A/N: I've seen a lot of AUs where Eda kinda raises Luz as a child and such, so I thought I'd write my own version. Also AU where Eda and Lilith's relationship isn't as strained.

Things had been different for Eda lately. Well, things had always been different. Ever since she found the toddler that had literally stumbled into her life 12 years ago. Eda had never intended to keep the child. Her plan was always to return the girl back to her home where she belongs. One, because she was a human, and a human had no place in a realm like the Boiling Isles. And two, because Eda never cared for children. She was concerned only about herself and her partner in crime, King.

But 12 years had passed. And here the girl was, still living under Eda's roof. It took a while to learn that her name was Luz, but that was the only thing the human remembered about her past life. She didn't remember her parents or her home. All she knew was that she was a human living in an un-human world (but she was oddly okay with that).

Eda had grown quite fond of the child, who was now 14-years-old with beautiful brown eyes and short brown hair, and barely as tall as Eda's witch's staff. It was more obvious that King had adored the human as well, since he was more affectionate with her and they had many inside jokes that Eda never understood. Hooty and Owlbert loved her as well, it was nice having someone young living with them and having adventures with.

But Eda, to say that she admired the human would be an understatement. Luz wasn't just some girl living with her anymore. She wasn't a nuisance like she used to be when she was in diapers and couldn't even speak more than a few words. She wasn't a burden in Eda's life. She wasn't a stranger. She wasn't a potential customer Eda could scam. She wasn't an emperor's guard out to hunt Eda down. She wasn't an old family member that was disappointed to even be related to Eda.

No, Luz was far more than anyone had ever been in Eda's life. Luz was more than the witch would even want to admit. Eda never thought the day would ever come when she'd consider raising a child. But there was no doubt that she was attached to Luz in that way. Luz had unconsciously taught her things she never thought possible. And there finally came a day when Eda no longer thought about sending Luz back to the human realm.

And that was the day she decided she was going to adopt Luz.

But that was a big step to take. Not only would she need Luz's approval for it, she'd need King's opinion, and more importantly, her own. But she wasn't even sure what to think of it. She wanted nothing more than to call Luz her own, but there were possibilities she needed to consider first. Possibilities she couldn't even begin to comprehend, having had no parental experience whatsoever in the past.

It was the absolute last thing she wanted, but she knew there was really only one person she could consult.

—

Eda carefully stepped into the village, with her cloak masking everything besides her face. Being a wanted criminal on the run had it's downsides, but it was the life she was used to living. Only now, it put Luz at risk, but they were always careful, so it was never really an issue. Eda stayed low and eventually reached her destination. She stepped up onto the porch and lightly knocked on the door, hoping no one unexpected would answer, otherwise she'd have to explain herself.

Thankfully, her sister opened the door a moment later. The look of shock on her face almost made Eda laugh, but this wasn't a laughing matter, so she kept quiet. "Edalyn?" Her voice nearly cracked from surprised, "What in the gods names are you dong here?! You are aware there are coven guards all over this village, right?"

"Nice to see you, too, Lily." Eda said wryly, somewhat annoyed by her sister's reaction—but she wasn't surprised. "I'm not an idiot, I know I'm risking everything by coming here, but I needed to talk to you."

Lilith raised a brow. Her and Eda didn't talk much, and when they did, it was usually just annoying banter. But Eda seemed serious about whatever it was that needed to be discussed. Hesitantly, the younger sister allowed Eda inside, since it would be safer to talk where they couldn't be seen by neighbors. "What is this about?" Lilith asked, "Have you finally decided to join the Emperor's Coven?"

Eda didn't want to laugh, but she couldn't help letting out a small snort in response. Lilith wasn't surprised, but she was annoyed. Eda shook her head to dismiss that topic, since it was sensitive to them, and was the main reason why they hardly spoke anymore. "No, this is more important. I'm here because I know you're the only person I can talk to about this. And if you say a word to anyone, I'll bite your ears off."

Lilith chuckled and shook her head in amusement, but allowed her sister to continue.

"You know the human you saw at the covention and I said she was my student?" She spoke, earning a quiet nod from Lilith. "Well..yes, she is my student. But our relationship is more complicated than that. The thing is, she's been here for 12 years now. I've been raising her ever since, and I know that sounds crazy and all, and I can barely believe it myself, but I think it's time I face the fact that I see her as family. And I want to make it official."

"So, what does that mean?" The Emperor's Coven leader asked, "Are you saying you want to adopt this child?"

"Yeah." Eda nodded, avoiding eye contact—which was unlike her. "I mean, I don't see why not. She's got nowhere else to go, and I've been raising her her whole life."

Lilith took a moment to process the information her sister just gave. When she first saw Luz, she didn't think she and Eda would be so strongly bonded. She didn't even think Eda could feel that way about anyone. She wasn't one to get attached so easily. But she guessed it made sense, since Eda had been raising the human for 12 years now.

But hearing the idea of Eda actually adopting a child made Lilith unexplainably uncomfortable. She loved her sister, but Eda wasn't exactly a maternal figure.

"And you've...thought this through?"

"Sort of. But that's why I came here." Eda shrugged, "I needed the opinion of someone who's had experience with kids."

"I'm a mentor, not a mother." Lilith shook her head, "But I understand, and I appreciate that you came to me. But if you want my honest opinion, don't expect me to say yes to this."

Eda suddenly popped her head up and folded her arms, cocking a brow at her sister. "Um, why not?" She asked offended, "Is it because she's human?"

"That is not even on the first page of reasons why you shouldn't do this." Her sister stated, "Edalyn, do you have any idea what you're getting yourself into by doing this? Do you understand the commitment and sacrifice and never-ending work it takes to be a mother?"

Lilith paused to allow the older witch to ponder her words, but then continued, "Are you prepared to do whatever it takes to protect her? Are you willing to risk everything you own, everything you've worked for, just for her?"

Eda scoffed, narrowing her eyes. Those were stupid questions. No duh she was willing to do all of that for Luz. But before she could speak, Lilith went on.

"Eda, you're a wanted criminal. How do you expect to be a mother when you're rotting in a jail cell and the poor girl will have to be taken to proper childcare services? Not to mention your curse...you said it yourself, it's catching up to you. What if one day you can no longer control it, and you put the girl in danger?"

Eda's face suddenly went blank.

"You and I both know you've never been one to follow the rules. So what happens when she starts following your example and becomes a trouble kid as well? What if she ends up becoming a criminal, too?" Lilith asked with a frown, "Do you really want to lead her into that life? A life of isolation and limited interaction with anyone?"

Eda scrunched her shoulders, staring down at the floor.

"And not to mention that she's a teenager, so you know exactly what that means." Lilith said knowingly, "It means hormones, acting out, fights, drama, odd phases, stress. What about when she starts dating? Her first heartbreak? What about when she acts out to get attention? Have you even had 'the talk' with her yet? Do you even know how to explain sex to her? What about when she starts having suicidal thoughts? Are you going to know how to help her? What about when she's bullied by other kids, especially because she's different?"

Eda frowned, holding her arms. The idea of any of that happening burned her heart.

"And about her being human, yes, that is a problem, Edalyn." She sighed, gently touching Eda's shoulder, "You know she doesn't belong here. She's not a witch like you and me, she cannot preform magic to defend herself. She cannot fit in here. You know she deserves to be with her real family, her real mother."

Eda sighed softly, bowing her head. As much as she didn't want to admit it, her sister was right. About everything. Eda couldn't possibly take care of a child properly. Luz needed her human mom in the human world. She needed someone who could actually protect her and help her.

Lilith frowned solemnly, "I know you care about her. But if you truly, deeply love the child, you will do what's best for her."

Eda nodded silently and stepped out of her sister's touch, then left the house without another word.

—

It was past midnight when Eda finally arrived back at the Owl House. She hadn't brought her staff with her, since it would've drawn further attention to herself. So instead she had made the entire trip by foot, and considering the distance between her and Lilith, it was a long trip.

Eda yawned as she walked inside, completely ignoring Hooty's request for a password (even though there wasn't one). She removed her cloak and plopped down onto the sofa, feeling fatigued with defeat and despair. The thought of giving up Luz had broken whatever was left of her heart. But what choice did she have? Luz deserved better than her.

Speak of the devil, Eda's ears twitched when she heard the pitter patter of feet walking down the stairs. At first, she thought it was King coming down to get his midnight snack, so she paid no mind to the sounds. But then she saw a taller, human figure standing in her peripheral vision.

"Eda?" Luz's voice came from the hall, tired but concerned.

The witch sat up and awkwardly scratched her head, "Oh, uh- hey kiddo."

Luz stepped into the living room, "Where were you? You didn't come up to say goodnight to me." She frowned, "Are you okay? You look upset."

Eda sighed. Sometimes she wished they weren't so close, that way Luz wouldn't be able to read her like a book, and that this wouldn't be so hard for her to do. She patted the sofa, "Come here, we should talk."

"Okay?" Luz said as she walked over and sat next o her, "What's going on?"

Eda inhaled, taking a moment to decide on how she wanted to say this. She opened her mouth, but no words came out. All she could muster was an inaudible mumble. Luz was confused by her hesitance to speak, but she didn't rush it. She allowed Eda to take her time to say whatever needed to be said, since it seemed serious.

But the last thing Luz expected was for Eda to sob. And yet, she did.

Eda leaned over to rest her elbow on her knee, holding her head in her hand. She squeezed her eyes shut and smiled bitterly, letting out the quietest yet most painful sob she ever mustered. She could actually feel her heart being ripped out of her chest, and she hadn't even said anything yet. Just the thought of letting the human out of her life tore her apart, she didn't want it to be a reality.

Luz frowned, taken aback by the witch's actions. Eda never cried. Ever. It was unthinkable. So to see her break down into tears like this for seemingly no reason baffled Luz. But nonetheless, she put her confusion aside and consoled the poor owl lady.

"Hey, hey," She spoke in a gentle tone, putting her hands on Eda's pale shoulder, "It's okay, Eda. It's okay. Don't cry. Whatever it is, you can tell me."

Eda shook her head, sniffing and bawling hysterically. She hid her face to avoid being seen by Luz, even though it was no use by now. Not only was she being forced to say goodbye, but now Luz was only going to remember her this way.

"Eda, hey," Luz knelt down in front of her, trying to move her hands away from her face—but to no avail. "Don't cry, it's okay, it's okay. Don't be upset. I'm here."

Eda whimpered and shook her head. She appreciated everything Luz was doing to try to calm her down, but it was not at all helping. Her words only further opened the wound. She wiped her face, "It's not okay." She said with a broken voice, "I don't want to lose you. I can't lose you. You're all I have."

Luz blinked, further puzzled by the witch's words. Even though she had no clue on why she'd say such a thing, she knew Eda needed comfort more than she needed questions now. She gently wiped Eda's tears, "Hey, you'll never lose me. I'm always gonna be right here, I'm not going anywhere."

Out of pure emotion, Eda engulfed the teen in a bone-crushing hug, allowing herself to cry vulnerably over her shoulder. Luz was yet again shocked, but she wouldn't dare pass up an opportunity to hug Eda, so she quickly reciprocated the affection. She rubbed up and down Eda's back, shushing her and repeatedly murmuring gentle words of assurance.

Eda clung onto the human, in fear of ever even loosening her grip. She couldn't bare letting her go. Even though she wasn't a proper fit for a mother, she'd have to try. Luz was one of the only good things in her life anymore. She couldn't risk losing that.

"I love you." Eda whispered faintly, feeling herself grow more exhausted due to her crying fit.

Luz blushed and lightly squeezed her. Eda hadn't felt this comforted and secure in a long, long time, she'd almost forgotten what it felt like to be loved.

Luz's next words surprised her, but she was satisfied and relieved by them. And she knew she could never let the girl go after this.

"I love you too, Mom."