A/N: Hello, sincerely grateful to those who reviewed and asked for this to continue. I feel like chapters will only grow longer since that is usually how my stories go. Whatever, on with the show!
This will mostly be about how Akko sees Diana, her speculation about this Warm side of the Cold Cavendish. Set after episode 19/20. Please Enjoy~
~Shintori Khazumi
A Warm Diana Chapter 1: Hot Vs. Cold
If you had asked Kagari Atsuko of her first impressions of a certain Diana Cavendish, she would have answered many things.
All her past encounters and interactions with the girl could only formulate negative feelings in her, stirred up jealousy and many other evil emotions that she'd rather not associate with the said girl now that they understood each other a little better compared to before.
But still, for the sake of peace of mind to settle this matter, regrettably, and quite hurtfully did she do her best to remember how awful she had thought of the heiress before.
It sort of pained her to think of the girl this way, but it was true after all, that she only chose to view surface personalities rather than digging a little deeper, something she had done a bit too late.
Snotty, bratty, stuck up, but still, amazing. She'd say, with emotions that started with annoyance that faded into gentle, but often times denied awe.
If you'd ask her how she thought of the blonde now, however, after all that's happened, after what they went through, after Diana Cavendish had left the academy, How Atsuko had given chase, how it made her desperately need Diana to go back without knowing why she was so desperate; after everything they went through, saving each other, giving up something important for each other, sharing secret pasts, acknowledging one another and knowing their goals and dreams… after all this, Kagari Atsuko knew not how to respond to the question 'What do you think of Diana Cavendish?'.
Diana, she would start, was many things. A prodigy, a genius among most, capable with a strong sense of justice and responsibility, hard headed, strong-willed, and something that annoyed Akko the most, too selfless.
There was nothing about the girl that she could label as selfish. And it frustrated her.
Diana didn't care if others saw her as mean or stuck up if it meant she continue her studies successfully without emotional troubles distracting her without so much as a second glance, even if most saw this as an act of selfishness in itself. She'd muse at its absurdity. Clothing selflessness in a mask of selfishness. How could it work? Nevertheless, the young Cavendish made it work.
She didn't care if the teachers put too many burdens and responsibilities and duties on her shoulders.
She didn't mind being the perfect example.
She didn't think twice to brush people off if need be.
She didn't think that if she left… too many people would need her, would miss her, would love her more and more.
She didn't know that one of those people could be Kagari Atsuko.
She might not have cared.
She was far too aloof.
She was the Cold Cavendish everyone saw her as.
But to Akko…
She was also incredibly passionate and goal-oriented. Once she had set her mind on something, she would push through with it, not leaving one thing unfinished. Something Akko realized. Something she admired Diana for.
She had a determination that could rival even Akko's. A fiery perseverance.
She stood out as a bright shining star that burned the eyes of those who could not take in her brilliance. Akko had the privilege of basking under her glow each and every day, and even more since they came back from the Cavendish house.
Her words lighted a fire in many people's hearts. It lighted matches of hope in dark hours. She was like a beacon of light to the students who saw her and trusted her.
She burned hot. Hot as the sun, if not hotter.
Therefore, being confronted by such questions always bewildered Akko into silence. Such was the case as of the present.
"Describe Diana Cavendish in one word." This was what Amanda had put up as a challenge during a school excursion as the whole class was playing some Truth or Dare as their team-building exercise during the night, all gathered around the center of the shared room.
The whole class had gasped at the daring command, especially since the person in question had now switched from being disinterested in this little game, to providing her undivided attention towards her classmate.
The brunette felt extremely nervous, to the point that she could break out in cold sweat, but it unnerved her how a part of her was too frighteningly calm, if her mismatched heart-rate and breathing weren't enough proof.
"So? What's your answer, Kagari Atsuko!" Amanda grinned in anticipation to the answer. She did not know what she was aking, but was excited to hear what kind of response would come from the unexpected girl.
Akko didn't reply right away. She didn't know what to answer, how to. Diana, she… was Cold in a sense that she did not let meaningless things, or things of lesser importance to her bother her. But she was so Hot in a way that she was passionate about things. And Hot in an entirely different sense as well. Akko blushed at the thought.
"Oh? Not gonna answer? Are you gonna take the penalty then, Akko?" Amanda called Constanze over.
Unlike the usual game of truth or dare, they had upped the punishment for being unable to comply with the command. The small girl brought over a box that had 'Rewards' written on it. Of course there was absolutely no way that that was what it contained.
"Are you gonna take a pick from my friend here?" The redhead had shaken the box in front of her still in thought friend. "Make your Choice, Akko."
She was. She was making her choice. But it felt hard, thinking of just one word when the best she could do was minimize all her thoughts into two as the last result. How was she to put two together. Two entirely different-
Hot. Cold.
Like the speed of light, it came too fast.
Hot and Cold, if you mixed it together-
~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~
Diana had had enough.
She was curious to know of what Akko thought of her, especially after what they had gone through. But now, all she felt was disappointment at the lack of response.
She thought they had grown even just a tiny bit closer. Diana thought they felt it mutually, this growing bond. Sure, they never talked more than they could've after everything that happened, more than they used to, but anyone could see that their interactions were less… hostile, and more… friendly? Maybe it was a one-sided wish on her part.
Slowly she got up, unknowingly catching Akko's attention, causing her to blurt out her thoughts as she was driven to let the blonde heiress hear her answer no matter what.
"Warm."
"What?" Many students strained closer to Akko, to hear the answer that she had spoken softly in awe, just as she found her answer, as she stared at the figure standing, nearly in slow motion, blue eyes locking with her own ruby red ones.
The lady across from her also held this shared gaze, unwilling to break it. Needing to hear what she said one more time in means of confirmation that what she had heard was indeed true, after all, the shock of the answer had frozen her in place.
"Diana Cavendish is so, so very warm."
~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~
That reply had left her far too embarrassed to stay in that room, all the more at everyone's stunned reaction to said reply, and despite Diana's attempts at chasing her, looking for an explanation to that statement, Akko was far faster if things did not involve magic.
She leaned against the tall banisters of the stairway that flowed deeply towards the shore. The sea glittered under the moonlight, far from the city lights that served to only conceal the majesty of glowing heavenly bodies.
She permitted her mind to wander. To things such as how her magic had seemingly improved, thanks to someone's intensive help, someone who was not Professor Ursula. She let it lead her to thoughts of Shiny Chariot and feelings of admiration and wonder, feelings that were now linked to thoughts of one Diana Cavendish.
That girl was far too amazing in many aspects.
An overly above average intellect, talent and natural magical ability. She was respectable and dependable because she showed she was able. She could do many things Akko couldn't. And that did not only apply to magic and the like. It extended to musical capability such as singing, some violin and a dash of piano.
To top it all off, she was faring quite well in the looks department, with her glorious full lips, tall nose, fair complexion, cascading hair, and those shining pools for eyes that Akko would love to get lost in to.
And need she mention the wonder which was her bod-
Akko slapped her face on both sides, halting her minds travel.
Yes, she'd wanted to venture to the deep recesses of her mind, but this was far too deep, and the deeper, well… the darker. She felt the heat through her palms and was certain it wasn't because of the pain she inflicted on herself.
She sighed.
Lately, almost all her thoughts would lead her back to Diana. It wasn't such a bad thing per se, but she couldn't find it in herself so allow things to continue this way. After all, just what was she in comparison to the prestigious young lady?
She felt unworthy to even simply think of the girl in any way that would lead to being at her side. A friend-no, even being acquaintances felt more than enough for her, and it saddened her to think that that was possibly as close as she could get.
She sighed as she rested her chin on the palm of her hand, gazing into the sea. Maybe she should get a just a little bit closer, just enough for the sounds to drown out everything else around her.
She did just that.
~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~
Diana had now resorted to simply walk calmly around the corridors in search of a particular brunette instead of tiring herself in this wild goose chase with frantic running. She was pretty sure Akko wouldn't head back anytime soon, anyway. Not with how she had left. Therefore, she opted to take her time, and maybe casually slip in a midnight stroll to clear her rampaging thoughts.
She couldn't help it if the only place her mind would fly off to, were the words spoken just that night.
"Diana Cavendish is so, so very warm."
She just wanted to ask where that answer came from since rumors she had heard in passing suggested otherwise. Thus, upon hearing such… 'praise' to her image, she couldn't quite understand where Akko had based it from.
Sure, she might have known deep down that the cold look was but a mere façade, but for someone to notice, for Kagari Atsuko, specifically, to notice, it made her both confused and very elated.
After all, maybe that bond they formed was mutual after all.
Her mind and body both continued to roam, despite it now being quite aimlessly, leaving her subconscious to lead her wherever, both physically and mentally.
She pondered.
What if that question had been asked of her? How would she describe Akko in one simple word? Reckless? Exuberant? Motivated? No, that was far too shallow of a description.
She thought, and she thought well.
Akko was motivated, yes. She could get a little on the reckless side, but only because of her strong passion for the things she loved. She persevered. She was a lot of things Diana wasn't, may it be positive or negative.
All this made Diana feel like Akko needed to stop moving and chill for a bit. Yes, cool down. It was always far too hot with her around.
Always some hot topic, heated debate or scorching mission, however excitable it may have been.
Diana was always prepared to fear for the worst.
There was something that she feared more than the worst.
Akko had a huge possibility, one big capability that could enable her to lose all her feelings, or toss people aside.
Just as she almost did to Ursula.
It may not have been a harsh way of throwing someone aside, but it was a subtle and slow manner of disregard, one that cut deeper. Slowly, but surely.
It hurt more because she never realized this, it was done not on purpose, but unconsciously, but this also meant that she had no way of correcting this if she could not realize it.
Diana frowned at that.
Akko wasn't all smiles, jokes, jealousy, zeal or boiling passion either. The girl was just as able as any to feel anger, disappointment, melancholy, loneliness… sorrow. She was equally prone to being hurt even if she denied showing it.
Kagari Atsuko could also be cold.
She was capable of having fears.
The only thing that spoke otherwise, that covered or made up for all of those fears was something Diana loved about her. And it was-
"She has a believing heart."
This was something the prodigy was both envious and astonished of. The fact that despite everything, even if a person failed to trust in their own self, Akko could believe in them, without so much as a speck of doubt and it all showed in her expressive gaze.
Diana appreciated her so much for it, namely the instance when she had run from Luna Nova, one of her dreams back to her own home in hopes of saving her family's good name.
Akko assured her that she didn't need to toss one aside and focus on only one. Akko trusted her, believed that she could do both. That if anyone could do it, it would be her. Because she was a Cavendish- no, because she was Diana.
The thought of it filled her with inexplicable warmth.
For one reason or other, the blonde had now found herself gazing out into a vast sea, the wind just blowing past her face, and the temperature slowly, but obviously dropping. She gripped the shawl she had taken with her, holding it even closer around her shoulders as the wind blew.
She thought of going back inside, but something caught her eye.
That familiar silhouette.
She shook her head, mostly out of fondness. Of course the girl would be in a place no one else would dare go to. She had done the impossible before, what was a simple walk in the freezing night air going to do to a dragon slayer?
Certainly not more than that sort of damage.
Diana smiled, it was small, but it was a smile nonetheless.
What could a freezing night do to a hero?
"She could get sick, that idiot." She thought of joining the girl right away, but now her mind had other things planned.
She agreed that maybe this was the best course of action if she wanted to get something out of the other girl at least and with that decided, she had run back inside towards the shared room, and maybe, just maybe, for once, experience sneaking into the kitchen.
~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~
She noticed that it was probably getting colder the longer she stayed out here.
Scratch that.
Who was she kidding, she knew. It was freezing!
Akko regretted not thinking about it before dashing out. Maybe she could have grabbed a jacket or a blanket on the way out, but nooooo, she was too busy being embarrassed like the little girl she was.
She groaned, scolding her for both her stupidity and the way she was pitying and being harsh on herself.
She mumbled things to herself incoherently as she was now seated on the sand, rocking back and forth on her backside, as her knees were hugged to her chest, her hands each crossed and tightly rubbing at her biceps for any semblance of heat or friction.
It did little to ward off the cold that kept on seeping into her clothes just to tickle her skin, her hairs now standing on end.
Ah. She thought. Now she was alone. Alone, miserable, embarrassed, and to put the cherry on the cake, cold. So, so cold.
Now if only someone would add insult to injury by telling her the exact same things she was thinking, maybe she'd feel fantastic!
"Just because you felt ashamed, doesn't mean you can slowly freeze to death out here." How sweet was the voice that rang in her ears like bells. "Stop being so stupid and think for once. Do you want to get sick? At the very least grab something to keep you warm if this was your plan.
Maybe there was some deity out there who could read her thoughts.
But really? Out of all people?
"H-Hi… Diana." She greeted, not even turning her head to see the other's face. It would give her even more to think about.
"Hello, Akko." Along with the reply, came a sudden soothing warmth, a fairly thick, but light cloth was draped over her shoulders. "Mind if I join you?"
Akko braced herself, enough to be able to handle looking at Diana who had gestured to the spot beside Akko. She could only muster so much courage as her words were caught in her throat and the most she could afford was to pat the spot beside her invitingly.
"Thanks." Diana's voice seemed full of joy, just from the simple fact that Akko had given her permission to accompany her. The brunette was happy, but also puzzled. Why would Diana feel so happy to be with her.
She kept thinking. And she cursed herself for seeing everything so negatively. She had no idea why, even. Everything was supposed to be happy, and fun and-
"Don't think too much about the recent events." Diana suddenly spoke, taking her out of her self-induced stupor. "If you think something went wrong because of you, don't believe it. You were a great help."
Akko nodded silently.
"Is this about Ursula-sensei?" Diana was careful, slowly asking each word out.
Akko's eyes widened. Ah, of course. Many could see her mood as a result of that. Yes, quite the possibility. She was always dazed lately, to the point that even teachers realized this. Sure, she could have been worried about her teacher, a much more recent and fresh incident. She should have, but somehow she felt that that was already settled. Ursula had forgiven her and still loved her student all the same. Akko now did her best to return all that love by being more attentive and helpful towards her favorite teacher. She felt a bit guilty, however, because worrying about the woman was almost second nature to Akko ever since the tree incident, and she wasn't thinking about that at all. Rather something- someone else took up the entirety of her thoughts.
The heiress watched as different emotions passed, not showing through Akko's face as they usual did, but simply through her eyes that were far more expressive. She didn't seem apprehensive, and it didn't seem as though Diana had hit the nail on the head. "If it isn't," She continued, but paused.
Now this was rare, for Diana to be a bit hesitant. Akko cocked her head to the side. A gesture that beckoned the blonde to pick up where she left off, a gesture she didn't know the girl found very endearing to the point that maybe she wanted to reach out and pinch those chubby cheeks, but refrained from doing so.
"W-would you…"
'Ah. She stuttered. Cute.'
"Care to share your worries?" Diana finished, looking away, a bit flustered, not that she would show the other girl. "I-if that's okay with you I mean, since you've already helped me quite a bit. Think of it as me returning the favor! Don't delve too much, don't need to give it too much thought, nevermind you-"
"Diana." Akko chuckled, getting out her mere third word in this conversation. She successfully caught the attention of the other girl as her movements froze and she turned her focus to her companion.
"Yes?"
"You're rambling." Akko looked at her in amusement, her eyes now twinkling with something Diana couldn't quite put a label on. It was, fondness? Maybe, maybe not.
"S-sorry, I got a bit carried away. My apologies. I guess, oh but-! Still, confidein m-me? But don't force yourself, it is total accep-"
"DI~A~NA~!" Akko sang, now her mouth opening to let out laughter. She moved closer to the blonde heiress seated beside her and stopped just a few centimeters shy of Diana, leaving her with enough personal space as she dared to do something she secretly enjoyed before.
Diana felt hot, despite the cold at Akko's bold movement.
She bumped their noses together, her voice tinkling. "Relax, okay? I'm fine." The brunette assured. "Perfectly okay now that… you're… here… ahem." She looked away awkwardly.
If Akko could do daring things, than so could she- Was the excuse Diana made for herself, as she closed the distance between them to allow their shoulders to touch, albeit covered in cloth.
"I-isn't it just a tad too cold?" She lamely said, a light pink dusting her cheeks and providing her just the right amount of warmth.
"Y-yeah, I guess." Akko could feel her own face heating up at their proximity and willed herself no to stare at the goddess seated beside her.
They sat there in the comfort of the night sea breeze, and the sound of waves gently washing by the shore.
"Oh, that's right!" Diana exclaimed, breaking their quiet game. Akko raised a brow curiously, now looking at the girl as she retrieved something from a small pouch at her side. "Here." She handed Akko the cap of a thermos, filled with warm chocolate milk.
Maybe it was because she was now feeling far too chilly, but Akko had gulped down the beverage as soon as it reached her grasp, suddenly realizing that there was none left for Diana. "S-sorry, I just-"
"It's alright." Diana smiled, showing the rest of the container. "I have more."
Akko felt relieved, as she watched Diana pour herself some, but it made Akko's heart thump at the sight of the blonde fill the cup that she had just used.
"Did it suit your tastes?" Diana inquired, not taking her eyes off from her task.
"A-ah, yeah." Akko swallowed the lump in her throat from watching Diana's lips as they curved into that smile. "Th-they- I mean, it, was delicious. Where did you get the stuff?" She tried to change the subject that her mind had subjected itself to.
"I'm glad. It is a Cavendish family recipe. My mother used to make it for me before bedtime to help me calm down." Her face suddenly took on a look of forlorn, something that did not go unnoticed by Akko, who felt a sickening weight at the bottom of her stomach. "Especially for my nightmares."
This revelation made the other witch sad for Diana. She had lost the one family member that she could rely on the most, but now… just what was she to do? She had now decided that she would tough out all these problems, never asking for help.
"I am alright, Akko." Diana's voice soothed her aching heart to some extent. Even if she could sense some hints of lingering pain, she knew that what Diana spoke of was only the truth. She was fine now, and had accepted all of this as a part of her life, part of her precious memories.
But now Akko had a more bothersome concern. The cup she had used was now slowly approaching Diana's lips. "Wa-wait, Diana, are you sur- No, umm… don't you have another cup? I'm sorry for saying this when you're just about to take a sip and all, I know you're cold, and also need it, this may make me sound greedy-"
"Akko."
"Yesh?!"
"Pfft- you're rambling."
All of a sudden, there was no pressure, tension, nervousness. Her words being returned to her were comforting in a way.
"I was wasn't I?" Akko scratched the back of her head sheepishly, as she began to laugh as well. "Are you really Diana?" She joked. A Diana that wasn't talking to stiffly, who in a way, was slightly slouched as she leaned part of her weight on Akko, was kinda strange. A nice strange.
Diana sighed good-naturedly, now wanting to gulp down the drink. "Don't worry Akko," She stopped the cup, just a few inches before it touched her lips. "I don't mind sharing. I've only got one cup after all."
She didn't know why. Why she lied, but maybe it wasn't such a horrible idea in this situation. Diana felt a bit guilty as she stroked the extra bulge in her pouch that could only be felt as a steel cup. But that feeling soon faded, as it was replaced by a rather (in Akko's totally unbiased opinion) cute sneeze.
"You okay? Maybe that thing you're wearing is not enough." Akko pointed to the shawl around Diana's shoulders before she proceeded to remove the blanket from one shoulder.
"W-wait, Akko! I am perfectly fine. And besides, you also need the warmth. I couldn't possibly take it all for myse-"
How many times had they cut each other off now? Not only in words but also through actions. The heiress' words died in her throat, as she felt the cloth wrapped around her side, along with Akko's arm that was now pulling her closer in a form of a sidehug.
"Umm…"
"Who said we couldn't share?" The phrase sounded just a bit cheeky, and this was soon realized by the one who said it as she tried to find a reasonable explanation for it. "What I said was just, you know, we've already shared the cup, so this much should be, y'know?" Akko had been flailing about, trying to express her words better through her actions, but that only made the blanket fall from their backs. "Brrr! Cold!"
"Hahahaha, I know." Diana was now laughing fully, wiping a tear from her eye.
"That's beautiful." Akko murmured mindlessly.
"Huh? What is?"
"Hmm? Of, nothing, it's just… your laugh. I don't think I've seen you do that before." Akko chuckled, before retrieving the corners of the blanket to place once more over their shoulders, her arm resuming its position around Diana's pulling her closer.
"Is this necessary?" Diana asked. Both the words and the gesture.
"Hmm? What is?" The brunette was actually clueless as wanting Diana to be nearer to her came as an instinct.
"Your arm."
Akko realized, but she didn't at all get flustered. If anything, she was looking a bit downcast. "Don't like it?" Diana felt like she had kicked a puppy, and immediately banished those negative thoughts from Akko's mind.
"I do not… exactly mind. Just- please inform me if you are to do such things."
"Aww… okay." Akko pouted and the heiress wondered what her mistake was this time.
"Now what?"
"You're talking all stiff again. It was fun, I enjoyed you talking normally."
"Why, am I talking like some alien?" Diana jested, lightly.
Akko actually giggled at that. Diana adored the sound. "No, just that… I want you to relax around me." She breathe out deeply, shutting her eyes, as she felt a sudden tiredness run through her system.
"I am." And it only will be around you. Diana added as an afterthought, now leaning against Akko's shoulder, eyes also resting.
"I was right." Akko whispered, eyes now shut.
"About what?" Diana hummed.
"You're warm."
She'd most probably deny it in the morning, whether to save face, or save from embarrassment. She'd, out of habit deny the time they spent together and all these tiny gestures. But she sure wasn't going to tonight. Tonight was just for them. So she'd acknowledge it all. Even these tiny questionable flutters that were growing in her chest. Just This once, she'd say yes.
"You are too.
-You're warm."
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"Oh dear, these two. I was worried on where they had gone off to, but… to think that they'd do something like this." Ursula had her hands on her hips, shaking her head. "They'll catch colds like this. How long have they been out here?" She pondered.
The sun was slowly peeking through the horizon, and the wind was slowly starting to pick up.
"Silly girls." Ursula said, stroking a palm against her favorite student's cheek, feeling the touch of cold. "Who stays out here all night?"
She began to shake the more reasonably of the two to ask some questions. She'd be sure to give them a good scolding later, but first things first, they needed to get inside to be warmer.
"Diana? Please wake up. It's morning." She coaxed.
Lids fluttered open, gently revealing the shining blue of the female genius. "Professor?"
"Can you help me with Akko? We need to get you inside soon." She spoke softly as she brushed a few strands of hair away from the girls face.
The blonde nodded in response, wordlessly shifting her position so that she could rouse the other girl, however, with a sudden wind, the girl shivered and let out an unexpected sneeze, this time waking the Japanese student successfully.
"Wh-wha?! Diana! Sensei!"
"We can talk later, Akko. For now, let's get you both inside." Ursula helped the girls to their feet, walking up the beach and to the stairs leading to the corridors.
Ursula had gotten them back in the rooms, while everyone was still sleeping, and had proceeded to check on the girls' temperature. Mild colds.
They got a long talk from Ursula and a day off from activities while the rest of the witches enjoyed the sun and the waves. Their room was quiet save for the sound of each one's breathing.
Still, as Akko snored, and Diana gave out soft puffs of air, their hands remained linked, their dreams connected by the same thoughts.
The hot temperature, the cold night.
Hot versus cold.
They didn't care.
It was just so very warm.
A/N:The end sucked, didn't it. I have absolutely zero confidence in my writing skill. But still, Thank you for reading. Bye. I feel like that was just too awful. Whatever. I seriously just finished ep21 like 5 minutes ago before I wrapped up the chapter XD. I cried too much… and I was like, what, 3-5 min in? Leave me feedback, I beg of you XD… Ciao~