Author's Note: This takes place 2 years after StrikerS.
Twisted Together
Burgundy eyes gazed down at the brown package in her hands. It had been two years since the Jail Scaglietti incident, and 8 months since she'd last been home. A fond smile was currently played across her lips as a nimble finger ran across a white address label. Nanoha had sent her another video letter, and the blond couldn't help but feel that small bubble of excitement as comforting warmth spread throughout her. It was the same feeling as when she received video letters from the brunette all those years ago.
Easing the flap open, she let the small CD slide out into her opened palm. Her expression softened even further at the sloppy child handwriting, and small doodles that covered the surface. Entering the disc into the small machine, Fate moved back to sit on her bed and watch the video.
Nanoha and Vivio flickered onto the monitor, both of them smiling warmly at the recording device.
"Fate-chan, I hope this reached you ok, and that you have been doing well since your last video to us. I couldn't believe that you and the crew went through so much in such a short time!" Nanoha commented, before a small grin began to tug at her face. "You're making me a bit envious."
Vivio glanced over at the brunette, and briefly patted her head in an act to comfort. "Don't worry, Nanoha-mama, I know Fate-mama wishes you could be there with her too," The small blond replied, smiling at her mother before giving the same in turn to the recording device.
Blushing, Nanoha gave an embarrassed laugh, her blue eyes staring directly at the recorder, directly at Fate.
Fate felt herself blushing along with Nanoha as she stared back into those blue eyes, wishing she were currently with the two.
"C'mon Nanoha-chan, show Fate-chan the picture Vivio-chan drew for her!" Exclaimed a familiar female voice.
The blond recognized the disembodied voice instantly, realizing Hayate must be the one recording.
Nodding, Nanoha held up a large piece of paper with a drawing in red crayon taking up the majority of it.
"Go ahead and explain it to Fate-mama," Nanoha urged, her gaze tilting towards Vivio as the small girl went to point things out.
"I drew my family today in art! That's you, Fate-mama on the right, and then me in the middle holding your hand, and then Nanoha-mama on the left. And that's our big big house we'll live in someday!" She said excitedly, a proud smile attached to her gentle features as if she had just drawn the best thing ever.
Burgundy eyes grew misty as tears pooled in the corners. She had never quite felt as homesick as she did at this moment.
The video continued on for several more minutes as the two described how the passing weeks had been, and how much they missed her. As the remaining time dwindled away, the recording device had been passed to Nanoha while Vivio and Hayate said their goodbyes. Once the two were gone, the image panned back to the brunette's face, which took up the majority of the screen now due to holding it at arms-length.
"It's been lonely here without you, Fate-chan. You would think we'd be used to the separation by now, after so many missions during the years. Your warmth is hard to replace," she commented, before looking sheepish, as if she had just said something odd. Shaking her head, she pushed onward.
"Vivio has continued to do well in school, and has made many friends so far. She reminds me of you on your first day of class with me so long ago," and as the words left her, a distant look clouded those blue eyes while a fond smile tugged at her mouth. Returning her gaze to where she imagined a burgundy one would be, she continued.
"Please be careful Fate-chan, and do your best. We'll all be looking forward to your return." And with that, the brunette simply gazed at the recording device for several moments, a special smile on her face that she only shared with a certain blond, before reaching forward and shutting it off.
Fate rubbed at her eyes, wiping away the tears that had been threatening to spill over. Long missions such as these had always been hard on the Enforcer. While the job was her passion, it also left her missing her family and friends when she was sent to some far-flung dimension.
Left with a comforting feeling, she pushed herself off the bed and retrieved the CD. Carefully putting it back into the package, she placed it with the others nestled inside her desk drawer. Each one was a small treasure to her.
Before she could remain lost in thought any longer, there was a soft knock to her door.
Moving towards it, she hit the panel for it to slide open, revealing a rather pleased looking Teana.
Saluting, the teal-eyed girl couldn't help but smile at her Captain as the words began to tumble out.
"I'm sorry to disturb you at this hour, but I just received word that we'll be returning to HQ in three days. Our patrol was able to capture the smuggler, and he's currently being put into an isolated cell located on nearby planet 86. We're going home!" The younger woman exclaimed, unable to hide her excitement
The excitement was infectious, and it didn't take long before the two were chatting away furiously.
"I can't wait to see Subaru and the others! We write to one another constantly, and I can't believe all the places and situations she's been in. I just got a letter from her tonight actually." An embarrassed blush crept upon her cheeks as her gaze glanced to the side. "I'm sure you can't wait to see Nanoha and the kids," she said quickly, in an attempt to change the subject from herself.
Fate nodded, before giving the orange-haired girl a knowing look. Turning, she reached into the doorway to grab her jacket. Placing it over her nightshirt, she fell in step beside Tea as they headed for the bridge. She needed information on the arrest, and a rather lengthy report would need to be written up. Despite that, nothing could dampen the good spirits she was in now. She was coming home.