Time Spent Together (ch2)

EARLY RELEASE FOR MY HIGHER-PLEDGING PATRONS!

All right here we go with chapter 2, a longer one for sure. Unlike a lot of my other drabble collections where each chapter/story is unrelated to the others, all of these chapters are linked.

Day 2's theme is First/Casual Date.

Disclaimer: I do not own Little Witch Academia.

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													Chapter 2. First Date

A few days after Akko's birthday finds her waking up excitedly on a Saturday morning. She sighs and yawns and stretches her arms all at the same time before she gets up and starts getting ready for today. She doesn't put on her class uniform though, but rather wears the uniform Luna Nova's students are required to wear when they are going to town.

Akko's just finishing putting on her shawl when she whirls around and gives a morning call to her teammates.

"Lotte! Sucy! Time to get up! C'mon! Today's the day we make good use of those tickets Amanda gave me!"

The other two girls whimper and moan respectively, rudely awoken from their slumber by this loud-mouthed rooster. Lotte gropes for her glasses until she finds them and slips them onto her nose, then begins making her way down the ladder. Sucy grunts and decides to get up only because Lotte has elected to do so. Even so, she sends a glare at Akko.

"Y'know, we don't have to go this early," she grumbles. "It's not like the park is gonna close at 8AM."

"She's right, Akko," Lotte says gently. "There's no rush, is there?"

Akko whips around dramatically and spreads out her arms.

"Oh, you two underestimate the crowds of an amusement park on a weekend! If we're not there before noon the lines for every ride and game will be twice as long! Three times as long! Four times as-"

"All right, we get it," Sucy sighs. "Just shut it for five minutes."

"Hey, Akko? Could we see the tickets Amanda got you?"

"Sure thing! I've kept 'em safely stowed away!" Akko reaches her hand under her mattress and extracts the slips of paper, then presents them triumphantly to her friends. "Ta-da!"

Lotte and Sucy are both quiet for a moment, while Akko is blissfully grinning away. Her teammates share a look, but Sucy shrugs, indicating Lotte should be the one to speak up. So the blonde clears her throat and speaks softly.

"Um, Akko?"

"Yeees~?"

"Did you... see how many tickets you got?"

"Huh? Of course I did!" Akko waves the tickets in front of them both. "See? One's in front of Sucy and one's in front of you, Lotte! Two tickets for my two friends! Two friends for my two tickets! My two-! My two..."

As the reality finally sinks in, Akko's beaming smile disappears. There's a beat of silence. Then a shriek.

"Uwaaah?! I only have two tickets?! Th-That isn't enough for the three of us!"

"That's what we've been saying, dummy."

"Sucy! I-It's all right, Akko. You don't have to take us with you."

"Then who?!" she wails.

Again, her friends share a look. This time it's Sucy who gives an answer.

"Isn't it obvious?"

Akko has to think for a moment, but soon it clicks.

"Oh~!"

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"Akko, I do not have the time for-"

"Why not? Diana, it's Saturday! What kind of work do you have to do today? Saturday's a day for fun, not work!"

"I have several books I need to-"

"Need to forget about!"

"Akko-"

Diana tries in vain to argue with her girlfriend as Akko continues tugging her by the wrist across Luna Nova's campus.

She'd been surprised to say the least to hear knocks on her door so early that morning, and even more surprised to discover who had been on the other side of it. Akko had excitedly insisted Diana get her casual uniform on, persisting through Diana's denials until she'd won her over with the promise of this not taking all day.

"Just a few hours tops!" she'd said.

And with that she had grabbed Diana by the wrist and pulled her out.

And now here they are, heading for the nearest leyline on foot (the way the food delivery trucks take) because Akko hadn't thought to ask Diana to grab her broom before she'd stolen her away from her books.

Diana has half a mind to drag Akko back the other way.

But some more honest part of herself refrains. She'd never been pulled away from her studies in favor of a fun excursion before. Especially not by someone she was romantically involved with.

It took her a little while to realize that this could technically be classified as hers and Akko's first official date. They'd had lunch or dinner together before, but it was always on campus, always with other people who knew them around.

The prospect of being elsewhere, amongst people who wouldn't judge or mumble about them made Diana a little excited. Not to say their classmates or professors thought poorly of their relationship, but to them it sometimes felt that way.

Today should be a refreshing breath of air away from all of those minor anxieties.

Though it would've been a much more enjoyable breath had they taken Diana's broom for transportation, rather than trekking all the way through the ground leyline and then into town on-foot.

By the time they get into town they're both panting slightly, but Akko charges onward without a care in the world, pulling Diana along with her. The latter realizes it's far too late for her to protest now, and she doesn't want to rain on Akko's parade. Therefore she follows without resistance now, and even tries out a smile.

Akko marches proudly through town with her girlfriend at her side, and Diana doesn't feel quite so bashful about it all. She stops worrying about what other people might think of them, and starts trying to enjoy herself.

Akko continues to lead her along the sidewalks, pausing to check the road before crossing the street, guiding her away from puddles, and avoiding the bigger crowds.

Diana thinks they might be going to a cafe or a store. But they pass by several of each without stopping. Which leads Diana to eventually ask.

"Akko?"

"Hmmm~?"

"Where exactly are we going?"

Akko's response is to give a tug to her wrist and pull her in, grabbing Diana around the small of her back, holding her chest-to-chest with herself. Diana flushes pink at the sudden proximity, and even pinker when Akko steals a kiss.

"You'll see! We're almost there!"

The surprise display of affection serves to fluster Diana into silence for a few more minutes as Akko continues to lead her through town.

It's then Diana begins to notice a different kind of atmosphere. The streets are a little more congested, and everyone is walking in the same direction. There's a strong scent of food on the air, and in the distance she can hear music. She's just about to open her mouth to ask another question when Akko pulls her around one last street corner and twirls around to face her.

"We're here!"

With that declaration from her, Diana can now see their destination for herself.

Hundreds of people are swarming around a large fenced-in area. Past the ticket window, there are dozens of food stands, games, and rides. Roller coasters, carousels, a ferris wheel, and a plenty of other things she can't see from where she's standing.

Diana's jaw drops a little as she takes in her surroundings. In front of her, Akko is all but bursting with excitement.

"Here we are! The amusement park! Amanda got me tickets for my birthday. I'd wanted to take Lotte and Sucy but there were only two tickets, so I thought I'd take you!"

But as soon as the words are out of her mouth, she realizes how awful they sound, so she quickly tries to fix it.

"N-Not that that means you were a second choice, Diana! I-It's just that I've been friends with them for so long that I automatically think of them first, e-even though you're my girlfriend now. I'm still getting used to being able to think about you that way, y'know?"

Diana blinks, but still says nothing. She's still taking all of this in. But Akko whimpers, interpreting her silence the wrong way.

"Diana? I-I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hurt your feelings. That's not what I-"

"It is quite all right, Akko." Diana finally gives her full attention to her. "I understand. I myself will still often think of Hannah and Barbara first and foremost. Our teammates are our closest friends, and have been for longer than we have been together. It is only natural we would put them at the front of our thoughts."

Akko puffs out a sigh of relief.

"So you're not upset?"

"Not at all. In fact, I am rather... intrigued."

"Really?" Akko's smile is back as though it had never left. "Wait, don't tell me you've... never been to an amusement park before...?"

Diana nods a little shyly.

"The opportunity never arouse. By the time I was old enough to attend one, my mother was already quite ill..."

Akko squeezes both of Diana's hands, silently telling her she doesn't have to finish the thought.

"Well then that means this is your first! And you'll get to do it with me! That's so exciting! I'll get to be with you for your first ever amusement park!" In her glee, Akko pulls Diana into a hug and smooches her cheek. She withdraws a second later and starts pulling her toward the entrance. "C'mon, c'mon, Diana!"

"Akko, w-wait-"

Akko brings her onto the slow-moving line, then fishes out her tickets, happily declaring she hadn't lost or forgotten them. When it's their turn she hands the tickets in, and both she and Diana get the backs of their hands stamped in the shape of a smiley face.

At last, they are let through into the park. Akko keeps a firm hold on Diana's hand as she squeals in excitement.

"Here it is! Here we go! What'cha wanna do first? Games? Food? Rides?"

Diana is still a little baffled by it all. She's never been in this kind of lively atmosphere before. The closest she'd come to it was back during Chariot's performance when she was very young. She tries to take in all of the sights and scents and sounds while still listening to her girlfriend.

"Perhaps... we should get something to eat first."

"Food it is!"

So Akko begins leading her toward the food stands. The air is wafting with the smells of warm hot dogs and burgers, crispy funnel cakes, sugary candies, and everything in between. Akko takes an interest in just about every food stand they pass, while in contrast Diana shies away from them all. After walking for a few minutes, Akko turns to her.

"Anything catch your eye?"

Diana grimaces.

"None of this seems to be in accordance with my usual menu..."

"Then you gotta try something new! C'mere!"

"Akko-"

Akko pulls Diana to the nearest food stand to consider the options. She herself is torn between just about every single thing, while Diana doesn't really fancy any of them.

Akko ends up ordering a hot dog and a small funnel cake. But when she prompts Diana about what she might want, there's no response.

"Okay then!" Akko chirps. "You can try some of mine if you want!" She grabs her food in one hand and Diana's hand with the other, then takes them over to a small picnic table. Diana sits across from her girlfriend, watching fondly as Akko takes a bite of her hot dog and starts swooning.

"Mmm! It's so good! I haven't had one in a long time! Here, wanna try?" She leans across the table, offering the bitten side of her hot dog to Diana, then quickly turns it around to present her with the untouched side.

Diana grimaces a bit, but she knows it will make Akko happy if she tries, not to mention it does smell rather good. So she picks up a napkin and leans forward to take a small, dainty bite out of the end of the hot dog, then leans back and quickly covers her mouth with the napkin to chew.

Akko leans forward eagerly.

"So~? How is it?"

Diana waits until after she's swallowed and wiped her lips to reply.

"It was prepared rather well, considering the nature of the food stand, I would say."

For all her vocal beating around the bush, Akko knows she means to say she liked it. Next she offers her a piece of the funnel cake.

"Try this! It'll probably be a little less messy."

This time when Diana leans forward, she bites on the food directly from Akko's fingers. Instantly the soft sweet flavor of the bread floods her mouth, making a tingle go through her spine. It's a bit too much sugar all at once for her tastes, but if she eats it in moderation she feels she could enjoy it.

She tells Akko as much, and so the brunette pulls off another piece and offers it to her. As she continues to eat her hot dog, she feeds Diana from across the table as well, something neither of them has ever done before. Diana blushes and hides her mouth behind the napkin after every bite, while Akko grins messily around her own food.

When they're finished, Diana reaches across the table to wipe Akko's mouth off for her. Once they've thrown away their trash, their hands come together again and they set off for their next plan of action.

"Gaaaames!"

Akko tugs Diana along through the many lively game booths where large colorful stuffed animals are the prizes.

For a while, they merely observe some of the games while Akko explains the rules to Diana. There's a balloon dart toss, basketball shooting, water-gun races, and luck-based games as well. But of course it's hardly fun just to watch other people play.

"Which one do you wanna try?" Akko beams.

Diana has to ponder.

"Well... I suppose..." She glances to the nearby water gun game. It seems simple enough, but requires a precision Diana feels she can demonstrate even without magic.

"You got it!"

Akko ushers her over to a few open stools side by side as other people fill in the open seats. There are children of all ages gawking at the prizes and parents dutifully trying to win something for them.

As Diana takes her seat, she observes the target she must try to aim for. There are little bars standing atop the counter above each target, and small rubber duck toys at the bottom of each. Once the water starts hitting the targets, the ducks will rise up to the top of the bar more quickly depending on each person's aim.

There's an announcement made that the game is about to start. Next to her, Akko crouches over her water gun and takes aim, sticking her tongue out and closing one eye. Diana gets into position as well, though naturally hers is a bit more refined.

The whistle blows and a series of bells goes off to signify the start of the game. Everyone pulls their triggers.

Diana hits her target right away and the duck on her bar begins to rise steadily upward. Akko's is matched with hers.

In only seconds the bells ring again and the match is over. Akko's target lights up, and the man in charge of the stand announces she's the winner.

"Wooow~!" Akko claps. "I won! I actually won! And you were a close second!" She pats Diana's shoulder with a grin.

The man hands her a large plush teddy bear and Akko thanks him. But just before Diana can ask how she plans to carry that around all day, she stops.

Akko hasn't been holding her prize for longer than two seconds before she turns around and offers it to a little boy standing behind her.

"Here!" she smiles. "You really wanted this guy, didn't you? You can have him! I just wanted to play, but I don't need the prize!"

"Really?" The little boy reaches up for the bear and hugs it. "Thank you!"

The boy's parents thank Akko as well before they turn away. Akko waves them off with a huge grin on her face.

Something flutters in Diana's chest as she stands up and goes to her girlfriend. She doesn't say anything, but pulls Akko in for a warm kiss.

After that they decide to play a luck-based game. It involves placing your token on a certain slot, then the host spins a large wheel with various numbers and shapes on each section of the circle.

Akko places her token randomly and loses right away. But Diana thinks her moves through thoroughly and strategically places her token to advance through the rounds. As her opponents fall away one by one, she's soon the only one left and is declared the winner.

Akko's ten times more excited about it than Diana herself is.

"You won! Diana, you're so smart!" She throws her arms around her and smooches her cheek. Diana hugs her back, hiding her smile in Akko's shoulder.

It's then when the host asks for her to choose a prize. Flustered, Diana eases away from Akko and looks at the selection of cute animals toys. Ultimately, she decides on a small polar bear keychain. Once it's in her hands, she turns it over to Akko.

"Here."

"Hah? No, no, you won it, Diana! It's yours!"

"And I would like for you to have it, Akko. Does it not resemble Arcas? The bear cub Shiny Chariot is said to have adopted?"

Akko accepts the fuzzy keychain and looks it over, a smile already spreading across her lips.

"Hey, it does! It's a mini Arcas!" She slips it into her pocket, and then throws her arms back around Diana. "Thank you, Dianaaa~!"

"You are most welcome."

They walk around a little bit more, enjoying the atmosphere of the park. Until at last Akko can't contain her excitement any longer.

"Let's go on some rides!"

Diana's been trying to steel herself for this all morning. She's never gone on any carnival or amusement park rides for as long as she can remember. But she doesn't think she'll mind all that much if her first time is with Akko.

Thankfully, Akko seems to get the nervous vibe from Diana, so she offers to start off slowly. She leads Diana to a huge carousel ride, complete with two levels' worth of animals they can ride. There are all kind os creatures, including magical ones like dragons, chimera, and pegasus.

But there's only one Akko could ever really envision Diana riding.

She leads her up onto the platform as everyone else is choosing animals to ride, and stops in front of a beautiful pure-white unicorn. There's enough room for the both of them, so once Diana has pulled herself up, she offers her hand to Akko. The brunette sits in front and holds onto the pole while Diana wraps her arms around Akko, keeping both of her legs off to one side.

As the ride starts, the calming movement and the fun music mix for a pleasant atmosphere. Diana rests her chin on Akko's shoulder and steals another small kiss.

They enjoy the carousel to the fullest, right up until Akko hops off when it's over and offers Diana her hand. When she slips off, Akko catches her in a tight hug.

"Come on! There's another ride I think you might like!"

She leads Diana back through the crowds to a large platform with a dozen or so giant tea cups. Diana gives her a bit of a deadpanned look.

With a sheepish chuckle, Akko pulls her on. She explains that the platform spins and that they can make their own tea cup spin as much as they want as well by controlling a wheel in between the seats.

"I used to do this ride all the time as a kid! I never got dizzy!"

"Be that as it may, I should remind you we just ate not too long ago."

"I guess you're right."

So when the ride starts, Akko keeps the wheel-spinning to a minimum. Diana places her hand on her side of the wheel to control it and keep it to a pace she can manage.

She has to admit she enjoys the invigorating rush of air. But there's nothing that can best Akko's squealing laughter.

When the ride is over, Akko jumps up from her seat entirely unaffected by all the movement.

"Woohoo! That was so great!"

However, when Diana tries to right herself, she sways a bit. Akko quickly lunges forward to help steady her.

"Whoa! You okay?"

"Yes. I just need a moment."

"Let's go sit down on something that doesn't spin." Akko reaches an arm behind her girlfriend's back and guides Diana onto solid ground. She brings her to a bench to let her get her bearings. "I'll go get you some water. I'll be right back! Promise!" She seals that promise with a kiss before darting off through the crowds.

Diana waits, but starts feeling a little anxious now that she's alone here. Thankfully, Akko's back in less than a minute with a small bottle of water in her hands.

"Back!" She skids back into her seat beside Diana and hands her the bottle. "Here, cool off for a minute."

Diana accepts the bottle gratefully and takes a few sips while Akko rubs her back reassuringly. She recalls that she herself might be used to this sort of thing, but it's only Diana's first time.

/I gotta go easy. For her sake./

Little does she know Diana is also putting Akko first in her mind.

/She hasn't gotten to do something like this for years. I should let her enjoy herself./

She finishes the water and deposits the bottle in a nearby trash bin, then turns back to Akko who perks up hopefully.

"Feel better?"

"Much." They lean in to share a brief kiss there on the bench. When they part, Diana takes a deep breath. "Are there any other rides you might particularly enjoy?"

"Well..." Akko looks up and past Diana to one of the largest rides in the park. It's a rather small roller coaster in comparison to most others, which is why Akko thinks it might be just mellow enough for Diana to handle. Diana follows her gaze.

"I see."

"W-We don't have to though! N-Not if you don't wanna."

"This is a new experience for me," Diana says, getting to her feet. "It would be best for me to try as many things as possible."

And she watches as Akko's eyes light up twice as brightly as the stars had last night. She leaps to her feet and pulls Diana into a little twirl of delight.

"Yeeaay~!"

So they head over to the roller coaster where shrieks and screams fill the air, combined with the mechanical rush and rumble of the ride itself. Diana stiffens a little but doesn't go back on her word to try.

When it's their turn to be seated, Akko of course gets them the front cart, and even though they're strapped in, she can still manage to hold Diana's hand.

"Here we go!"

A part of Diana knows she'll regret this, but a larger part knows she would've regret it much more if she'd made Akko skip out on her favorite ride, or go on it alone.

Either way the ride starts inching forward, so there's no turning back now.

It starts off rather slowly, creeping forward with a rhythmic clatter along the tracks as the carts climb up a large hill. The clanging of the metal begins to increase along with Diana's pulse as they go higher and higher. Akko turns to send her a reassuring grin and squeezes her hand.

They reach the summit, and for a second everyone seems to hold their breath.

And then they plummet, the entire world rushing up at them at breakneck speed, plunging them down into a series of loops and twists and turns. It steals the breath straight out of Diana's lungs, leaving her unable to speak. But beside her, Akko is enjoying herself immensely.

"Ya-hooooo!"

Diana's glad she's at least having fun. It's almost like a turbulent broom ride in a way, only much, much louder. The ride jerks them up down and every other way, and Diana feels her stomach flip or drop no fewer than ten times.

By the time the carts finally slow down and roll back onto the platform, Akko still hasn't stopped giggling.

"Whooo~! That was so much fun~!" As the safety bars lift up, she stands and stretches her arms out as she turns to look down at Diana. "It wasn't so bad, right? I think I've had crazier times on a broom."

Though clearly the same can't be said for Diana. The closest experience she'd ever had to a roller coaster until now had probably been when the leyline had disappeared on them and she'd lost control of her broom, or when she'd flown the Shiny Volley over massive waves of water at the estate.

But now, as Akko looks her over, she realizes just how much this has overwhelmed her.

Diana hasn't even made an effort to stand up yet. She spends a good minute or so with her hand on her chest, trying to compose herself. Akko crouches back down beside her, putting one hand on Diana's back and the other on her lap.

"Diana? Are you okay? Are you gonna be sick?" Akko starts to panic. "M-Maybe this was too much for you. I'm sorry. H-Here, hold onto me, okay? Can you stand?"

With a heavy exhale, Diana finds her voice again.

"I am fine..." Diana offers her a small smile. "It was... certainly exhilarating. I simply need a moment..."

"Y-Yeah of course! Catch your breath." Akko sits next to her again and explains to the attendant that they'll be off the ride in a minute. She peppers little kisses over Diana's cheek and forehead, nuzzling her nose. "Thanks so much for coming on with me. I promise I won't make you go on any more crazy rides."

"You seemed to be enjoying yourself quite a bit. I am glad."

Akko pulls her in for another tight hug. Diana's still shaking a little, and her heart is thumping pretty hard.

She did this cuz she knew I'd have fun. I'll make it up to her!

Gradually, Akko coaxes Diana to her feet, keeping her steady as she guides her off the platform. She brings her back to the same bench they'd sat at before and pulls Diana into another hug, rubbing up and down her back.

"Sorry for being selfish," she murmurs. "I wasn't considering how you'd feel about such an intense ride."

"Nonsense," Diana says. "I told you I was fine, and it was the truth. I did enjoy it, Akko. I may not be used to it yet, but I did enjoy it."

Akko pulls away and looks up into her eyes.

"You mean it?"

"I do."

"Thank goodness."

Diana offers a smile and pulls her girlfriend in for a soft kiss. She appreciates how worried Akko was about her and she wants her to know as much.

Akko sighs into the kiss, holding onto Diana's sides for good measure. She waits until she can't feel her trembling anymore before easing back.

"There's one more ride I wanna try. Even I've never done this one before, but I promise it's not fast!"

Diana draws in a deep breath. She can handle one more.

"Lead the way."

Akko helps Diana to her feet and is sure to keep a hand on her back for support as they head off. Walking like this allows her to be a bit closer to Diana so Akko can lean in against her side.

The walk to the ferris wheel isn't far from here, and as soon as they arrive Akko steals a glance at her girlfriend to see her reaction.

Diana stares quietly up at it. She's never been on one either, never had the opportunity or reason to try it. Now, she looks to Akko with a smile and dips her head.

They wait for their turn as the afternoon sunlight begins to slant into sunset. They board their cart and sit across from one another. Diana is a little perplexed when Akko sits across from her rather than next to her.

"Akko, are you not supposed to admire the view?" she wonders, flashing her eyes sideways at the world outside. Akko merely smiles.

"I am!" She looks straight ahead, only at Diana.

Diana's face turns pink just as the sky does, and the ride begins slowly.

The cart is small enough that their knees are touching and they can hold hands easily. The pacing of this ride is much slower, much more easygoing. Diana turns her gaze to the world outside, watching the park from a bird's-eye view now.

But Akko only keeps her eyes on Diana. The few times she does glance outside she gets bored of the view right away.

The sunlight is streaming in now, making everything light up in gold. She gives a tug on Diana's hands just as they reach the top of the ride. Both girls lean toward one another and close their eyes until they feel the inevitable soft touch of lips.

The ferris wheel brings them down, then back around again a few more times. Akko eventually switches seats and opts to sit beside Diana instead of across from her. She latches herself merrily onto her arm and snuggles up against her.

"Thanks for coming with me today, Diana. It feels like my birthday was extended! I had sooo much fun~"

Diana turns her head and kisses Akko's brow.

"As did I."

"And it was technically our first real date!"

"Indeed it was. I will never forget it."

"Me either."

They kiss one last time before their cart lowers back to the ground to let them off.

After that, it's another long walk back to Luna Nova without their brooms. Akko proposes they transform into birds so they can fly back, but Diana reminds her of the prohibition of using magic outside of school grounds and forbids it.

So they walk all the way back, and though it's tiring, at least this way they get to hold hands.

By the time they step to the other side of the leyline and arrive back on campus, the stars are twinkling to life. They head inside and finally make it to the dorm rooms.

"Phew!" Akko sighs. "I'm beat! But it's in a good way! Today was so much fun~"

"I wholeheartedly agree." Diana reaches out to cup her cheek and pulls her in for one more kiss. "Goodnight, Akko. Rest well."

"Yeah. Night, Diana."

Akko watches her go, knowing Diana must be exhausted as well. Only when she's out of sight does Akko turn to her own door and quietly slip inside.

She tells Lotte and Sucy about her day as she gets ready for bed, then collapses into her pillow. She rolls onto her side and looks at the little white bear Diana had won for her. With a smile, Akko kisses its nose and murmurs a little spell.

It sends a small wave of warmth and affection traveling through the air, seeping through the walls until it reaches its destination on Diana's cheek. Diana returns the spell from her own bed, sending Akko back another kiss on the air.

Once Akko has received her kiss, she closes her eyes and invites sleep to come.

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A/N: Gosh, I always get so carried away with amusement park date fics. I tell myself I'll only do the rides but then it's just not complete without the games and food. Plus I just loved getting to write them in a new non-magical environment.

Next chapter will pick up directly from here!