Summer Woods (Late Night)

"Akko!"

"Got it!"

Akko pounced and startled her prey back towards Diana. Diana quickly cast a capture spell and sealed the Fleet-Footed Frogs in magic bubbles. "Diana, you're like a Pokémon trainer!" Akko chattered as she inspected the creatures in the magic orbs. The amphibians stared back at her with their unblinking eyes. "I'm afraid I don't get the reference," Diana muttered while she placed the newly caught creatures into her magic cache. "Don't worry about it," Akko grinned, "What's next?"

"We're almost through the list. We've already caught all the nocturnal ingredients and most of the daylight dwellers, all that's left are a few more plants and fungi. We must wait until sunrise to gather the rest. I expected this to take much longer! At this rate, we will be back at Luna Nova by tomorrow evening." Diana informed. She gave Akko an approving smile, "Well done. I'm so proud of you, Akko."

Akko blushed, she still wasn't used to receiving all this praise, unless it was from Ursula. "We're a great team, Diana! We did this together!"

They were a dynamic duo indeed. When Diana's extensive knowledge and quick wand reflexes were combined with Akko's keen eye and creativity, the two were unstoppable.

Even though their main priority was the collection errand, Diana would always take the time to teach Akko about each resource in a way that Akko could understand. Akko was thankful because she felt like she never really learned things from her Professors boring lectures, yet out here in the field studying the ingredients and seeing them in the wild made an impact on her. Akko found that touching parts of the plants and beasts worked best. Feeling the physical item made it feel so much more real and Akko committed them to memory with less difficulty. She used to run her fingers over her Shiny Chariot cards when she tried to memorize them as well.

Diana would mentor Akko while they worked and soon the red-eyed witch was easily able to parrot Diana's lectures back to her. She was retaining information from Diana's lessons, hanging on to her companion's every word when she spoke. Diana even linked the ingredients to other classes, like magic history, giving Akko as much information she could in tidbits.

While Diana was proud of her vast knowledge, she would always let Akko try to figure out problems on her own first.

For instance, earlier that same afternoon the pair came across Black-Blast Mushrooms growing inside of a rotted tree. "Sucy wanted these, but they explode in sunlight, Akko gulped. "How are we supposed to collect them?" Akko asked Diana. Diana hummed thoughtfully, "How would you do it, Akko?" Diana had an answer, but she wanted to have Akko come up with a solution on her own. Usually, she used a beacon spell to mark a pesky ingredient's location and returned after dark, while other times she segmented the surrounding area and placed it in the cache. However, Akko had a different idea. The Japanese girl bit her lip, racking her brain, while Diana observed her student with a gentle smile. "Could we combine your capture spell with illusion magic? What if we trapped the mushroom inside of a magic bubble and filled it with shadows or darkness to keep the light out?" Akko inquired uncertainly. Diana was silent for a moment, eyebrows furrowed. "Sorry," Akko started, "that was stup—"

"Brilliant." Diana interjected, "We wouldn't have to waste time returning here later and the capture spell would contain the blast if anything goes wrong." Diana let out a sigh, "I guess I'm just a bit peeved I never thought of it myself." Akko was practically bouncing with elation. "Did I impress you? You need to praise me properly if I did!" Akko beamed while moving closer to Diana. Diana chuckled and reached out to pat her head. Akko closed her eyes expectantly, grin never leaving faltering. Instead of Diana's cool fingers in her hair, she felt them on her cheeks followed by a gentle kiss on her forehead. Akko's eyes flew open but Diana had already turned around. "Diana did you just—"

"We should continue our search," Diana broke in, "these ice runes will dissipate after their time is up." Akko was buzzing all over and she made it her goal to impress her companion as much as she could. She never knew she even had a chance of getting a kiss from the beautiful witch! Diana did her best not to let her partner see her blush, but it was difficult since the two always walked hand in hand.

Even now on the way back to their camp, the witches had their fingers intertwined. Suddenly, Akko's stomach gave a loud rumble. Diana giggled as Akko's ears turned red, "I guess that means it's time for dinner".

Campsite (Dinner)

Akko pouted.

She watched as Diana prepared dinner, a simple soup, and stared at Diana's back. "Diana, I can help too." She whined. Diana smiled at Akko's childish manner, "It'll be done soon anyway. Just sit still."

Akko's pout stayed firmly in place.

"Can you cut the potatoes?" Diana relented. Akko sprung up from her seat near the campfire and dashed over to the small sack of potatoes. Diana supervised her, watching as Akko washed and peeled the potatoes. Maybe I worried for nothing, Diana thought as she added herbs to the broth.

The next time looked back up at her friend, Akko was holding her magic sword.

The potatoes were lined up on the folding table in front of the other witch. It didn't take long for Diana to figure out what Akko was planning. "Akko," Diana warned. Akko froze and looked towards Diana, "I can chop 'em up all at once with this! Prepare to be stunned!" Before Diana could stop her Akko unleashed a quick flurry of slashes, starlight following her blade. For a split second, it looked like nothing happened.

Then the entire table split into pieces.

There was a moment of silence between the two.

"Well, I'm certainly stunned," Diana remarked.

"…I'll fix it," Akko mumbled.

After the potato fiasco (though Diana did admit the potatoes were sliced with just the right amount of thickness), the only task Akko was given was to retrieve ingredients for the soup. While retrieving some peppers, Akko noticed something tucked away in between the other food. She headed back towards Diana with a smirk on her face.

"You said we weren't here to play!" Akko exclaimed while holding up a bag of marshmallows. "Yet you brought marshmallows to roast! I must be rubbing off on you."

Diana took the peppers and began to chop them. "Those aren't mine."

"Don't be shy! I sure didn't pack them or else I'd have eaten them already." Akko joked.

"I've never roasted marshmallows before," Diana admitted while throwing in the freshly chopped peppers.

Akko's eyes bulged. "Seriously? We have to fix that tonight!" Akko fretted. "But if you didn't pack them, then who—," Akko then noticed the brand of marshmallows. "These are the ones Ursula buys."

Diana smiled at that, "She must have snuck them in while Finnelan and I were packing the cache. I heard Chariot was quite the troublemaker in the past."

Akko looked at the fluffy candy with affection, "She's always doting on me."

After the soup was done, the two ate together talking about their plan for tomorrow and enjoyed each other's company. After dinner, Akko prepared sticks to use as marshmallow skewers. Akko had to stifle a laugh when she how serious Diana looked when she was roasting her marshmallow. The amount of concentration on Diana's face while she carefully toasted her marshmallow was downright comical!

The red-eyed witch couldn't help but admire Diana in the campfire's warm glow. She was always so dazzling, even when she was doing something as childish as roasting a marshmallow. Akko felt that familiar warmth come over her again and she scooted closer to Diana. Diana was so busy with her marshmallow she didn't even notice. Akko felt a strange sense of solemnness come over her. She and Diana were the same age, but Diana had duty and responsibility forced on her very early in her life.

No wonder she's always taking things way too seriously, thought Akko.

Diana was a fighter. She was constantly fighting for Akko, for Luna Nova, and for her family name. Diana was too busy fighting for the whole damn world, but…

Who's fighting for Diana?

Diana always placed others before herself and it was something Akko both hated and loved about Diana. The noble witch would rather make herself miserable than see others struggle.

If she won't fight for herself, then I'll fight in her stead, Akko thought. I'll become a great witch and help her grant her wishes! I'll make her smile!

But why? Because they're friends? Because it's the right thing to do?

Akko watched as an innocent childlike smile formed on Diana's face after she finished toasting her marshmallow to perfection.

Because I love her.

It such a sudden yet simple thought, it made Akko laugh. She laughed at herself, it was so obvious! The entire situation was hilarious! She learned she was in love by watching her crush toast marshmallows.

Diana was startled by her companion's sudden outburst. She gave Akko a confused look.

Akko smiled warmly at her before she kissed her cheek.

The other witch was so shocked she dropped her stick, but Akko caught it easily.

"What was that for?" Diana stammered while her cheeks flushed.

Akko held up Diana's stick with her perfectly toasted marshmallow. "I was impressed."

Bedtime

"Are you sure you don't want to use the bed? I don't mind using the sleeping bag." Diana worried.

"I'm fine, Diana. I mean, we could always sha—"

"No."

After dinner, the pair took turns using the bathroom. Akko prepared her sleeping bag on the room floor while Diana used the shower after her. Akko insisted that Diana should use the bed, though Diana was still guilty.

Diana was snuggled up in the comforters while Akko rested her head on her folded arms on the edge of the bed. The two witches were unable to sleep yet, so Akko knelt beside the bed and leaned on the mattress, wanting to talk with her partner a bit longer.

"I'll use it next time" Akko smiled. Diana was surprised and just a bit disappointed Akko gave in so quickly, though she tried not to dwell on it. The witches whispered to each other, chatting in hushed tones as if someone could possibly overhear them. Eventually, Diana's eyelids started to droop and she struggled to stay awake. However, Akko was a ball of energy with a tremendous amount of stamina. In the end, Diana fell asleep first, despite all her efforts to fall asleep. Akko knew she should probably return to her sleeping bag but…

Diana was just too pretty!

Akko admired the beauty in front of her. Her gorgeous wavy blonde hair, her long eyelashes, her porcelain skin, Akko was bewitched. While Akko was always up for cuddles, a different urge came over her. Now that Akko knew what she was in love with Diana she wanted to show her how much she meant to her. How much she loved her. After all, Akko was a physical person. She always believed actions spoke louder than words.

Akko wanted to just climb in beside her and trace her angelic features with her fingertips. She'd start by running her fingers through Diana's mane, then trail down to her brow, nose, and finally lips. She wanted to kiss Diana's delicate collarbone and the smooth skin of her pale shoulders with her touch, before doing it properly with her own lips. She wanted to wrap Diana in an embrace tight enough to make Diana feel the way she made Akko's heart race.

And that was the problem. These were things she wanted.

Akko sighed.

Diana was too kind.

Akko didn't trust herself not to take advantage of her kindness. Diana would let her cross line after line, all Akko had to do was persist. Diana was always willing to go to such lengths for her companion, it worried Akko sometimes. Diana was too quick to let herself get hurt and Akko would never forgive herself if she hurt her friend, her love.

She needed to understand Diana first. She needed to be able to tell when she was about to cross a line or go too far because Diana would just let it happen. The noble witch was 'perfect', and her generosity was too tempting. However, Akko knew she wasn't invincible like the world perceived her to be. Even Diana seemed to believe in her own lie, taking on more than anyone should.

The sleeping girl in front of her is so vulnerable and frail like if Akko thought too loudly she would shatter. Akko wanted to love her, but first, she needed to become someone who can protect her.

The witch needed to be ready to sacrifice her own selfish impulses, the way Diana did for almost her entire life.

Suddenly Diana shifted, causing her dress to hike up her thigh and her shoulder strap to slip down. Akko's breath hitched.

She's not going to make this easy for me. Diana, you beautiful freak of nature!

Akko readjusted Diana's nightdress and pulled the sheets over her, tucking her in. She started to slowly make her way to her sleeping bag when she heard Diana stir again. The Japanese girl halted and peeked back at Diana. Seeing no other movement, she continued her silent trek.

Until she heard Diana whimper.

Immediately, Akko was back at Diana's side. All previous thoughts were forced out of her head, the only thing she cared about was Diana's safety. She gently shook the noble's shoulder. Her heart broke when she saw tears trapped in her long eyelashes before they trickled down her cheeks.

"Diana!"

"Diana, please wake up!"

"Diana, your Kiwi is here."

Diana's eyes fluttered open "You're so silly," Diana muttered, but she was smiling. Akko brushed away her tears.

Akko climbed into the bed and snuggled up under Diana's chin, wrapping an arm around Diana's waist. The somber girl returned the hug, grateful Akko always seemed to know how to cheer her up. "I dreamt of my mother," she whispered. "I haven't dreamt of her in so long, it caught me off-guard." Akko remained quiet, listening to her companion. When Diana didn't continue, Akko looked up at her and met her eyes. Diana pinched her cheek affectionately and Akko let out a little whine, though both witches new she didn't really mind. "I apologize, I must have woken you," Diana said quietly, attempting to avoid the elephant in the room.

"I'm here Diana. I'm not going anywhere. I told you already, you aren't getting rid of me that easily." said Akko.

Diana was startled, shaken. How did she know what I was thinking? Diana was familiar with the feeling of loss. She had accepted her mother's death years ago, but that didn't mean she stopped missing her. The loss of a loved one was one of the most painful things she ever experienced. The dream of her mother reminded her of that pain and Diana couldn't help but wonder if she could live through that again. What if something happened to Akko?

On the other hand, Akko had recognized the expression on Diana's face as the same from the dandelion incident, which is why she repeated the promise she made that day. While it was a shot in the dark, it was still a chance so Akko went for it. When Diana gaped at her in shock, she knew she said the right thing.

Diana sighed, "Akko, can you stay with me?" Diana pleaded. I need you.

"Of course!" Akko smiled back at Diana. I'm here.

They would continue this conversation when Diana had more energy. For now, the two enjoyed the shared warmth between them and fell asleep.