A/N: For the 50_Digifics challenge on livejournal, Prompt: 024: teammate. This is set in Ch 3 of the manga, where Taiki opens up the Zone Transfer for the first time and asks Akari to accompany him in assisting Shoutmon's quest to become king (Akari had been about to volunteer anyway and Taiki had looked to be hesitating).
Stand up! Akari no Heart!
Drabble 4: He Asks for Her Hand
For a moment, it looks like Taiki will go alone, and Akari is ready to go with him. And that's so like him too, trying to make sure everyone stays safe and carrying the entire burden alone. And she's preparing her arguments for going with, because, honestly, where would Taiki be without her? He'd overwork himself and crash, and all she would be is worried sick.
She hasn't quite gotten the words out of his mouth when he beats her to the punch. So all she can do is discard her ideas and huff. 'It took you long enough to ask,' was all she said, and he just smiled at her and followed Shoutmon.
Zenjirou yelled something and chased the pair, and Akari followed.
She knew she would have followed anyway, but it flattered her that Taiki had asked instead of discourage her. There couldn't be any doubt then, that he would think her in the way, or he would wind up hurt without her.