IV. Lizard's eye and criticism
The next day Diana woke up feeling better. Hannah and Barbara proved to be less overbearing as the day progressed. Her friends did their best to cheer her up and it was working. Things seemed to be better and Diana had stopped worrying about the suit, Andrew and Aunt Daryl. When first period ended Diana was actually having a good day until she spotted Akko in the hallway. It all came flooding back to her and a sense of urgency came rushing over her. She had no idea when Andrew planned on ask Akko to the dance, but at the same time she was too scared to ask Akko herself. She couldn't ask Akko without some sort of plan.
As her second period progressed, the gears were turning in Diana's head. She went through different situations and scripts on how to ask Akko and started to fine tune a plan, with the highest probability of success. By the time the class had ended she had something to show for it.
Everyone exited the class room chatting excitedly for lunch. Hannah and Barbara's conversations turned into white noise was they entered the cafeteria. Diana's eyes were trained on Akko.
Akko was more obilious than Diana had previously thought. Akko was talking fast and waving her arms around wildly as she talked about the ball on Friday. Akko's cute grand gestures and unfailingly excitement made Diana's ears and cheeks turn red. She couldn't help but be hopelessly attracted to Akko. She blushed even harder when she daydreamed about being the cause of happiness in Akko. Once Diana got herself under control, she knew she had 20 to 30 minutes to go over to Akko and ask her to meet with her tonight. That was the plan. Get Akko to meet her tonight, make a grand romantic gesture and then ask Akko to the dance. Simple enough. Hannah and Barbara noticed Diana staring at Akko intensely. They mistook it was a disapproving glare.
"Akko, is such a moron." Hannah comment.
"I know only a monkey would put lizard eyes in a healing potion." Barbara laughed.
Hannah and Barbara looked over at Diana who was sipping her tea regally, trying not to be upset by their comments. She knew she had a reputation to uphold. She couldn't be extremely nice to Akko. She had to be critical of her because that's what people expected from her, a more dignified witch.
"Yeah, Diana you were so great today in potions lab!" Barbara said adoringly.
"The greatest! Mixing a pure flying potion in under five minutes! I bet Akko would only dream of doing that." Hannah snicked. Barbara joined in.
Their comments of Akko became more and more scathing and they implied that Diana should go show Akko how it's really done. Other people picked up on their conversation and looked at Diana, expecting her to do something. Diana felt he mounting pressure to do what everyone expected her to do: go over there and set Akko straight, show her who's in charge and put her in her place. A bead of sweat rolled down her neck and Diana gave in to the dozens of pairs of eyes that where looking at her. Diana smoothly got up and started over to Akko. She was all too familiar with this. Everyone moved in closer to watch the action as Hannah and Barbara winged Diana on both sides with smug smiles on their faces. Diana didn't want to be smug, she wanted give Akko real advice but everyone expected the opposite from her.
"I don't know if professor Ursala will be willing to teach you that." Lotte remarked. "You didn't handle yourself well last time."
"What! I was only trying to spice things up! I thought that a lizard's eye would help!" Akko defended puffing her chest out.
"Sheesh. I could made the potion myself if you hadn't been so reckless." Sucy remarked dragging a spoon through her potatoes. Akko was about to say something back, but Diana approached.
"Akko." Diana started in a haughty tone. Akko turned around to see Hannah and Barbara on either side of Diana with smug looks, just waiting for Diana to give it to Akko. Diana sighed choosing her words carefully. Maybe she could turn this into an opportunity.
"Lizard's eye has poisonous properties and can only be used in small quantities to increase the time of the potion's effects. If you had studied last week that should have been perfectly clear to you." Diana said more haughty than she intended. Hannah and Barbara were beside themselves with laughter antagonizing Akko.
"Oh yeah?! Well, I won't let that stop me! I'll -" Akko said losing her words.
"Akko, if don't you don't pass your first potions class you won't graduate. I understand that will prove to be a major stumbling block in your quest to imitate Shiny Chariot." Diana said matter a factly.
"Well, maybe…" Akko said deflatedly.
"In that case, I have some free time tonight. I'm willing to tutor you for the next exam if you wish." Diana said much to Hannah and Barbara's chagrin.
"Really, Diana?" Akko said in wonder. Diana was sweating profusely. Akko could say no, then what? How would she find an excuse to ask her before Andrew did? An aggressive hug shocked Diana from her thoughts.
"Thank you! Thank you! Thank you, Diana!" Akko cheered. "Does tonight after dinner work?!"
Diana stumbled with her words. " asdwd Yes, yes that will not be difficult to arrange."
"Great! I know I'll pass the test with your help." Akko exclaimed.
The students soon heard the call to resume class and filed out of the cafeteria. Diana lead her teammates who were pouty that Diana wasn't a harsh on Akko as they had wanted her to be. Diana on the other hand was relatively relieved. This could work she just had to be smart about it. Diana passed Amanda who gave her a shit-eating grin and raised her eyebrows: that trouble maker now knew about Diana real feelings for Akko. Diana wanted to spit on her, but she settled for a scowl instead.