Everlasting (ch9)

EARLY RELEASE FOR MY HIGHEST-PLEDGING PATRONS! THANK YOU!

Here's a long chapter to make up for some of the shorter ones recently. And yes, it's picking up directly from Chapter 8~

Disclaimer: I do not own Little Witch Academia.

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													Chapter 9. Tender Moments

Diana had eventually caved and agreed to Akko's suggestion of bathing together.

"But under one irreversible condition!" she had declared.

Diana had mandated that both of them remain wrapped in towels the entire time. Akko had readily agreed.

Presently, Diana has yet to shed a single article of her own clothing. She's standing outside the bathroom with a towel in her arms as Akko disrobes on the other side of the closed door. Diana waits until she hears the water stir and Akko call out.

"All right! You can come in, Diana!"

With her heart pounding and cheeks bright red, Diana touches the doorknob.

"Akko... y-you had better be-"

"I'm wearing a towel, just like I promised, Dianaaaaa."

The white-haired witch keeps her eyes trained on the bathroom floor as she enters and closes the door behind herself. Slowly, she lifts her gaze to the bathtub, where the curtain is drawn back a bit, and is relieved to find Akko submerged there, indeed wrapped in a towel.

Diana lets out a breath she's been holding in for far too long.

With that, she unfolds the towel in her own arms, revealing her wand where she'd tucked it away in the folds. Using the sorcerer's stone on the property, she casts a quick spell to have her towel hold itself up and shield herself from view as she disrobes. The second she's finished, the towel wraps itself securely around her body.

Akko pouts, just a little bit.

After Diana places her clothes and wand on the sink, she makes her way toward the bathtub. Akko is patting the surface of the water eagerly to invite her in.

"Come on, come ooooon!"

"Akko," she grunts. "If you make any effort at funny business, I-"

"Dianaaaa, I won't! I promise!"

Akko knows this is a blessing - a privilege - to be taking a bath together with her. She isn't about to screw it up for herself by making Diana upset.

Once Diana understands Akko is serious about this, she cautiously steps into the water. The tub is rather large, so she makes sure not to step on Akko's legs as she enters.

Hugging the towel around herself, she gradually lowers herself into the water, which Anna had scented with lavender oils and rose petals for relaxation. She pulls the curtains closed as far as they can go and releases a long sigh.

"I cannot believe this..."

"Me neither~" Akko hums. "It's like a dream come true! But why are you sitting all the way over there, Diana?" Akko pouts at the distance between them, with her on one side of the bath and Diana on the other. "Come closer! Lemme wash your back for you!"

"That will not be necessary..." Diana looks down into the misty warm water, still feeling the heat in her cheeks.

Akko realizes this is a lot for her. Akko's been in a sauna with Lotte and Sucy before, and she's taken baths with her friends as a child before. But she can safely assume Diana has never done something as intimate as this with another person at any point in her life.

The last thing Akko wants to do is make her more uncomfortable than she already is. But she knows she can help Diana feel better if she'd give her the chance.

/I gotta try!/

But she already knows that trying to get Diana to care for herself won't work. So Akko changes tactics.

"Diana? Do you think you could help me wash my hair? It's always a pain."

Maybe Diana won't allow herself to be taken care of. But she won't refuse someone else's need for assistance.

"Very well."

Bit by bit, she inches herself closer to Akko. The brunette turns around, giving Diana her back. She feels guilty about tricking Diana like this, but she knows it'll be for both their benefits in the long run.

Akko curls her legs beneath herself and straightens her back a bit as Diana moves up behind her. The water sloshes softly as she moves, then stills as soon as she does. Diana begins with another apology.

"Forgive me if my skills are sub-par. This is my first time doing something such as this..."

"It's okay! I don't mind~"

Akko knows Diana was probably always cared for by her mother or maid as a child, but she's never washed anyone else's hair before, other than her own.

Akko wiggles her shoulders, delighted by the fact that this is really happening right now, that she's really alone together with Diana like this.

Of course she wishes circumstances were a bit more favorable, but Akko's willing to make the most of this as it is.

On the contrary, Diana isn't quite so carefree. Her mind is constantly being dragged back to thoughts of her aunt, the shrine, the ritual...

She shakes her head. At the very least, for now she should do as Anna and Akko suggested and try to calm her nerves.

She begins by gingerly gathering Akko's wet hair from the surface of the bathwater, picking out a rose petal that stuck itself to her tresses. Diana reaches for a shampoo bottle on a nearby shelf and lathers it into her palms, then begins massaging through Akko's hair.

Akko positively melts.

They've shared a few secret evenings alone together, and Diana has run her fingers through her hair before. But never quite like this.

She runs her nails gently over Akko's scalp, swirling her fingers in little circles as she spreads the shampoo. She is very careful not to push in too hard for fear of scratching her, and takes extreme care with tugging her fingers through so she won't yank a single strand of hair.

For a time, the only sounds are Akko's blissful sighs, the sloshing of the water, and the soapy sounds of Diana's hands in her hair.

Just to be certain she's doing all right, Diana clears her throat.

"How is it?"

Akko's response is a drawn-out moan.

"Mmmmn Di~a~naaaa~ It's wonderfuuuul~ You're amaaaziiingg at this~"

At the very least, her compliments boost her girlfriend's confidence.

Diana continues what she's doing for a few more minutes, then begins cupping the warm water in her palm and drizzling it atop Akko's head to rinse the suds out bit by bit.

Akko had never been one to enjoy long baths before. She was usually in an out in under five minutes. But if she'd get to take baths with Diana from now on for the rest of her life, Akko knows she'd get addicted to them. She has to admit it feels really nice and refreshing now that she's taking a moment to appreciate it all.

Diana rinses Akko's hair for her one more time, until the last of the little white bubbles is gone.

"There."

"Mmm, thanks Diana..."

"Think nothing of it."

"Hey, Diana?"

"Yes?"

"Is it okay if I lean back?"

To be honest, Akko's wanted nothing more than to cuddle Diana throughout the entire bath. But she knows this is an incredibly intimate and personal space, and Diana is already anxious enough as it is being back home. She doesn't want to impulsively indulge herself at Diana's expense.

But Diana is being honest when she answers.

"Yes."

Slowly, Akko slumps her back against Diana's chest, resting her head at the front of her shoulder.

Diana slips her arms beneath Akko's and encircles them around her stomach. She lets out a sigh and rests her chin on Akko's shoulder, closing her eyes.

It's essentially just like all the other times they've cuddled up together. When she thinks about it that way, instead of what it really is, Diana's mind is put at ease.

And Akko couldn't be more comfortable.

The scents of the lavender and rose petals entice her into relaxation, the water is warm and calming, and Diana's presence envelops her.

But she can still sense Diana isn't well.

She's barely shown her any affection since Akko's arrival here, not even now when they're alone and entirely able to. She knows Diana is still feeling guilty about leaving her.

/That should be the least of her worries tonight./

So Akko lays her hands over Diana's beneath the water and begins to rub her thumbs over her knuckles. In the quiet stillness of the bathroom, pressed close up against her like this, Akko can feel Diana's heartbeat against her back. It's hard and thick, but her breath is shaky in contrast.

Akko turns her face towards where Diana's is resting on her shoulder, her eyes closed as though in heavy exhaustion. Akko bumps their noses together, nuzzles her cheek, then kisses it softly.

"Diana...?"

Diana opens her eyes – only for Akko to see.

And Akko knows she's scared.

Scared that she's hurt Akko.

Scared of her aunt.

Scared of never being able to return to Luna Nova.

Of those three things, there's only one Akko knows she can help her with right now.

"Diana. I'm okay now. Before... when you left, I was upset. Of course I was. I didn't understand why you left like you did. But I do now, and I'm okay. You don't have to worry about me."

She lifts one hand out of the water and reaches back to cradle the side of Diana's head, coaxing her to turn her face. Akko kisses her lips softly.

Diana's lips have always been smooth and flawless. But this time, Akko can tell they're a little rugged, as though she's been biting them a lot recently. She withdraws, and Diana exhales a long breath against her neck.

"Forgive me, Akko..."

"I already told you, it's okay."

Akko turns herself around and wraps her arms around her, nestling her face into Diana's collar.

Diana doesn't hold back this time. She pulls Akko in as close as she can go and buries her face in her hair.

Akko hears and feels the little hiccups working their way up from the top of Diana's chest to her throat, until they audibly slip past her lips.

"Diana..."

Akko's never seen her cry before. She feels she shouldn't look.

So she just hugs Diana tighter.

The tears fall down Diana's cheeks and disappear in Akko's hair. None of them ever make it into the water. If Akko didn't know any better, she might not have even expected Diana to be crying.

She does her best to comfort her through it, reassuring her time and again that it's all right, that Akko isn't upset with her.

For a few moments, the room is silent. Both girls remain still. Not even the water stirs around them. The only sounds are Diana's thin little hiccups every few seconds.

Akko runs her hands up and down over her back, along the wet fabrics of the towel up to her bare shoulders and through her dampened hair.

"It's okay, Diana..."

Akko won't let her come out of this bathtub until she feels better. Diana's going to need all her resolve and focus in order to face her aunt. Therefore, Akko takes the initiative to move things along.

"Here. Turn around. Lemme wash your hair for you."

Gently, she coaxes Diana to turn away from her, which will also allow her to conceal her face, wipe her tears if she needs to.

Diana lets out another trembling breath. She cups her hands full of water and lowers her face into them, clearing away any evidence of her tears. Akko rubs her back for her gently until she's calmed down.

Only then does she reflect Diana's actions from earlier. She squeezes some shampoo into her palms and begins lathering it through Diana's thick, wavy hair.

"J-Just lemme know if I hurt you, okay?"

She's tended to other people's hair before here or there. But never Diana's. She wants to be absolutely certain not to mess this up.

Diana gives a small, appreciative nod and looks over her shoulder, but she can't bring herself to say anything just yet.

So Akko gets to work, wetting Diana's hair every so often as she massages through the highlighted locks, now darkened by the water. She strokes her nails gently above Diana's ears, caressing her hairline. Whenever she feels a slight tangle around her finger, Akko freezes to unravel it, making sure not to pull.

For a time she goes about her task, until she's at the rinsing stage.

That's when she notices Diana's shoulders are shaking again, and there are tiny droplets falling off her chin and vanishing into the bathwater.

Akko's heart sinks.

"D-Diana?" Akko withdraws her hands, dunks them into the water, and fretfully rests her hands on Diana's back and side. "Diana? A-Are you okay? I-I didn't hurt you, did I? I'm sorry-"

"No..." she whispers. "Not at all, Akko... I apologize for worrying you again..."

"Th-Then what is it? What's wrong?"

Akko can't bear to see her like this. She slides herself up an inch until she's beside Diana, then pulls her close into another embrace. Diana returns the contact, turning her face into Akko's collar.

"It is merely... the last person who washed my hair for me like this... was my mother... some twelve years ago..."

Akko tenses a little. She's glad to know she hasn't accidentally hurt Diana, but she's a little unsure of how to react.

"Oh... S-Sorry... I-"

"Please," Diana murmurs. "Do not be." Easing herself back, she lifts her face and wipes her tears away. "If anything, I should be apologizing for being so frequently emotional. At a time like this..."

"N-No, it's okay!" Akko throws her arms around Diana fervently, flinging a few drops of water in the process. "Y-You can be emotional, Diana! It's your house! It's your room! I-I mean, if you can't even be emotional in your own bathroom, then where else?"

Diana dips her head, but this time she's smiling.

"I suppose you have a point."

"Y-Yeah..." Akko hugs her for the umpteenth time, petting through her hair and down her back. "Are you sure you're okay, Diana?"

"I assure you. I feel immensely better now, Akko. You have my gratitude for that."

Her voice has changed now. There's a surety in it, a fierceness.

When she leans back, Akko can see that trademark determination once again lighting up her sky-blue eyes. Her posture naturally straightens, and whatever queasiness had been churning in her stomach earlier vanishes.

Akko's mood lifts now that she knows Diana is feeling better too. She loops her arms around her girlfriend's neck and eases in for a longer, deeper kiss.

Diana gladly joins her. Now that she's certain Akko doesn't blame her for leaving her, Diana is more than willing to express and reciprocate their feelings once again.

The kiss lasts for a moment, until both girls are left short on breath. The redness of their skin isn't just because of the warm water anymore.

Even so, Diana knows it would be best if they were to compose themselves before Anna returns.

"Come now."

She takes both of Akko's hands in hers and gets to her feet, pulling the brunette up with her. They let the excess water drip down off their saturated towels and hair before Diana makes the first move to step out onto the rug.

Akko keeps hold of her hands to support her until she's steady, then Diana helps her out in return. She hands Akko a large dry towel, then takes one for herself.

They make a silent agreement to face away from one another as they dry themselves off and get dressed.

Until Anna arrives with the washed dresses, Diana has given Akko a pair of casual sleep clothes. Diana fails to remember the last time she herself had worn those white shorts and pink top, but they look perfect on Akko.

For herself, Diana puts on a blue silk nightgown, one that's soft and light on her skin.

The two girls take their time drying their hair, folding their clothes, and tidying up the bathroom before stepping barefoot back out into the bedroom. Diana checks an antique clock on the wall and contemplates for a moment.

"Supper is in an hour. I do not believe Anna will be back for another thirty minutes or so."

"Ehhh? What are we supposed to do until then?" Akko whines.

Diana takes her hand and smiles.

"Allow me to make up for worrying you earlier."

"Hah? D-Diana, I already said-"

"Hush. Come with me, Akko."

Diana leads her around the bedroom, first turning off the main light and the bathroom light, only leaving a small lamp on to illuminate the room which is now dark with twilight.

She takes Akko to the window and draws the curtains, ensuring no one will be able to see from outside should they try.

Only then does Diana begin leading Akko to the sizable bed.

Akko's heart leaps up into her throat as she digs her heels into the carpet.

"Wha?! B-B-But Diana, I'm still all drippy a-and-"

"It is fine."

"B-But what about-"

"Anna will knock before entering," Diana soothes her. "She will give us plenty of time to prepare ourselves. Do not fret, Akko."

Akko gulps, but allows Diana to lead her over to the bed.

Of course she's been dying to cuddle up with Diana on this big expensive mattress since the second she laid eyes on it.

/B-But if someone finds us.../

Not only would she probably be tossed onto the street immediately, but she knows Diana would probably get in a lot of trouble.

/A-After all... a Cavendish shouldn't be involved with some nobody like me.../

It had been risky enough seeing one another and keeping their relationship a secret back at school. But now they were trying to do it right under the noses of the exact people they were hoping to avoid.

/H-How can Diana be so calm about it...?/

"Akko."

"H-Huh?!"

Diana has stopped right beside the bed.

"Do not fret. Trust me."

Akko knows Diana wouldn't be encouraging this if she wasn't certain they would be safe.

/That's right. She said Miss Anna knows about us. She's on Diana's side./

If Diana – the one person in the world who has every right to worry about this – isn't worrying about it, Akko sees no reason for she herself to do so.

And so, she takes in a deep breath, then lets it out noisily. Diana rolls her eyes.

"Will you be joining me or not?"

"Yeah! Absolutely!" With her worries behind her, Akko eagerly climbs up onto the bed. She bounces her weight on it, laughing. "Ooooh~ Ahahah! Heeheehee!"

"Careful now," Diana advises her. She sits herself down on the edge of the bed and draws her legs up slowly, watching Akko with a fondness in her eyes. She'd specifically altered the lighting in the room to give off a relaxing kind of glow, but it appears Akko is still too excited for that.

However, as soon as Akko realizes Diana has laid down to join her, she crawls right up and into her arms, flopping down beside her with her head on the pillows.

"Ahhhhh, this is like heaven~ It's nice not having to act like we don't like each other."

"Indeed." Diana pecks her nose. "However, our time like this is limited. So we should make the most out of it."

Akko hums in agreement. She snuggles up close to Diana, squeezing her around the waist.

She'd never gotten to be with her like this before. Usually, they were meeting up at 2AM behind one of the school buildings or something like that. But they'd never gotten the privilege to curl up together on a big spacious bed like this.

"It's so much more comfortable like this~" Akko sings. "Especially after a nice warm bath~"

"I must admit I agree."

For a while they simply rest, breathing together, eyes clothes. But it isn't long before Akko's hands begin to wander, tracing up Diana's back and shoulders to play with her hair once again.

Diana returns the favor, pulling Akko in closer to her chest, combing through her dampened tresses. She kisses her temple and feels Akko's lips on her cheek in turn.

Their kisses travel along each other's cheeks, noses, and foreheads, occasionally straying into the other's still-drying bangs.

At some point, Akko finds herself with her ear to Diana's chest, listening to her heart - slow, steady, sure. Not like before. Diana isn't scared anymore.

Akko hugs her closer, then gradually slides herself back up until she's face to face with her. Diana's eyes are closed now.

Akko lets her rest for several moments, watching over her, daring anyone or anything that might try to disturb her to do its worst.

But soon, something tells Akko their time is almost up. Defiantly, she gently drapes herself over Diana in a loose embrace, then nuzzles their noses together.

"Diana...?"

She leans back and watches her eyelids flutter in the dim golden light. Diana makes a small, raspy sound in the back of her throat.

"Hm?"

Akko bites her lip, brushing her cheek over Diana's.

"Are you gonna be okay? W-With your aunt, I mean...?"

"Akko, I-"

A knock on the door cuts off Diana's response.

"Young Lady?"

Immediately, Akko pulls herself away, sits up, and scurries across the room, opening the curtains to pretend she's been looking out the window this entire time. Diana chuckles and sits herself up, smoothing out her hair and nightgown.

"Come in, Anna."

Her loyal maid waits another few seconds, just to be certain the girls inside have prepared themselves before she enters. Diana meets her halfway across the room, thanking her for the dresses.

With a grunt, Anna gains Akko's attention. The brunette sheepishly makes her way past the stern-looking maid and all but hides behind Diana. Her girlfriend hands her a light pink dress.

"Here. Dress yourself." She turns back to her maid. "Anna. A word, if you will."

"Of course, Young Lady."

Akko accepts the dress and scurries back into the bathroom, flicking the light back on. /Why am I being so skittish around that lady? Diana said she already knows about us... But I get the feeling she doesn't like me.../

Shaking herself off, Akko begins to shed the sleep clothes Diana had lent her for the formal pink dress. She has to half-wrestle her way into it for a moment until she catches herself.

"Th-This is one of Diana's..."

From there, she slowly slips her arms through the sleeves, taking extra care in moving herself as not to stretch the fabrics. She gets into it as much as she can, but can't manage to reach the zipper at the small of her back. Slowly, she opens the door and steps back into the bedroom.

The lights have all been turned back on. Diana hasn't changed out of her casual clothes yet. She gives a nod, directing Akko over to the vanity where Anna is waiting for her. Akko grumbles, but stomps over and takes a seat in front of the mirror.

The maid zips the dress for her, then reaches for a hair brush and sets to work. Akko yelps the second she feels the first tug, gritting her teeth and clenching her fists on her knees until her knuckles turn white.

"Yeeeee!"

"Honestly," Anna grunts from behind her. "This is anguishing me. We did not diligently store this dress away only to lay it out again for some girl from who-knows-where."

Akko's eyebrow twitches.

"Um, I can hear everything you're saying..."

"And I am saying it for you to hear me," the woman retorts.

Diana is observing from afar, yet to change into her own dress.

"I do not mind, Anna."

"Young Lady, your mother prepared this dress specially for your eleventh birthday."

"Eleventh?!"

Diana hears Akko's cry, but continues as if she hadn't.

"I can no longer wear it even if I wanted to. Besides, who knows what Aunt would say had she remained in that dirty uniform."

"That may be the case..."

"Just let it go, Anna."

Diana has taken her attention off of Akko for the time being in order to reassure her maid. However, her eyes are naturally drawn back to Akko when the girl begins to walk across the room-

-directly towards Diana's most precious items.

"Hmmm?" Akko hums. "Diana, did you used to have a soft spot for cutesy stuff?"

And Diana can tell right away there is no harm in Akko's words or her intentions. But she can't help but get defensive. Her voice blurts out more vehemently than she'd like.

"Do not touch that!"

Akko withdraws instantly, giving off the appearance of a kicked puppy.

"S-Sorry..."

Diana tries to calm herself after the temporary moment of nervousness. She stalks over to Akko and picks up her treasured jewelry box, then turns away.

"I will be heading out first. Anna, please take care of the rest."

"Of course."

With this, Diana turns away and heads for the door. Akko watches her pick up her dress and slip outside.

/Crap... I think I made her angry.../

"Miss," Anna sighs heavily. "Though it pains me to do so, the Young Lady has given me a task." She waves Akko over with a slight scowl on her face. Akko combats it with a pout as she treks back over to the woman. Anna begins to adjust her dress for her, muttering all the while. "Goodness, I've never met a witch so undeserving of care before. Are you really a student of Luna Nova?"

Akko groans.

"Just leave me alone if I annoy you so much..."

"That is out of the question. The Young Lady has tasked me with this job. Also-"

Anna's voice hardens a great deal, and Akko stiffens, refusing to look up at her reflection in the mirror. The woman crosses her arms and shakes her head.

"I cannot believe you are the person the Young Lady is seeing. However, I trust her judgement, so there must be something of value in you."

Akko sticks out her tongue.

"Well gee, thanks..."

"It is going to take me some time to get used to this idea," Anna grunts. "When the Young Lady wrote home of you, she mentioned nothing more than the fact that she was in a relationship with a classmate. I was astonished to hear she had gotten involved with anyone. Though the Cavendish's motto is "Affection", the Young Lady has always been very wary of others. She often keeps her distance. I never imagined I would see the day she willingly got herself involved in romance."

"W-Well, I'm not sure if it was willingly, exactly..." Akko mutters. "It just... sort of happened..."

"Even that, I'd never expected," Anna says. "She has always seemed to prefer being alone. I was certainly glad to hear she had finally found someone her own age to confide in. I just never expected it to be a clumsy non-witch such as yourself."

"Well sor-ry I wasn't born a witch!" Akko huffs. "But Diana doesn't seem to care about that."

To her surprise, Anna's voice softens.

"Indeed. The Young Lady was never one to discriminate, though due to her blunt and honest nature and standoffish tendencies, people come to believe she is stuck-up. It has always been that way for her, even in her childhood. At the very least, I am relieved she has found someone she trusts. I was beginning to fear she would be tackling things on her own for the rest of her life."

"But what's wrong with that?" Akko wonders. "Diana's strong-willed and smart. She could totally handle things on her own. N-Not to say I don't wanna be with her!" she adds quickly.

Anna nods. "While I agree with you on the Young Lady's self-efficiency... I'm certain you must be aware by now of her tendencies to overwork herself, often to the point of concern. She inherited that trait from her late mother."

"Late...?" Akko recalls what Diana had said earlier in their bath, when she'd mentioned her mother and started crying. "Oh..."

Anna dips her head in mourning.

"The Young Lady lost her parents at a tender age. But even then, she was doing everything she could for them. Always fetching medicine or water, often insisting she be the one to do so rather than one of the maids. She stayed up many nights studying magic, hoping to find a spell that might cure them. At one point, she fell ill herself..."

Akko stiffens, but says nothing. Anna lets out a troubled sigh as she continues.

"We'd thought the illness was hereditary. We'd feared we might lose her as well... Thankfully, the Young Lady suffered from no more than a common flu. She recovered. However, her parents never did. She has been alone ever since."

When she pauses this time, Akko can feel tears in her eyes, and she quickly wipes them away.

"Well... she's not alone anymore," she rasps. "Diana has a lot of friends at Luna Nova. She has a lot of classmates and professors who care about her. And she has me. That's why I'm gonna bring her back!"

Anna does not respond right away. She looks Akko over with a stern, but otherwise unreadable expression, as if assessing her.

Akko doesn't flinch. She's serious about bringing Diana back, for her own good and for the good of the magical world.

At last, Anna closes her eyes.

"Now I am beginning to see why the Young Lady was drawn to you."

"...Eh?"

"I am grateful to know she has someone who will look after her in my absence. However, I am afraid you will have to give up on your aspirations to take the Young Lady back to Luna Nova. If she does not become the family head now, the House of Cavendish will perish."

"Hah? That couldn't possibly-"

"It can and it will!" Anna barks, advancing on her. "If Madam Daryl, the proxy head, continues to do as she wishes, the scant remainder of our assets will vanish! The Young Lady must take her place as the rightful heir and return the family to its former glory as the new head!"

Akko puts her hands up in defense.

"B-But why should Diana have to take on all that responsibility right now? Before she's even graduated? Is that woman really so horrible...?"

Anna glowers down at her, but eventually recoils.

"I suppose you will have to make that judgement for yourself. But for now, come with me. It is almost time for supper. We shall escort the Young Lady as well."

She rushes Akko into a pair of shoes, then opens the doors and leads her out of Diana's bedroom. Akko follows her to a small bathroom a few doors down the hallway, where Diana has evidently been changing into her dress and brushing her hair. Anna gives a swift knock on the door.

"Young Lady? Are you ready?"

"Just a moment."

Akko waits for the door to open, curious to see Diana in that dress. As soon as she steps out, Akko's jaw drops.

It's the same ice-blue as her party dress – much less flashy, but still plenty formal. Her hair bounces with the shine of being recently-brushed, and her posture is as perfect as ever.

Akko can hardly believe this is the same girl who'd been crying in the bathtub just half an hour earlier.

Naturally, Akko is stunned by the sight of her girlfriend in such lovely clothes. For a split second, she forgets all about Anna.

"Wow! Diana, you look amazing!" She scurries up to grab both of her hands, giggling as she leans in, prepared to kiss her cheek. But she stops dead when she realizes Anna is glaring right through her. "A-Ahh..." Flinching, Akko recoils. "I-I mean..."

"Thank you, Akko," Diana murmurs. She decides to finish what Akko had started and kisses her cheek instead.

Anna makes no remarks. In fact, she seems to approve.

/Oh, I get it.../ Akko grumbles to herself. /Diana's allowed to make a move on me, but I can't do it on her... But I guess that makes sense... After all, Miss Anna is only looking out for Diana... I have to admit I like her for that if nothing else.../

With that, the three of them begin making their way down the hallways to the dining room. Akko only manages to hold Diana's hand for a minute or so before her girlfriend gently slips herself free.

"My apologies," she murmurs. "But I cannot risk us being seen like this, Akko. Especially by my aunt. Please do not take offense."

There's already guilt in her eyes, and Akko knows she's remembering everything else she'd done to make Akko upset these past twenty-four hours. But Akko shakes her head and smiles.

"It's all right, Diana. I get it."

She knows Diana can't afford to let her guard down, or let her vulnerabilities show. She needs to be focused and serious in face of her aunt and cousins.

They reach the parlor just outside the dining room. Akko can already hear the voices of Diana's aunt and Andrew's father coming from inside.

Anna enters first to start pulling out the chairs for Akko and Diana to sit in. But before Diana can enter, Akko reaches out to hold her hand one last time.

"Diana!"

She watches as Diana takes a deep breath, then turns back to her. The resolve in her eyes conceals just a faint ounce of uncertainty. Akko coaxes Diana back a pace, ensuring they are out of view of wandering eyes.

"Diana," she murmurs. "Whatever happens, just remember..." This time, she manages to kiss Diana's cheek. "I'm on your side."

Diana is still for a moment, and Akko can tell there are a million different thoughts and emotions swirling around in her mind and in her heart. A second later, Diana pulls her into a brief embrace, as though it could be the last one she ever gives her.

"Thank you, Akko..."

Akko squeezes her back. She wants to say more. She wants to take Diana away and bring her back to Luna Nova right now.

She would, if Diana would let her. But she can't.

Diana lets go of her all too soon, then turns back to face the room where her aunt awaits her.

"Come then."

She leads Akko inside the lavish room, complete with chandeliers above them and rich, flavorful food all around them. Akko avoids looking at Diana's aunt for fear she might end up glaring by accident. She takes her seat, and is thankful it's next to Diana's. Andrew gives her a casual nod from her other side.

It takes Akko a moment to adjust to the atmosphere here. It's nothing at all like her own dining room back home, and it's even farther away from the cafeteria at Luna Nova.

/The air is so stuffy! I feel like I'm suffocating! And everyone is so quiet! Why isn't anybody talking?!/

When she takes another look around the table, it's fairly clear to Akko that only half the people seated here actually want to be present.

Diana's aunt and her two daughters seem to be entirely comfortable. However Andrew and his father are acting like they'd rather be leaving instead of eating. And no one seems more uncomfortable than Diana.

/That's not right. She shouldn't be feeling like this in her own house!/

But Diana is doing her utmost not to show her misgivings in her expression, posture, or voice. As the food is served, she thanks every maid and servant politely, while her aunt doesn't even offer them a second glance. Akko squints at her, but looks away, following Diana's lead and thanking the man who offers her food.

"Thanks!" Her voice chirps and echoes around the room, and a grunt from Anna has her clamming up again.

Daryl gives a toast, but only her daughters join in with any amount of enthusiasm. Akko waits for Diana to start sipping her soup first, then attempts to mimic her motions. Even though she's starving, she does her best to look and act like a proper lady.

/Like Diana said, it's her family I gotta impress!/

She maintains this mindset for about ten seconds, until it becomes impossible for her to enjoy her food civilly. She begins slurping her soup, gorging herself on bread, and tearing into her steak like a wild animal.

Only then does she feel Diana's eyes boring into the side of her face. Akko glances at her girlfriend and swallows hard.

/Oops.../

She's about to mutter an apology, but before she can, Andrew's father speaks up for the first time, asking why exactly he's been invited here tonight. Diana's aunt confirms she has good reason and motions to the servants.

Akko puts down her food as she watches several carts be wheeled into the room, all covered by red sheets. Daryl grins.

"I'm certain there will be at least one thing to catch your fancy."

Blinking, Akko looks from the carts to Diana. Her girlfriend doesn't budge. Her eyes are trained on the carts as well, and Akko can tell her breath is baited.

Her cousins begin revealing everything one at a time; all very rare, precious, magical items. Akko's never seen any of them before, but she can tell they must be of incredibly high value if they reside in the House of Cavendish.

She takes a moment to admire the first item, and then the second. She glances to Diana casually, but is taken aback by the snarl on her lips. Her fingernails are curling into the dress on her knees, almost enough to tear it. Her eyes are narrowed and alight with quiet fury.

That's what makes Akko realize these aren't things Diana's aunt should be trying to sell off.

Especially not the last one.

Akko watches as the Tapestry unravels itself, revealing quaint, traditional-styled embroidery of a witch and a unicorn.

That is when Diana loses her composure and actually blurts out a small sound of contempt. Her shoulders tense, and it seems she's using every last shred of her self-control to keep herself from lunging up.

But Akko has something else to be surprised about. It's something Diana's aunt mentions, almost casually.

"The inheritance of the first Cavendish witch, none other than one of the Nine Old Witches, Beatrix the Affectionate!"

"Eh?!" Akko cries. The words barely register in her mind. "Diana... is descended from one of the Nine Olde Witches?!"

"Nine Olde Witches?" Andrew mutters. "Is it really worth getting so surprised over?"

Akko falls silent, allowing the new information to churn in her mind.

/Does... Does this mean... maybe Diana can use the Shiny Rod, too...?/

As the adults converse, Akko looks toward her girlfriend and finds her still seething. Lowering her voice, Akko places a hand over hers.

"Diana? Are you okay?"

Diana doesn't look at her when she replies; her eyes are too set on her target.

"That... is my mother's Tapestry..." Her voice is like an icy wind, sad yet sharp, and Akko can feel Diana's hand shaking beneath hers.

She doesn't know what to do, but at the very least she's relieved to see Andrew and his father leaving, without taking any interest whatsoever in any of the magical items presented to them. The two of them take their leave without a second glance at Diana's relatives or the items on the carts. Akko grimaces as the woman tries to urge them to reconsider.

"W-Wait! Paul, please, couldn't you take at least one? O-Oh, Andrew, didn't any catch your interest? Yes, I'll give you a discount!"

Diana cannot bear it any longer. For so many years, she's been living in this woman's shadow, forced to keep quiet due to Daryl's seniority and power over the estate.

But not tonight. Not anymore.

After tonight, the House of Cavendish will belong to Diana. She isn't about to let her aunt sell off one more precious item. Especially not something her mother once treasured.

Diana doesn't hold back, not in her voice or in her actions.

"Enough!"

Surging up, she nearly topples her seat in the process. Her hands slip away from Akko's beneath the table and slam onto the surface, rattling the utensils. Diana doesn't so much as blink as she sets the most furious gaze Akko has ever seen upon her aunt and cousins.

"How much more must you trample over the Cavendish history until you are satisfied?!"

In contrast to her fury, Daryl seems unperturbed.

"My, there you go again," she sighs. "How is your obsession with the old working out for you? My sister spent all her time helping others for free because of those traditions. And how did that turn out for your mother? The only reason our house has continued to hold out this long is because of all the work I'm doing."

Diana doesn't miss a beat in snapping back.

"All you have done is sell off the priceless and precious things that our ancestors left us for money! Have you no pride as a Cavendish?!"

"Hmph. Can your 'pride' put food on the table? You really are your mother's daughter in that regard."

Diana visibly flinches at the comment.

Akko shrinks back in her seat. She'd like nothing more than to jump in and defend Diana, but she knows it isn't her right or her place to do such a thing. She can't stand seeing Diana and all she holds dearly being attacked like this. But a part of Akko is glad to see she's fighting back with everything she has.

As Daryl continues her verbal assault, Akko keeps her eyes only on Diana.

"The age where magic reigned supreme has ended. You, too, will have to accept this reality in due time."

Even Akko herself flinches at that comment. She's heard the same thing many times before, like from Mr. Fafnir.

But just like herself, Diana refuses to sit idly by and allow the age of magic to come to an end.

Diana inhales deeply, and Akko can tell she's steadying herself, cooling her head as much as she can as she draws the conviction up from the bottom of her heart.

"I am fully aware of your intentions, Aunt. As I suspected, I can no longer leave this house in your hands."

Daryl hums and lifts a hand to her chin.

"I see. So that's why you returned in such a rush."

"What do you mean?" one of her daughters inquires. The other chimes in as well.

"I thought the ritual to become the family head could only be held on a night when the stars align, right?"

Their mother nods.

"And tonight is that very night, coming just once every several years."

"What?!" Both her daughters and Akko blurt out at the same time. Akko swallows as she takes in Diana's fierce expression.

/S-So that's why she came back so quickly. She never wanted to leave. She had to.../

Diana meets her aunt's smug gaze with determination and conviction, her voice strong and steady.

"Tonight, I shall conduct the ritual in the shrine, and once and for all... become the Cavendish family head!"

She declares it like a prophecy, one that's begging to be challenged.

And Daryl seems more than willing to do just that.

"Very well," she chuckles. "But don't come crying back to me if something happens. You know the magic in that shrine can be unpredictable at times." With this, she turns away and claps. "Servants, get to cleaning. And someone prepare clothes for my daughters and I."

As the servants begin to act on their orders right away, Anna remains still. Diana bores her gaze into her aunt's back until she's left the dining hall. Only then does she allow herself to take a breath. Her voice and expression soften as she turns to her trusted maid.

"Anna, if you would, please prepare my clothes for the ritual."

The woman dips her head.

"Of course, Young Lady."

As she takes her leave, Diana turns back to the rest of the servants cleaning the room.

"Thank you all. I apologize for my behavior."

But the other men and women look up at her with smiles on their faces.

"It's us who should be thanking you, Young Lady."

"We are grateful you are standing up to Madam Daryl."

"Please restore the Cavendish family's honor as its proper head."

Diana dips her head.

"I will," she vows. "No matter the cost, I will not allow the Cavendish family name to fall into her greedy hands."

With this, Diana turns and heads for the doors. Akko scrambles after her.

"D-Diana! Wait!" As they enter a vacant hallway, Akko grasps her girlfriend's wrist and holds her back. "W-Why didn't you ever tell me you were descended from one of the Nine Olde Witches?"

Diana gives her a sidelong glance.

"You never asked."

Akko's cheeks swell in a huge pout.

"That doesn't matter! You still should've told me! That's kind of a big deal! You could help me look for the Words!"

"As I said earlier," Diana reminds her. "Only you can fulfill that purpose, Akko."

"B-But we don't know that for sure!"

"Calm down." Diana soothes her with a small kiss to the cheek, and Akko lets out a sigh. "You must fulfill that purpose, and I must fulfill my promise to my mother. I will become the next head."

Akko only feels at ease from the kiss for a second before her stomach flips over.

"Diana... I don't like this... What did your aunt mean when she said the magic was unpredictable? Is this ritual thing dangerous?"

Diana looks away, knowing she can no longer hide the truth from Akko.

"It is a bit precarious, perhaps. But I must see it through."

"P-Precarious?! Diana, no! What if something happens? What if you get hurt?"

"It does not matter, so long as I become the next-"

"It does matter!" Akko cries. "Diana, don't just say it doesn't matter if you get hurt! W-What'll I do...?" The tears rush up and overflow before she can stop them. Akko staggers back a step, covering her face.

Diana feels another surge of guilt rise up in her chest. Taking a step forward, she gently rests her hand on Akko's shoulder. Slowly, she pulls the girl into a soft embrace.

"I apologize for upsetting you again, Akko. But I have to do this. No matter what. I trust you understand."

Akko whimpers like a child, burying her face in Diana's collar and clutching onto her back and sides.

"Th-Then just promise me... you'll be okay..."

Diana is quiet. Akko whimpers again.

"D-Diana-"

"I refuse to lie to you, Akko. As such, I cannot make that promise."

Akko tightens her hold on Diana's back.

"Th-Then I won't let you go!"

"I am afraid you have no choice."

Her words are hurtful, but she says them in the gentlest of ways. Brushing her nose against Akko's cheek, Diana coaxes herself away.

"You may accompany me as far as the shrine's border. But not a step further. Anyone who interferes with the ritual will be severely punished by the magic."

Diana gives one last squeeze to Akko's hand. Then, she lets go and walks back toward her room.

Akko listens until her footsteps have vanished. She sniffles and sobs, wiping her face repeatedly on the backs of her hands, not wanting to get stains on Diana's dress.

/I've gotta do something... I've gotta help her somehow.../

She doesn't know how she might do that yet.

But she knows she'll think of something.

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A/N: I'll admit I've been dying to post this chapter for the bath tub scene since I wrote it like 4 months ago haha