Behind Closed Doors (ch3)

Changing it up a bit, this chapter is mainly told from Hannah's point of view! While we know she and Barbara are pretty much inseparable, I think it's important to let them be their own characters. This chapter focuses more on them, but of course gives tidbits about Diana as well.

Disclaimer: I do not own Little Witch Academia.

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															Chapter 3.

Hannah wakes to the sound of her alarm as she always does. Moaning, she rolls over onto her side and stretches her arms out before sitting up groggily. She rubs her eyes with one hand and reaches out with the other in order to silence the clock on the nearby desk.

As always, Diana is already up and dressed for the day. She's seated on the edge of her bed brushing through her hair, already the picture of perfection.

Hannah never understood why Diana wouldn't opt to sleep in as much as possible. But then again, she is Diana; she's always the last one asleep and the first one awake, and it's always been this way. Hannah's come to accept it as well as she can that this is just part of what makes Diana who she is.

Once she's managed to clear her voice and straighten her back, Hannah flashes a glance in her teammate's direction and mumbles a small greeting.

"Morning, Diana."

Diana dips her head politely.

"Good morning."

It's always been part of their routine to offer such pleasantries, but only recently has Diana begun to smile when she speaks. Hannah grins a little bit too before wrestling her legs away from the sheets.

"Is Barbara up? Lemme get her."

She stands, un-ruffling her t-shirt and shorts as best she can while running a hand through her loose, knotted bed-head as she turns toward the top-bunk. Hannah knocks against the edge and calls out for her best friend.

"Barbara? Time to get up."

The only response is a small, tired hum, but she doesn't seem to be making any move to rouse herself. Sighing, Hannah goes to the ladder and climbs her way up, peering over the top to glimpse her friend.

Barbara is curled up on her side facing the wall, her long, dark hair sticking out in every direction. Hannah grunts as she leans over the edge of the bed and ladder to tap her friend's shoulder.

"Bar-ba-ra! Come on, up and at 'em!"

With that, she jumps back down onto the floor, listening as Barbara shifts about and eventually sits up.

"Okay... coming..."

Barbara's never been much of a morning person. Hannah isn't really either, but she knows it's her responsibility to get ready for classes on weekdays, and as such, she will always get up for them.

But today, she can hear it in Barbara's voice that something is a little off.

Barbara sidles her way over to the ladder, nightgown lopsided, shoulders slumped, wiping her eyes and sniffling all the while. Hannah gasps at the sight of her.

"Barbara? Are you okay?"

"Hm?" The dark-haired witch looks down at her, a little confused. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just a little sleepier than usual..."

A sudden sneeze makes her jolt, and even Diana stops brushing to look up at her. Barbara glances down at her unkempt bed and does her best to make it neat from where she is, then slowly swings her legs over the end of the ladder.

Hannah always makes it a habit to boost her up or help her down, but today she's on high alert.

"H-Hold on! Take it easy!"

She hurries back to the ladder and waits for Barbara to start making her way down. As soon as she can, Hannah reaches up to steady her, putting one hand on the small of her back and one on her hip. She can feel Barbara trembling just a little as she clutches the sides of the ladder and descends. Hannah keeps a firm grip on her until she's managed to hop down onto the floor.

"S-Sorry..." Barbara mumbles. "I feel a little wobbly for some reason..."

But before Hannah can make a remark about her theory, Diana pointedly puts her hairbrush down on her nightstand and rises. She stalks across the room, hands folded behind her back in her usual, observatory manner as she approaches them.

Both of them keep quiet as she stops. But she's only looking at Barbara.

Hannah watches as Diana reaches out her hand and presses the back of it to Barbara's forehead. Barbara squeaks and stiffens, but Hannah prevents her from recoiling.

Diana scrutinizes her whimpering teammate, then withdraws.

"You have a slight fever," she asserts. "Likely because you failed to clean yourself up properly before going to bed last night."

"E-Eh?" Barbara wails. "Like, w-what do you mean?"

"Oh!" Hannah interjects. "You didn't dry your hair after your shower again! Look, I can still feel how damp your nightgown is!"

"E-Ehhh? A-Ah- chii!" Barbara shakes her head desperately, then sneezes again. Hannah grabs a tissue and pinches it to Barbara's nose so she can blow.

"Geez, I always tell you to dry your hair! This is what happens when you don't!"

"S-Sorry..." Barbara sniffles. "I was just so tired last night..."

"I should've kept an eye on you... Come on, I'll take you to the bathroom so you can wash your face."

Hannah does as much, guiding Barbara into the bathroom and keeping a hand on her back as she freshens herself up. During the moment it takes Barbara to splash warm water onto her face, she ends up sneezing three more times, consequently spewing water all over the sink. Hannah grabs a towel and dries her off, then hands her another tissue.

"Come on, you gotta change," she says. "You've been sleeping with your back wet all night. I'll go get your uniform."

She's about to leave Barbara for a moment to fetch her clothes, but pauses when she finds Diana blocking her path.

"While I must agree with your suggestion that she change clothes," she declares. "It is not her uniform Barbara should be changing into. She has spare sleepwear, does she not?"

"Huh? Uhh, yeah. There are a few clean things in the laundry from last night," Hannah confirms. "B-But what about class?"

"Would it not be best for her to stay here and sleep off the sickness rather than make a sorry effort at paying attention in classes today? It is best to take time off when necessary in order to recuperate and improve one's health." She looks to Barbara now. "Would you rather exhaust yourself further and worry us all by attending classes today, where your full efforts will only be equal to half of your usual potential? Would it not be best to utilize one absence today, regain your strength, and be back in classes tomorrow at one-hundred percent?"

Barbara sniffles again.

"U-Uh... I g-guess so..."

Both she and Hannah share a look, and it's clear that both are a little baffled. They'd both been expecting Diana to recommend Barbara go to class today regardless of her health.

Hannah in particular had always pegged Diana as the kind of person who would rather sacrifice her own wellbeing than miss a lesson.

But perhaps that is how Diana is in regards to herself. However, when it comes to other people, it's different.

Diana crosses her arms and looks to her other teammate.

"Hannah."

"Huh? Uh, y-yes?"

"Stay with her today. We cannot afford to leave her alone when she is in this condition. Wouldn't you agree?"

"Y-Yes! Absolutely!"

To be honest, Hannah has been longing to tell Barbara to stay here today too, and she's been wanting to offer to stay with her. She just hadn't thought to make these suggestions aloud, for fear of Diana's potential ire or disappointment.

/That wasn't fair of me,/ Hannah tells herself. /I shouldn't just make assumptions about Diana. She cares about us. Even if she won't ever say it, she still shows it./

Something tells her Diana knows Hannah had been desperate to stay and keep an eye on Barbara today. Hence why Diana herself had blatantly made the proposition; so Hannah would know she was perfectly all right with the idea.

Hannah can feel a smile coming onto her lips, grateful for and delighted by Diana's understanding.

With the three of them in agreement, Diana turns and heads back into the bedroom.

"Of course, neither of you need to worry about a thing. I will be taking notes for you both today."

"A-Are you sure?" Hannah calls after her.

"Yeah..." Barbara sniffs. "Like, will you be okay, Diana?"

"N-Not to imply we don't think you can handle it!" Hannah adds quickly. "It's just-"

"Ladies, please," Diana replies calmly. "All you need concern yourselves with today is recovery. I will be fine."

"Y...Yeah!" Barbara scurries forward, hands clutching the front of her nightgown. "L-Like, we know you can handle it, Diana! W-We just- ah-chii!"

"Barbara! Geez..." Hannah hurriedly follows after her friend and catches her as the sneeze sends her stumbling back a pace. She rubs her back a little and sighs. "You're a mess..."

Diana can't help but smile to herself as she looks over them both. She'll gladly attend classes alone today and explain the situation to the professors if it means giving them both a day of rest.

She steps forward again and rests a hand on each of their heads, ruffling their hair gently.

"Do take care of yourselves, girls. Hannah, make certain you do not catch Barbara's cold, else we shall have to repeat the process tomorrow."

"Right," she nods. "Leave her to me!" Hannah grins and gives another pat to Barbara's back. Barbara smiles.

"Yeah! I'll be totally fine with Hannah here! But like, you take care too, Diana!"

"I shall," she assures. "Now then, I will see you both in the afternoon. Be certain to eat and rest."

Hannah's happy that Diana says this to her as well, not only Barbara.

"Okay!" they chorus.

With that, Diana dips her head, picks up her book bag, and exits the room. Hannah and Barbara watch her go in a somewhat stunned silence.

Clearly, neither of them had been expecting things to go this way. They'd both been intent on getting to class somehow today. But now, they are looking at a day off.

Barbara is the first to speak a few seconds later.

"Think she'll be okay?"

Hannah rolls her eyes.

"Diana isn't the one we have to worry about here, dummy! Now go get changed into something dry!"

"O-Okay, okaaaayy!"

Hannah gently grabs her wrist and pulls her over to the laundry drawers, then paws through Barbara's side. She selects a warm sweater and sleeping pants, then hands them to her.

"Put these on. I'll prepare you some breakfast."

"Kay..."

Hannah playfully shoos her into the bathroom, then goes to fetch her own wand.

Usually, they'd have to go to the dining hall for breakfast, but Hannah is willing to make an exception today. She conjures up a quick spell that brings forth several plates and bowls full of fresh food onto the desk. By the time Barbara's finished changing, Hannah has everything ready for her. She pulls up a chair and sits beside her at their desk to begin eating.

"So," Hannah says after finishing her first pancake. "I didn't expect it to go like that."

"Me either!" Barbara nods. "I was sure Diana was gonna tell me to go to class."

"Yeah. But she really seemed concerned in her own way."

"It's kinda nice to have her worry a little bit."

"I know what you mean." Hannah finishes her food and stands up. "I'm gonna go run you a warm bath. After that, you're gonna have to sleep this cold off. If Diana comes back and finds you haven't gotten any better, who knows what she'll do."

"You're totally right."

As Barbara finishes eating, Hannah takes her own turn in the bathroom to freshen up and tie her hair into its usual ponytail, though she decides to stay in her pajamas for now. She fills the bath, then casts a small spell to keep the water warm.

"Okay! It's ready!"

Barbara thanks her, and Hannah leaves, closing the door behind herself.

While Barbara enjoys the bath, Hannah busies herself with tidying up her friend's bed a little more neatly from her perch on the ladder. She makes her own bed as well, cleans up their dishes, then simply waits. After a few minutes, she gets up and goes to the bathroom door to knock.

"Barbara? You doing okay?"

"Yes!"

Her reply is followed by another petite sneeze.

Reassured, Hannah goes back to her bed and sits.

Barbara emerges a little while later, dressed in the warmer pajamas once again with her hair squished into a towel. This time, Hannah is sure to dry it for her properly. She has her friend sit beside her on the bed and gets to patting her hair dry.

"Geez... you've had hair this long for several years now. You'd think by now you'd know how to deal with it."

"I do know!" she wails. "Like I said, last night I was just totally beat!"

"Then tell me and I'll dry your hair for you."

"Meanie..."

"Dummy."

They both end up chuckling, swatting playfully at one another. Hannah soon finishes with the towel, then picks up her wand again. She swishes it around Barbara's hair and casts a warming spell.

"Ina Hareo."

Within seconds, a reddish glow emits from her wand and transfers onto Barbara's hair.

Instantly, Barbara feels the snug warmth radiating throughout her back. It spreads gradually through her chest as well, combating the shivers she's been suffering from all morning.

"Ahh~"

"Feels good?"

"Yes~"

Barbara leans back into Hannah's chest, and the latter is glad to hug her from behind, continuing to smooth her hair with just her bare hands now. Barbara lets out another little sneeze, but after that just hums contentedly. She closes her eyes, and Hannah can feel her relaxing.

"Wanna nap?" she offers.

Barbara nods.

"Mmhmm..."

"Okay, gimme a sec."

Hannah draws her legs up onto the bed, then pulls Barbara up with her. She kicks the blankets away and helps her friend lie down. Once Barbara is settled in, Hannah lies down beside her and pulls the blankets back up over them both.

Giggling softly, Barbara turns to face her. Hannah opens her arms invitingly, and Barbara snuggles in with gusto. She sighs, nestling her face into Hannah's collar and cuddling close. Hannah rests her hands over Barbara's back and hugs her.

"Get some sleep," she murmurs. "If you need anything, just lemme know."

"Okay," Barbara yawns. "Thanks, Hannah."

"No problem."

They squeeze each other a little bit tighter, then simultaneously let out long, contented sighs.

Hannah strokes through her best friend's hair, which is now warm and dry. She dips her face down to kiss Barbara's forehead, earning another little giggle.

She is sure to stay awake for a while, just until she's certain Barbara has fallen asleep. Only then does Hannah allow herself to close her eyes.

She naps for a short while, fading in and out of consciousness in a light sleep. She's not aware of how much time has passed until a quiet knock sounds on the door. Her eyes widen in shock as she hears Diana's voice cast their spell on the other side of the door.

"Asurae."

Hannah tries to peel herself away from Barbara and push herself up without waking her in the process. She sits up, blushing heavily just as Diana enters the room.

"D-Diana!" she squeaks. "Is it lunch break already? I-I was just helping her get to sleep."

Diana doesn't seem flustered by finding them in such a position together. She simply nods, keeping her voice low.

"That is good. What about you? You are not catching her cold, are you?"

"N-No. I'm fine. And Barbara seems to be getting better."

"That is good news indeed." Diana nears the bed and pauses. She reaches down to lightly rest her hand on Barbara's shoulder. "She may be careless at times, but she works hard. Both of you do. You deserve a day of rest."

Hannah isn't really sure what to say in response, so she simply looks down and shrugs. She's just flattered that Diana would commend the two of them, and be worried enough about them to come back to check on them during lunchtime.

After a moment, Diana addresses her again.

"Would you like me to fetch you both some lunch?"

"A-Ah, no, it's okay. You have enough to do already, Diana."

"I would not mind if you should need me to run an errand," she insists.

"It's okay. I think Barbara's gonna sleep for a while. But we'll have dinner with you. I'm sure we'll be starving by then."

Diana seems to be satisfied with that answer.

"Very well. And I shall give you both today's notes."

"S-Sure. Thanks, Diana."

"Think nothing of it. I shall see you both in a few hours."

"Y-Yeah! See you then."

With a dip of her head, Diana takes her leave and closes the door behind herself.

Hannah waits for a moment, then lies back down beside Barbara. She sighs, relishing this strangely pleasant feeling bubbling up in her chest.

She'll be sure to tell Barbara how concerned Diana was about her later.

But for now, she closes her eyes, hugs her friend closer, and enjoys her nap.

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A/N: Those of you who have followed me from other series know I'm a sucker for sick fics ;3 Especially if the gals involved are as close and cuddly as these two~