A/N: Just a simple One Shot I wanted to write based on the Charoix Family AU by akilice on Tumblr. After this, I go back to other projects but may return to if I have time.

Feel free to leave reviews and enjoy!

Chapter 1:

Croix Merides Du Nord sighed as she pulled the covers over herself in bed. It had been another long day at work. Being a part of the I.T. department of the local company was very demanding. Solving tech problems for the higher-ups, working out any bugs in the company system, and being forced to listen to countless complaints of the imbeciles who couldn't bother to remember the Wi-Fi password. It was challenging work for her, (especially considering the fact that she was a bit of an introvert), but she went on with it without complaining. It was her primary source of income after all; not only for her but her family.

Croix didn't expect her life to take such a major change after her time at Luna Nova, where she met the one and only Chariot Du Nord, a French student who while not the brightest, always kept a positive attitude. Croix didn't pay her a second thought at first, but that all changed when she had seen the French girl being bullied by her own teammates. Croix wouldn't call herself the nicest person, but if there was one thing she couldn't stand, it was the sight of people belittling or hurting those who couldn't fight back. After one metamorphosis spell and the threatening of two witch fishes to be sent down the toilet, Croix took Chariot under her wing and tutored her on various subjects, and to say the two didn't grow on each other would be telling the greatest lie of the century. Soon they began to go out and check out the various shops and restaurants in Blytonbury together; each trip being more memorable than the last, with the two girls getting closer to each other after each one.

Though at first, they tried to hide it the best that they could, it wasn't long before a majority of Luna Nova knew about their relationship. Whether it was them holding hands on the way to class, the way that they looked at and talked to one another, or them hiding their faces behind a hat while sounds of puckering and lips smacking came from them, no one, student or teacher would deny the fact that the two were love birds, and simply couldn't get enough of each other. This went on and on, culminating until after their graduation when Chariot Du Nord asked Croix Merides that fateful four-word question that only comes every so often in a person's life.

"Will you marry me?"

At first, Croix didn't know what to say, it was like time had completely stopped around them. This was a big decision after all. To spend the rest of her life with Chariot, but what if things didn't work out? What if they ended up hating each other? Croix would have thought more into it had she not seen Chariot's crimson eyes begin to form tears, her defenses down, hoping for an answer. This made Croix begin to tear up herself and pull Chariot into a hug, giving her the answer.

Croix smiled in her sleep as she remembered their wedding. It was a small wedding, but to them, it was like the biggest party that was ever held. It was hard to believe that it had already been three years since that day, and so much had happened since then. They had been able to buy a nice little house in a small town in England, Croix got a job that while she wasn't the biggest fan of, paid the bills, Chariot was able to perform small magic shows for kids, which didn't exactly rake in the dough, but Chariot had such a passion for it that she hardly even cared about the money.

But probably the biggest change that came to them most recently was when they decided to adopt a child.

Chariot had been the one to bring the idea up in the first place. While the two never stopped loving each other, it was still very lonely with just the both of them. So, they paid a visit to the local orphanage to see what they could do. Chariot had been there once before, doing a magic show for the orphans, and she had remembered this one girl who was so fascinated by her magic, that it made Chariot want to squeeze her until she popped. Luckily for her, the girl was still there, but a little sad that she hadn't been adopted. She felt like a nuisance, like she was unwanted. But that changed when Chariot and Croix arrived. When they met up, they talked for a bit about all sorts of things and were even able to get some ice cream at a local shop. A day later they returned and met up with her again. This time, with a plush bird for a gift, and an official certificate requesting the adoption of Atsuko Kagari.

Atsuko, or Akko as she had been called by the two had been living with them for about a month now. All three of them got along just fine, and Chariot just couldn't get enough of her. Croix loved the little tyke just as much. As for Akko's thoughts on her new family, Croix felt that Akko loved them, but she almost seemed to hesitate whenever she hugged either one.

The only clue they had to this was that the owner of the orphanage telling them that Akko had only been there for a year. Before that, Akko and her birth parents, the Kagaris, had immigrated to England from Japan when she was just a baby. Everything was going great for Akko, her mother, and father. That was until that fateful day when one of Akko's toys had rolled out onto the street. She was so eager to run out and get it that she didn't hear the roar of an engine getting closer to her. It wasn't until she saw her parents panicked looks as both sprinted towards her that she turned to see a massive semi-truck blaring it's horn and showing no signs of stopping. However before she had the chance to scream, she was shoved towards the side of the road by her mother, with her father right next to her saving Akko's life.

Unfortunately, her parents weren't so lucky…

Croix cringed as she remembered learning about that. The fact that a small child, the age of five had to go through something like that was enough to make her tear up. She couldn't imagine the sadness and grief Akko was going through. While she wanted the child to grow closer to them, she knew there was a reason why Akko still called Chariot and Croix by their first names.

Croix tried to flush these thoughts out of her head, attempting to fall asleep. She put her arm over to the other side of the bed, hoping to get comfort from her wife, but was surprised when she felt nothing.

"Chariot?" She asked into the darkness of the bedroom. Croix looked towards her alarm clock, reading 12:10 AM. So she hadn't overslept. Her eyes then caught a small glow in the dark. She reached for her glasses and saw the light coming from the bathroom. Climbing out of bed, she walked towards the bathroom door and opened it to find her Scarlett haired wife sitting on the side of the bathtub, and looking down in shame as she held a very familiar looking staff in her hand.

"Hey," said Croix, causing Chariot to jump.

"Oh! Croix!" Stammered Chariot as she shot her head up. "Sorry, did I wake you?"

"No, no, you're fine." Reassured Croix, "You weren't in bed, so I wasn't sure where you were. Is everything okay?"

"Oh, I'm fine." Sighed Chariot sadly, making Croix not believe her.

"Come on, Dorkalicous." She said jokingly, "Spill, what's bugging you?"

"It's just," Chariot hesitated, before continuing. "Do you remember when I first got this thing?"

Croix remembered it was a memory that she both loved and hated. It was back during their time at Luna Nova. It was when both she and Chariot had met up with Woodward. Croix was hoping to gain the Claiomh Solais, a magical artifact capable of unsealing the Grand Triskelion and making the user the most powerful witch in the world. However, things didn't go as planned, as Woodward had in fact selected Chariot over Croix.

She remembered the flood of emotions that overcame her when she saw it in Chariot's arms. Betrayal, Shock, Anger. The fact that Woodward had chosen Chariot, the less skilled one, second best, over her was infuriating. This was apparent to Chariot, who was in tears because she felt that she had stolen Croix's dream for her. Though Croix, had seemingly looked past it, a small part of her still envied Chariot, but she hardly let it show. Chariot would still feel guilty about the whole ordeal, which Croix didn't like one bit.

"Yep," muttered Croix, "I still remember that, and do you remember what I said? Accept it, Chariot, everything is okay."

"That doesn't make it any better," countered Chariot, "I still stole your dream, and there's nothing I can do to make it better."

"Look, Chariot," spoke Croix, "What happened back then happened, and there's nothing that can be done about-"

"But that doesn't mean I have to like it!" Interrupted Chariot, as a single tear fell from her eye. Croix looked towards her wife as she went on.

"You, you've wanted the Claiomh Solais your whole life. And I just plucked it from you right in front of your face. Me, Chariot Da Nerd, Little Miss Screw Up. I don't, I don't deserve this." She finished with her breath hitching. Croix cringed as Chariot used the insulting nicknames that her classmates had given her.

"It should really be me at that office job, not you." Sighed Chariot, "You deserve better…"

Chariot stopped as Croix pulled her into a tight embrace, and patted her back. She let go and looked up towards Croix.

"Don't feel bad about things that are out of your control," comforted Croix, "If Woodward had that thing chose you x then she had a good reason for it. Yes, I've wanted the Claiomh Solais for a long time, I won't deny that" Croix then caressed Chariot's bright red hair.

"But I found something that more than makes up for it, you, and our daughter. No amount of magic energy or ancient relics could compare to the joy that you both give me. Even if I need to suffer through those buffoons at the office just to see you two happy."

Croix beamed internally as she watched a small smile beginning to form on Chariot's lips. She knew that this probably wouldn't be the end of Chariot's guilt trip, but hopefully, this made it better. She looked her wife in the eyes, only to find them cross eyes.

"Duh, can you tell me what's duh internet again?" Said Chariot in a mocking tone, causing Croix to giggle.

"Sure thing!" Replied Croix with over-exaggerated joy, "I'll have to ask Hugh Janus."

"Croix!" Laughed Chariot, trying to stifle her laughter. Croix squeezed her once more, as she laughed as well. Chariot wiped a tear of laughter from her eye.

"You're so vulgar." She said with a mischievous smile

"And you're so cute." Replied Croix as she planted a kiss on Chariot's lips. The two then stood up and lied back down into the bed. Chariot began to close her eyes, the guilt beginning to fade away. She hoped this would be the end of it, that this would never pop back up in their lives again; but she knew that guilt was a sly mistress, that popped in and out whenever she pleased. Well, this was the end of it, for now, she may as well take the chance to finally get some sleep tonight; however just as she and Croix began to drift off to sleep, the creaking of the door made them sit up and look towards it opening slowly.

"Eh, Who's there?" Asked Croix groggily. Slowly from behind the door stepped a little girl with brunette hair, crimson eyes, and wearing little red pajamas.

"M-mo-Chariot? C-Croix?" She asked timidly.

Croix shook her head quickly to get a little more awake and greet the little pride and joy.

"Hey Kiddo," she said in a tired but warm voice, "What's up?"

Akko looked down and let out a barely audible mumble. Chariot now spoke up.

"Did someone have a bad dream?" Chariot asked with a warm smile on her face.

Akko nodded her head. Chariot and Croix looked at her face and saw that her eyes were slightly red. Both witches hated to see the little one like this. Chariot scooted over a little to the edge of the bed and patted the newly opened spot.

"Wanna lie down with us and talk about it?"

"*sniff* Mm-hmm."

Akko walked over to the bed and eeped slightly as Croix picked her up plopped her down on the empty spot.

"Houston, the U.S.S. Adorable has landed," Announced Croix, poking Akko's belly playfully. Chariot turned to face her.

"So," said Chariot sweetly, "What was your dream about?"

Akko's eyes widened, as she turned away from Chariot, making the Scarlet haired witch frown.

"Can you tell us, please?"

"Mmm, don't wanna"

"Why not?" Asked Chariot in a comforting tone, "Was it really scary?"

"Mmmm" Akko began to tremble, making Croix put an arm around.

"Hey, it's alright Akko." She said in a motherly voice. "We'll listen, you can tell us anything."

"B-But, but then, y-you won't like me."

"Oh, nonsense!" Said Chariot, "Akko, there's nothing that you can ever do that will ever make us love you any less! So please, tell us what your dream was about."

Akko stares at Chariot with sad eyes, before starting to speak up.

"I was, I was on the road." She began, tears forming in her eyes. "I, I-I went to pick up my dolly,*sniff* and then, and then there was a big mean truck, *hic* and, and, and then Mommy and Daddy pushed me, and, and, and, and the-then, then, Mommy got, got-"

Akko spluttered and burst into tears which flowed like a river from her eyes. Chariot pulled her into a tight hug, letting the child dry her eyes upon her nightgown. Croix tried to comfort her as well by slowly rubbing Akko's back as her own tears started dripping silently...

"Shh, Shh, shh" whispered Chariot to the sobbing girl, "I know, Sweetie, I know. It's okay."

The two hated to see Akko like this, but they knew why she was. What Akko was going through was something a child like her should never go through. They wanted to help Akko any way they could, but they could only do so much to make it better.

How can I make her happy? Thought Chariot, wanting to end the child's sadness. How can I get her to smile? Then her eyes widened with the realization of an idea.

"Croix, could you hand me my wand?"

Croix reached over to her bed sill and picked up one of the two wands to her wife. Chariot then looked down at the blubbering child, tears and a little mucus on her face. She smiled and raised the wand that began to glow. Akko looked up, curiously.

Then, Chariot flicked the wand and tiny, little stars came from it, causing Akko to gasp slightly in wonder. Chariot giggled at the child's slight bewilderment, and swished the wand again, this time, small butterflies and birds came from it, making Akko smile slightly. Finally, a small pixie came from it, and bopped Akko on her nose, causing Akko to let out a cute little sneeze, and a small giggle. The pixie winked at Akko and disappeared into a puff of stars. Akko looked upon Chariot, now smiling slightly.

"Feeling better?" Asked Chariot.

"Hmm hmm!" Giggled Akko, "Yep!"

Croix smiled as well, happy to see the little one so joyful. Of course, Chariot would use illusion magic to make Akko feel better. Croix felt stupid for not thinking of it herself; being something of a street performer Chariot often worked with kids, and knew just what to do to make them feel better if they were sad. Croix would be lying if she said she wasn't a little jealous that Akko had grown so close to her, but as long as Akko was happy, she was fine.

"See?" Spoke Croix to Akko, "We still love ya, Kiddo. What made you think that we wouldn't?" Akko went silent and looked down.

"You," she started, " you would think that I don't love you, because, *sniff* because I'm still missing, *hic* Mommy and Daddy."

"Oh, Sweetie…" Chariot wiped away the newly formed tears coming from Akko's eyes. Of all the things to have grief over, this was surprising to the two witches, but it made sense. Akko's logic was that by still missing her birth parents, it would make it seem like she disliked her current parents, which would in term make them resent her. Which made sense to Akko, but was completely ridiculous to Chariot and Croix. Chariot herself had lost an aunt that she was particularly close to, but that didn't mean she didn't love her other aunts and uncles. It almost sounded like, how Chariot felt about the Claiomh Solais situation. Feeling guilty about circumstances that were hardly in their control.

"Akko," said Croix in the sweetest voice possible, making Akko look up.

"Do you remember when we first told you that we were going to be adopting you?"

Akko nodded.

"You ran up to us and gave us the biggest hug that either of us has ever gotten. If that doesn't show how much you love us, then I don't know what does."

"B-But, but-" began Akko before Chariot's finger went to her lips softly, silencing her.

"It's okay to miss your other parents, Akko." Cooed Chariot, "I know how it feels to miss someone who was so close to you."

Chariot paused for a moment, wiping her eyes and then continuing.

"I don't know if Croix and I will ever be what they were to you, but I want you to know this." She looked Akko directly in the eyes with protectiveness and pure love.

"No matter what happens, we will always love you…"

Akko began to cry again, but these weren't tears of sadness. She wrapped her arms around Chariot and Croix, who had been leaning towards her as Chariot had been comforting her. This was nice, moments like this are what made Croix's seemingly endless agony at her job worth it.

"I," Akko said softly, "I love you too, Mommies."

Both Chariot's and Croix's mouths went ajar. Each looking to the other to see if they had heard the same thing. Upon having the silent confirmation, both looked back down, seeing their little joy yawn and droop her eyes. Croix planted a soft kiss on her forehead. After which Chariot caressed her hair and began to sing a lullaby to the tune of Fére Jacques, only with her own French lyrics:

"Petit Akko"

"Petit Akko"

"Qui T'aime?"

"Qui T'aime?"

"Mère Cherie T'aime,"

"Ansi Fait La Mére Croix."

"Nous T'aimons"

"Nous T'aimons"