Diana braced herself for her meeting with Akko.

The two were usually assigned mundane tasks like organizing potions or inventory checks, which were necessary but tedious tasks. While she loved spending time with the excitable witch, Akko had developed a new habit that irked Diana. Every time they met, Akko greeted Diana in, frankly speaking, increasingly stupid ways. Some of those greetings included:

"Good morning, Miss Cabbage Dish."

"Where to, Miss Carrot Stick?"

"Punctual as always, Miss Cuttlefish!"

Diana let out a sigh. Akko, why are you like this?

Diana could probably stop Akko at any time, but she never did. While the greetings were grating, Akko's mischievous smile and warm eyes ended up quelling all of Diana's irritation.

No, today it ends!

They were given the task of collecting ingredients for Professor Lukić, and Diana was currently headed towards the library where the pair decided to meet. Diana suggested they research the ingredients to make the search easier. However, Diana already knew much of the information by heart. She used to do these errands on her own after all. Her idea was mostly for Akko's sake. Akko was her partner and Diana was going to treat her as such. Akko wasn't some burden she needed to babysit, she was a witch in training.

Diana entered the library and headed toward the secluded section in the back. She spotted Akko diligently researching and taking notes on her own. Akko was taking her duties seriously, color coding and even drawing pictures to emphasize important sections of her notes.

Diana smiled as she approached the shorter witch. In this moment, Diana felt her heart swell with pride. Akko was a hard worker and Diana was going to make sure the Professors of Luna Nova acknowledged her. Hearing footsteps approach, Akko looked up and met Diana's eyes. Her studious expression shifted into one Diana knew all too well.

Akko no-

"What's up, potato chip?"

Diana screamed internally.

"Potato chip? Seriously, Akko. You aren't even trying anymore," replied an exasperated Diana.

"Disappointed? What about Diana Dumpling? Or Diana Danish?" Akko continued, impish smile never leaving her face.

For the first time, I think I'm regretting this arrangement, Diana thought.

"Let me review what you have so far and then we will expand on that," Diana dictated.

Akko answered in a tone dripping with sweetness "Ok, Donut~."

Diana stretched Akko's cheeks so hard, she thought they were going to tear.

Day of the Trip

Akko was feeling her puppy syndrome kick in again. She was waiting eagerly at the terminal for Diana. Most of the ingredients were found in a place called the Summer Woods, and the more experienced witch advised her to dress for hot, humid weather. Akko was sporting a black tank top and a pair of blue denim shorts. She put her hair up into a ponytail instead of her usual style and wore the same white sneakers she did the day of the apple incident, double tying them for good measure.

Akko badly wanted to see Diana in her casual clothes. It wasn't something she got to witness often. She kept imaging Diana in cute outfits until she concluded that anything Diana wore would automatically look amazing. Lost in her thoughts, she didn't notice she was no longer alone.

"Why are you always naked?"

"Sucy!"

Akko swiveled around to face her best friends, Sucy and Lotte. "What are you guys doing here?" Akko asked, completely ignoring Sucy's earlier remark. Amanda once commented that when Sucy, who was always modestly dressed, stands next to Akko, the latter may as well be strutting around in her underwear. "Thighs for the eyes," as the red-head put it.

Akko tugged on her shorts, feeling just a teeny bit self-conscience.

"Since you're going to the Summer Woods, this would be the perfect chance to get my hands on special mushrooms native to that area," Sucy explained. "Here is a list of stuff you should keep an eye out for."

Akko took the list from the chemist and skimmed it, "I'll see what I can do. Hey, I recognize some of these! These ones explode if they're exposed to light…" Akko sent a glare at her friend.

"Correct. Look at you, actually learning stuff! Diana must be proud." Sucy commented sarcastically.

Lotte stepped forward and hugged Akko, "I'm certainly proud of you! But make sure you don't push yourself, and listen to Diana! I know how stubborn you can be."

Akko returned the hug, "I'll try, no promises though!"

"You BETTER listen to Diana!" came a shout from behind the trio. Akko released Lotte so she could better face Hannah and Barbara. "Diana really trusts you, so don't muck this up," Hannah warned. Barbara just shook her head. "Hannah, Diana trusts Akko for a reason." Barbara put a hand on Akko's shoulder, "What Hannah meant to say is stay safe and don't get too reckless. We want you both back here in one piece."

"So are you guys eloping or what?" Amanda shouted from her broom.

The red-head flew down to talk face to face with the others while Jasminka and Constanze followed right behind her.

Akko blushed furiously. "Why are you guys all here? We're only going on some errands!"

"We just wanted to see you off," Lotte said with a gentle smile.

"Speak for yourself, Diana is trying to steal my partner in crime!" Amanda argued.

"That would be a shame, wouldn't it?"

Akko's heart started to race. "Diana! You're here!", Akko beamed.

Akko immediately turned in the direction of Diana's voice. All other words died in her throat as her eyes fell on her partner. Diana was wearing a blue tank with spaghetti straps revealing soft pale skin and black capris that hugged Diana almost sinfully well. Her wavy hair was also up in a ponytail and she had on a pair of hiking boots. While her outfit was simple, Akko found her to be absolutely gorgeous.

"All those patrols are really paying off, huh Cavendish?" teased Amanda.

Diana just rolled her eyes and approached the still ogling witch.

"I apologize for making you wait again. Professor Finnelan prepared a magic cache for us." Diana held out her hand to show Akko the magical ring on her finger. "We can store and preserve plenty of resources without having to worry about weight or capacity using this ring."

Suddenly, Akko gripped Diana's outstretched hand.

"Wha—Akko! Now is not the time!" chided a startled Diana.

"Oh? So you'll have time to flirt later?" teased Sucy.

"We're not flirting!" Diana insisted while Akko reluctantly let go of her hand.

If you just reach out to me like that, how could I NOT hold your hand? But...we'll have time later Akko thought to herself.

Diana was used to Hannah and Barbara seeing her off, but she never imagined that their trio would triple in size like this. It was sort of overwhelming, but she could feel the concern and affection they radiated. After all, that's why they were all here.

"Make sure you return my guinea pig…and stay hydrated. It's hot over there." Sucy warned.

"Don't wander off, Akko! Stick together!" exclaimed Lotte.

"Why are you guys fretting? Lara Croft here will handle everything." Amanda remarked while patting Diana on the back harder than necessary, nearly knocking her over. Jasminka steadied Diana and handed her a lunch box. She then turned to Akko and handed her one as well. "Make sure you two keep your energy up," she said warmly. Constanze gave them a thumbs up. The pair thanked the green team, smiling from ear-to-ear.

"Seriously, if anything happens to Diana I'll be pissed. If anything happens to you, Diana will be sad and I'll be just as pissed!" Hannah proclaimed while getting in Akko's face. Barbara took advantage of the moment and pulled them all in for a hug.

Diana put Akko's belongings inside the magic cache and the two were ready to go. Diana and Akko took one last look at their friends who waved and smile at the duo. They waved back before taking off into the ley-line.