Author's Note: Robbaz here, king of Sweden. Due to myself having no social life, I've managed to type out another chapter in such short notice. While this is probably going to be the final chapter until break ends, I can say with certainty that people have been happy by my frequent uploads:
"Future president here,
Liked this chapter a lot,and the frequent uploads,im still in bangkok so read this there lol also dont eat soup here its just spicy heated fish water!"
Hello once again, my future president. Don't worry about the soup man, knowing my laziness, I'm never going to leave my bed, let alone go to Bangkok!
Yes, a lot of people have been thanking me for all these uploads! Of course, when I say a lot, I mean only three, but that's rare for me to have people praising me for something that doesn't involve my own suicide.
And speaking of people who probably want me to commit suicide, the man, the myth, the absolute master of roasts himself, Mister Fuzzy has come once again.
Now if you guys don't remember this guy, he's the one who accused me of writing a self insert wish fulfillment gary sue.
"I say this respectfully, this was a good chapter but you do seem somewhat for lack of a better term... salty of other writers and Diakko's popularity. Just from reading the notes and your parody Christmas story of above relationship. The early chapters were okay, even if I had to suspend disbelief about some sole boy somehow being accepted into the academy. But what used to be decent writing seems to have turned into a parody of itself from what it used to be earlier. Now the canon characters seem OCC to the point of cringe unfortunately. Diana never hated Akko and her saying that just made me confused (even if she was drunk) I was hoping for improvement, but you responded to my previous comment with rudeness and apparent childlishness that seems to have seeped into this chapter. I'm not saying you're a bad writer, but there are things that are left to be desired from your writing in my opinion."
Okay sir, first of all, let's acknowledge the non existing egg shells that you're walking on and the inconsistency with the opinion of my story. First you say the writing is decent, but then you don't like the story, then you tell me my earlier chapters were better, but now my latest chapter is good. All the while, my writing is decent, and only my earlier chapters were decent, even though my latest chapter was good, all the while you don't like my story, even though you told me the chapters were good. Just make up your mind, my man. If you want to tell me that my writing sucks, and I'm a sick and decaying scum of the Earth, just go ahead and do it.
I started writing a response to this, but realized it was getting a little long for an Author's Note. So my dude, if you actually want a response, make an account and PM me. Or don't, and continue to throw darts at pictures of me.
And also
"Mister fuzzy,I agree that Diakko Is the no.1 lwa ship and i agree that this almond farmer genuinely does not agree with it.
But,this fanfic is like a little break from it all and where the magic of an insecure highschoolers imagination comes into is the holy grail of cringe with real life problems into which surprisingly I can not saying your judgement us wrong but throught that i may give my own thoughts as well.
P.S Roman you better give me credit for defending you you deu sex machina factory"
There you go sir, I've given you credit for the sacrifices you've made in order to preserve this fanfic. I salute you, and shall crown you an honorary 'Stockton Boy'. I'm sure your parents are proud.
I lay in my bed, the morning light sweeping through my window, two main feelings clinging onto me.
The expected headache that would've come from post drinking is the most obvious. Even now, just laying down, I can feel a pounding in my head, almost as if I have forgoed water for a significant time. It sort of feels as if someone is rhythmically tapping me on the head, or perhaps a sort of slime has coated my brain, a constant ache and burn as my brain attempts to fight off the foreign threat. While the pain is minimal due to my careful pacing, I cannot say the same for Diana.
And she would be the cause of the second and probably the most important feeling.
It was on the night of yesterday that the party was taken place. And it was at that party that Diana drank along with my siblings and I. She had a little too much, and thus I escorted Diana to her room. While she was out of the loop due to the effects of alcohol, what followed when we entered the bedroom was something truly unexpected.
Diana did kiss me, yes, but it was one induced by intoxication. Perhaps it meant nothing, but then again, perhaps it did. Throughout this trip, I've been attempting to give her hints about my feelings for her. Myself accidently slipping up, informing Diana that I thought she was beautiful, thankfully in Italian so perhaps the message was lost. Giving her my jacket in order to ward off the coldness of the winter night was also a step in that direction.
When Diana told me of her encounter with grandfather, and his sudden plan to have us marry, I feared that this would destroy what I've worked for, stripping away the relationship that has been so built up in these past few months. But it seemed as though Diana had something else in mind. Under the influence of alcohol a sign of affection was given, and her feelings may have been revealed.
I'm not entirely sure how to feel about it. A kiss from Diana is definitely something to be desired, but if it was created by such circumstances, how much is it really worth? They say that when you kiss someone, you can smell a part of them. Maybe it's their lip gloss, or scented shampoo, but all I smelled was the wine that had made her so bold. Either way, whether my feelings about her are returned or not, this is something that can potentially affect our friendship. If it's a step up or down is too hard to tell.
It's kind of funny.
Just a few months ago, I was stressed out of my mind when faced with a Roman god, as well as the situation that followed with Lotte and her dad, and now a simple kiss is causing a similar feeling.
Oh, how the teenage mind is an enigma.
I get up, fighting off the beating in my head, as I cast myself in front of my dresser mirror.
Dried drool clings to the corner of my mouth, as bed head runs wild.
Overall I look just like I should, affected by the drinking of last night. I must've slept hard due to the drinking. That would explain the characteristics noted earlier.
However, I believe that I came out of last night relatively unscathed, at least compared to the state that Diana was in.
Speaking of Diana, I wouldn't want her seeing me like this.
I wash off the drool from my face, combing my hair until the last strand of pointed hair lies flat with the rest.
Noticing that I'm still wearing the clothes from last night, I remove them, putting on apparel that's much fresher.
Now satisfied with my current state of appearance, I leave my bedroom, closing the door behind me.
I doubt that Romana or Feliciano are awake by now, most likely deciding to simply sleep off the hangover.
However, someone could be awake by now. I've always seen Diana as the type of person to wake up early, rarely breaking out of her well made routine. Maybe even under the grasp of alcohol, this morning schedule will still be followed by her.
And besides, whether I want to or not, the event of interest should be discussed with her, even if she has not memory of the case. To just clear it off my chest, and finally find out what her thought are about me, and maybe even enter the next tier with her.
With my decision made, I walk down the hallway, making my way to her room.
With each passing step, the weight of anxiousness presses heavy on my heart.
Apart of me is uneasy at her potential response. If I did confess to her, just like that, it is not a certainty that my feelings will be returned. If anything, this could spiral into something that could create an air of discomfort between us. Worst case scenario, it may even end our friendship.
Just as I imagine it, I brush this thought to the side. I've come to know Diana, and I can say that she is far more mature than that. I doubt that by me telling her that I have special feelings for her, she will be a sort of hostile to me. That sounds unlike her.
Hopefully, under the light of my confession, she can say that she indeed feels the same way about me. If anything, this can start the relationship between us that I've wanted for some time.
I'm not sure when I did begin to develop feelings for her, they most likely simply developed over time. But I am sure that I do feel for her now, and I do seek a stronger connection with her, something that a mere friendship cannot fulfill.
Now, with her bedroom door in front of me, and all the possibility of escape behind me, I let out a few gentle knocks on the door.
I know what a bad hangover can do, and loud noises are surely something that can't help.
However, I get no response, not even a shout for me to leave.
I have to admit, hearing Diana say such things with such negative tones in her voice upsets me, even if it was supposed to be directed at my grandfather, and I just happened at the wrong time.
Perhaps the effects of the hangover have dulled her senses, and she simply can't register such a low knock.
Trying again, I knock on her door, this time harder and with more rapid successions.
Finally, my attempts are rewarded, as I hear a faint stirring within the room, followed by a shuffling of footsteps.
After a moment of silence, the door is slowly opened, revealing a Diana that is not often shown.
Her hair is just like how mine was, unkempt, with multiple ends spastically pointing in multiple directions. To be honest, the hair style looks like a mix of both Amanda's and Lotte's. Also like me, a bit of dried drool clings to her face. I also note that her current clothes are wrinkled, being the same ones she wore last night. Her eyes are also glassy, her eyelids hanging heavy, implying that she had just been asleep.
I bet that when I pushed her onto the bed and left, she simply fell asleep on contact, only awaking now.
I'm a bit caught off guard by her appearance, even if it was caused by a drunken state.
Diana is normally so prim and proper, not bearing to show even a wrinkle on her clothing in public. To she her like this now is beyond belief.
Unable to think of anything else, I smile at her in welcome, saying
"Good morning, Diana."
In response, Diana lets out a light wimper, rubbing the sleep out of her eye with one hand.
"Theodore, would you kindly not speak so loud?...My head aches a bit as of the moment."
I had not realized I was speaking loudly.
Well, in Diana's current state of hangover, any slight noise may just cause acute pain.
Even under this pain, it's good to see that the alcohol has left her system, and the Diana from yesterday is now gone.
"Good morning, Diana." I repeat myself, this time in a hushed whisper as to her request.
Diana takes a moment to rub a hand through her messy hair, perhaps trying to ease the pain of her headache.
"Good morning…" She stops momentarily, letting out a tired yawn. "What time is it?"
"It's around ten." I inform her.
Hearing this, it's as if Diana forgot about her current mood entirely.
"My goodness, how could I have overslept?" She questions herself in shock.
"Well, you did drink a lot last night." I remind her.
She nods to me, as if my answer was entirely knew to her.
"Yes, that would be a likely cause."
She stops for a moment, before asking
"Would you please allow me to freshen up?"
Oh Diana, even in such a state she can still make the effort to be polite.
I smile at this, responding with
"You may."
With my okay, Diana closes the door, leaving me alone once again.
Well, nothing to do but wait for her.
I kneel down next to her door, taking a seat on the ground, my back leaning against the wall.
With this time I have to myself, I further think about how I can inform her about last night.
It's not as if I can just blurt it out, say it out of nowhere. I'll need to be able to casually slip it into our conversation, perhaps even finding a way to squeeze in my feelings for her.
If I were to just bring up the party of last night, disguise it as small talk, then perhaps I can manage.
However, even if I can find a way to do so, what will I even say?
Shall I just be straight to the point, say it bluntly with no slip ups? I doubt that when faced with such responses, I can manage.
It's not only just the responses that may slip me up, but Diana herself.
It's as if a Cupid Bee has stung me for the second time, as the same faux feelings that I felt for Hannah have now manifested themselves to Diana.
How knows? Maybe I'll do the classic mistake and stutter and sweat, and look like an idiot.
And all while Diana is suffering from a painful headache, mind you.
If anything, perhaps my kind words will only register to her with the physical pain that they shall bring.
I let out a deep sigh, not seeing any trick around this.
I cannot just forgo the information of the events of last night, odds are she will ask about it. And I don't take Diana for a fool, she might very well see through my lies, she always has.
No one else knows about our kiss, so naturally she may continue her attempts to persuade the information out of me. And knowing myself, I might just confess what happened. Then she might think that I was ashamed of it, and didn't want to say it out of embarrassment.
This could potentially spiral into a self inflicted Hell that could even rival that of Mendacius!
Okay, maybe that's a little far off, but even being a wizard, the pains of teenage romance still run through me just like they would with anyone else.
I hear the sounds of Diana returning to her door, opening it up.
Upon hearing this, stand up, revealing to myself a creature of Suadela.
Perhaps it was just the transformation in appearance that did, or maybe even my own current thoughts on her only amplifying her beauty.
Her wavy blonde hair has returned to its former glory, not a strand out of place. Her once watery eyes have now turned back into the oceans of blue that they once were. There is not a flaw, nor a flake of dried drool shielding her radiance. Her clothes also match this change, now fresh and new, completely without wrinkle or blemish, just like her.
It kind of amazes me how in such a short amount of time, Diana can go from looking drab to fab.
Proud by her improvements, Diana confidently runs a hand through her freshly brushed hair, asking me
"Well, how do I look?"
"Y-you look great." I slightly stutter out, a bit red at the face.
Come on Theodore, you've known Diana for months now! How can you let yourself appear so timid?!
"While I may look great, I can declare that my mind isn't. My head still hurts." She confesses, not noticing my growing anxiety.
"Breakfast can help with that." I suggest to her.
And with this, the two of us journey through the hallway, making our way to the kitchen.
The last time Diana and I were roaming the halls was last night, when in a drunken state she kissed me.
Perhaps in this silent walk, I can engage with her in small talk, and hopefully manage to sneak in that certain event in the mix.
Besides, it'll be better to do it now that we are alone, rather than when any of my family's prying eyes are around.
I really don't want Romana to find out that a drunk Diana kissed me. I would never hear the end of it.
"So, how was last night's party?" I ask her. "It seemed as though you were enjoying yourself."
"Honestly, I remember very little." She admits, slightly embarrassed by this lack of factual recollection. "Romana and I were drinking, and after that I just blacked out."
Ah, so she doesn't remember the kiss. Good, that'll make this a bit easier.
"You and Romana seemed to be getting along." I point out. "It may be different between you two from now on."
"Well, I hope so." Diana declares. "She can be a bother sometimes."
Being able to relate to this statement, I let out a little chuckle, Diana joining in.
After our shared snigger, the two of us continue to move through the hall, only for the brief period of silence to be ended by Diana.
"Did I do anything unpleasant?" She asks me in a serious tone. "I don't remember much from that night, and that only serves to worry me."
We both stop walking, now facing each other in the empty hall.
This is surely a golden opportunity to confess to her. To just waste it would be a tragedy.
Sure, my chance may have come, but my confidence has not.
I'll need time to be able to say such a statement. I still need to wade myself into the topic, and not just blurt it out.
"No, nothing really. In fact, something preferable happened." I say, the corners of my mouth forcing themselves into a smile as I remember the event.
She raises an eyebrow, a bit unsettled by my claim.
I'm getting closer! But I feel as though my attempts at stalling are growing thin, as I'm soon approaching the moment of truth.
"Well, in our drunken state, I had to help you go to your bedroom. You were bumping and stumbling all the way."
"Oh my." Diana recoils at this new information. "And that was preferable?"
Damn, I may have just messed up. I need to reorganize myself.
"No, not that." I clarify. "It was something else."
"Well, what was it?" She presses me, her interest and concern only growing.
Now, there's no going back. Even if I wanted to withdraw from this current topic, Diana would still have lingering questions.
And, let's just say that with an intoxicated girl at a party with two boys, well Diana would want to be well informed on the events of that night.
I'm almost thankful for this predicament. It's giving me no other choice but to tell her.
I can feel my face grow a bit warm, as my lips curl around the right words.
A few shallow breaths later, and a sort of sweat begins to manifest itself onto my hands.
I suppose that in my current state, I'm likely only worrying her more.
I swallow hard, my mouth feeling as dry as can be.
"Well… you kissed me." I barely get out, my heart beginning to throb at the thought of what's to come.
"O-oh..." Diana murmurs, her face growing pink as well.
She lets out a few blinks in rapid succession, attempting to think of a possible response.
After a moment of silence, save the sounds of my pounding heart, she opens her mouth, only to be interrupted by me.
"Diana, before you say anything, I just want you to know that…" My voice drifts off as I attempt to think of the right words. "I want you to know that for a while I have been harboring feelings about you, ones that go beyond the realm of friendship. I'm not sure when they came about, but during this vacation I have noticed them raising in popularity amongst myself." I feel myself becoming consumed by anxiety, as I attempt to speak. " I-I...I think that you're really beautiful and smart! I've been able to rely upon you for the longest time. To be honest, it hasn't been the easiest thing moving to an all girls magic school, myself never able to perform real magic." A bit ashamed by my sudden show of weakness, I look away briefly. "All of this new work and study has taken a toll on me. But you've only made life there much easier!" I announce with new found courage, myself being able to face her once again. "Your constant help and tutelage has become very much appreciated, and I want the same treatment for you. You deserve someone that can make you happy, and I want to be the one to do it."
After my speech, whatever outside noises there may have been just go silent.
It's as if the entire world has stopped, the regular lights and sounds holding its breath, awaiting for an answer, any answer.
I know I am.
Diana's face is flushed red, a mix of embarrassment and nervousness.
I would've thought that a girl like her received such speechless every day. A smart, beautiful, and reliable person is such a rarity nowadays.
However, I wasn't just reciting meaningless words, words only used to seduce and woo her to my side.
What I said was true and came from the heart, every bit of it. And I'll stand by what I said.
For now, there is no going back, no taking away what I said, not that I'd want to.
It took quite a bit of courage to work myself up for this. I wouldn't want this effort to go to waste.
Diana briefly composes herself, opening her mouth as if to say something.
Her blue eyes dance around the room, as if searching for the right words.
As she does so, the urge for me to crack under the pressure begins to set in.
If she were to say anything other than solidarity with my current wants, I think I'd be crushed.
As her eyes shimmer to the ceiling, she gives off a light but warm smile.
"Look Theodore, mistletoe."
These words, spoken by one that I hold dear, snap me out of whatever catatonic state I'm in.
Looking up, I too notice the red berries and green leaves, all tied together with a red bow.
As if God himself had intervened in this business, it's currently above us.
I'll have to thank whoever put that up.
As the both of us look back down towards each other, our eyes met.
Instinct and fate guide our movements, as she raises both of her arms, wrapping them around my neck. My arms follow, wrapping around her waist.
Given that she's two inches taller than me, our current position looks a little strange, but that matters little to us.
All that is apparent to us now is her, myself, and the mistletoe that has bounded us together.
We both lean in, and then it happens.
Through this movement alone, all the five senses are rewarded.
I can feel the warmth of her body, as if some kind of compensation for giving her my jacket earlier.
I can hear my heartbeat, now settling itself into a steady rhythm.
The fragrance of her perfume encases my sense of smell, only amplifying the pleasure of the whole situation.
With our eyes closed, pitch blackness is all that is visible, neither of us becoming discouraged, for the trust in each other has never been stronger.
Most importantly, her lips taste of lip gloss.
Her arms tighten around my neck, as if ensuring that I won't pull away.
Not that there should be any worry of that.
A thousand years could go by, and what has just been accomplished here would never go forgotten.
The feeling of her body against mine is warm and smooth, almost as if this was supposed to happen.
I could stay like this for an eternity.
However, as all good things do, our kiss eventually ends, as we break away.
We stand there for a few moments, staring at each other with satisfaction in both of our eyes.
Diana's cheeks are slightly flushed, as are mine.
However, what happened here was nothing to be ashamed of. In my opinion, this was a complete victory, relieving me of the past stress that once haunted me.
Diana is the first to break the silence, as she smiles at me, asking
"So, do you want to get breakfast now?"
I return her smile with one of my own, albeit a bit more awkward than her's.
That's right, that's what we were going to do in the first place.
"S-sure." I sheepishly stutter out, myself still not coming to full terms about about what just happened.
Unexpectedly, Diana grabs hold of my hand with her own, as she begins to move towards the kitchen, myself following.
If I hadn't already achieved supreme bliss in my success, then I surely have now.
I feel a little shaky, the intense emotions and fear of rejection as well as anticipation now being flooded out of me.
I feel sort of like a building, now gutted and emptied, leaving nothing but a foundation.
A new start to our new relationship.
As the both of us enter the kitchen, I thank the heavens that no one is present.
In my current state, an onslaught of questions by my family or fun poked at by my siblings are both something that I don't need.
Unfortunately, Diana is the first to let go of the hand holding, herself browsing through the fridge in search of food.
I myself take a seat at the table, my mind going through relapses as I relive through the moment in my mind.
Diana and I...we kissed. Just like that, as if with no real form of hindrance.
I worked myself up, coming up with ludicrous scenarios in my mind that were all far from the real of what happened.
I still can't believe it.
Diana accepted my confession, and responded with her own show of intimacy.
I can say with certainty that Diana shares the same views as I do regarding our relationship.
My quiet thoughts are ended, as Diana sets a plate down in front me, before taking a seat next to me
I stare at the plate.
On it are several slices of bread, all buttered, joined by a glass of orange juice to wash it all down.
"Please, you didn't have to do that." I apprise her.
She smiles that this, clarifying with
"Consider it a thank you for inviting me here."
"I think what just happened was thank you enough." I say, referring to the kiss, blushing a bit at the memory. "After all, I've had a crush on you for some time."
Diana lets out a slight chuckle at this.
"I'll admit, I've grown fond of you as well. At first, I simply drawn to you due to curiosity, you being the only boy at Luna Nova after all. Then after I encountered you in the forest, I felt a need to help and assist you. Not just with that event, but with the new world that you found yourself in. I began to realize that the kindness I was showing had begun to become repaided. Don't get me wrong, many different people have expressed their own form of kindness to me, but it was simply out of respect, holding no real meaning. But you were the one to break that status-quo. I began to realize that you showed me kindness out of appreciation to what I offered, not to what I am. You repaid my kindness with kindness, and even when the debt was paid, you still showed me kindness. That's when I started to develop feelings."
Now done with her confession, Diana picks up a slice of bread from the plate.
"Now, let us eat." She suggests, before taking a bite.
I smile at her speech.
Well, it seems as though I had little to fear.
Looking back at the food, I join her.
Slowly but surely, as I eat more and more of the bread, my energy begins to come back.
As Diana and I continue to consume the food in front of us, my father walks in, a cup of coffee in one hand, and a bundle of letters in the other. He looks as if he just woke up.
"Good morning." I greet him.
He takes a sip from his coffee, setting it down on the table.
"I have some mail." He says, holding up a stack of letters.
Well, my father does check the mail every morning.
"Any for me?" I ask him.
"Let's see…" He mumbles, fumbling through the stack.
"One for Romana, one for Feliciano, one for Roma…" He states, setting them down on the table as he does.
"And one for you." He declares, holding it out for me.
"Is it from Anchovy?" I ask him, a bit excited.
He pauses, reading over the envelope.
"No, it's from Luna Nova." He claims.
"Luna Nova?" I question, taking the paper in hand.
Why would they send me a letter, and during Christmas Vacation of all times?
Curiously, I rip open the envelope, reading the paper that's inside.
'Dear Theodore Sempronia:
This is a forwarded letter to all of those involved in the participation of Luna Nova's Witch Parade. These include the following students: Atsuko Kagari, Sucy Manbavaran, Lotte Yanson, Amanda O'Neill, Constanze Amalie von Braunschbank-Albrechtsberger, and Jasminka Antonenko. Regarding the parade that was put on, it is demanded that you must return to Luna Nova immediately after receiving this letter. Failure in the following will result in an automatic suspension. Be aware that this shall mean being absent from your home on Christmas Day. In fact, it is estimated that the remainder of the vacation shall be spent at the school. Now, you may be rightfully curious as to why such a letter would be sent out, and with such a threat accompanied. This is of no fault to the school's faculty, and is entirely self inflicted by you and the rest of the parade participants. It is critical that upon entering the school, you directly make you way to principal Holbrooke's office. Failing to do so will also result in an automatic suspension. The importance of this meeting cannot be stressed enough, not only for your magical future, but for the future of Luna Nova itself. Further information on this topic shall be provided by Holbrooke upon entrance.'
Signed With Recognition:
Professor Finnelan'
The good feelings that were once felt have now left me entirely, replaced with worry and concern as to the purpose of the letter.
"Just what is it?" Diana asks me, leaning over.
"It sounds serious." I say grimily to her, handing her the letter.
As Diana reads it over, annoyance slowly takes shape.
"I knew Akko and her friends would only lead you to trouble." She scolds me. "Your involvement in the parade was unneeded, and now you're sucked up in her drama."
"What is it, son?" My father asks me, a hint of concern on his face.
I hand him the letter, not really sure what to think of it.
Maybe he can help.
Taking it, he reads it over, muttering
"Oh my…"
Waiting in front of the house, we can all see the taxi on the road, itself only drawing more near by the second.
The time for Diana and myself to leave has come.
I turn to my family, about to greet them all with a series of goodbyes.
However, before I can even utter the first word, Feliciano blindingly runs to me, grabbing me in a tight and constricting hug.
"I'm going to miss you…" He stops to sniffle a bit, a few of his tears staining my shirt. "So much!"
"Don't worry about it, big brother." I say, patting him on the back in comfort. "I'll be back for Spring Break."
I hear Romana grunt in response, saying
"Seriously, if they wanted you to come back so earlier, they should've just never let you leave!"
"I agree." My mother says. "To just force our child to come back during Christmas Break is a travesty."
"Now come on." My father interjects. "I'm sure they wouldn't have called them back if it wasn't important. I read the letter, and trust me, it does sound urgent."
"Yes, I can understand that." My mother says. "But it's still unethical."
"Damn right!" Romana shouts in agreement.
With my older brother still quivering on my shoulder, I can't help but remove myself from his shaky grasp, now facing the rest of my family.
"I don't like it either, but I have no choice." I remind them. "I'm not the only one who was called back. All my friends that were in the parade construction are also leaving their families."
"Luna Nova is a prestigious and honored school that tries it's hardest to keep up an appearance of respect." I inform them. "I agree with my father. They wouldn't have just called me back unless it was important."
My father smiles at this, happy that I agreed with him or perhaps that I took this bad news well, not crying like Feliciano and not angered like Romana.
"Go on Theodore, show them the pride of my youngest son!" He suddenly cries out.
I smile at this, saying with just as much enthusiasm.
"You don't need to tell me!"
But still, I find this new found energy swiftly coming to an end due to a sudden revelation.
Perhaps I was too preoccupied with packing up to notice.
"Is Grandpa Roma coming out?" I ask.
"I'm afraid not." He says, shaking his head. "You know how he is. Sleeps during most of the day, and is awake all throughout the night."
I feel Diana put a hand on my shoulder, getting my attention.
"Let's get going then." She says.
Of course, with the brief but ugly history that she has of him, it's only natural that she wants to leave without seeing him again.
It's a shame too. Grandpa Roma really is a great man once you get to know him.
With a sad sigh, I nod to Diana, the both of us grabbing our luggage.
"Goodbye son, maybe it won't be bad!" I hear my mother say, waving a hand at me.
"Don't forget to pull out!" Romana shouts in jest.
"If you get into trouble, wave your white flag with pride!" Feliciano honestly shouts.
"Safe travels!" My father says.
Diana and I also share our own words of farewell, the two of us now reaching the taxi.
We put our luggage away, and then find ourselves back in the taxi.
Just few days ago we were in a taxi, driving towards my home with the hope of staying for the extended period of time.
While I am happy that I came, both for seeing my family again, and growing my relationship with Diana, I can't help but feel a bit cheated out of this vacation.
Let's hope my mother was right, and it isn't anything serious.
I feel Diana tap me on the shoulder, getting my attention.
Turning to her, I notice that a slight flicker of disdain is seeped onto her face.
"Theodore...look." I hear her request.
Turning to where she desired, as if out of nowhere, I see Roma leaning against the open car window.
He stares at me, a small smile on his face.
I can't help but give one back, only this one is stronger than his own.
Even with what my grandfather tried to do, and what he said to Diana, I still can't help but feel the same love I felt for him when I left.
He came to wish us goodbye!
After nodding to me, he turns to Diana, saying
"I just want you to know that in times of crises, when people are desperate for protection for both themselves and their families, I'm here. When kids are left without parents, they seek a weapon best suited to drive off any robbers or murderers. I provide the means to change the world, turning chaos into a profit, when otherwise it would've been left as just chaos. Isn't that a noble deed?"
However, Diana doesn't even look at him, saying nothing as she continues to stare out the windshield of the car, hoping that we shall depart soon.
The taxi driver starts up the car, letting us know that the time to leave is now.
Roma looks at Diana, then at me, saying
"I want you two to remember, in devastation there is opportunity."
And with this, the taxi rolls across the road, making its way to the airport, as to our chosen destination.
Overall, it was rather strange for the school to send for not only my return, but the return of everyone involved with the parade.
Perhaps they wish to discuss the almost complete failure the parade was, with the titan and all that. After all, it did almost result in the town's destruction, as well as just another stain on the image of witches and wizards.
But that may not be the case. I feel if that were the problem, then they would've confronted us about it right after that night, and not give us a vacation.
This whole situation is entirely strange, not only due to the nature of the letter, but due to the threat it contained.
The staff of Luna Nova are mostly a serious group of people. To threaten students with expulsion is no laughing matter.
It must be serious business, whatever it is.
"Hey Theodore, I got something for you." I hear from Diana, the displeasure she once felt now gone.
Turning to her, I see her holding something, a smile on her face.
Whatever it is, it's in the shape of a can, covered up by Christmas wrapping, complete with a little bow.
I take it, hearing whatever's inside rattling around.
"What's this?" I ask her.
"Open it." She requests, still smiling.
I follow her instructions, tearing off the wrapping paper, revealing the item inside.
It's a tin of Pernigotti chocolates, complete with the little girl on the front.
Chocolates like these are known for their quality, and can be expensive.
I haven't had these in a while.
I look back up to her, a bit surprised and confused by this.
As if reading my thoughts, Diana says
"It's for our three hour anniversary."
Suddenly, she leans closer to me, a rather serious look on her face.
"So, where's mine?"
I'm left speechless, not at all expecting Diana to have been one of those girls.
My mouth is left agape, as I attempt to think of a way out of this sudden predicament that I've just found myself in.
Maybe I can find something in my bag, and just pretend it was a gift designed for her.
"I'm just kidding." Diana admits, chuckling a bit at my reaction. "It was supposed to be a Christmas present. But since you may be busy with whatever the school has planned, I decided to give it to you now."
I feel my heart begin to flutter slightly at this, as if melting like a piece of Pernigotti chocolate.
More often than not, the Christmas tree in my family remains empty, another money saving policy of Roma.
So, to see someone dear to me give me a gift, no matter the contents, I can't help but feel a little completely and utterly elated.
I think the last person to give me a Christmas present was Anchovy, a few years ago.
"I don't deserve you." I murmur to her, smiling at the present in my lap.
"I think you can try." Diana claims, before leaning in and giving me a quick kiss on the cheek.
Once again I find myself falling into supreme bliss, letting out a little moan, and making myself look like a complete idiot in the process.
The good feelings from before are back.
Author's Note: So fellows, it looks like the shipping has been officalized, and the Diakko boys and girls are already sharpening their axes, ready to do a march on my house.
Don't forget to follow, fav, and comment. It means so much to me knowing that someone actually likes me, and would prefer me to live.
And a reminder, if I get up 70 followers, I'll write another award winning Diakko. And for every other ten that float my way, a new Diakko will follow.
Also, Wayward Bot is working on another great fanart, one celebrating the end of the year. So make sure to cyber bully him until it gets done!
Love you people of unassumed genders. Hope you enjoy the final days of Christmas Break!