter a word, spins on her heel, and chucks it out their window.
Days pass. Akko has practically spent every waking minute coming up with good ideas for presents and a nice date. Every idea has crossed her mind, from taking a nice stroll throughout the campus to a nighttime ride on their brooms. But none of them seem worthy enough for Diana Cavendish, a girl who lives and grew up with luxury. Even if Diana doesn't act like a snobby aristocrat by flaunting her heritage, it doesn't mean that she isn't one.
(Okay, Diana's not snobby. That's her aunt. But she's still rich!)
There are so many possibilities. As great as all of them are, Akko doesn't think they are satisfactory. Diana isn't just anyone. Not only is Diana from two prestigious families and grew up with more luxury than Akko can ever imagine, Diana is also Akko's girlfriend. Akko refuses to just give Diana some random gift without the deepest thought and consideration.
(GAHHHHH! Why is this so hard?!)
Akko is so deep in her thoughts that she doesn't notice the other person walk straight into her until both are falling backwards onto their butts.
"Ow ow ow…" Akko groans. After making sure her poor butt isn't too sore, Akko looks up to apologize to who she ran into. "Sorry, I wasn't looking where- oh, Professor Ursula."
Ursula fixes her glasses as she gathers herself and her things. "Oh, Akko! I'm sorry, I didn't see you over the stack of books. What are you in a hurry for?"
"I'm not really in a-" Akko pauses. A thought suddenly comes to her. "Hey Professor, have you ever wanted to get a gift for someone who seems like they can get anything they ever want at any time?"
"I… might have had to deal with someone like that before. Well, it's more like she rarely took an interest in anything besides the one thing I couldn't give her. But that's beside the point. What did you need?"
Akko tells Ursula everything as she helps her professor carry the books to Professor Finneran. By the time Akko finishes relaying every detail to Ursula, they reach Ursula's room and take a seat. Ursula brews them both a cup of tea before she sits down and gives Akko her answer.
"To be honest, I don't have an answer for you either."
Akko spits out her tea. "WHAT?! So you mean I spent the last half hour worrying about this and you can't help me?!"
Thankfully, Ursula tactically evades the sudden spit take and knows a way to calm her upset student. "Like you said, finding a gift for someone like Diana is going to be difficult. Even if you know what she likes, none of that feels special enough. Most people would be fine with getting her something she likes. But Akko, you're not like that. You want to find the perfect gift for Diana. In that case, the best person to ask is yourself. Only you can judge what's perfect for Diana. No one is Diana's girlfriend but you. And you are the one giving her the gift. Not me or anyone else."
"Yeah, but this is Diana's birthday. And… and I just realized…" Akko nurses her cup of tea. "It's the first time I got to celebrate it with her since we got together."
Akko and Diana officially became a couple a few months before the end of their second year at Luna Nova. Right after, Diana's death and subsequent revival also occurred before the start of the new academic year. By the time Diana opened her eyes in her new body, it was already well past summer break. April 30th was well past. Diana missed her birthday because she wasn't even Diana at that point; it was just her soul in a doll that didn't resemble her at all during those initial stages.
(Diana couldn't even celebrate her last birthday with everything that happened. That's just not fair.)
"So… it has to be special," Akko mumbles.
Ursula smiles in understanding. "Well, since this is your first time celebrating as her girlfriend, that is also an advantage in your favor. You don't have any competition from the previous years. It's a clean slate. So get her something - anything - from the bottom of your heart and it should be just fine."
"But if even I don't know what to get, then I'll end up with nothing at all! And I can't do that! That's even worse than getting her a boring gift!"
Ursula hums. "I can't tell you what to get Diana. But I don't think you should worry about finding the perfect gift. I'm sure she'll love whatever you decide to give her. Even a pair of socks might be nice!"
"But it's Diana! She's probably gotten so many gifts all her life that everything is normal for her! It has to be something big, something that'll surprise her. Otherwise, how am I supposed to top everyone else as her girlfriend?!"
"But that's the thing. You already have an advantage over everyone else."
"I have an advantage? Where? Is it my cute smile? I think Diana did mention that she likes me smiling but I don't want to give her a smile as a present! I can do that any day! I do do that every day!"
Ursula shakes her head with a fond smile. "That's true, but I was actually thinking something more general."
"Uh… happiness?"
"It's you, Akko. You are her best present. After all, no one else is her girlfriend. That's already novel enough. No one else can offer that present."
Akko blinks, staring owlishly at Ursula as she processes this information.
"So… basically I can get Diana anything because it comes from me."
Ursula nods, glad that Akko is finally getting it. "Yes. Exactly."
"So that means… I'm competing with myself?!"
Ursula nearly falls out of her seat. "Wait, wait, why?! Where did you get that sudden train of thought?!"
"If anything from me is fine, then that means I have to narrow it down to the best gift that I can get from myself! It has to be the best that I can come up with! That means I have to keep one-upping myself with every idea I get so that it's the best gift ever!"
(Akko?! I love you but why are you making this so hard for yourself?!)
Akko jumps out of her seat and places her hands on hips with a confident nod. "That means I don't have to worry about competing with anyone else but myself. I better go think of ideas and find the best one for Diana!" Akko runs to the door and throws it open. "Thanks for all the help, Professor! You're the best!"
The door slams shut, leaving a silent and bewildered redhead behind.
Ursula groans into her hands. "Oh, Akko. I hope you don't go overboard. We don't need Diana having an aneurysm on her own birthday. Even Diana has her limits…"
Well, there isn't anything she can do now. Now that Ursula has the room to herself again, she uses this time to tackle her own things and trusts her pupil can handle herself. All Ursula can do is cheer Akko on from the sidelines.
(Good luck, Akko!)
The promised day.
In the end, Akko comes up with so many ideas that it's impossible to narrow it down to one present. So Akko works with what she has to give Diana the best birthDAY instead of just the best present.
She starts by getting dressed and rushing to Diana's room in such a flurry of movement that Lotte barely has the time to wish Akko a nice day.
Akko knocks on the door in succession. When she gets no response in two seconds, she pounds on the door nonstop until finally the door throws open.
"Of course it'd be you," Hannah groans. She turns back into the room and says, "It's just Akko! Nothing important!"
"Hey!" Akko cries indignantly.
"I don't know what she wants," Hannah replies to whoever asked her a question. "Let her in? Alright, fine."
Hannah fully opens the door and lets Akko inside. Akko doesn't wait for Hannah to move aside before she's charging into the room toward Diana's enclosure.
"Akko show some decency!" Barbara yells because Diana sure as hell wouldn't.
Diana sighs, putting down the two presents she received from her roommates. "Is there something you need, Akko?"
"Are you busy today?"
"Not in particular. I was thinking of spending the day reviewing material."
"You will not!" Hannah and Barbara shout at once. "Not on your birthday!"
"But the girls seem to have other ideas," Diana sighs.
"Great! Wanna go to town with me?" Akko asks.
Diana raises an eyebrow. "Did you have something in mind?"
"A lot! But that's a secret," Akko replies with a wink. "Just get ready and leave everything to me."
"That's never reassuring," Hannah mutters.
"What's that supposed to mean?!" Akko demands.
Barbara crosses her arms over her chest. "Do we really have to list all the times you've gotten yourself or Diana into trouble? It's a lot."
Diana sighs. "It's fine. Allow me a few minutes to change and gather my things." Before she retreats behind her bookshelf, Diana sends a warning glare at the three girls. "Behave. I should not take long, though heaven knows you three will somehow find something to argue over within five seconds."
"I can behave myself. It's these two!" Akko jabs at Hannah and Barbara.
"Not even! You're the one who always picks a fight!" Hannah shouts back.
"Not if you two would stop acting like actual gremlins!"
"What did you say?!"
Diana rubs the bridge of her nose but ignores them to pick her outfit for the day. "My point exactly."
Thankfully, Diana gets ready quick enough to prevent World War III from occurring between the three. In contrast to Akko's graphic T, beige short shorts, and red shoulder bag, Diana chooses a teal crew neck T with a skirt of a lighter shade and a white purse. It's a good combination of casual and proper that awes the other girls so much that they instantly stop arguing about whatever nonsense Diana cares little to decipher.
"Wow Diana, you look great!" Barbara praises.
"As expected of Diana! You know just the perfect outfit to look casual and refined at the same time," Hannah adds.
Akko gives Diana a thumbs up. "You look nice!"
(But these guys don't need to push it so much. Ah who am I kidding? Those two don't know how to not kiss up to Diana.)
"Shall we get going?" Diana asks as she goes to find her broom.
Akko nods. "Oh yeah, you won't be needing your broom today. I can fly us both!"
"Hah? Is that really a good idea?" Hannah asks.
"What do you have against any of my ideas?!" Akko demands.
"We all know you're not the best flyer," Barbara says. "Wouldn't it be better to let Diana fly you guys if you're going to only use one broom?"
"Oh come on! I can fly myself just fine! Even if something does happen, Diana probably knows a spell to stop us from falling!"
"Of course Diana can! But aren't you relying too much on Diana?"
Diana shakes her head. "I trust you, Akko. If you say I will not need my broom, then I will let you lead us for the day. This is your idea, after all."
Akko smirks. "See?"
"But Diana…" Hannah and Barbara whine.
"Everything will be fine," Diana reassures. "As long as Akko does not have any dubious plans for the day. I trust we will not be exploring any lost ruins or the like?"
"Nah. We're just going to town and having some fun. So no evil monsters or witches or anything like that. Unless my luck is that bad…"
Diana bids Hannah and Barbara goodbye for the day and follows Akko outside the school. From there, Akko takes the lead on her broom and Diana sits behind her with her arms wrapped around Akko's torso to remain balanced on the broom. Once they're both situated, Akko levitates them up into the air and enters the leyline terminal enroute to Blytonbury.
Akko's plan: have a fun day.
Despite the amount of time Akko spent thinking of ideas, she doesn't have any specific places or order in mind. It surprises Diana, but she decides to place her trust in Akko for the day and let her girlfriend take the lead. She doesn't have the energy to argue much today.
As they walk into the city, Akko notices the dual rows of tents lining the sidewalk. "Ohh, it looks like some kind of vendor fair thing!" Akko grabs Diana's hand and tugs her along. "Let's check it out!"
Diana shakes her head with a smile but allows her feet to walk in accordance to Akko. She can't help but get pulled in to look around even if she holds little desire to actually buy something. Akko's energy and enthusiasm is just that hard to resist.
Akko stops at one of the tents that is selling various artworks. "Look Diana! I think this is us on the Shooting Star!"
Diana blinks. "Really?" She walks up and finds the painting Akko is pointing at.
The large painting appears to be a watercolor of the conclusion of their fight against the Noir Missile. The Shooting Star and two figures in white are positioned near the center of the canvas in a background of dark space. Stars litter the vast sky, in particular is the Big Dipper sitting above the two figures in white.
"The likelihood… is astounding," Diana praises.
(Ah, right. That battle was broadcast to the public.)
The couple move on. There are a few other vendors just like that one selling art of various forms. There are other that sell jewelry, clothing, books, bags, candles, and other nicknacks that Akko points out to Diana as they pass through.
Diana stops as they pass by a particular vendor with weapons of various kinds on display.
"Diana?" Akko notices what Diana stops to stare at and wiggles her eyebrows. "Oh, do you want a sword? Missing Daniel's?"
"That is preposterous. I was simply admiring the craftsmanship of the weapons." Diana places a few fingers on one of the weapons. "Every blacksmith has their own capabilities. Their differing styles are what makes every weapon unique. That is why custom-made weapons are stronger and more valuable than mass produced ones."
"Uh huh. You know, you can visit your cousins more often as an excuse."
"I have no idea what you are implying. Now, let us move on."
Once they reach the food vendors, Akko buys them each a burger and a churro. While Diana looks at the greasy cheeseburger in mild disgust, she only stares at the fried pastry in confusion.
"What is this?"
Akko balks. "You've never had a churro? Amanda showed me this the first time we went to town together! It's covered in cinnamon and it's sweet but fried. Two of the best things in the world!"
Diana doesn't seem to agree. "I… rarely eat food that is fried."
"Then you've been living under a rock. Come on, just try it!"
Well, it doesn't hurt to. Diana takes a small bite that mostly gets the cinnamon powder and little of the fried dough. But it's enough to make her eyes light up.
"Oh my, it is sweet."
"Duh, it's dessert. Just don't forget to eat the burger."
"Did Amanda also introduce you to this…" Diana's eyebrow twitches "monstrosity of fat?"
"Nah, we have plenty of these back at home. And it's not that scary. Just don't read the nutrition labels and you'll be good!" Akko takes a bite into her burger, savoring the taste of beef. "Man, this is great! Luna Nova never has this kind of food."
"… If this is a staple food in the United States, it is no wonder obesity is a common problem for its population."
They finish their food as they continue down the street. They make sure to fill up their bottles with water to stay hydrated throughout the day. Though, Akko instantly pulls out her wallet to buy a parfait for them to share.
This spontaneous purchase has nothing to do with Akko fantasizing about Diana using her own spoon to offer Akko a bite. Nor does it have to do with Diana using her handkerchief to wipe Akko's mouth again. Nope, nothing of that sort. Noooooo connection.
They spend another hour walking up and down the street to look at all the different vendors and their products. Once Akko thinks it's time to move on, she notices a familiar shop down the road a little ways from the end of the street fair.
Akko points in the direction of the Last Wednesday Society. "Hey, it's the cafe Lotte always goes to! Let's go say hi to the owner!"
Finding no harm in that, Diana lets Akko pull her into the magic item cafe. The bell on the door jingles in response to their entrance.
The Proprietor looks up from stacking a few boxes at the sound. "Ah, it's you girls! What can I help you with today?"
Akko grins. "What's something special for someone's birthday?"
"Oh ho? And who's the lucky person turning a year older?"
Akko laces her hand with Diana's. "Just my girlfriend's! But I wouldn't mind getting something too!"
Diana shakes her head with an embarrassed smile. She may be used to others knowing her relationship with Akko, but apparently she still can't keep up with Akko's spontaneity. "There is no need. We can pay just as customers should."
"Nonsense! A birthday isn't just any day! You only celebrate the day you were born once every year! That's once every three hundred and sixty-five days." The Proprietor kneels down and searches through the compartments of the counter. "Now where did that thing go…? Hm, I swear I have the perfect little thing just for couples like you two… Ah! Here it is!" He pulls out a small, dusty brown box and places it onto the counter for the two girls to see. After blowing some of the dust, he opens the lid and turns the box around for the two girls to see.
Sitting inside on a plush red cloth are two miniature swords with a yin and yang pattern. Each are no longer than the length of Akko's middle finger. The blades of both curves in a way that looks similar to a combination of the blade shapes of the combat and skinner knives. The handle is covered in a black leather cloth. The black yang sword has a hexagonal pattern similar to a tortoise shell. On the other hand, the white yin sword has less of the shine of a polished metal in its ore; instead, it is more like the haze of a cloud.
"Are those letter openers?" Akko wonders. "Diana, do you know what these are?"
Diana frowns. "I haven't the faintest idea. This craftsmanship does not look to be European."
"That's because they're from ancient China!" the Proprietor says. "The twin married swords: Gān Jiàng and Mò Yé. Well, this is just a miniature replica of them. No one knows where the real ones are. It's said that the original pair have shamanistic and ritual aspects because they were made with the best materials. There might have been a human sacrifice involved, but that's been debated."
Akko shrugs. "Well, since it's free!"
"Akko, we should at least pay for them," Diana admonishes.
"Nope. Consider this a gift. If not for your birthday, at least as thanks for saving the world!" The Proprietor closes the box and places it in a brown paper bag. "How about that? Can't say no to a present for doing so much!"
Akko takes the bag with a big smile. "Thanks! I'll make sure we bring more people back here!"
Akko pulls Diana out the door before she can protest further. The Proprietor waves them goodbye with a small chuckle.
"Those two." He shakes his head. "They've sure come far from that time…"
After convincing Diana to just accept the gift and give up on going back to return it (or at least paying for it), Akko takes Diana to a specific belltower that she had once come across during her freshman year. They climb the stairs at a leisurely pace and reach the top only slightly out of breath. By the time they step foot on the roof, the sun is already starting to dip down the sky.
"This is the bell that Headmistress Holbrooke's staff came from!" Akko says. "Her dad used to ring this bell for his job and gave the Headmistress the clapper as her amulet." Akko looks under the bell to see the clapper there for herself. "I guess she put it back after her dad came to life that one time."
Diana blinks. "Was this one of your adventures with Lotte and Sucy?"
"Heh… something like that. Man, we had to fix so many brooms that time."
Diana turns her gaze back to the town. She leans on the railing with her arms crossed on top of the metal.
"This is certainly a beautiful view. I would never have thought to come up here." Diana takes a deep inhale. "It's… calming. A rather good place to clear your head."
Akko nods, joining Diana by her side. "It's like going on the Observatory Tower but with a different view. Luna Nova is great, but sometimes I like just enjoying the view here too, you know?"
As vague as that is, Diana understands exactly what Akko means.
The two spend the next few minutes in silence, simply watching as the sun sets below the horizon. Each of them lose themselves in their thoughts. For Akko, it is wondering how Diana is liking the day so far. For Diana…
"Akko-"
Diana pauses. Whatever she plans to stay gets lost with the wind.
Akko tilts her head. "Yeah?"
But Diana cannot find the words she wanted to say. All she can think about is how the setting sun shines against Akko's eyes. While red is an unusual color, the orange glow of the sunset brightens Akko's eyes in a way that reminds Diana of ancient amber.
(Ah, so it is not simply your smile that has bewitched me. You continue to captivate me in many ways…)
Akko waves her hand in front of Diana's face. "Diana? Did you space out again? Did your necklace stop working?"
Diana shakes her head. "It is nothing. I… I wanted to say thank you. For today."
"Don't thank me yet! I haven't even given you my present yet!"
"I thought today's date was the present?"
"Psh. You think I wouldn't give you something you can keep? Come on, even the cafe owner gave you something! I'd be the worst girlfriend if I didn't even give you at least something."
"Not quite. The worst girlfriend would have forgotten her girlfriend's birthday entirely," Diana says with a small smile.
"Yeah, good thing that didn't happen, right?" Akko laughs nervously as she shifts on her feet. "Besides, this is the first time we got to celebrate your birthday since we got together. I wanted it to be special."
Diana realizes the truth to this. One year ago, she was lying in the infirmary with a body that looked nothing like herself right now. Her state at the time did not allow her to process the passage of time. One moment she was in the Arcturus Forest with Fei Wong, and the next she was awake with Akko hovering by her side. Immobile, but at least awake and alive.
Diana knew that it took six months since her death to recover enough to function as a human again. But it does not fully register with her until now just what she has missed.
Diana gathers her thoughts and replies, "You have certainly outdone yourself. Today was wonderful."
Akko takes Diana's hand. "Well, we're not done yet! Let's go back to Luna Nova! I can give you your present there! Want to race down the stairs?"
"I do not think that is the best idea."
But when has Akko ever listened to caution?
Even with Diana trying to slow her down, Akko speeds down the tower as her exasperated girlfriend follows after her with her wand up to make sure nothing goes wrong. Once Diana reaches ground level as well, Akko suddenly challenges Diana a race to the leyline terminal. Which would make sense if they both had their brooms. So Akko settles with a race on foot.
As much as Diana protests, in the end she still agrees with this silly challenge just to humor the girl she fell in love with.
"Come on, it's your birthday! It's okay to let loose once in awhile!" Akko reasons.
When was the last time Diana Cavendish raced through the city, gasping for breath as she tries to outrun her competition? The exhilaration is similar to the feeling she gets when flying on her broom. But to experience it on foot is a different experience. It almost pulls her back to her childhood when she still played outside with the other children.
This sensation of freedom brings back many memories of the past. But all of these thoughts are trivial when Diana looks over and glances at Akko's determined gaze to win this impromptu race. It spurs her on as well. Diana has her own competitive streak, after all.
In the end, Akko reaches the leyline terminal before Diana by at most ten seconds. She collapses on the grass outside the entrance with her limbs splayed out and her chest heaving. Diana follows Akko down to the ground next to her once she reaches the finish as well.
"Hah… hah… I won!" Akko laughs with triumph.
"Have… you been… training… for a marathon?!" Diana gasps.
Akko giggles after catching her breath. "Professor Ursula's been teaching me some spells that need more endurance. You're not the only one with your own physical training!"
"My body requires physical therapy, not physical training. And I have not needed as many sessions lately."
"It's the same thing. It's basically exercising!"
Diana takes the time to rest instead of arguing back. Her hand trails to find Akko's nearby. She uses her pinky to interlock her finger with Akko's pinky.
Akko turns her head over. "Was that good?"
Diana huffs. "I suppose it is good to exert yourself in such childish activities once in awhile."
"Oh come on! It's a lot better than locking yourself in the library for hours with no breaks!"
"I give myself plenty of rest."
"Are we really going to have the sleeping debate again? You know you won't win unless you start sleeping more than five hours a night."
Some things don't change.
Orange shifts to darkness. As the sun fully sets, Akko and Diana mount Akko's broom to return to Luna Nova. By the time they reach the entrance of the academy, the stars are shining against a canvas of night.
Akko puts down her broom and reaches into her bag. "It's not some fancy quill set or anything, but I think it's still pretty cool."
Akko pulls out a small box and hands it to Diana. The outside is crudely wrapped with light blue wrapping paper covered in small white bunnies.
"Akko, you really shouldn't have-"
"Nope, I'm not taking it back. You better open it here or you're going to hurt my feelings."
Diana chuckles. "If you insist."
Diana does her best to undo the wrapping paper without tearing it apart. It proves to be a difficult challenge considering how horribly wrapped it is. But Diana does her best. Once she has the box freed from its restraints, Diana opens the gift and takes out what's inside.
Akko's eyes brighten. "So…?"
Diana drops the box and holds the small item in both palms.
"Akko… this is… this is wonderful…"
Diana takes the time to admire the small green statues. Judging from the small amount of energy radiating from the item, it is mostly constructed by molding a philosopher's stone into the specific shapes of two animals held together by a small platform. One is a unicorn standing on its hindlegs and its head raised so that the horn is pointed proudly to the sky. The other is a crouching griffin with its head tilted low and its beak open in a ferocious, silent cry.
Or at least, that is what it is supposed to look like. A few of the minor details are a bit obscure due to the flawed molding. But Diana can still speculate what the figures are supposed to be. And it isn't like the statues are ugly, just a bit flawed.
Akko scratches the back of her head. "I didn't think I'd finish it in time. Professor Ursula actually had to help me with the last bit because I just couldn't get the details. Sorry it looks a bit ugly."
Diana shakes her head. "This is… more than enough. Thank you, Akko."
"It took me so long to think of the best gift. I really have to thank your dad."
"My father?"
Akko nods. She reaches down and lifts up the necklace around her neck. "You said your dad gave you this before he left, right? The unicorn and the griffin. It's supposed to represent the House of Cavendish and the House of Reinhardt. Just like you. So I thought, 'What's something that represents Diana?' And then I thought of this." Akko points to the statues. "You can't wear that on you, but you can at least put it next to your desk. Even if it is a bit ugly."
"You considered so much?"
Akko pouts. "Hey, is that really surprising? Come on, I can think too!"
Diana shakes her head. "That is not what I meant. I…" Diana purses her lips together. "That necklace was not a present for my birthday. However, it was the last present I ever received from my father."
Akko looks down. "Right… because he went to those caverns and never came back…"
Diana gently rubs her thumb across the surface of the statues. "Mother and Father would often compete against one another for the best birthday gift. If I must admit, I was rather spoiled as a child."
"I can't imagine what presents your mom and dad would've come up with. Must've been great. Wait, didn't you say once that your horse was a gift from your mom?"
Diana chuckles. "Ah, that birthday."
She recalls that distant memory from two points of view. One is a somewhat clear recollection of her own childhood. The other is a hazy and conflicting memory from the point of view of another participant.
This is during a time where this particular family is still whole and together. There are no illnesses, no curses, and no death. Only the happiness of their family takes precedence.
Bernadette Cavendish claps her hands together. "Now that Diana has opened all of her presents, I suppose it's time for mine."
A chorus of excited ohhs follow. Even the other children are excited to know what the Cavendish head will gift her daughter this year.
"So where is it?" one child asks.
"It cannot be held inside," Bernadette says. "Shall we go outside?"
Diana turns to her father and reaches up. "Father, I would like a ride."
Arthur Reinhardt laughs. "Already taking advantage of your birthday privileges?"
"Father is like a horse; strong and sturdy!"
"I hope those are the only similarities!"
Nevertheless, Arthur bends down and lets Diana ride on his shoulders.
Bernadette chuckles beside them. "Not to worry, Arthur. I am sure Diana will have no need for you after she receives my present."
Arthur narrows his eyes. "Do not tell me…"
Everyone follows Bernadette through the estate and outside. As she leads them closer to their destination, Arthur's assumptions seem all the more likely to be true.
It is obvious when Bernadette stops at the stables and has Diana go inside to meet the newest addition to their family: a small, brown foul next to Bernadette's own horse.
"A pony?!" Diana gasps. She throws her arms around Bernadette's waist. "I love it! Thank you, Mother!"
Bernadette kneels down and kisses Diana's forehead. "And what will you name him?"
"Him?" Diana hums. "Mother's horse is Bruna… then her pony will be Bruno!"
Bernadette smiles. "That is a wonderful choice."
As the other children marvel at the small animal, Arthur stands in shock with his mouth flapping open and closed.
"What is it, dear? Why are you so silent?" Bernadette teases. "Where is your gift?"
"Tha-" Arthur points at Bernadette with a trembling finger. "That's cheating!"
Bernadette raises an eyebrow. "And how is this cheating, may I ask? At least I did not give her a broadsword from Lord Ulfric's collection."
Arthur groans. "This is ridiculous. I spent weeks agonizing over what would be the perfect gift. And then you give our daughter a pony?!"
"It is technically a foul."
"That does not matter!"
Bernadette crosses her arms over her chest. "And debating the validity of the gift does? I do not see why this is so important, Arthur."
"Of course it's important! Now your gift makes mine look horrible!"
"What did you get Diana?"
Diana perks up. "I would like to know too!"
Arthur holds up a small box wrapped in blue paper with a gold bow on top. As he hands it to Diana, she notices how hastily wrapped the gift is. The corners are even and there are random bumps here and there where the paper misaligned.
Well, at least Arthur tried.
Diana peels open the wrapping and takes out the plain brown box underneath. Her eyes shine bright as she opens the box and sees what is inside.
Arthur turns away with his arms crossed over his chest. "I know it isn't as grand as your mother's gift. But… it was cute. I thought it'd be nice."
Diana takes out the Steiff bear and holds it for everyone to see. The brown fur looks soft enough to comfortably sleep with. A silver tag adorns its left ear like a piercing. The height of the bear is no more than fifty centimeters. It is the perfect size for a child to snuggle with.
The other children gasp and mutter to themselves about the cute stuffed animal. A few of the children even recognize the brand and whisper vows to ask their own parents for a Steiff bear too.
As for Diana, the small child simply holds the soft bear close to her and gives it a big hug.
"I love it!" Diana graces Arthur with a beaming smile. "Thank you, Father! I will be sure to treasure Bernur forever!"
Both Bernadette and Arthur stare at Diana in confusion.
"Bern…"
"...ur…?"
Diana nods. "Mother's name is Bernadette and Father is Arthur. So this bear is Bernur! That way, Bernur can be with me while I sleep just like how Mother and Father used to!"
Silence befalls the two stunned parents.
Finally, Arthur says, "That is… good. I am happy you like the gift. However…"
"Please choose a different name," Bernadette says.
Diana's mouth drops open. "Ehhh? But why?"
"It is an awful name," Bernadette and Arthur say at once.
"A-Awful?"
"Ah, not horrendous per se," Bernadette tries to remedy. "I am sure there is a better name for the bear. How about picking just one or the other instead of putting them together?"
"Right, right! There should be other, more fitting names!" Arthur agrees.
"But I need both Mother and Father with me, not just one!" Diana puts her hand to her chin in thought. "What about Arthette?"
Arthur and Bernadette are quick to reply with a firm, "No."
"Bernthur?"
"That is no better than the first!"
Diana tries again. "Ardette?"
"This is getting nowhere!"
"Arnadethur?"
"How did you come up with a name like that?! No, how can a six year old even pronounce that?!"
"Arthur, please convince our daughter to change her mind!" Bernadette demands.
Arthur shakes his head. "Me?! Why must it be me?! You are better with words! All I know how to do is swing a sword and anger people!"
"You are the one who gave her that bear! You have a greater say in what she names it!"
"But it's her gift!"
"At this rate, Diana will give that bear the most ludicrous permanent name for a stuffed animal! And we will be the ones who must acknowledge it!"
"Ahhh!"
In the end, Diana stuck with the first name she came up with. Bernur is one of the few companions to stay by her side after all these years. Even after her father disappeared and her mother passed away from illness, a stuffed animal cannot die. Diana may have had to put aside her childhood at a young age under the strain of all her responsibilities, but she could never pack away a reminder of the happy times where all three of them could be a family together.
Not when there are so few of those happy memories.
The first year after Arthur's disappearance was hard for both Diana and her mother. It was hard to shake the absence of such an important person in the birthday process. Bernadette attempted to make up for Arthur's absence by finding the one thing she knew had captured Diana's heart at the time.
Even if Bernadette could not accompany Diana to Japan herself, she could at least give Diana the opportunity to see at least one of Shiny Chariot's performances in secret. That was the most she could do as a single mother crippled by an incurable illness.
But then, there was no one to fill in the second absence after her mother passed away as well.
Anna and the other servants tried. Diana will never forget how Anna planned the first birthday since both her parents left her. But it was not the same. In the end, Diana could only wipe away her tears as she focused on regaining her magic and taking on the burdens she was suddenly left with.
Diana had to give up many things. But that was not all. There were also many things she had lost beyond her control. She could not do anything to prevent her parents' deaths as a child. Perhaps even now she does not have the ability. That only means that this outcome was inevitable. The loss of her childhood innocence could not be helped.
When is the last time Diana looked forward to her birthday? She does not know.
Today with Akko is the closest she has come to celebrating her birthday as she should. Smiling and having fun with her most important person rather than simply receiving gifts. She loves Anna and all her friends who have tried to fill the void in her life these past few years. But none of them came close to her parents.
None of them until Akko.
"D-Diana?! Why are you crying?!"
As Akko says, Diana feels a few tears trail down her cheeks. Akko blurs as the tears obstruct her vision. But Diana cannot find the strength to bring up her hands to wipe the tears away.
Not when she sees both her parents standing behind Akko. Her three most beloved people, standing together as she wished. It is a childish and impossible dream. Both her parents have already passed; this desire cannot come true. But even if this is a hallucination, Diana cannot stop herself from believing if even for just a moment.
Her father stands tall and proud, devoid of steel and blood. His arm rests around her mother's shoulders, as if he refuses to part from her after their separation these many years. He gives Diana his trademark boyish grin, proud that his daughter has grown up to be such a fine young woman.
At the same time, her mother leans in toward the taller man and lets his body shoulder her weight. After carrying on her own after his disappearance, she can now share the burden with her most significant other. She too shows Diana her own smile brimming with pride and happiness. Such a different expression from the last few painful months of her feeble and lonely life.
Arthur Reinhardt and Bernadette Cavendish. Two very different individuals. But what draws them together is their love for one another. Diana Cavendish is the result of such a strong bond. Their pride and joy, happy and alive after so many trials and challenges.
How can they not be happy for their daughter? How can they not smile so brightly on such an important day? Even Diana's imagination seems to think so.
Akko takes a step forward. In contrast to her parents' smiling faces, Akko's is filled with worry.
"Diana?"
Diana shakes her head, the tears falling even faster. "I… I am happy. Thank you. I… I am so grateful to be alive. I…"
Without another word, Akko closes the distance and wraps her arms around Diana's shoulders. She brings Diana's head down onto her shoulder and covers Diana's face. One hand starts to rub small circles on Diana's back.
"It's okay. It's okay to be happy. Just… it's okay. Being happy isn't bad. You should be happy more!" Akko feels her own tears trailing down her face. "So remember to smile, okay? I'm sure your mom and dad wouldn't want you crying on your own birthday. So… it's better to smile. Laugh too! Don't be sad. Ahh, you're making me sad…"
Diana huffs. It's a bit watery and muffled by Akko's shoulder, but she does as Akko says and laughs.
No, her parents wouldn't want her to cry on her own birthday either. They would want her to be happy.
And she truly is at last. Thanks to this wonderful person embracing her.
"I love you, Akko."
I love you, Mother, Father.
"Thank you."
Akko smiles, letting her hands rub gentle circles on Diana's back.
"I love you too, Diana. And I'm glad you're here with me too."
She says nothing else. Anything else would be too much. Therefore, Akko gives Diana this time. Akko has already done all she needed for the day. The rest of the night is now up to Diana to decide.
Snuggles seem like a good start.
Author's Notes:
Hm, it got kind of angsty near the end. That is my fault. I guess this tomato just can't write something without defaulting to pain and suffering. Geez, I need to calm the hell down.
Poor girl has been through a lot under my writing. She's allowed to cry.
As serious as the main summary sounds, I don't actually celebrate my birthday in any special way. I just go out to eat with family and/or friends. I lost that birthday spirit after my tenth birthday was a botch lol.
Yes, I did just call out my own country for its obesity issue. Have you ever wondered what is "American" cuisine? If all you can think of are fries, barbeque, and cheeseburgers, that's probably not a good thing.
I am completely aware that the myth of Gān Jiàng and Mò Yé is a tragic one. But this is the first thing that popped up in my head when I thought of a pair of items. I really do like Fate's design for the dual blades. Plus, they're just replicas in this story. Right?
Fun Fact:
Akko and Diana's wardrobe this time are based on the clothes they wear in that one comic by Ticcy where Diana confesses like she's in a Jane Austen novel but Akko is Akko. Ticcy is a lovely artist.
I wanted to have Diana wear jeans but I feel like she has to have a good combination of pants vs. skirts and dresses. I personally hate skirts and dresses for the life of me, but that doesn't mean Diana does. I can't just project my own preferences onto my favorite character. At least, not all the time. I already indulged in that back in Heart of Steel lol.