The official reason the three of them were flying to Guatemala was for Diana's senior thesis. Ever the overachiever, Diana wanted to come here to study the ancient ruins and write some academic paper on Central American witchcraft in the 8th and 9th centuries for one of her more advanced magic classes. Akko didn't pretend to understand what any of that meant.

For Akko, the actual reason she was flying to Guatemala with Diana was both the allure of a vacation and the opportunity to get closer to her girlfriend. They hadn't been dating terribly long, but Diana was always more closed-off when it came to affection, and what better way to change that annoying little detail than some quality time away from Luna Nova?

She'd let Diana work, sure, but there was so much fun to be had while they were here in the meantime. Huge rainforests to explore, plenty of sunshine to relax in, and not to mention tons of new food to try. So when Diana had told her the plan, Akko jumped at the chance to join her. It didn't even take too much to convince Diana to let her come along for this expedition.

Though it helped that Akko was much better friends with Andrew Hanbridge than most, whose family was one that had access to private jets. Certainly much more convenient than Ley Lines or flying a broom across the Atlantic.

And what a swanky little plane it was. Hardwood fold-out tables built right into the wall, swiveling seats that were more like sofa chairs than the plastic things on commercial flights, more than enough legroom for Akko to stretch out and not even come close to Andrew's seat from across the table. And accordingly, Andrew's father used to use this thing to fly with foreign dignitaries, meaning Akko was sitting in the same spot where some fancy big shots put their butts, which was a deceptively ego-inflating feeling.

From next to her in the cabin, Diana nudged her without looking up from her book. "I understand you're excited, but please stop bouncing your leg. It makes it difficult to read."

"How can you not be excited?" Akko asked, not bothering to stop her leg bouncing. "I've never been to either of the Americas! It'll be super fun to get to see a whole new part of the world, even just for a few days!"

"I didn't say I wasn't, for the record." Diana said, a light smile decorating her face. "I've studied magic in other cultures before, but this will be the first time I've done it firsthand. Witchcraft in South America can be quite different from the other hemisphere."

Andrew, who had been sipping some fruity drink Akko didn't know the name of, looked back up to join the conversation. "Is that so? I can still barely understand how you practice it at Luna Nova to be honest. My only real exposure is you two, and Akko's explanations can be…"

Diana snapped her book closed. "Exuberant?"

Andrew shrugged. "Not the word I was looking for, but accurate."

Ignoring the vaguely annoyed look Akko was sending her, Diana began to explain. "From my understanding, there's much less of a concentrated magic population than in other parts of the world. There's only one or two formal magic academies in the entire region, and most magic is practiced by the indigenous people in smaller towns. Some attribute it to traditionalism, while others claim it's because of colonia-"

"Yeah yeah yeah, all that stuff's fine." Akko cut her off. "But think about the cool stuff we'll be able to see!Do you think we'll be able to see the ocean? I haven't been to the ocean in forever. Think we'll have time to find a beach or something?"

Diana did not look even half as enthusiastic as her. "Akko, you realize this isn't a vacation, right? We're not here to sightsee. There's a considerable amount riding on this thesis paper, and I have a lot of work to do."

"What?" Akko deflated. "But you promised we'd do fun stuff while we're here!"

"I said if there was time, we will." Diana frowned. "But this research takes priority. Very few people in the magic community have had the chance to see these ruins yet. It took a lot of time and networking to get here, and I don't intend to waste it."

"Aw, come on." Akko leaned over, resting her hand on top of Diana's on the arm rest. "Yeah, you can do all your work, but don't you at least wanna explore around a little before you do all that stuff?"

"Akko…"

"I'm just saying, we've been sitting in here for hours! Wouldn't it be nice to just go into some town, get something fun to eat, and just see all the new sights together…?" Akko batted her lashes. Which was excessive, on top of her handholding and low tone of voice, but considering the color spreading across Diana's cheeks, it was effective.

"W-well…" For a moment, Diana genuinely considered the idea. But then her eyes flicked over to Andrew, still seated across from them, and she quickly composed herself. "…If there's time." Diana retracted her hand and went right back to her book, shutting down any further argument.

Andrew took a bored sip of his drink. "Why do you look at me? She's your girlfriend. I don't really care what you two do."

Diana hid her grimace behind her book. "…Why are you even here, Andrew?"

"It's my family's plane." He shrugged, absent-mindedly. "Besides, if you're going to ask for a ride, I might as well take a few days' vacation while I'm at it."

"I'm sure your life must be very stressful." Diana said as she flipped a page.

"Believe it or not, some of us dislike spending every waking hour working away." Andrew rolled his shoulders. "Between my own studies and everything I must do to succeed my father, I'd enjoy some time away from it all."

Diana hummed. "The poor life of a millionaire with, as of yet, no day job."

"I resent that." Andrew scoffed. "Considering the net worth of the Hanbridge estate, I'd prefer the poor life of a billionaire with no day job, thank you very much."

And then there was Akko Kagari, who had about 14 dollars, 36 cents and one stick of cherry gum in her pocket.

She shrunk back in her seat, feeling somewhat…small. Here she was, in a private jet, with two people who lived in mansions and talked with important people who were in charge of important things, on her way to a country she wasn't sure she could ever afford to go to on her own. And all that was cool, but she couldn't help but feel like the odd one out.

After all, even Diana and Andrew's casual clothes looked like they were ready to get their pictures taken. Nice button-up shirts with the sleeves neatly rolled up, pressed jeans and slacks respectively. And Diana looked really sharp in blue plaid. Meanwhile, Akko was in shorts and a Shiny Chariot t-shirt that may or may not be a bootleg.

And as if to make the point even clearer, an older man in a finely pressed suit walked into the cabin from the cockpit, hands folded neatly behind his back as he blatantly deferred to Andrew. "We'll be arriving at the airstrip near Flores momentarily, Mr. Hanbridge. Please prepare for landing."

Andrew nodded. "Thank you, Bruce."

Diana snapped her book closed once more. "Have you heard from Dr. Santillo yet?"

"Last I have heard, he will be meeting with you three at the airstrip, Miss." Bruce said, before turning to his charge. "Will there be anything else, Mr. Hanbridge?"

"No, that will be all. Thank you again."

Bruce gathered the dishes from the table before folding it back into the wall and returning to the cabin, with another servile bow towards Andrew.

Stuff like that always got to Akko about him and Diana. Butlers and maids and servants and people who just…worked for them like that. Sure, for a while it'd be nice having someone waiting on you, but it had to get weird eventually, didn't it? Paying someone to do all those menial tasks for you and then just stand there until you dismiss them? That was just how Andrew and Diana grew up. But as for Akko, she was pretty sure it'd get awkward if it was her.

But as for Akko again, that was why she wanted a vacation with Diana in the first place. She really wanted to bridge that gap. Diana was always so…closed-off. If she wasn't overclocking herself with mountains of duties and studies, she still always seemed too focused on something to be that openly affectionate. Or that open with relationships in general.

She never doubted Diana cared, but still. Even after a few months of dating, Akko never felt like the two of them were on the same wavelength quite yet, especially with how much bigger Diana's life could get compared to hers. So she wanted to go somewhere neutral, away from Luna Nova and the Cavendish manor and just be together without any baggage or worries.

And maybe it was a bit selfish of her to want to turn Diana's big trip into that, but Akko was really starting to wonder where exactly they stood with one another. She was generally optimistic. And she was pretty sure if they could have some time alone they could fix all these little issues.

But it was hard sometimes, not to feel like she was completely out of her league here.

Akko at least felt a bit better when they finally touched down. Swanky jet or no, sitting in the same chair for so many hours got old fast. As soon as Bruce opened the hatch, she was out of her seat, out the door, and taking in the fresh air.

It was a sunny day in Guatemala. A little warmer than what she was used to, but not unbearably so. A few kilometers out from the small airstrip, she could see a city built among the rolling green hills. And outside the city were trees as far as she could see and a huge body of water, a sea of green and blue blanketing the area, dwarfing civilization entirey.

"Is that the ocean over there? It looks really-! Oh, wait, I think that's a big lake. But hey, Diana look! A lake!"

Diana took her bag from Bruce and slung it over her shoulder, before joining Akko on solid ground. "Yes, I suppose it is."

But before Akko could say anything else, Diana's attention was taken by a stranger at the entrance to the airstrip. He was a portly man of about middle-age, with dark, sun-kissed skin and a short crop of black hair on his head. He was actually wearing a coat and tie, despite the heat. Though, given he likely lived in this heat every day, he didn't seem to pay it much mind.

Diana walked up to the man and held out her hand respectfully. "Dr. Santillo, correct? It's nice to meet you in person."

The man, Dr. Santillo, smiled and took Diana's hand with a quick, firm, shake. "Likewise." He said, rather benignly. "Believe it or not, I was actually impressed when you first contacted me. You seem to have done a bit of homework on the local area already. That's always a bit…refreshing to me."

"Naturally." Diana nodded. "I've been preparing for this thesis for some time now. I hope to make the most of my stay while I'm here."

The doctor hummed. "So I understand. Though I haven't been introduced to your companions." He turned to greet Andrew and Akko. "Darío Santillo, pleasure to meet you all. I'm an alumni of Sol Azul Magic Academy up north in Catemaco. PhD in shamanistic studies, amateur archeologist, won't bore you with the other details."

"Allow me to introduce us all then." Diana said, gesturing towards Andrew. "This is my acquaintance, Andrew Hanbridge. He's a student of Appleton Academy."

Andrew shook the doctor's hand politely. "Just Andrew's fine." He introduced himself. "I'm only here to take a breather from my own work."

Darío nodded simply. "Hmm."

Diana then gestured towards Akko, who stood up straighter. "And this is…"

Akko held out a hand, a proud expression creeping up her cheeks. Been a while since Diana introduced her to someone. What would she say? Girlfriend? Partner? Something nice like that?

"…my schoolmate, Akko Kagari."

And then Akko's mood dropped like a rock. That was just unfair. They've been dating for months and schoolmate is what she gets? And yeah, fine. Logically she knew Diana wasn't one to readily share details about her personal life, but couldn't she have at least gotten 'best friend'?

Despite her sudden sullenness, she looked up to see Darío enthusiastically shaking her hand. "Ah, Akko. Now that I think about it, I've heard a bit about you!"

"I…wait." Akko blinked. "Me? Like, me me?"

Darío chuckled. "Of course. Word travels fast in magic circles, especially when you broadcast yourself across the globe like that. Working class magician, besting the odds in a foreign school. It's all a bit inspiring, really."

Akko couldn't help but puff out her chest. "Well! I wouldn't go as far as to say inspiring, but if you want to…!" The aspiring performer in her certainly didn't mind the praise. "I'm just here to support my best friend, Diana, after all!"

Diana didn't react outside of smiling just a little wider. Akko wasn't sure if that was the reaction she was hoping for or not.

Darío's face, however, flattened to a stony expression. "Yes. Well, about that…" He turned to Diana, somewhat grimly. "Now I know I already told you in the emails, but I need to warn you again. Even if you are as prestigious as a witch as you say, there some very dangerous wild animals in that area. You're putting yourself in very real risk going out there."

Diana just waved her hand. "Thank you, but as I said before, I'm aware of the risk." As if to punctuate herself, she reached into her bag and pulled out her wand. "I'm more than capable of keeping a few territorial animals at arm's length. There's no need for concern."

"Just make sure you're not getting too overconfident there." Darío narrowed his eyes. "The creatures here are going to be much different than the ones you deal with at your big, fancy academy over there. You can't guarantee your magic is prepared to deal with them. My grandfather rediscovered these ruins, and I don't want to see anyone get needlessly hurt exploring my family's grounds."

Before Diana could retort, Akko jumped in. "Wait, really?" She asked. "Your family actually owns all these old witchy ruins? How does that work?"

Darío stared at her for a long, uncomfortable moment, an inscrutable look on his face.

"…No, the government owns the land." He shook his head. "My family only maintains it for them. They're always encouraging explorers and archeologists to assess the place, trying to figure out what to do with it in the future."

"Oh, um. Sorry? Didn't know all that…" Akko chuckled. "…What would they end up doing with the ruins then?"

Darío smiled, as if the answer made no difference to him whatsoever. "Once they figure it's safe, turn it into another tourist trap I'm sure. More ruins to take pictures of would certainly bring in more foreign money." He was smiling, but that inscrutable look hadn't exactly left his face. Akko really wasn't sure what she said wrong.

Diana cleared her throat. "Tell me something, Dr. Santillo. You said these ruins appear to be of Mayan origin, correct?"

Darío tapped his chin. "There in the same region, at least." He mused. "Though the architecture is different from most Mayan structures, in a few interesting ways."

"Different as in they were built by a sect of Mayan witches, or different as in an entirely different civilization existing alongside them?"

"Ah. That's difficult to say right now, really. I've heard a few theories from the non-magic archeologists who've studied the place…"

Diana and Darío walked ahead, talking about the specific mythology of the ruins and the specific dates of their construction and their specific ties to the local magic culture and all sorts of specific things about specific topics that went well above Akko's head. There was definitely nowhere in the conversation she could hope to contribute. And then from behind them, Andrew was exchanging a few final words with Bruce, a man who worked for his family, about what to do with the jet, a thing his family just owned.

Yeah. Out of the four of them, Akko really didn't belong here at all.

She trailed behind silently, hands in her pockets. She had to figure out a way she could actually do something to help Diana, but she just couldn't figure out what. Before she could get too far into her mood, she felt a hand on her shoulder, and looked up to see Andrew. "Don't feel too bad about Diana blowing you off." He smiled. "I'm sure there'll be plenty of time for you two to relax and enjoy yourselves once we all get settled in."

"I know, I know." Akko sighed. "But it's just that she's been working so hard and trying to get into all these advanced magic classes after graduation and everything. I wanna make sure she actually does something fun that's not super complicated work."

"Try to cut her some slack, Akko." Andrew said, urging her forward to catch up with the others. "This trip is clearly something important to her. And you're the one who's always telling us to follow our dreams."

"I'm not saying she shouldn't!" Akko argued. "I just wanna have a good time with her while we're here, and I just don't want her to get so overworked she ignores everything again." Bitterly, she added, "Besides, it'd be nice to be her girlfriend instead of her schoolmate for once…"

Andrew thought for a moment. "Tell you what. If I notice her getting too caught up in her studies, I'll be sure to pester her until she heads your direction. That way she can get her research done, and you can have your time together. Everybody wins, right?"

Akko looked up with a small smile. "You'd do that for me, Andrew?"

"Of course." He shrugged. "If you ended up having a bad time, you'd end up venting to me, and I just don't have the patience for that right now. I am on vacation, after all."

He smirked as Akko elbowed him. "Spoiled billionaire." She teased.

"I do try." Andrew raised a brow. "Now, really. We should hurry and catch up with the others. I'd like to stop lugging these bags around."

He nodded his head towards his right hand, where he was carrying both his own bag and Akko's suitcase. With a sheepish chuckle, Akko took it from him. Or at least attempted to, given the bag's girth and the boy's height compared to her. She ended up grabbing it at a bad angle, losing her footing under the bag's weight.

As her back hit the pavement, Andrew was at least quick enough to catch her bag with his free hand before it landed on top of her.

Diana made her way over and bent down to her side. "Are you alright, Akko?"

"Yeah, I think so." Akko dusted off her knees. "Just a little bump, I guess."

"Good." Diana smiled. "Please try to be careful. I don't remember which of our bags the first aid kit is in."

"Isn't your whole thing healing magic? Or-?" Akko's eyes narrowed. "Wait. Please don't tell me you packed a whole first aid kit because of me."

Diana blinked at her. "…I won't."

And then she stood up and walked right back to Darío without another word. Akko had half a mind to say something back, only to realize any reason Diana could give was pretty easily justified by the fact Akko just fell down and embarrassed herself. She wasn't sure if she was touched or offended that Diana thought of that. Leaning towards offended. Akko grumbled, snatching her suitcase back from Andrew, setting it down right, and trailing behind the others.

Thus far, this was much less romantic than her initial plan. And wasn't that just the story of her life?

A.N. Went through a minor writing block, and I really wanted to sit down and work on something, but I just couldn't find the inspiration. Then I realized, you know who I miss writing? Akko's good bro Andrew, recovering snob and the world's most exasperated wingman. And then somehow, that led to a desire to play around with the idea of how LWA's witchcraft exists outside of Europe, and somehow, that led to this.

As for doc Santillo, I try to be careful with OCs in fanfics, and only do them when it can draw attention to specific qualities of the characters you do care about. And there is a minor timeskip here compared to the series, so everyone's a wee bit older. I like to think the later chapters of this will go to unexpected places, but you'll have to be the one to tell me if it works or not. Hope you'll stick around for it!