Anyway, just a "little" epilogue I thought up, with both girls about 4 months after my fic ended.
Epilogue assumes events up until the finale happened, so spoilers for up to episode 25. Also assumes Hannah and Barbara coupled up.
"So everyone! The green team's hosting a horror movie marathon tomorrow night in our basement, and you're all invited. Conz's got the movies and Jasminka's got the snacks." Amanda announced. "Sucy and Lotte, you two in?"
The two girls looked at each other before nodding.
"Alright! Couple #2?"
Hannah and Barbara pondered for a second before agreeing and returning their attention to each other.
"Okay then… and couple #1?" At the mention, everyone's turned their attention to Akko and Diana, who were sitting shoulder to shoulder while sharing dessert off of each other's plate.
"I apologize Amanda, but Akko and I already have something planned for tomorrow night." Diana said as Akko sent an apologetic look.
"Oi, already have a date tomorrow night or something?"
"No, no, Diana's helping me with some magic." Akko said as she bit into a tart.
"That's basically the same thing." Sucy deadpanned.
"Huh?" Akko looked at Sucy in surprise.
"Ya got that right. All you two do during those now is flirt." Amanda agreed.
"Eh?!" Akko's face began to break into a blush. "What do you mean?! We work on magic! You've seen how our tutoring sessions go."
"Yeah, and last time we went, you spent the entire time in each other's arms." Sucy retorted.
"It wasn't my fault! It was the Stellaetus spell. It wouldn't get off of Diana unless I did that!" At the mention of that particular session, Diana's face slowly began to warm as well.
"So what you're saying is, you wanted to do that the entire time?"
"Now, now Sucy, we both know Akko improves after working with Diana."
"See Sucy! Lotte agrees with me." Akko exclaimed, hoping to have Lotte back her up.
"… well… I wouldn't exactly say that I disagree with Sucy…" Lotte quietly said, refusing to meet Akko's pleading eyes, much to her dismay and embarrassment.
"Anyway, Diana, why can't you just tutor her earlier. Not like we have class tomorrow." Amanda asked, turning her attention to more calm half of the couple.
"The spell I am currently teaching Akko cannot be effectively performed during the day time." Diana answered calmly.
"Besides, we have a date during the day." Akko blurted out.
"A-Akko! You did not need to tell them that!" Diana scolded, blush becoming more evident.
"Hey! If I have to be embarrassed, you have to be embarrassed with me!"
"How does any of you live with this?" Amanda asked the red and blue teams.
"Lotte finds it cute. Those two are preoccupied with each other and apparently have a bookshelf in their room obstructing their view. I just experiment on Akko as payback." Sucy answered back.
Amanda sighed before turning her attention back to Akko and Diana. "Anyway, we still want you two to come. It's going on all night anyway. Just come by when you two are done with your little date."
"Okay!" Akko answered excitedly for the both of them.
"I can't believe our friends! It's not like we only do couple-y things together." Akko complained.
"They do have a point Akko. You have grown… fairly attached." Diana responded, wishing to calm her down. She was a bit surprised Akko was still worrying about it, given the conversation had happened yesterday.
"Maybe, but who can blame me when you're you!?" Akko asked aloud before holding Diana closer.
"Disregarding that... Akko."
"Yeah Diana?"
"When I taught you to fly four months ago, I had assumed you would offer your friends rides, correct?"
"Yeah, and I do offer them rides!"
"I see. Would you care to inform me why I am the one flying the broom right now?"
"Cause I like holding on to you!" Akko happily said, mood changing as she nuzzled against Diana's back. "You're so warm and comfy."
Diana sighed upon hearing Akko's reason. "You are proving our friends' point."
"Hey! Don't act like you don't enjoy it when I do this. I know you're smiling right now."
"… Be that as it may, I would like to have you offer me a ride sometimes."
"Why does it matter~" Akko asked playfully. "You still fly faster than I do anyway. We've raced before remember?"
"That is beside the point Akko. It is not about getting to our destination quickly. We are rarely ever in any rush anyway."
"Then what's the problem~?" Akko teased. Diana could feel Akko's cheeky smile against her back.
Diana sighed. "Akko, you are not the only one here who enjoys holding on to their girlfriend." Diana said with as much composure as she could muster. She refused to give Akko the satisfaction of knowing she was even the tiniest bit flustered. Thankfully, Akko couldn't see the warmth filling her cheeks.
"See Diana! I'm not the only one who's grown attached!"
"E-even so, you clearly are the more attached of the two of us."
"What do you mean?" Akko challenged.
"You did kiss me right in front of my aunt and cousins the first time you met them."
"They were being rude! I wanted to show them something to shut them up." Diana felt Akko's face change into a pout against her back.
"I had not even had the chance to introduce you to them, Akko." Diana responded.
"Hey, you weren't exactly complaining. Heck, you gave me like three more in return."
"Akko, you play with my hair in the middle of class." Diana deadpanned.
"In Professor Ursula's class! She knew about us before we knew about us! Besides, your hair is really soft." As if to prove a point, Akko ran her fingers through Diana's hair, a sensation the blonde did not find unpleasant in the least. "Anyway, it's not like you don't play with my hair either."
"I-I only do that when we are alone Akko." Diana stuttered, slowly feeling herself growing more flustered.
"And let's not forget those little letters you leave me everywhere. You know how flustered I get when I read those. It's even worse when Sucy finds them before I do or when she reads them while I do. They're so embarrassing!" Akko felt her own cheeks grow warm, remembering the very eloquent love letters Diana occasionally sends.
"Well, excuse me for making sure my girlfriend knows she is appreciated. Would you like me to stop?"
"… No…" Akko quietly answered.
"Then you will continue to receive them."
"You don't… actually want me to stop doing those other things we talked about… do you?" Akko asked innocently.
"… No I do not want you to stop." Diana answered, warmth slowly beginning to spread to her ears.
Akko giggled. "Good." Akko said before tightening her hold on the blonde. "I guess we're both equally attached huh."
Diana couldn't help but chuckle along. "I guess so." The two flew together in a comfortable silence for a time, both just enjoying the feeling of the other with them.
"I would still like that broom ride Akko."
"Maybe some other time… Oh hey! Diana, land here!" Akko said, pointing towards a field filled with a rainbow of newly blooming flowers. "We can eat our picnic here and wait for night!"
"Alright Akko, hold on tight." Diana said, before descending.
Akko rested her head atop Diana's arm as she curled up beside the blonde.
"This is nice." Akko said, nestling into Diana's side.
"Yes this is." Diana smiled, relishing in the feeling of Akko right beside her.
"Sooo… Diana, what's it like living with Hannah and Barbara now?"
"It is normal… for the most part. It is a little strange being their roommate on occasion right now though. They are absolutely inseparable."
Akko giggled. "Diana, they were always inseparable. Even before they started dating."
Diana sighed. "Is that how our friends see us when we are together?"
"Probably. If anything, they might see us as a bit worse, since we were all already used to seeing those two never leaving each other's side." Akko admitted, knowing it was pointless to deny how close her and Diana were.
"Perhaps we should hold back some of our affections around them then…"
Akko wrapped her arms around her girlfriend. "I'd like to see you make me! I like showering you in affection, and I happen to know for a fact you can't resist spoiling me either. Oh speaking of spoiling, Diana, are you free next week for another date?"
Diana wrapped her left arm around Akko's shoulder before giving her an apologetic glance. "I apologize Akko, I have been meaning to tell you this this past week but, for the next two weeks, I have to go back to my estate during whatever days there are no classes."
"Aww, why?" Akko pouted.
"My aunt is hosting a ball in honor of magic reviving across the world. She's invited several noble witch families, as well as some local and foreign dignitaries. As it is an event in the Cavendish household, I have to ensure the preparations occur smoothly."
At the mention of a ball, Akko's eyes lit up. "Ooh! Can our friends and I go too? We did... kinda help revive magic."
"I suppose they could, but it would likely not be that exciting. Truth be told, if I did not most likely have to be there, I would probably not attend. I have... far more pleasant matters I would rather attend to." Diana said before poking Akko's face from behind.
Akko giggled as she felt warmth bloom in her cheeks. "Diana~ stooop." Akko playfully swatted Diana's shoulder. "Anyway, what if I go with you and help?"
Diana smiled, hearing the happiness in Akko's voice.
"I am not entirely sure that would count as helping." Diana joked.
"C'mon Diana, I can do some things! At the very least I can give you some company. That house is way too big for four people and your maids and butlers… Oh! And we can go to that ball thing together! I'd love to see you in a fancy dress again." Akko began to reminisce about how amazing Diana looked at Andrew's party several months ago.
"Should I add ballroom dancing and table etiquette into our lessons for the next two weeks then? I still remember how you ate at my family estate. The servants were appalled at your lack of table manners." Diana mentioned nonchalantly.
"… Your family's bread was really good." Akko said quietly, embarrassed as she remembered the disapproving look Diana gave her at that time.
"Thank you. I will inform the family chef of your compliment when I visit next week."
"Why can't I tell them when I go with you?"
"Oh, you were serious about that?" Diana questioned.
"Of course! Both about helping you and going with you to the ball. You work hard enough as it is! I need to make sure you don't work yourself to death. Even the great Diana Cavendish needs rest too." Akko chuckled as she put as much emphasis into Diana's name as possible.
"Are you absolutely sure you would like to accompany me to my estate and attend the gathering?" Diana asked as she looked at Akko out of the corner of her eye. "While I am sure I would be able to bring a few guests, you would have to meet my Aunt Daryl and her daughters again, not to mention several old nobles."
Akko grimaced at the thought. Diana laughed at the look on her face.
"See, I know you find them unpleasant. There is no need to accompany me."
"Yeah, but I want to! And I can handle your stuffy relatives and a few stuffy nobles if that means I get to be with you. It'd be better than you having to go there alone… besides we could use each other as an excuse to leave that stuffy old party early anyway… We could even have sleepovers together!" Akko said before giggling and tightening her hold on the blonde.
Diana smiled when she heard the sound of Akko's laughter.
"I do suppose being with you would be far more enjoyable than having to be there alone... Alright then, I shall accept your company" Diana said before placing a kiss on Akko's forehead. "Speaking of family, when will I get the chance to meet yours?"
"Hm, do you wanna go with me next time I visit them... probably during summer? I'll ask them if it's okay."
"That sounds nice, yes. I have been working on my Japanese for such an occasion."
"Diana, you know you don't needa do that. Magic instantly translates the language for us anyway." Akko made a point to deliberately speak Japanese to show that Diana heard her in English.
"Akko, I want to make a good impression. After all, I am fluent in numerous magical languages and dialects. The least I can do is learn your native language."
"I'm sure they'll be happy with you. You're Diana Cavendish! Annoyingly perfect in just about every way." Akko said as she pinched Diana's cheeks, much to heiress's annoyance. "Besides I'm sure they already have a pretty strong first impression of you."
Diana perked up at the comment. "How can you be so sure?"
"Ignoring the letters I send them talking about how amazing you are, we were broadcast across the entire world last month. You remember exactly what we did once we had a moment of peace." Akko gave Diana an unamused look.
"Oh, yes. How could I have forgotten…" Diana closed her eyes as she joked.
"Well, not many people can say they kissed their girlfriend in space, that's for sure." Akko said, quickly shifting to a bright smile. "Anyway, are we taking a nap or what? We've got at least a couple more hours until it's dark."
"Fine." Diana got up and cast a spell, covering the both of them in a protective barrier. "We should be safe to sleep for now."
"Good, now that you're done with that" Akko jumped towards Diana and took her into her arms before bringing them both back on the picnic mat. "Time for you to take a nap."
"You are absolutely adorable." Diana laughed as Akko brought her back down.
"I know. And you're gorgeous. Now sleep. You've been way too busy recently" Akko said before nuzzling into the crook of Diana's neck.
Diana smiled as she placed a kiss on the top of Akko's head before melting into her embrace.
Diana woke up to a sight she felt she would never get tired of seeing: Akko sleeping beside her. It's a sight she'd seen many times in the past.
When Akko was waiting for Diana to finish studying.
During breaks, with Akko resting on her lap.
On occasions, when Akko slept over in her room to spend some time together.
Each time Diana saw it, she found herself loving the sight more and more.
She smiled as she watched Akko sleep. The very sight filled her heart with joy.
Slowly but surely, Diana pressed a kiss on Akko's forehead.
Diana sighed for a moment once she let what she had just done sink in.
"I am utterly hopeless." Diana chuckled out to no one in particular. Looking at the girl in front of her, however, Diana found it difficult to care.
Akko groaned, slowly waking up from her nap.
"I am sorry, did I wake you?"
"No, it's fine. I had a good nap anyway." Akko groggily responded. "How was yours?"
Diana smiled watching Akko try to wake herself up. "It was wonderful. Most likely the best sleep I have had in a few days."
"Oh really?" Akko smiled. "And when was the last time you slept as well."
"Akko, you already know the answer to that." Diana quickly responded.
"Yeah yeah." Akko laughed. "Anyway, how long were we asleep?"
"I am unsure, but I do believe the sun is about to set." Diana said, pointing out the waves of red and orange mixing together in waves of blue.
"Ooh! Diana! Can we watch the sunset together?" Akko got up before tugging on Diana's sleeve.
Diana smiled. "Of course Akko."
Akko stood still, focusing her magic into her wand. Light began to gather on its tip.
"Floreo Lumen!" Akko raised her wand up in the air. The light began to rise up from her wand, slowly. It disappeared in moments after it left the wand. "Diana! What am I doing wrong?" Akko cried out.
Diana watched Akko as she tried... and failed to perform the fireworks spell Flores Lumen.
"Hm, Akko can you tell me what you think of when you are casting the spell."
"I'm imagining this giant explosion of light high up in the air" Akko answered, adding on wide arm gestures for effect.
"Akko, we do not need to get to the 'explosion' part yet. Please focus on releasing the light up as high in the air as possible."
"Hm… Oh Diana!" Akko's eyes lit up. "Can you show me the spell please?"
"Akko, this would be the fourth time tonight." Diana sighed.
"Pleeease!" Akko pleaded, her eyes practically begging. "I wanna see you use the spell again!"
Diana wanted to deny her. She really did.
But the longer she looked at Akko, the more she felt her will crumbling.
"… Fine." Diana quietly said, defeated.
"Yay!" Akko yelled, her face showing sheer excitement.
Diana smiled to herself as she watched her girlfriend excitedly take a seat in front of her.
"This will be the last time for tonight, is that clear Akko?"
"Okay!" Akko smiled. Diana saw stars in Akko's eyes, though she was unsure whether or not they came from the night sky.
"Any requests?" Diana asked as she took out her wand.
"Just do whatever you think is best!" Akko happily said.
Diana laughed from the girl's joy... laughed at the situation she found herself in. Five months ago, she could never have imagined herself openly and willingly using such showy and flashy magic for the sake of seeing one girl smile. After all, she had an image to uphold.
Now? She couldn't imagine not doing anything for this girl in front of her. Diana would do anything if at all possible to keep her smiling, laughing. Happy.
But she did intend on keeping true to her word, this being her last time for her to perform this spell for the night. It was time for her to pull out her best display for Akko.
"Floreo Lumen!" Light from Diana's wand shot up high into the air. The light then burst into a bright blue flower, lighting up the entire night sky.
"Ooh." Akko watched in awe. Diana smiled as she heard Akko voice her wonder.
However, she wasn't done yet. Not even close.
Diana waved her wand, and the lights falling from the first explosion began to congregate together into the shape of a unicorn that galloped across the night sky, an explosion of light bursting from each step it made. The glimmers of light from these explosions fell down to the earth, twirling around Akko and Diana before dissipating.
"Woah. Diana that's amaz-" Akko began to speak before noticing Diana was not finished yet.
With more wave of Diana's wand, the unicorn transformed into seven stars which flew up into the sky before exploding into a blue rose and a red rose.
"Was that sufficient Akko?" Diana asked, trying to hide her own joy at seeing Akko's excitement.
"Diana! That was incredible!" Akko yelled before dragging Diana to the ground with a sudden hug.
"I am glad you liked it." Diana said as she wrapped her arms around Akko. The two spent a moment savoring each other's warmth.
"But it is your turn now." Diana broke the silence, picking Akko and herself back up from the ground.
Akko pouted, clearly a bit frustrated she still couldn't get this right.
"You think I'll be able to do stuff like that?" Akko asked as she stared at her wand, more annoyed than worried or sad.
Diana laughed. "Akko, I have no doubt you will. Just… we will take it slowly alright?"
Akko sent Diana a bright smile. "Alright. Any advice oh great teacher?"
Diana thought for a moment. "I think you are thinking about it too hard."
"Huh?"
"After all, all we are trying to do is shoot your magic high up into the sky. By focusing on the explosion as well, you are splitting your focus."
"But then how will I make the fireworks?" Akko asked, confused.
"We will get to that part later. First we should focus on making it possible for you to shoot magic that high up in the first place. Alright?"
Akko pouted. "Fine."
"And Akko?"
"Yeah?" Akko asked, positioning her wand in front of her.
"A believing heart…" Diana started, as one final hint.
"Is my magic." Akko smiled, finishing the sentence. Akko closed her eyes and focused on her own thoughts. Her own emotions...
"Whenever you pour your emotions into your magic, it always comes out as the strongest, most wonderful, magic I have ever experienced"
She channeled her thoughts, her emotions into her magic.
"I believe in your believing heart"
She channeled her heart into her magic.
An image of Diana smiling warmly appeared in her mind.
Akko opened her eyes, the light in her wand changing color from green to a bright pink
"Floreo Lumen!" Akko yelled aloud.
The light from her wand was shot from her wand instantly.
Diana smiled as she saw Akko succeed.
"Good job Akko." Akko laughed bashfully. "That should be enough for today. We ca-"
Diana was cut off by the sound of fireworks exploding from above. Both girls looked up into the air, neither one of them expecting Akko's magic to actually burst.
Diana and Akko both felt their faces burn when they read what Akko had shot up in the air.
The words "I love you Diana" lit up the night sky in bright blue and pink, for all to see. It shined brighter than any firework Akko and Diana had ever seen.
Both girls stood there in shock, even long after the lights had already disappeared.
"… Akko I think it is time we go. Do you think you can you fly?" Diana awkwardly said.
"… Yeah."
The two began to fly back to Luna Nova.
Akko was stiff, nervous, and awkward. She hadn't meant to shoot that up in the air. To let that be known yet. Diana's silence made this all the more awkward for her.
Diana, however, had gotten over her initial shock rather quickly. After all, she already had a pretty good idea of how Akko felt about her. The things they have gone through together had made it overwhelmingly clear.
If anything, there was a pleasant warmth in her chest after having how Akko truly felt be confirmed.
She just wasn't sure how she wanted to proceed from here.
She did notice Akko was unbelievably stiff and quiet, perhaps worried some line had been crossed. Diana smiled as she held onto Akko, attempting to let her know that it was okay. That everything was alright.
However, after feeling Akko's heart jump at the contact, Diana's smile grew mischievous.
"Aww Akko, why are you so stiff?" Diana whispered into Akko's ear.
"I-I, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to-" Akko blurted out.
"'Didn't mean' to what Akko?" Diana asked, innocently.
"I didn't mean to tell you… that…" Akko trailed off.
Diana gasped in faux-shock. "Do you not love me?"
"No! No! I mean yes, I d- It isn't that. I just… hadn't meant to… tell you yet…" Akko nervously said. Diana could see Akko's ears burning red.
"Aww, Akko, is something wrong? Your face is red." Diana teased.
"Dianaaaaa" Akko whined. Diana could feel Akko's heart pounding against her.
"It is okay Akko, just calm down." Diana laughed, trying to calm down the brunette. "I am just teasing."
"R-really Diana?" Akko asked nervously.
"Of course. There was nothing wrong with what happened. If anything, I am quite flattered." Diana smiled as she leaned on her girlfriend.
"That's… that's good." Akko said relieved.
The two sat in relative silence. Diana found that leaning on Akko was indeed warm and comfortable. As much as she had imagined, if not more so. It was perhaps... a little too comfortable.
"Hm, Akko."
"Yes Diana?"
"Would it be okay if I were to sleep right now? You are very comfortable. "
Akko laughed at the sudden disappearance of any tension. "That should be fine."
"You will be alright if I were to sleep correct? You would not need me to keep you awake would you? You did work very hard tonight." Diana asked, genuinely concerned.
"I'm fine Diana. Really." Akko reassured her. "Trust me when I say I couldn't sleep right now if I tried."
Diana rested her head on Akko's back, hearing the girl's rapid heartbeat.
"Actually, Akko. Do you think you can stop flying for a second?"
"Are you sure?" Akko asked.
"Yes I am sure."
Akko stopped the broom in midair.
"Alright, this will be my final instruction as your flying tutor alright?" Diana started to say, sleep clearly overtaking her.
Akko laughed at the sound of her sleepy girlfriend's voice. "Alright Diana. What is it?"
"No matter what. Keep flying steady okay?"
"Diana, I think I will be alright."Akko continued to chuckle.
"Good. Turn your head towards me?" Diana asked. Akko followed, turning to her right.
Diana leaned forward from Akko's side, placing a quick kiss on Akko's lips.
"Di-Diana?!" Akko said shocked, not expecting the contact.
"What did I say about the broom Akko?" Diana giggled at the girl's reaction.
"Fine, fine." Akko pouted, her face beginning to turn red once again. She focused on getting her broom moving forward again.
"You can have a better one back at Luna Nova" Diana sleepily continued.
Akko felt her face continue to warm up upon hearing what Diana said.
Diana then rested her head on Akko's right shoulder, beginning to succumb to the lull of sleep.
However, she kept herself awake. There was one more thing left she needed to say.
"Though, I am unsure why you were so worried about telling me you love me Akko." Diana whispered.
"Eh?" Akko asked, the blush on her face darkening further.
"After all… I was sure I had already made it perfectly clear through my own past actions." Diana whispered even more quietly.
"M-made what c-clear Diana?" Akko shakily asked.
"I love you too Akko." Diana breathed out before finally falling asleep.
Akko felt her heart beat wildly upon hearing the girl's words. Her face finally flared up as it split into a wide goofy grin.
She took a deep breath. After all, she had to focus on flying and on holding back her joy from erupting into sound.
Wouldn't wanna wake Diana up after all.
Akko finally found herself relaxing, as she listened to Diana's soft breaths, felt the steady beat of her heart.
She leaned her head on the blonde's as they flew off through the night sky.
Did this need to be as long as it is? No. No it didn't. That being said, I wanted to try writing an epilogue that was mostly just them talking, interacting in a way that I imagine makes sense a few months after they start dating, after getting used to the idea of them in their relationship. With that in mind, I know nothing "happened" for much of the chapter, but I personally liked how it turned out. It was just them talking, and I think that's sweet.
After all, I wrote this chapter for the sole purpose of being a cute bookend lol. One last tutoring session. One last flight into the sky. I'm really glad I got the chance to write just one more relaxing magical fluff chapter, fireworks being something I imagine Akko eventually wanting to learn after learning some light magic.
Also, if you're wondering why Akko's magic burst how it did, she did put all of her emotions and heart into it after all.
Also here's the link to that one picture I saw someone draw from chapter 11(replace , with .) : kodraws,tumblr,com/post/162981220477/learning-to-fly-chapter-11-idk-maybe-its-how-i
It's cute. I'm honestly super floored this exists, so thanks very much for having drawn it.
It's also kind of surreal finishing this, after all the rereading and going over and rewriting (lol I had to rewrite major portions of these last three chapters). Like honestly, it feels so weird, but I'm really surprised this had as many people reading it as it did.
Anyway, thanks to everyone for taking the time to read my fic. I know it took a long time to get going (example: Diana didn't realize they were friends until chapter 7 lol), but I hope it was as fun a ride to read as it was for me to write. I hope the Diakko fluff was worth it.
Also thanks to everyone who left their thoughts in reviews. They were an absolute joy to read. But most of all, again, thanks to everyone who took the time to read this fic.