Every Second (ch5)

EARLY RELEASE FOR MY HIGHER-PLEDGING PATRONS! THANK YOU!

I promised I'd do some fluff for this chapter to make up for the previous one, so here it is! Involving Cerus, one of Diana's familiars in Years Later. This is back to taking place after Akko returns from her time in hiding. But she hasn't gotten to formally meet Cerus yet until now.

You can find art of Cerus on Neon's blog in the usual tag!

Disclaimer: I do not own Little Witch Academia.

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											Chapter 5. The Warmest Night

After her brief hot shower, Akko needs to change clothes as quickly as humanly possible.

She shivers all the way through the process, teeth chattering as the cold raw air hits her wet skin, pulling on her warmest, fluffiest robe. The air in the bathroom is still pleasantly humid, but she needs to brace herself to step back out into the main room.

When she finally does, another blast of cool hits her. It's been colder than usual these past few evenings, even for wintertime.

"Geh... makes me wanna just curl up and hibernate... Now I understand why animals do it..."

And it must've been even worse outside where it was actually snowing. Akko's counting her blessings that she gets to stay indoors this evening with her wife. She pulls her towel through her hair as she makes her way to the bedroom, sighing heavily as she finally enters.

"Dianaaaa~ I'm ready for bed. I hope you're-"

Akko cuts off when she finds their bed vacant. She looks to Diana's desk, but she's not there either. She finally spots her by their closet.

Pulling out a cloak.

Diana looks back to her and gives her a helpless smile.

Akko shakes herself off like a wet dog and rushes over.

"Oooh no no no no no! What do you think you're doing?! It's waaaay too cold for a patrol tonight! You'll freeze!"

But Diana merely slips her white cloak around her shoulders and begins to fasten it in place.

"I have to go, Akko. I have a shift."

"But why? You're the headmistress! Don't we have guards and night watchmen for that?"

"We do," Diana affirms. "However, you know as well as I do that the staff partake in our fair share of duties. That does not exclude me."

"But! At least the faeries and trolls have an immunity to cold!"

"And I have Cerus," Diana replies. "I will be just fine, Akko. It is only for an hour."

Dismayed that she won't get to cuddle up next to her wife like she'd hoped, Akko wraps her arms around her and wails.

"Nooooo... Don't leave me, Dianaaaaa... We'll both freeze!"

Diana pats her wife's back and presses a kiss to her cheek.

"Unfortunately, we both know it is unavoidable. I must go. However..."

Akko perks up at the sound of Diana's thoughtful tone.

"What's up?"

Diana smiles.

"It is not often I have night patrol with Cerus rather than my broom. And whenever I have in the past, you've either been busy with your own patrols, lesson plans, or you've already fallen asleep. Therefore... why don't you come with me tonight, Akko?"

"...Eh? EH?!" She jumps back a pace, her jaw nearly hitting the floor. "M-M-Me? C-Come with you?"

Diana quirks an eyebrow.

"That is what I said. Why is it such a strange offer? If it is because you do not understand his language, then think nothing of it. I will speak to him."

"N-No! It's not that! I mean... after I married into the Cavendish family, technically, unicorns became my patron beast, too. So I've been learning as much as I can in case I ever encountered one, so I think I'll be okay with that..."

"Then whatever is the matter, Akko?"

Akko scuffs her slippers on the carpet and looks down, twiddling her fingers.

"Well, I've... never touched one before... l-let alone ridden one... I-Isn't that a huge deal? I mean ordinary people almost never see unicorns, let alone touch them. Not even a lot of witches can do that. I-I mean obviously you can. They've been in your family's history since the beginning. A-And you're so pure and kind, Diana. Of course you have one as your familiar, and of course you can touch him. B-But me...?"

A redness has come across Akko's cheeks. She looks like a schoolgirl confessing her feelings, not a married woman talking to her wife.

Diana can't help but burst into laughter. Akko only blushes harder.

"Forgive me," Diana chuckles. "Akko, you are far too precious." She reaches out and pulls Akko into her arms. "You are thinking about this too much. Have you forgotten that yes, you are a part of the Cavendish family now? You just said it yourself. There is no reason why you would be unable to make contact with a unicorn. He knows you, Akko. There is nothing to worry about."

Akko whimpers and buries herself deeper into her wife's collar.

"I know... but still..."

Diana kisses her temple.

"All right then. If you are that worried about it, then you do not have to-"

"N-No! I wanna come! At least I could help keep you from freezing half to death!"

"Then do come along. It will be just fine, Akko."

Diana lets her go and turns back to the closet to fish out a second cloak. Akko makes quick work of changing out of her bathrobe and back into her staff robes.

One glance at the snowfall out the window has her putting her hat on as well. She accepts the cloak from Diana and wraps it around herself, then grabs her wand, casting a heating spell to help dry her hair.

Diana offers her hand.

"Ready?"

Akko nods and accepts.

It's just before midnight, therefore the buildings are quiet, save from the whispering of the guards. They all dip their heads as the headmistress and her wife pass by, while Diana thanks them all for their diligence.

The pair of witches makes their way to the exit doors, where Akko can already feel the cool breeze slipping in. She shudders again and Diana pulls her close.

Bracing herself, Akko steps outside.

The night is as cold as she expected it to be, the campus and surrounding forests coated in layers of frozen white. The moonlight from above reflects brightly off of it all, illuminating the world in a dazzling silver glow.

Akko shivers bitterly.

/But at least it's pretty./

But her attention is drawn to something even prettier than the scenery.

Diana steps away for just a moment and draws her wand, closing her eyes to focus. When she's ready, her voice rings out through the night.

"Tiphillie Lirullianae!"

A fountain of water bursts up from beneath her boots, mixing in with the ice and snow. Akko scrambles back so as not to get splashed.

The water shimmers beneath the glow of the moon and the snowfall, rising up in small waves, circling Diana and widening into a deep pool.

Akko's only ever seen her cast this spell once before, many years ago when they were students. But it's even more breathtaking now.

The water continues to swirl, dark blue amongst the crystal-white of the snow surrounding them. The waves climb higher, as though they are forming a fountain.

And then, just when they reach the height of the treetops, the white foam takes the form of a horse.

Akko has seen her wife's familiar before, but never like this.

His coat is the purest white, even more so than the snow, sleek with the silver sheen of water, droplets falling all around him. His mane and tail are the color of morning glory petals, flowing out behind him like rivers themselves.

But of course, the most astounding thing of all is the pointed horn between his ears, shining with magic.

Akko is mesmerized by the summoning. She watches as the water creates a path for him, guiding him down. He gallops atop the surface without disturbing it at all, without causing a single splash or droplet to fly.

When he at last reaches the ground, the water around them vanishes into the snow.

Diana puts away her wand and opens her arms to greet him.

"Good evening, Cerus. Thank you for coming so quickly. I hope I didn't interrupt something."

The unicorn shakes his head, then lowers it in a bow.

"Certainly not, Mistress. It is always a pleasure to see you, hence I have no qualms with arriving forthwith."

Akko watches from a few yards back. She can't make out exactly what he's saying - after all, unicorn language is one of the oldest and most complex of any. But she understands how polite and formal he is being.

And just like back during the Samhain Festival, Diana does not make the first contact with him. Cerus is the one who willingly touches his muzzle to her palm, and only after that does Diana begin to caress his head.

Akko's still speechless just at the sight of them. Diana with her hair dusted lightly with snowflakes, her white cloak fluttering softly in the wind behind her. Cerus glowing silver beneath the moon, though the snowflakes do not touch him, but simply fall around. And the forest frozen in white all around them, glimmering.

It feels like looking at a painting, at a dream.

Akko isn't sure why, but she feels tears welling up in her eyes. The motion of bringing her arm up to wipe her face draws her wife's attention to her.

"Akko? Are you all right?"

Diana leaves Cerus and hurries to her side, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. Akko sniffles but nods.

"Y-Yeah! I'm fine. Just... a little... melancholy I guess?"

Diana presses another warm kiss to her temple.

"I suppose that is only natural. The presence of a unicorn is profound like that, particularly to one who is not around them as often as I am." Diana pats Akko's arm, then turns back to her familiar, who has been watching. "Cerus, you remember Akko, correct? I believe I've introduced you before."

"I affirm that most certainly you have, Mistress." His eyes travel over Akko, and she can't help but feel another chill, but it isn't unpleasant like the ones the snow causes. His eyes come to rest on her left hand, which also glows softly in the darkness.

"The last time I laid eyes upon her, you were not yet wed. Therefore, it is my honor to make the acquaintance of the Mistress' betrothed."

Cerus lowers his head once again, this time to Akko.

And it's all she can do to keep herself from shrieking.

"Wah-! A-Ah, I-I mean, th-the honor is all mine! All of it! I-It's a privilege t-to be- I-I mean there's no need for you to-"

"Akko." Diana soothes her with another kiss. "Calm down."

"B-But-! I-I'm not someone a unicorn should be bowing to!"

"Why ever not?"

"B-Because-"

"I lower my head only to those who are most deserving," Cerus utters. "There is nothing about a person which a unicorn cannot discern upon a first encounter. Nothing at all."

Akko clamps her mouth shut as he begins speaking again. She can't understand most of it, but she can tell he's assured in his actions. A glance at her wife confirms that.

"He says he lowers his head to you willingly. Because he can sense that you are pure of heart. You are someone worthy of his presence, Akko. So please lift your head as well."

Diana gives a pat to her wife's back, and Akko straightens up, puffing out her chest.

Cerus lifts his head and walks steadily forward, halting only a few feet away.

Akko doesn't even blink as she beholds the sight of him, this beautiful creature she's only ever seen before in picture-books or from afar. Even in the magical world, unicorns are a rare sight to behold.

And even rarer to touch.

But Cerus dips his head without hesitation – expectantly.

Diana inclines her chin.

Akko doesn't realize what this means right away. But as soon as she does, she can feel her heart begin to pound.

Diana keeps a firm hand on her back to support her as Akko shakily lifts her hand.

Again, Cerus is the one to make the first contact. His fur is so soft, and perfectly warm despite the snowfall.

Akko's heart flutters like a caged bird being let free.

This feeling.

The feeling of touching a unicorn.

She can't even begin to describe it.

Magical isn't nearly enough.

It's ethereal, profound.

Like touching a dream.

It overwhelms her, and fresh tears begin pouring down her face without stopping.

Diana wraps Akko in her arms and requests that Cerus give them a moment. He respectfully turns away and waits.

Diana brushes the snowflakes out of her wife's hair and kisses her forehead. Akko trembles against her, sobbing softly.

"I-I'm s-sorry... I don't know w-what..."

"Shh... It is all right, Akko." Diana strokes all up and down her back. "I should have anticipated this might overwhelm you. I apologize."

"No... it's okay..."

This feeling that's filling Akko now... it isn't something bad or painful. It's almost like... like a weight has been lifted off of her, a weight that's been there all her life that she's never even known about until now.

She just feels so... so happy.

Joyous. Giddy. Relieved.

There's a smile on her lips as she cries, squeezing Diana ever tighter.

It takes a few moments, but Akko eventually calms herself down with Diana's assistance. When she is finally ready, Cerus returns to them.

"Mistress Atsuko. Destine soulmate of Mistress Diana. It is my utmost pleasure to make your acquaintance."

Akko understands both her name and Diana's. To be addressed by-name by a unicorn is truly a high honor. She responds as quickly and as formally as possible.

"Th-The pleasure is all mine! It's a pleasure to meet you, s-sir!"

And this time, Diana isn't the only one who laughs.

Cerus throws his head back and whinnies.

Akko turns redder than Chariot's hair.

"D-Did I say something stupid...?"

"Not at all!" Diana chuckles. "But there is no need to call him 'sir'. He says it makes him feel old."

"O-Older than 500 years? I wonder what that must be like..."

With that, Cerus folds his legs beneath himself and inclines his head.

"I've not had a chortle like that in over 200 years, Mistress Atsuko. Few can claim honest responsibility for making a unicorn laugh."

Diana murmurs a translation, and Akko blushes yet again.

Being that Cerus has laid himself down for them to mount, Diana thanks him. He always lowers himself for her, because he views Diana as his equal. That is how deeply he respects her as his mistress.

Diana settles himself onto his warm back, then motions for Akko to do the same. Timidly, Akko slides her leg over his spine and quickly locks her arms around Diana's waist.

She's ridden brooms with her before, and she's even ridden horses with her back at the Cavendish estate. But never a unicorn.

It is essentially the same as riding a horse, though Akko knows better than to say that out loud. Diana had warned her earlier: "Never compare a unicorn to a common horse. It's about as close as you can come to offending them."

As soon as they are settled, Diana lets him know. Cerus lifts himself up with ease despite the extra weight and begins to walk forward at a leisurely pace. The soft light around his horn guides them through the darkness.

Akko's heart is in her throat as she squishes herself to Diana's back.

"I-I'm... I can't believe I-I'm actually riding-"

Her voice dies away in favor of relishing the experience itself. Diana turns to look back at her.

"It is perhaps one of the most magical experiences even a witch can have. I still remember my first time as though it were yesterday."

"When was your first time riding a unicorn, Diana?"

"When I was five years old," she replies. "My mother summoned hers for me."

"Ah, indeed," Cerus says. "Lady Bernadette. She happened to summon my own sister."

"How is she, by the way?" Diana inquires. "I do hope she's doing well."

"Amalphia? She's as spritely as though she were 100 years old!"

"I am glad to hear it."

Akko smiles as she listens to as much of their conversation as she can pick up on. Their voices are soft, even with how the snow surrounding them amplifies sound.

Akko is still getting used to the peculiarities of unicorns. It's the dead of night in the middle of winter, and yet his fur is perfectly warm.

The snowflakes don't touch him, just as he hadn't gotten wet before during the summoning. Even when he walks, his hooves make soft sounds, but he leaves behind no prints in the snow.

Akko thinks back to what she'd learned about unicorns, both from Chariot and from lectures. One particular passage had stuck out to her, and she recalls it now.

'The elements don't affect them, but human weapons can. There exists no greater crime than to poach or kill a unicorn. There will be no mercy shown upon any such wretched soul. Death will come quickly and cruelly. The souls of unicorn-killers are sent instantly and irrefutably to the lowest level of the underworld, where they will suffer the most excruciating torment for all eternity...' Or something like that.

Akko shakes her head, trying not to think about something so awful. In any case, she recalls that unicorns do not leave behind hoof-prints, or any physical evidence of their presence. This is mainly to avoid detection by mankind.

Akko remembers another saying about unicorns, one she'd learned from a storybook.

'What unicorns leave behind cannot be seen. Only felt.'

As they continue to trot through the forest, Akko reflects on all she's ever known about unicorns. Diana keeps her senses on high alert for anything amiss. But Cerus isn't the least bit tense, and therefore she allows herself to relax as well. She turns back to check on Akko, who has been surprisingly quiet for a while.

"Akko? How are you fairing?"

"I'm good!" she pipes. "Just thinking."

"About?"

"Well... I know that some places where unicorns live never experience fall or winter. I was just wondering why that is."

There's no better person to ask a question about unicorns than Diana Cavendish herself. She knows all there is to know, and then some.

"That pertains to and depends on the part of the planet. In some places, the unicorns prefer a warm environment, and so they fend off the colder seasons. The same is true for those who prefer the cold and fend off heat.

"And then there are the majority who welcome all seasons. That is the category Cerus falls into. He believes in the entire cycle of the seasons, from the life of summer, to the calmness of autumn, the healing of winter, and the rebirth of spring. His forests are always full of life and balance."

Akko's as impressed as always by her wife's textbook-perfect response. With a sigh, she cuddles up to her back.

"Wow... this is really incredible..."

"It truly is, isn't it?"

They continue their patrol through the quiet, snowy forest. Hardly anything else moves other than them, but every once in a while there's a stirring or a noise. Akko always tenses up, but Diana reassures her.

"It is merely the spirits and creatures of the forest. If anything is amiss, Cerus will be able to sense it long before we can."

That allows Akko to truly relax. She hardly feels the cold anymore with how warm Cerus is beneath her and how warm Diana is in front of her. She snuggles up to her wife's back and hugs her stomach, resting her cheek against the hood of Diana's cloak.

Akko sighs and watches her white breath rise up, then vanish into the air. The swaying motion of Cerus' steps and the late hour cause her to grow sleepy.

Diana can sense it when her wife slips into a light slumber. She keeps one hand on Cerus' neck and the other on Akko's hands to ensure she won't slip off.

Their patrol is quiet for a time.

But when they are about halfway through the forest, Diana senses Cerus tense beneath her.

"What is it?"

He pauses for a moment, and his ear flicks to the direction of some commotion she can't yet hear. Her heart begins to pound a little harder, jolting from its arrhythmia. Cerus can sense that as well. He knows of her delicate condition and how easily it can cause her harm. Therefore, he assures her as quickly as possible.

"No cause for concern, Mistress. Simply a territorial dispute."

Diana lets out a breath.

"Perhaps we should look into it?"

"Indeed."

Cerus begins heading off-course into the trees, following the sounds of the other creatures. Diana is soon able to hear it as well. With a shrug, she gently rouses her wife.

"Akko."

"Hmn..." The brunette lifts her face and blinks wearily. "Is the patrol over?"

"Not quite. But I thought it would be best to wake you."

"Hm? Why? What's going on?"

Diana presents her with a calming smile.

"You are about to see another example of just how wonderful unicorns are."

Akko peeks over Diana's shoulder to look ahead. She can hear the sounds now as well. There are creatures growling and screeching up ahead, clearly locked in some terrible fight. Akko bites her lip and squeezes Diana tighter.

"W-What is that?"

"Do not worry. It is a verbal argument. Just a very loud one."

The sounds grow louder and louder as they approach. All of the other faeries and animals in the area have been roused from their sleep by the commotion and are now slinking away from the noise.

But as soon as they see Cerus, they all begin to squeak and sing with joy.

Akko has to cover her ears now because the noise of the fighting is so deafening. But she soon sees what's causing it.

There are two creatures in front of them now. One is clearly a gremlin, crouched low to the ground, snarling and spitting up at the other creature, which is entirely different in form. It is almost invisible, save for a few highlights of its general form, which resemble a nymph with long flowing hair.

But Akko knows it's no nymph if it's making that horrible screeching. She flinches as it howls again.

"I-Is that a-?"

"A banshee," Diana confirms. "It appears these two have been at-odds for some time now."

However, Diana does not address the two quarreling creatures. Rather, Cerus approaches them until he is noticed. As soon as they spot him, the gremlin and banshee fall silent.

Akko can't tell what they're saying, but she knows they are talking to Cerus now in some foreign faery language. Luckily, Diana is willing to translate.

"It is a dispute over territory," she explains. "The banshee has resided quietly in these woods for a century. She only shrieks when something upsets her. She sees the gremlin as an intruder. She'd allowed him to inhabit a portion of the forest, but he's stepped out of line. Evidently, he has a family now, and requires more space."

Akko blinks.

"Huh. So even faeries and gremlins have these kind of fights... S-So what are they gonna do about it?"

Diana tilts her head toward her familiar.

"Cerus is negotiating with them right now. He suggests that instead of dividing the forest by vertical borders, they divide it horizontally instead. Being a spirit, the banshee has no reason to walk along the forest floor. And being the gremlin has no wings, he has no reason to require access to anything higher than the center of the trees."

"Huh... That makes sense."

Diana nods.

"It appears they are in agreement with his proposition."

Akko peers over her shoulder to look. Cerus is calmly lowering his head, as are the banshee and the gremlin. The horrible screeching and snarling have stopped, and all of the other creatures gradually begin to return to the area. Faeries, spirits, and animals alike, they surround Cerus, looking to him with adoration.

Akko can't help but smile as peace is restored.

Cerus gives a small whinny, then turns and begins back the way they'd come.

"Wow," Akko mumbles. "That was incredible!"

"Unicorns are the peacemakers of the natural world," Diana explains. "All other creatures are compelled to take their advice, because the heart of a unicorn is the purest of them all. They are incapable of greed. The suggestions and rules laid down by unicorns are for the benefit and safety of all others."

"Wow... I didn't think unicorns could be any more incredible than I'd already thought..."

Cerus looks back at them.

"Mistress Atsuko flatters me. I was simply performing the duties inherent to my nature."

"Even so," Diana says, patting his neck. "You are entitled to that praise. Your work is very much appreciated, Cerus."

They continue their patrol through the falling snow. Akko yawns softly just as they exit the forest. Luna Nova is in sight, though there is a large white field between them and the school now.

Cerus pauses once again.

"Mistress. It is my understanding that settling that quarrel has put us behind schedule. Your shift ends in but two minutes."

"That is true." A knowing smile appears on her lips.

Akko tilts her head. She knows right away these two are planning something.

Cerus paws at the ground, though no snow is disrupted.

"Well now, it would simply be a tragedy if you were to lose even a moment's worth of rest due to being tardy upon your return, Mistress. What say you to a sprint?"

Diana crouches lower and gets a grip on his mane.

"That is fine by me, Cerus."

Behind her, Akko hasn't caught what they'd been saying.

"Huh? What? What's going on, Diana?"

Her wife smiles back at her.

"Hold on tight, Akko."

"Eh-?"

She's hardly had a second to adjust her hold on Diana when Cerus takes off across the field.

Akko shrieks and presses herself close to Diana, clinging on for dear life.

Cerus' speed is breakneck, yet elegant as he gallops across the field like a spirit himself. Akko can feel the sheer power of his body beneath hers. Sprinkles of light and magic are left behind where his hoof-prints should have been.

Akko is reminded of the time she flew with Diana on the Shiny Volley over a decade earlier.

That's how fast he is. He could probably compete with Shooting Star.

He clears the entire field in only a few seconds. The next time she blinks, Akko finds herself back outside Luna Nova. Her arms are still locked tightly around Diana's waist and her heart is pounding as though she'd been the one to do all the running.

Cerus lifts his gaze to the moon and whinnies softly.

"Arrived with time to spare."

Diana pats his neck.

"Thank you, Cerus." Then, she turns back to her wife, still smiling. "Thrilling, isn't it?"

Akko's jaw hangs limply open.

"Y-Yeah..."

Cerus lowers himself to the ground, and Diana gently unclasps Akko's deadlocked hands from around her stomach. She steps off of Cerus, then takes Akko's hands to help her off as well. Akko's still shaking a little bit and her legs buckle, but Diana is quick to steady her.

"Easy!" she gasps. "Perhaps I should have warned you sooner."

"No! I'm okay!" Akko grins. "That really was incredible!"

Even so, Diana keeps her hands on Akko to support her while she gets her balance back.

Cerus rises and nuzzles his mistress one last time.

"Will that be all for tonight, Mistress?"

"Yes. Thank you very much, Cerus. Do take care."

"The same to you both."

With that, he raises his head, and the glow from his horn extends to envelop his entire body. Diana moves Akko back a pace as they watch him cast a trail of light into the distance.

Cerus rears up and sings one last whinny into the night. Then, like a streak of lightning, he dashes off, and disappears.

Akko stares at the spot where he'd vanished, and it's almost as though he'd never been here at all. She feels absolutely enchanted, like never before. With a sigh, she leans into her wife's arms.

Diana brushes the snow off of Akko's hat, cloak, and hair, pulling her close. She dips beneath the rim of Akko's hat and kisses her cheek.

"You are shivering again. Let us get back inside."

Akko says nothing but simply nods as she turns and follows her wife back inside.

They take their time going back to their room, but as soon as they enter, Diana makes quick work of removing Akko's chilled hat and cloak for her. Akko shudders involuntarily and her teeth chatter a little. Diana wastes no time in pulling her back in for another tight embrace.

"I apologize, Akko. You had only just gotten out of the shower and I had you venture out in the cold. I was so excited by the thought of having you come with me that I failed to consider your wellbeing. And you even cried..."

"N-No! That's not it at all, Diana!" Akko squeezes her back. "I don't care if it was a little chilly! That was... that was so incredible! I had an amazing time, Diana! Honest!"

Diana eases back to kiss her reddened nose. Akko can see the worry in her eyes.

"Are you certain?"

"I am! I'm okay, Diana! Don't worry, please? I'm okay, I promise."

To prove it, Akko pulls her in this time, running her hands excitedly all over Diana's back and shoulders, peppering kisses into her hair. Diana is glad to accept her words as the truth.

"All right. So long as you are certain."

"I am super certain, Diana."

"Very well." Diana pauses to kiss her wife's lips, which warms them both up a little bit. When they part, Diana turns Akko around to face the bed. "Get dressed. I shall be with you in a moment."

Akko scurries over to the bed where her long-sleeved winter pajamas and pants are waiting for her. She makes quick work of shedding her uniform robes and snuggling into the much softer wool clothes.

When Diana next appears, it's from the kitchen area. She's wearing one of her long-sleeved nightgowns now, with her hair down and two steaming teacups in her hands. As she approaches the bed, Akko sits up to accept one of the cups.

"Aww you didn't have to, Diana!"

"It will help warm you up."

"Thank yoooou!" Akko keeps the teacup still in her lap while she nuzzles Diana's shoulder appreciatively.

For a few moments, the two of them sit in bed together, sipping at their tea. A pleasant warmth seeps through their veins and eventually settles about the room.

Akko finishes her tea and lets out a long contented sigh. She places her teacup on the bedside table, and once Diana is finished she does the same with hers.

At last, the sprites in the lamps extinguish their lights, and the room is illuminated by nothing more than the silver glow of the moonlight and the faint light of their rings.

But rather than lie down just yet, Diana leans her back against the pillows and headboard, inviting Akko to snuggle between her knees. Akko leans her back against Diana's chest as the latter wraps both arms around her chest. Akko pulls the blankets up to her knees and huddles up as much as she can. She rests her head against the front of Diana's shoulder and sighs.

"It really was a beautiful night, Diana. Even if it was cold..."

"But not anymore," Diana reminds her with a kiss to her cheek. She shifts her hands, squeezing Akko a little more firmly. Her palm rests softly over Akko's heart, and Diana counts the beats for a moment.

Akko closes her eyes and enjoys this feeling, whatever it is.

Tonight, she'd touched and ridden a unicorn. She'd lived one of just about every person's dreams. It was an ethereal night indeed.

There's still a giddiness in her chest, an excitement in her soul she'd never felt before from simply seeing a unicorn. This is very different. She wonders what it must be like for Diana, to have felt this way for nearly her entire life.

"It is truly wonderful." Diana speaks as though she's read Akko's thoughts. She can feel for herself how Akko is basking in the joy of the experience, and she knows firsthand what that is like. "As it turns out, Cerus is the descendant of Lady Beatrix's own familiar. She raised Cerus' grandmother from birth. To this day, she still lives, and is the oldest unicorn in our known history."

"Wow... that's amazing. So they've really been in your family since the beginning..."

"You mean our family," Diana corrects.

Akko squeals and wiggles happily in her embrace. Even after all these years, Akko still sometimes forgets that she is legally a Cavendish.

"That's right," she murmurs. "So that means unicorns are our symbol-"

"And do not forget our motto." Diana helps remind her with another kiss to her cheek. "Affection."

Akko squeezes her wife's hands and turns herself around to face her.

"Oh, I can show you some affection, all right~"

"Can you, now?"

With Diana's playful challenge issued, Akko loops her arms around her wife's neck and pulls her down onto the mattress. She nestles her face into Diana's shoulder and begins peppering quick, light kisses all across her collar. Diana laughs, hugging her shoulders and kissing back whenever she can.

After a moment, Akko slows her motions, dragging her kisses so they last longer, trailing her lips softly over Diana's collar, across her scar and her heart. From there, she travels up along Diana's neck to her cheek. She moves up the bridge of her nose, between her eyes, then to her forehead, and down again until she reaches her lips.

Diana pulls her down to deepen the kiss, shifting her legs beneath the blankets so Akko can get closer. Akko's breath is warm on her mouth, and there's a mutual heat spreading comfortably between their bodies as the chill of the night is forgotten.

Akko eases back, breaking the kiss, her eyes seeking Diana's in the moonlight.

"Was that enough affection for you?"

Diana hums.

"It will suffice. Now then-"

Diana takes her wife by surprise when she suddenly pushes herself up and flips them over, laying Akko down onto her back and leaning over her.

Diana lowers herself on top of her wife. Akko eagerly hugs her tight.

She sighs blissfully as Diana becomes her own personal blanket. Akko curls her fingers through her wife's fluffy hair and closes her eyes.

"Ahhh... so warm..."

Diana bumps her nose against Akko's cheek, then kisses her there.

"I am not too heavy?"

"What?!" Akko shrieks. "Are you kidding?!" She locks her arms around Diana's shoulders and the small of her back, wiggling beneath her. "Diana, you're perfect. This is perfect. I love yooou."

"I love you too, Akko."

For a time, Akko holds her there, loving the feeling of having Diana pressed so close, so intimately, so warmly. She can feel Diana's heartbeat clearly, and the familiar choppy rhythm begins to lull Akko to sleep.

But before either of them fall asleep, Diana gradually slips herself off of Akko and to one side of her instead. She pulls her wife in close, resting her chin atop Akko's head, pulling the blankets up to her shoulders to keep her cozy.

Akko curls up, hugging Diana loosely around her waist. She snuggles into her collar and listens to the softness of her breathing.

Diana feels as her wife finally falls asleep after the exciting night she'd had. Diana places one last kiss on her temple, and then closes her eyes as well.

Despite the weather outside, it's the warmest night they've ever shared.

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A/N: The reason Akko's never really met Cerus before is because of when she disappeared for 3 years. Diana often rides him on snowy, wintery nights for patrols, otherwise she flies her broom or walks. So those are the main reasons it's taken Akko so long to formally meet and touch him.

Most of the unicorn lore I made up myself, though I did throw in a few easter eggs to The Last Unicorn in particular.