"Alright you shits," narrated Bakugou. "You've encountered a group of Chaos Space Paladins and their devotion to the Blood God means you can't pull any mushy shit to get out of a fight."

"Not even with a high speech roll?" frowned Deku. Although playing a space monk with low charisma, it was clear he was trying to give Akko's space bard character ideas.

"Quit being a pussy and roll initiative." commanded Bakugou as he readied his own dice.

Todoroki raised an eyebrow. "I still don't think it's fair that you get to have a character and be game master."

Diana came to Bakugou's defense. "He paid for most of the session, so I suppose it's fair."

Akko thought otherwise. "Come on, he just did that so he can make his own character look good!"

"ROLL!" roared Bakugou.

"I'm regretting taking part in this nerd game." sighed Amanda as she rolled the dice.

Bakugou looked at everyone's scores. Sadly his space warlock wasn't going first. "Akko, your stupid bard is up."

"Yay!" exclaimed Akko as she looked through her bard's spells, having modelled her character after a futuristic version of Shiny Chariot.

"I would recommend trying to do something that stuns them." advised Diana, as she looked through her own space wizard's spell sheet.

Todoroki spoke up. "My character goes after you, so you should give my space sorcerer a blessing that lets me attack twice. I could use my fire and ice beam to figure out what they're weak against."

"Of course you would." giggled Amanda.

Todoroki took a deep breath. He knew that Amanda was particularly perceptive to any puns involving the nature of his quirk. While he was never one for funny business, it was always worth seeing her cute laugh.

"I know!" decided Akko. "I'll do a magical performance that leaves them all stunned with my beauty while you guys beat them while they're vulnerable!"

"Great plan!" encouraged Deku.

"Roll your magic dice." ordered Bakugou.

Akko complied. "Yay! I got a 100!"

"Awesome!" cheered Deku.

"Now roll it again." said Bakugou, biting his lip.

"Huh?" muttered a confused Akko.

Bakugou went into narrator mode. "By getting a fucking hundred, you feel a surge of powerful energy from amassing all that magic, so we need to see where your shit leads us. Or you could choose to do nothing and let that magic flow out of you."

"As if!" Akko rolled again and smirked. "100 again!"

Bakugou bit his lip and began packing up. "Yeah we're fucked. The end."

Everyone's mouths dropped.

Amanda spoke first. "What? I didn't even get to turn into one animal!" Getting in touch with her Irish culture via playing a space druid was the only thing that motivated her to play.

"Doesn't matter." shook Bakugou. "By Akko rolling a hundred twice in a row, the raw magic was too much for her pathetic level 1 character, which caused her to fucking explode, and unleash an army of level 10 demons from hell that none of us have any chance of fighting. So we're done."

"Space demons?" cried Akko. "You're lying just so you can kill off our characters!"

"I'm not lying!" yelled Bakugou as he shoved the lore book in Akko's face. "In the grim darkness of the far future, magic is a force tied to chaos and demons. The more powerful your magic, the more likely you're fucked by satan!"

"Such a stereotype," shook Diana. "Witches and wizards are forbidden from making pacts with hell because selling your soul could result in situations exactly like this."

Bakugou shrugged. "Yeah, I think it's fucked how the setting actually punishes magical characters if they get stronger."

"Well, this was a bust." muttered Todoroki.

"Nice job Akko," snickered Amanda. "Even in game all you do is summon demons."

"Yeah yeah yeah." blurted Akko as she looked away. It was quite embarrassing given that her little portal to hell was responsible for all the events that transpired this week.

Deku bit his lip and tried to encourage Akko. "Don't worry, I'm sure in a less cynical setting, your character would have instantly won us the battle instead of getting us all ripped apart."

Akko's smile returned. "You mean it?"

"Of course!" nodded Deku.

Bakugou meanwhile handed the game supplies back to the store's owner, whose name tag read Duncan Rhodes.

"Is there a problem with the game mate?" asked Duncan.

"No, we got turned into fucking space demon chow on round one." said Bakugou.

Duncan frowned. "Magical perils eh? That never happened in this store once on round one."

Diana glared at Akko, and then glanced more innocently at Bakugou. "Regardless, it was nice of you to pay for the session."

"Yeah, don't mention it." remarked Bakugou and he meant it literally as he intended his moments of generosity to be few.

"It did look like an intriguing game though," noted Diana. "Maybe with less troublesome party members we could return and do a one on one session?"

Bakugou was surprised. "Sure. We can do that. Just you and me. No runts."

Bakugou noticed Duncan shooting him an encouraging look based on his interpretation of Diana's proposal. He ignored him and headed to the exit with Diana to link up with their friends.

Amanda stretched. "So, our plan for the next two hours is gone. Now what do we do?"

After heading out of the BBC's broadcast room, the group tried to find ways to bide their time until the festival's opening hours. Deku suggested the nearby board game cafe, but Bakugou's plans for a power trip disguised as an RPG session were cut short thanks to Akko's bad luck.

Diana gave it a moment of thought. "The university fair doesn't open for a while, so how about we see the River Thames?"

"Oh yeah!" nodded Akko. "I bet it looks great at this time."

"Scenery ought to be nice, so what do you say boys?" checked Amanda.

The heroes looked at each other and gave their varying nods and grunts of agreement.

Regardless, Akko was ecstatic to spend time with them. "Yay! Let's go!"

Diana lead, and her friends followed.

Other than the idyllic scene of Oxford being interrupted by oddly heavily armed soldiers manning checkpoints, the journey itself was rather quiet. Although they had agreed on a declaration of friendship earlier, being social with each other was another feat. At Luna Nova there were at least lessons and reflections about performance to talk about, but this weekend presented another challenge. No work or errands to run, just a normal outing.

It was evident to the girls that the boys hadn't done this sort of thing regularly. As far as the heroes knew, they spent most of their time studying and training, not really hanging around a town. That wasn't even getting to Bakugou's and Todoroki's own personalities isolating themselves from casual excursions with their UA classmates. Even Diana was guilty of avoiding such outings, and her previous attempts to get the witch hunt parade banned worsened her 'no fun allowed' reputation at Luna Nova.

The six were finally closing in on the river, everything still quiet. Maybe it was because they were still reflecting on the debate a brief while back or because of certain feelings building up, but people were hesitant to speak a word.

The next thing Bakugou knew, Diana began humming again. There wasn't a specific song, but her tune and melody were compelling. Although the others paid her no mind, Bakugou was entirely focused on it. He didn't know why he was drawn to the humming, but he felt a part of his chest tense up a bit as he listened, a specific feeling he never felt before.

Diana's humming got slightly louder, making him certain that she knew he was listening. She was perceptive like that.

Of course, Akko broke the silence as she pointed to a snack bar. "Hey! Let's get something eat!"

Bakugou wanted to chew her out for ruining the moment, but he begrudgingly decided to shut it and go for food.

After one brief fight with Todoroki over him insisting on paying for everyone again, the group sat on a table with a great view of the river. Of course, the heroes sat on one side facing the witches and vice versa, and they found it hard to look at the river itself instead of each other.

Not wanting the silence to return, Deku made conversation by pointing to a wanted poster perched on the snack bar's wall, for the so-called Rotha Mosley. "Hey, isn't that the drawing of the villain who is on the loose?"

"That's exactly it." Todoroki recalled the picture of the so called maniac that the SAS showed them in Blytonburry.

"Sounds fucked that all they have is that stupid sketch and a name," muttered Bakugou. "Ex-SAS ghost or not, what kind of shit work is that?"

"Makes me wonder what else is going on." admitted Amanda.

"That's none of our business everyone," reminded Diana. "I know you three are heroes in training, but I don't think you have permission to act in Britain."

"It'll blow over," noted Akko. "Maybe those private army companies are gonna solve it once someone pays them enough."

"Cynical, but I guess it's reality." shrugged Amanda.

Bakugou nodded. "Well, I haven't seen a single fucking hero around here, but if your special forces guys have quirks I guess we're not entirely fucked."

"And a lot of them are wizards! And some witches too." reminded Akko.

"Like quite a few of our teachers were?" brought up Amanda.

"Why aren't their exploits more common knowledge though?" wondered Deku.

"Because it would all be classified information." answered Diana. "What went on in the special forces is something we have no business knowing, though our teachers appear to have lost their ability to keep state secrets due to stress."

"Well, it would bring magic's role in the modern world in a whole new light." said Todoroki.

"Actually gives me more fucking respect for magic." admitted Bakugou, rather quietly and quickly to not give any false impressions, but a smile of thanks from Diana made it worth it.

As the group ate, an unexpected guest hopped on the benches the witches were sitting on.

A cat. A white cat that had a rather majestic and fluffy coat. It sat next to Diana, looking rather proud and clearly eyeing the trays with their food on it.

Bakugou and Todoroki would have normally attempted to shoo it away, a brief flash of their quirks being enough to scare it, but the reactions of the witches made them do otherwise.

"Aw, look who joined us." smiled Amanda.

"Oh, I have a cat back home! But black." remarked Akko as she fondly looked at the cat.

Not even startled, Diana began stroking the fur of the cat, causing it to close its eyes in bliss. "This should get it to stay put."

The heroes didn't know what exactly came over them when they saw Diana petting the cat, but they were a little mesmerized. Seeing a girl being affectionate over a cute little animal was a sight they wished to cherish.

Deku tried to raise his voice, impressed by how masterfully Diana's cat handling skills were. "Uh, is it true that witches like to have cats?"

Diana eyed him and answered. "Hm, there wasn't anything that connected witches to cats other than some sort of cultural hysteria that originated in the west, but they can be good pets and trained to be familiars."

Amanda continued. "Basically everyone kept yelling that witches have cats, so a bunch of witches actually went out to get cats. I personally like foxes though."

"I'm more of a mousey or bunny girl myself." admitted Akko.

The heroes gave their quick "uh-hus" again as the continued to stare at Diana joyously petting the cat, that suddenly gave soft "meow", which prompted Diana to slightly giggle.

And then, then heroes tugged their chests at the sight before them.

"What's wrong?" gulped Akko.

"Food bad?" checked Amanda.

Bakugou gritted his teeth. "What? No. I don't know what the fuck happened!"

Todoroki gave an honest answer. "Sorry, it's just that the scene of you petting the cat Diana was rather wholesome."

Diana raised an eyebrow, pondering what she just heard. "I...see…"

Deku nervously laughed and spoke quickly. "I mean you know, I guess we're really attracted to the scene of girls being cute with animals and all so…" He then quickly placed his hands on his mouth hoping the witches didn't understand him.

Akko and Amanda however, were too busy shooting a not so subtle jealous look at Diana, who glared at both them like she was waiting for an insult.

Just then, the cat finally hopped away and moved onto the next bench to harass the people eating there once it was clear that Diana wasn't going to feed it anytime soon.

Todoroki wiped his mouth and got everyone's attention. "I think it's time we actually start walking along the river."

"Agreed." complied Amanda as she and the rest of the group gathered their trash and began their trek along the Thames.

This time, the journey wasn't entirely quiet since there was the sound of birds and critters all around. There was however, little dialogue between the apparent friends.

Bakugou all the while was trying to work out whatever the hell was going on inside of him. He normally would have refused outings like this, as would Todoroki. Even though his attitudes towards both Deku and Todoroki were largely unchanged, he couldn't figure out why he was agreeing to spend time alongside them besides being obligated to my the conditions of his stay at Luna Nova.

He thought it had to do with the witches, who the heroes let walk ahead of them, unconsciously on purpose.

There was just something about the view of the witches walking alongside the path that was getting to the heroes. They looked stunning walking between the bright blue river and the glowing green trees, the shining sun illuminating and bringing the beauty out of everything, them and the nature they walked through. The cool breeze that lightly blew on their hair and clothes as well as the view of the old timey houses in the distance gave the boys another feeling they were in the middle of a fairy tale. A fairy tale about beautiful witches whose magic gave joy to anyone who crossed their path.

Deku was already a little weak regarding girls, but for Todoroki and Bakugou, the tranquil scene was just something they didn't know they craved deep down. It was like seeking Shiny Chariot perform as kids. The sheer contrast between the world they were used to and the one of the witches appealed to them, rather than drove them away.

Once again sensing where the boys were really looking at, the girls decided to stop and face the river, and the former did the same once they caught up. At this point, the witches were not thinking too hard about it, rationalizing it as curiosity on the heroes' part and nothing more. Deep down, they were itching on the truth.

Deku lightly spoke up. "Uh, it's really peaceful huh?"

"Right?" nodded Akko, stepping closer to him. "Can't see this back home."

"Yeah," agreed Deku, still trying to string words together. "Do you ever miss Japan?"

"Sorta, but my goal to make magic loved again means I gotta stay in the last place where it's relevant you know? I had my old friends, but not that many since I grew up quirkless." explained Akko.

"I know that feeling." Deku glanced at Bakugou, who returned the gesture. Bakugou and the rest of Japanese society had written off Deku due to him being quirkless, given that his home country was centered on quirks like no other.

Yet, the two of them were side by side next to a bunch of witches who he was hostile towards just a few hours ago. And at least now Bakugou's antagonism was rooted in seeing Deku as a legitimate threat, and his desire to make well with the witches seemed genuine.

Amanda tapped the boys on the shoulders. "So Akko wants to bring magic back, but you three want to be the number one hero right?"

"Fuck yeah!" smirked Bakugou. "I'll be the reason villains are afraid to get up in the morning."

"And most normal people." chided Todoroki.

Bakugou was about to strike until Diana tugged his arm. "Can we keep it peaceful here?"

Flustered and red faced, Bakugou quickly stood down. "Alright, but I think we know who is going to be number one around here."

Akko countered. "Oh please, a hero should be a symbol of peace and you're anything but."

Diana shook her head. "I don't think being a symbol of peace is viable in world plagued with villains everyday. Some sacrifices have to be made."

"Calm down big brother." Amanda tapped Todoroki's shoulders. "And your take?"

Todoroki took a deep breath. "I just want to be a hero that lets people feel safe. Don't exactly wanna look like my dad."

"Can't blame you." consoled Diana.

"But what about you three, don't you wanna be the greatest witch or some shit?" inquired Bakugou.

Diana grinned. "It would be nice to go in history to inspire future generations."

Amanda placed a finger on her chin. "I'm gonna be real, that isn't what I've really had in mind. I do want to be a good witch, but I just don't feel like it's worth the effort." She paused for a second. "I think I want pursue something with broom flying. The best in that field? I'm in."

Akko laughed. "Come on, even I know that's impossible for me."

Deku's eyes widened. "Don't say that! I know you can do it."

Diana laughed. "Well, I guess I have no rivals after all."

Bakugou joined her. "Eh, it's not like you had any real fucking competition."

"Still!" interrupted Akko. "I do want to be the best witch I can be because how else am I gonna figure out how to make people like magic again. I know I'm not as good as casting spells as Diana or riding a broom as Amanda, but I just want to keep trying and if not, maybe I can inspire someone else to take the mantle I guess."

"That's a great ideal. And I know it's you who is gonna make the world realize what it's been missing!" encouraged Deku. "You're full of passion and life. I know you can put smiles on peoples' faces like All Might or Shiny Chariot."

Amanda piped up. "And the Shiny Rod chose her which is a pretty big help."

Diana crossed her arms, still ticked about that fact.

Akko's face turned red as she speaked. "So yeah, making magic loved is all I want to do. And..well...you gotta have someone to carry out your ideals so maybe having a kid would be nice. It doesn't matter if he's born with magic or a quirk, as long as he makes people happy."

Deku's mouth dropped. The subject was not something he entertained. Maybe it was because Akko was a year older than him, but no one from UA talked about that part of their life yet.

Diana actually nodded. "Ah yes, legacies. I'll be damned if the true Cavendish bloodline dies with me, and a future Cavendish surpassing me can only do good, so I think raising a nice boy will be in order."

Bakugou almost twitched. It sounded like Diana wanted a wizard for a kid, which he knew was only a half chance if Diana married a hero. And then he questioned why he was even thinking about this and stopped pondering the topic. He refused to accept that he cared about Diana in that way.

And then his heart jumped when he noticed Diana looking warmly at him.

Meanwhile, Akko clapped her hands with a starry look in her eyes. "Yeah! I actually wouldn't mind if I had a girl, but Deku! You were so cute when you got turned into a kid so I just knew I wanted a boy as cuddly as you were!"

The statement left Deku unable to talk, prompting Todoroki to slap him on the back of the head. As if he wasn't as red as his scar already, Amanda whispered in his ear.

"I don't really care for kids at this moment, but I wouldn't make a bad mom right?" said Amanda quietly.

Todoroki bit his lip. Given his upbringing, it was a tricky subject, but he wanted to see Amanda happy. "Don't care much for kids myself right now, but I vouch that you would at least do better than my dad."

Amanda snickered and smiled, and Todoroki grinned in response.

Bakugou placed his hand in his pockets and immediately began walking. "Okay, I've had enough. Are you fuckers gonna see this stupid river with me or not?"

The witches laughed, this time because Bakugou's reaction was pretty typical of boys his age given what they had just discussed. Todoroki and Deku were pretty flustered themselves, but continued their journey.

For the next hour or so, the group paced around the Thames, with Diana bringing up whatever commentary she knew about the region in order to prevent anymore awkward discussions from arising. Luckily no one appeared to have remembered what had been discussed halfway through.

Soon enough, it was time to head back to the main town and into Oxford University for the local fair that was being hosted. It was certainly a different scene when they all returned.

The streets were getting crowded as they all progressed to the fair. Most people around them were college students, some of them clearly drunk.

A number of heavily armed guards were also present in the area. Similar to the ones manning checkpoints as if they expected the villain Rotha to show up.

For once, the heroes could also clearly make out several people with obvious quirks rather than subtle ones, although even the mutant ones didn't deviate all that much from the standard human appearance.

Nearing them were a couple drunk off their ass college students, whose quirks were flashing as they walked around wildly, yelling incomprehensible slang.

The witches paid them no mind, but the next they knew, the heroes side stepped like they were forming a barrier between them and the drunkards. It wasn't too obvious to other observers, but the boys even slightly extended their arms to discourage the miscreants from approaching them while also slightly steering the witches away.

None of the witches commented, chalking it up to either a hero or boyish thing. They didn't need protection given all the experience they had with worse threats, but they found the display both endearing and humorous as long as it wasn't overbearing.

The fair itself was rather livid. Children and their parents walked to various games, while the college students downed as much booze as they could.

Ever orderly, Diana pointed to a directory and tried to steer everyone in that direction. Deku himself was already trying to make an efficient festival plan that nobody was going to follow anyway.

Amanda's eye meanwhile caught something, and she suddenly began walking to one of the fair's games. "Oh just a sec, I wanna try out this thing."

The game Amanda wanted to play was a simple ring toss. She approached the jovial owner, who greeted her with a smile.

"Welcome! To Jaruzelski's rings of fortune!" smiled Jaruzelski. "Think you have what it takes to win one of my fabulous prizes?"

"I know I do." bragged Amanda, who paid the fee to play the game.

"Excellent! All you have to do is throw the ring around the pole and claim what's yours." instructed Jaruzelski as he readied the rings for Amanda to throw.

"Good luck." encouraged Todoroki.

"Don't need it." laughed Amanda, which made Todoroki regret his words.

Amanda tossed the ring and sure enough, it looped and landed right around the pole. She practically did it with no effort.

"Impressive. First try too." complimented Diana while Deku gave Amanda some applause.

"See what I mean Todoroki?" smirked Amanda, as she brought his face closer to his just to score his flustered reaction.

"I fully understand." Todoroki tried to maintain his neutral expression, but noticed a trail of sweat.

Jaruzelski then pointed to his prizes. "Pick anything you want madam!"

"No need, I was just in it for the game." smirked Amanda.

"But you're always about getting your hands on prizes." snarked Diana.

Amanda paid her no mind and was about to drag the group to the next game she wanted to play until everyone noticed Akko. Clasping her hands, she was staring at the prizes with a dreamy and awestruck expression, stars one again in her eyes.

"Are you okay?" checked Deku.

"Is there a Shiny Chariot prize?" checked Bakugou.

"Oh my gosh! Scorbunny!" cheered Akko, jumping up and down.

The group glanced at a white and orange anime bunny plushie. They recognized it as a mascot from a popular game franchise they enjoyed as kids.

"I have to get it!" squealed Akko as she got out her money to pay for a game.

Jaruzelski laughed at her enthusiasm as he handed her the rings. "Well then, just do as before. Throw the ring around the pole and claim that Scorbunny."

Akko snatched one of the rings, aimed, and tossed it.

"OWWW!" yelled Jaruzelski as the ring struck him right in the forehead. "Wh...what the hell is wrong with you!"

Diana's mouth dropped. "Akko, how did you….he wasn't even NEAR the target."

Akko rolled her eyes like she did nothing wrong. "Jeez sorry. He said throw the ring around the pole and Jaruzelski is clearly a Pole."

Amanda burst laughing. Diana and the the heroes looked more embarrassed.

Jaruzelski blinked slowly. "Are you kidding me?"

"Forgive her, she's like that." hissed Diana.

"Hey Akko, reminder that Bakugou is part Polish himself." joked Amanda.

"Pull that on me and you're dead." hissed Bakugou.

"Come on guys, it was an honest mistake." defended Deku.

"Yeah, I'll get it this time." nodded Akko.

"No you won't!" scolded Jaruzelski. "No more rounds for you."

"Awww, but I really wanted that Scorbunny!" whimpered Akko.

Todoroki tried to lead the group onward. "Just move it. I'm sure you can buy a plush at a gift shop here."

Deku bit his lip as he glanced at Akko's saddened expression. On one hand she did something stupider than normal, but on the other hand he knew that she didn't really mean to be hurtful. He felt like he had to something as seeing her sad twisted his own heart in two.

"Wait!" called out Deku.

His friends stopped before they could move on.

Deku faced the pissed Jaruzelski. "I'd like to play please."

"Fat chance." denied Jaruzelski.

Deku got out his wallet. "I'll pay triple the fee!"

"Sold!" agreed Jaruzelski. He handed Deku the rings and proceeded to duck, not taking risks.

Deku took a deep breath as he looked at Akko's surprised demeanor and onto the game's target pole. A ring toss wasn't the hardest thing he ever did by a long shot, but doing this for Akko was really a whole other level for him. He had to win.

Remembering how Amadna won, Deku tossed the ring. Right on his first try, it landed straight around the pole.

"You did it!" cheered Akko.

"Nice one." complimented Amanda.

"Well, I did copy what you did." chuckled Deku.

"Way to learn from the best." smirked Amanda.

Without even Deku needing to say it, Jaruzelski reached for the Scorbunny plush and handed it to Deku, relieved that the six miscreants were finally going to leave him alone.

Deku held the plush and with a feint gulp, presented it to Akko. "Uh...here you go."

Akko gasped with joy and the twinkles in her eye returned as she hugged the plush. "Yay! Scorbunny!"

The sight of Akko cuddling the plush as the group continued their journey was really getting to the heroes. Her rather adorable display was once again tugging on heartstrings they didn't know existed, much to Amanda's and Diana's slight jealousy.

Bakugou scratched his hair in confusion, even if he wouldn't admit that he liked the innocent scene. "So you really like that stupid bunny thing?"

Akko stopped nuzzling the plush and nodded playfully. "Yeah! I grew up with his game. He's so cute and strong and we even have the same smile. See?"

Just then, Akko beamed an adorable wide smile that mirrored the one printed on the Scorbunny plush rather cutely. The joy they radiated behind their matching eyes and grin synced like magic.

In that instant, the three heroes clutched their chests from the overwhelming cuteness that oozed from Akko and her Scorbunny's smile.

"Again?" frowned Diana. "Are you alright?"

Todoroki let his grip go. "Sorry, but that was actually pretty cute Akko."

Amanda tried to divert Todoroki's attention and began escorting him more closely. "Come on, if you die from heart failure, I ain't getting my extra credit."

"Oh so, that's what you fucking care about." gritted Bakugou as he protested by moving closer to Diana, who bit her cheeks to restrain a cackle at his expense.

Akko waited for her friends to move a few paces ahead as looked back at Deku, who waited with her as he recovered from his 'cute-attack'.

She looked at the Scorbunny plush and then back at Deku. A part of Akko felt guilty. She humiliated him and the rest of her friends with her dumb move, and Deku stepped in to save face by winning her the Scorbunny. He even paid extra just to have a shot at it. All for her.

"Hey Deku." calmly said Akko as she crept towards him.

"Um, yeah?" replied Deku, who was still on edge due to Akko being close to him.

"Thanks for winning me this. It means a lot. I mean, even after I messed up." whispered Akko.

Deku closed his eyes and sheepishly grinned. "Don't worry. I didn't want to see you all sad and embarrassed you know?"

A thanks wasn't enough for Akko. She really wanted to make it up to him after all he did for her. After all he did stand up for her dream of showing the world how great magic was.

Already close to him, Akko brought her face forward and gave Deku a quick and friendly kiss on the cheek. Nothing too serious. Just a peck.

Deku's eyes then shot open, his face turning red and Akko swore she saw steam come out. He raised a finger, but only gibberish that switched between english and japanese came out. Akko wondered what would have happened if she went for the lips.

"Whoa!" called out Amanda. "Did I just see that?"

"I think you did." supported Diana.

Bakugou laughed at Deku. "Aw man, look at his pathetic face." Todoroki responded by giving him yet another 'Bakugou restraint' elbowing.

Akko hugged her plush close, her face flustered as she tried to deny it. "Um...what do you think I did huh?"

Amanda raised an eyebrow. "I coulda sworn you placed your lips on his, but your plushie didn't let me see the full thing."

Deku suddenly shook his head and spoke. "Huh? Akko didn't kiss me on the lips."

"Yeah!" remarked Akko haughitly. "I just whispered in his ear that he was my favourite hero and a really great guy..thing..yeah..right?"

Deku for oncem caught on to a social cue. "Uh-yeah! That's all she said."

"Favourite hero? Some, shit taste." shrugged Bakugou.

"Could you just be happy for him?" gritted Todoroki.

"In any case they have plausible deniability," remarked Diana. "So how about we continue rather than waste time with gossip."

"I agree. I have more games I wanna try out." nodded Amanda.

Akko and Deku glanced at each other, the awkwardness between them at new heights. They didn't say a word to each other and they silently agreed not to comment on Akko's gesture.

Instead, Akko held Deku's hand and led him to their friends. For once, Deku didn't get too red.

Hours past of the group just checking out games that practically devolved into a competition between Amanda, Bakugou, Todoroki and Diana. Amanda had the most experience with normal festival games while Bakugou and Todoroki impressed the few joints dedicated to quirks. Much to Diana's overachiever frustration however, no games centered around magic, which didn't let her win anything.

When Akko and Deku finally had their chance to pick and event, they elected to see the only magical festivity, a wizard using his magic to conduct a small brass ensemble in a glorious half hour side show. Impressive, but not much spectacle to speak of.

As night finally fell, it was time to get dinner at an open air patio. There was a stage for various musicians and dancers that were free to perform when they wanted, with some musicians already playing.

Bakugou meanwhile eyed the sign of the vendor they were getting dinner from. "Honeckers Hot Stuff? Huh, my German ancestor was a Honecker, and my Polish was a Jaruzelski now that I fucking remember."

"And?" inquired Todoroki.

"They were dicks." said Bakugou.

"That explains everything." bluntly stated Todoroki.

"Fuck off halfy!" growled Bakugou.

"Could you not try to kill someone, thanks." groaned Amanda as the rest of the group waited behind them.

Diana called out. "Oh, and no drinking! God knows what the five of you would be like when you're drunk."

"We're not even old enough to drink!" protested Bakugou.

Diana glared at Akko. "Oh trust me, when there's a will, there's a way."

"I didn't mean to drink that much!" retorted Akko.

"What are you talking about?" inquired Deku.

"Don't ask." shook Diana, disappointing the heroes who wanted to hear the story.

Once they ordered, Amanda dragged everyone to a seat right next to the circle where people could perform.

Amanda downed her food quickly and kept an eye on the procession. "There's gonna be an Irish band playing after these guys. Can't wait!"

"Never really heard Irish music. Should be interesting." remarked Todoroki.

"You'll love it, trust me." assured Amanda.

After a few more minutes, Amanda realized that she spoke too soon. After the current musicians stopped playing, a Showrunner stepped up and made an unfortunate announcement on the microphone.

"Um, due to transportation issues, The Golden Harp will not be playing live tonight, leaving this ten minute slot open. Sorry, so we'll just play their music on our speakers." he said.

Amanda was devastated. She really wanted the heroes to get a taste of what she enjoyed listening, singing and dancing too. Now there was just going to be another awkward silence between the witches and heroes over dinner.

But then, Amanda had an idea. She immediately stood up, catching the Showrunner's attention.

"Amanda! Get down!" scolded Diana.

She ignored her and pointed to the showrunner. "Hey! Can you make it up to a young Irish rose and play The Golden Harp's Waltz Of The Meadows?"

The Showrunner raised an eyebrow, but nodded. "Sure miss."

Right as he was about to turn the song on, Amanda grabbed Diana and Akko by the shoulders.

"Hey I'm eating!" protested Akko.

"Wipe your mouth. You two are coming with me." smirked Amanda.

The heroes watched Amanda yank Diana and Akko onto the stage while everyone else looked on with interest and confusion.

"What the fuck are they doing?" winced Bakugou, almost looking away from embarrassment.

"A magic show?" guessed Deku, who also secured Akko's Scorbunny plush while she was aside.

Todoroki thought about it. "I think that's not quite it."

Amanda meanwhile gave a tamborine to Diana and some maracas to Akko. "Do you two remember how the song goes?"

"Oh, I love that song!" beamed Akko.

"How could I not? You played it while Holbrooke was chasing you during broom flying class." moaned Diana.

"Perfect!" smiled Amanda.

The Showrunner glanced at Amanda, whose nod signalled him to play the song which blazed from the speakers.

The music started playing slowly, building up to a more powerful note as all eyes fixed on Amanda, who struck a pose ready to dance, with Diana and Akko staring at her in anticipation.

Next thing everyone knew, the music sped up and grew louder, with Amanda dancing perfectly to the rhythm. Her movements were flawless, wild and graceful, immediately earning the cheers from everyone who was watching.

The heroes were awestruck as they watched Amanda move, both from her impressive technique and the sheer beauty that radiated from it. Sure, they had seen her alluring dance on a broom up close and personal, but Amanda was just as skilled on her feet as well.

Best of all, Amanda was looking right at the heroes as she danced, effectively dedicating her dance to them, which gave other onlookers catching her glance a certain idea.

And speaking of alluring, the heroes were especially mesmerized by the way she twirled around. As if the might of her spins weren't enough, Amanda had to absolutely tug on her skirt while she turned, a motion that absolutely sent tingles down the spines of the boys. Deku of course gulped and shook heavily at the sight of Amanda's legs. Even Bakugou was a little tense with the stirrings inside of him, captivated by Amanda's dance.

None could compare to how Todoroki felt as he watch. There was just something more to Amanda's dance that he loved. How she danced with a fiery passion and yet was so collected and cool was a contrast he certainly love. She had a talent, and she owned it, unafraid to ever show it off, but did so with a certain feeling of class.

Another twirl came around, revealing more leg than ever before, and when Amanda complimented it with a wink towards the heroes, they once again grabbed their chests as their hearts twisted.

Meanwhile, Diana and Akko aimlessly played their instruments while Amanda took over the spotlight, clearly jealous at the attention she was receiving. Everyone was gazing at the spectacle of the redheaded witch dancing to Irish music while no one paid any mind to her two friends.

They weren't too bitter, but it was a sting given that both of them had aspirations about being front and center not regulated to the background. That wasn't even getting to the tiny feeling of distraught that Bakugou and Deku were looking at Amanda with a certain way.

Soon enough, the music came to a graceful halt, and Amanda's dance with it. She struck her final pose, and the audience went wild with clapping. Amanda bowed, Diana and Akko too busy glaring at her to do the same.

The heroes were clapping slowly, too awestruck to be their normal selves.

Amanda got off the stage and made her way to where the heroes were sitting laughing at loud while the other five of the group were still blushing hard.

Amanda slammed her hands on the table. "Oh my God! You boys are soooo innocent when it comes to girls!"

She didn't think it was possible, but the heroes got even more red.

Bakugou stood his ground. "What the fuck do you mean!"

Amanda placed her hands on her hips. "Oh come on, you guys had three separate cutie panic attacks today. The sight of a girl playing with a cat, hugging a plush or dancing beautifully. I know for a fact that even the manliest of man is weak to that."

The boys tried to look away, but to no avail, paralyzed by embarrassment.

Diana stated her theory. "Since you are that age, have you three ever thought about girls at all? We sometimes get the feeling this is all new to you,"

The heroes were at a loss. Sure they had plenty of female friends at UA, but they never interacted with them in the way they were interacting with the witches. What they had done with the likes of Uraraka and Yaoyorozu generally tied back to hero antics most of the time.

"Um…" muttered Deku. "I...I wasn't...brave enough...to think or talk about them like that until maybe now."

"I wasn't exactly raised in environment to explore such feelings." honestly stated Todoroki.

Bakugou crossed his arms. "Don't think so."

"I appreciate the honesty." remarked Diana.

Akko tried to cheer them up. "Hey! It's okay to be embarrassed."

Amanda placed a finger on her chin. "And it's still pretty cute. I mean, three rough and tough heroes who are still a little shy around girls? I dig it."

"I'm not that rough." whispered Deku.

Amanda giggled and leaned forward towards them, still not done with her teasing. "Anyway, you guys did great on this date anyway."

"DATE!" screeched the others.

Akko and Deku looked at each other. It was especially awkward for them given that Akko kissed Deku on the cheek for winning her the Scorbunny plush.

Amanda snickered. "Come on. We walked across the beautiful river, talked about our futures, ate together, got your hearts flustered, each of you insisted on paying for us, and you got a little protective around us with those drunk college kids. I call that a date."

"That last one was just an instinct." hissed Bakugou.

"A hero instinct, or date instinct?" said a flustered Diana.

Amanda threw her hands around Diana and Akko once more. "Relax everyone, I'm just messing with you."

The heroes finally calmed down, and Todoroki looked at the time, trying to change the subject. "Should we be going now?"

Bakugou got up and began marching towards the exit. "Yeah, I'm getting the fuck outta here."

Diana sped up ahead of him, clearly unwilling to be anything but the leading guide with her group. For a second, it seemed that everyone just forgot about the previous minute.

Diana too checked the time and announced the plans. "Alright, so we still have quite a bit of time to make it back to the station before our train arrives…"

POW POW POW

Startled and caught by surprise, everyone suddenly looked behind them and up in the sky, where a multitude of fireworks were exploding in the sky. They didn't know that it was part of the program, so while there was a second of shock, they were then instantly drawn to the display.

Right before they could each comment or enjoy the display however, the heroes and witches noted an awkward detail. Amanda, Diana and Akko were grabbing Todoroki's, Bakugou's and Deku's arm respectively.

Deku's pupils shrunk, while Akko laughed sheepishly as she slowly let go.

Amanda instantly apologized. "Sorry about that."

"No worries." quickly said Todoroki, who wouldn't have minded if she continued holding on.

Diana meanwhile quickly snapped her hands away as she tried to look aside, but now it was Bakugou's turn to tease.

"What was that?" laughed Bakugou, making his voice as loud as possible given the disruptive sounds of the fire works.

"Absolutely nothing." defied Diana.

"Really, because I think you three got scared for a second." sneered Bakugou.

"Hey, you three got all jumpy too." countered Amanda.

"But we didn't grab your fucking arms." noted Bakugou.

"It was just an instinct okay?" blurted Diana, whose eyes widened as she realized what she said.

Diana and Bakugou looked at each other and simply laughed at the irony of their statements.

Akko shot up a proposal. "Hey! Since we're early, can we watch the fireworks. Just for a bit?"

"Yeah, they look so great tonight!" agreed Deku.

Amanda, Todoroki, Bakugou and Diana didn't even need a second to agree. As long as it meant another memory they could look back at and laugh at.

They all looked up at the massive fireworks display, awestruck by the patterns and sparks that were illuminating the night sky. Truth be told, it wasn't too different from what they had seen before, but there was something about being together that made this display look and feel better than the others.

And as they watched, the boys snuck a look at the girls, admiring how bewitching they looked under the colorful sky.