Hand In Hand (ch1)

EARLY RELEASE FOR ALL MY PATRONS!

Back for Dianakko Week round 2! Neon and I organized it once again and I can't wait to see what other people bring to the table!

Day 1: Adventure

Disclaimer: I do not own Little Witch Academia.

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												     	Hand In Hand

														 Chapter 1.

"Miss Kagari!"

"I said I was sorryyyy!"

"Regardless," Professor Finneran snaps. "Apologies will not complete your overdue cleaning duties on time. It's far too late for that."

"But I forgot-"

"And I found you off playing games with your friends instead. Typical of you."

"Fiiiine," Akko moans. "Just gimme extra duties tomorrow or something. I'll do it..."

"You'll do something else for me," Finneran decides. "I've been needing to collect some herbs from the forest across campus, but it seems fitting to set you on the task for the time being as punishment."

Akko actually almost perks up at the job. It sure could've been a lot worse, like cleaning the trolls' bath or re-organizing the entire library.

"Fine, I'll do it! I'll just ask Lotte to give me a ride over-"

"Oh no," Finneran stops her. "Miss Kagari, your punishment is not going to inconvenience any other student. You will walk to collect the plants and back. Before sunset."

"What?!" Akko looks to the window. It's already late afternoon. "There's no way I can make it through the forest and back on time if I'm going on foot!"

"Not with that attitude," Finneran scoffs. "Now run along, Miss Kagari. If you aren't back by sundown I'll come fetch you myself."

"Gweeeh anything but thaaat..." Akko's posture slumps as she turns and trudges out of the office, closing the door behind her. "Geez, all because I forgot to clean one time... Okay, well I guess it was actually like the fifth or sixth time this month but still..." She turns to begin making her way down the hall toward the doors when she spots a pair of shoes and a familiar voice speaks cooly above her bowed head.

"Goodness. What am I going to do with you?"

Akko perks up immediately at the gently-teasing voice of her girlfriend.

"Dianaaaa~!" Mood instantly lifted, Akko throws both arms around her and slouches against her chest. "Save me, Diana! This punishment is no faaaair!"

"But did you not just admit that you more or less deserve it?"

"Geh... y-yeah I guess so..." Akko heaves a sigh, slouching more of her weight against Diana who holds her up, patting her back by means of reassurance.

"Now what punishment could she have assigned that could possibly be so terrible?"

Of course now that Diana's saying it like that, when Akko reveals it, it doesn't sound half as bad.

"Herb collecting..."

"That sounds doable."

"Across the campus, though! And I'm not allowed to fly or ask anyone to gimme a ride! I have to walk the whoooole waaayyy. And be back before sunset..."

"Then allow me to join you."

"Eh? Really?" Akko eases back, grabbing both of Diana's hands in excitement. "You'll come with me, Diana?"

"I have no other duties to perform this evening."

Akko's face breaks out into a wide smile. But only for a second.

"But... Professor Finneran said I can't inconvenience any other students with this..."

"And it would be no inconvenience to me at all. I would be happy to accompany you Akko."

And then Akko's smile is back in a flash.

"Dianaaaa! You're the best! The best girlfriend ever!" She throws her arms around her again and starts peppering her face with kisses. Diana hastily tries to keep her back.

"A-Akko, not here!"

"Heehee, sorry! I couldn't help myself!"

"Goodness..." Diana smoothes out her uniform and clears her throat. "Well if you've got to be back by sundown, we should get going."

"Right! Let's go! It'll be like going on an adventure! Or a date!"

"Must I remind you this is supposed to be a punishment assignment, Akko."

"Come on, come on, Diana!" Akko isn't listening. Diana lets out a helpless sigh, as is common when she's with her girlfriend, and follows along down the hallway. Akko is all but skipping as she leads the way now, doubling back to grab Diana's hand to hold as they go.

They exit the building and stroll outside into the warm afternoon, where various other students are lounging about. There are all sorts of amused mumbles such as, "There they go again. I wonder where Akko is taking her this time," and "I can't believe Diana has time for all of her duties and Akko's shenanigans."

They've been dating publicly for almost a month now, and the whole school has more or less finally gotten used to the idea. It had been a shocker for most people of course, but after getting to see the two witches together behaving in a romantic sense, everyone's hearts had melted.

Akko and Diana may have had their differences, and sometimes continue to be at-odds about one thing or another, but for the most part they have become close friends, which is what allows for such a wholehearted relationship.

It all boils down to the fact that they make each other happy, and no one can possibly ridicule a romance like that.

As Akko and Diana walk through the courtyard, Akko marching in the lead, Diana dips her head politely to every classmate she catches the eye of. Everyone smiles and giggles, wishing them well on whatever they're doing.

It doesn't take long to reach the forests, and Akko struts right on in, now unfazed by the trek ahead if she's got her girlfriend with her. She opts to think of this as a date and nothing less. As they leave the school and other students behind them, Akko slows her pace a little, turning to Diana with a grin.

"Heehee, this is so nice~"

"You have a job to complete, Akko."

"I know~ But that's not until we get across the forest! Even if the destination is a chore at least we can enjoy the journey!"

The words of wisdom sound almost comical coming from Akko's mouth. Diana can't help but smile.

"I suppose you're right."

"Right? So let's enjoy our little adventure-date!"

Akko entwines her fingers with Diana's now as they continue on through the trees.

The forests here aren't very dense. There's a good amount of space between most of the trees, and plenty of sunlight filtering through. Little animals and sprites are hurrying about on their own personal business collecting nuts and berries, surprised but undisturbed by the witches' presence. The air is calm and filled with the quietest of sounds – rustling leaves, chirping birds.

"Haaaaa~" Akko leans into Diana's side, nuzzling her shoulder as they walk. "I gotta admit, if I was alone I probably would've cheated and transformed into a bird or something to just fly there. But since I have you with me I don't wanna rush our little date~!"

"While I am glad you are enjoying yourself," Diana sighs. "You should keep in mind that you are being-"

"Punished, I know, I know~"

"What am I to do with you?"

Akko nuzzles her girlfriend's cheek as they continue on their way. They mainly stick to the level ground, but sometimes there are a few rocks to stagger over. Akko never lets go of Diana's hand as they help each other maintain their balance.

When they come to a little stream, Akko lets go of her hand to jump over the water with ease. She turns back and offers her hand out to Diana, motivating her to jump as well.

"Come on, you can do it!"

"There is no need to jump," Diana says calmly. "There are plenty of rocks to-"

"Dianaaaa! Just jump! C'mon I'll catch you! I promise!"

"Akko..."

But with Akko grinning from ear to ear at her like that, arms open wide and smiling brighter than the setting sun, Diana's heart throbs. She can't resist.

So she takes a step back and braces herself before kicking off over the stream. Akko giggles and catches her as promised, spinning her around once to keep her steady.

"See? Wasn't that fun?"

"It was... a quicker method than what I had in mind."

"C'mon Diana, just say it was fun!"

"We have a job to do, Akko." This time Diana takes her hand and begins leading her along. Akko chuckles, but doesn't tease her anymore.

The sun begins to sink over the horizon bit by bit. When the forest becomes a bit more untamed, Diana draws her wand to gently part a few bushels of brambles to allow them to pass through.

They take their time on their little hike, adventure, date, whatever it is. But it certainly doesn't feel like a punishment to either of them, that's for certain.

Finally they reach a clearing where the trees are small and there are more bushes and plants than anything else. Herbs, tall grasses, and flowers blossom in the waning sun, swayed by the breeze and faeries and other things that fly. Little moths are flitting about here and there, fireflies blinking their orange flares, tiny spores and sprites drifting up on the air. It's so peaceful, so beautiful.

For a moment neither witch moves nor speaks. But then, dutiful as ever, Diana softly breaks the silence.

"We should get to work."

But before she can move, Akko squeezes Diana's hand and tugs her back again.

"Just a sec. I wanna do something."

"Akko-"

"Please?" Her voice has grown soft, and her chestnut eyes are swimming with emotion. Diana caves and closes her eyes, giving her consent with a dip of her head.

Akko leans forward and kisses her, capturing a warm ray of sunshine between their lips.

Diana lets the thoughts of responsibilities leave her mind for a moment as she wraps her arms around Akko's waist. Akko hugs Diana's shoulders, pulling herself up to compensate for the few inches Diana has on her.

When it's time to draw back both are blushing. Akko nuzzles their noses together.

"Thanks for coming with me, Diana. I'm glad I'm not an inconvenience."

"Never." Diana seals the promise with another soft kiss. "Now then, let us get this job completed so we can make it back before our deadline."

"Right!"

The fireflies and faeries swirl and flit about, making space for the witches, inviting them in as they head across the grassy clearing hand-in-hand.

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A/N: As much as I love the slow-burn of crushes confessing to each other, there's always something nice about pre-established relationships too! All of the following chapters will connect via the storylines!

Next theme: Danger