Chapter 20

Akko had the opinion that a shower had never felt better.

Her wet hair was still dripping down the front of her t-shirt as she padded into the massive den, feeling relief as her bare feet found the soft surface of a rug and the warmth of a raging fire. Most of her friends had already gathered in the room. Lotte was snuggled up on a rather haughty looking velvet sofa, nose deep in her new Night Fall. Her glasses had been mended at some point.

Sucy lay stretched out across the sofa, toes digging into Lotte's thighs. Her lavender hair was draped over her face, mouth open in a gentle snore as she snoozed.

Two figures were huddled close together right in front of the fire, a soft brown blanket draped over their shoulders as they stared into the flames. Akko could see the bright, wild hair of Amanda and the lighter red braid of... Hannah?

Eyebrows stitched together, Akko stepped toward them. Hannah turned her head, lips spreading into a sheepish smile. From where she stood, she could see their hands intertwined together.

"Oh, hey," Amanda said, following Hannah's gaze to find the small Japanese witch standing over them. She flashed her signature smirk. A half-circle of dark purple and blue had settled around the outside of one of her eyes. "How are you feeling?"

"Um, fine, all things considering," Akko replied, fingers playing with the bottom of her shorts as she stared at the two girls. "What's—uh, are you-" She felt a hot blush rising into her cheek and reached up to scratch the back of her neck. "Er... together?"

Hannah flushed and looked away.

"Oh, yeah." Amanda shrugged and gave Hannah's hand a squeeze. "I guess we are."

Akko's toes curled into the carpet. She struggled to regulate her confused expression, but knew she was failing miserably. "How—I mean, when-"

"I believe that's a story for another time," Amanda said, throwing Akko a wink with her good eye. "If I'm not mistaken, this one is about you and Diana."

Akko glanced around the room. Constanze had dismembered her laser rifle and was carefully inspecting the different components with an expert eye. Jasminka was happily munching on a tart as she watched. Barbara was stretched out on the rug alongside the two, finger tracing lazily over the intricate patterns of the material. Even Chariot was leaned back in a very upright, very Victorian looking armchair, head drooped onto her shoulder as she rested. One hand dangled from the armrest, glasses barely clutched between relaxed fingers.

But Diana was nowhere to be seen.

"Speaking of Diana," Akko said, ignoring Amanda's implication, "Where is she?"

"I think she's still in the shower," Hannah said, bringing her eyes back to Akko's. "She's been in there a really long time, though."

"Yeah, um, I guess she has." Akko ran a hand through her wet hair, taking a step backwards and dipping her chin as she felt blood rushing to her face. "I'm just going to go, uh, make sure she's okay," she mumbled, turning and hurrying from the room before Amanda could make any snide comments.

She could hear the water streaming in a steady rhythm inside. Steam slithered from beneath the door, rising in quickly evaporating wisps around Akko's legs as she leaned forward and gently rapped the wood with her knuckles. "Diana?" she called. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine. I'll be out soon," she heard Diana call from inside.

But Akko could tell that she most certainly wasn't fine. Maybe it was how absolutely normal she sounded, almost cheerful. Maybe it was the magic she felt seeping into her body and tugging her forward. Either way, she grabbed the door handle and turned, finding it unlocked, and slowly eased inside.

She could hardly see for the steam that rose in thick clouds from the shower. Diana's towel was still resting, neatly folded, at the edge of the sink.

Through the warped, patterned glass, she could see Diana's thin, pale body beneath the stream of water. Her hands rested on the wall before her, eyes squeezed shut. Her blonde hair draped, wet and straight, over her back and around her face.

"Akko," Diana said, unmoving. "Please go. You being in here is—it's inappropriate."

"It's not like I haven't seen-" Akko coughed into her hand and stepped forward, trying not to stare as she spoke. "You've been in here a really long time. It's not like you to take long showers. What's going on?"

With a heavy sigh, Diana reached down and turned the water off. She slid open the shower door, stretching a hand forward to snag the towel Akko was holding out for her. "I said I'm fine," she repeated, though when she finally lifted her eyes as she wrapped the towel around her body, Akko could see the red lining the soft tissue beneath her blonde eyelashes.

"No you're not," Akko said, swallowing hard as she stepped forward. She watched a trickle of water drip from Diana's nose. The girl had a bright red scratch that reached across her cheekbone, and Akko resisted the urge to caress it. Her face was flushed from the heat, and Akko reflected for a brief moment on just how pretty she was. "It's Damien, isn't it?" she finally asked.

Diana folded one arm over the top her towel, bringing the other to pinch the bridge of her nose with her fingers. "It's—it's silly, Akko. I hardly knew him. Hannah and Barbara are closer to siblings than he ever was to me."

"It's not dumb." Akko scratched her temple, not really sure what to say. She'd never lost anyone. "He was your brother. That still counts."

Bloodshot blue eyes met her own and, with a sharp intake of breath, Akko realized that tears were streaking down Diana's face. She reached forward, but Diana pushed her hand away.

"I don't need you to see me like this," Diana muttered, folding her hand over her eyes. "You already think I'm weak. Please just... give me a few more minutes."

"Weak? Are you kidding?" Akko's dark eyebrows furrowed. "You're the strongest person I know, Diana. I wish I was as strong as you. And if crying makes you weak, I must be the weakest person on the entire planet."

Diana shook her head. "That's not true." Her hair was slowly curling back in the humidity, though water still fell in slow trickles over her shoulders and chest. Drops fell from her legs onto the floor. She looked down, twisting her toes against the mat she was soaking. "He was all that was left of my family. I know he was an exile. I know he did terrible things. But to know that he was still a Cavendish—that he still honored our family—it hurts. It hurts, Akko. And he didn't—he didn't deserve-"

Diana's voice broke. Her fingers flexed as she pressed them into her eyes, willing the tears to stop, struggling to choke back the sob that stung the back of her throat. She felt Akko's hands closing around her body, pulling her in tight and holding her there even while her muscles tensed uncomfortably. After a moment, she let herself relax into the embrace, closing her eyes and pressing her face into the soft skin of Akko's cheek.

Akko said nothing. Diana's skin was damp against her arms, her hair was soaking through her clean t-shirt, but she didn't care. She could feel the hot tears leaking from Diana's eyes, her thin shoulders curling in as her body rocked with silent sobs. The other girl felt small in her arms, almost childlike, and the magic that seeped from her body seemed to throb in a dull ache.

She knew that Diana felt alone. She didn't have to say it. She had lost her father, her mother, and now her brother. All she had left was a pretty questionable aunt and two awful cousins. And Anna, who Akko knew cared deeply about Diana, but was still, in the end, just the help.

But she had more than that. She had everyone back at Luna Nova. She had all the professors that adored her. She had Lotte, Sucy, Amanda, Constanze, Jasminka.

She had Hannah and Barbara.

She had Akko.

"I began research immediately after your departure," Chariot was saying once they'd all gathered while Anna was busy preparing sleeping quarters for the multiple unexpected guests. "Headmistress Holbrooke and myself were very worried, so I took it upon myself to find a way to help."

Night Fall had slipped from Lotte's hands as she snored against the stiff pillow she'd been resting on. Sucy, too, was fast asleep, one arm stretched across her face, a puddle of drool seeping onto the cushion of the sofa. Hannah and Amanda were still cuddling close by the fireplace (and had earned a very shocked stare from Diana when she'd walked in) and Akko sat near them, enjoying the fire warm on her back.

Aunt Daryl, Maryl, and Merrill had joined and were seated in the corner in their nightgowns, listening attentively, though saying nothing.

Constanze and Jasminka were still sitting on the floor, the former clicking the last pieces of her laser rifle back into place. Barbara had moved to sit at a small table, which held a very ornate and old looking chessboard, with Diana, who had her hands wrapped around a full cup of steaming tea. She had remained silent the whole time, blue eyes locked on the ground in front of her in thought.

Akko wanted her to come over and climb into her arms in the way that Hannah had done with Amanda. Her chest ached for the touch, for the affection, but she knew it wouldn't come.

"I did as much research as possible on the Order of Aurelion. I found a text that detailed their capabilities and limitations, and a phone call to Professor Meridies—you know she's working at the Ministry now, right?-confirmed that there was a Philosopher's stone that was unaccounted for."

"If they knew all this, why weren't they doing the dirty work?" Akko grumbled, picking at scab on her knee.

"They were only aware of its disappearance," Chariot clarified, "Not its location." She ran a hand through messy red hair. "We were also able to reach out to a specialist in the field of ancient cults, who had quite extensive knowledge on the Order. It took quite a while, and I feared that we wouldn't make it in time to help."

"We," Akko repeated, glancing around at her friends. "How did they—why-"

"They chose to remain at Luna Nova for the holidays," Chariot said. She acknowledged Anna with a nod when the maid returned. "They knew something was wrong and they care very deeply for the two of you. There was no convincing them otherwise."

Akko felt herself smiling.

"Can't get rid of us," Amanda said. The flickering light of the fire lit the playful grin that spread across her lips.

"We were very worried," Hannah added.

Anna cleared her throat from the entrance of the room. "If I may, honored guests, your rooms are prepared. You will find that your luggage has already been carried up for you. If anyone needs any additional accommodations, you only need ask."

"Thank you, Anna," spoke Aunt Daryl from where she sat stiffly, one leg crossed delicately over the other. "I know our visitors were unexpected, so I certainly appreciate your diligence."

"Stay."

Akko looked up to see that Diana had lowered her teacup and leveled her eyes with the rest of the room. She pushed her drying blonde hair behind her ear and repeated herself.

"Stay. We will enjoy the remainder of the holidays here," she said.

Anna nodded, offering a small bow and a, "Certainly, my lady," before taking her leave.

"Oh, we don't want to be a burden," Chariot said with a smile and a wave of her hand. "We were planning on heading back to Luna Nova in the morning. I wouldn't expect your household to go out of the way to accommodate us."

Diana shook her head, glancing at Akko before returning her gaze to Chariot. "No, I insist. We couldn't have possibly sealed the Second Realm without your help. Akko and I are alive because of you. It would be my pleasure to host everyone for the remainder of our break. Besides-" Diana looked down, and Akko could see the hint of a blush cropping up on her cheeks. "It would be nice."

"Nine, that's so cool of you!" Barbara exclaimed, grinning with glee. "A Cavendish holiday! I've always wanted to visit, and now I get to spend my whole break here? Wow, Diana!"

"Do you think we can stay in the same room?" Akko heard Hannah whisper to Amanda. She shot them a wide-eyed look, which resulted in two equally red faces staring back at her.

Akko sighed as she turned and looked into the orange flames that gently licked the confines of the fireplace. For the first time since the appearance of the red sigil, she felt a warm comfort envelope her entire body. She was safe, and so was everyone that she loved. Maybe a little different, maybe a little bit tired, or sore, or bruised... but safe. That was all she could ask for.

"Akko?"

Akko looked up from the Shiny Chariot card she had been mulling over to find Diana standing in the open doorway of her room, one hand resting on the frame.

She shoved the card under her pillow, blushing as she sat up a little straighter and shifted her legs beneath the covers. The light from the lamp on her side table filled the room in a comforting orange glow.

"Would you mind if I-"

"Not at all," Akko interrupted, scooting over on her bed to open room for Diana. One hand lifted the covers in an invitation.

Diana's cheeks turned a bright red. "It's not that nature of visit but-" she swung the door quietly shut and padded to the bed, hesitating for a moment before climbing into the bed and sliding under the covers with Akko. She felt the other girl's soft legs intertwine with her own as she settled against the pillow with a sigh. Her pulse quickened as their magic threaded together, a wavering green glow settling around their bodies.

"Hey," Akko said, lifting a hand to Diana's face to cup her cheek. She ran a finger along the cut beneath her eye, breath shallowing as her gaze fell to pale lips.

"Hi," Diana replied in a way that made Akko's chest throb. "I wanted to apologize."

Akko narrowed her eyes, bringing her hand to Diana's arm and gently tracing the smooth skin of her arm. "You have nothing to be sorry for."

"I was a bit out of line earlier." Diana squeezed her eyes shut, sighing beneath the other girl's soft touch. "I'm not accustomed to having my vulnerabilities on display."

"What vulnerabilities," Akko grumbled. "You're basically perfect."

"Hardly." Diana's eyes blinked back open, blue meeting comforting red. A oppressive silence fell over them like a heavy blanket, unspoken words echoing through both of their minds.

"Akko-"

"Diana, I-"

Akko chuckled. "You first."

Diana hesitated. "Akko, do you... regret... the other night?" she asked, tensing her jaw as she peered into the Japanese witch's crimson eyes.

"Of course not," Akko said quickly. "Do—do you? Or did you only... since we might've died and all..."

Diana's blue eyes softened. "That's preposterous," she murmured. "I regret nothing." She slid an arm over Akko's waist, fingers brushing mindlessly against her skin. "But I thought I had lost you today. I was—I was really frightened."

"Hard to kill a witch," Akko said, feeling her skin tingle with warmth wherever Diana's fingers fell. "At least, that's what Sucy says. Besides, I thought I had lost you. You just... disappeared. You were gone. I'm not sure I can handle many more of these death defying adventures."

Diana felt a smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. "Me, neither," she replied. "But death defying adventures seem to like your company."

"I—I'm sorry," Akko stammered, frowning. "I know trouble follows me. If you can't—if you don't want-"

"I want," Diana whispered, leaning in to plant a kiss on Akko's soft lips. "I have wanted for a very long time."

Akko's heart was racing. She felt her cheeks burning as Diana pulled back, the ghost of her touch still whispering on her lips. "How long... exactly?" she heard herself ask, breath hitching in her throat as light blush dusted across the blonde's face.

Diana blinked away in thought. A few moments passed before she finally said, "I'm not certain. I can't offer a timeline or a specific moment. It just happened."

"I can," Akko said with confidence, smiling into Diana's bewildered blue eyes. "It was that night I found out about Chariot and—well, you know—the whole magic thing. You found me in the snow in Blytonbury and took me for tea, remember?"

"Of course I remember."

"And you were—I don't know, I can't really explain—you were different. Don't look at me like that," Akko said with a chuckle, "I mean different in a good way. It was easy to admire you before that. I mean, you're beautiful and smart and so good at magic." She ran her finger over Diana's cheeks, over the deep flush that built with the compliments. "But that night... I don't know. I fell—I fell-"

"Hey, Akko!"

The door to Akko's bedroom burst open. Amanda, Sucy, and Lotte rushed in. Diana and Akko lurched away from each other so fast that Akko fell from her own bed in a tangle of sheets and flailing limbs, smacking her head on the floor with a groan and a, "Why me?" as Diana yanked the remaining blankets up to her chin as though she was going to hide under them. Her whole face flared a bright cherry red and Akko was sure that steam was going to start coming from the other girl's ears.

"Oh," Lotte said. "Hey, Diana."

"Nice," added Amanda with a smirk.

"Knew it," drawled Sucy.

"It's not—nothing inappropriate-" Diana stammered, burying her face in her hands.

Amanda grinned as she ran her hands through her hair. "This time," she said, chuckling. "Akko, we just wanted to see if you wanted to hang out with us for a bit, but I see you're busy, so..." she waved a hand at Akko, who was scrambling to her feet and rubbing her head, and Diana's mortified face. "Nevermind." She turned and left, slapping her hand over her mouth as her laughter intensified.

"Took you two long enough," Sucy muttered, the corner of her lip quirking up in a sneer. "Anyway, see you," she added before following Amanda.

Lotte lowered the hand that had risen to her mouth, blushing furiously, but also smiling so wide Akko thought she was going to tear the corners of her mouth. "I'm so, so sorry," she said, backing slowly out of the room before adding a, "So cute! Like Edgar and Arthur!" and taking off after the others.

"By the Nine," Diana groaned into her hands when they'd left, watching as Akko stumbled, blushing, to the door and quickly shut it. "This is humiliating."

Akko turned, eyebrows scrunching together as she stared at the blonde witch sitting in her bed with her knees drawn up to her chest. "Wait, are you really... embarrassed?"

"No, no," Diana said quickly, lifting her hands and waving them across her face for emphasis. "Not of you. Not of this. I would have just rather they found out in a not so... inappropriate... position. Say, us telling them?"

Akko hummed. "Well, it's not like we were doing anything."

"Still..."

A devious smile was spread across Akko's face as she climbed back into the bed, planting a hand on Diana's shoulder and pushing her back against the pillow. "Well, I locked the door this time," she murmured, threading her fingers through Diana's hair and dipping down to capture the other girl's lips with her own. "So now we can be inappropriate all we want."