The New Nine Witches must all be at least 16 years old, according to the British school system. The Anime must have ended with Akko learning to fly some time in Spring since all the snow is gone. That means there is a huge time gap until Summer Break, which is when this story takes place. What a year for Luna Nova! I realized I never really defined the setting. I made a big oops!
Andrew felt someone gently touch his face. He struggled to open his eyes to see who was invading his personal space.
"Akko, leave him alone. He needs to rest."
"But Diana, he has a stubble. It's so prickly. He's like a hedgehog!"
Andrew's eyes finally fluttered open to meet Akko's childish smile. "He's awake!" Akko exclaimed as she pulled away. Andrew became aware of a dull ache throughout his body as he sat up. Memories of Diana's tear-stained face and Akko's motionless body flooded his mind as he struggled to collect himself.
"Akko?" He called tentatively, unsure if she was really there. Akko gave him a warm smile and ruffled his hair.
"The one and only! Now, who are you under all this fuzz?" she joked. Andrew reached up and poked her cheek in disbelief, making the witch giggle. "I'm here Andrew! Thanks to you and Diana," she assured as she looked over at her girlfriend. The statesman followed her gaze to find Diana holding a breakfast tray in her hands. Diana looked back at him with gentle eyes and a warm smile. This was the first time he'd ever seen Diana make such a kind expression and toward him of all people. His mouth actually fell open in shock.
"I know, she's like an angel!" Akko smirked, earning an eye-roll from Diana.
"I've brought you breakfast, make sure you finish everything. You haven't been eating or sleeping well which is why you lost consciousness so easily. Your body is weak right now," Diana informed as she placed the tray on his nightstand. "I also brought toiletries for you, so you can neaten up before heading out." Diana continued as she handed him a small bag. Andrew was grateful for that, he didn't need the media hounding him about his slovenly appearance.
"Thank yo—," Andrew was cut off when Diana wrapped her arms around his neck.
"Thank you, Andrew. If it weren't for you, I would have lost her." Diana uttered quietly. She knew how hard it must have been for the boy to go against his father's word and how much he must have pushed himself to end up in his current state. They really weren't so different.
Akko followed Diana's example and hugged the statesman as well. "Thank you, Andrew," She smiled. He hesitantly returned the hugs, not used to this kind of thing. A feeling of peace settled on the trio. Andrew was sure they would get along in the future as well, he felt as if he earned another friend.
"Andrew, you really are prickly." Akko pouted, interrupting the quiet moment. He quirked an eyebrow at her before a mischievous glint appeared in his eyes. The Viscount smirked before pressing his cheek firmly against Akko's. "Gah! Andrew, you stupid hedgehog! Diana, tell Andrew to stop being such a dad!" Akko whined as she tried to squirm away from the boy's rough face. Diana laughed as she pulled away and watched the two squabble.
BANG
The infirmary door abruptly swung open, revealing an impatient Amanda. Her eyes landed on Akko, trapped in some disheveled guy's arms. Ignoring Diana's lecture about slamming doors, she stormed over to a bewildered Andrew and grabbed his tie.
"What do you think you're doing to Akko!? If you don't let go of her this instant, I'll turn this stupid tie into a noose!" the redhead fumed. Andrew released Akko and held up his hands up defensively.
"You're mistaken, I was just—" he started.
"Amanda! Let go of Andrew! We were just joking around! He helped me!" Akko interjected, tugging on Amanda's sleeve.
"This caveman is Hanbridge?" the redheaded witch asked incredulously, squinting to study his face.
" 'Caveman' is a bit much." Andrew sighed, rubbing his facial hair. Is it really that bad? He pondered.
"Holy crap, it's you! My bad." Amanda apologized while releasing him.
"Oh my gosh! Andrew, you look so rugged!" Hannah exclaimed as she entered with Barbara.
"In a good way! You're like, so manly right now!" Barbara squealed. Lotte and Sucy entered the room holding textbooks in their hands.
"Usually you look almost as pretty as Diana," Sucy cackled as she dumped the books on Akko's nightstand. Lotte spared the boy and just gave him a polite nod.
"You missed a lot of class while you were out. We brought you make-up work. It's going to be difficult catching up, but we'll help you if you need anything!" Lotte explained as she deposited the rest of the books.
"Thanks," Akko mumbled as she eyed the pile of work she'd need to do.
"Are we going to address the elephant in the room or what?" Amanda finally asked, unable to hold back any longer.
The room got quiet as everyone turned their attention to Diana and Akko. While they wanted to be considerate of Akko's feelings, the burden of not knowing how Akko ended up in her comatose state weighed heavily on them. They all shared a single common thought, Could I have done something?
Akko cleared her throat and opened her mouth to answer, but before she could say anything Finnelan entered the infirmary. "Girls, you need to let them rest. I know you want to catch up, but Miss Kagari and Lord Hanbridge have only just awoken." Finnelan explained. Seeing the dejected faces, she sighed. "I know it's difficult, but we would rather be safe than sorry. I'm sure you understand."
The group looked over at Akko, who smiled back at them. "It's ok. The moment we get this all figured out, let's all hang out again! Just like before." The next thing Akko knew, she was under a pile of witches.
"You idiot! You made Diana worry!" Hannah cried while Barbara smiled through teary eyes.
"Hurry up and get better already! It's fricken boring here without you," Amanda exclaimed.
"Jasna and Cons are waiting for you too. Contact us with your watch if anything happens," Lotte added, wiping her eyes on Sucy's shirt.
For once, Sucy didn't have a snarky remark.
"I told you she needed rest and now you're crushing her," Finnelan sighed again, but there was a slight smile on her lips.
Andrew tried to hide his own teary eyes by having a staring contest with his pancakes. Diana noticed and placed a hand on his shoulder, giving it a comforting squeeze. "Something in your eye?" she smiled at him.
"Shut up," Andrew retorted, but a tiny grin formed on his face.
After the moment passed, the group left. Before Finnelan exited the room, she handed Akko a black box. It was the student suggestion box. Akko looked up at the professor in confusion. "This is a suggestion box for ideas, not a post box. Make sure you tell your classmates that when you return." Finnelan remarked cryptically before leaving the room. Now only Diana, Andrew, and Akko were left alone once again. Andrew started to eat his breakfast, feeling absolutely famished while Diana and Akko snuggled up beside each other on Akko's bed and opened the magic box. Inside were dozens of get-well cards and gifts for Akko. The witch beamed as she showed Diana the cards and presents. While they went through the contents of the box, Diana couldn't help glancing at Akko's cut on her lip. Everything else healed except this tiny wound and Diana couldn't understand why. She reached over and cupped Akko's chin, turning her head to face her.
"I don't know why this is still here," Diana pondered while she gently rubbed her thumb over the small white scar. Akko kissed her fingertip and smiled, though it didn't reach her eyes.
"I sort of hung onto it. It was all I had at the time." Akko whispered as if she were confessing a secret. Diana stroked Akko's long brown tresses in a soothing manner, waiting for Akko to elaborate. The red-eyed witch took a deep breath before continuing.
"After the demon's attack, I felt numb. It was like I was drowning in darkness. I couldn't feel, see, or hear anything. I wasn't even sure I was alive. Suddenly, out of nowhere I felt this sharp pain", Akko touched the small scar, "And I clung onto it. It was the only thing that made me feel alive, even though it hurt. I spent so much time feeling nothing, anything would have been better than that. I felt you save me. There was this warm light that chased away the dark and somehow I just knew it was my Diana," Akko ended, kissing Diana's nose.
"Akko…" Diana didn't know how to answer her so she just leaned in and kissed the matching scar. Diana never healed hers, somehow unable to part with it. Akko used to be proud of the scars she got while trying to fly and such, but now Diana finally understood why. Their matching scars were evidence of the struggle they faced together. The tiny white scars were barely visible, but the story behind them spoke volumes.
Diana felt a strange sensation overcome her. She felt powerful emotions, pride, love, and a bit of fear, but they weren't her own. As abruptly as they started, the feelings seized and Diana was left with her own thoughts again. Before she could dwell on what just happened, Akko spoke up.
"I never got to give you your present. The moment I'm outta here, let's go back to the greenhouse!" Akko declared.
"Akko, you can't be serious! The greenhouse—" Diana started,
"Is where you and I worked our butts off with all the other students! It's also where I left your present!" Akko finished.
"First of all, it's dangerous and it's a wreck right now. Second, I saw your gift Akko…it was beautiful," Diana continued. When Akko said she had something for Diana, Diana expected fireworks or some other flashy fire hazard. Yet the soft blue dandelions seemed to impact her more profoundly than any extravagant display. They were promises from Akko to Diana.
She kissed Akko's forehead, "Thank you." She leaned in and brushed their nose together, "I love you, Kiwi." Diana smiled as she kissed Akko properly on the lips. Akko kissed her back, feeling her heart soar. This was what she wanted for so long. Akko smiled when Diana pulled her closer, almost greedily. Their kiss was clumsy but nonetheless, they enjoyed it so much they forgot they weren't alone.
Andrew put his plate to the side and exited the room, ignoring the public display of affection. There were crumbs sticking to his beard and he really did feel like a caveman now. He needed to shave, damn it!
Akko broke the kiss first earning an irritated look from Diana. She giggled and kissed Diana's palms before intertwining their fingers. "I never got to properly confess. I know the greenhouse is a wreck, but that doesn't mean it's all over! We just need to rebuild! Giving up would be the same as letting the demon win." Akko gave Diana a chaste kiss and placed her forehead against her princess's, "I can't do it without you. Please, Diana?"
"As if I could say no," Diana sighed. Akko beamed at her before pulling her in for another kiss.
Two Weeks Later
Akko was dismissed after three days, though the professors had her come in at least once a day for an examination. Diana's spell was unprecedented and they wanted to be sure there were no side-effects. Diana had not only healed all of Akko's scars, which were technically already healed for years, she mended Akko's soul. Akko took such a large amount of damage from the untreated injury, yet Diana fixed her up good as new. Theoretically, she interfered with Akko's entire existence and it was more unnatural for Akko not to suffer any consequences.
Diana Cavendish continued to shine in the spotlight, raising her family's status up from the dead, while Akko sort of felt like some monitored prototype. Akko didn't care about any of that stuff, though everyone thought she should. She was grateful Diana saved and now she can continue to follow her dream! She just wanted to perform magic and flirt with her princess!
But she couldn't.
After word got out about Diana's power, renowned witches from all over came to see her. Diana proved her ability wasn't some fluke. While she couldn't cure everything, she could heal almost any physical injury. There was a queue of people who wanted Diana to perform a miracle for them. A firefighter who suffered intense burns throughout his body, a witch who lost half her face in a magic accident, a child with a scraped knee, Diana never turned down anyone she could help. Quick, easy fixes with no repercussions were too good to be true yet Diana succeeded every time, without words! She baffled magic masters who spent their entire lives studying magic. Soon, the media both magical and non-magical and pursued Diana. Diana made the front cover of papers and magazines while Akko spent time being examined for flaws or side-effects behind the scenes.
In the past, Akko would have been jealous, but now she was proud. She was happy Diana was finally getting the attention she deserved. However, as she watched Diana continue to climb towards success, she couldn't help but feel a familiar sense of doubt creep into her heart.
Akko was struggling.
The demon attack set her back far behind the rest of the class and she couldn't keep up. The combat spell classes became a permanent requirement for all students because of the increasing amount of magic related attacks, adding o her workload. There was so much she had to do, yet there was so little time left. The school year was ending and Akko needed to catch up. Her friends could only help her so much because they also needed to do their own work. She knew Diana would help her if she asked but she didn't want to trouble the busy girl.
Diana had more important things to do than to tutor a screw-up.
Akko shook her head to rid herself of these negative thoughts. I just need to work harder! she thought.
Currently, Akko was waiting outside the greenhouse for Diana. Little spirits chimed happily at her feet. They started growing attached to her after the attack, though the witch had no idea why. She found their antics endearing and cute, so she let them be. From time to time she'd hum along and the little beings delighted in her participation. It was as if they were trying to cheer her up whenever she felt down.
Akko smiled as she remembered the first day she returned to class. The whole room erupted in cheers, even Finnelan seemed happy to see her. As everyone crowded around her and asked how she was feeling. Akko took this chance to share her idea about fixing the greenhouse. At first, everyone went quiet. However, Amanda agreed with her and soon all her friends did too. The moment Diana joined in almost the entire school backed them up. They were going reclaim their area and no stupid fiend could stop them!
With all the help, the greenhouse was rebuilt much quicker than anyone expected. There were even donations of rare plants and ingredients from other witches and schools, who wanted to support Luna Nova. The school's reputation continued to grow as the students' tenacity and bravery was recognized. Now the greenhouse was bursting with life, and it had protective charms for all sorts of creatures around it to ensure its stay.
Akko felt a pair of arms around her waist. The tiny spirits dispelled and vanished, leaving Akko alone with her lover. She leaned back into the embrace and giggled when Diana kissed the tip of her ear. "I apologize for making you wait. The press was annoyingly persistent as usual," Diana sighed tiredly.
"Are you sleepy? You should head back and rest." Akko stated guiltily as she pulled away from her girlfriend.
"No! I missed you. Akko, I need this too," Diana assured as she reached for Akko's hand. Akko smiled and lead Diana inside to her dandelion garden. While Diana expected her to suffer trauma, Akko's attack seemed to only make her stronger. She continued unwavering to the location and Diana couldn't help but wonder at her bravery. Diana still had flashbacks of Akko's attack, yet the warm hand guiding her anchored her, reminding Diana that Akko was right here alive and well.
Once they arrived Akko unsealed the cases and reached for one of the powder blue dandelions. She straightened her back and faced her love with a mixed look of adoration and determination. Diana smiled as the tips of Akko's ears turned red.
"I love you, Diana! But, even when I say that it doesn't feel enough. I want to prove my love for you, which is why I planted these dandelions! I promise to grant your wishes, no matter how long it takes or how impossible it may be!" Akko confessed, "If you'd let me?"
"I shall permit this," she replied with faux haughtiness. The blushing witch laughed at Diana's exaggerated response and watched as her love picked the dandelion from her hands and blew away the fluff.
"What did you wish for?" Akko inquired excitedly.
"I wished for a kiss," Diana stated simply.
Akko walked up to Diana and wrapped her arms around her neck. Diana was taken by surprise when Akko gently tugged her bottom with her teeth before releasing. She had no idea why she found it so alluring, but she still wanted her kiss. Diana leaned in and took Akko's lips with her own. Akko kissed back for a bit before breaking away. Diana never understood why her girlfriend insisted on teasing her like this. Diana actually pouted making Akko chuckle.
"Part your lips a bit," Akko ordered gently, noses touching. Diana obliged and was pleasantly surprised when Akko deepened the kiss. Why is she so good at this? Diana couldn't help but wonder, yet she didn't want to break the kiss to ask. Akko seemed to get better with every kiss and contact, learning things of a more physical nature quickly. Akko learned through touch and she always had a keen sense of noticing things. Every gasp, every hitched breath, and subtle vocalization registered in her mind. Diana allowed Akko to take over, melting in Akko's arms. She entangled her hand in silky brown locks while the other rested on her hip. Akko subtly trailed her hands lower down Diana's back until—
"Akko!" Diana gasped. She looked at her girlfriend's impish grin.
"I'm sorry, I couldn't help it," Akko replied without removing her hands. "To be fair, you did it first!"
"I don't recall ever groping you." Diana defended.
"You took advantage of me while I was vulnerable!" Akko countered.
"I did no such—" Diana paused, "Is this about the time I squeezed your tail? You were a rabbit!" She removed Akko's hands from her rear, but not before Akko got in a final squeeze. While she held Akko's hands firmly in place, Akko leaned in and stole another kiss. "You're impossible," Diana sighed but she hugged Akko anyway.
"I thought I was your Kiwi?" Akko smirked as her girlfriend rolled her eyes. Her girlfriend was a dork.
And she wouldn't have it any other way.
As the two left the greenhouse and returned to the dorms, Diana looked over at Akko and smiled. "I'm glad we did this. It feels like closure."
Akko beamed back and ran her thumb over Diana's knuckles. Her usual smile graced her features.
As they neared the dorms, Diana felt those foreign feelings again: inferiority, anxiety, fear, stress, loneliness. She didn't understand, Diana knew she was happy, the happiest she'd been since Akko' attack. She was finally raising the Cavendish name back to its former glory, she was fulfilling her dream, and she was blessed to have Akko. However, this past week she's been experiencing emotions she felt weren't her own. It made her heart clench. She will look into it tomorrow, right now she wanted to enjoy her time with her love. Akko kissed Diana's cheek out of the blue causing Diana to turn and face her.
"I love you," Akko said with a smile.
Another new feeling invaded her.
Heartbreak.
Author's Notes
Real talk, this is something that occurs in actual relationships. Even though two people love each other to pieces, things get complicated when their ambitions come into play. Like choosing between your work or your family. The future you imagined vs. the reality you share with your significant other.
Akko doesn't want to put Diana in a position where she needs to choose between her dreams of success or her love for Akko. She can't see her life without Diana in it anymore, but she'd never forgive herself if Diana ever gave up her dream for her sake.