Hikari no Jukyo Chapter 3:”I love you” (Dwelling Place of Light)
Hikari no Jukyo Chapter 3:
Well… Our journey on this request fic, which surprisingly became one of the favorites… wow… I did not expect that. @croissantrose71 Thanks to you! Give yourself some credit on this! Is now… very sadly, coming to an end… maybe… see end note. ;) Well… Oh, but for the finale if you guys could reblog this and tag it “HnJ”, I’d be really thankful, and it shows a lot T^T Since that is my abbreviation for this fic.
Now… before anything. How did I come up with “Hikari no Jukyo” as a title? Just a little story to share. Don’t worry, we’re getting to what you like. Later. It’s just below the A/N.
So, first of all… This had absolutely NO title. But as I was in need of a name for the Inn, which was owned by the Kagaris, I searched up Akko’s name background which shows on Wikipedia and stuff. Really. It meant light, child of light I think, well, her name means her character basically, if I recall correctly? Light and excitement and stuff, fire? I forgot XD, but well… It sounded catchy, thus I decided to put it as the title, since well… they stay at the place… then came the idea for chap2’s ending which was… “Akko was her Hikari no Jukyo” and it was so fun doing, “Welcome my love, to Hikari no Jukyo.” So now everything makes sense… I think.
Kagari Akko kind of relates to light and stuff, so the Dwelling place of light, Hikari no jukyo is like… just a fancy way of saying “Akko’s House.” Or I guess the “Kagari’s house”.
XD This realization is hilarious for me.
Ok so I entitled this chapter “I love you”, because every scene… well there’s an “I love you.”. So… yeah.
And I realized this is significantly shorter than the rest :( Aww.... what was the wait for then? Well... again, please do see the end note.
@hermaeu5mora Finally, yes? @r-lon, thank you so much for the checks, you’re a lifesaver.
To everyone else… well… THANK YOU for being with me the entire time, really... I appreciate it so much!
An emotion so unstable, so… hard to put faith in. Something you can just lose, be afraid to lose, knowing you will lose it.
This was what the blonde feared would be the main characteristic of this moment. Fleeting.
“This is real, Diana… This is forever.”
And all those doubts were swiftly erased by a most reassuring existence.
It may have been that shaky breaths, sweaty palms and swollen lips were all that was left from the vividness of memories of touches and kisses.
They might not have had a physical proof, but the memories would have to last longer than those things if Diana still craved reassurance.
They say nothing lasts forever.
Kagari Atsuko looked to change that.
Proving those words everyday would become her mission… It would be accomplished easy as she had said it. Refreshed with everyday reminders that would simply be impossible to forget.
With kisses, hugs, intimacy… warmth-
Many have claimed that ‘I love you’ has become an easier set of words to throw around, and the more they are said, the less significant, the less meaningful, the less sincere they become.
If everyone could so easily give and show their emotions every day without feeling the hardships of expressing them, they may not mean them at all.
“That’s not true.” Some witch from Luna Nova, mischievous and amazingly truthful, spoke with conviction.
“You say it because you mean it. You can only say it if you mean it, right? So what’s the point in saying it at all if you don’t?”
And those words could have shocked many, or annoyed many at the naivety.
“I believe that when I say the words ‘I love you’, I believe in my feelings that drive me to say it.” She smiled proudly. “And besides, I would regret every single day I wouldn’t say it- all the more if I miss it a day and into forever.”
“So say it as much as you can, while you can. It’s such a waste to regret it when you can’t.”
“These words are not to be thrown freely without feeling, but expressed freely with all the emotions in the world.”
It is never wrong to say…
“You ruined the make-up.”
Akko looked up from staring at their joined hands swinging along with each stride they took on the way down from the hill of remembrance, loving the way they fit and melded together perfectly, wanting to capture the hold in a photograph for remembrance.
She laughed sheepishly, scratching her cheek with her free hand as she looked at Diana. “I didn’t really like wearing it anyway.”
“I liked it though. You were simply exquisite with it.” The heiress gave her hand a squeeze before bringing Akko’s hand to her lips and planting gentle kisses on each finger, before kissing her wrist, her lips staying a tad longer there.
“Only with it?” Akko said with faux-disappointment, pulling a pouty face on Diana, who hummed contemplatively. Akko felt slightly annoyed, pulling the blonde close then bumping their shoulders together, sending Diana stumbling off, but catching her last moment, holding her securely.
“No… Of course not.” Diana laughed, voice tinkling and light. Soon though, the giggles died down and she turned completely serious, staring into the eyes that constantly compelled her to give all her love away to the owner before trailing down to glance at pink, enticing lips. “You’re always beautiful.“
They were lucky everyone had gone ahead and walked in front, giving them much appreciated privacy, otherwise, Diana would never have had the gall to dare something so intimate under watchful eyes of an audience.
Long, deep, loving, sensual, she gave into her intense feelings and let all of her pent-up emotions free, giving Akko something she knew they both wanted; she pushed their lips together, teaching them to dance to a rhythm, a song they never had danced to before.
And Akko loved every thrilling second of it, feeling her body warm up in all the love, soaking up all Diana’s feelings thrown at her and returning full-force.
Parting with a pop, in dire need of air, Diana’s dazed eyes accompanied her hand in trailing along the brunette’s bottom lip, rubbing it, wiping off any remaining saliva before planting a softer, shorter kiss, but with as much love as there was in the one before it.
The rest had immediately retired to their rooms upon arrival at the inn, claiming that the night had worn them out and most wanted to hit the sack as soon as they could.
The blonde insisted she take Akko back to her room, if only for the walk to provide her more minutes to waste away- no, spend wisely by the girl’s side.
The corridors were dimly lit, filled with only the sounds of tapping feet with the background of silence, not one word uttered, but every thought and emotion felt.
Akko stopped in front of that familiar wooden door, sighing, before turning to face Diana with a sad parting smile.
“You know… I hate to think how much sadder it will be when we part longer than tonight.” Of course she referred to a time approaching so surely, so soon and Diana gave their joined hands a small squeeze, heart clenching in longing and sorrow.
“I don’t want to leave.” She muttered, eyes so expressive and upset, her words meant not only for tonight, but for a day they wished wouldn’t happen, but knew was inevitable and needed to happen.
“Do you think I want you to leave?” Akko giggled, eyes drifting to their hands as she smiled at the sight. “But you have to.” She sang out, voice wavering.
“Do I really?” Diana whined, the sound so unbecoming of her as she drew nigh to Akko, enveloping her in her arms, rocking them both back and forth. “I am against it, and I honestly oppose the thought.”
Akko giggled, burying her nose through fluffy strands of white and light green, inhaling the enriching scent, kissing through them before reaching her lover’s cheek.
“Yes, you do; and yes, I know you don’t like it either.” She laughed some more at the pout before she brought her arms to rest around Diana’s shoulders, bumping their foreheads and noses together.
“Good night, My Warm Diana~.” She hummed against her girlfriend’s cheek, lips leaving a small trail to her jaw before planting a small smooch on her cheek.
“Aww…” Diana frowned, a little playful with her next comment. “You missed a spot.”
Akko may have rolled her eyes, but the implications were just too adorable as she giggled breathily against Diana’s plump reds, giving them their desired action, biting for extra spice.
“Good night, love. For real this time, okay?” Akko pinched Diana’s cheek as the blonde sighed in bliss, leaning into the now gentler touch as the other witch cradled her face lovingly.
“Good night, my personal ‘Hikari no Jukyo’.” Diana chuckled, and Akko giggled along with her, confused and amused.
“What is that supposed to mean?” She pinched Diana’s nose this time, before kissing it for healing.
“It means I want to come home to you.”
Akko was quiet, feeling a bit overloaded and emotional, a few tears forming at the corners of her eyes which made Diana gasp in surprise, desperately wiping them away.
“What’s wrong?” She questioned frantically.
“Nothing… just- I want you to come home to me too.” Akko murmured as Diana planted another comforting kiss on her lips. “I will always welcome you back with open arms.”
Akko laughed at the suggestion, running her thumb over Diana’s pair of delicious lips over and over, leaving them tingly and warm.
“If you want?” She replied, shaking her head at the cheesiness they were both displaying as well as their silliness.
“I would love that.” Diana whispered, sighing as she knew time was slipping by and they both had to get to bed. But- one more comment couldn’t hurt. “I would love that as much as I love you.”
“Hmmm?” Akko blushed at that, but grinned widely.
“Oh, no… forget that thought.” Diana hummed contemplatively. “I’d love you much more.”
Akko would argue with any judge who would say otherwise as she strongly believed Diana deserved that one big kiss from her, of course the heiress couldn’t help but smile all throughout, their teeth clashing a bit.
“Good night.” Akko breathed, slapping the Cavendish’s shoulder lightly before turning her around and pushing her in the direction leading back into her own room, Akko sliding her door open and entering just in case Diana baited her to prolong their already extended good nights.
“Sleep well, love. Sweet dreams and Good night.” Diana relented, giving a curtsy before looking into Akko’s deep red eyes and drowning herself in them. “I love you.”
It was simply irresistible, Akko running to her, one last hug, one last kiss, she swore, whispering, “See you in the morning.” While Diana simply nodded, holding Akko for a few seconds more before releasing the girl and allowing her repose for the night.
At the same time, both in their hearts and out loud, they spoke.
Morning came too soon, some would say. Amanda still desired more sleep as they had turned in quite late that night and even Ursula requested a few more minutes to sleep in, eye bags in place while Lotte looked perfectly fine, used to all-nighters from reading so much, and Sucy was well… Sucy.
Diana wasn’t faring any better either, nearly staying awake all night after all the interactions, all the intimate ones replaying in her mind over and over again driving her mad with embarrassment and love, overflowing for her clumsy counterpart.
Gosh, she was so deeply in love with Akko.
Which was probably no problem as their family motto was “Affection”.
And maybe that was the sole reason she willed herself up, if only to be able to see the girl soon as she was able, and believe her, she was a very capable person.
In one of her night gowns, she tried to sneak out of her room as subtly as she could, jumping a bit as Sucy’s voice echoed through the quiet room.
“Please keep your PDA to a minimum.” Diana nearly yelped, realizing they had been seen, as she turned her head around to see the potion-maniac sitting peacefully by the window, drinking something in a mug. “Last night was just allowance since it was special.”
Diana nodded, grateful for the consideration and warning as Sucy waved her hand, shooing the girl off, out and hurriedly, reminding her of how desperately she wanted to see Akko.
If it were not allowed to run in lengthy hallways, even here, Diana was already in trouble, and twice now. She didn’t care however, the more she hesitated, the longer it would take to see Akko.
Besides, feeling the wind in your hair- that cold morning air- was refreshing.
Now, reaching their dining area, Diana could smell traces of a meal in the making. Pancakes, butter, bacon, sunny-side-up eggs, scrambled eggs? The smell of Hot chocolate- maybe that was what Sucy had been drinking, and maybe the smell of some fruits.
But then there was this unmistakable scent that drew her in closer.
Like a dog, Diana followed the guiding of her nose to some sweet, flowery, free fragrance. Her eyes nearly shut as her feet wandered aimlessly till she found her nose buried in the sweet soft, tickling threads of brown hair, nuzzling into it as she blew near the girl’s ear causing her to yelp.
“D-diana!” She knew the culprit without looking, that familiar warmth wrapping around her in a hug as the heiress’ hands encircled her waist.
“Good morning~.” She whispered into the cook’s ear, planting kisses on her cheek, squeezing tighter. “I’m happy to see you.” Diana murmured against Akko’s shoulder as the girl giggled, face red.
“Well, I’m happy to see you too, but as you can see,” Akko tried wiggling against the grasp of the unrelenting prodigy who refused to let go. “I’m kind of in the middle of something important.” She smacked Diana’s hand lightly, rubbing it consolingly afterwards.
“More important than me?” Akko gaped at the puppy eyes, not imagining in a million years that Diana Cavendish would dare try that type of bribery.
“That’s underhanded.” Akko frowned, transferring the eggs on the pan to a plate beside her. “Fine, I just finished anyway.” The brunette gave in, turning off the stove and gas, before rotating inside her girlfriend’s grasp till they came face to face.
Diana smirked, happy at her win as Akko cupped her face, rubbing her palms and squishing pinkish cheeks together, before pinching them outward, then rubbing them tenderly again. Red eyes met with blue ones as they drew closer together, lips meeting in a kiss, the heiress humming against perfect lips.
“Good morning.” Akko greeted, smiling so brightly as she rested her head against Diana’s chest.
“Good morning.” The blonde responded, putting her chin atop her partner’s head.
“I love you.” Akko spoke, kissing the place above Diana’s heart over her shirt, making the organ flutter against its cage.
One of her hands went to tilt Akko’s face upward before planting more soft kisses on the girl’s mouth, never wanting to give up the addiction she had now developed to them.
Akko was having a field day, laughing endlessly at her friend because Sucy had finally been released from her pale complexion and was donning a gorgeous tan.
“Look at your own girlfriend; she tanned too.” The mushroom-enthusiast retorted, not really caring that she was Akko’s laughing-stock, but also needed a bit of revenge.
Because she was Sucy Manbavaran. She loved getting the last laugh.
“Yeah, and it only makes her look all the more gorgeous.” Akko grinned, slightly embarrassed at her own honest words, but proud of the beauty she could call hers.
She saw Diana in the distance, bantering and exchanging opinions with Amanda and their professor.
The couple’s eyes met, and at the same time, their lips moved to form silent words, expressing what they felt at all times.
“Miss Cavendish, may I have a word?”
The blonde magical genius felt a shiver run up her spine as she froze midway in hugging Akko at her father’s deep and unnaturally strict voice.
“Y-yes, of course… I… I shall remove myself from your daughter.” She bowed, releasing Akko who tried to reach for her wrist, but was stopped by a pointed glare from her own father to which she backed down.
“Let’s talk in the other room.”
Akko felt very nervous. The click of the lock to the side room sounded through the now quiet living area, Akiko looking like she knew something and gesturing to Akko to follow her and listen in by the door.
But as her mother whispered what was about to occur, Akko slapped her forehead in exasperation, wanting to barge in on her father’s ridiculous shenanigans and means of amusement.
“It’s fine.” The older brunette assured. “Also, if she can handle this, it proves she really loves you.”
Akko decided to give her father a chance, and obeyed the request of her mother.
Meanwhile, Diana was bathing in her own cold sweat, legs tucked below her and hands balled into shivering fists on her lap, back straighter and stiffer than her already usual straight and stiff posture.
“Diana Cavendish.” The deep voice bellowed in her ears.
“Yes?!” She answered, loud, clear, scared.
“I will be getting straight to the point.” Kentarou looked her square in the eyes, impressed that at least her gaze never wavered. “What are your intentions with my beloved daughter?”
Diana choked on her saliva despite expecting that comment. Sure, she had admitted it to the girl’s mom, but this was Akko’s father. And gods knew that those were terrifying beings.
“I-I!” She tried braving it, looking the man in those familiar red pools, the similarities to other red jewels calming her somewhat. She sucked in a deep breath, knowing there was no point in trying to hide something like love.
Also, she wanted the formal permission to have Akko by her side.
“Sir,” She addressed him, an air of her usual seriousness around her. “I would like to date your daughter.” She said the words clearly, before lowering herself to the ground, waiting for the final verdict.
“And what makes you think you can take care of her? What makes you so sure that you will not tear her heart apart?”
Diana gulped, the beads of sweat on her brow increasing. She tried to be rational, thinking of her answers carefully.
“I, sir, Umm…” Stuttering was rarely associated with Diana, but the immense pressure she felt killed her inside. “I, I can’t promise that I won’t hurt her. Things like that are just inevitable in relationships.”
Ken remained quiet, allowing Diana a chance at explaining. He was surprised when the girl’s nervousness dissipated, replaced by a warm loving look in her eyes as she stared into the distance, smiling softly.
“But sir, what I do know, and am totally assured of, is that…” She looked the man square in the eye before, once more, prostrating herself before him. “I love your daughter very much. May I have the honor of dating her?”
Diana gripped the hem of her clothes tightly, nails digging deep into her palms, waiting for an answer- or any sound at all!
She felt as if she had been slapped in the face, laughter ringing wildly in her ears.
“Hahahahahaha! Oh dear, my, my… Wow, you are… so serious? I guess it was to be expected, but… Well.” Kento stood them both up before wrapping Diana in a bone-crushing hug. “That seriousness means you’ll be taking very good care of Akko.” He patted her on the back, proud. “Welcome to the Kagari Family.”
Diana’s relief flowed out in tears as her posture gave out and she now sat slouching on one of the floor cushions, disbelieving and shocked, breathing heavy.
The heiress looked up to see two identical women by the door, one playfully grinning; the other, worried and relieved at the same time.
Of course, the younger Kagari female immediately rushed to her side, cupping Diana’s cheek.
“You okay? My dad didn’t scare you too much, right?” Akko looked into her eyes, concern all over her features- and Diana enjoyed the loving attention- before Akko glared at her father, then gazed upon Diana again.
“I’m fine. Just a bit… shaken up, I suppose.” She said, leaning forward into Akko’s chest, inhaling her scent, before remembering they had an audience, Akko’s parents to be exact. That fact alone made her jerk away so fast, she nearly had whiplash.
“Oh? What’s this?” Akiko grinned, going closer to poke both girls. “Don’t tell me…” She gasped in faux shock. “How far have you two gone?!”
Akko gaped, blushing fifty shades of red, and Diana felt as if she could just faint.
“We-WE, no! Mom, we haven’t-, there’s nothing like that, Diana is, I’m-!”
“Ahahahaha…” Akiko burst into fits of laughter, slapping her husband’s back painfully enough. “I was teasing dear.” She waved a hand, still laughing at the stupefied expressions of the youngsters.
“But really,” Kento cut in, serious as always, just before dropping lethal grenades into the play field. “At least we won’t have to worry about teen pregnancy. Or does magic allow that?”
“Oh, but mind you, we do expect grandkids.”
Diana fell over, Akko panicking as she shooed her naughty parents off to tend to her lover, now resting her head on the brunette’s lap.
“The… the pressure, they expect grand… teen preg-“
“Diana, love, please calm down.” Akko smoothed out her hair, wiping away the perspiration on her forehead, planting a kiss on it. “We’ll be fine. A-and those things are too far ahead.” Akko looked away, blushing.
Again they became lost in one another’s eyes, faces drawing closer and closer.
“Thank you.” Akko whispered against Diana’s lips, just before they touched.
“For what?” Diana replied, reaching her hand up to rub along Akko’s cheeks.
“For answering the way you did. For being so brave for me.” Akko kissed her again, hand entwining, playing together. “For loving me.”
Diana brought their joined hands to her lips, kissing Akko’s.
“Well, of course I’d answer the way I did… we both know why.”
She smiled softly, urging another kiss from Akko.
“Kyaaaa!!! Look, look! Ahhh, so cute!”
Constanze’s brows furrowed deeply as her robot complained about the master being treated as a small child by the Japanese woman, who had picked her up, reminding the mechanic of a similar situation with Akko before. She waved her arms about, Akiko twirling her around in the air. Really; like mother, like daughter.
“Akko-chan! Look, look! She’s adorable!”
“Yes, mom. I can see that.” Akko laughed at her mother’s excitable nature, not that she could say much as she had inherited the same character.
“Aww… I wanna adopt her! What do you say to a younger sister, Akko?”
“No! Mom, you can’t! As cute as Constanze is, you can’t!” Akko reprimanded, taking the little techno expert away from her mother’s stifling grasp, placing her back down, holding a thumbs-up to reply to the girl’s grateful gestures.
“Fine.” She pouted, before grinning. “But maybe… Diana-chan~ About the grandkids-“
Diana laughed at the mother-daughter antics, amused. The pair was cute and endearing, very much so for Diana.
Now, the group had begun put together their plans for today, as Constanze and Jasminka had finally arrived to join them, despite it only being for two days.
They’d certainly try to make the most out of it.
But while everyone was discussing such plans, Diana attempted to spirit Akko away to a nearby corner, hoping to get a moment alone before they had group activities and she wouldn’t have the chance to do these things any longer.
Akko found herself smothered in affection and kisses, trying to keep up with Diana’s frantic love, before they had to head back as Akiko’s voice was calling for them.
They tried to fix themselves up, not looking suspicious in the slightest.
The group decided to go back to the beach the first day, then maybe do a hike in the early morning. With that agreement in place, everyone went off to change, Akko’s mother taking the two new members along to choose their swimsuits.
But before the couple could separate, Diana pulled Akko in to kiss her on the cheek, whispering in her ear as they parted.
The hike had been marvelous. Extremely fun.
Besides the usual mishaps cause by none other than Akko, it was an invigorating experience, exploring the wild, touching wild animals, squirrels, small birds and the like (All of whom seemed to be Akko’s woodland-creature friends).
Akko had a lighter burden in food preparation this time, as Jasminka was here to lend a helping hand, and Diana had basic kitchen skills to help the pace move along nicely.
It was delicious, refreshing and fulfilling.
But now that that was done and over with… The night that was left, these moments were for the guests to pack up, ready to go home.
A knock interrupted the Cavendish girl, currently folding her clothes before placing them neatly into her bag, taking a break from her work to address her visitor.
The culprit knocked once more, before speaking in a strange, funny voice, tickling Diana’s humor.
“Ms. Diana Cavendish? I am Kagari Atsuko.” The brunette tried to speak in as deep a voice as she could, doing her best act at being professional.
“Yes, Miss Kagari? And what business might you have here?” Diana replied, straightening up her posture as she sat on her bed, legs crossed over one another as Akko neared her, sitting on her legs in front of Diana.
The mischief-maker grinned, before opening her mouth.
“I would like to apply for a position in your heart.”
Diana tried not to reveal just how much that comment made her heart flutter, emotions going wild. “Oh?” She replied in an amused tone, face betraying nothing. “What are your qualifications?” She decided to play along at least, if only to see where this was going.
“Well… “Akko approached closer, standing before the heiress and reaching out for Diana’s hand, kissing it before pulling Diana to her feet, twirling the blonde around. “I am quite the cook.” She started counting her ‘skills’ on her fingers. “I am athletically inclined, and I can send you flowers and all that for the rest of your life.”
“Anything else?” Diana asked, genuinely interested to know more. “What major thing can you contribute to my heart?” She inquired, wanting to know how much deeper Akko’s love ran for her, and she already felt it to be quite deep.
There was a pause in the air, but then the Japanese placed a hand on her partner’s waist and bringing Diana close, hugging her, listening to her heartbeat as Akko kissed her exposed collarbone.
“I can love you forever with all of mine.”
Diana found it simply irresistible, kissing Akko again.
It took them a few moments and then some, seconds ticking by, turning into minutes as their session stretched out for a time unidentified.
Diana sucked on Akko’s lower lip, earning her a small pleasing sound from her girlfriend as she tightened her embrace.
As they finally parted, a thin string of saliva connecting them, Akko looked broken all of a sudden, and in turn, Diana felt hurt for her.
“I’ll miss you.” The words were spoken in a sad whisper, murmur, the Inn’s owner shifting to hug Diana from behind with arms around the girl’s waist, swaying lightly as Akko hummed more tunes to her.
Now Diana felt like crying, remembering that they’d have to live apart for a while, only being able to see each other at school anymore.
Sure, there were ways of them staying together, Diana renting a room in this Inn, but she’d feel as though she’d get special treatment and would have overstayed her welcome.
Plus, she needed to go home.
Nevertheless, the tiny whimpers pulled at her heart as she brought the smaller hands that held her, up to her lips, kissing them.
And she hated the feeling of having to say goodbye to someone she loved.
-But Diana remembered something, something to make this parting more bearable, and in a flash, she dug through her bag, taking out a small black box, brand name engraved on it as she took Akko’s hands, the other confused as she was led to sit on the bed with Diana.
“Akko.” The prodigy spoke, taking Akko’s left hand into hers after opening the box, revealing to small silver bands.
“Diana?!” The brunette’s heart swelled, tears welling up again as she cried, finding it difficult to accept such things.
Inserting the silver promise ring onto Akko’s pinky, Diana’s name carved neatly onto it, the heiress proceeded to pepper that finger with kisses, leading up to hand, then wrist, forearm, shoulder and even higher up, following Akko’s anatomy, planting kisses on her collarbone, neck, jaw and cheek. She even kissed Akko’s ear, moving in to place her lips on that cute button nose, up to the forehead and back down to the final destination, Akko’s lips.
After completing her journey, she looked into Akko’s hazy eyes, still registering everything that had just happened. “This is as much as I can do slowing down.” Diana admitted, bashful and slightly put-off by herself. “But I really, I sincerely want everyone to know you are mine, and I am yours.”
She cupped Akko’s cheek, running her thumb over it as Akko’s tears rolled down in minute rivulets, tainting Diana’s skin with sweet drops of rain.
“Diana… You are… are you sure?” Akko was still at the point of questioning whether all of this was real or not, but her girlfriend’s insistent nodding spoke all the answers clearly.
“I’ll wait for the day I can put a real one on you.” She spoke again, referring to the ring. “Not there,” She kiss the adorable pinky. “But here.” She placed a lingering kiss this time on Akko’s ring finger.
Akko giggled, making Diana curious as to what was so funny.
“You sure like kissing my hands.”
“Well, they certainly are beautiful.” Diana smiled, loving the laughter unique only to Akko. “Just like the rest of you.”
Akko felt another Diana-induced blush coming on, as the cause of it licked her lips hungrily while staring at Akko’s.
“And they aren’t the only things I like kissing.”
Their faces drew near again, and for who knows what time this was, they kissed. The felt their words put into action, into feelings.
It was fun, the last few hours together before all the guests had to ride the van with the Kagari’s, Ryuunosuke taking them to the airport.
It would be a lie to say no tears were shed, but it was still as happy as a parting could get. No good byes were said, simply ‘See you later.’ And that was a promise Diana took to heart as she waved goodbye, riding up the escalator with her suitcase, willing herself to stay still and not run back into Akko’s arms and reassure her she wasn’t going anywhere.
Alas, fate was decided and they must separate for the time being.
It was truly puzzling, Diana had not felt the least bit jetlagged, and that was a true wonder- though, she could also say it was mainly due to the fact her mind had been occupied by other things such as how she missed Akko among other thoughts.
Even as Anna and other servants had come to pick her up and give her a pleasant welcome home, she found herself, guiltily, only half as excited as she would have been usually.
Her glumness continued throughout the night, into her quarters as she tried to count sheep as a means of falling asleep.
A ring broke her noisy peace.
“Hello, love.” Diana didn’t even need to check the digits on the smartphone she had bought, just for occasions such as these. If this was the only way to keep in touch with the love of her life, the cost was a tiny thing compared to the utter joy of hearing the girl’s melodic voice.
She felt tears trying to fight their way out, wanting release, and she had never felt this much pain or longing before. The dire need to touch and hold someone. Only Akko. Only she made Diana go mad with need and want.
“I miss you, too.” She replied, her emotions overflowing unbearably into her voice, into the call.
Talking for hours about anything really was Diana’s only way to relieve that longing, if only for these few short moments, though she knew she’d crave even more after this, like a drug that you tried to abstain from, but upon tasting it, you’d need more in your system.
That was just how addicting Akko and her love was.
Even the virtual hugs, and the phone kisses lightened and burdened Diana’s heart.
Just as they bid each other good night, Diana would dare not forget these words, waiting impatiently for the next time she’d be able to speak them out loud, face to face again.
“Akko?” It was so painful, only hearing the girl’s voice, unable to touch her, feel her warmth and kisses.
“Yes?” Indeed, it hurt so much, but she’d endure… a few weeks, a few months. They would meet again, that was for certain.
A new semester, a new time for students to learn new lessons, get assigned new partners, teachers, classes. A fresh start again.
And here, with the wind blowing gently through blonde strands awaiting just outside the gates, Diana tapped her foot against the pavement, counting down the minutes to Akko’s arrival, her internal stopwatch resetting once more as Akko was still missing from her arms.
She gasped, surprise falling from her lips as she was momentarily blinded before a much desired, melodious sound filled her ears, a sweet, flowery fragrance wafting into her nose, and warm touches sent shivers down her spine.
Akko had infiltrated her senses.
Diana turned to the girl, seeing the witch she had missed so dearly, enveloping her in the tightest embrace they’ve had yet.
Akko only smiled, cupping Diana’s cheek, an action the heiress had been dreaming of for so long, and her next wish was about to be granted, the pair leaning in at the same time.
They were about to start a new life, school life, love life, again. Together.
Parting, that familiar murmur against each other’s lips filled Diana with life again, fully intent on making the most of living in the same place at the same time.
She took Akko’s hand in hers, leading her into the building and into the gates, winding through hallways and stairs to reach their favorite place, the library.
Trapping Akko against the shelves, the couple shared a smile before diving in to their last few moments of private time before the bell would ring.
Their matching promise rings glittered in the morning sunlight, reflecting its early rays that seeped in through the windows.
Diana embraced Akko tightly, her heart speaking everything for her, placed into words.
Diana thought she would be the one to do it.
She seriously believed it would be her.
But now, in her seat, crying her heart out as she stared at the figure knelt before her, golden ring sparkling with that beautiful diamond that matched her eyes, lover’s name engraved on it, Diana admitted it was nice to be on the receiving end of such things.
In the end, Akko was the one who proposed. After her amazing trials with Diana’s family, she had finally gotten them to accept her, and here she was, living with her dream
And her dream had always been Diana.
Diana cried so much she ruined her make-up and hair, but Akko thought she was still the most beautiful lady in the world. She was so proud and happy, and loved Diana more and more each passing second as the Cavendish head could barely reply, head nodding rapidly as she jumped into Akko’s arms, hugging her tightly, kissing her all over as she completely forgot about the ring and was more content on drowning herself in Akko and her warm embrace.
Akko laughed, trying to return as many kisses as she could, before settling Diana back into her chair, presenting the ring again as Diana held out her own hand once more, still teary and tussled.
“This time, I’ll be the one to give you a promise for a lifetime.” Akko vowed, kissing Diana’s hand, doing the same pattern as her now-fiancée had done all those years ago with the promise rings.
And again, Akko finds her hands full of blonde hair and kisses, her face probably marked all over, but she didn’t really mind.
It was time to become happier than she already was.
It was time for them to join into the family they wanted to be.
It was time to welcome Diana home, cook her breakfast and all that.
It was time to say it again. Though revised, as Akko giggled, speaking such nostalgic words.
“Welcome my love, to your personal Hikari no Jukyo.”
A/N: So… want an epilogue to show proposal? And Wedding? I mean, I’m up for it?
