You would best describe her as a wind-up toy. Books, opened, circle her as she writes down lengthy notes with a feathered pen. Her brow is firm and concentrated. And in the lamp's light, where her yellow spirit rests comfortably, her angular features are more pronounced and captivating—especially when she runs her hand through her light lime hair like that. As always, she's collected, proper and everything else you're not.

Until, that is, like a wind-up toy she diverges from her pristine image. It doesn't happen all that often, when she's loose instead of orthodox, but you know it's after life had cranked her notch enough times for her to let everything go. You never realized she could let herself become indecent until months ago. In detention. Laid across the table. Scorching skin and labored breaths. Despite not experiencing that side of her for weeks now, you know full well that it's not out-of-character for her. It's another faucet that you've uncovered—that she let you uncover—for yourself.

"Are you going to actually study, Akko?"

You lift your head off your hand as Diana guides her eyes to you from across the small table. You see that faucet in her gaze, feisty muddled underneath a layer of indifference and discipline. "Well...?"

Slouching against your chair, you grumble, "I don't want to. I hate this book. It's stupid."

"Yes, and that's why highly regarded and knowledgeable witches wrote it," she murmurs dryly, diving back to her notes.

You fold your arms. "So? The book is stupid. It can have more diagrams and pictures in it."

"It's a book focused on spell incantations!"

"And..? Pictures help any book."

She arches an eyebrow, leans back in her chair and crosses her arms. "Have you even started your essay?"

"Yes, see? I even finished it." You slide a few pages to her. Briefly, Diana flips through the report, skimming the paragraphs.

"And have you edited this at all?"

"Y-yeah."

"You misspelled 'because' on the second page."

You stare at the paper in her hands in disbelief. "No! I know how to spell 'because!'"

She slides the papers over with the barest of grins. At least Diana's humored. "And that is exactly why we edit things. It would definitely help your marks."

"...right." Diana nods and closes a book, her notes completed on the chapter. As she runs a finger across the lines of words in another textbook, you watch calmly. She glances at you a couple of times, her eyes increasingly softer. "Aren't you bored yet?"

"Bored isn't something I experience."

You roll your eyes, though her slight grin spreads across your face too. "Oh come on. How? You cannot tell me that doing all of this is fun for you."

"Not fun, but relaxing."

"What now?"

Diana sets down her feather and clasps her hands together, resting them against the table. "Do you expect this study-time to be done differently?"

"Well, yeah," you say, "like practice magic like we do all the time! This stuff is so ugh!"

"It's good having a foundation of understanding concepts before going straight into practicing magic," she contrasts.

You huff. "Sounds like something Finnelan would say." That didn't mean to come out of your mouth. But it did, and you guiltily look at Diana. Her bemused expression is gone, leaving only her own guilt and regret. You wonder for a moment, as you do every now and again, how many times she thinks back to the day she destroyed her own statue. "I— Diana, I didn't mean..."

She shakes her head. "No. It's fine. Just go back to studying for class."

And Diana's back at it, kicking her own ass in order to compile the most reliable notes she can manage. You work your jaw in thought; she still hasn't picked up her pen yet, staring down at her paper. An idea flutters to you. Slowly, as to not disturb her, you scooch away to the smaller desk by the table and pull out your history book. Considering you already passed the class (with a high B, thanks to Diana), you figure it's time to get some proper use out of it.

You open to the front page, which is somewhat thicker than the rest of the textbook. Over your shoulder you glance at Diana, who's now writing at a slow pace. With a sigh, you turn back to the book. You grasp at the top and pull. Cheekily, you check back on Diana. She stares at you, wide-eyed, in a mild shock. The torn paper is laid flat in front of you, and you shove the book to the floor. Diana's distressed. "Akko...what are you doing?"

No answer. With a small smile, you begin to fold, momentarily suspending yourself into your memories; this was your craft without magic back when all you could only dream of being a witch. Your mother didn't really know much other than your obsession with Chariot. But she knew some things, including paper folding. Origami. Almost your magic without magic even now.

You hear Diana walk to you, peering curiously over your shoulder. You let her watch as you fold and crease the paper with ease. Once you're done, you look up at her with a small, paper wren in your hands. "How did you do that so quickly?" she whispers, in awe. "And why did you ruin a perfectly good book for that?" Diana adds, eyeing the abandoned piece of boring literature on the ground.

"Oh, I guess you don't want to see it fly then."

"What?"

You grin and set the wren down. Clearing your throat, you stare at it—hard. You murmur what you remember from Ursula and cast it on the origami with your wand. For a moment, with everything in the library still, you're disappointed. At once, however, it then flutters to life and taps against the table. You giggle and flap your arms. "Come on, up little birdie!"

The wren briefly surveys its wings before taking to the air. You then watch Diana instead, how she becomes relaxed as it circles around her, eventually landing on her extended hand. Her smile was worth tearing out the page. "Your puppet magic has come a long way, Akko," she murmurs softly.

You grin mid-yawn and stretch. "One step closer to being like Chariot!" The origami wren hops in her hand playfully.

"It's so lively," she says to herself. Diana turns to you as you yawn again. Perhaps you're not as energetic at the moment. "I suppose it is getting late...but I still have things to finish."

"Right..."

Keeping her smile, Diana says, "Go to bed. I can finish up on my own."

You nod, then get to your feet. With a bag slung over your shoulder, she embraces you as the wren flaps its way to the pile of books at Diana's spot. She whispers in your ear, "Thank-you, Atsuko."

"No problem, Miss Cavendish."

She shakes her head, though gives you your goodnight-kiss nonetheless. You take it in. For somebody who's reputation is reserved and self-contained, Diana's touch has always been passionate. Even her quick pecks send giddy chills racing across your skin. You bid her a good night before slipping away. You linger as she gets back to the table, the wren watching her continue her studies. After a few seconds, it takes flight once again. And that's what you want, for her to be as free as a bird. You're in the corner of the library in later hours, all so that people don't find either of you easily. The solitude is nice, you admit, though you crave for the day she holds your hand and treats you the same way, with or without an audience. (Maybe not the bed part, though. That you want to keep far from the other witches.)

Outside the library, everything is cold. Maybe it has always been—or, at least, since snow started falling—and you didn't notice with Diana's hand entangled with yours, your heart pulsing warmly. Though, despite your prickling skin, your stroll is leisure with a small grin.

Diana has consistently left you this way, with or without the handsy affection that comes out in bursts. She wraps your heart in velvet, encased and tucked away from everybody else. Not that she can control you—because she can't. Though, now that you think of it, you can't control her either. Maybe that's why she leaves you this way, because nothing is stopping her from doing what she wants.

Your small grin falters somewhat, and you sigh.

Nothing, except for herself. And you suppose this is what comes from a relationship of orthodox and sacrilegious extremes.

Sooner than later your dorm is at your feet. You open the door to find Lotte, her ginger hair poking from her Nightfall book, and Sucy with her back turned at her desk. You collapse on your bed, thoughts still back at the library with Diana who's surely getting bored by now, right? No. Of course she isn't. She may be your bitch (not that she'd admit it) but she's an absolute slut for her studies.

You snicker to yourself at that particular thought. "And what's so funny?" Sucy asks from the desk.

Cheeks burn. "Oh, nothing. Just thinking."

She drags her attention from a large, black mushroom and analyzes you. Sucy takes note of your blush. "Oh, is it Andrew then?"

"What?"

"The breakfast we're having with him and his followers tomorrow morning, right?"

"Followers?" you hear from above. "Sucy, I think they're his friends."

"Well if he's anything like Diana—" your stomach lurches at the unexpected drop of her name— "then they're followers."

"Diana has friends..." It slips from you before you could stop it.

Sucy doesn't break away from her potions this time. "You mean the two others on the blue team?"

"Well, yeah." You pause for a moment. "I didn't say they were mine."

She snorts. "Well I know that much. They constantly shit on us, don't they? Always Diana this, Diana that and then 'Akko, you're such a loser.'"

"Thanks for reminding me." You frown, then say, "Hey, wait a minute. What are you talking about Andrew?" Slowly, begrudgingly, you're stripped away from the library and slammed into the room where Sucy rolls her eyes at your question.

"Oh. Nothing..."

"What? Sucy, tell me!"

"Just, well, it's pretty suspicious."

You huff and slip underneath your covers. You do have breakfast with him and friends, after all. Relatively early in the morning too. "Oh I don't need to deal with this." You tug the blanket over your shoulder. "I just wanted a nice breakfast and I don't have any money."

"Right. And doesn't that make you a gold digger?"

"N-No! He offered in the first place!" You feel the look Sucy's giving you. It's of a snickering kind—whatever a "snickering kind" means. You wish you could describe the buzz that's been planted on your lips since Diana's kiss, and how it'll grow bountiful as you dream. "I'm going to sleep. G'night."

"Yup..." And Sucy's engrossed in her potions again.

"Good night," Lotte says from the top bunk, flipping another page.

And you wonder, suddenly, if Diana's going to bed now too, or at least yawning herself. The thought on its own is calming, making your eyelids awfully heavy...

. [.|.] .

...and you slept through fifteen minutes of Lotte and Sucy's rampant attempts on waking you up. When you did, you choked as Sucy began to funnel a potion down your throat. You didn't know what it was, but it burned and shouldn't be in your mouth and that's all that mattered. And after that, you scrambled around the room with thirty minutes left until breakfast, pulling clothes over your head and onto your legs. By the time you make it to the city on Lotte's broom, you're most definitely awake to say the least.

When you stroll towards the café, you grin at the light snow that covers the ground, the cool air and bright sun. Amanda and Jasminka are already at a table outside with Andrew and his blond friend, Frank (if you remember properly). "Ah, there they are," Andrew says, nodding towards the three of you.

"Yeah, sorry we're late," you apologize.

"It's Akko's fault." You scowl at Sucy. You all sit at the table comfortably; well, Lotte and Sucy do as they practically shove you beside Andrew. "Anyway, did you guys order yet?" Sucy asks, nonchalantly.

"Jasminka ordered some croissant, but that's it," Amanda answers.

"Two," Jasminka corrects.

Speaking of orders, the server comes by and everybody chooses from the menu with you, Lotte and Sucy last; the menu wasn't all that long, making the choices more easy. Once the waiter goes back inside, Andrew says, "Quite nice outside for late February. Don't you think Akko?"

Sucy and Lotte eye you teasingly. "Yeah. It's nice at Luna Nova too," you say.

"It's better when we're snowed-in and have all of our classes cancelled," Amanda adds. You nod in agreement.

"Though doesn't that mean more days tacked on the end?" Andrew asks.

She shrugs. "Gives more study-time if you're into that sort of thing." She sips on her orange juice. "You and Diana may be the only two who would do that."

You smile because it's true. Except, well, you convinced Diana otherwise. It was lucky Sucy and Lotte both went to Lotte's house for the weekend, enjoying whatever-that-food-was wholeheartedly. You take a long gulp of water to hide your ever-growing smirk.

Amanda wishes to dispel that. "Oh, I don't know Akko... You've been studying a lot with Diana all year. Think you would too, wouldn't you?"

Andrew chuckles beside you as you glower at her. What is she playing at? Fucking Americans. "I don't know what you're talking about." She arches a brow though keeps quiet; at least Amanda won't go that far.

"By the way, how are you doing with your studies?" Andrew asks.

"Look Akko, even Andrew is worried."

"What?!" you hiss. "I've been doing good, okay? I've been getting B's and A's on everything now."

"Not your last test..."

"Sucy!" She smirks into her drink and shrugs as you fume. She's still mad about you wasting her potion this morning, isn't she?

Andrew drinks some of his tea before saying, "Well that's good."

"Yeah," Frank agrees. "If only I got better grades too. I'd be as good as this chump right here." You catch the teasing glance he gives Andrew, which drifts towards you. With a small blush, you turn away.

Lotte decides to make it worse. Today is your lucky day, isn't it? "Well, I'm sure Akko's grades would be better if Andrew taught her how to study properly."

"Sure," he says slowly, "I could help with that."

"I'm fine, really!" you say quickly. "Diana's been helping me and I've been doing fine. You don't have to Andrew, really."

"If you insist."

Lotte chortles as he gives his thanks to the waiter with the food. You imagine her thoughts. "Oh, Akko, I was trying to help. You really missed that opportunity."

Oh, Lotte, if only you knew. Quit trying to "help" me. With the food in front of you, you take the opportunity to avoid any confrontation and dive into your food like Jasminka. Only, this actually makes it worse as you cannot properly defend yourself against the onslaught of teasing.

"Akko really needs a guy like you to help her," Sucy murmurs. "She's always getting herself into situations."

Andrew nods politely and swallows his bite of French toast. "I know that full well," he says. "Though I don't know how you wouldn't with magic."

"Yes, but then explain the golf ball-sized bruise she got on her butt." You seize and choke on your food. Sucy continues mischievously as Amanda begins to drain her orange juice: "We leave her for a couple of days and she got all banged-up. That one was just the biggest. It's still there, isn't it?"

"Y-yeah..." Amanda pauses and stares at you. "I fell down the stairs and, well, there we go. That's what happens with ice, you see."

Lotte joins in. "And there was also a bite mark too with the big bruise."

At that, there comes a storm of coughing and choking from Amanda who grabs at her throat and pounds her chest. Everybody at the table is speechless as Jasminka helps get the drink down. "W-WHAT AKKO?!" she snaps, eyes watery.

"I-it was a squirrel and it bit me and that's why I fell down the stairs and it hurt really bad and stop LAUGHING!" You glare at Andrew, Frank, Sucy and Lotte. "It's not funny, it really hurt and I never want to see squirrels again, and it really hurt!"

Amanda shakes her head at the sight of your red face. "Was the squirrel a priss by any chance?" You narrow your eyes but don't answer. You huff and force your eyes to your food. There are people around—some are coming down the sidewalk behind you—and you are mortified.

"Now, if Andrew was there," Frank says, "then he would've helped. You hunt some, right?"

"W-well...on the side with my father...rarely," Andrew murmurs.

"Oh Akko, you really need more of his help," Lotte teases. "You would be so much better off with him!"

"I don't—" You freeze and you swear your heart constricts itself. Diana walks passed with Hannah and Barbara at her sides, glancing at Andrew and then you. And while her face is devoid of any emotion, there's a fire in her eyes. She turns her back to you and continues striding forward. The two others begin to make their way into the café.

Your table begins to laugh and titter at some comment you didn't hear as Hannah asks, "Aren't we going in, Diana?"

"No." Her voice was cold as the night you two spent together where she left the very same marks that fueled this conversation. "I wasn't particularly hungry anyway. I just remembered I have something to look into."

"O-okay Diana...are you feeling—"

"I said I'm not hungry!" she snaps, her steps unceasing.

You sink in your seat. Why didn't you wake up this morning? Maybe then Sucy and Lotte wouldn't be eager to tease you this morning, even if it's friendly. Or sit you right next to Andrew. You take a small bite of your crepe as Amanda sips on her small cup of hot chocolate. She looks at you knowingly, silently pitiful. You glance back towards Diana's direction and find she's gone. Urgency irks you.

The table shakes as you pick yourself up abruptly, and you groan at the pain in your knee. "Excuse me," you mutter, "I need to talk to her."

"Diana?" Lotte asks, concerned. "Is she alright?"

"I don't know."

Amanda gets up too. "I'll go with you. Need to stretch my legs."

You two briskly step around the table. "We'll be back," you promise. Everybody nods and continues with their meal.

"Do you think she heard all that?" Amanda asks, quietly. You sigh and grasp your biceps.

"Of course she did. And she's pissed off."

"Well, hopefully we find her soon."

"Yeah."

But you didn't. Diana didn't want to be found, now did she? God dammit. It's fucking cold, Diana!

. [.|.] .

"Akko... If you're really going to do this, would you at least put on your overcoat?" Lotte whines from the sideline.

"It's that or hypothermia. Your choice," Sucy says.

No. The burning determination that runs through your body is enough. Though while you wear your long uniform dress over your buttoned shirt, you have to admit that the flakes of snow do nip the skin they touch. Regardless, your grip on the broom handle is tight and your eyes are set forward. Today is the day. You are going to fly. To your side is Diana surrounded by other witches (Hannah and Barbara amongst the small crowd), casting spells to manipulate the light snow in the air. In addition to flying, you're going to catch Diana's attention and fix whatever you screwed up earlier in the morning.

With a huff, your plan is set. You stand tall, with the broom between your legs and in your hands.

"Akko, please."

"There's no use, Lotte. If Akko wants to be a dumbass, she'll be a dumbass."

Your plan halts for a minute. "What was that?!" you snap, glaring over your shoulder. "I'm not a dumbass! I'm going to do this now! I'll show you!" You inhale and then shout, "Tia freyre!" You jump, and for a moment you think you did it.

Only to slam back onto the cold earth with a grunt; that was definitely not grass underneath the snow but concrete.

"Akko, please, can we just go back inside?" Lotte asks tiredly. "You're going to freeze to death hurling yourself in the snow like that!"

"I second that. But...do whatever you want Akko. It's fun to watch."

You roll your eyes and grumble, getting to your feet from your knees, "No! So what if it takes two times? I'm gonna do it, you hear me?!" They begrudgingly sigh, though stay all the same. Holding your broom tersely, you clench your jaw and watch Diana's crowd for a moment. You're too single-minded to care about their staring. Except...Diana does continue to produce some magic, entertaining her adoring audience (ones who probably don't even realize you're there), though it's halfhearted. Her focus is on you, keeping a watchful eye.

You drop your gaze to your broom. Don't fuck this up. She's watching now. With a sigh, you stare at the broom handle, suddenly anxious. She's watching me...

Her words from weeks prior suddenly come to mind. "Casting spells isn't about the words themselves. Those are just used as catalysts. In all honesty, to the experienced witch, the flare in their incantation is for show. You can whisper it and it will do just as much, if you have clarity in your thoughts." She then strolled around the table to where you stood, her arms sliding around your body, one hooked around your shoulder and the other wrapping around your torso from behind. Diana whispered in your ear, "You don't have to be so outrageous about it..." Your hand trembled with your wand. She pressed a long kiss against the crook of your neck, lightly pulling your collar out of the way. "It doesn't have to take much to elicit a reaction. It's all about what you want on the inside, and your focus on your goal."

You swallowed. She was still peppering your neck, and you muttered, "And...what are you doing now?" She smirked against your skin, and you know Diana felt it grow warmer. She turned you around and guided you against the wall of books, away from the small lamp's light.

"I'm focused on my goal," she murmured cheekily, and you could only grin back before she dove right in.

You blush and hope nobody sees your tinted cheeks. Maybe they'll blame it on the cold—maybe... That night had been a rarity. When Diana was completely unshackled from her own doubts. Hesitance was not a part of her as she kissed you in the library, at a time when nobody was around. You have yet to see that side of her since.

With her words in mind, you say, "Tia..." You gulp and frown, determined. "Tia freyre!" you say, louder. You push off with force, and you're wobbling in the air. Shock fills you as Lotte and Sucy are struck with awe, and the crowd watching gasps.

You barely steer through the air before, yet again, you tumble back into the snow. This time, as you get up, you look behind you and realize you flew a couple of meters. You also fell into a rough patch, beside an older tree where its roots managed to poke its way through the snow. You sniff and wipe your nose. It's a shock to find blood streaking your skin. And that your nose is now in a lot of pain. "Ow..." you whine weakly.

Snow crunches from your side. For a brief moment, you expect it to be Lotte and Sucy. But no: They did start to, but they've halted and now watch curiously. It's Diana with a look that's, at best, unsurprised. She crouches beside you and hurriedly strips her overcoat before putting it over your shoulders. Suddenly (and evidently) the air is not as chilly. She sighs and mutters, "You dumbass. Did you even look where you were going? And what are you doing without a proper coat in this weather?"

You're stunned. "Wha— Wat?"

She disregards your pout—not everybody appreciates being called a dumbass twice from two completely different people on the same day, no?—as her hand gently caresses your cheek. At first you think you flinched at the touch because...why are her hands so cold? But no. You grimace as the sting continues for a couple of moments, Diana persistently analyzing your wounds. When she nears your nose you jerk away, not allowing another ounce of pain right in the middle of your face. She holds her hand in the air for a moment, the tips of her thumb and index finger red. With another, longer sigh, she picks up your arm and strokes away the torn sleeve. How did I do that?

Despite your flinching, you're grateful for her careful hands.

Diana gets to her feet and ushers you up, then takes the broom from the ground. "Come on. Get inside, Akko," she murmurs. You nod and walk with her, side-by-side. You leave Sucy and Lotte undoubtedly confused, though they may end up just heading to the dorm based on the hesitant stare they give Diana.

Warm air flows against your cheeks, and the clutch on Diana's coat softens. Wordlessly you continue to follow her down the halls until you make it to Lukić's empty room. "Sit down at a desk," she says, whipping the lights on with her wand. "I'm going to get some things to treat you."

"You're...going to use the class' potions?"

Diana arches her brow. "Would you rather walk all the way to my room? It's on the other side of the campus and on a far higher level."

"I— Well...no."

As you stride towards a seat at the first row, the furthest from the door, she says, "And in any case, we won't be needing much. Your injuries are light and only skin-deep." By the time she comes to you, Diana produces a few potions from a small crate she carried over. Diana opens a bottle and grimaces for a moment. You can't help but gag at the smell. It's all too musty and strong. She folds a cloth over the top and quickly overturns the bottle. When the cloth is lifted from the bottle, there's a damp circle in the middle.

Her attention is first drawn to your nose. She hands you a tissue from the box wordlessly, then her focus is directed to your arm. As you hold the tissue to your bloody nose, your torn sleeve is tugged. Diana grumbles: It wasn't enough to leave the long scratch completely uncovered. She tentatively holds the corner of the cloth with her mouth and grips your sleeve with both hands. "Hey! That's my sleeve!" It hangs limp from your shoulders, torn in half.

"I can fi' id," she retorts through the cloth. Diana then removes it from her mouth and dabs it onto your skin. You clench your teeth and groan, which is accompanied by a wince from her. "It's only for a few seconds," she assures. "Just...hold on Akko."

"Okay," you wheeze, gripping the edge of the desk. Once it's removed, you analyze the wound. It's completely healed, leaving a thin scar; you assume it would have been there if it was left to heal naturally. "What is this stuff?"

Diana raises a brow then applies the cloth to your cheek. You jerk and whimper. "It should be in your notes! This was one of the first things we discussed on the first day of class, Akko!"

"Ack! O-Okay! I get it! Just—" You slap her wrist and ask, "But can you warn me next time?!"

"Yes! Quiet down for a moment so I can get your nose!" she says.

"My— No! That'll hurt more!"

Diana rolls her eyes. "No shit! Now would you just sit still! A-Akko, I'm trying to help!"

"Oh, when I'm all scratched-up, that's when you care about me!"

She pauses with the cloth now blotched with a light red, smelling of that horrible potion that you most certainly don't remember covering during class. "W-what?" Diana's baffled as you cross your arms. "Dammit Akko! What on earth are you on about?"

"You've been avoiding me all day, for one thing!"

"No, I was demonstrating for a class of Professor Barden's because she's sick today!" Her calm composure is gone, obviously now irate. Internally, you quite like that; you're the only person you know of who'd leave her as flustered, unable to collect her emotions.

But right now, you're just as irritated. "I'm talking about this morning, Diana. I was trying to look for you all over the town before my magic ran out."

Diana purses her lips before muttering, "Just let me heal your nose."

"But you—"

"Akko."

You force your mouth shut. From the look on her face, she's worn. Spent. Emotionally spent. Gingerly she applies the cloth on your nose, and it takes everything in your power to not wrench yourself away. Like before, Diana grimaces. She clutches your waist as you grunt before removing the cloth. Slowly, you reach to your nose and notice there's still some pain. Even so, it's bearable now. As she puts the cloth to the side, she murmurs, "Since it's not really on the outside, I can't do much with it right now. But it should've stopped the bleeding."

"Thank-you," you say without hesitation. "I can deal with this. You did what you needed." She nods softly, gaze lowered. "Diana...?" You cup her cheek and look into her eyes. "Why did you run off before?"

"I..." Words fail her. She shrugs and confesses, "I-I don't know. Why was he there? Why were you two right next to each other and, and why the hell were they talking like that?"

"Because..." Now you can't form a sentence. "Because, what am I supposed to tell them? I've told them that I didn't like him, and I've told them I have no interest and— I can't tell them how I'm with the most talented, smartest and beautiful witch and there is nobody else that can do better. He can't do better." You cup both cheeks as your eyes sting, and you know hers do too. "I can't tell them, everything I...that I love about you and...I just... They don't know. How are they supposed to know?"

Diana rests her head against your shoulder, trembling. "I know. I was being stupid. I'm sorry, Akko. I want to be like you and not care about other people but...I-I can't stop."

You wrap your arms around her as she clutches the cloak she gave you. You nestle into her, quiet. Within a few minutes—maybe less or more, you don't know—she's on your lap, her chest flushed against yours to where you feel her erratically thumping heart. Its hammering hurts, even against your ribs. You can only imagine what it's like for her. "Hey...I know, I know. I'm not asking you to stand on top of a mountain and yell about us. Right now, I don't need everybody to know. You're everything I've ever wanted from a relationship or..." Your cheeks burn. But she's still, listening contently. "Well, I mean, I-I'm not going to push you to do something you don't—"

"I know what you mean," she whispers against you. "And...I feel the same way. You're everything I'm not."

Your heart jerks. "W-what...?"

Diana nods as she picks herself off your shoulder. She's teary-eyed yet relaxed. Her guard is down, too. There is no indifference or regality in her eyes. Just raw, unadulterated emotion. "You can do things without thinking so much. And it gets you into a copious amount of trouble, but...that's just it. You're not expected to be this—this princess and have these responsibilities and I just want to be a girl." She cries softly, tears forming. "I just want to be a witch and love magic the way you do. Live as openly as you do..."

"And you can," you say quietly. "Just start out small. Start with me. You know you don't have to act all princess-y with me."

There it is. Her smile. Diana looks at you with her arms wrapped around your neck. "I know," she murmurs before leaning in. Instantly her kiss reels you in, encouraging you to go as deep as you can go. After a few seconds, you flinch, your nose not permitting any further. Diana doesn't stop however, though she hesitates. She's careful to work her way around your sore nose, the kisses now ginger instead of fiery. Despite the slight setback, you feel her unwind as you clutch her shoulders. She sits deep in your lap, curling to the touch at her back.

This is what you want. Diana true and raw. Perhaps not all the time, like when it is the rule to be modest. Maybe not always lewd either, as that—too—has a time on its own.

Regardless, you cling onto her, selfishly taking the most of this moment. And by the way she holds onto you, Diana does too.

. [.|.] .

"Now, Miss Kagari, would you mind telling us how this spell will react if used improperly?!" Professor Finnelan asks shortly. It took no effort to know she'd be cross with you for dropping your notebook off the front of your desk, hitting Zarah on the back of her head.

"Uh..." you mumble shakily, desperately searching through your notes. You remember writing it down somewhere. But...well, you're not very organized are you? Ah! Here we go, in the beginning of the notes: "It will be used on the person who casted it...?"

"No! That's for the Jujubaba hex!" Anne surveys the room and asks, "Who here can tell Miss Kagari the correct answer?" Diana was the only hand to go up—at least from what you saw in front of you. The witch blinks at Diana for a long moment, then asks, "Yes...Miss Cavendish?"

"Because it has a distinctive beginning, this spell will has a high chance of rebounding and exaggerating its effects to everything around, making it one of the most dangerous levitation spells to cast," she answers, nothing short of sophisticated and perhaps pretentious, especially with Anne Finnelan. Your scowl softens: That's Diana alright. You notice her bag on her lap and her notebook closed. She must've finally run out of room in that one.

"Yes, Diana," Anne praises, "exactly that." She looks up to you, and you force your gaze off of your girlfr— Diana. "Did you hear that, Akko?"

"Yes, Miss Finnelan."

She nods curtly then turns back to the board with a list of spell incantations. "Now, let's discuss this linguistics chart in chapter one-hundred and forty-eight..." You fervently begin to write in your notes, drawing out a chart. Lotte briefly looks at your paper and hums.

"What's all that?" she whispers, pointing to the top. There's a line with a page number, header and another few words, or rather space for another few words (this page will be Linguistic Chart), highlighted.

"Oh...erm...well, I started doing this organization thingy for this chapter and maybe it'll help... Maybe something like what happens now won't...happen..." You cough and continue copying what Anne Finnelan is doing as she glares at you from the board.

"Yes. Anyway, as you can see..."

You sigh. Why can't you be more like Diana? That way you could've come up with the organization idea on your own. And teachers wouldn't hate you so much. You only mean to glance but instead you stare at Diana. Her bag is still on her lap, and her new notebook is already out on the desk. Despite her apparent lack of need, she still shuffles with her bag, trying her best to keep it low and out of the way so Anne wouldn't see. She manages to keep herself quiet enough to where you think you're one of very few who notices—the other two Hannah and Barbara beside her. They whisper to her briefly every now and again, and you barely hear Diana snap back. It's intelligible from the four rows above her, but you know it's not calm.

Suddenly, something shoots out from her bag, and Diana scrambles to reach and catch it before it's completely out of her arms length. Now people distract themselves from the lesson to watch the white small bird flutter towards you, obviously excited. You frown and squint. Wait a moment...is that? You laugh quietly and grin as the origami wren hops down on your desk and dances around your notebook. You hold out a finger and it hovers onto it, gently pecking your hand.

"What is that?" and other questions alike surge throughout the room. You smile and look down towards Diana. Her grin is small and coy as she tucks a lock of hair behind her ear.

"ATSUKO KAGARI! THIS IS THE LAST TIME YOU WILL INTURRUPT THIS LESSON!" Everybody in the room jumps in their seats, you most of all. And you squeak. Diana's back is to you again, obediently watching Professor Finnelan. "What in the world is that in your hands?!" You stutter and loose your voice. "Answer me now!"

"I— O-origami...ma'am."

"Origami?" she snaps. "Are you even paying attention to this class?!"

"Yes, I am..."

She sneers and hisses, "Come down here now!" You stumble and worm your way across the row, then walk down the steps with a sudden fire. The wren flies over you, always within reach. Once you're at Finnelan's feet, it's on your shoulder. Anne looks at it. "What is it?"

"Origami..."

"Waste of paper, Akko," she growls. "Now give it here!" You swallow, avoiding the uncomfortable stares of many, many witches. With a shaky hand, you reach for the wren on your shoulder. It flutters away, flying itself back to Diana. You're stricken. She's pale, frozen in place. Her eyes are steady on the scene unfolding and you can tell she's dangerously close to an edge—you're not really sure what. "I said give it!" Finnelan snaps, snatching the wren.

Even though it's made of paper and cannot make any noise aside from the shuffling of wings, you grimace and imagine it shrilling in fear. The older witch crushes it with a fist and tosses it into the garbage can without another word. Your throat is knotted, and you know if you spoke, your voice would be hoarse. Anne looks over her shoulder at the door where a stampede of steps can be heard. "The rest of you are dismissed!" she announces angrily. Awkwardly, everybody remains in their seat for a few seconds, then starts to pack their things.

Diana doesn't. You see her face in her hands and shoulders trembling. Hannah and Barbara are both utterly confused, though try to comfort her all the same. Diana shakes her head and sends them off with a brief, "I'll join you later."

They leave with the slow-moving crowd of students out the door. As a few others trickle out, some still shuffling with their bags, Anne hisses, "Do you have any idea how much time you wasted today?!" You shake your head. "Enough where this class is now a full chapter behind!"

"I-I'm sorry, Miss Finnelan," you mumble quietly.

Anne scoffs and folds her arms. To the side, you watch as Diana reaches into the garbage, pull out a crumple of white, then run out the door. You note that she goes to the right. "That is not enough. You will have detention this next week and clean after the play being hosted, understand?"

"Yes Miss Finnelan..."

"And I expect a full essay on both chapters by Monday, you hear me?"

"Yes Miss Finnelan..."

She purses her lips and says, bluntly, "You're excused." You nod then rush out. You can't be in that classroom for much longer. Turning right, you jog around girls, eyes wandering across the halls and into rooms.

"Come on Diana...where the hell did you go?" you whisper to yourself. Where would she go? Did you know her well enough? You stumble and curse to yourself. There's too many people. Ah, yes there are. You weave your way forward and make your way to doors leading to a small courtyard. You shove your way through them and are immediately met with a biting chill. Nobody's out here besides Diana, who sits alone on a bench. You rub your hands together and trudge your way towards her. As you make your way around, you find her holding the remains of the wren, choked with broken sobs.

Immediately you hold her, and she leans into you with ease. "I— I didn't want to bring it ar-around with me..." she weeps softly. "It didn't stop following me, and I didn't w-want it to get..." Her cries into your shoulder become louder and more distorted. You rub her back quietly.

"It... You mean you didn't make it fly after the spell stopped working?"

She gives a soft laugh which surprises you. Diana murmurs, "No. That's the thing Akko, that was the same spell you casted a couple of days ago. It hasn't..." She swallows and corrects herself: "It didn't even fade a little."

"Don't worry about it... I'll make you a new one. I swear."

"A-Akko..."

You pull away just enough to take in her deep, ethereal eyes. You hold her cheek and promise, "I will. Okay?" You wipe the tears that escape. "Don't cry, I'll do it, okay? I will."

Her smile's watery, and she nods. "Come by my room tomorrow."

"For...for the night?"

"Yeah." She snuggles into you and wraps her arms around your shoulders. "Hannah and Barbara are going to this new release for some book and...I want you. I need you there with me." You smile into the crook of her neck.

"Do you want me to bring pajamas?"

She snickers softly.

. [.|.] .

Why. The hell. Do you. Keep getting. Papercuts?!

You whine in agitation and suck on your ring finger. "Lotte," you cry, leaning back in your chair, "I need another thing that you help me with for my finger!"

She fixes her glasses after overlooking the room in awe, brows furrowed in confusion. Lotte pokes her head from the top bunk. "What?!" she asks, her voice loud enough to be heard over the laughter and small chatter around you. Aside from you in the chair and Lotte on her bed, Sucy, Amanda, Jasminka and Constanze (accompanied by a few of her stanbots) all toy with the slithering, scattering and soaring paper animals throughout the room. It's a circus, to put lightly.

Your finger juts in the air. "Papercut. Help!"

Lotte sighs and asks, "You know, you've already made really beautiful ones already, and look at them! And your magic too! It's not messy!"

You slump in your chair. "Thanks for your support," you mumble, monotoned.

"Oh, you know what I mean, Akko. Don't be dramatic."

You then figure that it's not worth getting a single papercut healed if more will accompany it. Your head is pressed down against the desk's surface, and you groan. The chair beside you is pulled to the side. Amanda sits in it, ignoring the origami puppets and other witches around you two. She watches you for a moment, pitying your emotional distress. "So...why are you doing this? This isn't just an exercise, is it?"

"No," you murmur, your voice as low as hers.

"For Diana?" You nod. Amanda watches another wren as it flutters passed, the first of the puppets during the course of this night. It was made from the last page of the history textbook, all folds exact and edges crisp. It was identical.

Her words replay as they have been for the past few hours: "It's so lively..."

This one isn't. It flies throughout the room with a passion, but mindless.

"I'm assuming the one that Finnelan destroyed was hers, wasn't it? That you gave her anyway..." At your curious stare, she explains, "I saw it fly out of her bag. I am, like, behind both of you."

"Right." You shift solemnly and mumble, "I just...they're not the same. Even if they look exactly like it, they don't. And all of these ones—" you gesture towards the swarms of bears and snakes and lions (with small wings) that party on the ground— "don't have the same feel."

"I see..." Amanda scratches the back of her neck and rests on the desk. "Well why did you do it in the first place?"

You ponder for a moment. Why did you? She was sad, and you wanted to make her happy. Simple. But that's not what you say, though it can't be any less from the truth: "Just...she doesn't have to hide herself from me."

Amanda nods slowly, watching the origami wander around the room with vigor. "That's deep."

"Are you going to help me or not?"

"What am I supposed to do? Maybe little pieces of blank paper isn't enough! Make her a stone thing or something, I don't know."

You frown. "I'm not trying to impress her, Amanda," you snap quietly. "I'm just trying to... I have been using blank paper." An idea strikes in your mind. "Can you hand me the small little orange notebook in my bag?"

"This one?" she asks, holding the very same after shuffling through your backpack for a moment.

"Yeah."

Amanda opens it, and you freeze. "Oh." She grins, reading through the first couple of pages. "Did you seriously make her draw a dick?"

"Stop."

She arches a brow. "'I'm Akko's little broomstick... Approved by Akko.'" Amanda stares at you as the notebook is snatched from her hands.

You know your face is a blaring red. "I. Said. Stop."

She snorts to herself and gets to her feet. "Do you guys really study?"

"Yes."

"Uh huh." You glare at her, and she raises her arms and collapses on your bed.

With yourself relatively kept to your corner, you start to carefully pull out all of the pages the two of you have written in. For several minutes, you read through them before setting to work. "I, Diana Cavendish, do not think school is the best thing in the world. Are you happy now Akko?" Your smile is gentle as you begin to fold the paper. "Yes. I am." The world around you is drowned out. "Diana is a better ride than the shooting star," is (proudly) written in your handwriting, with a small, "You're an embarrassment," written in her posh one beside it.

You feel your heart thump with giddy joy. This one. This one will be the same.

No. This origami will be far, far better.

. [.|.] .

You're at her room, having slipped passed the nightly patrol (though they were leisure and easy to worm your way around). Your pajamas are under your right arm, and you nervously look up the ceiling. The door opens, revealing Diana with a flirtatious grin. She's still in her uniform, of course. She laughs as you hold up your pajamas, then takes them from your hands and gives a long smooch to your cheek. "Come in," she murmurs.

"Hold on," you say. "I have something else too." You reach up, enticing the origami hovering close to the ceiling. It gracefully curls its way down, then wraps itself around your hand. Diana blinks with a gentle blush. You step into the room and she shuts the door. "I know it's not a wren but..." You let the origami twirl from your grasp and soar throughout the room.

"Is it...a dragon?" she asks quietly. "It doesn't have any wings."

Like a serpent or an eel, the Japanese dragon flies with its short legs reaching for the walls. It touches them briefly, then launches itself to another surface. You can see the remnants of your handwriting intertwined with hers across the paper as the origami's scales. And while you can't read any of the words, you remember each vividly. Diana watches the origami in wonder, the dragon flying towards her stretched hand. It stands on her palm, then begins to wrap around her wrist.

"I-it's a Japanese dragon. I don't think I've ever seen any with wings."

"I know that, but how is this flying, Akko? It's paper." You shrug as an answer. "Did you color it too?"

"Well, not exactly. I used the journal we made...even the paper with nothing on it." You fidget with your hands. "Uh, we can get a new notebook if you—" You're interrupted with a soft kiss, the dragon slinking off her arm and coiling in the air around you two.

"It's perfect, Akko," she whispers against your lips. "I can't think of anything better."

"Really?"

Diana nods. "Now let me give you something," she mutters. Once again she kisses you with a fiery passion, guiding you backwards slowly until you're knocked onto the couch. Diana, tonight it seems, knows no patience. She straddles you and pecks your neck, playing with your tie. You too are in your uniform, without the sleeveless jacket, only because all you could focus on was your essay and origami. Mainly origami. Fuck that essay. Eagerly, your hands travel to her waist, then to the hem of her skirt.

From underneath the skirt you grip her thighs. As you do so, she unbuttons your shirt and tears it away. "You really don't want to wait, do you?" you ask.

She grunts quietly and your bra is off. Diana holds your hips as her other hand brushes up your stomach and plays with a breast. You undo her sleeveless jacket and tease the rim of her skirt. "Let's go to bed."

"Already? I just got on this couch."

"You jackass." She's on her feet, though, and you can't help but follow.

You can't even make it to her bed without kissing her again, open-mouthed. And somehow, when you do manage to get to her bed, she's underneath you, looking up at you from between your hands. You take this opportunity to grin as she bites her lip. Damn everything. You peck her neck and grab her skirt. She giggles once you rip it off and throw it away. She won't be needing it, now will she? Or the sleeveless jacket. Or her tie. Her shirt. Her bra. Her underwear. Your skirt and underwear even. It all happens in a whirlwind, and now your on her pillows with Diana crawling to you with a very enticing goal in mind.

She's attacking your mouth feverishly, hands navigating your body as legs hook around her waist. You pin her hips to yours, and she takes the cue to rock. You're almost surprised by the volume of her moan. It wasn't loud, really, but certainly unrestrained. "You know—" you say in between kisses—"somebody can hear, right?"

"Not unless they're in the hall," she whispers, too infatuated by your chest to care. Diana revisits hickies left littered along your side and begins to replace them. You groan quietly, your hand gripping her shoulder. Sooner than later, she's already at your hip. No patience tonight. Whatsoever.

You whine as she briefly explores in between your legs with a hand. It's not like patience is needed. You're just as ready as her. "These pillows," you gasp as Diana kisses your thigh, "where the fuck did you— Oh!" Your hand grabs the back of her head and directs her tongue. Not that it's needed. Diana's practiced enough. "Where did they come from?" you ask, breathlessly. "They're so soft."

She chuckles against you, and kisses the spot she's been focused on. "Sweden. Now fuck off with the interrogation."

Gladly. You moan as she continues her work. Sucking, licking—you don't even know. Whatever she's doing, it's working. And just for her, you swear the worst in Japanese. You smirk as she groans against you; what a novelty kink. Made just for her from you. Then there's a finger that worms itself in, which brings you to near hysteria. With your hand laced within her hair, you push gently and move your hips in a rhythmic motion. She lays her arm across your naval, and you watch her. Just from that look—with her focused eyes on you—she brings you to the edge and you jerk, a rush of heat dominating your body.

Diana remains in between your hips and your hand until you're completely done. She enjoys snacks, right? You watch her, riding your high, as she licks her lips and daintily wipes her mouth. As you manage your breathing, Diana's laying beside you, arm over your waist and kisses peppering your shoulder. "Did you not eat dinner?" you whisper cheekily.

"It was light. I had dessert now, didn't I?"

You chuckle. "Fucking pig."

She boops your nose. "Oink, oink." With a smile you peck her lips, then pull her closer. Diana giggles loudly as you suddenly twist yourselves over so you're on top. She lays in her pillows, arms wrapped around your neck. Her hair, which usually is kept neat and alluring, is now wild and seductive. You nip her neck and roll your hips. Diana pulls herself upright and sucks lightly at the crook of your neck. You want to hear her. It's been several long months since you have properly, since the first time, and you want her to completely let loose.

And by the looks of things, and how she's feeling you now, it's that night.

You lower your hand down and keep a hand on her back. You tease around her most sensitive spot, earning mewls of hunger. Louder. You stroke once, and she groans. With pride, you realize you're playing her like a keyboard. You're still caressing long her naval and the inside of her thighs, so close but so far. You feel her impatience.

"Akko," she whispers quietly.

"Hmm?"

"Don't play stupid," she snips. You chuckle and relent. Your hand is in between her legs, slowly massaging. As you expected, Diana is just as ready for you. If not, more. You intend to slip one finger in, but two tag along. You gasp in surprise like Diana. It was universally unexpected, but accepted all the same. "Fuck Akko..." Perhaps she prepared herself for this more than you think she did. Excitedly, because the thought of her pleasuring herself does something to your gut, you start to pump, hitting that rough patch which took you several times to search for. And now you know where it is, you're going to milk it for all it's worth.

And it's worth a lot, judging by her increasing volume in moans.

Your pace quickens as Diana shivers, nails digging into your back. Your gut is rolling in warmth as she curses obscene words into the room. It's without the dignity of the school, but dignity in your heart. Whatever the hell that means.

"God, Akko. More," she cries.

"Okay."

You're hand moves with a passion. Maybe too much of one, however. With your thoughts focused on her groans of pleasure, there's a sudden, squelching pop. The look on Diana's face only speaks of shock and absolute rapture. You move your hand and immediately become stunned. As you move to undo what you just did—since, in your book, it's much too far—she snatches your wrists and sinks deeper around your hand. "Don't take it out," she gasps. "Keep it in."

How does that become the best thing you've heard all day.

In a dazed state, your ego sky-rocketing and focus heightened, you slowly work your hand against the rough patch. Her moans become a melody, and as you catch sight of the dragon sailing across the room behind the bookcase, you're definitely enthralled. This is her free. No care in the world. Somebody could storm in the room and you doubt she'd stop. With vigor, she groans into the room and trembles, her muscles holding your hand hostage for a minute. With her orgasm leaving her limp against you, you slowly pull out your hand. She gasps as it pops out. In wonder you flex it, what light left in the room (from a lamp in the corner) sends a sheen across your glossy hand.

Devilishly, you lick the evidence of one of your biggest accomplishments of the year away. As you finish, Diana begins to peck your shoulder again and lays down on her pillows. You remain straddling her, rolling your hips slowly back and forth. She rests her hands on your hips with a satisfied grin. "How long can you go for?" she murmurs quietly, her voice already rough.

You challenge, "Longer than you."

There's a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Oh?"

. [.|.] .

Everything is blissful, and you feel like you're high above the clouds with your little broomstick. You blink, the morning sun gentle on your eyes—thanks to the lavish curtains—as Diana tucks a strand of your hair from your face. How could you not stare? She's there, watching you with her rich, aqua eyes and enchanting lime-tinted hair—not to mention that Diana's bare underneath the sheets, which is definitely an enticing view you consider. Because she's all yours. Yours alone.

Her smile only lifts you further into the clouds, enough to where you believe you can reach the stars. "Good morning, Atsuko," she murmurs quietly.

"Good morning," you yawn, adding wryly, "Miss Cavendish."

She chuckles, a sweet melody in your ears. "I'm assuming you slept well, since you're salivating all over my bed linens." As you grunt in surprise, wiping your mouth hurriedly of your drool, Diana giggles to herself, laying her hand on your hip. You give a soft laugh of your own, resting further into the pillow; it really is criminally soft. There's a silence that curdles around the bed, a barrier between you and Diana against the world. Her fingertips dance across your skin, teasingly pausing at your most sensitive and weakest points along your ribs and stomach. Diana's peaceful smile never leaves. "What were you dreaming about?"

"I don't know. I feel like I just slept well, like a baby's ass."

The amount of gratification you get out of her short snort of laughter is immense. Diana shakes her head. "You're so stupid. That's...that's not the saying."

"Oh am I?" Her grin is contagious. "Maybe that's why you're with me."

"What?"

"Your smart stuff makes up for my stupid."

"Is that so?" She snuggles deeper into her pillow, eyeing you playfully. How can she curdle your insides from one look? Diana hums to herself, then leans forward and pecks you on your forehead. They don't stop but continue towards your ear. Diana whispers, her hand caressing your shoulder as you breathe into her neck, "Do you want some of me? So that I don't have to make up for anything?"

She did not just... You pull away enough to catch her eager gaze. Oh. You nod slowly, earning a prolonged kiss that began to sear your skin in a stripe down your back and in your groin. She did. She so just did... Diana slinks on top of you, unrestricted by any doubts or worries. Her hips roll against your own, and you hum in approval. Once you grab her hips to guide the motion, matching your own, Diana sits up and the sheets pool at her waist.

You're mesmerized as she toys with her hair, her sly grin alluring.

Her hands are practiced with your body, and they navigate across your naval with ease. As a reward, you mewl near-silently, your wrist covering your mouth. Diana snickers and pulls it away. "I want to hear you. It's not often we're in the privacy of my room."

Well she's as bold as she was last night, isn't she?

"What time is it? Nobody's asleep right—"

Diana hushes you, slipping tongue as she captures your lips. "I don't care about them." She grins against the crook of your neck, and you know that's where she plans on marking you next. "Let them hear. Saturdays are the students' free time anyway...we—" a sloppy kiss against your neck with the most disgustingly arousing smack— "can be here—" another one, this time with her hand sliding down your thigh, urging your leg to hook around her back— "all day."

You groan as she begins to nibble, her nails drawing circles along the base of your thigh. It's odd how natural Diana is at this, like you're a part of her magic and she's as talented as ever. And what's more—something you're reminded of as you kiss her passionately, arms clutching her back in a needing embrace—this is not some random Diana resonating in her body for the time being; it's her, just as much as when she scolds you in the library, or is amused by your own magic.

A moan forces itself out your throat as she bites down harder, a hand fluttering across your thigh. You feel her hum of appreciation against your chest, and it races across your body. She presses a soft kiss against your neck and begins to suckle.

The door blasts with a violent rain of knocking, and you cry out in pain as Diana yelps and her teeth sink deeper.

"God dammit Diana," you hiss, wrenching yourself away and slapping a hand over the wound.

She's panicked with eyes wide. "I'm sorry! I didn't—" Diana shrieks, tears the sheets over you two and scrambles into the pillow once the door swings open, crashing against the wall.

There's a hail of "Akko!" and "Amanda, get out of the way!" amongst the commotion.

"No!" you hear Amanda snap. "Get back, I'll go over and talk to them, okay?!"

"Why you?" one of the stanbots ask.

Diana clutches you tightly to the point you can feel her heart against your ribs. You two are a tangled mess, and you're lucky when Amanda managed to find some excuse: "Because if we all come in, we'll knock something over!" There's still restlessness by the door. You can feel it from here. You hear Amanda's steps pass by the bookshelf, and she halts around the corner. She shields her eyes with her hand and leans against the bookcase. Her voice is low. "Hey there."

"'H-hey there?!' What are you doing?!" Diana whisper-hisses. She tugs the sheets closer to your chests and adds, "Why don't you just go behind the bookcase?!"

"Well, if I was behind the bookcase, you wouldn't know if I was peeking through the books or not. So, I figured, I'd come over here and show you I'm not peeking. See prissy?"

As Diana seethes beside you, you ask hotly, "Why are you here? We—" You clear your throat and drop your voice lower. "We were in the middle of something."

"I know," she whispers back. "That's why I'm here and not them."

"Hey, what are you three chatting about?" Sucy says, irritated.

Amanda sighs and answers, "None of your business!"

"What-do-you-want?" you ask through clenched teeth.

"It's the puppets you left in your room. The ones made of paper like—" She shivers abruptly as the origami dragon slithers down from the bookcase and coils loosely around her shoulders. "Like that one..."

"Okay, and...?"

"Well, they're fighting and won't stop. They've taken over all of the rooms in the hallway—even the showers. They even managed to go into my room for a bit."

Ah man. The one time I do a spell right, it punches itself. "What do you mean fighting?! They're paper!"

"Paper puppets," Amanda corrects. "Basically, the first one you made that night was the leader and it ended up getting stepped on—"

"I DIDN'T MEAN TO AKKO, I SWEAR, I'M SORRY!" Lotte yells from the door.

"It wasn't alive, Lotte. Get ahold of yourself," you hear Sucy retort.

"But I ruined her magic..."

You suspect Amanda rolled her eyes before snapping, "Okay! Doesn't matter! I woke up with three fucking paper bears and a snake duking it out on my tits!" To say that this revelation shocked you would be an understatement. "Anyway, you two—" her voice drops again, this time low enough to where it definitely doesn't reach the door, "you two need to get dressed and help us!" With that, she whisks herself away and ushers the crowd from the door and slams it shut.

Diana glances at you, her eyes ginger at the sight of your flaring skin, before you grumble, "Come on. Sounds like we don't have time." She grunts in disappointment, though quickly hops out of bed as you do. It's a matter of a minute before you're both out the door, looking as innocent as can be. Lotte—the most guilty looking of the bunch—stands beside Sucy, Jasminka and Constanze whilst Amanda is leisurely leaning against another door.

With determination, the lot of you storm towards your dorm. Before you make it to the hall, you quickly murmur to Amanda beside you (because, God, you're curious), "So...did you hear anything?"

"Like through the door?" You nod. "Well, I was the only one until I waved everybody over. I couldn't remember the room so I listened on a couple of doors until I got to yours..." The grin that stretches across her face is wicked, and she stares at Diana. Diana who, in turn, leers back in moderate embarrassment. "It was something like...'I don't care about them... Let them hear,' and then, 'Saturdays are the students' free time anyway.'"

Her moderate embarrassment boils into complete humiliation which consumes you as well. "You little—"

"Not my words," Amanda says, hands raised, "just yours."

Diana's eyes widen and she hisses, "You did not need to listen in on private matters!"

"But you said—"

"I don't care what I said!" Diana closes her eyes and inhales, gathering all the nerves she has and composing them. "This doesn't matter now. We must—"

Your hallway. From the entrance, there's scuffles scattered about, and the witches from the other dorms try to stamp them out. But to no avail, it appears. The origami prance around and charge at their feet, spooking them away. The majority that take to the air dive like kamikazes, plunging into their hairs.

For a long moment, all you can do is stand numbly. "Answer me this, Akko," Diana mutters, "how many did you make?"

"Uh...I don't really know. I kinda just kept making them for several hours until I made the...perfect...one." She purses her lips, and by the tint of her cheeks, you know she's flattered. Maybe. She might be holding back a rant about some bullshit on how this was an improper use of magic and blah, blah, blah. You don't care at the moment because Finnelan is with the headmistress, storming down the hall and goddammityouaregoingtogetexpelled.

Impulsive panic seizes you and you start diving at the paper gifts-turned-warriors in a mad rush. Diana gasps beside you and whips out her wand. Great. I even forgot my wand in her room. Meh, it's okay. We'll go back later...and finish.

Hopefully.

Yeah, we will.

Like a good, proper witch, Diana begins to cast destruction spells left and right as all the others do. You're amongst very few who scramble around the floor—the others are not even human but Constanze's robots.

By the time the brawl is subsided, you're left on the floor surrounded by shredded or crumpled paper. There are a few that still fly about, circling all the students and two older witches. "Who did this?" Anne snaps, surveying the small crowd of girls. Her eyes land on you as Diana helps you to your feet.

"Yes..." Headmistress Holbrooke murmurs with a small smile, an origami swan fluttering by her hat. "Who did this? This is wonderful magic!"

"Wh—what?"

"Yes, it's quite the display," Holbrooke says. "Leads to a rather interesting morning."

You swallow nervously, doing your best to avoid Finnelan's scrutinizing stare. "Akko did it," Sucy answers.

Lotte nodded, and adds, "Yeah. She did it last night."

"Last night you said?" Holbrooke's eyebrows raise in surprise. "Akko? Not many people can cast a puppet spell that last for that long." Anne is stunned, and her eyes wander towards the trail of small birds that almost hop through the air.

"Yes, isn't it remarkable?" You didn't notice your scorching blush until now, nor how hot your chest and back has gotten. Diana smooths your hand across your spine, resting after she caresses your shoulder. It stays there, gentle, as she says, "And it's not the first time. She managed to make one that would flew for days until..." Her voice falters, and she drops her eyes from Finnelan.

The professor shifts awkwardly, eyes down to the trashed pile of demolished origami. Your origami. Your magic. "That...is impressive, Miss Kagari. I may have underestimated your skills," she admits. "And I apologize."

It's this that rises a reaction from you—a verbal one instead of the internal sludge Diana's hand made of your organs. "I-I... No, it— Really? Like, really, really?"

"Yes." She thins her lips for a moment. "Really...really." Finnelan straightens herself out and says, "Well then. Clean this up and no more of the ruckus—from any of you—got it?"

"Yes, ma'am," is chorused throughout the crowd. With a nod, she turns at her heels and begins to stride away, Holbrooke at her heel with the swan still perched on her head.

The hall is silent, and you stare at the floor in shock. You're numb. Both in pieces and the most whole you can be. Ursula will be proud, right? You lift your head, and Diana's hand is still on your shoulder with everybody else looking at you. They're proud, right? You swallow and back away, then turn and walk off.

"Give her a moment, then," Diana says to the group. "Just take care of the ones you dealt with."

You don't go very far. Just to the double doors closest to your dorms and sink down against the pillar beside them. Your heart beats against your ribs, and your eyes sting. You wipe them away and sniff as Diana comes to your side. Everything seems to stare at you, piercing. She kneels down, but she's abruptly knocked nearly to her back as you wrap your arms around her neck. You cry against her shoulder as she encases you, a shell against everything else.

"Sh-she l-liked my m-magic," you choke. "She— She d-di-id."

"Of course she did," Diana whispers softly, her voice mellow in her chest, against your own. "Your magic never ceases to amaze people, Atsuko. That's why it's so special. You manage to piss all over the books and bend the rules." You chuckle against her, though you don't move. She remains quiet, then says, "And...it's even more brilliant than Chariot's show. Your magic is so much more, and I hate watching you limit yourself."

"R-really?" you ask, your voice fumbled.

"Yes. I do not lie to you."

Your shoulders and chest tremble against her as you sob into her uniform. You cling onto her tight, able to feel her heart pulse more so than if she buttoned her shirt all the way. Or if she had not forgotten her tie...

. [.|.] .

You lay in your bed, staring at the knots and rings of the wood panels above you. Lotte and Sucy still haven't gotten back from dinner. And though your two closest friends are off enjoying their meal, you take the time gladly to just rest.

Diana's hold around your shoulders still haunts your skin, leaving behind the traces of warmth and support. For the past few minutes, you wonder if she thinks you're an ugly crier (since you are) in the midst of your food coma. Perhaps it was a good thing Lotte stopped you from eating the fourth plate and just sent you to your bed. Does she think I'm an ugly crier? you ask internally. You turn to your side and shift from underneath the blanket. It really shouldn't matter, and it was a sudden line of thought anyway.

But still...

What makes an ugly crier anyway? You furrow your brows. Is it genetic?

The door opens. Lotte and Sucy step inside and shut it behind them, then glance at you. You ask them, abruptly, "Am I an ugly crier?"

They're stunned as you turn yourself over from the wall and realize something: They were definitely talking before getting here. Both stand at the door, facing you with an anxious edge—which is now warped with confusion at your question. "Yes," Sucy answers bluntly. "But it's entertaining."

"Why are you thinking about that?" Lotte asks. "Were you crying?"

"No, just thinking," you say. The honest truth. You were first thinking back to your dinner, then how with each step you got heavier and in more need for sleep. Then by you reached the hallway, you thought of the tens and tens of goodnight kisses Diana gave you late at night. When you saw a scrap of origami by the door, your mind was back to Diana's arms around you, and you soggy-ing up her shirt.

"What were you thinking about...?"

You remain quiet for a moment, debating—between lying and remaining silent. You choose the former. "Oh, nothing. I was just thinking. It must be the food." You pat your stomach in a vain effort to convince them.

They're unconvinced. You're left quiet, sitting up in your bed. With their confusion gone, the anxious edge is back in full force, directed at you. Sucy murmurs, "Just ask her."

"What? Why me?"

You frown and tilt your head. "Because you're the one that was considering."

"No! I was just wondering, you were the one who—"

"What are you two talking about?" you ask.

Both pause and stare at you, and you're suddenly nervous. Lotte plays with her hands and Sucy remains stalk-still, awfully quiet. "Just do it," she hisses quietly.

"U-Uhm..." Lotte clears her throat. "Akko, are you...a lesbian?"

Now you're as stunned as they were coming into the room with your dumb question. Maybe even more so. Something wrenches in your chest, and your mind is numb, on autopilot. Oh. I see... Do they know about you or Diana? Or at least assume? Do they know about Diana? They must. You rub the back of your neck and shrug. "Well, no, not exactly," you murmur bashfully. "I don't really care that much. It's just...I don't know. Whatever I feel like."

Sucy cocks her head to the side. "So, bi?"

You purse your lips and shake your head. "I don't care," you repeat. "I mean, maybe...but..." Again, you shrug. You watch them for a couple of seconds as they process. You say, because of your hunch, "But...er, Diana is though."

"I thought something was going on between you two..."

Even though you're relieved by their nonverbal acceptance, you can't help but panic a little. "What? For how long?!"

Lotte chuckles as Sucy snorts. "Oh, now I definitely know."

Dammit. You grip your knees and listen as Lotte explains, "Well, it's really because of the past few days... I saw the origami bird you made her fly out of her bag in Finnelan's class. And I saw you left your pajamas on her couch...and your shirt and bra." You're as red as a tomato, you know, and your skin is warm to the point you force your eyes to the ground. She continues: "But Diana was also really close to you earlier this morning. Holding your hand as we left her room—" Did she? Had you gotten so comfortable holding hands after studying it only felt natural?— "and..."

"She's been pretty handsy with you," Sucy summarizes.

"Yeah," Lotte agrees. You can't help but smile.

So it's not a complete secret. Not out, but not hidden. Oh God. You feel tears. "And you are okay with it?" you ask quietly.

"Of course," Lotte says. "We were just wondering." She widens her eyes as you sniff and teardrops blossom. "Oh, Akko, don't cr—"

"Oh you guys!" you sob flinging your arms around their necks and bringing them into a hug. "Thank-you!" Lotte pats you on the back as Sucy fights her urge to swat your arm away.

"It's okay, Akko!" You pull yourself away as your friends smile.

"Yeah. We don't care who you go after." With the atmosphere calm and relaxed now, you sit back on your bed as Sucy and Lotte settle beside you.

Lotte is crisscrossed, curiosity now swarming between the two of them, and asks, "So how long have you been together?"

"Oh...uh..." You frown and begin to count. November...December...January...February... "Like, four-ish months?"

"I didn't expect it to be that long." You scoff and look at Sucy. She shrugs and says, "What? I didn't. How did you manage to convince Diana anyway?"

"A-actually, she's the one who came to me."

At that they're both shocked. Their eyes grow wide and you expect the worst question they can ask (which they do): "How?"

Your jaw is tense. "I...er. I don't really..." Please don't make me explain.

Lotte shakes her head and folds her arms. "Come on, tell us! We want to hear everything!"

No. No, you don't. "N-no...really. We started in November and that's all you need to know."

"Tell us or I'll use this truth potion," Sucy argues. "I've been needing to test it out."

The fact that the potion might not even work properly scares you. The fact that it's a truth potion terrifies you; what on earth would fly out of your mouth? But, most of all, the fact that it's Sucy's potion horrifies you. You swallow, then glance at both of them. "So...you know how Diana had that impulse potion that one time?" They nod. "Y-yeah...it's basically because of that. And we talked about it in detention."

"What did she want to do?"

The question was innocently asked by Lotte, but you really can't answer that, can you?

"More like what did you two do?" Heavy breaths. Little broomstick. Broken spines. Long table. Poor Amanda. Can't talk about this now. You watch Sucy as she begins to think about that detention; after all, you did drag her down with her. She stares back in disbelief.

God dammit. She figured it out.

"Amanda knew, didn't she?!"

"M-maybe?"

Her eyes are wide and suddenly she's irritated. "You two were having sex then!"

"Sucy!" you whine. "Don't say that out loud!"

"WHAT?" Lotte shrieks, giggling. "You two—"

"It was the potion!" you explain, near-hysterically.

"How do you know?" she asks Sucy.

"We heard them!"

"Stahp!" you wheeze. This can't be happening.

"Akko!" Lotte slaps your knee playfully. "You're kidding!"

No, but you're dying. You just know it. You can curl-up in a little ball right about now. They continue to tease, and you know full well they won't let you live this down.

"Guys...I want sleep!" you cry.

"With Diana?"

"AHHH!"

. [.|.] .

You stand at the edge of the tall, tall tower, staring at the ground way, way down. You gulp and turn behind you. Lotte and Sucy are there, beside the green team. They watch you, eagerly waiting with their brooms at hand. I can't do this. Why couldn't I— "Why can't I start at a lower level?"

Amanda rolls her eyes. "Oh come on! You're the one who said you wanted to go at the very top, right?"

"Well, yeah—"

"And you're going to just quit after you took us away from our food?" Sucy asks, monotoned as per usual.

"Ah...no?" You sigh and look to the ground again. Your eyes widen. Everybody from the cafeteria... "T-there's a whole bunch of people down there! A-and they're all looking up here!"

"You did make a big deal about it, Akko. Did you really expect anything else?"

Lotte intervienes: "Well Sucy, you forget if she falls she drops all the way down there. Even if we don't catch her."

Exactly, Lotte. Don't remind me. "Guys..."

"Akko." Diana's soft voice immediately wrenches your gaze from the drop below. She hovers perfectly, back straight and collected. "You're fine. You have six people, including myself, that will catch you if you do fall. And it's not like you can't control a broom. You managed the Shooting Star very well before."

Though it didn't rely on you to fly. Nevertheless, her words comfort you.

You gulp and get into position. Okay. I can do this... I can do this... I can, yes, I can. You take a deep inhale, then gasp. Once again, you look down. At least there aren't any teachers, by the looks of things. But some of the janitors are down there. O-okay. I-I can do this.

"Akko." You look at Diana again and find that everybody else is in the sky, circling the tower. "Don't think about it, remember? Just do, okay?"

You nod. You feel pale. Do you look pale? How does one feel pale anyway? Just fly dammit. "Okay. I'm going to do it!" you announce. Inhale, exhale, inhale, exhale. Then: "Tia freyre!" You push off without another thought and you hang in the air. Your broom wavers, though you're hovering nonetheless.

Wait.

You move forward slowly towards Diana. "I-I'm actually doing it?"

She smiles and nods. There's cheering around you, all of your friends ecstatic from their brooms. Amanda whoops. Jasminka gives a thumbs-up. Constanze folds her arms in approval. Lotte claps. Sucy smirks. Diana gives you that damn smile of hers—the one that makes your heart pulsate. There's even cheering from down below you, several witches clapping and hollering. "I'm doing it!" you say, raising your arms. "I'm flying! I'm doing i—"

What continues is your uninterrupted screaming as the broom launches itself, perfectly vertical, towards the clouds. You thank all gods for your legs. And your hands. Everybody yelps and tears after you, and you hear Diana's shriek—"Akko!"—above them all.

And then a honk.

Frowning, you look to your left and are met with a flurry of flapping feathers to the face. You lurch yourself away and let go of the broom. The wind clips your skin as you fall, and you see people scattering from the ground. You scramble mid-air and reach for your broom but to no avail; it's broken in half with the goose flailing beside it, a wing, caught in the ribbon and twigs of the brush. Though, it frees itself and flaps its wings.

And you feel a firm hand snatch your wrist. Diana is there, heaving. She tugs you up to her broom and holds you to her chest in a bone-crushing hug. "Good lord Akko! What the hell was that?!" she chokes. You're breathing is heavy, too, as you cling onto her. Her heart pounds in relief. She was scared.

"A bird." She chuckles into your shoulder as the rest guide their brooms around you.

"How the fuck did you learn to catch like that Diana?"

Diana looks at you for a moment as Amanda turns, holding your broom—the end of it, anyway. "Oh," she answers, "this isn't the first time I've had to catch her." Yes. You blush because the number of times she's had to is almost embarrassing. "Come on, let's go down. I think your broom has had enough."

"Yeah..." you admit.

"And what the fuck did you do?" Amanda asks you. You shrug simply, to immersed in Diana's startled, though welcoming, hug.

You hold onto her as she flies gracefully down. After a moment, you realize your hat had flown off as well when you see it on the ground, a few meters away your broom handle. You both land on the grass quietly with the crowd speechless. Diana holds her broom with the handle down, her hand still resting on your back. She keeps her eyes steady on you. "Did Akko just fly?" somebody in the crowd asks.

Diana nods with a small, prideful smile. There's something there in her gaze, like a gleeful need.

"Yeah, until Diana was there to save her ass again!" Hannah snorts with Barbara beside her. "You're lucky Diana was there, you know that right Akko?"

You grin sheepishly as Diana mumbles, to herself, "Yeah...I am." She's slipping into a daze, and your stomach churns with butterflies.

"You're the one who caught me."

She nods slowly. "And I'm the lucky one." Diana leans in and shamelessly captures your lips. You feel her grin against them, and you smile back at the sound of the shocked silence behind you. You wonder if they're baffled by the kiss period, or— No. That's it. When it's broken, you giggle at the relaxed, dreamy smile that you know she doesn't realize it's there. Diana glances at the crowd, her regality and polished expression covering her playful glee. But you still feel it as you hold her shoulders, her hand absentmindedly rubbing your back. "Don't you know that it is rude to gawk at people like a bunch of little school children?" She ignores Amanda's chortling in the background as the rest of those on brooms hover in an amused delight. "Honestly. Can't some people have a moment?"

The whole crowd is still wide-eyed. Diana tries her best to keep her posture high and blush limited.

Hannah gawps and whispers, somewhat horrified, "You're...her...little...broomstick... Diana, what the—" Diana's cheeks are scalding. Unobtrusively, witches begin to walk back towards the cafeteria, still under the spell of puzzlement. You wrap your arms around Diana's neck with a cheeky grin. Hannah and Barbara stand there, still.

Flustered, Diana's attention is drawn back to you. "...what?"

You shake your head softly. "Just...you're amazing." Bashfully, Diana grins and is pulled into a deep kiss; you know it she'd seldom ever express this much passion for you on a daily basis like this, but you can't help but milk it. Even with her hand on her broom, the other guides you closer to her.

You smile. You aren't the only one who took flight.

Alright, and that wraps-up this fic! Anyhow, I'm going to give credit where it's due: Pantry-Demon (found on tumblr) drew the cover art for this fic and did a good job! Now, because of some of the restrictions of FF, I've had to crop the art just as precautions, but the full art will be put up on AO3 once I can do it! (Technical difficulties; will update this with a link!)

Link to Pantry-Demon's tumblr: p4ntry-d3m0n . tumblr . com

With that, I hope you enjoyed the fic and (part of) the artwork!

:)