Back To Back (ch9)

EARLY RELEASE FOR MY $20+ PATRONS!

Okay so this is actually for Dianakko Week this time; physical affection day! I feel I've done fluff to death for these two, but I got one little idea that actually, literally fit with the "back to back" aspect of the title, so here goes nothing. I think it's kinda sloppy but whatever.

They don't have gym class in the anime, but they do in the manga, so there.

They're dating in this chapter.

Disclaimer: I do not own Little Witch Academia.

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														Chapter 9.

For whatever reason, Akko has been feeling more energized than usual today. She's super antsy all during their lecture classes, and all of her classmates (and professors) notice. After she gets scolded for the umpteenth time to sit still, Akko pouts and crosses her arms.

"Hmph! It's not my fault I have so much energy..."

Lotte leans over to her and taps her shoulder.

"We have gym class today, don't we Akko? Maybe try to save up all your energy for that."

"Oh yeah, you're right! Great idea, Lotte!"

So Akko straightens up, though she doesn't really listen to the lectures any better. Now her mind is just focused on waiting for gym class when she can let loose. She fidgets her way through morning classes and lunch until the bell finally rings.

"Yes! Finally!" Akko tears off toward the locker rooms to throw on her t-shirt and shorts, and is outside and ready even before Instructor Nelson. Akko lets out some of her jitters as the rest of her classmates exit more normally. Only Amanda seems to be matching Akko's energy.

"Yo, Akko! Someone's fired up today, huh?"

"Yeah! I don't know what it is, but I'm just ready to roll!"

Everyone else files out, with Diana and her team being some of the last. Akko notices her girlfriend's arrival is a bit strange; Diana is typically one of the first ones ready to any class, even if gym isn't her strong suit. But before Akko can wonder why she was almost late today, Instructor Nelson arrives.

"All right ladies, as you know we're having gym today instead of flying lessons. But we're still going to have a bit of a relay competition!"

A mixture of groans and mumbles ripples through the crowds, but Akko and Amanda already have fire in their eyes.

"A relay?!" Akko squeals. "I'm so ready!"

"Quiet!" Nelson quips, and Akko clamps her mouth shut. "Now then, this is going to be a partner relay, so find someone to stretch out with a bit and then get ready."

Akko's first instinct is to look for Diana, but she's sort of disappeared behind a small crowd. So the brunette next turns to her own two teammates. But Lotte and Sucy have already stepped close together in a clear declaration.

"I think we're better suited for each other's energy levels today," Lotte explains reasonably.

"Yeah. You're too crazy," Sucy mumbles. "Even for you."

"Fine by me!" Akko jeers. "I'll see you guys at the finish line when you come in dead last!" She turns around to look for her only remaining viable option. If she and Amanda were to team up, they'd win for sure. "Oyyy, Amanda!" Akko scurries over to redhead.

But Amanda is already stretching out with Jasminka.

"Huh? Oh, sorry Akko. Usually I'd totally go with you, but Consey is sitting out today so Jasna needs me."

"Sorry, Akko," Jasna whimpers.

But Akko just gives her a thumbs-up.

"Don't mind! You guys'll kick butt if you're together!"

"Hey," Amanda says. "Maybe I'm stating the obvious here, but isn't Diana kinda... your girlfriend?"

Akko blushes a little.

"Y-Yeah. I think?"

"She is, idiot." Amanda bonks her on the head and Akko yelps.

"Hey!"

"Don't gimme that. Go be her partner. She's all alone over there."

"Huh?" Akko turns to look back toward the group of girls who had been surrounding Diana earlier. They'd all dispersed into their own pairs, of course with Hannah and Barbara together as well. Diana, however, is by herself heading toward Instructor Nelson.

"Looks like she doesn't have a partner," Amanda observes. "And is gonna ask Nelson to be a group of three with someone."

"Oh! Then I can be her partner!" Akko chirps.

"Great idea, genius." Amanda gives her a push on the back. "Now go get her!"

"Right!" Akko charges ahead through the crowds with her target in sight. When she's close enough, she jumps and gives a shout. "Diii~aaa~naaa!"

Akko all but plows into her from behind, throwing both arms around her girlfriend in a sloppy hug that nearly bowls the other witch clean over.

"A-Akko!" Startled, Diana tries to find her balance to prevent them both from falling. "What in the world are you-?"

"Don't worry!" Akko blabs. "I'll be your partner, Diana!"

Diana blinks, then shakes her head.

"I appreciate the thought, Akko. But you might want to ask someone more on your wavelength today. I was about to tell Instructor Nelson-"

"What is with everyone and energy wavelengths today? C'mon, let's just get it over with in one fell swoop! Let's stretch!"

"Akko, you aren't listening to-"

"It's okay! We got this! C'mon, let's stretch a bit!"

"Akko-"

The bit of commotion has started to draw the attention of other witches. As Akko turns back to back with Diana and locks her arms through her elbows, Hannah and Barbara shriek softly nearby.

"Akko?! What is she doing?"

"Doesn't she know Diana is-"

But Akko is too excited about the relay. She doesn't hear anyone's concerns, nor Diana's flustered attempts at protest.

"Here we go!"

"A-Akko, please-"

"Hup!" With her arms locked through Diana's, Akko leans forward and pulls the other witch across her back.

She's done this stretch with plenty of classmates before, even Diana herself once or twice.

But this is the first time Akko ever hears something so loud.

There's a definite crack, one Akko can feel in her own body, even though it wasn't her that it came from. She freezes for a second with Diana on top of her. She can feel her trembling slightly, and then a suppressed sound of pain escapes her lips.

"Ah-"

Everyone else seems to stop talking and grow quiet at the sound of it, and they turn to look. Akko gulps.

"Uh...? Diana...?"

"P-Please... let me down..."

"R-Right-!" Akko slowly straightens up and loosens her hold on Diana's arms. But Diana sways and nearly loses her balance, hunching forward with her arms over her stomach. Hannah and Barbara rush in yelping.

"D-Diana?!"

"Are you okay?!"

They hold her up, rubbing her back and patting her shoulders. Diana fumbles to catch her breath.

"I'm... I'm fine... just a bit winded..."

Everyone starts to mumble in concern as Nelson approaches to see what's going on. Akko still can't understand what's happened.

"Uh, Diana? What-"

But before she can finish, Hannah and Barbara whirl around to glare at her.

"Geez, Akko! Do you, like, ever listen?!"

"Diana's had a really bad stomachache all morning! She was going to ask Instructor Nelson if she could sit out today!"

"Diana was telling you to stop!"

"You hurt her, Akko!"

"...Huh?" Suddenly, all of Akko's prior energy seems to get sapped away. Her knees start to shake and her chest feels tight.

Diana can see what's happening, and in spite of her own pain, she gently pulls Hannah and Barbara back.

"Girls, it's all right. She didn't know."

"But she could've listened!"

"Yeah! You were trying to tell her!"

"All right, break it up!" Nelson claps once to get everyone's attention. "What's going on here?"

"Professor-"

"Diana's hurt!"

"What's that?" Nelson looks past the tearful pair of witches to Diana, who is still more composed than anything.

"It isn't anything serious," she explains. "I'd just wanted to ask... if I could possibly be excused for today?" She does her best not to wince during the conversation, but the churning in her stomach has gotten a bit more poignant since the incident just now. Nelson rests a soft hand on her student's shoulder.

"With perfect attendance like yours, and a legitimate excuse? 'Course you can take the day off."

Diana lets out a sigh.

"Thank you very much."

Akko watches everything unfold in dumbfounded silence. She still can't believe what had just happened; that she'd been so eager and tunnel-visioned on something as stupid as a relay race as to ignore someone else's health.

And Diana, of all people. Her girlfriend, who she was supposed to know and respect more than anyone. All because she just couldn't listen...

"Now then," Nelson is saying. "You seem a bit unsteady, Diana. Would you like one of your teammates to help you back inside?"

Hannah and Barbara perk up, sniffling.

"Yes, please!"

"We can totally-!"

"H-Hold on a sec!" Everyone turns to look at Akko as she cuts in. She hangs her head low and avoids eye contact with Hannah or Barbara. Instead she looks guiltily to Diana, and then to Nelson. "C-Could I maybe go with her? It's my fault she got hurt, Professor."

Hannah and Barbara growl defensively as Nelson puts a hand to her chin.

"Well, I could tell you were rarin' to go today, so this doesn't seem like an excuse to skip out."

"N-No, ma'am! I really just wanna help make things right since I'm responsible..." As Akko hangs her head, Nelson looks to Diana, who nods.

"All right then," Nelson says. "Like you said, it's your responsibility, Akko. Take care of her now and make it right."

Akko straightens up right away and salutes.

"Yes, ma'am!"

With this, Nelson disperses the onlookers and gets back to instruction. Only Hannah and Barbara remain to bar Akko's way, disapproving and stern.

"Y'know, you really need to learn how to listen to people, Akko!"

"See what happens if you don't? It isn't all fun and games, you know!"

"I know..." Akko's voice lacks the usual argumentative pep it usually has when she's talking to them. This time, she's genuinely apologetic. "I'm really sorry. I'm gonna make it right, I swear!" She gives them that earnest Akko look, the one that even they can't argue with. Both of them just sigh and let their anger fade.

"Fine. But you'd better take good care of her!"

"If you don't, we're gonna hunt you down!"

"Okay! That's fine by me!" Akko agrees. "If I don't do a good job, you guys can do whatever you want to me!"

The three of them maintain a hard stare for a moment longer before the pair finally backs off, but not without a few more whimpers and hugs for Diana. Once they've gone, Akko turns sharply to her girlfriend.

"Diana! I'm so-"

"I know, Akko. Let us just go back inside for now."

Akko can tell Diana is trying to smile to reassure her, but her arms are still crossed around her stomach, and her brow is still tight-knit in pain. So Akko saves her ranting apologies for later and focuses on the task at hand.

She carefully slips her arm around Diana to support her and slowly begins guiding her back into the building. She brings her to the locker room and helps Diana down onto a bench, then Akko bolts off and makes quick work of shedding her gym clothes for her regular uniform again.

She returns to find Diana has already gotten back into her skirt, but is struggling with her t-shirt. Her movements are stiff and uncomfortable, and she keeps gasping and wincing in between. Akko limps over timidly like a scolded dog.

"Here, l-lemme help."

Diana must really be in pain, because she doesn't even protest.

Akko carefully rolls up the ends of Diana's t-shirt and slowly pulls it up over her head. Curls of silver hair bounce and cascade down around her shoulders and chest, but Akko is too upset to even be embarrassed to see her in her under-clothes.

She hands Diana her neatly-folded button-up shirt and helps her slip her arms into it, then begins doing the buttons for her. Akko is very careful not to touch her stomach as she does so.

Diana, on the other hand, is a bit taken aback by Akko's forwardness to do everything for her now.

"Akko, I can manage-"

But she stops. She knows Akko won't forgive herself if she doesn't at least do this much for her. So Diana redacts her statement and remain quiet.

Akko finishes up the last button at Diana's collar, then does her ribbon for her before handing her her vest.

"J-Just tell me if anything hurts, okay?"

"Very well." Diana accepts the vest and Akko helps her into it with ease. Diana maintains her good posture and draws in a deep breath. A twinge goes through her chest and she flinches. Akko notices and slumps to her knees on the floor in front of her, head bowed.

"I'm... I'm really sorry, Diana..." Her shoulders begin to shake, and Akko can feel heat rising up in her eyes. Diana reaches down gently to pat her shoulder.

"Akko, there is no need for that."

"But-!" Akko lifts her head up, and the tears just spill over. "Hannah and Barbara were right! I hurt you! Just because I wouldn't listen..."

"It wasn't anything serious."

"That doesn't matter!" Akko shakes her head and sniffles hard. "I never listen... and this time it actually hurt someone... you of all people..." She starts to hiccup, and the sight of her like this hurts Diana more than any stomachache ever could. She reaches out and wraps her arms gently around Akko's shoulders, pulling her forward, cradling her head against her chest. Akko sniffs again and slowly loops her arms around Diana's waist, burrowing into her uniform. "I'm really sorry..."

"I know you are. And I forgive you." Diana leans forward a little and kisses the top of her head.

Akko is so lost in the comfort for a moment she forgets that she isn't the one who's supposed to be being comforted right now. She tries to pull back, clearing her throat.

"Diana, isn't this hurting-?"

"Not at all," Diana murmurs, pulling her back in. "In fact, I believe this is helping me feel a great deal better, Akko."

"...Really?"

"Yes." She sighs and closes her eyes, resting her chin on Akko's head. Akko dares to squeeze her a little tighter.

"I'm sorry."

"I know."

"I'm really sorry."

"I know."

"I'm really really sorry, Diana..."

"I know, Akko."

Diana cards through her hair for a moment and breathes in deeply.

Akko listens as she exhales, and it's a little shaky. She can hear that Diana's pulse is a little too quick, and every now and again she'll flinch.

Akko makes herself stop crying as quickly as possible; she was supposed to be taking care of Diana, not the other way around. When she's finally over herself, Akko leans back a little to look up at her.

"Your heart's beating kind of hard, Diana. Did you go to the nurse yet?"

Diana heaves another breath.

"Not exactly. I would rather not if it wasn't absolutely necessary-"

"But now it's kind of absolutely necessary," Akko decides. She pushes herself up to her feet and keeps her arms around Diana, helping her up slowly. Diana staggers a little and her free hand goes to her stomach again. Akko narrows her eyes in determination. "I'm taking you to the nurse for some medicine. Then you should go back to your room and rest."

She draws Diana's arm across her shoulders and helps her begin the walk toward the infirmary. But Akko is sure not to go too quickly. She controls herself and matches whatever wobbly pace Diana sets.

It takes them a few moments, but when they finally arrive, Akko lets out a long sigh of relief. Diana converses with the nurse, who looks her over for a brief examination. Akko sits beside Diana all the while, rubbing her back for her softly.

Once the nurse has concluded it's nothing more serious than a bad stomachache, she gives Diana a bit of medicine and orders her to rest until supper. With that, Akko helps her girlfriend up again and escorts her back to her suite.

"Is it okay if I come in?" she asks once they arrive. "I just wanna make sure you're okay, then I'll let you sleep! I promise!"

Diana smiles gently.

"It's quite all right, Akko. Please come in."

So Akko follows her into the familiar room, which is quiet and still without its other two occupants. Akko isn't sure where to bring Diana until she hears a soft little moan from her, so Akko decides to take her directly to her bed.

"C'mon, you gotta lie down." Akko leads her across the room and around the bookshelf to Diana's standalone bed. She limps over with her and carefully sits down beside her. Diana lets out a tight breath.

"Thank you." She begins to lean forward to remove her shoes, but stiffens as another pang goes through her stomach. Akko flails to stop her.

"W-Wait, Diana! Don't move like that, it'll only make it worse!" Akko jumps off the bed and kneels in front of her to begin removing Diana's shoes herself. "I'll handle this, don't you worry!"

Diana winces and gradually straightens up again.

"My apologies. Thank you, Akko."

"Don't apologize! And don't thank me, either! This is nothin'!"

Akko makes quick work of removing Diana's shoes for her and neatly puts them aside as Diana would like. Then she returns to take her seat next to her girlfriend. She can tell Diana is still in pain in spite of the medicine, but she's doing her best to suppress it. Akko puts a hand on her back and rubs slowly.

"Geez, Diana. You could've accepted when she'd offered to use a healing spell. Why make yourself suffer like this?"

Diana chuckles lightly.

"I'd hardly consider this suffering, Akko. It's just a bit uncomfortable."

"A bit?" Akko parrots. "Diana, you can barely walk by yourself!"

"It isn't nearly as bad now that I've been treated," she assures. "And besides, a little pain can be beneficial every once in a while."

Akko gives her a confused and concerned look.

"Uhh, Diana? Are you sure you're okay?"

"Yes, Akko. What I meant was it isn't good for us to rely solely on healing spells and magic when it isn't absolutely necessary. Our bodies do need to learn how to repair and handle themselves even without magic, in spite of us being witches. If we were to use magic for every single solution instantly, we would be lacking the opportunity to improve in other departments."

Akko remains puzzled, but she thinks she sort of gets the gist of what Diana means.

"I guess that kinda makes sense... B-But listen, if it starts to get bad again and you're seriously in pain-"

"Don't fret, Akko." Diana rests a hand over hers. "If that were the case, I would not simply try to tough things out. I would accept a healing spell if it got to that degree. But as I am now, just waiting for the medicine to take effect and getting some rest should do the trick."

Akko is still a little doubtful at first. She knows Diana is the type to try and handle everything by herself because she doesn't want to inconvenience others, even if it's at her own expense.

But as she continues trailing her hand up and down Diana's back, she can tell her girlfriend is definitely in better condition now than she'd been earlier. Diana's breathing has become steadier, and she isn't shaking like before, though there are still little flinches and gasps here and there.

Akko bites her lip when she realizes it probably wouldn't have gotten this bad if it hadn't been for her own rashness.

Diana has closed her eyes for a moment to breathe, savoring Akko's touch on her back. Akko timidly pipes up.

"Hey, Diana...? I know I said it already, but I really am sorry. It must've really hurt when I grabbed you so suddenly like that. And you were trying to tell me you didn't feel well, but I was just so-"

"Akko." Before Akko can say another word, a soft pair of lips covers her mouth. Diana only lingers briefly, long enough to bring Akko's attention back into the present. When she pulls back, Diana's eyes are calm.

"You don't need to apologize again. I've already forgiven you."

Akko feels a surge of emotion rush up through her chest, and her eyes begin to water.

"D-Dianaaa..."

"It's all right, Akko."

But Akko's already started to hiccup again, so Diana reaches out and wraps her arms around the girl's shoulders. Akko slumps against her and clings to her sides, sniffling again and again. But this is just like before in the changing rooms.

It isn't Diana who should be comforting me right now!

Akko quickly gets ahold of herself and eases back, shaking her head.

"No! I'm done crying! I'm here to take care of you, Diana!"

"And you're doing a splendid job. Simply having you by my side right now is making me feel much better, Akko."

"Well hold your horses, cuz I've got an even better idea up my sleeve!" Akko grins proudly before softening her voice again. "B-But first, lemme help you lie down..."

She helps Diana pull her legs up onto the mattress, then eases her down onto her back. Akko ensures the pillow is in perfect position to cushion her. She still notices Diana wincing here and there as she moves, but it doesn't seem as bad as before. Even so, Akko wants to try working some magics of her own.

Once Diana has gotten as comfortable as she can like this, Akko takes off her own shoes, then shuffles up and kneels down next to her.

"How does that feel?"

Diana exhales slowly.

"Very nice," she admits.

"Okay, good! Now just close your eyes and take deeeep breaths." Akko demonstrates and puffs up her cheeks like a chipmunk. Diana chuckles and closes her eyes as instructed, though she inhales a bit more daintily.

Akko inches closer and slowly reaches her hand out to rest it lightly on Diana's stomach. Diana tenses up for a second.

"S-Sorry if that hurt a little!" Akko yelps.

Diana opens her eyes briefly.

"It did not hurt. It was just a little unexpected."

"Sorry. But it's gonna help you feel better! I promise! So just close your eyes and breathe."

Diana gives a tiny nod and closes her eyes once more. When she's ready, Akko sets to work.

She traces her hand in very slow, very soft circles over Diana's stomach, imagining she's undoing the tangled mess beneath.

At first, Diana's breathing is quick and irregular. But as Akko persists it evens out and deepens, and Diana lets out a shaky sigh.

"Akko..."

"Is this okay? I'm not making it worse, am I?"

Diana shakes her head meekly.

"Not at all. It's just the opposite."

"Okay, good! Then I'm not gonna stop until you're all better, Diana!"

With the confidence boost now, Akko continues rubbing Diana's stomach very gently. She rolls her palm in light patterns, easing off down to each of Diana's sides as well, then going as far up as her chest to spread out the pressure.

The minutes pass by and Akko continues. She rubs in circles, then goes up and down slowly, or side to side, trying to focus on the spots that seem to be causing Diana the most discomfort. She can tell for herself that it's working, little by little.

Diana's breathing has calmed and slowed, and she only flinches a few times. Whenever she does, Akko pauses and leans down, kissing her brow in apology.

Somewhere along the lines, she just keeps peppering little kisses onto Diana's cheeks, and before Akko knows it, she's lain down beside her. She cards her fingers through Diana's hair with her free hand, gently caressing her face. Diana's eyes flutter open, and most of the pain is gone from them.

"Akko-"

"Nope! No talking!" Akko shushes her with a kiss. "You need to rest now. You can talk later when you wake up."

And Akko can see the gratitude in her eyes, but the exhaustion wins out first. Her eyes fall shut once again, and Akko smiles at her minor triumph.

"That's it," she murmurs. "You just rest. You work too hard anyway, Diana." Akko kisses her lips and feels an attempt to reciprocate. Diana hums softly in the back of her throat. She manages to curl one arm around Akko's back, a silent invitation for her to stay.

Akko happily nuzzles into her collar and rests her head over Diana's heartbeat. She listens for a moment in silence as her hand continues to assuage Diana's lingering stomachache. Akko moves along with the rise and fall of her chest, and her head fills with the rhythm of Diana's pulse.

"I promise..." she mumbles. "I promise I'll listen better from now on, Diana. I don't ever wanna hurt you or anyone else again."

And in spite of how tired Diana must be, her need to reassure her girlfriend is clearly much greater. She hugs Akko as best she can and presses a feather-light kiss to the top of her head.

"Thank you, Akko..."

Akko lifts her face up a little and pecks her lips sweetly.

"I should be thanking you."

With one last little sigh, Diana finally falls asleep. Akko curls up with her, glad to feel that Diana's pulse isn't pounding as hard as it was before when she was in pain. Her breathing is soft and steady, and she doesn't flinch or whimper at all in her sleep.

Akko's confident the medicine did its job, and that maybe even she helped out a bit to right the wrong she'd committed. It's all just part of another lesson she'd learned today, something that will help her become not only a better witch, but a better person and girlfriend in the future.

With a sigh, Akko finally stops moving and nestles close to Diana, already planning out what desserts to eat with her when she wakes up later.

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A/N: Okay so the main point of this was - of course - the fluff, but I'd recently sceen fanart of Akko and Diana doing that back-to-back partner stretch thing and I wanted to write it, so I just combined the two into one fic.