Summary: The story so far: Diana and Akko have shared a kiss in a secret part of the forest known only to Diana. Akko full of concern for Lotte and Sucy following their accident did not want to go any further than a single kiss. A few days prior Ursula's massage of Diana became more intimate than either expected, however they agreed to keep their shopping date in Blytonbury.
Chapter TextUrsula walked hurriedly along the busy Blytonbury street. Out of her teaching attire a generally conservative theme remained in the long light grey dress and charcoal coloured cardigan. As with the other witches who had been thrust into the limelight, when she left the school she often wore a magical glamour that meant people had difficulty recognising her. Other witches were able to see through it and so Diana watched as Ursula approached the appointed rendezvous spot.
As an extra measure to avoid being recognised Diana had special dispensation not to wear her uniform in town. Generally she felt it best not to differentiate herself from fellow pupils in that way, however on this occasion she had taken the opportunity to wear a patterned white dress, a short jacket and strapped sandals. They were items recently chosen by her room-mates, and were therefore fashionable and would give the impression she could help Ursula select suitable clothes.
The Town Hall bell struck one o'clock as Ursula covered the last few steps to be met with a warm smile from Diana. After exchanging pleasantries the expectation of awkwardness faded with the immediate commencement of the shopping expedition. There had not been a great deal of time for Diana to prepare to act as guide through the confusing and mercurial world of women's style. A read through the magazines available to her had shown that some brands were in the ascension and others on the decline, the exact mechanics behind this was not apparent. Hannah and Barbara added further light by emphasising the role prominent role models played in tipping the scales (wisely concealing that Diana was in some circles now ranked amongst them). Most helpfully they had given her a list of suitable shops, a list she had committed to memory.
"Here we are, this shop should provide casual day wear" Diana recited from her mental list.
"I do like casual day wear" Ursula replied wryly, beginning to pick up that her shopping companion may not be as expert as advertised.
The automatic doors slid open and the women entered. The sheer range of options immediately created a sinking feeling in Diana's belly. Where normally she would follow Hannah's or Barbara's lead, now it was for her to take command.
"Where should we start?" Ursula asked as Diana scanned the room trying to recall the items in the magazines and match them to those in front of her, "what about that?" Ursula said pointing to a dress along one wall.
Diana put her best foot forward and said assertively, "Yes let's start there."
Diana felt more and more out of her depth as they perused items that caught Ursula's eye. The changing room brought more difficulties as each time Ursula emerged for inspection Diana thought she looked perfect. Diana recommeded a couple items to purchase, guided more by Ursula's reaction that any discerning appraisal of the clothes. After repeating similar scenes in the next two stores they made their way to the fourth shop for something more formal.
"I really appreciate your help with all this, I think you've got a good eye" Ursula said as they weaved down the busy street.
"Thank you, I think we're having some success"
"You're an excellent shopping companion, I'm very pleased you agreed to join me" Ursula's tone suggestive of the doubt that existed after the evening several days prior.
"As am I." Diana replied with the mellower quality her voice bore when she was relaxed.
They continued their progress towards their next shop, turning off the busy thoroughfare, to the quieter street with the more exclusive shops Blytonbury offered.
"When I was at school we'd go window-shopping up here, none of us could afford the clothes, dreams are free though - ahh too be young and pretty again"
"You're..." Diana hesitated on the cusp of revealing how see saw Ursula.
"I'm a shadow of my former self?" Ursula prompted with mischief.
Diana summoned her courage and abandoned her usual retraint, "No, the opposite. In Japan after the show I asked Mother if I'd be as pretty as you one day - I could ask the same question now."
"Stop you'll make me blush, be careful women of a certain age can get used to compliments."
Diana unsure how to respond was saved by their destination coming into view just ahead which gave her chance to announce that they were nearly there.
"I'm sorry if I've embarrassed you, it's been such a fun afternoon it's easy to forget I'm your teacher and not out shopping with a friend"
"Yes, I'm having fun as well Ursula" Diana said with emphasis on the name and the implication of friendship it brought.
They had reached the shop and Diana held the door for her new friend, leaving only time for the red haired witch to squeeze Diana's arm and mouth thank you for the sentiment. The shop assistant had in her fifteen years experience developed a sense for more well-to-do ladies and the two unusualy attractive and graceful women entering were just the sort of clientele she hoped for.
"Good afternoon, please do let me know if I can be of help" the assistant said as Diana and Ursula made their way into the boutique.
The smaller scale of the shop and fewer items to choose from made Diana feel more at ease. They were searching for an evening gown and it meant the dresses possessed more of a timeless design not greatly swayed by the peculiarities of fashion. Ursula had selected, with a little input, two dresses, when she saw a third and rushed over to it.
"Diana, this would be perfect for you, don't you think?" Ursula asked, directing her question to both Diana and the shop assistant. After being in their presence for a little while, hearing the name of the younger woman meant the assistant now recognised the two ladies and was not about to miss having them both as customers.
"Oh yes" the shop assistant said "it would be perfect for you."
"Hear that, it's two against one" said Ursula winking at the assistant.
"Why not try it and see Lady Cavendish, there's just the one fitting room, it's more than spacious enough for two if you don't mind sharing. Let me find it in your size" the assistant said hoping her enthusiasm verged the right side of pushy.
"Thank you" Ursula said to the assistant before making her way to the changing room "I'll make a start" with that she disappeared into the room.
Not long afterwards Diana moved back the thick curtain to slip inside the cubicle. The assistant had been accurate and there was plenty of space for both of them, along with two ornate wooden chairs. Mirrors were almost everywhere apart from a few slivers of wall with clothes hooks, on which Ursula own clothes were hanging. As her companion slipped on one of the prospective purchases, reflections meant unless she closed her eyes Diana could not avoid seeing the toned figure in simple white underwear, similar to the bra and knickers that she herself would normally be wearing. Diana knew she would need to act sharply to avoid the embarrassment on the horizon of Ursula knowing what she was wearing, or more precisely not wearing under her dress - although a significant part of herself courted the thrill of that dangerous discovery.
"You'll look lovely in that one" Diana said as she hung the frock up and turned to look at Ursula.
Busy with the dress Ursula did not focus on Diana until she had finished and then turned around for opinions.
"What do you think?" Ursula asked as she examined herself in the mirror.
"Yes the fit is good and red suits you"
"I think you may be on to something, you not going to try yours on?"
"No let's get you sorted and then I'll try it on"
"OK, suit yourself" Ursula said quizzically as she started to change in to the second dress.
In the unforgiving light of the changing room Diana had little to do except observe Ursula. Like Akko she had little marks on her skin, no doubt remnants of a hundred adventures and misadventures. Her body was athletic like Akko's with a fullness and curves that elevated to an enviable sexiness. And the eyes...
It was the first time that it had really occurred to Diana that Ursula's and Akko's eyes were so similar. The colour was identical, a rare hue Diana did not recall seeing elsewhere. Unlike Akko's, Ursula's were tempered by the fires of experience, yet never failed to radiate warmth. They were searching eyes, most of all though they were sad eyes. To Diana it was like beginning to see her afresh, beginning to see the true woman, not her teacher, not Shiny Chariot...
"Diana...Diana how does it look" Ursula's voice intruded on Diana's reverie as she turned to face her.
"Beautiful" Diana uttered as the poetry of the cherry red orbs transfixed her and Ursula sank calmly into the deep blue eyes so close to her. Then almost as soon as it had begun the sound of another customer entering the shop brought an end to their silent contemplation.
"Thank you...that's me done, it sounds like you'd best try yours on before we cause a queue" Ursula said snapping back to the bright gay nervous tone of voice she often adopted around school.
"On reflection I've got one very similar already and besides my room-mates would be mortified as they insist on vetting my choices"
"In everything or just clothes?" Ursula asked with sly cheekiness.
"Not in everything," Diana replied with a coy glance, "I'll wait outside."
They left the shop with Ursula the owner of two new evening gowns and the pair headed back to Luna Nova with the collection of bags carried between them, and a new bond uniting them.