Matters Of The Heart (ch5)

The final stage of grief for the final chapter.

Disclaimer: I do not own Little Witch Academia.

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														Chapter 5. Acceptance

Diana grows stronger and stronger every day, and Akko helps her do it.

Soon, the white-haired witch is able to eat two full meals a day all on her own. Now that she's eating properly and able to walk, she's steadily regaining muscle. All she requires now is a pill in the morning and one at night, and Akko keeps her emergency inhaler close by at all times.

Diana is made to stay in the infirmary only for a while longer, simply as a precaution. But Akko can tell it won't be long now before they can both finally leave.

They spend just about every feasible second together. Though they can't use their wands or try to practice magic here, Diana verbally coaches Akko, giving her miniature lectures as a professor might to help her recall spells they'd learned in class half a month ago. They always find something to do or talk about.

But when times get quiet and fragile, it's easy for the grief of it all to come rushing back.

Diana will be overcome with remorse and humiliation for what happened – what she believes she allowed to happen.

And Akko is always right there to remind her how beautiful she is, how strong she is, and how much she loves her. She'll kiss the center of her chest, where she knows exactly where the scar lies, and then do the same for her back.

And of course, Akko is often consumed by guilt, because she always ends up blaming herself for it all.

When that happens, Diana reminds her it wasn't her fault, and holds her close until she believes it.

It doesn't take long for one of them to recognize even the slightest signs of the other's discomfort or misgivings. Whenever they sense that weight in the atmosphere, they do everything they can to prevent tears from falling, or stop them if they've already begun.

After all, the embraces and the kisses they share have more effects than any spell ever could.

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Akko and Diana have just finished eating breakfast this morning.

Akko is in the middle of suggesting a walk over to go sit by the window so Diana can breathe in some fresh air. But before they can get up, their nurse comes in with a smile on her face.

"Miss Kagari, Miss Cavendish. Do you think you will be able to handle some visitors?"

Both witches share a shocked glance with one another, then reply simultaneously.

"Yeah!"

"Yes, of course."

With a nod, Nurse Isabella takes her leave.

Akko clings to Diana's hand, her chestnut eyes wide with enthusiasm.

"I didn't know they were letting everyone come back yet!"

The thought of seeing their teammates again delights them both.

However, the person who enters isn't quite who they expected. But they certainly aren't opposed to seeing her.

Akko blurts out her name gleefully.

"Ursula Sensei!"

The woman smiles kindly and waits at the spot where the curtains have been drawn back.

"May I?" she inquires.

Diana straightens up, slightly nervous at the prospect of being seen this way by one of her professors.

"Please."

Professor Ursula makes her way toward them both where they're sitting in bed together. Akko can't stop her jaw from dropping and a swell of emotions from rushing up behind her eyes.

Their professor pauses right at their bedside, and it's difficult for her to stop herself from reaching out to them.

"It's so good to see you, girls."

But to her surprise and delight, Akko does what Ursula herself can't. She leans up and throws her arms around her shoulders, wailing like a child.

"S-Senseeeii..."

Ursula smiles and doesn't hold herself back any longer. She embraces her student gently.

"I'm glad you've made a full recovery, Akko."

After a moment, Akko pulls away, still smiling and crying. One glance at Diana tells her she wants what Akko had just had, but doesn't know how to go about expressing that. Akko helps by giving her an encouraging nudge. She slides off the bed for a moment so Professor Ursula can lean down more easily and wrap Diana in her arms.

The embrace is extremely light – cautious – as Ursula doesn't know how much force Diana can handle.

But she's been so worried about her. All of the staff have. Ursula is so relieved she'll be able to tell her colleagues of the good news.

All her life, Diana has refrained from crying in front of figures of authority. She knows it's unbecoming, and in some cases, could be considered insolent or childish.

But she doesn't feel that pressure with Professor Ursula.

Diana weeps freely in her arms. Ursula sighs in relief, patting her student's hair ever so gently. The sight of their embrace makes Akko emotional all over again.

After a few moments, all three of them ease back and compose themselves. Akko crawls back into bed and puts her arm around Diana. Professor Ursula removes her glasses briefly to wipe her eyes.

"My apologies, girls. This isn't how a professor should be acting."

"We don't mind," Akko reassures her. The woman smiles.

"Thank you." With that, her eyes narrow just a little, and her expression becomes just a bit more serious. "Would you both care... to know what happened?" She looks mainly to Diana. "I understand it might bring up some awful memories for you, but I think you have the right to know if you'd like."

Akko looks to Diana as well. She feels her tense up a little bit, but her answer is firm.

"Yes, please. I would like to know."

Ursula nods.

"Very well then."

She tells them how the Luna Nova staff had chased the sorcerer away. He had already been injured thanks to Akko's prior attack, and Diana's more recent magic. Thusly weakened, he had fled in face of even more powerful witches.

Though she expresses fears that he might one day return, she knows it won't be anytime soon.

For over a week now, the staff have been securing Luna Nova's grounds until they were sure everything was completely safe.

"As such," she concludes presently. "Luna Nova will be opening its doors back up to its students very soon. Isabella Sensei tells me you both should be able to attend classes again before very much longer."

And it's such a relief for them to hear this news.

For weeks, all they've known is this room, quiet days full of uncertainty of whether or not something bad might happen, fearful of Diana suddenly relapsing.

But now, they're able to consider going back to the way things used to be.

Back to lively, fun-filled classes with their friends.

Back to flying brooms and going into town.

Back to normal.

Of course, Diana will need to take things slowly. But Akko plans to help her through everything she possibly can. And if the students are being invited back, she knows Hannah and Barbara will be able to look after Diana when she can't do it herself.

Both girls visibly brighten up at the thought of going back to classes and seeing their friends and professors again. Ursula is glad to leave them each with a pat on the head.

"Rest up, and get better soon," she says. "And I look forward to seeing you both in class once you're up for it. I'll send in the others on my way out."

Akko waves and calls out after her.

"Thank you, Sensei! Wait, others...?" She tilts her head in confusion, but it doesn't last long.

Only seconds later, four more visitors enter the room.

Four more very, very familiar visitors.

Akko's jaw dangles open at the sight of her teammates. Likewise, Diana covers her mouth with her hands, eye wide in surprise.

Akko all but jumps off the bed and rushes to her friends, already crying long before she crashes into them.

"Lotteee! Sucyyy!"

"A-Akko!" Lotte cries out for her in the utmost relief and delight, and hugs her back full-force. Not even Sucy can stop herself from putting an arm around Akko's back.

Lotte and Akko let out their voices as they cry uncontrollably, while Sucy closes her eye and enjoys the feeling of having both of them by her side once again.

Meanwhile, Diana sits alone on the bed, her eyes unblinking as her own teammates timidly tip-toe in.

As usual, Hannah and Barbara are clinging to one another, holding hands tightly. They hadn't been sure what kind of state they might find Diana in.

But the second they see her, sitting up in bed, looking the same as she ever has - albeit a bit paler and more shocked than they've ever known her to be - their knees begin to buckle. They have to use each other for support, and it's a miracle they don't both collapse right then and there.

Their voices are softer than ever before as they whimper her name in unison.

"D...Diana...?"

They'd heard about what had happened to her. Everyone had. She'd been hurt so badly, worse than anything even their most experienced professors had ever seen.

The rumors were that she'd actually died for a brief time...

But now...

Now she's alive.

She's all right.

They stand there like a pair of frightened deer, wanting to run to her, but also not knowing how much she's able to handle.

But Diana's missed them both far too much to allow them to keep their distance any longer than this. She lifts her arms and opens them invitingly. Her eyes beg the others to do what they've been longing to do all this time.

Hannah and Barbara can't run quickly enough.

They all but throw themselves into her arms, clinging to her like they so often used to do.

Before, they'd only ever hugged her like this out of fear.

But now, it's simply relief.

They caterwaul without holding anything back, their shrill voices wailing out her name over and over.

"D-Dianaaaa!"

"We were... so worried!"

Diana puts an arm around each of them and holds them close.

"I have.. missed you both," she murmurs. "I am... very glad to see you again, Hannah, Barbara..."

When she says their names, they only cry harder, their voices rising up to combat Akko's and Lotte's as well.

The entire room is filled with the sounds of crying for several long, emotional moments.

By the time Akko has composed herself enough to lead Lotte and Sucy to Diana's side, Hannah and Barbara have stood once again.

Then, in a peculiar, but not unpleasant gesture, the four of them swap places.

Lotte and Sucy stand beside Diana, both wearing smiles. Lotte wipes her eyes from beneath her glasses and speaks to her politely.

"I'm so glad to see you're doing well, Diana."

For fear of being too blunt, Sucy says nothing, but simply nods in agreement to the statement.

Diana dips her head.

"Your concern is very much appreciated."

But perhaps even more surprising than that is when Hannah and Barbara turn to Akko and hug her as well. Baffled, Akko nearly falls down.

"W-Waaaah-?"

"You saved her," Hannah murmurs.

"Thank you," Barbara finishes.

And despite her shock, Akko soon smiles, and even hugs them back.

Once they have all calmed down, the six of them settle around Diana. Akko is fine with letting Hannah and Barbara cling to either of Diana's sides for now, because it gives her the chance to be close to Lotte and Sucy.

Diana tells them about her successful recovery, though she leaves out all of the unnecessary or otherwise private details. They all share news about when the school is going to reopen and classes will commence.

"It should be next week," Lotte says. "You two might not be discharged by then though, so we'll take notes for you."

Hannah and Barbara agree.

"I appreciate the offer," Diana tells them. "However, I hope to be back in class on the first day alongside the rest of you."

Her teammates whimper.

"E-Even so..."

"Like, don't push yourself."

"Don't worry!" Akko declares. "I'll make sure she doesn't!"

It's at this point Lotte turns to Sucy and whispers to her.

"Sucy, could you go get that?"

"Oh, that thing, huh? Sure."

Akko watches her friend glide back across the room and briefly out of sight. When she returns a second later, she's holding a pink box in her hands. She passes it off to Lotte, who thanks her with a smile. Lotte then turns and gives it to Akko.

"Here! Sucy and I met up in town before coming back here to visit. We both felt bad about not sending you a gift earlier, so enjoy it!"

Akko's eyes begin to water again.

"R-Really? Y-You guuuys!" She throws her arms around them again, nearly dropping the box in the process.

"C-Careful!" Lotte squeaks. "It's a cake."

"Cake?! Seriously?!"

Diana watches fondly as Akko opens up the little box to reveal a red-velvet cake.

These past few weeks - and whenever they're alone - Diana sees a very different side of Akko, one that is much quieter, and more tender.

But she can't help but smile at seeing this side of her again, too. While she appreciates and adores Akko's softer side, she's also missed the energetic, exuberant girl she'd fallen in love with.

She's only snapped out of her little reverie when she feels a tug on each of her arms.

"Speaking of gifts," Hannah mumbles.

"D-Did you get the one we sent?" Barbara frets.

Diana smiles and directs their attention to the table on the other side of the bed. They'd been so focused on her all this time they hadn't even noticed the vase there.

"It is lovely," Diana murmurs. "And the aroma of the flowers certainly makes it easier to breathe. Thank you, girls."

She hugs them both again, and they whimper happily in her arms.

By the time Akko has opened her cake box, Lotte has drawn her wand and provided six plates and six forks. They each take a piece, though everyone – even Akko – agrees to give the biggest slice to Diana.

Akko pulls up her usual chair for Lotte to sit in, while Akko herself sits at the foot of the bed with Sucy to eat. Hannah and Barbara stand beside them as they enjoy their cake.

For the rest of the afternoon, the room is filled with laughter and chatter. The atmosphere is light and content, providing a sense of normalcy and comfort for all of them.

By the time they've finished their cake, Lotte makes a small announcement.

"I think it's time for us to go." She pulls Akko into one last hug. "Sucy and I will be back in the dorm room starting tonight."

Sucy slides in and pats Akko's back.

"Come back when you're ready."

Akko nods, trying not to blubber too much.

"Okay... I won't make you guys wait too long. I'll be back soon!"

"We'll be waiting," Lotte murmurs.

Nearby, Hannah and Barbara twitter fretfully over Diana.

"Th-There's no rush for you to get out of here," Hannah reminds her.

"Y-Yeah! Like don't push yourself, okay?" Barbara adds.

Diana brings them both close for one last embrace.

"I will be fine. You girls have my thanks. I will be back as soon as I can."

They savor the last hug with her for now before pulling back, then get to wiping one another's tears.

Lotte dutifully collects all of the plastic plates to throw everything away. They all wish one another well before Lotte, Sucy, Hannah, and Barbara take their leave.

Once they are alone again, Akko helps Diana out of bed and kisses her cheek. They each take turns in the bathroom, washing up and changing clothes for the night.

They lie down together that night and hold one another, gently playing through each other's hair and peppering light kisses wherever they can.

Seeing their teammates again has made them both ache for their company once more.

But they're both still content to enjoy this time alone together.

Akko pushes herself up a little bit to kiss Diana's lips; even though they've both brushed their teeth, there's still a faint sweetness and taste of sugar there. They both prefer that to salt.

"Night, Diana," Akko whispers. "I love you."

"Goodnight, Akko. I love you, as well."

Diana coaxes her down, and Akko eagerly takes up her favorite position, lying her head over Diana's pulse. Diana strokes up and down Akko's back, tracing the spot where she knows the scar she herself had accidentally inflicted to be. Likewise, Akko nestles close to the scar on Diana's chest, to listen to her favorite sound in the world.

They might both still blame themselves for the other's injuries.

But now, at least they can accept those things, and appreciate the beauty of them, the newfound strength they represent.

Now, Akko truly loves the extra little thump in Diana's heartbeat. She can't listen to it enough.

She can tell by Diana's deep breathing that she's fallen asleep already.

Akko stays awake for as long as she can now and just listens to that rhythm until she falls asleep.

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It's not long after that.

A few mornings later, Nurse Isabella brings them each a familiar set of clean, neatly-folded clothes. The girls recognize them instantly as their own uniforms.

Diana is officially discharged that morning. Akko hugs her and cries for an undetermined amount of time.

This liberation, this elation, this catharsis...

It can only be experienced by the two of them, after all they've been through.

After eating one last meal here together, they both get dressed.

The second Diana steps out of the bathroom, and Akko sees her back in her uniform rather than hospital robes, she can't help but hug her all over again, as tightly as she can.

They thank Nurse Isabella for everything. She gives Diana a bottle of pills that she'll need to take for a while longer, which Diana puts securely into her skirt pocket. The woman also tells her she will be contacting Diana regularly for a basic weekly checkup, to which Diana nods.

After that, the nurse wishes them well and sends them off.

And for the first time in nearly a month, Akko and Diana face the exit door.

Beyond it are so many things, so many people.

Friends and teammates who will cry and smile once they see them again.

Professors who won't be able to stop themselves from hugging them.

Magic lessons they have yet to experience, broom rides they have yet to go on, afternoon walks they have yet to enjoy.

All of it, and more, is waiting for them.

Akko squeezes Diana's hand. Her fingers brush against the pulse in her wrist, counting the beats until it gives its trademark little jump.

Akko gulps audibly and flashes her a glance.

"You ready?"

Diana meets her gaze with calm, confident eyes.

"More than ever."

There is so much yet to come.

So Akko and Diana interlock their fingers and step toward it.

Together.

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A/N: And from here on out, it leads into so many more events of the Years Later AU! There's so much yet to come for these two, all things you can read and learn about via my other fics and Neon's art!

Thanks for reading!