Summary: Akko believes the Chariot premium card is the last remaining evidence that a girl named Diana Cavendish once admired the performer Shiny Chariot. But is it really?

Author's Notes:

This prompt was a pain to write. I could've just copy and pasted an excerpt from Heart of Steel, but I thought that'd be a cop out so I vowed to try harder. Not to mention those scenes don't make sense without context anyway.

I started this as a coffee shop AU and then completely scrapped it to this version instead. Compared to all the other prompts that took 2 days to write, I spent a good whooping week on this one. I blame going home and caffeine. Oh and then my finger…

Also, thanks tsunahoshi for the comment last chapter (replying here because I can't reply to guest reviews directly)! I'm glad it was amusing :] It's always fun to see everyone else watch Diakko shenanigans unfold, especially if the usually proper Diana Cavendish is pulled into this mess XD I can't write fluff or romance, but crack comes easily to me LOL.

Two Hearts, One Bond

Akko considers herself an avid Shiny Chariot fan. Even after the confrontation with Croix in the city that led to Ursula Callistis revealing that she is actually Chariot du Nord, Akko's years of admiration of the infamous performer remains. Akko has decided to forge her own path rather than directly following in Chariot's footsteps. However, that doesn't mean she's willing to discard Shiny Chariot so easily.

She might not stare at all of her Chariot merchandise as lovingly as before, but they still hold a special place in her heart. Her white Chariot hat sits on its stand at the corner of her desk. Her Shiny Chariot poster remains on the wall by her bed. All of her collectable Shiny Chariot cards are kept pristine and safe in a binder.

Except for one special card. The premium card gifted to her by a certain Cavendish heiress has its own special frame. Instead of placing it with the rest of her cards, Akko keeps it under her pillow by her side. A normal collector would keep it in the front of her binder with the rest of the trading cards. However, this card holds a deeper significance than just the rare card that Akko couldn't obtain on her own.

It is the symbol of a certain bonding moment. The memory of discovering a fellow Shiny Chariot fan from someone she least expected doesn't fade away. Diana opening up about her own past admiration of the magic performer was meant to renew Akko's briefly-lost belief. But now that the incident has passed and all is well, the full meaning of that conversation dawns on Akko.

Diana Cavendish was - and perhaps still is to some extent - a believer in Shiny Chariot and the message Chariot was trying to convey. However, due to societal pressures and expectations, Diana had to bury her 'childish' admirations to uphold the accepted traditions in the name of the House of Cavendish.

In the end, Diana never discarded her fondness for Shiny Chariot. The presence of the premium card is evidence of that. In a way, Akko sees it as the last remaining evidence that a young girl named Diana Cavendish was a fan of Shiny Chariot as well.

To Akko, it doesn't feel right to keep this premium card. It means much more to Diana than to her; it holds years of memories of hardships and perseverance.

And that's why, after days of consideration and constant groaning that started to worry her teammates, Akko comes to a conclusive decision. It is best to return the card to its rightful owner. Akko's belief in Chariot remains true. But Akko wants Diana to have evidence of her own belief as well.

Which is how Akko finds herself in front of the door to the blue team's room. She nods and tells herself that the visit shouldn't take too long; she's just returning a card, after all. And if Hannah and Barbara are in, she'll just ask to speak to Diana alone. There shouldn't be any problems. For once, nothing should go wrong in Akko's life.

Akko knocks on the wooden door. She hears Diana's faint voice allow her entrance. It's odd that Hannah or Barbara aren't the ones to answer the door. But Akko pushes that thought away and enters before Diana starts to wonder about the hesitation.

Diana stands by one of the large windows in her nightgown. Her arms are in a position where her hands hold the opposite elbows. There doesn't seem to be any lights on except for the small lamp on Diana's desk. The soft glow of the full moon shines on Diana, illuminating her platinum blonde hair.

(Has Diana always been this pretty?)

The image takes Akko's breath away. However, Diana notices the prolonged silence. It is even more apparent that Akko is absentminded as she's still standing at the entrance to the room with her hand on the open door.

"Akko? Is there something you required at…" Diana glances at the time. "Nine in the evening?"

Diana's voice pulls Akko from her staring. She shakes her head to clear her disorganized brain and tries to remember why she came all the way to Diana's room in the first place.

"I wanted to return something before I forgot." Akko looks around the room. It seems its only occupants are herself and Diana. "Are Hannah and Barbara out?"

"Yes. They informed me they would be spending the night with Avery and her teammates."

"Oh, that's weird. I'm so used to those two always with you that I can't imagine them leaving your side for more than a night."

"They did ask me to join. However, I declined to finish my studies for the night."

Akko rolls her eyes. "As expected. You're always studying, Diana. You should have some fun too, you know?"

Diana frowns. "Strange. That is also what Hannah and Barbara said."

"Well, yeah. We all know you do your best to stay on top of things, but it's okay to loosen up once in awhile. One night doesn't hurt anyone."

"I allow myself breaks during my studies," Diana argues. "Which I was taking before you arrived. Speaking of which, what is it that you needed?"

"Oh, right!" Akko walks toward Diana after closing the door and holds out the premium card to Diana with both hands. "I wanted to return this to you. I know you said you gave me this with the meaning of the card in mind. But it really doesn't feel right to have it. This card is yours, Diana."

Diana eyes Akko's gesture with surprise. Of all the topics to discuss, this is certainly not what Diana expected.

"Your mom went through all that trouble to get you it and have you see at least one of Chariot's shows," Akko continues. "If anyone should have this card, it's you."

"I believe it has been established that you are Chariot's most ardent fan," Diana argues. "I presented you the card because of your devotion to Chariot. It will no longer have to sit enclosed in a box on a shelf in your possession. I believe it is in better hands in that sense."

"But you're a fan too! You don't have to show it to other people to be a fan. It's what helped you regain your magic after losing it, right? Even if you kept that secret close to your heart, it's still important to you. So you should have this card so that you can keep believing in magic. You might need it someday!"

"Perhaps that time may come. However, if I require something to renew my faith, I already have another that is more suitable than the premium card."

Akko has no clue what Diana has in mind. "What's better than the card that says 'A believing heart is your magic?'"

Diana's stoic expression melts into endearment. Her eyes glimmer with an emotion Akko cannot name.

Akko's heart thrums in her chest. As if Diana's smile isn't affecting her enough, her next words truly make her question whether she is currently dreaming.

"The girl who with an earnest believing heart comparable to none other. If I am ever in doubt, I am sure you will be the first to remind me that a 'believing heart is my magic' as you have done before. Am I wrong?"

Akko's cheeks tinge pink. She scratches her cheek bashfully. "O-Oh… Diana, you…?"

(Am I really that important to you?)

In that case…

Akko grins. "I guess we both won't be needing this card then!"

Now it is Diana's turn to be confused.

"I understand my reasoning for parting with the card. However, your case is not the same. As an avid fan of Shiny Chariot, have you not searched for this premium card for years?"

"Yeah, and I'll definitely keep it with me. But like you said, if I want something to remind me why I love magic so much, I have something even better." Akko nods, as if she's just solved a complicated problem. "I have you too, Diana!"

Diana's eyes widen. "I am afraid I do not understand."

"Sure you played the card to get the conversation going, but everything else was all you! The card was kind of just to pull me in, right?"

Diana hums. "I suppose that was my intention when I presented the card. I believed it would be an effective way to catch your interest."

Akko chuckles. "I wouldn't have expected you to be a fan of Shiny Chariot. Not with your status and all."

"It was certainly difficult to enjoy her shows and themes with everyone's expectations," Diana admits.

"I got to love Chariot for years without any of that. Even when I came to Luna Nova and people told me she wasn't a respected witch, I still had friends who supported me." Akko's expression falls solemn. "I can't imagine ever hiding my love for Chariot."

Diana turns her head away. "It was expected of me to bury my personal feelings. I have grown accustomed to it."

Akko steps forward and closes the distance. "And that sucks! No one should have to do that!" Akko leans back so that she's not so close to Diana. "But that day when you shared all that, I never got to say thanks. Not just because I found someone else with a wonderful dream inspired by Chariot. It's also because I got to know you better." Akko scratches her cheek. "I thought you were some rich, high class aristocrat that I'd never be able to get along with. And now here we are."

"I would not have expected to share the same sentiments," Diana says. "We are complete opposites, yet share many qualities that draw us together."

Akko nods. "Which is why I think I can rely on you. If you'll let me." Akko giggles. "I mean, you already get me out of trouble so many times that I feel bad. So you can rely on me too if you need to! You might not think you need to, but everyone has their limits, you know?"

Diana shakes her head fondly. "I would not have to exert myself so often if you learn to practice discretion. Although, perhaps that is too difficult for you to attempt."

"Hey!"

"However, I will consider taking up your offer." Diana turns away so her back is facing Akko.

Even though Akko can't see Diana's face, she can tell something has changed based on the relaxation of Diana's posture.

"Over the years, it has become a habit of mine to accomplish everything required of me on my own. However…"

Memories of the past year since Akko arrived at Luna Nova flash through her mind. From Diana's mistake with the Pappiliodya to the awakening of the Yggdrasil, all of her shared experiences with Akko tell her one thing. As determined and talented she is, Diana will make mistakes. She will fail and trip along the way. Before, she had to stand up and continue on her own. But now, Diana has someone who will offer her a hand to pull her up and push her forward.

It is a strange, new asset to have. One that Diana is still learning to take advantage of.

Diana turns her head partly to look at Akko. The dim moonlight from the window shining on Diana gives her an ethereal glow that captivates Akko's entire being. She's come to this realization a few times tonight already, but it comes to mind once more.

(Diana… is really pretty…)

"... If you are willing, would you care to stand by my side?" Diana asks.

Even if she wanted to, Akko does not think she can refuse or forget this rare, tender expression of Diana's. An insecurity that never reveals itself except for this one moment. It is Diana Cavendish's own way of expressing her trust in the girl named Kagari Atsuko.

So Akko responds with her own fervent nod.

"Of course!"

Author's Notes:

Gdi you can technically read this as platonic too. Why is all of my writing like this?! I just. Can't romance?

Ended the prompt here because this is how much I wrote before I messed up my finger. Sorry guys.

But anyway, that's the last one for Dianakko week! Thanks for reading my mess of an attempt at Diakko XD If anyone's curious, Heart of Steel's main pairing is Diakko where I try to develop their relationship over the course of… a lot of words. It's considerably less fluffy than any of these prompts though. So the romance part manifests as the Diakko worrying about each other a ton.

Fun Fact:

The word count of the coffee shop AU I had before this version reached 4k before I decided to scrap it. Maybe I'll go back to it one day and flesh it out as a stand-alone oneshot. Maybe.