Everlasting (ch8)

Early release for my higher-pledging patrons!

As you'll be able to tell, I'm basically gonna speed through whatever parts don't have Akko and Diana together or don't have their relationship as the central point. Because this is a fic focused on that, after all.

Disclaimer: I do not own Little Witch Academia.

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													Chapter 8. Reunited

"Yeah! I'll be back!"

/And I'll have Diana with me!/

. . .

That's what she'd said.

But after trekking miles and miles of farmland trails, Akko is just about ready to keel over.

She'd started off taking a ride in a cab out through a leyline-enchanted road, and from there had resorted to continuing on-foot.

Initially, she'd ran as quickly as she could manage, fueled by a passionate determination to see her girlfriend once again and help her no matter what.

But even Akko's energy isn't infinite, and now she's about to collapse.

"I can't walk anymore. And I'm so hungry..."

And then, as if an angel is answering her prayers, she hears the sound of a car coming up behind her. Akko grabs the sign she'd prepared in advance and sticks out her thumb.

"Hiiiiitchhiiike!"

But the car speeds past without a care in the world, leaving Akko in its dust.

"Huuuh... it's over..."

But then, she hears the rolling of tires as the vehicle slowly backs its way toward her once again. Akko perks right back up and spreads a huge smile across her face as the window rolls down-

"Geh!"

"The pleasure is all mine," Andrew retorts. "Get in."

And Akko is far too tired and far too lacking in pride to refuse.

So she squishes herself in between Andrew and his father as the conversation naturally gets underway about where she is headed and why. As his father gets absorbed in the latest news of an outbreak of international violence, Akko whispers to Andrew privately.

"Hey, why are you and your dad going to Diana's house?"

"We were invited. It seems they have something to show us."

"Oh yeah, you two are related."

"That we are." At this point, his eyes narrow rather knowingly. "So what brings you out to the Cavendish estate?"

"I came to bring her back!" She declares it with pride and conviction.

Andrew raises an eyebrow for a second, then shrugs.

"Guess I'm really not surprised."

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"I thought there was something going on between you two ever since the party."

"Uwaaah! W-What do you mean something-"

"Anyway, we're here." With that, Andrew smoothly avoids elaborating on that topic any further.

Akko focuses her attention on the massive estate outside the window and seems content to drop the conversation as well.

There are maids and servants waiting for them upon their arrival, as well as three women who all look very similar. Akko can tell right away they must be related to Diana.

Everyone seems to be giving Andrew and his father a warm welcome. However, they act as if Akko isn't even there.

Clutching her bag, Akko scurries after the crowd and enters the mansion after them as the lead lady of the matching trio starts gabbing away.

Her words go in one of Akko's ears and out the other. She's too fixated on every piece and part of this massive estate and house she can catch a glimpse of. She tries to take it all in as she's walking, but not solely because it is an awesome establishment. She's searching...

/Where's Diana... They didn't lock her away or something, did they?/

As she's mulling over the infinite possibilities of what they could've done to keep Diana out of the way, she hardly notices they've stopped moving in the spacious parlor so the adults may converse. But Akko is hardly paying any attention to them. She's still scouring the place for any signs of Diana.

/The second I find her I'm taking her back! Nothing's gonna stop me! I'm gonna-/

"And who might this be?"

The older woman's voice raises in question as her gaze comes to rest on Akko. Her eyes are almost unreadable, but Akko can tell the ounce of politeness there is obligatory, not at all genuine. There's more suspicion than anything else.

Nonetheless, Akko clears her throat.

"U-Um, my name is Kagari Atsuko!"

"Akko!"

Without warning, a wonderfully familiar voice sounds from behind her. Akko whips around in less than half a second, relief and delight washing through her in waves.

"Diana!"

She's wearing an outfit Akko's never seen on her before, but she can tell right away it's some kind of uniform. Right away she realizes it's the first time she's ever seen her girlfriend wearing pants rather than a skirt or dress.

Akko takes a split second to admire the sight of her, glad that she's all right.

And Diana is relieved as well.

She'd been torn about leaving Akko the way she had, especially because they were romantically involved. She'd only left her like that so it might be a little less painful for them both. She'd hoped Akko would simply let her go and move on with her life to become a great witch like Chariot.

But that was only a small part of Diana. In her heart, she'd never wanted to leave her. She'd wanted to see Akko again.

She just... hadn't expected it to be like this. And so soon.

She isn't prepared. She isn't thinking. She feels as though she's about to cry.

She wants to run to Akko, throw her arms around her, and apologize for how she treated her last night.

But there is a crowd of people here, all of whom are important figures and relations she absolutely cannot afford to show any signs of weakness to.

And she especially cannot allow them to know that she is involved with Akko. There's no telling what her Aunt will do if she finds out about their relationship.

So in those few seconds, as they are staring in disbelief at one another from across the parlor, Akko and Diana come to a silent agreement: they'll just do what they always did back at Luna Nova. Just put on the act.

Diana's expression becomes stern and irked as she marches her way over. She hardens her voice to enhance the act for her relatives.

"What are you doing here?"

Akko, too, is dying to throw her arms around Diana and bring her back to Luna Nova right now. But she knows she can't do that. So for now, even though it's killing her, and she knows it's killing Diana, too, she plays along.

"I still haven't accepted it!"

As though it were all scripted, Diana doesn't miss a beat.

"And what does it matter whether you have or not?! Honestly, you must be touched in the head..."

As her voice softens a bit, Diana straightens her posture. She flashes and impossibly quick smile at Akko to ensure her she didn't mean a word of it. Diana then turns herself to Andrew.

"And would you care to explain why you've arrived together?"

Diana has always had her suspicions about Andrew, ever since the night of the party. She isn't sure how much he knows, but she is certain he knows something. For now, he plays it cool.

"Why hello, Diana. We just happened to pick her up off the side of the road."

Both girls give him an unimpressed look.

But no one is more unimpressed than Diana's aunt.

After giving the order for Andrew and his father to be lead elsewhere, she turns her full attention upon Akko. Advancing a pace, she ensures she is hovering well above the girl. It is a typical intimidation tactic Diana has seen her use many times.

"You..." she drawls. "Are you one of Diana's friends? I'm not well acquainted with the lineages of Oriental witches."

"I'm not from a witch lineage," Akko declares with a smile.

Diana's aunt recoils in outrage.

"What?!"

Her daughters' attitudes change drastically as well.

"She does indeed feel like a poor imitation of a witch, doesn't she?" one sneers.

"Oh, how the mighty Luna Nova has fallen," the other adds. "Is she one of Diana's fans?"

"Perhaps she's come in an attempt to worm her way into the Cavendish family."

"Regardless," their mother continues. "She is an uninvited guest. I trust you can find the door on your own."

Akko's smile contorts into an offended scowl, and she crouches like a volcano about to erupt.

"What's that-"

But before she can explode, Diana throws herself in front of her girlfriend, both preventing Akko from pouncing and shielding her from her family's harsh comments. Her lips curl back in a snarl as she all but barks at them.

"She is as much of a witch as I am! I will not tolerate such a disrespectful tone towards my guest."

Akko is taken aback by her vehemence, but at the same time, she's highly flattered that Diana would do this for her. After all, she can imagine it can't be good for Diana to be acting this way toward her aunt. Akko feels guilty for putting her in this position.

"D-Diana-"

"Come with me."

Her girlfriend turns to face her without a second glance at her relatives. She grasps Akko's wrist firmly and promptly begins to lead her away.

Akko doesn't know how to react to the contact. She wants to be happy about it, but she knows she has to keep up the facade. But it's the first time she and Diana have touched in several weeks. She hadn't even gotten to touch her last night when she'd left...

Dazed, Akko follows after her girlfriend, down several different hallways until Diana's aunt is out of sight. Diana doesn't let go of her hand, even then.

Akko isn't sure what to do, what to say. One of the maids is following them, so Akko assumes she has to keep up the act.

"G-Geez. What's with their egotistic attitude? They're like three times as bad as you, Diana. Besides- uwah!" Akko bumps into her back when Diana suddenly stops walking. Akko retreats a step, only to find herself trapped by the maid.

"Akko!" Diana whirls around, her eyes narrowed. Akko clams up instantly. Diana doesn't even blink. "Why did you come here?"

Akko can't stop herself this time. She drops her bag and instead grabs Diana's hand.

"I'm bringing you back! Uweh..." She remembers the maid behind herself and freezes, sweating slightly as she turns back to look at the woman. Diana heaves a sigh.

"It is all right. Anna knows of our relationship."

"Haaah? Really?"

"Indeed," the older maid says sharply. "I fail to see what the Young Lady sees in a street rat like yourself, but I support her."

"G-Gee, thanks..." Akko mutters.

"She is the only one I have told," Diana continues. "I wrote to her often from school. That is also how she informed me of what was happening back here." She inclines her head to Anna in thanks once again, then returns her attention to Akko. "In any case, I am sending you back first thing tomorrow morning. Just keep quiet until then."

"Whaaat? Why?" Akko blurts. "I came all this way to get you, Diana!"

"And I never asked you to."

"Diana..." Akko's tone drops a pitch as everything catches up to her. She can feel that familiar stinging sensation behind her nose. "S-So... is this it? You're just gonna quit Luna Nova to become the family head? A-And what about us then? Are we...? Is it over...?"

The tears swell up despite her best efforts, and Akko begins to sniffle. She'd managed to avoid thinking about this possibility until this pint, but now it all brims up and boils over.

Her tears start to drip down her cheeks and she can't stop them. Akko puts a hand to the tightness in her chest and looks down, closing her eyes, half expecting Diana to disappear again.

And Diana realizes what she's done.

She's done this to Akko. She's made her this way. She's made her this upset.

Because she hadn't told her anything. She hadn't trusted her enough to-

No. She hadn't trusted herself.

She's never felt more wretched in all her life. Perhaps only last night when she'd tricked Akko and then left her all alone on the Tower.

/How could I have been so foolish? So thoughtless...?/

She'd been so focused on leaving, on confronting her aunt, on fulfilling her promise to her mother. Of course all of those things are important, and they are all things that she has to do.

But she hadn't even considered Akko's feelings in all of this.

Diana feels so awful. She almost feels ill with guilt.

Anna must sense it, because she steps forward.

"Young Lady..."

"Anna," she murmurs. "Please give us a moment. Ensure we are not interrupted."

Diana's eyes beseech her. Anna is the only person she's trusted with this - perhaps the only person she'll continue to trust with it.

Diana has shared many of her secrets with Anna over the years – most of them, in fact. But this is undoubtedly and potentially the most damning.

It had taken her a great about of strength to tell Anna about Akko, even in her writing.

But Anna has always been on her side, no matter what.

Presently, her loyal maid gives a nod, then turns away and walks a few paces down the hall to keep watch.

Now that they are alone, Diana reaches out and gently rests her hands over Akko's. She holds both of them firmly, stroking her thumbs over the backs of her knuckles.

"Akko..."

She says her name like it's a spell, like it might somehow erase all of her troubles.

She wishes things could go back to how they used to be. She wishes she could let the entire world know about their relationship. She'd give almost anything for that, to be able to enjoy a normal life together with Akko...

Diana draws herself up out of her reverie when she remembers Akko is still crying, hiccuping softly. Diana tugs on her hands gently, coaxing her to look up.

"Akko... I... cannot possibly apologize enough... for the distress I have caused you. It was never my intention to leave you. Perhaps... it was necessary for me to depart Luna Nova... But I never wanted to leave you."

Akko doesn't move. She sniffles and holds Diana's gaze.

"Then... why did you...?"

Her words feel like a jolt of lighting in Diana's chest. She takes a step back, but still doesn't release Akko's hands.

"Because... I had no choice, Akko."

"Yes you did!" Akko wails. "You could've let me come with you! You could've let me help!"

"I could not!" Diana snaps. "It would not have been at all permissible for me to have taken you with me! Such an act would have gotten you into considerable trouble!"

"But-!"

"Akko." Diana cuts her off pointedly, and gets control over her voice once again. She lowers her tone, softens her eyes. "It would have been against many rules for me to have taken you with me last night. However..."

Diana retakes the step she'd retraced earlier, bringing herself a little closer to Akko. Her lips curl up at the corners into a tearful smile.

"It is not against the rules... for you to have come after me like this. Even though... I hurt you as I did..." Her own tears start spilling over, and Diana is forced to close her eyes. "I hope... you do not regret coming for me..."

Something awful rises up in the back of her throat, and for a second, Diana truly fears she's about to be ill. She swallows it back down past the lump in her throat, struggling to regain her composure in a place that's now become hostile territory.

Akko ducks her face into her shoulder to wipe it as best she can and gives Diana's hands a firm squeeze.

"N-No... of course I don't regret it, Diana. I don't regret... coming to get you, especially when you need help... when you're alone with this..." This time, it is she who pulls Diana closer. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you upset... I get it now. That you were just trying to honor Luna Nova's traditions. I didn't even consider that..."

Diana lifts her face and flashes her a wobbly smile.

"Only because... you were so selflessly concerned with me."

"Y-Yeah... kind of..." Chuckling sheepishly, Akko wipes her tears again. And this time, she reaches up to wipe Diana's as well. "E-Either way, I'm sorry, Diana."

"As am I. You have... my sincerest apologies, Akko. And my sincerest thanks."

At last, Diana opens her arms. It's an offer she's been dying to give just as badly as Akko has been dying to accept.

The brunette rushes to cover the distance between them, slipping her arms around Diana's sides, hugging her tightly around her back.

Diana allows herself to let her guard down, just for a moment. Closing her eyes, she rests her chin atop Akko's head and lets her tears drip freely.

"I truly... never thought I would meet someone... who would bother to come after me..."

"Of course I came after you!" Akko nuzzles into her collar. "I'm not just gonna let you go off by yourself, Diana! Not if there's something I can do to help!"

And this time, Diana drops her formal manner of speaking, just this once.

"Thank you, Akko."

Diana spares a moment to pet through the girl's hair, brushing her nose softly against Akko's cheek. She kisses her there briefly, a quick and secretive contact. She longs to do more, but her anxieties of being in this mansion and the possibilities of someone else discovering them are too high.

Akko seems to understand that, because she doesn't make an effort to do anything more than hug Diana tighter.

"Sorry again," she mumbles. "For not understanding why you did what you did..."

"I apologize as well," Diana whispers back. "For worrying you to such a degree."

"It's all right. I'm here now. We'll figure out some way to get you back to Luna Nova!"

But her proud declaration is once again met with uncertainty.

"Akko. I am not sure if that will be possible..."

"Huh?" Akko pulls back. "But why not?"

Diana looks away, her eyes flashing about the hallways.

"I will have to tell you about it when we are in private."

As if on cue to cut short any further conversation, Anna turns back to them.

"Young Lady. Please allow me to escort you to your quarters."

Diana instantly pulls herself away from Akko. Anna's words are carefully concealing a warning that someone is nearby.

"Yes," Diana replies. "You have my thanks, Anna."

With a nod, Anna begins leading them onward once more. Diana inclines her head, encouraging Akko to follow behind her maid while Diana brings up the back of their party.

Akko picks up her things and proceeds with a heavy pout on her cheeks. She'd wanted to hold Diana for a little bit longer, and she still wants to know why Diana was so adamant about staying here instead of coming back to Luna Nova.

But she remembers what she'd learned from the fourth Word of the Shiny Rod.

/Patience... Just gotta be patient... I can ask her once we're alone.../

So Akko keeps her mouth shut until they arrive at the doors of Diana's room. Anna leads them inside and turns on the lights, allowing Akko to see for herself what Diana's bedroom looks like.

Desks for working at, books for reading, drawers for her clothes. Not much else other than the essentials, and not a speck of dust on any of it. The little jewelry box chest and teddy bear catch her eye, but before Akko can say anything, Anna is speaking.

"Young Lady..." Her voice is low and hinted with concern. "You seem to be troubled. Allow me to prepare a bath for you. Please relax yourself before you have to worry about Lady Daryl."

"I would appreciate that very much." Diana dips her head. "If you wouldn't mind, could you please prepare some clothes for my guest? I fear Aunt Daryl would never approve of her wearing this dirty uniform to supper."

"D-Dirty?" Akko blurts. Well yeah, guess I did get dust all over it on the walk here...

"As you wish, Young Lady." Anna gives Akko a rather stern look, which makes the girl stiffen, before the maid proceeds to Diana's closest to make a selection. Diana accompanies her to ponder, wondering what could be a good fit for Akko. As Anna paws through her many formal dresses, Diana stops her at a particular one.

"That one should be acceptable."

Anna seems consternated to agree.

"Y-Young Lady. Are you certain? This dress is-"

"I know, Anna. It is fine."

The woman mutters something under her breath, but reaches in to retrieve the dress nonetheless. Akko scurries over in an effort to peer between them and see what's been selected for her. But before she can see it, Diana places a hand on her shoulder and turns her away.

"Akko. Please put your belongings down for now, and allow Anna and myself to make preparations."

"R-Right..."

Akko does as she's told and puts her things down, taking in every inch of Diana's room.

Diana selects a dress for herself as Anna slips into and adjoined bathroom and begins running water for a bath.

Akko doesn't know what to do. She doesn't know if she should sit or stand or lean against the wall. So she opts to stay on her feet, letting her eyes wander. But they always seem to end up back at that teddy bear...

"Will there be anything else, Young Lady?"

Akko glances back to Anna as she emerges from the bathroom. Diana is holding two dresses in her arms, one pink and one blue, but that's all Akko can really discern about them.

"That will be all for now, Anna. Please assist with the preparations for dinner. I shall take care of things here for now."

Anna turns back to send Akko another small glare, which makes her realize "things here" means her. The maid accepts the dresses from her mistress, intending to wash them first.

"Please get your bearings, Young Lady. Something tells me you're going to need them."

Diana nods, then watches as the woman exits the room and closes the door behind herself. With that, Diana turns back to her guest.

"Akko. If you would..."

She waves her over, and Akko jumps at the chance to finally move from her spot. She scurries over with a smile, but Diana seems distracted.

"Please clean yourself up before supper," she requests. "Utilize the bath Anna has prepared. I will prepare a spare set of clothes for you to change into until the dresses are ready."

"Huh...?" Akko's smile disappears. "B-But Diana, I thought you-"

"Akko. Might I remind you it is my family you are attempting to make a good impression on? You should know by now that is no simple feat, and quite frankly, you are already rather far down, given your entrance... So please, make yourself presentable."

"But you were supposed to take a bath, Diana. Miss Anna said so. See?" Reaching out, Akko touches Diana's hands, which have been subconsciously crossed over her stomach, as though it were aching. "You don't feel well, do you, Diana? And I'll bet it's because of me making you feel guilty about leaving me..."

"None of that was any fault of yours, Akko. I have only myself to blame for not explaining things to you properly." For fear of wasting more time on the same conversation again, Diana gets back to the matter at hand. "There is not enough time for both of us to bathe separately before supper. And I believe we can both agree that, of the two of us, you require a freshening-up more, Akko. So please..."

Akko puffs out her cheeks in another pout, but it only lasts for a second.

"Oh~! But there's a very simple solution to that! Don't you think so, Diana?"

The white-haired witch quirks an eyebrow.

"What are you-?" She blinks. "No. Absolutely not."

"Come on! Two birds with one stone!"

"Akko, that is highly inappropriate. Might I remind you where we are? If anyone were to find out-"

"Then we'll just make sure no one finds out! You said Miss Anna already knows about us, right? And no one else is gonna be coming into your bedroom, right?"

"Akko-"

"Diana, it'll be fine." Akko lifts Diana's hands to her lips and kisses each of them, then gives them a squeeze. "Trust me!"

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A/N: Yes, one of my original added scenes in this fic will be a bath scene :3c But it's a long one, so I had to divide the chapters and make it its own thing. So you'll be seeing it next week, along with some more canon stuff.