Archive of Our Own

If there’s one thing Akko’s realized since she came to Luna Nova, it’s that Shiny Chariot didn’t actually teach her much about witches. Not to say that that Akko was mad at Chariot for that, but the point still stands that her shows were a terrible introduction to witch society. Between the Olde Nine, Ley Lines, magical law, and so on, there was so much to being a witch that Akko was completely in the dark about. Still, she would like to believe that she’s done a great job adapting to the absurd world of witches. Even when she was told that she and her friends were going to be fed to a thousand-year-old ghost as literal sacrifices, she was able to quickly accept that was a perfectly normal and reasonable thing at Luna Nova.

But recently, she learned of one aspect of witch culture that she was completely unprepared for. Something that flipped practically her entire understanding of the world on its head.

It all started with a conversation with her friends during breakfast one day.

“Oh, Hannah, did you hear about Hilda?” asked Barbara.

“What about her?”

“Priscilla says she saw her and Gaëlle at a restaurant together. It looked like they were on a date!” Barbara explained, eager to gossip.

“Wait, seriously?!” Hannah replied in surprise. “I didn’t even know those two were friends, let alone dating!”

Akko stopped eating and looked over, confused. “Huh? What do you mean they’re dating?”

“They mean they’re lovers Akko! Ah, I’m so happy for them!” Lotte answered.

“Why are you so happy about two people you never talk to being in a relationship?” questioned Sucy.

“Romance is always exciting, Sucy!” she declared in response. Sucy rolled her eyes but didn’t seem surprised by her answer.

Lovers…? Akko’s brow furrowed as she only grew more confused.

“What’s the matter, Akko?” Jasminka asked, noticing her expression.

“You might short-circuit your brain from thinking that hard,” Amanda teased.

“Bold of you to assume she has a brain,” Hannah snarked, earning a glare from Diana.

“It’s just…” Akko began. “…they’re both girls…?”

“Your point?” Sucy asked with a raised brow.

“I mean…that’s not normal…”

The others at the table paused, taken aback. Even Constanze, despite being largely uninterested in the conversation, stopped tinkering with her Stanbot to focus on Akko.

“Excuse me?! What the he-!” Amanda began before Diana cut her off.

“Hold on, I think I understand what she meant,” Diana explained before turning back to address Akko. “If I am recalling correctly, romance between two women, or two men for that matter, is a social taboo in your culture, correct?”

“I’ve only ever heard of boys and girls going on dates, so…” Akko answered.

“Well, to put it simply, it is actually quite common for two witches to have a romantic relationship.”

“Really?!”

Diana nodded. “Historically, two people of the same sex were unable to bear children, which I believe plays a part in why society at large has shunned such relationships. With the aid of magic however, it becomes possible to conceive children regardless of the sex of each partner. And since one’s magical power is influenced by their bloodline, this resulted in witches having children together so their child could inherit their combined magical power. Thus, such relationships became not only normalized but encouraged in magical societies.”

“But Lotte has a dad?”

“Just because witches can conceive doesn’t mean that heterosexual relationships became obsolete. Those relationships often have political advantages for the witch’s family. And of course, the witch may just prefer men over women.”

“I see…” Akko replied. “So, do you all…?”

“…ah. Well, yes. I personally have always fancied women,” Diana bashfully responded.

Akko’s eyes widened. She looked around at the rest of her friends.

“Arthur may be my favorite, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t find Belle cute too,” Lotte explained, referring to Night Fall.

“If I was forced to date someone, I guess I’d prefer a girl,” Sucy answered.

“I’d rather have Ms. Finnelan lecture me every day for the rest of my life than be with a man,” Amanda declared.

“Only girls,” the Stanbot stated in Constanze’ place.

“Gender doesn’t matter to me,” said Jasminka.

“The two of us have had our eyes on just as many noble ladies as noble men,” remarked Barbara as Hannah nodded in agreement.

“Huh…sorry, I just assumed that you all liked guys,” Akko admitted.

“It is alright, Akko,” Diana reassured. “Considering you were unaware of same sex relationships, that was a reasonable assumption for you to make.”

“Sorry for nearly exploding at you, by the way,” Amanda apologized to Akko. “I’ve met way too many bigots back home, so hearing you say it wasn’t normal set me off.”

“Oh! It’s ok! That did sound pretty rude in hindsight.”

“…so, everyone here likes girls…everyone but…” Akko trailed off.

“It’s fine if you’re the only straight girl here,” said Hannah. “Me and Barbara would be open to Boy Talk if you’d like.”

“Oh, should we talk about Akko’s crush on Andrew?” Lotte teased.

Akko groaned. “For the last time, I don’t have a crush on him!”

“Sounds like someone is in denial,” Barbara commented.

“Alright, that’s enough of that,” Diana intervened. “I suggest you focus on your meals before breakfast ends.”

With that, the conversation concluded as everyone returned to their meals. Though Akko found herself unable to focus on her food.

Following breakfast, Akko was completely distracted from all her classes. She was already bad at notetaking, but today pretty much everything the professors were saying went in one ear and out the other. Thus, once her final class for the day ended, she took to aimlessly wandering around Luna Nova as she thought back to the conversation from that morning. It had been plaguing her mind the entire day, but she wasn’t really sure why.

Ok, sure, that was pretty shocking to learn about, but I’ve been shocked by all sorts of things at Luna Nova. So why am I so fixated on this?

Akko glanced at the students around her in the hallways.

…do they also like girls? Akko suddenly felt like she needed to know.

Akko walked over to a small group nearby and began to listen in on their conversation.

“I still can’t believe we ran into Andrew at the movies yesterday!”

“You’re still gushing about that, Blair?”

“Can you blame me?! I’ve been crushing on him ever since he visited Luna Nova!”

“Well, I suppose It’s hard not to be at least a little interested in someone as rich and handsome as him.”

“I wish I got to talk with him after the movie ended.”

“You get me, Mary. What I would give for just one more conversation with him.”

“I would love to discuss the film with him. Hearing his perspective on the movie as an aristocrat could help me appreciate the film even more.”

“I swear, you can get way too obsessed with analyzing every movie you wa- …Do you need something, Akko?” asked Avery.

The other two looked over to Akko, who had apparently decided that the best place to stand when trying to discreetly eavesdrop was right behind Avery.

“Uhhh…do you like girls?” Akko awkwardly asked.

Avery smirked in amusement. “What, are you trying to ask me out?”

“No way! Is she really?!” Blair asked in surprise.

“N-no! I was just curious is all!”

“Well then, yeah, I like girls alright.”

Akko nodded. “What about you two?”

“I guess…? I’ve never thought too hard about it before,” Mary answered.

“Hmm…maybe I’d date an aristocrat girl like Diana…” Blair responded.

“Diana?!” Akko shouted.

“W-what?! Did I say something wrong?”

“S-sorry! I was just…a bit surprised was all,” Akko reassured. “Um…I’ll stop bothering you guys now. Thanks for answering!”

Akko ran off before the other girls could say anything. Once she was out of sight, she took a moment to collect herself.

C’mon Akko, what was that?! Why the heck am I freaking out so much just because she mentioned Diana? I’m sure Diana wouldn’t date a girl like Blair anyways. Wait, that’s a bit rude to Blair…

After deciding it would be best to get her mind off that, Akko went around asking other students nearby if they liked girls, with the majority of them answering yes.

Near the end of the day, Akko had gone back to aimless wandering, pondering everything she had learned.

So many people here like girls. So many that I feel like an idiot for not noticing it sooner! All of my friends said they like girls for crying out loud!

But I still haven’t figured out why it’s been all I can think about today. I don’t even like talking about romance. Especially when Lotte and Sucy start teasing me about Andrew. Ugh.

And it’s not like this really changes anything. All it means is that I shouldn’t be surprised if any of my friends introduce their girlfriend to me. Like if Diana wanted to me to meet her girlfriend, I…

There it is again! Am I really that bothered by Diana dating someone? What’s wrong with me?!

“Tou-Jutsu!”

Akko overheard a voice coming from a nearby classroom. Peering into the room, she sees Marianne and Jeanne, with Marianne handing what looks like a katana to Jeanne.

“Woah! It looks just like a real katana!” Jeanne exclaimed.

“Your praise is appreciated, but it is still a mere parlor trick compared to your sword.”

“Don’t be so hard on yourself! Sure, the blade’s a bit dull, but you’re getting the hang of this really quickly!”

Huh, so Jeanne’s been teaching her some kinda sword spell?

Akko watched as Jeanne continued to inspect the katana as Marianne quietly waited for her to finish, a small blush barely visible underneath her scarf.

“Yep! It all looks good,” Jeanne said, handing the katana back to Marianne. “Now, show me you can turn it back to normal.”

Marianne nodded and held up the katana by the hilt before shouting ‘Fukusuru-Jutsu!’ And with a magical poof, the katana had turned back into Marianne’s wand which she proceeded to place back in her belt.

“Alright, you got it!” Jeanne congratulated. “You’ve mastered the basics, so next time we’ll work on improving the sharpness of the blade. Sound good?”

“Yes. I look forward to your next lesson, Jeanne-sensei.”

Jeanne bashfully rubbed the back of her head. “I told you, you can drop the ‘sensei’. You make it sound like I’m some esteemed professor.”

Marianne shook her head in response. “It is always important for a ninja to show respect to their superiors.”

“Fine, fine. If you insist.”

Seeing that the lesson she happened to stumble upon had come to an end, Akko was about to take her leave, but stopped when she heard Marianne speak again.

“…Jeanne-sensei.”

“Yeah?”

“Recently, I’ve been thinking that I…I r-really enjoy the time we spend together.”

Jeanne looked at Marianne in surprise, caught off guard by her sudden sincerity.

“You are one of the only people I’ve met that takes my ninjutsu seriously…and the first to encourage me and even help me become a greater ninja.”

“Marianne…”

“And…and I’ve begun to feel something for you, Jeanne-sensei! A strong desire to stay by your side!”

She…s-she’s CONFESSING?!

Jeanne gasped, equally astonished by the confession.

Marianne got down on one knee and held out her hand towards Jeanne “So please! Would you…would you go out with me?”

Akko watched the scene before her with bated breath, feeling that she was currently witnessing something truly magical.

And then…a sight flashed in Akko’s mind.

“AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!”

Akko lost her footing, pushing the door open and falling into the room.

Recovering from that, she looked up to see Marianne and Jeanne blushing furiously, incredibly flustered that somebody had witnessed them.

The three of them all sat in awkward silence for several moments. Suddenly, a cloud of smoke engulfed Marianne and by the time it cleared, she had disappeared.

“Heheheh, sorry about that…”

Following Akko’s vision and subsequent freakout, she decided that the best course of action was to just not think about Diana at all. As long as she completely ignored the problem, she would never have to confront it. Thus, she immediately looked for literally anything that could distract her. She struck up conversations with anyone she happened to run into, she practiced spells for hours, she helped Sucy test her potions, she even willingly read her Magical History textbook.

Her plan was going smoothly…for a single day before she was reminded that she and her friends were going to have a movie night in the Green Team dorm, meaning that she would be spending several hours hanging out with Diana.

And so here she was, stuck seated right next to Diana on the bed as the film began. She was originally going to sit as far from her as possible, but then Diana just HAD to ask if she could sit next to her. Akko will swear to the end of her days that no sane human being could ever say no in that situation, especially when she used to be so reserved, always sitting a good distance away from everyone else.

Akko was hoping that she could just put all her focus on the movie until Diana left, but that all went completely out the window as soon as Diana had spoken to her. Akko’s mind was now so preoccupied with the whole ‘why did I fantasize about kissing Diana’ thing that she couldn’t even tell you the name of the film they were watching.

“Are you alright, Akko?” asked Diana.

“Y-yeah! W-why are you asking?”

“You just seem quite tense.”

“You’re j-just imagining things! I’ve never been less tense!”

“Dude, your eyes are darting all over the place,” Amanda pointed out.

“You seem to be shaking a bit, too,” Jasminka added, concerned.

“Are you feeling side effects from the tests I ran yesterday?” Sucy asked, more interested in her experiments than in Akko herself.

“Constanze, could you pause the movie for a moment?” requested Lotte. Constanze nodded, doing as asked.

“Guys! I-I swear I’m fine!” Akko pleaded, not wanting everyone’s attention on her.

“Do you really expect us to believe that?” Hannah questioned, exasperated. “It’s incredibly obvious you’re acting weird,” said Barbara.

“R-really, I-!” Akko began.

“That’s enough, Akko,” Diana declared. “Come here. I’ll check your temperature.”

Diana pulled Akko closer to her before she pressed her forehead against Akko’s.

???

NANI?!?!?!

Yabai, yabai, YABAI!!! She’s so close!

My heart, it’s beating way too fast!

Not to mention, with how close our faces are…

It’s almost like we’re about to…

we’re…about to…!

Overwhelmed, Akko suddenly shoved Diana away from her, shocking everyone in the room, with the most shocked Diana herself.

It took a moment for Akko to realize what she had even done, being too distracted by her confused emotions. Once her mind had caught up to what happened, however, she suddenly got up from the bed.

“O-on second thought, I am feeling kinda bad right now, so I think I’m just gonna go…” Akko hurriedly explained as she made her way towards the room’s exit.

“H-hold on, Akko!” Diana shouted after her, but Akko had already run out of the room.

Akko ran out of the dormitories and into the halls, not sure where she was running to but simply wanting to get away from Diana.

Eventually, Akko stopped in one of the halls, crouching down to sit against the wall. At first trying to catch her breath, she instead started to cry.

Great going, Akko. You act all weird around Diana and then push her away when she just wants to help. Baka.

Why can’t I just act normal around her? I got one strange thought and now I can’t even look her in the eyes.

It was then that someone walked into the hall.

“Huh? Akko?”

Professor Ursula poured a cup of tea and handed it to Akko.

After stumbling upon Akko in the hallway, the professor immediately brought the girl over to her own room, trying to comfort her. Akko had been uncharacteristically silent since Ursula had found her, still grappling with her emotions.

“Are you feeling a bit better now?” asked Ursula. Akko nodded. The room fell into silence, with Ursula not wanting to prod Akko into speaking if she didn’t want to. So, they both quietly sipped at their tea as the time ticked away.

Eventually, Akko spoke up. “Um…Professor?”

“Yes, Akko?”

“Do…do you like girls?”

Ursula looked at Akko in surprise. “Where is this coming from?”

“S-sorry! I was just curious, but it’s okay if you don’t wanna answer…”

“No, it’s alright. I’m not upset, I was just unprepared for a question like that,” Ursula reassured. “Is this related to why you were crying earlier?”

“I…think?”

“Well, to answer your question, yes. In fact, me and Croix had actually dated back in our school years, though that got complicated after I received the Shiny Rod, and now she’s in jail, so…s-sorry! I’m rambling, aren’t I?”

Akko looked surprised. “Even you?”

“Even me? Have you asked anyone else that question?”

“Um…I’ve asked a lot of people to be honest. I learned the other day that a lot of witches like girls, and I’d been thinking about that a lot since.”

After hearing that, Ursula went silent for a bit, seeming deep in thought.

“Akko…Are you perhaps wondering if you like girls?”

Akko’s eyes widened. With just one question, Professor Ursula managed to put what Akko had been struggling with into words.

‘Do I like girls?!’ Do I?! I mean I’ve never thought much about this stuff before. I figured I’d just go find a husband after I become a famous witch like Shiny Chariot. Getting a wife instead was the last thing on my mind!

But like…that doesn’t sound…exactly wrong? Picturing it, having a wife seems just as appealing as having a husband. And…oh no, I just realized: Did I have a crush on Shiny Chariot??? Ugh, that’s the last thing I want to think about when I’m in the middle of talking to Chariot herself! Stupid brain!

Alright well still, I was really obsessed with Chariot, so my brain probably just got confused or something. And besides, I’ve got zero interest in dating anyway. I’ve gotta focus on becoming a great witch after all! So, there’s no room in my life right now for any romance. None at all…

…N-no! That was just a weird thought! I don’t think of Diana like that! She’s…she’s my friend! Friends don’t think of each other like that!

“Akko, are you alright? You’re starting to worry me again.”

“Oh, uh, yeah, I’m f-fine. Actually, I’m feeling better now, so I’ll be on my way Professor!” Akko tried to make a hasty exit in an attempt to ignore her problems once again but was greeted by Alcor flying onto the doorknob and locking it.

“Akko…” Ursula began. “I understand wanting to run away. What you’re going through right now can be confusing and scary, but it’s good for you to confront it. You’ll come out the other side understanding yourself better. And I’ll be right here to help you along the way. I’m sure a believing heart like yours can get through it!

Akko was on the verge of tears from the sheer amount of love and support the professor had just shown her. Inspired, she returned to her seat on the couch and fully opened up to Ursula.

“To be honest, the ‘liking girls’ thing isn’t exactly what had gotten me so upset earlier. It’s…it’s actually about Diana.”

“Did something happen between you two?”

Akko nodded. “So, the other day, after I learned that girls can date other girls, I had this…weird thought about Diana. A-and ever since then, I just can’t think straight when we’re together. Like, my mind just keeps replaying that thought from before and I just get all these confusing feelings. And then earlier, when we were watching a movie together, she put her face really close to mine, and I just freaked out…and I ended up shoving her away and ran out of the room.”

“So that’s why you were in the halls,” responded Ursula. “Could you elaborate on the thought you had about Diana?”

“…I-I imagined Diana confessing her love to me…and then we…k…kissed…” Akko could barely get words out, incredibly embarrassed about admitting that.

“I see…” The professor didn’t act surprised at all, as if she was expecting something along those lines. “Well then, do you think you would want a relationship with her?”

“…I…I don’t know…I mean I’ve never cared that much about romance, but…” Akko trailed off.

“Hey, it’s alright if you don’t know how you feel right now,” Ursula reassured. “These things take time to figure out. There’s no need to rush to give an answer.”

Akko gave the professor an appreciative smile. The room fell into silence once again as Akko continued to think about the question, with Ursula patiently waiting for her.

“…I think…I want to talk to Diana and apologize about before. I don’t quite know how I feel about her, but she’s definitely important to me. And I’m think what I did earlier might’ve really hurt her.”

Ursula looked at her like a proud mother. “Then you have my full support.”

Akko stood up with newfound resolve. “Thanks for your help, professor!”

“Of course, Akko. Remember, if ever need help from me I’ll always make time for you,” said Ursula as Alcor unlocked the room’s door.

Akko nodded in understanding before running out, ready to see Diana again.

When Akko returned to the Green Team dorm, Diana was nowhere to be found. Apparently, sometime after Akko had fled the room, Diana claimed that she was too tired and went back to her own room. Now feeling even more guilty about ruining Diana’s night, Akko immediately ran over to the Blue Team dorm to see her.

After a brief moment of nervous hesitation, Akko raised her hand and knocked on the room’s door. She heard some shuffling from inside, and a moment later, the door opened.

“A-Akko?!” Diana exclaimed.

…kawaii.

Something about the sight of Diana Cavendish wearing a simple light blue nightgown was strangely adorable to Akko.

“Um…are you feeling better, Akko?”

Akko realized she was staring and shook her head. “Diana, I need to talk with you.”

“…” Diana walked back into her room, silently inviting Akko to follow. The two of them sat down on the couch in the room. Neither were able to meet the other’s eyes, with Diana awkwardly waiting for Akko explain why she was here.

“…Diana, I’m sorry.”

“Pardon?”

“I mean about earlier, when I pushed you away from me. I know you were just worried about me, and you were clearly hurt when I ran away from you. So…” Akko suddenly stood up and bowed towards Diana as deeply as she could. “…I’m really, really sorry!”

It took a moment for Diana to understand, but then she smiled. “Thank you. Consider your apology accepted.”

Akko smiled back at Diana. Alright! Glad that was easy! Guess I should get going now…

“Although…” Diana began. “…I would like to know why you had fled earlier.”

…Kuso. “Um…well…you know…that’s a bit…hard to explain…”

Diana sighed. “Akko, please be honest with me. Are you…uncomfortable around me?”

Akko was taken aback by the question. “Huh?! No, no! What gave you that idea?”

Diana went silent for a moment. “…I apologize. I let my irrational thoughts run wild. It was wrong of me to doubt our friendship.”

Diana lowered her head, a solemn look on her face. “When you had left the Green Team dorm, the others began discussing what had happened and speculated on why you had acted that way. And Amanda suggested that you perhaps…were wary of us since we had all expressed attraction to girls. I…I just couldn’t get the idea out of my head. I was so scared at the thought that you no longer wanted to associate with us…with me…”

Akko, seeing how much she had made Diana worry, sat back down on the couch and took Diana’s hands in hers. “That’s not it at all! And I can’t apologize enough for making you and the others think that! The real reason I’ve been acting so weird is because…” Akko swallowed nervously but pressed on. “…it’s because…I think I might also like girls!”

Diana’s eyes widened. “You…also like women?”

“Well, I’m not sure? I originally just assumed I liked boys like the girls I knew back in Japan. But since you told me that girls liking girls is a thing, it’s all I’ve been able to think about! And I’ve been getting these weird thoughts that I think probably aren’t things you think about if you only like boys. Like one time I imagined you…kissing…me…” Akko realized a bit too late that she had let something slip that she meant to keep to herself.

Diana blushed at Akko’s accidental admission. “Ah…is that…so…”

“I’m sorry…I should’ve stopped talking…” Akko murmured.

“No, it is alright…I am flattered, really…” Diana cleared her throat. “At any rate, thank you for reassuring me that our relationship has not been damaged.”

“Um…yeah…”

The two of them proceeded to sit in awkward silence for the next minute, the conversation having fizzled out. Eventually, an idea popped into Akko’s head which she immediately blurted out.

“Could…you do that?”

“Hmm? Do what?”

“…k-k-kiss me?”

“Kiss-?! Did I hear you correctly?”

Akko timidly nodded. “I was thinking…maybe if you gave me a kiss, I would know for sure if I like girls…”

“…I am sorry Akko, but I cannot possibly do that. It would be unfair to you…”

“Unfair?” Now Akko was the confused one.

“Well, to be honest Akko, I have…romantic feelings for you…” Diana confessed, her blush deepening.

“Nani?! Seriously?!”

Diana nodded in confirmation. “It is for that reason that I cannot fulfill your request. It would feel like I was selfishly stealing a kiss from you to fulfill my own desires, rather than genuinely trying to help you.”

Akko thought for a moment about Diana’s reasoning before responding. “I still want you to do it!”

“W-what?”

“You can just…think of it as compensation for earlier then! That way there’s no problem if you do it just cause you like me!”

“Akko, I…” Diana sighed once again. “Fine then. I do not quite understand why you are fixated on this idea, but I suppose I will oblige.”

“Alright!” Akko exclaimed, somewhat confused herself about her own excitement.

Diana paused for a moment to mentally prepare herself before grasping Akko’s chin. Akko closed her eyes in anticipation as Diana leaned in, their lips meeting.

As soon as the kiss began, Akko’s thoughts became significantly less coherent, consisting of numerous Japanese adjectives expressing pure joy and excitement, the most prominent of which being her familiar ‘Yatta!’

After only a few seconds, Diana began to pull away, much to Akko’s dismay.

Wait, it’s ending already? Acting on instinct, Akko wrapped her arms around Diana’s neck and pulled her back in. Diana was surprised, but soon reciprocated, wrapping her own arms around Akko’s torso.

The two of them continued on like that for quite some time, finally separating only once they both ran out of breath.

“Hey, Diana?”

“Yes, Akko?”

“I think…I actually just wanted an excuse to kiss you…”

“I see…in hindsight, that seems rather obvious.”

Akko pouted as she leaned her head on Diana’s chest. “Well, it wasn’t obvious to me…”

Diana patted her head to soothe her. “Well regardless, it seems you have your answer now.”

“Yeah, I guess it all worked out in the end.”

“So then, how do you feel about becoming Diana Cavendish’s wife?”

Akko jolted. “Wife?! Do witches skip straight to that?!”

Diana chuckled, “I was joking, Akko. I still intend on properly courting you first.”

“Then, I guess that’s fine…” Akko responded, calming back down.

Eventually, the pair decided to head to bed, with Diana inviting Akko to sleep over to celebrate their first night as a couple, which she happily agreed to.

The past few days have been a pretty confusing time for Akko, and she still isn’t completely sure about what genders she likes. But for now, she can at least be sure that there’s one girl she likes. In fact, she’d even say that she loves that girl.