Summary: A ball is held in honor of Daryl's birthday. Did someone say fancy smancy dancing?


Author's Notes:

Let's end Dianakko week with some cliche rich people party, complete with dressing up and dancing. Or rather, less descriptions of dancing and more talking.


X. Incomplete Revelations

A knock on her door pulls Akko from her worries.

"Akko?" Diana's voice filters through. "Are you ready?"

"At this rate you two will miss the entire party!" Anna berates with Diana.

"Yeah! Give me a second!" Akko takes a deep breath and nods. More to herself she says, "Okay, okay I totally got this. It's just a party. Like the one Andrew had last year. Just like that. Yep, no big deal."

Akko strides to the door, throws it open, takes one lone look at Diana from head to toe, and faints upon realization that she is not ready.

"Akko…"

"Oh for heaven's-"


Consciousness returns to Akko as fast and sudden as a freight train. Her body springs up from lying down, her mouth open and ready to shout, "Oh no I'm going to be late!"

Except her wake up cry is interrupted by her forehead slamming against another, throwing both backward.

Akko rubs her forehead. "Ow… Huh? When'd I get on a bed?" She looks over and asks the hunched figure, "What happened, Diana?"

"Why must you always wake up with such liveliness?!" Diana demands, soothing her sore head.

"Wake up? Why was I asleep?"

"You took one look at Miss Diana and your eyes rolled to the back of your head," Anna answers with an exasperated sigh. "Now, I must head down and see that the party runs on schedule. You are both welcome to join once you are ready."

"Huh? Hey! What do you mean I looked at Diana and then passed out?!"

Anna's only reply is to roll her eyes and close the door.

Akko looks back at Diana. "No seriously, what does she- Oh. Oh. Oh I'm not ready."

Diana's hand reaches out and grabs Akko's arm, giving it a tight squeeze to ground Akko to reality.

"Akko, this is just a party; one where no one knows of you because you as Atsuko Kagari have not existed yet. Not to mention you are attending as Akko Yukimura, not Atsuko Kagari. Our main objective is to simply speak to a few of the attendees who are experienced in the field of time travel. If you feel overwhelmed speaking to them, you can leave the conversations to me."

"Wha- I'm not afraid! It's just…" Akko groans into her hands. "When your mom said she had a surprise for me, I didn't think she'd mean you'd wear a suit."

Akko peeks out from between her fingers to inconspicuously survey Diana's outfit from behind the safety of her hands.

(I hate to admit it, but her mom really knows how to pick a good outfit. Everything's designed to fit her even though she's a girl.)

Diana frowns. "Is it too much? I personally would have preferred a dress, but Lady Bernadette was rather insistent on this Edwardian suit. She says it once belonged to her father."

"It fits you?! How feminine was her dad?!"

Diana raises an eyebrow. "She used magic to tailor the suit to a proper fitting. For some reason, Lady Bernadette wanted it to surprise you. Though I have no idea why."

"Oh. Right." Akko slowly lowers her hands. "It… it really looks nice."

Akko runs her eyes up and down. From the blue English cut suit jacket covering the double-breasted pale vest, white collared shirt, and black windsor tie, down to the dark grey trousers and black dress shoes; as Diana says, everything fits her perfectly. Like before, Diana chooses to tie her blonde hair in a low ponytail that allows Akko to notice the small blue earrings adorning Diana's ears.

But isn't the outfit itself that takes Akko off guard. Sure the blue color of her coat matches Diana's eyes. Or would have, if Diana's eyes weren't currently teal.

(If Diana was actually Diana…)

"Geh-!"

Akko has no idea why her mind short circuits every time her mind tries to picture how Diana would look in this suit in her original form.

(It's just Diana. Andrew's in a suit all the time. Heck, I've seen Amanda in a suit before! What's wrong with me this time?!)

Pressure on her arm pulls Akko from her thoughts. So lost in her thoughts, Akko doesn't notice Diana sit down beside her on the bed.

"If you don't feel well…"

Akko shakes her head. "I'm okay. Really. I just. Wow, you look really nice."

The sincere compliment takes Diana off guard. "Oh, well thank you. You look…"

Diana takes the moment to appraise Akko's dress once more. She was too preoccupied earlier with Akko's unconscious body, despite Anna reassuring her that Akko's fainting spell was nothing more than just a young girl's hormones running rampant.

Diana reminds herself to ask Anna where she found this dress once they are back in their own time. Contrary to the extravagant ball gown she wore to Andrew's party, this one is a light summer dress fashioned from peach-colored linen. Loose cap sleeves covers her shoulders, and the pressed fabric slopes broadly down her chest in a criss-cross fashion, cinching at her waist and giving her a sweet, delicate air.

Not that… Diana stares long enough to make such an accurate description.

Akko rolls her eyes, assuming Diana's lack of response to be negative. "Yeah yeah, it's nothing mindblowing compared to how amazing you look in that suit. Which seriously isn't fair. How come you get to be perfect at everything, even stuff that isn't-"

"Akko." Diana interrupts before Akko has an aneurysm. "The dress suits you. It… It looks good on you. Between the both of us, I would say you make the dress perfect."

Akko's mouth drops open.

(Did Diana just… compliment me?!)

"Though… I have to wonder how you would look if you were yourself."

Akko snaps her mouth closed and leans forward, grasping Diana's hands. "That's what I was thinking too! I mean, about you! That suit jacket really matches your eyes! Or it would if you didn't have teal eyes."

"My… eyes?" Diana looks down at her suit jacket. "Oh, I can see your point. I was considering something similar. The pastel pink would complement your eyes rather well."

All thought process winds to a screeching stop. Their eyes widen as they realize what compliments they just gave to the other.

Not to mention Akko is still holding Diana's hands…

"Uh… well…" Unlike previous times, Akko removes her hands without throwing Diana's away. "Thanks…"

Diana uses one of her freed hands to cough into her fist. "Shall- Shall we make our way down to the party? Although Lady Bernadette hosted it as a birthday party for Daryl, it does not change the fact that some significant spellcasters knowledgeable in time travel are in attendance. We have already wasted enough time."

"Uh huh." Akko shakes her head to snap herself from her stupor. "Right. Time travel stuff. That's important. More important than our outfits. Yup."

Akko jumps off the bed, taking the time to smooth out some of the wrinkles in her dress. By the time she's done, Diana is already waiting by the open door.

"Hopefully there's still some food left." Akko pats her stomach when it begins to growl. "I haven't eaten anything since breakfast."

"I doubt the refreshments would be so limited that they would run out after only an hour," Diana reassures.

Akko slouches over. "Ahhh, that's good. I don't think I can do anything until I get something in my stomach."

"Perhaps that is for the best. We wouldn't want to cause a scene."

Akko whips her head around. "What's that supposed to mean?!"

Diana raises a challenging eyebrow. "I seem to recall that you have a habit of going to extreme lengths to obtain food."

"How else am I supposed to keep my stomach happy?!"

"Restraint."

"You don't get places by limiting yourself though," Akko argues.

"That is…" Diana sighs. "That is a completely inappropriate application of context. In any case, we have arrived."

Without further delay, Diana pushes open the double doors that lead to the main hall where the party is held. Much like the party last year at the Hanbridge estate, numerous wealthy looking individuals populate the room immersed in their own discussions. There are enough people that Akko almost misses where the refreshments table is located.

However, what sets this event apart from Andrew's celebratory party is the main entertainment. Not everyone stands around talking to one another. Quite a few gather at the center of the hall in pairs to dance. The small orchestra plays some sort of slow melody that Akko doesn't hear past the rumbling of her own stomach.

Akko shouts a quick "Be right back!" and heads towards the refreshments table before Diana can utter a single word to respond. Diana prepares to follow, only to stop upon hearing a familiar voice behind.

"Ah, there you two are. I was wondering if it was necessary to look for you two," Alcaeus says.

In contrast to Diana's short English-style jacket, Alcaeus' is a long blue coat outlined in gold with three separate coattails. A white, serpentine pattern runs around the collar, with a snakes head hanging over the coat's left shoulder. Its tail slinks down the right all the way to the bottom of the coat. The coat is left unbuttoned, revealing a navy blue ascot wrapped around his neck that hangs over a black vest. His trousers are dark green with a snakeskin pattern, the bottom tucked within tall brown boots. In addition are a pair of brown, fingerless leather gloves.

Alcaeus catches Diana eyeing the serpent pattern on the coat. "Ah, Bernadette insisted I wear her grandmother's formalwear. She had to use a spell to change the measurements."

"It seems I was not the only one whose attire tonight was influenced by Lady Bernadette."

Alcaeus considers Diana's outfit as well. "It suits you. But where is Akko?"

Diana looks toward the refreshments table, where Akko is currently piling food upon food onto her plate.

"Ah." Alcaeus frowns. "Anyone would mistaken her to be a neglected child with how quick and excessive she is taking the food."

"Akko is the type of person who will take advantage of every opportunity she has. It so happens to include excellent refreshments."

Alcaeus chuckles. "You seem to have your hands full with that one."

"Akko… is no bother." Diana makes her way into the hall towards the refreshments table, Alcaeus following behind her. "Perhaps I might have once considered that her actions cause more trouble than good. No, that is certainly still true today. But… I cannot hate her for it."

"Did you ever?"

Diana ponders that for a moment. "No, never hate. Exasperation yes, but never hate."

"Would you say you love her?"

Diana stops in the middle of their walk to the table. Her fingers twitch by her side in conjunction to the rapid beating her of heart. The voices of the other partygoers turn into white noise; all she can hear is Alcaeus' question running on repeat in her head.

Despite her body screaming at the notion, Diana manages to answer with a level voice, "I would not use such a term to describe how I feel. However… I cannot deny that Akko is important to me. Perhaps more than I can understand myself."

Alcaeus hums. "In that case, perhaps you should stop her from taking more food. Or at least convince her to eat a better balanced choice. All I see her cramming into her mouth at an obscene rate are cakes."

Seeing Akko do exactly that and nearly choke with how fast she's putting the food into her mouth helps snap Diana from her thoughts. She shakes her head and excuses herself to be the self-control that Akko lacks.

"It seems those two are enjoying the party now that they've joined us," Bernadette says behind Alcaeus.

"Well-" All speech capabilities ground to a halt. Instead, his cognitive abilities allocate toward comprehending just who it is in front of him. Or rather, the woman and her outfit.

For the night, Bernadette dones a navy blue off-the-shoulder sleeveless dress with a white bertha collar. A white belt shaped like the serpent decorating Alcaeus' coat is tied around her waist, holding her wand at her side. The dress runs down to her ankles with an empire silhouette. Two strands of her hair are braided and tied horizontally around her head. A pair of blue sapphire earrings adorn her ears.

Alcaeus coughs into his fist. "Akko appears to be enjoying herself. I am not so sure about Diana. A suit? Really?"

Bernadette shrugs. "I wanted to surprise Akko after the lack of progress since last week."

"Is this really necessary?"

"Well, if my own progress cannot go anywhere, I might as well offer my assistance toward another so that it does not suffer the same fate."

Alcaeus blinks. "Why do I have the feeling I missed a meaning somewhere in that statement?"

"Ahh, never mind." Bernadette makes her way toward Diana and Akko while grumbling to herself, "I know I said I would wait but this is beyond frustrating!"

As confused as he is, Alcaeus follows after Bernadette anyway.

"Diana! You gotta try these cakes!" Akko shoves a plate filled with dessert toward Diana. "They taste even better than the ones from Andrew's party!"

Bernadette chuckles once she nears them. "Well, I am glad you like them. I will send my regards to our kitchen staff."

Akko nods, swallowing the food in her mouth first before speaking again. "Sorry we're late. Hope we didn't miss much."

Bernadette shakes her head. "Only the opening dance. I do not think Daryl is particularly upset that you missed it."

"Did she even notice their absence?" Alcaeus wonders.

Bernadette chuckles behind her hand. "Most likely not. She was too busy ogling the young man who was her partner."

"Who is still her partner."

Alcaeus finds the pair in question among the dancers. Daryl, sporting a teal maxi dress with a slit at her mid-thigh showing off her left leg. Her usual grumpy nature is absent, replaced by one of unbridled joy. Her partner, on the other hand, looks like he wants Daryl to step on him hard enough to put him in the hospital.

Alcaeus cringes, not for himself but the poor man who has been Daryl's partner since the opening dance. "I find it hard to believe that they are still dancing. It has been an hour!"

"Well, it is her birthday party. We can only let her be for this one day."

Another person makes themselves known behind them with a small cough.

"Though, her fixation with that poor young man prevents me from asking my youngest niece to dance!"

Bernadette greets the man with a bright smile. "Uncle Vlad. It is great to see you."

The man opens his arms. "Come give your favorite uncle a hug."

"You are my only uncle." Nevertheless, Bernadette steps forward to take the embrace.

The man with similar platinum blonde hair to those of the House of Cavendish answers with a chuckle. "And that makes me the favorite by default. Now, who are these young ones? I do not recognize them from your circle of acquaintances."

Bernadette steps back to introduce them. "This is Alcaeus, my personal bodyguard. We met two years ago, right after Mother's passing."

Alcaeus bows. "Pleasure to meet you, Sir…?"

"Vladimir Cavendish, the elder brother of the late Cassandra Cavendish. But you may simply call me Vlad," the man introduces. "I see. What impeccable timing. And the two ladies?"

(Vladimir? Mother's uncle…) For now, Diana pushes her contemplation to the side and greets the gentleman with a bow. "Diana. Diana Reinhardt. Pleasure to meet your acquaintance."

"I'm Akko! Nice to meet you!" Akko looks down at her plate of food. "Would you like a tart?"

Vladimir regards the two with a raised eyebrow. His skepticism quickly washes away with a laugh. "What interesting guests! And how did you come to meet these two?"

"They came seeking my help regarding a private matter. They are under my hospitality until the matter is solved," Bernadette says.

"Ah, you and your kind heart. I see my sister imparted more than just her good looks to her eldest daughter."

"You are considerate yourself, are you not? I heard from the director of the Brookhaven Hospital that you were the one who referred me to help its patients."

Vladimir strokes his connected goatee and moustache. "I looked into the issue myself but could not ascertain the cause of the patients' declining health. You were the natural choice to refer. Besides, I owed Walter Jefferson a favor. I could not simply take the failure; it would soil the name of the House of Cavendish."

While Vladimir and Bernadette converse, Akko leans closer to Diana to whisper, "I didn't know your mom had an uncle. Doesn't that make him… your great uncle?"

"I was aware that my grandmother had an elder brother, though I never met him. He was already deceased by my birth."

"Oh." Akko leans away and regards the the Cavendish members as they laugh heartily at a joke she fails to catch. "He seems like a nice guy."

"Though not one who is knowledgeable in what you are interested in," Alcaeus cuts in. He points to a short old woman on the other side of the refreshments table. "I believe your headmistress is someone of interest?"

A familiar short old woman.

Akko nearly drops her plate of food from shock. "That's the headmistress?!"

"Akko, shout any louder and you will draw more unwanted attention," Diana berates.

Akko's only indication that she hears Diana is to lower her voice. "She doesn't look any different. She's still an old grannie!"

Alcaeus raises an eyebrow at Akko's disrespectful address about someone who is supposed to be in charge of a prestigious school for witches.

(Though, that seems to be how she is as a person.)

"She is only twenty or so years younger during this time," Diana remarks. "If the headmistress was already over a hundred years old during our time, then twenty years will not make much of a difference in terms of appearance."

"Well? Are you two going to stand around and wait for people to come to you? Or will you take the initiative?" Alcaeus asks.

As much as Akko wants to keep eating and enjoy her time, she understands why it's important to gather as much information as she can with the given opportunity. So that's why she lets Diana usher her away from the refreshments table and toward Miranda Holbrooke instead.

It doesn't mean Akko can stop herself from gaping at her future headmistress.

"Good evening, Headmistress Holbrooke," Diana greets with a bow. "May we take some of your time?"

"Oh, of course!" The elderly woman stacks another tart onto her plate before asking, "And whom am I speaking to?"

"My name is Diana… Reinhardt." Diana gestures to her side. "And this is Akko Yukimura. We are new interns under Lady Bernadette."

"Oh? I was not aware the young Cavendish was taking students. If I had known, I would have referred some of my students from Luna Nova."

Diana replies in stride, "It was a specialized, limited time offer."

Holbrooke nods. "Of course, of course. Bernadette is quite a busy young lady. It isn't easy to have such a heavy burden placed upon her shoulders so sudden and at such a young age."

"Headmistress, are you close to Miss Bernadette?" Akko asks.

"'Close' is probably not true." Holbrooke's lips pull up into a sad smile. "I just have a soft spot for children who compensate a lack of talent with hard work, even if it means pushing themselves more than others would."

"Miss Bernadette has no talent?" Akko can't believe that no matter how many times she runs that through her head.

Holbrooke chuckles. "It doesn't seem like it, does it? Perhaps as her students all you see are her successes. But you have never seen her failures, or her journey to reach her current status. It isn't that Bernadette started from nothing; she was neither an extreme failure nor an extreme success. She was simply average, and nothing more. Even today it isn't her capabilities that attribute to her notoriety- it is the kindness and patience that very few can achieve. Truly worthy of someone of this House."

"Oh. So there's a lot that I don't know yet." Akko nods to herself as if that revelation is obvious.

But it's a more sudden pill to swallow for her companion. Diana only remembers her mother struggling against illness. It never occurred to her that there were other obstacles in her mother's life- obstacles that could have influenced Bernadette's deteriorating health more than just her body itself.

Holbrooke's voice pulls her back to the present. "But that isn't what you wished to discuss, is it?"

"Oh, right! There's something we want to ask you!" Akko says.

"Something to ask me?" Holbrooke asks.

Diana coughs into her fist, regaining her composure and returning to their desired topic. "Akko and I are interested in the mechanics of time travel magic. As it is not her specialty, Lady Bernadette referred us to you, Headmistress. She mentioned that Luna Nova houses a particular artifact that is capable of performing time travel."

"And how would Bernadette know of this?" Holbrooke inquires. "That knowledge should not be privy to anyone outside of my staff."

"Uh…" Akko looks toward Diana for help. But even Diana doesn't know how to respond.

Holbrooke sighs. "Well, knowing the existence of that artifact changes nothing. Not when it is sealed away so well that even I do not know where it is."

Akko blinks. "Wait, you don't know where the clock is?"

"As I thought, you really do mean that artifact."

Akko slaps a hand to her mouth. "Oh crap…"

Diana pinches the bridge of her nose. "Akko…"

"No need to be angry at your friend. I was just checking to see if we are on the same page," Holbrooke says. "About the Horologium Clock, I mean."

Diana frowns. "What do you mean by it is sealed away?"

"Just that. A student had once tampered with it on accident, causing a curse that couldn't be dispelled except to seal the clock within Luna Nova. Then it was enchanted so that its location would remain a mystery to anyone who looks for it. It is impossible to find."

"So… the more we want it, the more we won't be able to find it?!" Akko groans. "What are we supposed to do now?!"

"Is there a reason why you need such a dangerous and complex artifact? Time travel is not something anyone should meddle with," Holbrooke says.

Akko blanches. "Uh, well, it's for… stuff."

Diana sighs. "Thank you for your time, Headmistress. That is all we wished to ask." Diana grabs Akko's arm and pulls her along. "Come, Akko. I believe that is Lady Elizabeth over there."

"O-Okay. Bye, Headmistress! Wait, who's this Elizabeth lady?"

Holbrooke blinks, waving slowly as the two girls disappear into the crowd.

"Hm… what an odd pair of girls," she comments. Thinking nothing more of it, Holbrooke returns to her plate of food and enjoys the rest of her time before inevitably leaving the party early.


While Akko and Diana continue with their affairs, Bernadette leaves Alcaeus' side to entertain the other guests. He makes to follow until someone grabs his attention. His and only his alone.

"So you are the famed bodyguard I have heard so much about," Vladimir says. "The one who entered this very home through a hole in the roof?"

Alcaeus bows in greeting. "Ah, I must apologize for that. The circumstances of my arrival are… unique."

"Yes, losing your memories prior to the accident. How convenient. And then gaining the trust of the newly appointed head of this House. Truly, you must be one lucky man."

Alcaeus frowns. "Bern- Lady Bernadette is a kind woman."

"Perhaps too kind, don't you agree?" Vladimir chuckles. "Though, my niece has always had that weakness. Kind to a fault. I suppose it's something we can't change about her. I'm sure Daryl has tried as often as she could."

Alcaeus isn't sure how to respond. He chooses not to.

"And how do you feel about my niece? What sort of… attachments do you have in regards to her?"

"She is my charge. As I am tasked with her well-being-"

Vladimir waves his hand to dismiss that notion. "No, no, beyond your post as her guard. Consider her as she is; the young woman you have stood by for these past two years."

"I don't understand. My place has been by her side as her guard. I cannot consider our relationship any other way."

"Is that true though? I'm sure you've considered it a few times." Vladimir clasps his hands behind his back and begins to pace around Alcaeus. "What does she mean to you? Is she like any other person? If not, how is this woman so special? What place does she hold in your heart?"

"My… heart?"

"Humans are rather fixated on that particular organ; not for its function in particular, but what it symbolizes." Vladimir places one hand on his chest. "The heart indicates life, vitality, and perhaps strangest of all, it is the insignia for one particular emotion: love."

"Love…" Alcaeus matches Vladimir and places a hand on his chest. (That term again…)

"A strange concept, isn't it? What is love? I cannot answer that either. But humans desire it in all its forms. It is of so high importance that they would often give up their lives for it." Vladimir chuckles. "What foolishness. I can never comprehend such idiocy. And it seems to have entrapped you as well."

Alcaeus snaps his head to the Cavendish. "I… I am affected by love?"

Vladimir stares at the confused man, barking laughter when he realizes Alcaeus is truly confused. "Ah, I see. I see, I see. You do not even know. How interesting. I will keep this in mind."

"I don't understand."

Vladimir walks toward Alcaeus and claps a hand on his shoulder. "Whether you come to a realization or not doesn't matter. Knowing will not change anything. Not when the consequences cannot be revoked." He raises his hand to pat the shoulder. "Well, have a good evening. I have some business to attend to."

Vladimir leaves Alcaeus alone to his thoughts. The white-haired man doesn't even hear Bernadette when she returns to his side.

"Alcaeus? Is something wrong?"

Bernadette's calm yet worried voice pulls him from his thoughts. "No, just thinking."

"They don't appear to be light thoughts."

"I… I don't know. I don't know what they are." Alcaeus bends his arm in offering to his charge, just as he was taught. "Shall we continue with the party? Now that you seem to have finished leaving me behind."

Bernadette giggles and loops her arm through the crook of his offered arm. "Oh, you're joking. That's a good sign."

But as much as Alcaeus tries, he can't seem to stray away from that brief conversation and Vladimir's parting words.


On the other hand, the night is still young for the two time traveling witches. The two go around the hall to speak to numerous time traveling experts. They start with the ones Diana recognizes from their own time. When there is no progress there, Diana and Akko find Bernadette to ask her for leads.

Two hours later of nonstop moving and talking… yields nothing.

"Ahhh, I'm beat," Akko complains. "This is almost as bad as studying."

"It is rather concerning that we have gained no information despite the number of people we have approached," Diana admits.

"No luck?" Bernadette asks, approaching from the side. Alcaeus stands beside her with his hands clasped behind his back.

"Nope," Akko emphasizes with a pop on the p. "Everyone just gave us theories and what ifs, but said there's no known way to travel through time yet. Apparently human bodies can't handle the stress or something like that."

"That's unfortunate."

Akko drops her head onto her knees. "I'm tired…"

The orchestra falls silent at the conclusion of the current song. Partners on the dance floor bow to one another and use the brief pause before the next song to find a partner or leave the dance.

Bernadette picks out Daryl's distinctive hair color within the crowd. Her younger sister is finally alone except for the glass of champagne gripped with loose fingers. As if her red face isn't enough of an indication to her lack of sobriety, Daryl starts to sway and tip so much that Anna has to rush forward and catch Daryl before she falls.

Bernadette tries to hide her giggle behind her hand, catching Alcaeus' attention.

"What is it?"

Bernadette points to Anna half dragging Daryl away. "Daryl seems to be having a good time."

Alcaeus cringes. "I do not envy Anna at all."

"Of course not. After all, you have another job to do." Bernadette holds out her hand. "Join me for a dance?"

Alcaeus raises an eyebrow at the offered hand. "I barely know how."

"That is what the lessens this past week were for."

Alcaeus continues to glare at Bernadette's hand until they hear the orchestra prepare to start the new song. Finally, Alcaeus gives in with a sigh and takes Bernadette's hand.

"Remember, you're leading," Bernadette reminds him.

Alcaeus rolls his eyes. "Yes, I remember."

"Oh, one last thing." Bernadette turns to Diana. "Why not take the chance to enjoy yourselves? The night is still young. Even if you have exhausted your original purpose, there are still things you can do now that you are here."

Diana frowns. "Is that why you had Alcaeus and Akko take dance lessons?"

"Dancing is a great bonding experience! And what better time than at a party?" Bernadette waves and leads Alcaeus toward the center where the other dancers are. "Have fun! Don't linger too long!"

Diana watches the two disappear into the crowd. Thoughts and implications run faster than the speed of sound as she tries to make sense of what just happened.

(Is Mother…? No, that cannot be it. Mother isn't the type to play matchmaker… Is she?)

Akko lifts her head after dozing off for the entirety of Bernadette and Diana's conversation. "Huh? Where'd your mom and Alcaeus go?"

"To dance." Before she can change her mind, Diana stands and faces the direction of the crowd. "Would you… like to as well?"

Akko blinks, the question taking far longer to process than it should. "… Huh?"

"If you are tired and would rather retire for the night-"

"NO!" Akko leaps to her feet. "I want to! Dance, I mean. I even took those stupid lessons with Alcaeus the past few days just for this moment. There's no way I'm going to miss this opportunity!"

"You do not have to. There will be plenty of other opportunities in the future," Diana argues. "I recall your frequent frustrations during lessons."

Akko crosses her arms with a huff. "And I told you I'd show you that I can dance!"

Diana raises an eyebrow. "Did you learn how to waltz properly within the last four days?"

"Of course I did."

(Of course I didn't! I kept messing up so much that the instructor wouldn't stop yelling at me! It's not my fault that I can't remember what to do!)

Diana regards her with skepticism against Akko's stubborn frown. In the end, she extends a hand to Akko anyway, mirroring Bernadette from before. "If you are so determined, I suppose there is no stopping you."

Akko grasps Diana's hand and nods. "I'll show you just how much I improved!"

The two enter the center of the hall where the rest of the dancers are just as the orchestra finishes setting up for the next song. Diana and Akko position themselves so Diana assumes the lead while Akko follows.

"Wait, how come you get to lead?" Akko complains.

"I am have more experience in the waltz than you do," Diana argues. "And if I recall, the instructor only taught you how to follow. You should stick with what you are familiar with given such limited time."

"I can still lead! It can't be that different."

"Nevertheless, we are out of time." Diana finalizes their positions right as the orchestra begins to play. "Prepare yourself, Akko."

"Ahhh, fine!"

The song begins with a slow melody from the violin, then followed by the rest. Akko quickly tunes out the music, instead focusing on her steps and making sure she doesn't make a mistake.

All the while, Diana watches Akko in silence. She mentally commends Akko for her progress, considering Akko had no experience with the waltz prior to this week. And so far Akko is doing rather well; she hasn't broken stride or stepped on Diana's toes. She even follows the three step count with the appropriate dips and rises.

Diana's gaze eventually lingers on Akko's strained frown. It's obvious Akko is allocating all of her attention and energy toward this dance given the constipated grimace she's practically sporting. While admirable, it doesn't look like Akko is having fun at all.

And that is almost like a personal affront to her partner.

"Akko."

"Yeah?" Akko responds without looking up.

"While your timing and movements have certainly improved, there is one thing you must never forget."

"I'm forgetting something? But I'm pretty sure I didn't miss a step…"

Diana shakes her head. "No, as I said your movements are correct. However, what you must remember is that you are not dancing alone. Therefore, keep your head up, and focus on your partner."

"Oh yeah. Duh." Akko snaps her head up. "Like this…?"

Bluhmgh. Khzck.

And that is the sound of Akko's brain short circuiting the moment Diana smiles down at her with so much patience and kindness that she has no idea how to react. Akko knows she should be used to it, or at least that is what the functioning part of her brain tries to remind her. But at this moment while they are close to one another, Akko can't remember how to do anything.

Except, a loss of concentration leads to a single inevitable misstep onto Diana's foot. The sudden change of sensation underneath her foot pulls Akko from her reverie.

"Agh- Sorry!"

Diana recovers with a sigh and guides them back into the dance. "It's alright. To be honest, I am surprised your first mistake did not occur immediately."

"Hey, I was doing just fine until you told me to look up!"

"It is essential to pay attention to your partner. Next, it is important…"

Diana's voice falls into the background with the orchestra and the rest of the world. Akko focuses on Diana; just her existence and nothing else.

(Come to think of it, Diana's been helping me out a lot lately. Not like I can ask Professor Ursula or Lotte and Sucy or anyone else. I've only got Diana. I always thought asking her for help would be a pain. But…)

Akko lets Diana's voice filter through her thoughts for a moment before returning to her own thoughts.

( …it's actually not so bad. I can see why everyone always asks her for help. She's… nice to be around.)

Akko blinks, and in her contemplation takes another misstep. Although this time she misses Diana's foot.

"Akko, focus," Diana says.

"Ah, yeah, right." Akko nods absentmindedly, reaching toward that brief realization and latching on before it can flit back to the recesses of her mind.

(Diana's nice to be around. So do I like having Diana around? Wait, that's definitely true. Nice equals like, right? I think. But it's a different kind of nice. It's not like when I'm around Lotte and Sucy, or Amanda and the others. It's not even like when I'm with Professor Ursula or my parents. It's… AHHH I DON'T KNOW! Why is it so hard after all this time?! I don't get it!)

"Akko…"

(I don't get why she has to be any different! Yeah this past week has been a bunch of stuff that we don't normally do together, but I do it with other people! There's the late night talks and the closeness. I do that all the time with everyone else! There's the hand holding, but we did that before too. But then again…)

"Akko."

(I never rode a horse with any of them. But that's just like riding a broom! But then there was that boat ride. And when I fell on top of Diana and almost-)

Diana's voice finally cuts through her thoughts. "The deeper your mind trails, the higher the likelihood you are prone to mistakes."

"Huh? Wah!" Akko barely catches herself before she can make another mistake. "Sorry, I'm just… thinking."

"It appears to be about something important, considering it took me three tries to catch your attention."

"Eh heh… sorry. I was just thinking about everything that's happened since we got here."

Diana continues to sway them along with the music and the rest of the hall as she joins Akko's line of thinking.

"It's hard to believe we were only here since two weeks ago," Diana agrees. "It feels much longer."

"A lot has happened."

Diana nods. "I seem to have a habit of experiencing many of my firsts with you."

"Huh?"

"Excluding the past two weeks, this past year has been one incident after another." Diana hums as she recalls every incident since the last year that has entertained her life. "The first time someone arrives at Luna Nova with such a grand entrance…"

Akko blinks, and then puffs her cheeks when she realizes what Diana means. "We didn't have any other choice! A crazy chicken was chasing us throughout the Arcturus Forest."

"Yes, but it isn't only that. There was the Pappiliodya I mistook for parasites, racing against you on the Shooting Star of all brooms, negotiating with a dragon, your performance during the Samhain Festival, and of course everything with the Shiny Rod and the events that occurred within this very mansion."

Akko pouts. "Well sorry I make a big mess of everything."

Diana shakes her head. "That is not it. Or at least, not entirely. It is… unthinkable for me to make mistakes. I always believed the consequences would be catastrophic. However, you arrive at Luna Nova, into my life, bringing nothing but mishap. Yet with every mistake you vowed to succeed tenfold. You would fall, but the world would not collapse despite the frequency. And more importantly, you did not allow the fear of failure hinder your progress." Diana tightens her hold on Akko's hand. "It is one of the many things I envied- no, that I admired about you."

Akko frowns. "But that makes no sense. You're always telling everyone else that it's okay to make mistakes. What's wrong with telling yourself that?"

"I have expectations to uphold. One fault of mine can cause greater consequences than a fault of another."

"But you're a person, just like us. I said it before, remember? It's okay to let loose. The more you hold things in, the harder it's going to hit when it lets out in the end. No one's going to blame you when you mess up that one time. And if they do, I'll make sure to yell at them!" Akko tilts her head. "Hannah and Barbara might beat me to it, though. They're more protective of you than my mom is to me."

Diana fails to catch the last part, so fixated on the first part of Akko's statement. She recalls Akko's warmth as she insisted Diana share her troubles. In turn, Diana had offered the same after Akko stayed by her side once more during her brief moment of illness. Diana tries to recall the last time she had felt so relaxed about herself without having to worry about pretenses.

(It felt… pleasant.) Diana admits.

"You have certainly… given me many new perspectives to consider," Diana says. "Your frequent mishaps these past two weeks alone should not be anything new. Yet you continue to surprise me."

Akko bristles. But Diana continues before she can protest.

"Masquerading as a man, chasing a fairy across town, and…" Diana blinks, almost faltering her steps, "…the boat incident."

Akko's mouth opens in a wide O.

(So she's thinking about that too?)

Akko purses her lips. "Yeah, that was weird. That boat ride was… something."

Both girls move their eyes so that their gazes connect. It's at that moment that they realize how close they are. The distance between them is about as little as their fall on the boat last week. Except this time they can't leap away, not while they have a reason to remain so close.

"Hey Diana. What would you do if you don't know why you like doing something?"

Diana raises an eyebrow. "Such as?"

"Uh, let's say in general."

(I can't just tell her that she confuses me! She'll just overthink it and make things even more complicated!)

Diana creases her forehead as she considers Akko's vague question. "You enjoy whatever it is you are doing, but do not know the reason for it. In that case, I would simply take it for granted."

"Eh? Really?" Akko frowns. "I would've thought you of all people would think about this more before taking a big leap of faith."

"In most cases yes. But I have learned that sometimes too much thought can do more harm than good. Perhaps a reason is not necessary. I should not let logic hinder me, instead trusting my instincts."

"So I should just… enjoy how happy and good I feel without asking too much?" Akko nods. "I can do that."

(Just having fun when I'm with Diana… Yeah, I can definitely do that. It's just like normal. I think.)

"Where is this question coming from?" Diana wonders.

"Uhhh, nothing important. I was just curious about something." Akko purses her lips. "Don't listen to my head and just follow how I feel. Huh. That doesn't sound like you at all. Where'd you learn to be so relaxed?"

Diana fixes Akko a pointed stare. Despite the stern seriousness in her eyes, her lips pull up into a small smile. "From you."

"From me?!"

"You have always believed in your heart. Would you say you regret any of the decisions you have made?"

"Not really. The only regret I can think of is that time I listened to Amanda and snuck into your room to take some underwear-" Akko clamps her mouth shut.

Diana narrows her eyes. "That was you?"

"I'm sorry! It was a dare! I swear I was going to return it but Amanda wouldn't let me!"

"Akko, I was short on clothing for three days."

"I'm sorry! Oh look, the music stopped!"

The other dancers cease their movements as the music winds down. A round of applause echoes throughout the hall for both the orchestra and the dancers.

Akko pulls away and curtsies quickly. She darts through the crowd and away from Diana before the other girl finishes her own bow.

Diana narrows her eyes to search for Akko. She mentally compiles a list of grievances in preparation for the scolding. But the sound of metal tapping against glass pulls her attention away from Akko's direction and toward the front of the hall.

Vladimir Cavendish raises his glass. "A wonderful performance tonight! I commend our lovely orchestra, the talented dancers, and of course the girl we are celebrating!"

Everyone claps once more, directing it toward a barely conscious Daryl.

Vladimir chuckles. "Seems our special person enjoyed her night as well. But let us not forget to give our thanks to the woman who planned this enjoyable night: her sister, my niece, and the head of the House of Cavendish!"

The clapping rises in volume. The woman in question smiles to all the guests, a tint of pink dusting her cheeks.

"Such a fantastic sister," Vladimir continues once the clapping dies down. "And such a fantastic woman. I could never hope to achieve the level of affection you have shown for your sister, as well as others time and time again. You are truly… a mystery."

Bernadette frowns, sensing a sudden change in tone. "Uncle…?"

"The motto of the House of Cavendish is 'affection,' yet I could never understand what that meant. If affection is related to love, then I can see why I cannot grasp the notion." Vladimir raises both arms. "That is because love escapes me! What is love? That is like asking me how vast the universe is. It is incomprehensible, something that I cannot grasp. However, it is something you humans crave. You harbor it, you fight for it, and you die for it. It is so important that it is often the only thing tethering you to sanity!"

Vladimir drops his arms and reaches into his coat, pulling out a small silver cylinder. "In that case, I refuse it. I discard that notion. Sanity is restricting; insanity is freedom. You humans may cling to it as you fall into the depths of hell."

Alcaeus' hands tense, immediately reaching inside his coat as well. "Is that…?"

A wordless incantation transforms the small artifact into a silver spear. Vladimir clenches his hand around the weapon and strikes it against the ground, propelling a ripple of energy across the hall. As soon as the energy contacts a surface - be it the walls, the floor, or the ceiling - numerous insignias bathe the hall in a blood red glow.

Though they are different, the style is familiar to the four who first encountered such a spell at a certain hospital. But perhaps the biggest difference is the echoing air-raid siren that everyone, not just Diana and Alcaeus, can hear.

"So I wonder… what is love in the face of insanity?" Vladimir grins as the Otherworld bleeds into reality for all to witness. "Show me your answer. And in the meantime, I would like to see the tenacity that you are known for… humans!"


Author's Notes:

And that ends Dianakko week! Did I fulfill the prompts enough? Did I satisfy my readers? Who knows.

Oh! One question for you all: would people prefer me to stick with my weekly updates and then reach my inevitable hiatus earlier? Or would you like me to push it into fortnight updates to prolong my update line? Because at this rate, I can only sustain about 5 or so more updates before… I have to take a break for a bit.

The poll is on my FFN profile (or at least it should be. If it isn't let me know). Please vote there! I'll be closing the poll in two weeks and then making my decision then.

This story will not be updated in a few weeks to give everyone some time to reread and/or catch up. I know I threw a lot at you guys XD Also because I might have not... written the next chapter either. Woops.

Next week is a special update with a (rather long) oneshot that I've been meaning to post but never got the chance. So stay tuned!

Thanks for reading everyone!


Fun Fact:

Diana and Akko's outfits are based on Milk Puppy's artwork (Link: twitterDOTcom/MilkPuppy77/status/899187843825782784) except they are in their disguises. I may or may not have a follow up planned where they reenact the dance in their original forms with the same outfits… *wink wink* Because you know, they were so rudely interrupted XD