Alright guys, This is the end of the road.

By end of the road, I mean for this story. Not the series. Remember that "sequel I have yet to announce" I mentioned a few months ago? Well, SURPRISE! I'm announcing a sequel! I don't have a real name yet, I've been referring to it as "Book 2" when discussing it with ImagineryEngineer, but it will probably be something along the lines of Hearts Eternally Bound, or something to that effect. It's going to be styled the same way the title for Souls is, so you'll know it when you see it! I also do have a tumblr (TheHardestFall67) and if ya'll would like, I'll announce it on there as well. I mostly lurk, but for this I'll make sure I make the announcement.

Speaking of announcements! keep your eyes peeled in the forthcoming week for a bonus short titled "Akko and Diana's Bogus Adventure." Just a little something to tide you guys over until the next book drops.

Moving back to the topic of the next Book , If there is ANYTHING you want to see happen or any headcanons you would like to share with me, please do! Sometimes hearing feedback from people helps me write and plot better. (I.E, Daryl was actually going to be the bad guy, but someone told me a headcanon they had for her and I liked it so much I used it, which in turn changed the second half of book one and the whole plot of book 2)and since I'm a wee bit stuck right now, maybe some thoughts from other people might help me unstick myself once again. That being said, feedback in general is also welcomed! Good or bad! It helps me improve a ton!

Speaking of improvement, I know this fic started out really rough, and to those of you who have stuck with me through the whole thing, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. That being said, my writing has improved by miles (Read some of my most recent stuff if you don't believe me) and that WILL be reflected in Book 2. It will be a better writing style, better grammar and spelling, better everything. I owe you guys the best, and you're going to get it. Promise.

Still the topic of improvement, I couldn't have done this without my beta ImagineryEngineer. Its been a long, crazy road full of potholes, but shes stuck by me through it all, and I can't thank her enough. She's the reason my writings gotten so much better, and she's the reason this story is coming to a conclusion. Without her, I probably would have given up about a third of the way through. But she smacked me in the back of the head and got me going again, and I'm more dedicated than ever.

Lastly, I'd like to thank all you for reading this. I do this for you guys, and knowing it's being read and enjoyed is probably the best thing for an author. Its why we do what we do. We tell stories to put a smile on peoples faces and bring joy to their hearts. Knowing I've done that is incredibly rewarding.

A few words to some of our sponsors:

kinoco-cha: Your poor heart has taken such a beating! I hope this last chapter helps make you feel better! There will be more team interaction in Book 2, I couldn't really squeeze it in Book 1. I'm glad you enjoy the updates and thank you for your continued feedback and support!

TMMGYF-M-CH-I-R: Haha I have that problem too! That's why I don't buy manga from the bookstore. I'm done with them by the time I'm ready for bed! Hopefully, the last few chapters have given you a bit more to chew on.

Chapter 34

That night, Akko wandered into Diana's room to visit her. After the meeting Diana had gone into her last surgery, this time to repair nerve damage. It was late, but the surgery had also run late, and Akko missed her friend.

The room was calm and quiet, other than the steady beep of the heart monitor Diana was attached to. Akko was almost afraid to break the silence and walk in.

However, this was Akko. She came in quietly, almost tiptoeing. As she approached, she started to hear Diana's breathing. It was slower, more relaxed. Like she was asleep.

She must be under the anesthesia still. Maybe I should come back…

Watching her sleep, Akko was amazed by just how peaceful she looked. Normally there was a slight crease in her brow, a small frown on her face, and she always seemed to be holding something back. But now she seemed relaxed and at peace, and that made Akko smile softly. Diana deserved peace.

She took a seat in the chair and reached out to take her hand, only to stop when she realized she was on Diana's right, and her arm was in a sling. She wouldn't be able to hold it.

Akko humphed and sat back in the chair and crossed her arms, pouting. She wanted Diana to know that she was here for her, the way she was when Akko had been under. She wanted her to know someone was here protecting her and keeping her safe, so she could rest easy.

As she watched Diana sleep, her thoughts began to drift. She had actually started to doze off when she got an idea.

Standing, she went over and sat carefully on the edge of the bed. Then she kicked her shoes off and slid into bed next to Diana. Carefully minding Diana's injured as well as her own, she wrapped her good arm around Diana and held her as best she could.

They lay like that in the quiet for a long time, Diana sleeping and Akko listening to her soft breathing. Eventually she started to drift off to sleep, only to be woken up not by movement, but a shift in Diana's breathing and a pick up in her heart monitor.

She opened her eyes and turned her head in time to see Diana wince before opening her eyes. She turned her head and her eyes widened when she saw Akko "Ak...ko."

"Shhh. It's ok I'm right here." She half expected Diana to get upset with her for doing this, but rather than show signs of irritation, Diana didn't fight it. In actuality, she felt too weak. But Akko, not knowing that, smiled and held her friend close "Good morning sleepy head. How are you feeling?"

"Hmm...tired."

"Me too. I couldn't sleep, and I wanted to make sure you were ok."

"It-it was a simple procedure." Diana's voice was beginning to gain strength.

"Yes, but sometimes things go wrong."

Diana struggled to sit up before looking at Akko "You have my word, I'm fine."

Akko nodded before sighing and looking down at her hands. Something was bothering her for sure, but Diana chose to not bring it up "So, did I miss anything while I was out?"

Her partner was silent for a minute "Arya's gone…"

Diana's eyes widened in alarm "What? How she didn't have any physical injuries! She was ruled as non-threatening by a therapist as well!"

Akkos head snapped up "Wait what? No she's not dead! She left. With her mother. Without a word. Trixie think she quit."

There was sadness in Akkos voice, reminding Diana of go much Akko liked Arya "Maybe she'll come back. She probably needed space."

"Maybe…" Akko still seemed down, so Diana decided to change the subject.

"I forgot, I have your jacket."

Akko looked up, confused "Jacket?"

It was all Diana could do not to facepalm "Your varsity jacket? You loaned it to me at the library."

There was a beat of silence before understanding bloomed across Akkos face "Oh! Yeah I remember!"

Diana smiled a little. Akko was a goof, but it was rather endearing "It's in my bag under the bed, if you'd like it back."

Akko carefully untangled herself from Diana and got down to pull Diana's bag out. Opening it, she found it neatly folded and placed directly on top. She pulled it out and placed it on the bed before closing Diana's bag back up and sliding it back under the bed. Then stood and stretched before she took a seat on the edge of Diana's bed.

She picked up the jacket and looked it over, seeming to be lost in thought. Diana let her go for a bit before asking a question that had been burning for some time "Akko, if I may, what sport did you play to earn this?"

Akko looked up "Hmm? Oh I ran track! I was a sprinter. They wouldn't let me do anything else after I almost broke my neck doing hurdles and the shot puts where too heavy for me. My aunt actually got it for me when I told her I was going to school in America, she said that all the really good American athletes have them and that I would have earned these letters if I had attended high school here."

Diana smiled "That was very kind of her."

Akko nodded, a big smile on her face " Yeah, Aunt Yori has always been super nice to me. We get along really well. She's smart too, I think you'll like her a lot!"

That caught Diana's attention. The way Akko phrased that, it sounded like she was assuming they were together now, that they would be spending time with the others' family "Akko, maybe we should discuss things…"

The brunette looked at her oddly "What's there to discuss? You like me right?"

Silence hung between them.

Akko let it go for a few seconds, but the longer Diana was silent, the more unnerved she got "Diana!"

"Yes Akko, I do like you! A lot. Ever since you burst into my life it hasn't been the same and, to be frank, I prefer my life now to back then but you're still... I've never…" She fell silent again, for once unable to articulate what she wanted to say and quite frustrated by it.

She didn't have to, however, because Akko was able to pick up on what Diana was trying to say "You've never been in love before, have you?"

Unable to look Akko in the eye, Diana felt her cheeks heat up from embarrassment as she shook her head.

Akko laughed.

Akko actually laughed at her. Diana looked up, a mixture of lingering embarrassment and anger on her face but before she could say something Akko calmed down enough to say something that actually calmed her down "That's all you're worried about? I thought you actually didn't like me! It's ok don't be upset! We can take it slow for now until you feel more comfortable." Her voice was softer now, a kind smile on her face and her maroon eyes almost glowing with happiness and love "I would never do anything to hurt you, I promise. And if you feel uncomfortable I want you to tell me, alright?"

Diana didn't say anything. Instead, she leaned in and kissed Akko on the cheek "Alright."

"But, there is one thing." Diana watched, confused, as Akko unfolded her jacket and draped it around Diana's shoulders "I want you to wear my jacket. You don't have to wear it in public or anything if you don't want to, but I still want you to wear it."

Akko was grinning her goofy grin, which made Diana smile again as she used her good arm to pull it around herself a bit better. Normally she would argue with Akko about this, but Akko looked so happy she couldn't bring herself to do it "Thank you Akko, I'll take good care of it. And to be clear, just because we can't fight together for the time being doesn't mean we're broken up for good. Once your collar bone and my arm are healed we will be fighting side by side again. And yes, I will still tutor you in your classes. I don't need my meister flunking out on me."

"Ok, I won't flunk out if you promise to get better as quick as you can, so we can get back to work!" Akko held out her good hand like she was ready to arm wrestle. The same position that had gotten them started down this road just a few short months ago.

Diana found herself grinning as she reached out with her good hand and, while it was awkward, they managed to grip each others hand and hold on. For better or worse, they were in this together.

And neither girl planned on letting go.