They were sitting on the couch, one lazy day-off morning, with Fate sitting up on the left side and Nanoha's back slanting on her right shoulder. Vivio would still be asleep. On the other hand, her "parents" were so used to waking up early in the mornings they couldn't imagine starting the day any later.

"We should've told Hayate to take the day off, too..."

"She had enough trouble convincing you to take a day off."

"Are you saying it's my fault?" Nanoha droned, staring up at Fate with big blue eyes.

"No... Well, maybe." Fate rubbed Nanoha's head. She was easier to take care of when she was tired, like a big, lazy dog after hours' worth of play.

"I'm so jealous, Fate..." Nanoha whined. "All I'm worth are big, pink explosions. You make such a nice mother..." She found Fate's long, long ponytail from the back of the couch and pulled the ribbon off, interlacing strands with her fingers. "Even though I was the one with the normal family and normal life."

Fate smiled. "It's just my personality."

"Just your personality..." Nanoha mocked, bending locks of hair through her fingers. "I wish my mother was like you. You're so nice."

"I only spoil children."

"Children are meant to be spoiled," Nanoha murmured, twisting the bunches into place.

"I wouldn't say that..."

"Ah, but you act like it." She fiddled with Fate's new braid with her fingers. "Mm...you don't look very good with a braid."

"Rather, Nanoha, I wish I were more like you."

"You're just saying that."

"No. You're worth looking up to."

"I'm insane." Nanoha began to undo the plaits. "No one's as good as hurting people as I am," she muttered mockingly.

"But it's people like you the world depends on," said Fate, trying to meet her eyes.

"No, it's people like you," Nanoha retorted. "Say it all you'd like—violence won't save the world; it's the loveliness and caring of kind people. Like you."

"Are you saying you're worthless, then?"

"Of course not. I make lots of money. It's just that the worth's in an entirely different place."

"You're a good person, Nanoha." Fate rubbed her head again. "You need to stop doubting yourself."

"Oh, no. I don't doubt myself often enough. Only in front of you."

"I'm honored."

"Mn." Nanoha lolled her head to rest more comfortably on Fate's shoulder. "You should be."

A/N: This is short. I should add to this. Maybe later.