Summary:
There is only one day left before the ball and Akko is panicking. Diana, meanwhile, is not deterred from presenting Akko as her date.
Notes:
For this chapter, I recommend you listen to this song while reading. It is the one I used for a specific scene and I think it fits quite well.
Joe Hisaishi: Asian Dream Song
The part where the song should start is in bold letters.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
After accepting Diana's invitation to go the ball, it had taken Akko almost a week to get prepared for it. Although she had sounded confident when Diana first invited her to the ball, the moment her girlfriend had to leave Luna Nova to prepare for the event, she realized she was way out of her depth.
In fact, she didn't know that the Cavendish Ball was such a big deal in the magic community. But, after Diana left Luna Nova, most of the people that had been invited to the ball had been excused from classes and allowed to return home to prepare for it. Hence; Lotte, Sucy, Amanda, Jazminka, Constanze, Barbara and Hannah had been absent from school and were going to meet Diana, Ursula and her at the manor the night of the ball. And, with Diana back in the Cavendish Manor organizing the event, Akko was all by herself at Luna Nova, trying her best to get ready for the ball.
And quite honestly completely freaking out about it.
Hence, she had decided to call the only person that would listen to her and that didn't have anything else to do.
"Croix-Sensei what am I going to do?!" the Japanese witch continues freaking out. "I only have one more day before the ball and I don't know what to wear!" she exclaims worriedly while staring at herself in the mirror.
"Akko, you need to take a deep breath." the older witch tells her soothingly. "I know Char gave you some dresses two days ago for you to try on. How about those?"
Ursula-Sensei, although she had not left Luna Nova, was still busy taking care of grading papers and preparing her classes for the coming week. And, because Akko didn't want to be a bother, she had told the older woman that she was almost ready for the ball and only needed to borrow a dress for it.
Which was how she had been given by the red-haired witch a lot of gowns that ranged from different colors to different lengths.
And none of them had been the right fit.
"She did." Akko confirms. "And they fit me just fine." she mutters. "But I don't know. When I wear them I just don't look like me."
"Hmmm…" Croix thinks. "Would you like to come to my apartment and for us to go to town to find something? I'm sure that I can ask Luke to chaperone me."
Luke was Croix's parole officer and a very nice guy. In fact, slowly the two of them had become friends and the man was very accommodating when it came to Croix having visitors at her apartment and going shopping to town.
Croix had certainly been quite lucky.
"Croix-Sensei…" Akko says thankfully. "You really don't have to. The dresses, they should work fine. I guess the reason I'm not a 100% convinced about them is because I'm letting my nerves get the best of me."
"I can understand that." Croix promises. "But the worst thing you can do is think about possible scenarios and events. Instead, just focus on looking and feeling good for tomorrow night."
"Easy to say…" Akko murmurs. "I mean, I've never been to a ball, much less one from the magic community! What if I wear something wrong? What if it embarrasses Diana?!"
"Diana would tell you that she's not embarrassed of being with you, Akko. Being seen with her, that's the whole point of being her date."
"I know, I know. But still, I don't want to disappoint her." the brunette witch whispers and then hears someone knocking on her door.
"Croix-Sensei, someone is outside my dorm. I'll call you later." she tells the older woman and hangs up.
Surprised, since she knew that Ursula-Sensei was busy grading some papers, Akko goes towards the door of the dorm room but falls before getting it.
"Ouch…" she complains while looking at the roof. "So clumsy."
"I hope that wasn't the sound of you falling, Akko…" she hears a very familiar voice tease her and that makes the brunette witch stand up and go to the door even faster than before.
Opening the door, she can't help but shriek when she sees Diana standing outside her room, wearing a blue spring dress and a big box in her hands.
"Diana?!" Akko says happily while hugging her girlfriend tight, making her put the box down. "What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be back at the manor making sure that everything is ready for the ball tomorrow night?"
"Can't I come see my girlfriend?" Diana teases again. "Aren't you going to invite me in?"
Akko quickly pulls the heiress towards the room and closes the door behind them, making sure of not stepping on any of the dresses and pieces of clothes she had on the floor.
"I'm sorry!" she apologizes immediately. "And I'm also sorry about the mess. This week has been a little hectic when it comes to deciding what to wear."
"I understand." the blonde witch agrees. "Although I am sorry to see that my invitation to the ball has left you so stressed and worried."
"Not at all!" Akko says and gets a knowing look from Diana. "Ok, perhaps it has been a little stressful. But not because I don't want to go." she clarifies quickly. "But because I don't want to disappoint you or make you look bad."
"Akko…" Diana gets close and hugs her tight. "Nothing you could ever do would make me feel ashamed of you. Nor would it disappoint me." she promises. "Besides, I'm confident that everything will work out splendidly at the ball. Whatever you decide to wear, you'll still look beautiful."
This makes Akko blush and hide her face in Diana's shoulder.
"Thank you." the Japanese witch whispers. "I really needed to hear that."
"You're welcome." Diana smiles and creates some space between them. "Now tell me, how have you been? Apart from a little stressed out."
"It's been alright. Everyone left the day after you did in order to prepare for the ball. To be quite honest, I wasn't expecting the ball to be such a big thing. I think I only started to realize how big of a deal it is when all the girls went back home to get ready."
Diana chuckles.
"Well, the ball is once a year and only the elite of the magic community tend to be invited. I imagine the girls decided to go all out for the event and the school allowed them to leave because they would be representing Luna Nova as well."
"Yet I'm still here with nothing to wear." Akko mutters. "I'm so stupid."
"You are not." Diana says firmly. "No one expects you to know about these things, specially since you don't come from a magical family. Besides, that's why I'm here."
"I was wondering about that…" Akko admits. "I know you said that you would be fine organizing the ball all by yourself, but be honest… It hasn't been as easy as you thought it would be, right?"
Diana nods in confirmation.
"It has certainly been more stressful to organize this event than the Samhain Festival." she mutters. "Makes me wonder why my family has chosen to take this particular burden so enthusiastically."
Akko laughs.
"You Cavendish have some weird ways of complaining about work and defining what's fun." she says knowingly. "Remember how happy and elated you were about being chosen as the organizer of the Samhain Festival? Everyone could see it in your eyes that you were enjoying the responsibility."
"Perhaps." Diana has to agree. "Still, I wasn't expecting things to be quite as stressful as they have been."
"I wish I could have helped you with things…"
"Me too darling." Diana smiles. "Nevertheless, it's part of tradition that only the Cavendish take part in the organization of the event. Before, when there were many of us that wasn't an issue. But now..."
"Those weird magic rules and traditions." she mutters. "Makes me wonder even more what you're doing here. Specially when you seem to be busy."
"To be honest with you..." Diana starts to explain simply. "I'm here mostly because I've missed you very much."
This makes Akko blush.
"It has only been a week."
"I know… Still, that does not eliminate the fact that I've gotten used to having you next to me. And that apparently I can be a little selfish and leave Anna in charge for a couple of hours in order to come to Luna Nova to see you."
"Diana…" she murmurs embarrassed. "I have missed you a lot as well."
"Perhaps missed me enough to give me a kiss?" the blonde asks while getting closer.
"You know you don't have to ask." Akko promises her and closes the distance between them, grabbing the heiress firmly and kissing her on the lips. "Not when it's something that I want to do too."
Diana nibbles her lip and then separates, smiling warmly at her and squeezing her hands.
"Though I will admit that my visit is not only because I've missed you." she says and again grabs the box. "But to also give you something."
"Give me something? Why?" Akko asks surprised.
"Do I need to have a reason to give a gift to my girlfriend?" Diana teases and watches Akko's face as she's opening the box.
"Diana…" the brunette whispers while taking out a red kimono. "How… How did you find this?"
"A lot of research and somehow guessing your measurements. After that, I asked a tailor if they could make it and have it ready before the ball."
"But kimonos take a while to make… I only just told you last week that I would be going to the ball."
"I know… I happened to order it way before the ball." she admits. "And from what I can see…" she points at the floor. "It seems like it was the right time to give it to you. Do you like it?"
"I love it!" Akko promises. "Still, how did you know I wasn't finding something to wear?"
"I may have heard from two little birds that you were experiencing some difficulties with selecting a gown for the evening."
Those two… Akko thinks fondly and starts caressing the kimono, feeling the soft silk of it.
"This kimono is really beautiful Diana. Thank you."
"I remembered you telling me about some of your traditions in Japan. About how you wear kimonos and yukatas to festivals and formal events. And, I also remembered you mentioned how awkward it was for you when you had to wear that dress for Andrew's party. That you just weren't used to using that kind of attire at formal events." Diana continues explaining and Akko can't help but feel butterflies in her stomach. "I hope it wasn't wrong of me to assume that you would like to wear a kimono. Because if that's not the case then we can go to town and buy something…" she is not allowed to finish because Akko kisses her on the lips.
"I…" Akko says between kisses. "Love… You." the brunette promises. "It will be an honor to wear this kimono."
"Great." Diana says to her with a warm smile. "With that being solved, how would you feel about coming back with me to the manor?"
"Right now?"
"Why not? We're done with classes and that way we could spend tomorrow morning together. I could even show you around."
"Don't you have a lot to do?" Akko asks hesitantly.
"Not anymore. Tomorrow is all about making sure that everything is on track and then host the event. And I was hoping you would like to join me. As I said earlier, being away from you is just too tough."
Staring at the hopeful expression her girlfriend had on her face, Akko knew that there was no way she would deny Diana anything. Not only because doing so would make the blonde witch be unhappy, but also because making Diana happy made Akko happy.
It was that simple.
"You know that I would love to go with you to the manor, Diana." Akko promises and can see the heiress smiling brightly after hearing that. "Though before we can leave I'll need some help fixing this mess." she adds hopefully.
Diana rolls her eyes.
"Alright, I'll help you." she offers and decides to tease. "But only because you're letting me abduct you."
"I would let you do anything you wish to me, Dia." Akko says and watches how her comment makes Diana blush brightly.
So worth it.
LWALWALWA
No matter how many times Akko went through the same scenery, she still couldn't stop herself from smiling and pointing to all the flowers and trees around the Cavendish Manor. The first time she visited, she didn't exactly have the time to explore Diana's home or its surroundings (she was worried about saving Diana from magic snakes and bringing her back to Luna Nova). But, now that she was back, she could appreciate and understand why her girlfriend loved and fought for her home so hard.
The Cavendish Manor was beautiful.
Although Akko had only been in London and then Luna Nova, she knew that it wouldn't take much for her to fall in love with England's countryside. The people, the animals, the flowers, the air; it all felt and smelled differently than in the city.
After making sure that everything was picked up from her dorm, and waiting while Diana had some words with Principal Holbrook, the two of them had gotten on Diana's car and started heading to the manor. The event, which was very similar to that time the two witches had returned to Luna Nova from Diana's home, was making Akko reminiscence about everything Diana and her had gone through to get to this point.
Turning around to look at her girlfriend, the Japanese girl can't help but smile softly, moving her hand to grasp Diana's.
Which in turn makes the blonde witch look curiously at her.
"Is something wrong?" Diana asks her.
Akko smiles while squeezing her hand assuredly.
"Nothing's wrong, Dia." she promises her. "I was just remembering the first time I came to the manor."
Diana chuckles.
"One of the main reasons I was nervous about asking you to join me last night." she admits to Akko who seems surprised. "Was because of your experience at the Cavendish Manor."
"Really?" the brunette asks surprised.
"I was afraid you would turn me down." she further explains. "Not that I would have blamed you for it." she mutters.
"Why would I even do that?"
"Well, it's not like you had the best experience the first time you came to my house." Diana mutters.
Akko laughs because having to fight Diana's aunt and cousins to prevent them from selling the Cavendish Manor and its possessions was certainly something. Then again, it wouldn't be normal for them to have an event without any kind of weird or magical mishap.
"That's one way to put it." the brunette agrees. "But what we're doing now…" she points to the fields and then to their linked hands. "Will certainly change my perception of your home Dia. Besides, I can already see why you care so much: It's beautiful."
Diana smiles brightly.
"I never thought…" the heiress confesses. "That I would ever find someone who truly understood me. I am used to the spotlight. To having people praise and admire me non-stop and to also criticize me behind my back."
"Diana…"
"Which has made it hard for me to trust people. Yet you somehow made your way through all the walls I had built around my heart and here we are a couple of hours away from the ball. A ball in which I will introduce you as my significant other."
"Are you starting to regret this?" Akko asks softly. "Because you don't have to do this, Dia."
"But I want to." Diana says firmly. "I'm tired of being afraid, Akko. I want to be able to hands with you in public. To kiss you on the street without having to look over my shoulder. I just want to be with you."
"I want that too, Diana." the Japanese girl promises her. "It's one of the reasons I'm here."
"It's not the main one?"
Akko chuckles.
"My main reason is quite simple." she blushes. "You should already know it." she whispers and looks away from Diana, who smiles brightly.
"Perhaps this time I don't. I mean, there are so many reasons you would wish to come to the ball."
Akko groans.
"Dianaaaa. Will you really make me say it?"
Diana nods.
"I'm here because I want you to be happy." Akko confesses. "And if that will happen with me coming to the ball then of course I'll be here."
This makes Diana hug Akko tight.
"But seriously, I think that even right after we confessed our feelings to each other, I knew that I would follow you anywhere, Diana." the brunette admits and gets hugged tighter.
"I feel the same way." Diana promises her vehemently. "I really love you, Akko."
"I love you too." Akko says and kisses her girlfriend tenderly on the lips, smiling in the middle of the kiss when she hears a familiar voice calling their names.
"Miss Diana…" Anna tells them from the front of the car. "Forgive me for interrupting you…" she adds non apologetically. "But we're already here."
"Really?" Diana asks bemusedly. "The ride went by way faster than what I expected."
Anna chuckles knowingly.
"Now Miss, even though there is no longer much to do before the ball, I think it would be prudent to return to the manor right after two in the afternoon so the two of you can prepare."
"Anna's right." the blonde says to her girlfriend. "Besides, I have quite the schedule planned for us, darling."
"You do?" Akko asks worriedly.
"Oh yes." Diana smirks. "Which starts with me teaching you how to horseback ride."
"WHAAAT?"
"Come on, Akko don't be scared." the heiress grabs Akko's hand and pulls her inside the cottage, the brunette witch quickly noticing two horses eating hay.
"So we're going to be on top of those two?" Akko gulps when she notices how big the two animals are.
"That's usually the way it is." Diana says happily while grabbing a carrot from a bucket and offering it to the horse, who sniffs it and then eats the vegetable.
"I, I'm not sure I'll be able to do it."
"Nonsense! It's very similar to riding a broom."
"Perhaps…" Anna adds from behind them. "For Miss Kagari's first lesson it would be more beneficial for her to ride with you, Miss Diana?"
This makes Diana and Akko stare curiously at the older woman.
While Anna had not explicitly rejected Akko's presence in the manor, she had also not said much about Diana's decision to ask Akko to the ball as her date. Hence, the blonde witch had assumed that her caretaker silently disapproved of her choice yet knew nothing she said would change her mind about it.
So to see her actively putting them close was surprising.
And something that Anna also noticed.
"No one apart from the staff will see you" Anna adds to reassure them, assuming they were surprised that she was suggesting them to be close in public.
"It's not that…" Akko says softly. "To be quite honest with you, I wasn't expecting you to accept me." she adds. "I thought that the moment Diana was alone you would tell her that what she was doing was a bad idea."
"Well, it's not like I specifically approve of her decision to do this now. " she emphasizes. "But that does not mean that I disapprove of Miss Diana's choice of partner."
"You don't?" Diana's the one that asks this.
"Of course not!" Anna tells her vehemently. "Only a fool wouldn't be able to see how much you two love each other. And how good being with each other has been for the two of you. I may not have been welcoming the first time Miss Kagari came to the manor; but when she risked her life to save and help you… I knew that she cared for you. And to me, that makes Miss Kagari be worthy of being with you." she finishes and yelps in surprise when she feels the two witches hugging her tight.
"Thank you." Akko says softly. "Your approval means a lot to me. To us. Specially because I know how much Diana loves you."
Nodding in agreement, Diana doesn't say anything but instead squeezes the older woman tighter, wanting her to know how much her words meant to her.
"Of course." Anna smiles warmly and clears her throat. "Well then, I believe we have spent enough time in sentimentality." she chuckles. "Instead, how about you two go ahead and see the manor. Many changes have been done since the last time you visited, Miss Kagari."
This makes Akko smile brightly and pull Diana towards one of the horses, which in turn makes Diana chuckle.
"I thought you were scared of riding one." Diana says while using her magic to move Akko up, only letting go of her spell when the brunette is in position on top of the horse.
Next, the blonde witch uses her strength to sit herself behind Akko, hugging her tight and taking the reins from her hands.
"I am scared." Akko admits while turning around to look at her. "But I know that with you by my side I'll be safe." she whispers and Diana kisses her soundly on the lips.
"Always." she promises and with one last look at Anna, the blonde witch makes the horse move forward, making sure of always holding Akko close.
LWALWALWA
"Akko?" the red-haired witch asks hesitantly while going through the many different rooms in the Cavendish Manor.
I should have asked them to take me to Akko's room… Ursula thinks while doing her best to not get lost.
After she got told by Principal Holbrook that Diana had gone to Luna Nova to pick Akko up, the red-haired woman had taken advantage of her free afternoon and had decided to spend the night at Croix's place, hoping to spend some alone time with her girlfriend.
Which had made her be late for today's ride to the Cavendish Manor and hence get lost in this building.
Groaning at her lack of attention and at Croix's excellent abilities to turn off the alarm clocks of her place, Ursula continues to walk around the manor, hoping that at some point she would run into a member of staff that could direct her to Akko's room.
The reason why she was trying to talk to Akko before the ball was to see how she was holding up and explain to her a little bit more about what would happen. Although Croix had promised her that Akko would be ready and that Diana was going to explain everything to her, Ursula still wanted to have some words with her favorite student. Specially because she knew Akko and she understood how the Japanese witch functioned: It wasn't until the very very last moment that the brunette became nervous and Ursula was hoping to help her ease her nerves.
"Professor Ursula!" she hears her name being called and turns around to see Lotte, Sucy, Amanda, Jazminka, Constanze, Barbara and Hannah walking towards her. "You look nice."
"Thank you girls." she smiles at them because she was quite proud of the dress she was wearing tonight (Croix had vehemently approved of it). "You also look very beautiful."
"Thank you." Lotte says embarrassed. "We were worried when you didn't meet us earlier."
"I apologize." the red-haired witch explains embarrassed. "But I overslept and had to come by myself to the manor. Luckily, I happened to run into you."
"You overslept?" Sucy asks her with a knowing look. "I wonder what made you become so exhausted."
"It's none of your business Miss Manbavaran." she smiles darkly and watches the pink-haired witch nod proudly. "Now girls, where is it that you're headed?"
"To our seats?" Lotte says confused. "We were hoping to see Akko before the ball started but got told that it's almost time and that we should go to our table."
"Oh, it's that late already?" Ursula says disappointed. "I was also hoping I could talk to her."
"Seriously, these weird traditions are so annoying." Amanda mutters. "In my country, introducing a witch's partner is not made into such a big deal. You just go with your date and then people talk and that's it."
"European witches, specially the ones that are directly involved to the Nine Olde are held to different standards." Hannah explains simply. "We know how annoyed Diana has always been with all of this."
"Yeah, she has never agreed with all the flair and dramatics of these balls and parties." Barbara adds. "Which makes this all be quite ironic."
"You tell me." Sucy smirks. "Let's just hope that Akko doesn't do anything to make the party become more 'lively' than what it should be."
"Don't jinx it Sucy!" Lotte huffs. "You promised you wouldn't."
"But it's Akko we're talking about." Sucy defends. "It would be weird if something didn't happen."
"She's right about that." Constanze writes on her notepad.
"Anyway, how about we all go sit down and wait until the evening starts." Ursula murmurs when she notices people were watching them intently.
"That has been annoying as well." Amanda tells her knowingly. "Getting stared at by all these people… Hope it doesn't make Akko panic." she adds and can see that everyone in their group was thinking the same thing.
"Knowing Akko…" Lotte remains positive. "I'm sure she'll give everyone something to talk about."
"Damn right!" the American witch exclaims proudly and earning them more looks from the people around them.
"Perhaps I'll try to find Akko…" Ursula murmurs because seeing all the people that were attending today's ball was making her panic a little and feel worried about Akko.
"Excuse me…" they hear a butler tell them formally. "I will please ask you to take a seat at your table because the ball will be starting shortly."
"But…" the red-haired witch says.
"I am afraid I will have to insist, ma'am." he says apologetically while walking them to their table.
"Wow…" Ursula hears the girls whisper behind them and she can't help but think the same thing.
The ballroom, for the occasion, had been turned into quite the spectacle. There were ice sculptures around the room, each one representing a head of the Cavendish family. There were also paintings and images of the Cavendish clan, including their official guardian, an unicorn, proudly standing near the end of the hall. The light, which was of light white tones, gave the right amount of illumination to allow people to roam freely around the room.
Everything made them remember of Diana and her taste and style.
"This room screams 'Diana'." Amanda says and all of them nod in agreement.
"Miss Cavendish chose the theme, the colors and performed the spells that are preserving the scultures." the butler informs them proudly. "She has outdone herself."
"That's right, you've been working at the manor for quite a while." Barbara remembers him from her visits.
"Indeed. It's quite nice to see you Miss."
"If you know them…" Lotte says hopefully. "Perhaps you could let one of us go see Akko? She's our friend and she was also invited to the ball."
"We know who Miss Akko is." he chuckles. "And let me reassure you that she's doing well. I saw Miss Akko earlier and she looks spectacular." he gives them a knowing smile. "Miss Diana will get quite the surprise, if I may say so."
"Really?" Ursula asks hopefully. "She's not nervous?"
"She is. She wouldn't be human if she wasn't." he tells her softly. "But, she also knows that Miss Diana will be quite nervous herself and that has given her the courage she needs."
That sounds like Akko alright… Ursula thinks happily.
"Thank you." she tells him when they find their table. "Hearing you say this certainly makes me feel better."
"We all care about Miss Diana and Miss Akko's happiness. We want them to succeed at this ball just as much as you do." he promises. "Now, if you'll excuse me." he smiles one last time and leaves them alone.
"Wow…" Lotte says from behind her. "I didn't know Akko had made that kind of impression on them."
"They have worked for Diana's family for years." Hannah tells them. "I assume that when Akko helped Diana save the house and brought her back to Luna Nova she gained their favor."
"Akko and her little daily miracles." Sucy says fondly and sits down. "Guess today we'll have to expect one as well."
"You mean you didn't want one?" Jazminka asks confused.
"I wanted a little rebellion." she explains herself. "But seeing Akko leave all of these fancy people speechless will also suffice."
"Oh yes." Amanda smirks. "That I like." she sits as well and the rest of the green team follows her lead.
Lotte and Ursula simply look at each other, nodding in agreement and determining that now there was nothing else for them to do except be there to support the two witches.
"We also want Akko to succeed." Barbara says and Hannah nods in agreement. "And knowing Akko, we're confident she'll do so." they smile at the group and also take their seat, just before the lights are turned off and a hostess comes out to the dance floor.
The Cavendish Ball was just about to begin.
LWALWALWA
I can do this… Akko thinks while adjusting her kimono.
I can do this! she takes a look in the mirror and makes sure that her hair is tied the way she wants it to.
I CAN DO THIS! she checks her makeup one last time and applies a little bit of blush on her cheeks.
"I will do this." she whispers to herself while closing her eyes. "But what if I embarrass her? What if I do something wrong and mess everything up like I tend to do?"
Staring at her reflection in the mirror, Akko tries her best to not bring herself down. She was here for a reason and that was to support Diana. Who, despite knowing her propensity to place herself in chaotic situations, still wanted her to be her date for the ball.
And if Diana wanted her, then who was Akko to deny her?
Determined, she nods once before hearing the door of her room opening.
"Can I come in?" she notices Anna standing outside with a warm smile on her face.
"Sure." she says and watches the older woman staring at her appreciatively.
At least Anna seemed to like the dress.
"Miss Akko…" she tells her softly. "It's almost time."
"Right." the brunette takes a deep breath and follows Anna outside, watching the many maids and workers at the manor give her encouraging smiles and nods.
"It's so embarrassing that they're all looking." she whispers to Anna who chuckles.
"Well can you blame them? You look beautiful tonight."
"Thank you Anna." Akko murmurs. "I don't tend to get all dressed up."
"It suits you." the older woman replies. "I'm sure that the moment Diana sees you she won't be able to take her eyes off you."
Akko blushes brightly.
"I'm pretty sure that I'll be the one that won't be able to look away. She never showed me what she planned to wear." she huffs. "In fact, she only told me that it would match my dress and that it would make it obvious that we coordinated our clothes."
"That sounds like something Miss Diana would say." Anna chuckles. "Always liking to make big impressions."
"Her just walking into a room already makes an impression." Akko murmurs and this makes Anna laugh.
"I'm happy she has someone like you in her life, Akko." Anna says suddenly and this makes Akko stare at her. "I was worried she wouldn't be able to find someone she truly loved. That she would marry out of duty and honor. I raised her and watched her become the woman she is today. And I'm proud. I'm proud to see that she's following her dreams and doing her best to keep her mother's legacy."
"Anna…" Akko whispers.
"So you just keep being your usual self and remind her that life is not only about duty and responsibilities. Make her have fun and get her to do all the silly things teenagers and young people in love do. Please, help her be happy."
"I will." the Japanese witch promises vehemently. "I give you my word."
"Good." Anna smiles and points to a big door. "The moment you hear your name being called you'll step out. Now, I know Diana explained to you how she was going to give a speech to welcome the guests to the party and then inform them that she has a date."
"She has to do so because she's expected to do the first dance." Akko remembers. "And, if she would have come alone, then a person from one of the olde families could have asked her to dance."
"Indeed, but, since she has a date she will be the one asking you. And the moment she calls your name you'll step out and go towards her. After that, I'm sure the answers will come naturally to you." she smirks.
"You sneaky... " Akko mutters but stops talking when she hears Diana's name being called.
"I guess it's your turn Miss Akko." Anna jokes with her.
"Don't think I'll forget about this." the Japanese witch whispers to her but remains quiet when she hears that Diana has taken the microphone.
Guess it's showtime…
LWALWALWA
I wonder how Akko is feeling… Diana thinks while watching the guests take a seat from her spot behind the curtain.
After spending the day with Akko, Diana had been reluctant to leave the brunette witch alone. She had forgotten how much she enjoyed her time with her girlfriend and it had taken Anna a lot of convincing to make her go to her room to get ready.
Looking at herself in the mirror, Diana knew that she looked good. She was using a very fitting blue dress that matched the color of her eyes precisely. Her hair, as it tended to be, was loose and had been highlighted by using a blue broch that had belonged to her mother.
"Diana…" she hears her name being called and turns around to see her aunt Daryl staring at her.
"Aunt Daryl." she acknowledges the older woman. "I'm so glad you could make it."
"Thank you for inviting me." she says carefully. "After everything that happened, I wasn't sure of whether I would receive an invitation."
"You are a Cavendish." Diana simply says. "No matter what went through between us, we're still family."
This makes Daryl look surprised.
"Although I made it seem like I was seeking your position as head of the family, in reality I never wanted it. At least not so soon." she confesses. "But when I returned to the manor and saw the state of our home." she closes her eyes. "I had to do something."
"I understand." Daryl replies. "I made many mistakes. And I almost destroyed our legacy." she admits. "But it was never done out of malice, Diana. I wanted you to know that."
"I do know that. You are my mother's sister." the heiress tells her. "And she always told me wonderful things about you, aunt Daryl. Surely, she didn't lie to me."
This makes Daryl give her a sad smile.
"My sister was too kind. Too good for this world." she closes her eyes. "I know she would be very proud of you."
"Thank you." Diana replies honestly. "I know that we still have much to talk about." she looks away for a couple of seconds. "But I hope that when we do talk, we'll be able to work together to help bring honor and recognition to our family name."
"I'm looking forward to it." Daryl says softly. "Though, and the reason I actually approached you, was because I saw your friends sitting at one of the tables. And there was no sign of the Kagari girl with them."
Diana stares at her aunt, knowing that she suspected. Her aunt had to be aware that she was on great terms with Akko and that the brunette had to be around the manor.
"She's waiting until I call her name to join me for the first dance." Diana admits and watches the way her aunt's eyes open in shock.
"I will not ask you whether you know what doing that means. Instead, I will ask you if you're sure about doing this. Because the moment you do, you'll be making her part of the Cavendish family." Daryl chuckles. "And right now not many people would want that."
"I explained everything to Akko and she's still here." Diana says with a warm smile. "Why? That's a question I also ask myself."
"The rest of the family will not approve. You know what the goal of the Cavendish is, Diana."
Diana nods.
"I'm aware. Yet, I am the head of the family, aren't I?" she says determined and this makes Daryl chuckle.
"Indeed you are." the older woman turns around to see people going to their tables. "Well Diana, for both of your sakes, I hope everything turns out great for Akko and you."
"You do?" the blonde can't help to ask.
"You are my niece, Diana. Which means that if I cannot be the head of the Cavendish, then I want you to be the head. Not those fake Cavendish." she murmurs. "Hence, you have my support."
"Thank you." Diana doesn't know what else to answer but before she can add something else she hears her name being called.
"I guess that's your cue." Daryl smirks. "I'll be in touch." she promises and softly pushes Diana out, making the blonde be seen by everyone in the room.
Making her best to act aloof and indifferent, Diana starts walking towards the hostess, making sure of noticing where people were seated and seeing that all of her friends were at their table. Staring at Professor Ursula, she can see that the older woman was worried.
She's not the only one… Diana thinks and finally reaches the center of the room, smiling in thanks to the hostess who was giving her the microphone.
Taking a deep breath, and knowing that once she welcomed the guests there was no coming back, Diana gives them her best smile.
It's showtime.
"Good evening." the blonde witch says while using her wand to dim the lights down and turn on the special effects she had prepared beforehand. "My name is Diana Cavendish and I want to welcome you to the Cavendish Ball." she moves her wand and rays of white and blue light appear, creating shapes of horses, witches and fireflies that start surrounding the hall.
Letting go of the spell, she can see that her introduction had captured the attention of everyone in the room, most of them now focused on her and her words.
"As head of the Cavendish family, it has always been one of my deepest wishes to host this party. As you may be aware, the event was started by Beatrix Cavendish, one of the nine olde witches and continues to be organized by a Cavendish. We, the Cavendish, take pride in our roots and our history. Hence, the theme for this ball is 'Legacy'." Diana moves around the room and creates shapes of the heads of the Cavendish family. "The legacy our family has given the magic community and the world. The legacy we, as the future of the Cavendish family, have to represent." she then creates a final explosion. "And the one that I, as new head of the family, promise to uphold and continue to improve." she finishes and makes her final spell activate, which was an image of Beatrix welcoming them all to the ball.
Staring at the sight of the witch, Diana hears clapping surround her, it coming from the many tables in the hall.
Smiling, and bowing, the blonde witch nods politely and takes another deep breath before going to the next part of the event, which was the first dance.
"Thank you, Miss Cavendish, for that splendid welcoming." the hostess tells her happily. "Now, as you all may know, the next part of the Cavendish Ball is the first dance. The dance itself comes from the time of Beatrix the Affectionate, who thought that having a small reprieve from the responsibilities of being the heads of families was healthy. Ever since then, the dance is started by the head of the Cavendish family, who with a partner dance and are then joined by the guests." the hostess stares at Diana. "As tradition says, the host of the night must ask the head of the family if they have a partner for the dance. Miss Cavendish, do you have a partner for the dance?"
This question makes the room fall completely silent, everyone's attention is on Diana and what she's going to say.
Ironically, this specific moment, which should have terrified Diana, was the time she had been the most relaxed since the ball started.
"I have a partner." she says confidently and immediately hears the murmurs starting. "And her name is Atsuko Kagari." she finishes and watches the doors of the lobby open, her attention going to that location just as quickly as the rest of people in the room.
Opening her eyes in complete shock, Diana is not ready for the way Akko looks. She knew that the kimono would fit her girlfriend splendidly, making sure of choosing the exact color that matched the brunette's eyes. But now that Akko was walking towards her, it was as if she had been bewitched just like the rest of people in the room.
Akko had her hair in a bun, her usual loose and messy brown locks being kept together by two Japanese pins which allowed everyone see the brunette's neck. Gulping at the sight of it, Diana then takes notice of the way the kimono had been wrapped with a purple silk bow.
It was magnificent.
But if she had to pick what her favorite thing about Akko's look was, then she had to choose the confidence with which her girlfriend was walking towards her. There was an elegance in the strides she took, the way her eyes were also solely focused on her and the intent with which Akko was heading straight to her arms.
Knowing that it was tradition for her date to get to her, Diana couldn't wait anymore and instead decided to close the distance between them, grabbing Akko's hand and kissing it lightly.
Akko, of course, blushes.
"You look beautiful." Diana whispers to her, which makes the brunette chuckle.
"Diana, have you seen yourself?" she then gets a little closer to her. "Because of you I almost tripped before entering the room." she admits and makes Diana laugh.
"Oh Akko…" she says warmly. "I love you."
Akko smiles at her.
"I love you too."
"And, I was wondering if you would give me the honor of joining me for the first dance."
"There's nothing else I would rather do." Akko replies honestly and puts her arms around Diana, letting the blonde guide her to the dance-floor.
(Play track here)
Once the two were in position, Diana nodded and the orchestra immediately started to play. And, similar to the dance they did months ago, it was as if the two of them had been made for each other. The music, which was flowing through them, was guiding Diana and Akko towards complete harmony.
Feeling Akko's hands on her, Diana kept moving them around the dance floor, the routine almost similar to the one they experienced months ago in the middle of the night. That time, they had danced as friends. But today, right now, Diana was dancing with the woman she loves. And, it was magical.
Feeling herself letting go, she can feel that Akko is also getting looser. And, after opening her eyes and getting a knowing look from her girlfriend, she has an idea of what she wants to do.
Knowing that there was no way she would be capable of refusing Akko, Diana merely gives her a warm smile and takes her wand out, watching Akko do the same thing.
Traditions be damned.
Pushing Akko away from her, Diana uses her magic to enhance her arms and legs. Akko, meanwhile starts producing fireflies and unicorns with hers. Nodding in confirmation, she watches the brunette witch dance towards her, her body moving in complete balance. Once Akko is close enough she jumps up and is caught by Diana, who uses her strength to keep Akko still. Smiling, she lowers her down and caresses her face, gesture that is met with a soft kiss on her wrist.
Whatever the people watching thought about this dance didn't matter to them. Right now, this dance, it was for them. A way to confirm to each other that this connection, this moment; was meant to happen.
Diana, knowing that the final part of the dance was coming, feels Akko separating from her and using her magic to surround herself with light. And the blonde witch, who is ready for her part, starts sprinting towards Akko, who gives her a warm smile and then catches her, the two of them exploding in a ray of lights and magic while sealing their promise to each other with a tender kiss on the lips.
One that was hidden to the rest of people by the blinding light.
And, just like their sign of affection had been hidden to the guests, there was also someone at the party watching the two Luna Nova witches intently.
Someone that had been waiting for her opportunity to get revenge.
Notes:
So I guess I lied? This will be a three-part story. Thanks again for all the support and reviews. Hearing your theories, suggestions and likes really makes my day.
Also, with the next chapter I will be uploading a chronological order of the Adventures of Akko Kagari... That way, you can re-read all the stories as they happened in the timeline (instead of jumping from one part to another).
Kudos,
tititenis!
