I do not own Nanoha, any of the related characters, or nearly enough of the related merchandise.

This story is rated M for adult themes, thoughts of suicide, graphic content, and scenes depicting a sexual relationship between two women.

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I stand here today, on this god-forsaken mound with our family and friends around us, staring at what's left of you as they lower it into the ground. Everyone spoke for you; you would have hated the attention. My mother stands quietly, holding yours as she cries into her handkerchief. All around me, people are breaking into tears—you touched them all with your smile; your presence.

I can't cry, though. No matter how much I want to, the tears won't come anymore.

The service has ended, and your family is taking up their shovels to return you to the earth. Even Hayate and her Wolkenritter are here helping. Vita keeps sniffling and wiping her face with her sleeve, and Shamal is making no effort to hide her grief. You were always the one who touched others; you could turn any foe into a friend. No one talks as they work—it would be unthinkable to do so. No one looks at me as they cover you up, taking you from me for the last time.

I can't bear it. Please, don't let them take you! Come back to me!

I throw myself forward, choking out a small sob as I try to bring you back. I don't want this! I need you! They won't give me a spade, so I use my hands, clawing at the soil as I try to free you from your prison. No one tried to stop me. I would never let them, even if they tried.

There is a rumble, and the sky begins to rain down on us, large cold drops that find their way under coats. The ground becomes muddy, carrying the soil back into the hole I've dug. I sit here staring at my hands as the rain soaks through my clothes, taking my warmth from me—just like that night.

How nice. I can't cry for you, my friend, my love, so the sky cries for me.

I put my head to the earth and scream, trying to feel something, anything for my love, but I can't. No matter how hard I try, how hard I push, there's just this chill that saps my strength.

I don't know how long I screamed and clawed futilely at the earth. At some point, I must have passed out, because I'm no longer at your grave. Instead, I lie here in bed in Shamal's clinic, staring blankly at the off-white ceiling. I vaguely remember Signum picking me up; she must have carried me to the car after I fell asleep.

There's warmth here…..why is that?

I look down at myself, at my scars new and old—how could you ever have loved such a body? I can still remember you kissing each and every old wound, telling me that they added to my beauty. I thought that I could see it then, when I looked into your eyes…..now it feels like a dream.

I lift the covers to stare down at my stomach—your favorite part of me, you said—and I can see the source of the warmth. Vivio—poor, dear Vivio—is clinging to my side, her face buried in my stomach as she whimpers and twitches fitfully.

I'm sorry, Vivio. I promised to protect your mama, but I couldn't. It was all my fault.

I want to be with you, Nanoha. I want to join you where you are, and end the pain now. I know, though, that if I let go, if I try to join you, then I'll hurt so many others. So I'm going to be good; I'm going to earn my place with you when I die. So I can see your face again when I finally do leave this world.

I reach down and run my fingers through Vivio's hair and smile sadly to myself. I know I'm not enough, but I'm going to be as good of a mother to you as I can, Vivio. I'm going to take care of you, and keep you safe. For Nanoha-Mama.