Diana was so deep in thought, she didn't hear Akko come up behind her. She jumped when she felt a cool glass press against her cheek.
"I brought you some iced tea! Sorry for interrupting your staring contest with the leaves," Akko joked as she handed Diana her drink.
"Thank you," Diana smiled as she accepted the glass, noting Akko's signature heart-shaped ice cubes. Akko did more shapes as well for others, but Diana noticed she was the only one who received hearts amongst the other ice figures. She's always cheering me up, Diana thought.
The greenhouse was finally complete and the pair were acting as supervisors for students who volunteered. While the greenhouse looked the same from outside, there were now several magic doors installed, each containing a different environment. Akko worked in a tropical area, like the Summer Woods while Diana worked in a humid, muddy area resembling a swamp. They occasionally shifted from area to area, properly looking after the students. Getting the student body involved was a huge success and it made the workload easier on both the professors and Diana. The rest of their friends joined in too, even Amanda! The New Witches were in different areas, working with other students and keeping an eye out for trouble.
Some of them volunteered to get closer to their idol, Diana Cavendish. Diana had quite a devoted fan club eager to help Diana in any way they can. Others joined through the green team. Despite their reputation, Constanze was popular among the students ever since her performance during the Wild Hunt, while Jasminka's sweets and warm demeanor won over many students as well. The chef made special treats for the volunteers and manned the snack table rather than the actual greenhouse. A few students seemed to be dragged in after owing Amanda favors. Constanze used her stan-bots like security cameras to keep an eye on everyone, texting Diana whenever her assistance was required in another room.
Hannah and Barbara worked in a dark, damp environment helping Sucy with her mushrooms, though the two flirted with each other shamelessly after realizing they were hidden from prying eyes. Lotte, on the other hand, worked diligently beside the mushroom enthusiast who seemed unusually content to share her personal space. All in all, things were turning out nicely for Luna Nova and its upcoming witches.
"We did all this! Can you believe it?" Akko smiled as she knelt down near Diana and started weeding the plants.
"It's incredible, all the students are working so hard together," Diana chuckled as she sipped her iced tea. Akko studied Diana's face and paused. The chestnut-haired girl expression shifted and Diana knew she had been caught.
"Diana, we're partners. You can talk to me." Akko stated, red orbs locking with Diana's blue ones. The worry was obvious in her big eyes. Diana never understood how her companion learned to see right through her. The dreamer used to have difficulty understanding Diana, however, now it seemed like she was reading Diana's very soul.
It was unnerving.
Diana sighed, but she knew there was no point in trying to hide things from Akko.
"I'm having…difficulty with the healing spells. Healing spells are complicated because there is no single cure-all spell, but individual spells for specific purposes like mending bone or expelling toxins. A long, complicated healing spell is simply a string of different spells cast right after another, and they usually come with harsh side-effects. That's why I wanted to learn Lyonne, it's short but powerful and efficient." Diana explained.
"Maybe you don't need Lyonne? What if you made your own healing spell?" Akko suggested as she stole a sip from Diana's glass.
The noble witch's eyes widened, "My own healing spell?"
"The Nine Old Witches could do it. Why wouldn't the Nine New Witches be able to?" Akko inquired, tilting her head a bit.
New spells were invented all the time, but healing magic remained the same for decades. Diana studied her family's books and knew for a fact healing magic research had stagnated after the Industrial Age. She never considered creating her own spell, but it was possible, especially with the abundance of magic since the Grand Triskelion was unlocked.
"Akko, you're brilliant!" Diana exclaimed, standing up quickly.
"I'll handle things here, so you can focus on your spell." Akko smiled with a slight flush in her cheeks.
"I can't make you do that," Diana responded while helping Akko to her feet.
"Sure you can! Don't you trust me?" Akko replied playfully while handing Diana back her glass.
Diana smiled back, "Of course I do." Diana drank the remainder of her iced tea, letting the heart shaped ice melt in her mouth.
Two Weeks Later
Diana's eyebrows furrowed as her healing spell only got half the job done. She mastered the other known spells and could cast them in record-breaking time, but her own spell didn't work properly. The professors were shocked by Diana' sudden progress and even witches from other schools wanted to learn the prodigy's secret to success. Some even visited just to see Diana perform what they called "miracles." Diana's modified spells were not only fast-acting, they had virtually no side-effects. Luna Nova's educators preened in the spotlight, not only was the public interested in Diana, many visitors noticed how wonderful the greenhouse was. It was well kept by the students of Luna Nova, showing discipline and devotion. The Academy was proud of it and many other schools asked for advice on how to start their own. Things were looking brighter than ever.
Diana had been practicing healing spells ever since she was a child, and after her mother passed, her passion for healing magic intensified. Everyone knew she was amazing, but no one had ever expected her to make such breakthroughs at such a young age. However, Diana was unsatisfied because her original spell didn't work and she had no idea why. She was so close, but something was missing.
Diana was given a spare room all to herself to work without distraction, though that wasn't the whole story. The real reason she wanted her own room was because she believed Hanna and Barbara needed some alone time. She walked in on them kissing once and they refused to meet her eyes for two days. They were always considerate of her space when she was working, she decided she could return the favor.
Diana's thoughts were interrupted by a soft chime from her pocket watch. It was a message from Akko:
Are you busy?
Diana smiled, she was about to text back until she realized this was Akko after all. Akko tended to leap before she looked, paired with the fact she most likely wanted to see Diana…
Diana quietly approached the door, before quickly yanking it open. Akko was so startled, she nearly dropped her watch. "H—Hi," she stammered while pocketing her watch.
Diana smiled and shook her head, "Did you come all this way just to say hi?"
"I heard there was a princess locked away in this tower! I came to see for myself." Akko smiled, collecting herself.
"Did you fight any flying noodles along the way?" Diana smirked.
"Diana! It's hard to control the dragon when my wand is in sword form." Akko pouted.
Diana chuckled and stepped aside so Akko could enter. "Thank you for being so considerate, but you don't have to ask for permission. Feel free to visit whenever you want," Diana closed the door and took a seat on her bed, "I missed you," She added quietly.
They still saw each other every day, but they spent less time doing things together. Akko took on all of Diana's responsibilities while Diana worked on her project. They missed patrolling together and even doing the most mundane tasks like organizing or packing. Any time they spent together was time well spent.
Akko took a seat beside her friend, "I missed you too." She looked into Diana's weary eyes and quickly came up with a plan to ease her friend.
Suddenly, Akko was gone and a small white rabbit with black tipped ears sat in her place. "Akko? What are you doing?" Diana asked while Akko hopped into her lap.
"I'm still hurting. You insulted my dragon! I demand to be spoiled as compensation." Akko ordered as she nuzzled Diana's tummy before looking up expectantly. Akko could feel the distress in her friend and decided to avoid asking about her progress with the spell. The transformed witch remembered how comforting it felt when she held guinea-pig-Sucy and wanted to do the same for Diana.
"I guess I have no choice," Diana surrendered while gently running her fingers through Akko's fluffy fur. Diana knew Akko was trying to cheer her up again and she was grateful for it. Her companion not only knew how to recognize her stress, she knew how to make Diana smile again too. It was comforting to have someone care for her well-being without nagging her about her progress. Diana smiled as she felt Akko's small, warm body relax under her fingertips.
Diana scratched behind Akko's ears and stroked the full length of her body. Bunny-Akko practically melted like a snowball under Diana's administrations. Unbeknownst to Akko, Diana was eyeing her cotton-ball tail. Diana moved cautiously and gave the little bun's tail a soft squeeze. Akko stood straight up and flicked her ears in irritation. She tried to glare at her offender, but it was in vain since it was impossible to be intimidating in such a cuddly form.
"I couldn't help it," Diana giggled as the bunny hopped off her lap and burrowed underneath her pillow. Akko's little bunny butt was the only thing sticking out from underneath the pillow, making Diana's smile even wider. She laid down on her stomach and laid her chin on her hands. "Akko," she called sweetly. The bun's puffy tail gave a little wag in response, but Akko burrowed herself deeper under the pillow. Diana watched as the cotton puff disappeared further under her pillow. She moved closer to the pillow and picked it up, revealing her fluffy friend. Diana chuckled and nuzzled the space between Akko's ears before resting her head next to her. Akko hopped closer to Diana and snuggled under her chin, slightly tickling Diana.
Diana started to pet her again feeling herself start to doze off much like the rabbit she was spoiling. However, the moment Akko fell asleep her spell broke. Akko looked up the same time Diana looked down and their noses bumped. Both witches froze, matching blushes blooming on their faces. Akko recovered first and rubbed her nose affectionately against Diana's, eliciting a giggle from Diana.
While they were surprised at first, the moment Diana giggled, all the tension dissipated. It felt so natural, holding each other like this. Akko stroked Diana's hair and Diana gave a pleased hum in response. Akko traced Diana's ear before moving to her jawline, eyes moving to Diana's lips. Diana noticed a glint in her eyes, something almost predatory, completely different from the vulnerable rabbit in her lap earlier.
Diana could feel that fire again, the same one from the Summer Woods. It would take over if Diana didn't oppress it. The problem was, Diana didn't want to stop it. She slid her hands over Akko's toned shoulders and down her back before moving up again. For the first time, she hated how conservative Luna Nova's uniforms were. Without thinking, she slid her hand underneath the back of Akko's shirt to find warm, smooth purchase underneath. This is it, Diana realized. The cure to her fire was the same thing burning her up from the inside out.
Akko shuddered at the sudden sensation but enjoyed the direct contact. She tried her best to restrain herself and behave until this point. Akko unbuttoned the first few button of Diana's white shirt and ran her fingers over Diana's delicate collarbone before leaning in and trailing butterfly kisses across it. She moved lower, lips stopping just above Diana's chest. She felt the other girl's breath hitch and halted, wondering if she went too far. Instead, Diana pulled her closer, entangling their legs. Akko smiled against Diana's skin and moved her hand to gently massage Diana's thigh. She'd never seen Diana eager for anything, yet here she was clinging to Akko as if she'd drown if she let go.
Diana felt like she was going mad. At this, rate Akko would consume her, yet she couldn't bring herself to care. In fact, she wanted to be consumed. Diana whimpered when Akko's warm palm left her thigh. Akko pulled away and sat up, an amused smile formed on her face when Diana wrapped her arms around her neck and tried to pull her back in for a kiss. She removed Diana's hands and pinned her arms to the bed, laughing when Diana shot her a glare.
"If we're going to go this far, I want to do it properly," Akko smiled as she slid her hands up the frustrated witch's inner forearms and intertwined their hands.
Diana continued to glare at her.
Akko kissed her forehead and rubbed their noses together, knowing Diana wouldn't stay mad at her. She was right, Diana relaxed for a moment before remembering their earlier activities. Her face flushed and she looked away trying to compose herself. Diana never lost herself like that before. "What happens now?" Diana asked as Akko released her, still not meeting the smirking witch's eyes.
"I have a surprise for you in the greenhouse. When I'm done, I want you to see it. From there on, I'm sure things will be clearer, for the both of us." Akko smiled while she played with Diana's hair.
"Is it almost done?" Diana inquired, finally meeting Akko's eyes.
"Soon, just give me a little more time," Akko pleaded. Diana turned away from Akko.
"Do you like frustrating me?" Diana retorted.
"Yep," Akko replied while laying down next to Diana. "You'll like it, I swear." She wrapped her arms around the irritated blonde.
"I hate surprises," Diana returned. Akko's proximity wasn't soothing the burn this time, in fact, it was making it worse.
"You'll like this one," Akko smiled and kissed Diana's ear. Diana was at her limit.
"I'd like it more if you touched me!" she snapped. The moment the words left her mouth Diana felt her fire dim down, flooded by embarrassment.
Akko didn't know she could affect the Diana Cavendish to this extent. Diana turned and buried her face in her pillow, the tips of her ears bright red. Diana was right, Akko did like making her frustrated. Diana was always so composed and collected, seeing her come undone was always a highlight of her day, especially if she was the cause. Today was no exception.
"Is that an order from the princess?" she asked smugly, squeezing Diana's calf. Diana refused to answer. I should give her a break. If this continues I won't be able to stop.
"You're so cute." Akko chuckled and placed a final kiss on top of Diana's head. "I'm almost done, I promise."
Akko got up to leave but Diana's quiet voice stopped her. "Would you stay if I ordered you?"
Akko immediately returned to Diana's side. "Of course, Princess!"
"I have another request." Diana continued.
"Oh? What is it?" Akko inquired.
"Spoil me?" Diana asked shyly.
Akko smiled and ran her fingers through Diana's hair until she dozed off finally getting some much-needed rest.
Two Days Later
It was finally done! Akko beamed as she inspected her work. It was long past curfew, but Akko had to finish Diana's surprise. Things were finally coming together, tomorrow morning she would show Diana. She wanted to make her confession special because Diana deserved it. She could have just said 'I love you' at any point, but Akko believed actions spoke louder than words and she wanted to express her love in a memorable way, not at some random point caught up in the heat of the moment.
This way, they wouldn't have any regrets and they'll finally clarify their relationship.
Suddenly she heard a loud crash from the main part of the greenhouse. Akko hurried over to investigate, wand readied to face off any intruders. Akko's heart broke when she arrived. Glass covered the floor and many of the plants were crushed as if someone threw them on the floor and stomped on them. She heard another crash coming from one of the other rooms. Akko stormed into the other room, enraged by the greenhouse's desecration. They worked so hard for this, it was their legacy! Not just her's and Diana's, but all the students and professors who helped to make it possible!
"Found you!" she shouted when she spotted the culprit. When the intruder turned around, Akko froze.
The intruder was a demon, a black misty figure with blazing red eyes. Before Akko could attack the demon surged forward and seemingly vanished. At first, the witch thought it ran away.
Then she felt a sharp pain in her back.
Akko collapsed onto the floor gripping her chest. She could feel her heart slowing.
No, I can't-
She struggled to lift her wand, she needed to send a beacon for help, to warn the others, but she couldn't utter a single spell. Everything was finally coming together! Why?
Tears welled in her eyes, she never completed her dream, she won't be there for Ursula.
She never got to tell Diana how much she loved her.
With her last bit of strength, she pulled out her pocket watch.
Diana's Room
Diana was having trouble falling asleep. When she heard her watch chime she immediately grabbed it, smiling when she realized it was a text from Akko:
Danger on campus.
Her heart fell into her stomach. Suddenly she received two more texts from Akko:
I love you.
I'm sorry.
Diana grabbed her broom.